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STAGE 




^lETY 



Publlib«a Wsvklr at 1S4 West 46tb Street, New Torlf, N. T., bT Varl«ty, Inc. Annual lubscrlptlon, flO. Single copies 2t cents. 
Bqtered u Sccond-claas matter December it, 1906, at the Poet OSlce at Kew York, N. T., under the act of March I, 1879. 



COmiCHT, 1941, BX VABIETX, INC. AIX BICH!I9 BESEBTED 



VOL. 143 NO. 4 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 1941 



PRICE 25 CENTS 






PM.N.Y.S 5c (No Ads) Daily, Losing 
lOOO a Week After Year s Operation 



Br HERB GOLDEN 

PM Is cuixenUy losing $22,000 a 
week, publisher Ralph Ingersoll dis- 
closed in a 'now-it-can-be-told' in- 
terview looking back over the first 
year's operation of the New York 
daily. Despite the seemingly heavy 
losses, Ingersoll appears tremendous- 
ly optimistic about the future, feel- 
ing that Germany's attack on Russia 
may prove the . turn of events to 
hypo PM out of the carmine. 
' 'Our straiglit-down-thc-line pro- 
Administration editorial policy has 
alienated many potential friends,' he 
explained. "Our' .Interventionist 
stand has hurt us with many readers 
on the left who would ordinarily be 
•with us because of our pro-labor 
policy. And the pro-labor policy has 
hurt us with many otherp who 
favored .^nterveiktloii: - Mottf of the 
laborltes are anti-intervention and 
most of the interventionists are anti- 
labor. 

. 'With the turn of the war in 
£urope now, however, the labor 
people and the interventionists are 
at last getting on the same side of 
the fence. That should help us.' 

PM's present weekly deficit is a 
drop from a peak of $42,000, revealed 
(Continued ^n page 55) 

Vaiideyille Rumiiiig 
Order For Acts On 
Morning Radio Show 

Lever Bros, will experiment with 
an . old-fashioned routined vaude- 
ville show in the Saturday morning 
(11:30-12), spot that it is taking 
over on the NBC -Red July 12, but 
using a latter-day m.c, Jim Ameche. 
A singer, Dick Todd, and an or- 
chestra, D'Artega, will be perma- 
nent. Guest acts will be run off 
without any interspersed musical in- 
terludes. . ."The;' program will plug 
Rinso and Spry. 

Same, account will replace "Big 
Town' (CBS) July 9 with 'Grand 
Central Station.' which has for the 
past year been plugging Rinso on 
the NBC-Blue. WhUe 'GCS' is on 
its pinchhitting assignment until 
Oct. 1, a radio version of 'Bringing 
Up Father" set through Henry Sou- 
valne wiU hold forth in the blue 
niche, Tuesday, 9-9:30 p.m. 

All these programs 'Will be handled 
by RuthraufI & Ryan. 



Duchin Over Blah-Blah; 
Band's Rio 'Goodwilling' 

tRio de Janeiro, July 1. 

One of the real clicks of the win- 
ter season here is' Eddy Duchin's 
band which opened at the Copaca- 
bana. He's the major attraction 
along with the Merrill Abbott 
Dancers (8 girls) and Steve Evans, 
ventriloquist. 

There's more hemispheric soli- 
darity packed in a Duchin dance set 
than in a mess of international red 
tape and blah-blah. 



B way Legit Beefs 
OnDistractionsBy 
H'wood Pic Stars 



GULF RENEWS SCREEN 
GUILD FOR 4TH YEAR 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Screen Guild Theatre has been re- 
newed for th« fourth season by Gulf 
Oil, returning to the air Sept. 28. 

Oiler pays $10,000 weekly to Mo- 
tion Picture Relief Fund for the 
erection of a home for aged and 
indigent film workers. AH guest 
performances are gratis. 



Recent influx of Hollywood visi- 
tors to Broadway has revived a 
long-standing legit - actor squawk. 
Always prone tcijlnd alibis for the 
failure of come'dy lines to get the 
expected laughs, the stage players 
claim that the presence of film names 
at Broadway shows makes the celeb- 
conscious New York audiences ig- 
nore the performance to concen- 
trate on gandering the HoUywood- 
ians. The presence of notables in 
other walks of life also creates the 
same reaction. 

According to the legiters, that is 
particularly true at comedies, al- 
though it occurs to some extent even 
at straight dramas. There have been 
numerous cases cited by stage play- 
ers, when the picture personalities 
have virtually booted laugh shows 
out of the theatre — always uninten- 
tionally, of course. In fact, it's 
pointed out, the Hollywood visitors 
regret their effect on audiences just 
as much as the legit casts do, for 
(Continued on page 55) 



Cuba Mourns Tourist 
Loss, Result of U. S. 
Takeover of Vessels 



Havana, July 1. 

Commissioning last month by the 
U. S. Government of the Oriente, 
America, Manhattan and other ves- 
sels for naval service has clouded 
Cuba's tourist traffic considerably. 
It means the New York trade, big- 
gest of the Havana tourisqi, will be 
cut practically 100%. 

Last year ., 125,000 tourists spent 
better than $14,000,000, while for the 
first five months of 1941, before the 
edict became effective, 85,000 tourists 
liquidated $7,000,000. 



RADIO GREDIKD 
FOR m\ BOOM 



Opera Did 2,000 Perform- 
ances in United States 
During 1940-41 for Esti- 
mated $5,000,000 — Ed- 
ward Johnson, Managing 
Director of Met,'Gives 
Broadcasting Full Credit 
for Met's Very Existence 



SCHANG'S EXAMPLES 



Radio broadcasting is credited as 
the influence which, directly and in- 
directly, is responsible for the con- 
cert business certainly, and opera 
probably, having had in 1940-41 its 
greatest single season boxoffice suc- 
cess in all history. Edward Johnson, 
managing director of the Metropoli- 
tan Opera, goes as far as saying that 
the v6ry existence of the Met today 
is due to the active support of the 
broadcasters. ' 

Close to $35,000,000 was paid by 
the American public in 500-odd cities 
and towns during the season just 
ended to hear several thousand con- 
certs by singers, instrumentalists and 
symphony orchestras. This is clear- 
ly an all-time high. Less clear as a 
record but very bullish is the esti- 
mated $5,000,000 gross for some 2,000 
operatic performances in 100 cities. 

Fred Schang of Columbia Concerts 
declares that the boxoifice value of 
(Continued on page 47) 



N.Y. Film Critics Kidding 
About an Award to 'Kane' 
Just to Rib W.R. Hearst 



A kidding-on-the-square rib of 
W. R. Hearst is implied in a possi 
ble New York Film Critics Circle 
trend to vote 'Citizen Kane' the best 
1941. picture next December. 

Hearst objected to 'Kane's' alleged 
similarity to his own life. 

It was a Hearst film reviewer who 
flung much-resented charges of log- 
rolling within the Circle after last 
year's decision. Circle members 
stated that after the Hearst reviewer 
tried and failed to put over his own 
choice he accused other critics of 
'politics.' 



MAX GORDON PLANS 
LONDON BOMBING PLAY 



Max Gordon is planning a Broad- 
way .production with music for the 
fall. Leslie Storme is the author. 
It win be directed by Oscar Ham- 
merstein, 2d. 

Story takes place in a London 
theatre shelter during a bombing. 



Now It $ Ironing Boards fw Family 
Laundry to Bolster the Ailing B O. 



165 Years Later England 
Endorses the Spirit of '76 

iiOndori, July 1. 

Exactly 165 years after. Sritain 
had sought to repr^ess the American 
fight for independence, Qdeon film 
theatre chain in Englanjl'.plan^' to 
pay 'tribute to . America 6n Inde- 
pendence Day, July 4. . 

The entire chain throughout the 
country is putting on a musical and 
screen presentation of 'America,' the 
U. S. version of the British national 
anthem, 'God Save the King.' 



Iln-Americanism' 
Probe Includes 
Pix Studios Also 



Hollywood,. July 1. 

Investigation by the Government 
into un-Americanism ■ in picture 
studios is said to have disclosed 
around 200... persons with Com- 
munistic, Nazi or Fascist sympathies. 
Specific cases w,ill be cited to studio 
heads for fast weeding out to head 
off drastic steps by Federal agen- 
cies which would bring unwanted 
publicity to the industry. - 

Government report focuses spot- 
light on number of writers, with 
many of foreign extraction believed 
-acting, as agents for .Axis partners. 
Some under suspicion are. said to 
have gone about the business of 
championing the causes of .the Com- 
mies and Nazis with such subtletly 
as to have operated unnoticed. 



Spanish Film Man Held 

Mexico City, July 1, 
The dragnet of G-Men In Tampico 
for supposed totalitarian and Falang- 
ist snoopers and underhand agents 
has brought in Enrique Vigil, a 
(Continued on page 47) 



Geddes-Designed Train 
For Ringling to Run On 
Both Rsdls and Highways 



Chicago, July 1. 
Norman Bel Geddes has been re- 
tained by the Ringling circus to de- 
sign a new streamlined train for the 
show. 

Bel Geddes plans construction of 
a double-wheeled train, one set of 
wheels on pneumatic tires, the other 
a set of standard railroad wheels. 
In this way the show can use either 
the nation's auto roads or travel the 
regular rails. It would eliminate 
the extra trucking from railroad 
yard to the circus lot. 



, Detroit, July 1. 

'Rinso for the B.O.,' or 'Chang* 
Your Xux' might well be the them* 
of the. East Town theatre. It 
used to be a show business axiom 
'not to send out your laundry until 
after the first show,' but it's OK with 
this neighborhood cinema if you 
bring your laundry— anytime. It's 
a bpxoftice hypo. 

Backed by 20 ironing boards, Joe La 
Rose, manager of the East Town the- 
atre, now is making reservations for 
lobby time. Started as 'a gag several 
years ago, the trick of having house- 
wives use the air-conditioned lobby 
of his theatre as an escape from 
sweltering homes to do their iron- 
ing, now has turned into a nice thing.- 

Devised originally as a stunt to 
catch a newspaper picture during a 
hot spell, the device caught on •yrith 
unexpected results. At the present 
time lobby is up to the limit on the 
ironing boards with . the neighbor- 
hood housewives putting In their 
reservations. 

The most of the steady. Ironing 
customers' seem io be harassed 
mothers who bring their offspring 
over and turn them loose in the pic- 
ture section while they, remain out 
in the cooled- lobby with their Iron- 
ing, It's a nice place, too, to ex- 
change gossip. While a few go in 
and catch the picture after complet- 
ing their work, about 75% don't even 
bother to catch the show. Which 
counts up to better than $5 a day 
just for use of the lobby, without 
counting the' overage picked up 
through the numerous offspring. 



Puppets As Eloquent 
Propaganda Means 
Urged in Ui. Defense 

St. Louis, July 1. 
Utilization of Punch and Judy per- 
formers for entertainment and prop- 
aganda purpose of the national de- 
tense plans was suggested here last 
week by Gilbert Lawrence of New 
York during the annual convention 
of the Puppeteers of America. 'The 
Army and Navy always need re- 
laxation and outlets for creative ex- 
pressions," Lawrence said, 'and pup- 
pets are the answer. But even mora 
important why not take a cue from 
(Continued on page 18) 



PAR, SEZNICK WOULD 
FILM LIFE OF GEHRIG 



Several studios are showing inter- 
est in a screen blog of Lou Gehrig. 
Richards Vidmer, N. Y. Herald Trib- 
une sports columnist, has authoriza- 
tion to do the official blog, but hasn't 
started it yet. 

Paramount and David O. Selznick 
are both interested. 



MI8GELLAMY 



Wednesdaj, July 2, 1941 



De Ro!dbemont Clippars Into N. Y. 
Witb Reels on France for M. of T. 



By GEORGE FEOST 
The land of four o'clock teas and 
dictator-teasers provided cartons of 
chitter-chatter at New York's La- 
Guardla Field this week with the 
Pan-American Clipper Ships deposit- 
ing talkative observers on these 
shores of the brave and the spree, 
fresh from England's war-pocked 
cities and hillsides with tales of 
alarm and adventure, bravery and 
buRoonery, chaos and calmness, de- 
struction and defiance, emancipation 
end enslavement, fear and frolic, 
goodness and grimness and horror 
and humor. 

George Backer, president and pub- 
lisher of the New York Post and an 
official of more news agencies than 
you could shake a stick of type at, 
arrived on the Dixie Clipper's mid- 
week flight with a piece of the bomb 
that knocked the London Daily Ex- 
press building Into an all-star 
edition. 

On the same flying boat, rode 
Bichard de Rochemont, March of 
Time editor, to report that he super- 
vised the filming of 10,000 feet of 
celluloid in unoccupied France which 
will be melded into a story of Amer- 
ican Red Cross activity. Combined 
in the same reels will be frames from 
footage garnered with de Gaulle and 
some German camera views taken 
from Jap boats on the Pacific by the 
BrltUh. 

Declines to Discuss Method 
Declining to expose his company's 
method of obtaining German films 
captured by the British from the 
English government, de Rochemont 
spoke none too kindly of the alleged 
governors of Vichy, France, who, he 
said, did not binder his picture-mak- 
ing but were none too pleased that 
the cameras were grinding a portrait 
of France's shame. 

The inboimd Atlantic Clipper pre- 
sented us with Max Milder, manag- 
ing director of Warner Bros, Ltd., in 
Merrie Old; David Rose, who repre- 
sents Paramount Pix in the same 
precincts; and Roy A. de Groot, 
commentator for British Pathe News. 

Rose came to the Metropolis of 
Merrymaking and Miracles on rou- 
(Continued on page 22) 



Redtape Delays Brazilian 
Wedding of Paul Draper 

Rio de Janeiro, July 1. 

Despite U. S. press reports, Paul 
Draper, the American dancer who 
appeared here at the Copacabana be- 
fore Eddy Duchin's advent, and 
Heidi Vosseler, former understudy to 
Zorina in 'Louisiana Purchase,' are 
not married as yet" But they hope 
to be before they sail home July 16 
on the S. S. BrazU. Local red-tape 
has been delaying the nuptials. 

Miss Vosseler is the Philadelphia 
society girl and dancer who followed 
Draper here. for. a South American 
wedding, but being transients they 
must go through many trivial but 
bothersome formalities. 



Start Constniction Of 
Film Refief Home On 
Coast in Late Summer 



Corio's Broken Gam 
Kayoes H'wodd Bid 



After 10 years in burlesque, Ann 
Corio has finally received the tap 
from Hollywood— and wont be able 
to take advantage of the call because 
of the broken ankle she suffered a 
couple weeks ago while performing 
in 'White Cargo' in stock. Howard 
Hawks has her in mind to play a 
counterpart of herself -in 'Ball of 
Fire' (formerly The Professor and 
the Burlesque Queen'), which he Is 
directing for Samuel Goldwyn. Gary 
Cooper's the male in the picture. 

Hawks wired Miss Corio lo head 
west last week for a test On 
crutches, she can't leave, however, 
for at least four weeks. 



HONROEMEETS 
music LOVERS' 



Grade FieldsXfippers 
Tomorrow; Temmes' Tour 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Building of the Motion Picture 
Relief Fund's home for the aged and 
indigent in the film industry starts 
late this summer on a 41-acre tract 
in San Fernando Valley with-a fund 
of $773,350, as of Dec. 3L, 1940. An- 
nouncement was made by William 
L. Pereira, Paramount architect, who 
laid out the plans voluntarily, at the 
annual meeting of the organization. 

Reelected officers were Jean Her- 
sholt, president; Ralph Block, Ralph 
Morgan, Walter Wanger, Lucile 
Gleason, vice-presidents; George 
Bagnall. treasurer; EweU D. Moore, 
counsel, and Wilma Bashor, secre- 
tary. 

Newly elected trustees are Harold 
Bucquet, Walter LAng and Noel 
Madison. Holding over from last 
year are Samuel Goldwyn, Bertha 
Mann Griffith, Mitch^ Lewis, EweU 
D. Moore, Mary Pickford, Frederick 
Richards, Welter Wanger and Wil' 
liam Seiter. 

Aside from the building fund, 
which is supported by the GuU radio 
show and is kept apart, the 1040 
financial report disclosed a total 
revenue of $370,505, of which $272,- 
673 represented donations by indi 
viduals from various film studios. 
Expenditures for operation, illness 
and other needs amounted to $399, 
123, leaving a deficit of $19,618. 



The type of 'music lover' with 
whom Artie Shaw got in dutch when 
he called them morons, tangled with 
Vaughn Monroe last week. Making 
a circuit of record stores in north' 
ern New Jersey towns, Monroe met 
a mob at a Perth Amboy stop that 
set him back on his heels. Delayed 
about 20 minutes beyond the time 
he was supposed to make an appear^ 
ance there, Monroe was forced to 
beg the kids' pardon for being late 
by cracks of 'ain't you going to apol- 
ogize for keeping us waiting?' etc 
Dissatisfied with his apologies, ap- 
parently, some of the mob of 650 
went outside and let the air out of 
all the tires on the car Monroe ar- 
rived in, an auto belonging to a Vic- 
tor-Bluebird distributor. In addi- 
tion, someone stole the rear-view 
mirror from it and bfted about. 100 
pictures of Monroe. Members of a 
Vaughn Monroe fan club from Long 
Branch, N. J., got hold of-a" hand 
pump somewhere and filled the tires 
with air by working in relays. Club 
also recovered the stolen pictures. 



Grade Fields, arriving from the 
Coast by plane today (Wednesday), 
wlU participate in various activities, 
including a Coast-to-Coast broadcast, 
for British War Relief before Clip- 
pering Saturday <5) for Lisbon. 
There shell be picked up by an RAF 
bomber and flown to England to do 
a series of entertainments for the 
British armed forces. ■ Singer-coinrt- 
edlenne was 'drafted' by Churchill 
to make the trip and do the shows. 

Tomorrow's broadcast, scheduled 
for 10:45 a.m. and carried by NBC- 
Blue (WJZ), will be* a .15-minute 
show with Mayor I,aGuardia, Rob- 
ert E. Sherwood amd ftobert R. 
Appleby, vice-president of the Brit- 
ish War Relief Society, with Allen 
Prescott, of NBC, as m.c.. 'Show will 
also be shortwaved to - England and 
picked up by BBC for later rebroad- 
cas't by transcription. 

At a cocktail party this afternoon 
at the Ritz, N. Y., Miss Fields will be 
presented by Sherwood with a 
scroll signed by various theatrical 
personalities, in appreciation. of her 
work In behalf of the various British 
fund drives. Number o{ British War 
lieii^f 'So'clety' oMcials will be pres- 
ent. ' Mis$ Fields .la due' bpck in ' the 
U. S. -late in August to start another 
tour of Shows for Britain. 

Meanwhile, Winifred Ashford and 
Mrs, Pat Macleod, members of the 
British women's Mechanized Trans- 
port Corps visiting the U. S. to lec- 
ture In behalf of aid to Britain, have 
been booked for an extended tour 
through July and August. They 
open July 19 at Greenwich, Conn., 
and speak almost nightly through 
New England, with two weelcs of en- 
gagements in Boston, and winding 
up Aug. 27 at Pittsfleld, Mass. Sub- 
sequent engagements will be set 
through the Middle Atlantic States 
and on south. 

Two women will appear in uni- 
form and will have mobile canteens 
of the type used in England. They 
will also take along an exhibit of 
war trophies, bomb fragments, etc., 
as well as a projector and films of 
the Rattle of L<>nd6aii m t.t i '>k< 



ANDREWS SISTERS 
H984 ON FRISCO I 



Not sure of the Andrews Sisters' 
draw in San Francisco, manager of 
the Golden Gate theatre there 
wound up paying the trio almost 
$1,500 more than the $3,500 they 
originally asked, because he made 
a -percentage deal with them. Re- 
fusing an asked $3,500, manager 
guaranteed the girls $2,500 with a 
50-50 split over a gross of $17,500. 
Gross ran to $22,468 and the trio 
walked off with $4,964 as its end. 

Andrews' Hot Wax 

San Francisco, July 1. 
George Bole wangled a police es- 
cort and held a plane 15 minutes so 
that the Andrews Sisters, closing at 
his Golden Gate here on Tuesday 
night (24), could make connections 
which would put them in New York 
in time to do a day's waxing for 
Decca Thursday (26) before opening 
a dat*! at the Eail'e, Phniy, on Pri 
day (27);. -, • 



Piul SpitaJny's Discs 



Phil 'Spitalny's all-girl orchestra 
has been signed by Columbia Records 
to turn out an 'Album of Charm. 
Sides, which not have been decided 
upon yet, will be made in New York 
in about two weeks. They'll be more 
along choral work lines than instru 
mentals. 

Spitalny's femme crew has never 
made popular recordings. 



\ THE BERLE-ING POINT ii 

By Milton Berle 
^ ♦ m «»»«««««»»««*««*««»»«««« >«♦♦♦«♦♦♦♦♦♦♦« MM 



M-G SCREEN TESTING 
CANTOR'^ DINAH SHORE 



Dinah Shore, singer on the Eddie 
Cantor show, went through a screen 
test for M-G-M last week, She did 
a sUent test for appearance, and 
this -week will be lensed again for 
speech and emoting. ' 

singer is currently on a personal 
tour. She's due at the Steel Pier, 
Atlantic City, Friday (4) and next 
week at the Hipp theatre, Balti- 
more. 



Chicago, July 1. 

Am on the Open Road. Took the 20th Century to Chicago from New 
York. I had to, I'm under contract to Fox. 

Had a beautiful compartment on the train — with an adjoining, engineer. 

You sure have to watch out for those gamblers on trains. I got into- a 
game with four card sharlcs and only won 12 bucks! 

Kenny Youngman saw me off at (he train. He made me a present of one 
of his new gags— that Bob Hope tells so well. 

Leo Lindy gave me a going-away present — a pocket watch with an- 
chovies in place of hands, and a chain made of braided nopdles. 

Broadway Department 

Famous Coney Island words: 'Hey, Frankie, give me the soap, I wanna 
go into the waterl' 

Billy Rose and Earl Carroll are cbllaboirating on a new show to be called 
'20,000 Legs Under the Sea.' 

Jack White's Club. 18 is featuring a new drink called The Polo Ground's 
Zombie.' Two drinks and you don't walk; you slide home. 

Broadway Sam, the well dressed nothing, saw the .^bbott & Costello pic- 
ture, 'In the Navy,' so many times he's now suffering from mal-de-mer! 

Went to the premiere of Damon Runyon's Tight Shoes.' live picture had 
such a terrific mental reaction that 23 people left their shoes under their 
seati in the theatre. 

Hollywoodlana . 

Just got word 'that Paramount is thinking of starring Eleanor Roosevelt 
in a new picture called, 'Oh! For the Open Road!' 

Bing Crosby has a picture of 'Whirlaway' in all of his horses', stalls, and 
there's a sign under the painting saying, 'See What I Mean!' 

George Raft wires me that he knows a Hollywood actor who was just 
drafted in the Army, end the hamola told bis agent that he had just signed 
a 52 week contract with Uncle Sam with options. 

You can see that Maxie Rosenbloom's fighting days are over — his gloves 
hung him up. 

Laird Cregar wires that there's a filmland society playboy who has just 
been elected 'The AU-American Nothing of' 1941.' 

Music Department 

Do you think BMI songs will bring back double breasted vests? 

There's Always a Reason: Shep«Fields gave up his 'rippling rhythm' style 
of music because his water bill was too high! 

Radio Department 

Heard Johnny Burke, the soldier monologist on the Kate Smith show 
last week. Add:- Comebacks to World War 11. 

With so many news commentators on the air today, the only way a 
comic can ge^ a program is to take a course in journalism. ^ 

Margie Hart and Ann Corio are readying a new quiz show for radio 
called, 'Information Tease!' 

Ihere's No Troth to the Rumor 

That Boris Karloff and-, Peter Lorre do not ''spook' to each other. ... 

That Tommy Manville joined the Navy so he could be a 'Sea Wolf' 

That Will Hays has a sideline — manufacturing sweaters. .. .Th'at Slim 
Sununervllle 'is so thin that when he stands sideways, he isn't there. . . . 
Hangnail Deaheriptions 

Crover Whalen: Greet the People. .. .Andre Baruch: Citizen Wain.... 
Joe Louis: Conn-vinced. . . .Rochester: Benny's from heaven. . . .Ben Beniie; 
Man or Micetro. 

Observation Department 

Add theme songs: Saratoga Racetrack: 'Just a Little Bit North of Tout' 
Carolina!' 

You can't take it with you: My uncle is en route to Leavenworth— the 
new fives he made had Lincoln blinkin'. 

Eavesdropped at the Famous Door: 'Her kisses have, kept two lawyers 
on a steady salary!' 

Eavesdropped at El Morocco: That's not a Bundle for Britain, that's my 
mother-in-law!' 

Whatever Became of — 7 7 7 

Ross and Dubrow Tuck and Cinns 

Grace DuFaye Ting-a-Llng 
Ketchem and Cheatem The Melody of Youth 

Afterpiece 

Hollywood is the only place in the world where a guy can starve to 
death — among his friends. 



Kyser Band Trouping 
With Coast Camp Unit 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Hollywood's troupe of entertainers, 
representing the Motion Picture 
Committee for Talent and Camp 
Recreation, moves into Hamilton 
Field today (Tues.) after giving 
shows at Camp CalSan and Camp 
Haan. Tour calls for progran^ at 
the Presidio, Moffett Field and the 
Salinas and WatsonviUe airports. 

Alternating on the assignments 
are Judy Canova, Kay Kyser and his 
orchestra, Ann Miller, Lucille . Ball, 
Desi Arnaz, Jerry Adler, Kay Fran- 
cis, Linda Darnell and Eugene King. 



UEDT.-COM. EDDIE FEABOD'7 

Detroit, July 1. 

It's no longer Eddie Peabody but 
Lieut.-Com. Edward Peabody, U.S.N. 
The banjoist, who -has been ' a re' 
serve officer in the naval reserve, 
hiis been called up for service and 
how is assigned to the Great Lakes 
Training Station. 

It is the branch of the service In 
which, it has been indicated, there 
is no year's limit but officers are in 
'for the duration.' 



llona's 'Bella Donna* 

Hollywood, July 1. 

nona Massey will be starred by 
Edward Small in Robert Hichins' 
'Bella Donna.' 

Pola Negri made it as a silent in 
1923 and was given the part In the 



Selznick Pacts Bruce 

Hollywood, July 1. 
David O, Selznick sigQed Carol 
Bruce, who - appeared in the Broad- 
way production of 'Louisiana Pur- 
chase,' to a one-picture-a-year con- 
tract. 

Currently Miss Bruce - is working 
in 'This Woman Is Mine,' her first 



Glenda Farrell WiH 
Co-MX. 'BasebaH Quiz' 



Glenda Farrell will co-m.c. Bristol- 
Myers' 'Baseball Quiz' which starting 
today (Wednesday), replaces Eddie 
Cantor for the summer on the NBC- 
Red. 

Hers is a week-to-week arrange- 
ment through the Young & Rubicam 
agency. 



ATLANTIC CITY MAYOR 
WARNS CAFES ON MT' 



Saroyan's 2 Plays 

San Franpisco, July 1. 

William Savoyan, just back f rom a 
visit to Fresno, liis hometown, is 
completing' a new play, tentatively 
called 'Jim Dandy.' 

When that is finished he'll write 
a tragedy, to be .called 'Throw Some 
My Way.' 



L. A. TO N. Y. 

Neii P; Agnewi' 

Francis Alstock. 

Max Arnow. 

Barney Balaban. . 
-Gracie Fields. 

Robert Gillham. 

Alan Gordon. 

Stanton Griffis. 

John W. Hicks, Jr. 

Russell Holman. 

Carol Irwin. 

Jock Lawrence. 

AI Lewis. 

Harry -MuUer. 

Ken Murray. 

Ed Raftery. 

Samson Rapliaelson. 

Paul- Raibum. 

Pliil Reisman. 

Glen Rose. 

Walter Schubert. 

George Sherman, . 

M. J. SlegeJ. 

Jo Swerling. 

Hal B. WaUis. 
..pa^of^W^e, 



Atlantic City, July 1. 

Proprietors of a dozen Atlantic 
City niteries were told by Mayor 
Tom Taggert yesterday their license 
renewals for the next - 12 months 
would be on a 'conditional' basis. 

'Conditions' are that they maintain 
strict discipline of 'smartaleck m.c.'s 
who confuse filth with humor.' 



Barry Wood Rounding Out 
t04 Weeks With Luckies 

Barry Wood has been renewed for 
anothei- 13 weeks, ending Nov; 1, on 
the Lucky Strike Hit Parade. Pick- ' 
up rounds out his service on the cig- 
gie show to 104 weeks — two straight 
years. 

Wood is currently bouncing around 
the country and Canada, singing 
irvlrig Berlin's patriotic tun'es 'Any 
Bonds Today?' and 'Arms for the 
Lov<t of America' at various patriotic 
functions, coming back to New York . 
tor each Hit Parade broadcast. 



N. Y. TO L. A. 

Roberta Becker. 
Roy Disney. 
Blanche Grady. 
David E. Green. 
Linda Grey. ' 
Victor Meore. 
Charles Skouras. 
Tom Walker. 



SAILINGS 

July 3 (New York to Lisbon) 
Grade Fields (Atlanfic Clipper). 

July 16 (Rio de Janeiro to New 
York) . Paul Draper, Heidi Vosseler 
(BrazU). 

Aug. t XNew Ydik to Rio) Jack 
bns i.cliK; -iv) -ro^olf Aanfif!rs/y»swH)«HlTi'i ' f ' ■ ' 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



Miscellany 





Bing Changes Music Publishers 
♦ 

Santly-Joy Lose* Singer and Brother Larry But Adds 
Everett Crosby to Staff 



Bing Crosby has switched his mu- 
sic publishing affiliation from Sant- 
Jjr-Joy-Select, Inc., to Edwin H. Mor- 
ris, head of Mercer & Morris. There 
will be a separate corporation set 
up to cover this new alliance. Larry 
Crosby, the member of the Crosby 
family who was associated with 
S-J-S as a v.p. will now hold 
stock in Morris' corporation. F. C. 
(Corky) O'Keefe, who brought Bing 
and Mori is together for the deal, 
will also have a stock interest. 

Through the Morris-Crosby tieup 
the new publishing corporation will 
be entitled not only to the score of 
any independent picture made by 
Crosby but to a share of the score 
of films turned out by Paramount in 
which Crosby is one of the stars. 
The new catalog will have for its 
starter a tune by Al Dubln and Dave 
Franklin, 'The Anniversary Waltz,' 
which Crosby will record for Decca. 

With the exit of Larry Crosby at 
Santly -Joy-Select, house has acquired 
the services of another member of 
the Crosby family, Everett, the 
agent. Everett Crosby, it was ex 
plained, will hold the stock in -that 
firm formerly allocated to Larry and 
represent S-J-S in the matter of ob- 
taining scores for the Arm from 
Hollywood studios. 

Morris on his return from HoUy^ 
wood last Thursday (26) admitted 
there had been some discussion be- 
tween him and Johnny Mercer about 
a dissolution of their partnership, 
but, he added, the question of 
whether Mercer would prefer to 
stick with the firm or sell his In- 
terest is still up in the air. Mercer 
at their last meeting, Morris stated, 
had indicated that he would put' the 
matter in the hands of his New York 
counsel, Arthur Fishbein, for con- 
sideration. 



That Roxy Training 



London, June 6. 

English sergeant was putting 
through drilling exercises a con- 
tingent of rookies who were 
giving him plenty of heartaches. 
When he yelled 'Shoulder Arms,' 
only two of the crowd performed 
creditably, and they looked ef- 
feminate. Calling them from the 
line, the sergeant asked them if 
they had ever been in the army 
before. The pair said, 'No.' 

'Well,' said the sergeant, 'you 
did it very well.' 

'So we should,' replied the 
boys, 'we' were in the 'Desert 
Song' for two years.' 



NIMBLE FEET ALSO 
IN HOT DEMAND 



Wave of Musicals Sweep 
Cinema, with Accent on 
Secondary Players — Drag- 
net Spread to Cull Promis- 
ing Talent — Metro, Par, 
20th Well Stocked 



SINGING SCREENS 



USO Coast Gala 
A Lesson in How 
Not to Run 'Em 



Woolley's Pic Dinner' 
Seen as Snag to Legit 
Show's B'way Run 



Continuance of The Man Who 
Came to Dinner,' Music Box, N. Y, 
appears doubtful after next week 
principally because Monty Woolley, 
who originated the lead, will leave 
for Holljrwood, there to appear in the 
film version of 'Dinner.' After look- 
ing over screen tests, Warners, mak- 
ing the picture, sent a hurry call for 
WooUey. 

Although business has been sag- 
ging lately it was hoped to play 
through the summer with either 
Alexander WooUcott or Clifton 
Webb,. who played the lead in the 
road companies, taking over. For- 
mer is not inclined to leave his Ver- 
mont summer home, while arrange- 
ments to engage Webb were snagged 
early this week. 

'Dinner' has scored a great run and 
on Saturday completes the 90th .con- 
secutive week on Broadway. 



Los Angeles, July 1. 

Big show for United Service Or- 
ganization, staged in Hollywood 
Bowl Sunday night (29) for an audi- 
ence estimated in excess of 25,000 
was a lesson in showmanship. After 
most of Hollywood's highest salaried 
picture and radio stars wound up 
the first half to disappointing re- 
turns, the finale, staged by Mike 
(Fanchon tt) Marco, with lesser 
lights from screen and vaudeville, 
provided the mob with more than 
an hour of solid entertainment. 

Earlier portion of the program, 
broadcast to put across the nation- 
wide appeal for USO funds, fizzled 
as entertainment largely due to lus- 
treless material. It remained for 
Leo Carrillo, second half's emcee 
who came rushing in on a horse, 
Nicholas Bros., Lowe, Stanley ' & 
Hite, Virginia O'Brien, Fanchonette.s, 
Ada Broadbent Ballet, Rufe Davis 
(Continued on ~page 54) 



Woolley Is the 'Man' 

Hollywood, July 1. 
After considerable testing Warners 
•finally decided on Monty WooUey for 
the lead in "The Man Who Came to 
Dinner.' Bette Davis wUl play op 
posite the actor who created and is 
still playing the Sheridan Whiteside 
role on Broadway. 

Woolley will continue in the legit 
cast until the picture is ready to 
start. 



Mrs. Johnson Loses 



Hollywood, July 1 
District Court of Appeals has 
ruled against Mrs. Osa Johnson 
Getts in her $502,000 damage suit 
•gamst Western Air Express. 

Action was the outcome of the 
plane crash four years ago, in which 
she was injured and her husband 
at the time, Martin' Johnson, thit-ex 
Plorer, was killed. 



GEORGE HALE WOULD 
PRE-EXAM AL JOLSON 



Application to examine Al Jolson 
before trial in a suit; against him by 
George Hale resulted in a reserved 
decision yesterday "(Tuesday) by 
Justice Benjamin F. Schreiber in 
N. Y. supreme court. Hale is seek- 
ing damages of $105,000 charging 
breach of contract. 

Hale claims Jolson signed a con- 
tract with him in January, 1941 
agreeing to appear in 'Hold .On To 
Your Hats' for the run of the show, 
and also to appear on the road in the 
play. Jolson was to get $2,000 
weekly. Hale claims Jolson folded 
the play Feb. 1, claiming illness, but 
subsequent pictures taken of him in 
Florida show him to have been in 
good health. Jolson denies the 
charges and says he was told by his 
physicans to quit the show. 



Leota Lane in 'Mikado* 
At Chautauqua, N. Y. 

Chautauqua, N. Y., July 1 
Leota Lane, sister of the film 
stars, has been assigned a lead in a 
performance of the 'Mikado' to be 
given here July 21. 

The singer will also appear in ora 
torio and concert, remaining until 
Aug. 12, when she starts rehearsals 
for a Broadway operetta. 



Harmon Now of Col: 

Hollywood, July 1 
Tom Harmon has- checked in at 
X^olumbia for 'Harmon of Michigan, 
:• -Charles Barton -guides thfe'gHd' 
star in bis first acting job. 



By BILL BBOGDON 

Hollywood, July 1. 
Not since the last musical cycle 
passed through Hollywood has there 
been such a concentration on the 
part of the studios to annex con- 
tractees with talent adaptable to 
song and dance pictures. Nearly 
every film plant has one or more 
top names available for singing or 
dancing in a big musical production, 
but to back up the established stars 
in such vehicles there are needed 
young men and women who can do a 
hoofing turn, carry a tune or lend 
wisecracking ability to a super-mu- 
sical feature. Consequently new tal- 
ent being placed under contract, in 
nearly every instance, has some par- 
ticular forte beyond straight his- 
tronics. 

In the case of Columbia, that stu- 
dio has yet to add a male great or 
lesser name to its list for the musi- 
cals coming up but . has well-sup- 
plied itself with a femme contingent. 
Studio figures- the males can be ob- 
tained on picture deals or else a 
femme can carry the musical load 
while a male takes care of the 
straight assignment. Recently 
signed at the studio was Janet Blair, 
vocalist with the late Hal Kejnp, 
who is capable of adding beauty and 
(Continued on page 55) 



RCA-NBC Sponsored Television 
Gets Under Way in New York; 
Rate: $120 An Hour Plus Prod. Fees 



Television's 1st Day 



Because of Varietty's press time 
yesterday afternoon' (Tuesday) 
there is no report in this issue 
on the first tentative NBC com- 
mercial television shows, viz., 
Sun Oil, Procter & Gamble and 
Lever Bros. 

Viev/ed on an unadjusted 441- 
line set, the new 525-line tele- 
cast of the Dodgers-Phillies 
game in the afternoon had all 
the usual television disadvan- 
tages on baseball plus some 
definition blurT But the day was 
bright and, on occasion, the 
white pill could be seen cutting 
the air. 



Committee for Freedom 
To hclnde B'way Group 
For Fight Ts. Radicals 



Committee for Freedom, one of the 
major patriotic groups, has decided 
on appointing a Broadway commit' 
tee to include legit managers, ac- 
tors and writers, including news- 
paper people. Principal objective is 
to frustrate radicals. 

Broadway group has had two 
formative meetings, with Burgess 
Meredith named temporary chair 
man. ' Those in the huddles included 
Ben Hecht, Brock Pemberton, Gil- 
bert Gabriel, Helen Hayes, Jack 
Kriendler and Charles MacArthur, 

It was proposed that Freedom 
First combine with the Committee to 
Defend America. Washington, how- 
ever, regards both organizations as 
helpful and suggested they retain 
their individual identities.' 



Moss Hart Bums 
At Danny Kaye s 
Freedley Pact 



Danny Kaye's signing with Vinton 
Freedley for 'Let's Face It,' forth- 
coming Cole Porter-Herbert and 
Dorothy Fields' musical, burned up 
Moss Hart. Author-producer, of 
'Lady in the Dark,' recently-closed 
musical in which Kaye scored a per- 
sonal click, visited the comedian 
backstage at the Paramount, N. Y., 
and irately accused him of ingrati- 
tude. After telling Kaye not to 
bother trying to phone or contact 
him again. Hart left the theatre. He 
has not answered the phone to Kaye 
since then. Hart is also doing a burn 
at Freedley for 'taking Kaye away.' 

Although Kaye's -run-ot-the play 
contract for 'Lady' expired when the 
show closed for the summer at the 
Alvin, N. Y., Hart felt that the 
comedian owed him some considera- 
(Continued on page 52) 



NBC's latest decision is to make 
available 15 hours or more per week 
for commercial television, starting 
July 1. It states that it has several 
accounts lined up for television 
broadcasting. 

RCA-NBC television got started 
yesterday (Tuesday) in New York 
under the new dispensation from the 
Federal Communications Commis- 
sion which permits advertising spon- 
sorship. It's pretty vague who of 
the 2,000-odd owners or television re- 
ceivers can tune in the'programs at 
this date because of the needed con- 
version from 441 line images to 525 
lines. 

However, NBC has three first-time 
sponsors with which to start. Gen- 
eral' MiUs sponsored the Brooklyn 
Dodgers baseball newscasting in the 
name of Sun Oil, At 9:15 the Uncle 
Jim's Question Bee was presented 
for Spry with Gloria Stuart and 
Lionel Slander as special personali- 
ties along with 'Aunt Jenny,' which 
same sponsor. Lever Brothers, has 
on CB' 

First Rate Card . 

Despite the policy announcement 
by NBC the week before to lay low 
on television operations pending the 
outcome of the'FCC's new rules on 
network-affiliated station relations, 
NBC issued Friday (27) a rate card 
on television. It's the first of its 
kind. 

The posted rates are $120 an hour 
for evening broadcasts weekdays, 
$60 an hour for weekday afternoons 
and $90 an hour for Sunday daytime. 
There will not be any Sunday eve- 
ning televising for the time being. 

On the production side NBC will 
charge $150 an hour for the large 
studio in Radio City and $75 an hour 
ior the smaller studios. It will be 
also $75 for film studio uses and 
field pickups, while news, weather 
and time sp«ts will be priced at $8 
a minute night-time and $4 during 
the day. 



BOB BURNS AUDITIONED 
FOR NEW R&R PROGRAM 



Hollywood, July 1. 
Ruthraufl Sc. Ryan agency last 
week put Bob Burns through an au- 
dition, presumably for a soap or oil 
account. 

v-Burns is under contract to • Kraft 
Music Hall until first of the year, 
but would have no trouble getting 
his release as there has been con- 
siderable tiffing over his $5,000 
weekly paycheck. Sponsor wants 
him to. take a cut not far off the 
middle. ' 



Joan a Star at 16 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Warners hoisted Joan Leslie, 16, 
to star rating in the forthcoming 
musical, 'Tell Me, Pretty Maiden,' 
due for early production. 

Picture, . built around the old 
■f loradofa sbrii, ieatafes" the "Navy 
Blues Sextet, 



AaORS FUND OUTDOOR 
BENEFIT GROSSES m 



First outdoor benefit performance 
for the Actors Fund was held Sun- 
day (29) at Manhattan Beach, 
Brooklyn. Place accommodates 
around 20,000, and the show drew 
about one-third of that number, 
okay considering threatening weath- 
er. Gross was estimated at $7,500, 
not counting money obtained from 
the sale of programs. 

Show was spotted in the band- 
shell, dancing being cancelled by 
Joseph P. Day, the realtor back of 
M'. B., who donated the resort for 
the show. It's expected to be an 
annual event. A- fairly .strong list 
of name artists appeared. 



$3,000 Monthly Allowed 
Mrs. Doug Fairbanks, Sr. 

Hollywood, July 1. 
Monthly allowance of $3,000 from 
the estate of Douglas Fairbanks for 
the actor's widow has been con- 
tinued another six months by the 
court. 

Other heirs withdrew their pre- 
vious objections that $1,000 a month 
was sufTicient, 



Brooks Atkinson, H.L.D. 

Brooks Atkinson, drama critic of 
the New York Times, was awarded 
an honorary degree of doctor of hu- 
mane letters by Williams College, 
Williamstown, Mass., at its annual 
commencement exercises. 
' Raymond Gram ""Swing '*was' also 




Trad* Mirk ReKlatered 
FOUNDBD BT SIME SirVERMAN 
rubllHlied Weeklx by VApimr, Inc. 

Sid Silverman, Presldgnt 
li\ Went 4Ctli filragt, Nsir York, N. t. 



SUB.SCniPTJO.V 

Annual tlo .Ji^arelgri <lt 

Slnirle Coplea ..25 Cents 



Vol. 143 



110 



No. i 



INDEX 

Advance Production Chart.. 16 

Band routes. '. 38 

Bills 45 

Chatter 53 

Concert 36 

Exploitation 8 

Film Booking Chart 16 

Film Reviews 12 

House Reviews 46 

Inside— Legit ...» 48 

Inside — Music 40 

Inside — Radio .' 33 

International News .' J3 

Literati 52 

Legitimate 48 

Music 40 

Night Clubs 42 

Night Club Review.-i ., 42 

Oi(jtuary' ( 54 

Orchestras 37 

Pictures 4 

Radio , 23 

Radio— International 31 

Radio Markets 34 

Radio Reviews 26 

Vaudeville 42 

RAIL! VAHIKTX 

(Publlnhm) In Hollywood br 
• 1 Dally VttMf.-'f.i&Y ■ <■• 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



Dailies and Fan Mags Will Be Asked 
To Lay Off Far-in-Advance Press 
Reviews of Consent-Decree Films 



Clarification of the industry's re- 
lations with lay newspaper and 
magazine film reviewers and radio 
commentators is in prospect within 
the next few weeks, with the proba- 
bility of strict curbing of Hollywood 
by-lines. Coast correspondents for 
the dailies and fan monthlies wBl be 
requested to observe specific regula- 
tions with respect to publishing criti- 
cisms in advance of release dates of 
feature pictures. Failure to comply 
with a uniform plan may result In 
some form of pressure, as yet unde- 
termined. 

Wail from exhibitors in all sec- 
tions of the country that 'something 
must be done' about the unbridled 
handling of picture reviews is be- 
ing heeded by the publicity chiefs 
of major companies. 

Squawks come from all types of 
theatres, including major first runs, 
that the publication locally of re- 
views of films, in some cases weeks 
or even months in advance of the 
public exhibition of the pictures, is 
harmful to th& boxoflfice. It . is the 
contention that a newspaper critl 
cism, even though it might be com- 
plimentary to a film, takes the edge 
Irom public anticipation of its show- 
ing when it appears in print in ad- 
vance of the film's booking. 

Situation has developed to status 
of an Industry problem with the ad- 
vent on the market of the new sea- 
son's product for release after Sept 
1. Under the terms of the consent 
decree the fall product must be 
trade-shown to exhibitors in ad- 
vance of negotiations for its sale to 
theatres. Screenings must be held 
In a number of territories to which 
theatre operators will be invited 
Release dates of the pictures so 
. screened will be some weeks or 
months from the showing dates. 
Newspapermen .will be barred' from 
the' local trade showings, or bound 
by agreement not to publish their 
opinions of the pictures until first 
run opening day. 

The Hollywood angle presents 
more complicated aspects. Cur- 
rently, the press is in agreement 
with the studios not to publish re- 
views of films generally until two 
weeks prior to national release dates. 
This arrangement, no doubt, will .be 
changed because the consent decree 
may bring about displacement of na- 
tional release dates for territorial 
dates. 

Certain ticklish elements in deal- 
ing with the Hollywood press arid 
wire-service representatives are be- 
ing considered by the publicity de- 
partments of the majors. The out 
of-town correspondent has been a 
favored personality in the studios 
and his special articles and news re- 
leases have become an important 
part of the industry's promotional 
structure. 



SPARKS-PAR ALL SET 

Frank Bocers Assumes Presidency 
of Florida Circnlt 



WILCOX-NEAGLE'S RKO 
DEAL FOR BRmSH PIC 



. Hollywood, July 1. 

Herbert Wilcox and Anne Neagle 
closed a deal with RKO to film a 
melodrama with backgrounds in 
England and Canada, starting in Au- 
gust. 

Producer and actress leave for 
Canada this week on a war relief 
tour, later sailing for London to 
start production on the picture, still 
I untitled. 



Acquisition by Paramount of E. J. 
Sparks' interest in the theatres they 
operated together in Florida was an- 
nounced Monday (30) by Leonard H. 
Goldenson, Par theatre-operating 
head. Sparks is resigning from the 
presidency of the various corpora- 
tions controlling the theatres, but 
will continue in an advisory and 
consultative capacity, it was said. 

Frank Rogers, •former exec assist- 
ant to Sparks, has assumed presi- 
dency of the various corporations, 
Rogers, B. B. Garner, M. C. Talley 
aad Fred H. Kent, who had also 
served as exec assistants to Sparks, 
will continue active management of 
the theatres and will retain their 
stock interests in them, Goldenson 
said. 



Lesser at RKO As 
Prod.; Moves To 
Cancel UA Deal 



Republic s Lee PoweD Wins Sdt To 
Use 'Lone Ranger Klling in Circus 



U'S $2 DIVVY 



First Paid on Pfd. Stock Since 1»32— 
sun f88 iB Arrears 



Hollywood, July 1. 
Sol Lesser checked in at RKO 
yesterday (Monday) under a new 
contract as producer of 'A' pictures. 
Currently Lesser is tied up with a 
pact to make one picture a year 
through 1945 for United Artists but 
is carrying on negotiations to abro- 
gate the deal, following completion 
of 'Any Girl Would' (formerly 
'Strange Victory"), now in prepara- 
tion. Lesser will make 'Would' on 
the RKO lot for UA release. 

Previous to joining the UA outfit, 
Lesser -produced the Bobby Breen 
and George O'Brien groups in4e 
pendently for RKO. He was ready 
to sign a deal as executive producer 
and studio head at RKO several 
months ago, but UA declined to re 
lease' him. No trouble is expected 
in obtaining his release this time. 

He brought Barney Briskin with 
him from UA to be his assistant. 



Mary Pickford Okayed 
After Medical Checkup 

Cleveland, July 1. 
Report that Mary Pickford, ill here, 
might undergo an operation, started 
when she checked into Dr. George 
Crile's Cleveland Clinic last week for 
observation, were strongly denied, by 
the private hospital and by her hus- 
band, Buddy Rogers, who accom- 
panied her on visit 

Dr, Charles Higglns, who handled 
her case, said she had no serious ill- 
ness and that no operation of any 
kind was under consideration. How- 
ever she was in strict seclusion dur- 
ing her stay in Cleveland, refusing 
to see anybody and granting no in- 
terviews. 

After four-day medical checkup 
Miss Pickford and Rogers left last 
Saturday 28 for Gettysburg, Pa., 
where she planned to take part Tues- 
day (1 ) in the dedication of a monu- 
ment to Gen. James I>ongstreet at the 
request of the general's widow, an 
old friend. She then goes to New 
York in search of an actress for the 
title role in a remake of her 'Co 
quette,' which she is producing. Also 
reported that she would confer with 
Moss Hart on the idea of writing a 
scenario. 



Prompted by vigorous pickup in 
earnings, Universal declared the 
first dividend, on its first preferred 
stock paid since Oct. 1, 1932, last 
Thursday (26) when the directors at 
a special session voted a $2 payment 
Divvy is payable July 11 -to stock- 
holders of record, July 7. 

J. Cheever Cowdin, board chair- 
man, pointed out that this action 
marks resumption of current divi- 
dends on this class of stock. First 
preferred is ~the only preference 
issue of U listed on the N. 'Y. Stock 
Exchange and only one in the public 
hands. 

Following this divvy payment, 
Universal still will be $68 per share 
in arrears. 



Stadio Payrolls Slomp, 
May Average at $46.52 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Weekly studio payrolls, which 
reached a new high in April; skidded 
during May, according to statistics 
released by the California Labor 
Bulletin. Average weekly payroll 
dropped $59,132, with 1,006 fewer 
Jobs than in the month before. 

Total weekly payroll for motion 
picture workers during May was 
$643,008, compared with $702,190 for 
April. Number of wage earners 
dropped from 14,827 to 13,821. Aver- 
age weekly paycheck was. reduced 
from $47.36 to $46.52. 



Interstate Chains Co-Op 
On Defense Stamps, Bonds 

San Antonio, July 1. 

Following a suggestion made by 
tixe home office of the Interstate 
Circuit in Dallas, E. E. Collins; city 
manager of the group here, has in- 
stituted a plan whereby all em- 
ployees of the houses here are co- 
operating in the national defense 
move by buying National Defense 
Stamps and Bonds. Salary deduc- 
tions are made each week by the 
accounting department, this going 
<or a systematic buying of stamps 
and bonds. 

It has. be<n given the full coop- 
•ration'of all employees. 



Tank in RAF/ Lenser 
And Technician Killed 



Air Tom, Dick & Harry* 
(Publicity?) Suit vs RKO 

Chicago, July 1. 

Radio trio known as Tom, Dick 
and Harry has filed suit against RKO 
Radio, seeking to restrain the firm 
from distributing a picture titled 
'Tom, Dick and Harry.' Real names 
of the trio are Frank and Gordon 
Van Dover and Marlin Hurt. 

In their suit for an injunction the 
radio singers contend that they have 
an exclusive 'right to. the name due 
to years of useage in the business. 

Attorney for RKO Radio is Arthur 
Goldberg, associated with the Spitz 
St Adcock law office. In his early 
questioning Goldberg has brought 
out the fact that the, term 'Tom, 
Dick and Harry' has been used for 
years as a general expression, dating 
back even to Shakespeare. 



Otto Kanturek, Czech cameraman 
who recently arrived in London to 
take location shots of the R.A.F. for 
20th-Fox picture, 'A Yank in the 
R.A.F.,' was killed last week along 
with Jack Parry, British technician, 
while photographing air material 
Pilot of plane from which they were 
'shooting' material also was killed 
when the airplane crashed, 

Kanturek, who had specialized in 
aerial camera work, had worked on 
several hundred pictures during his 
28 years activity as film photogra 
pher. He was cameraman for Gracie 
Fields in many of her British-made 
films. 'Prosoner of Corbal' is most 
recent picture on which he was pho- 
tographer, having been made in 
1939. 'A Yank iii the R.A.F.' is be- 
ing produced in Hollywood with Ty- 
rone Power, Henry King directing. 
Only the R.A.F. flying shots were 
being made in Britain. 



Korda Doesn t 
Want to Slight 
His Adopted Eng. 



Fearful that °he Is neglecting the 
country of his adoption, Alexander 
Korda is preparing to remain in 
England when he returns to London 
from Hollywood in late summer or 
early fall. Producer has stated he 
wants to take any sort of govern- 
mental job, whether it d6als with 
films or not, in order to do his bit. 

How soon he will be able to go 
depends on progress of 'Jungle Book,' 
which goes into production shortly. 
Bank financing him insists that he 
stay with the film until it is well on 
its way to completion. It will be his 
second film for 1941-42 release by 
United Artists. First is 'Lydia,' now 
virtually- finished. Producer has 
even ceased reading scripts. 



Quiet, Like a Battlefield 



Hollywo.od, July 1. 

Film version of the Olsen and 
Johnson stage revue, 'Hellzapoppin.' 
went Into work at Universal, di-. 
rected by H. ,C. Potter for Jules 
Levey's Mayfair production unit. 

Martha Raye is co-starring with 
the comics. 



Mulvey Doubling Also 
For James Roosevelt 

James Mulvey, eastern rep for 
Samuel Cioldwyn, .is doubling in the 
same capacity for James Roose- 
velt's Globe Productions. He added 
the new duties Monday (28) follow- 
ing departure of Roosevelt's former 
eastern rep, David Griesdorf, who 
becomes branch manager of the 
United Artists exchange in Los An- 
geles. 

With Roosevelt's pictures having 
been pretty well played out by now 
and no prospect of any more, job 
of the eastern rep has become minor. 
Office will be continued on a small 
scale for accounting purposes. 

Griesdorf was a, former Canadian 
branch manager for UA. He suc- 
ceeds Earl Collins in Los Angeles, 
latter becoming Dallas branch man- 
ager. 



The British Ideft 

London, June 13 

Quentin Reynolds' daily page 
the Express here recently carried his 
story in support of British stars In 
Hollywood. Piece was done in con- 
versational style, re-telling parleys 
writer had with Cary Grant Ronald 
Colman, Herbert -iMarshall and Sir 
Cedric Hardwicke, all of whom 
voiced nationalistic sentiments. 

Effect of this type of publicity is papers 
questionable. Despite listing of what-|- 
the quartet has done and Is doing by 
way of charities, local trade press is 
inclined to snicker and seize on 
sentimental makeup of the yarn. 
Fact that these players are long-term 
residents of the U.S. received no 
precise mention in the Express story, 
and they're thus lumped with citi- 
zens whose trek Atlantic-wards was 
much more recent and against whom 
trade attitude Is .bitter. 

Michael Balcon, indie producer, 
recently let go with a broadside at 
the departed fllmites, piece going 
into a film fan magazine. 



Spartanburg, S. C, July 1. 

Lee Powell, Los Angeles actor. ha.<) 
full right to advertise himself as 
'The LAne Ranger' of sound pic- 
tures, has infringed upon no film, 
radio or comic strip rights of 'The 
Lone^Ranger, Inc., a Michigan corpo- 
ration, and legally can bill himself 
or be billed as The Lone Ranger' of 
two Republic films portraying the 
sagebrush Galahad, Federal Judge 
C. C. Wyche ruled in opinion hand- 
ed down here. 

Decision was in case of the cor- 
poration against O. C. Cox, doing 
business as Wallac<^ Bros, circus, 
winter-quartered at York, S. C, for 
past several years, and Powell, billed 
and advertised by circus as 'Lone 
Ranger' of motion picture fame. 

Opinion, ending two years litiga- 
tion in Pennsylvania and South Car- 
olina federal courts, denied injunc- 
tion sought by plaintiff in a $250,000 
suit, and followed series of hearings 
in federal courts at Greenville and 
Spartanburg, S. C. 

Judge Wyche, in 14-page opinion, 
stated that from testimony before 
him, it appeared that since April, 
1940, defendants have been using the 
line 'Hi Yo Silver,' objected to by 
plaintiff, in their advertisements of 
Powell as original 'Lone Ranger' of 
sound pix. 

Cites Second Pic 
'However,* opinion stated, 'since 
the signing .of the decree by the 
district court ot'Fennsylvania (1940), 
a second motion picture has been 
issued by Republic Pictures, Inc., 
entiUed 'Hi Yo Silver,' under li- 
cense from the plaintiff. In this pic- 
ture, the defendant, Lee Powell, also 
played the part and did all the act- 
ing of the Lone Ranger. If. the de- 
fendant, Lee Powell, has the right 
to_ refer to his former employment 
in* the original 'Lone Ranger' pic- 
ture, as I have found, as the district 
court of Pennsylvania has found, 
and to which the plaintiff has con- 
sented, then by the same token, he 
would have the right to refer to his 
former employment by the Repub- 
lic Productions, Inc., as the Lone 
Ranger in 'Hi Yo Silver.' 

'It appears to me that if the de- 
fendant, Lee Powell, has a right to 
refer to his employment in one pic- 
ture, he has the right to refer to 
his employment in another picture 
produced at a date subsequent to the 
signing of the final decree in the 
district court of Pennsylvania.' 
'Ranger' Promotion 
Last season advertisements de- 
scribing Powell as 'Lone Ranger' of 
films, but not referring to radio 
'Lone Ranger,' weie three-sheeted 
throughout circus' southeastern tour 
and published in many daily news- 



Other News Pertaining to Pictures 



Dave Rose on British comedy Page 13 

Brazil as ace U. S. pix market ; . ..Page 13 

AFRA strike postponement Page 24 

Edward G. Robinson's $100,000 gift Page 25 

ASCAP Page 41 

Phil Harris and 'Rochester' units Page 47 

Elitch Gardens' 50th anniversary. . ..Page 51 



Seamon (Hurtig &) Set 
Back in 20th-Fox Suit 

Harry Seamon, 78-year-old part- 
ner of the old burlesque producing' 
team of Hurtig & Seamon, lost a 
plea for a temporary injunction 
against 'Tin Pan Alley' in N Y. su- 
preme court, when Justice Ferdi- 
nand Pecora ruled that doubt ex- 
isted as to the certainty of reference 
*) Seamon in the picture. Seamon 
is suing 20th-j'ox for $50,000, charg- 
ing illegal use of his name. 

20th-Fox has submitted affidavits 
purporting to show that the use of 
the names in the film referred to a 
theatre at 125th street N. Y. 



Look Who They'll Meet 

Hollywood, July 1. 
Metro goes to the plate with a 
heavy batting order in 'When Ladies 
Meet,'. directed by Robert 'Z. Leon- 
ard. 

Cast toppers are Joan Crawford, 
Robert Taylor, Greer Garson, Her- 
bert Marshall and Spring Byington. 



With opinion Judge Wyche handed 
down lengthy 'Conclusions of Law 
and Fact' findings, holding, in part, 
that: 

Radio serial, 'The Lone Ranger,' 
was copylNghted by plaintiff for 
broadcasting purposes; that plaintiff 
owns copyright to 'Lone Hanger' 
comic strip, (syndicated by King 
features. Inc.), and that scope of 
both 'as alleged and proven by the 
plaintiff' extends only to expression 
The Lone Ranger,' and 'there has 
been no allegation or proof by the 
plantifl of the expression of its idea, 
so copyrighted and published over 
the radio and through the comic 
strips, and from which the plantiff 
seeks to enjoin these plaintiffs.' 

The "court ruled that 'the plantiff 
is not entitled to the relief prayed 
for by its complaint (asking $250,000 
alleged damages) enjoining the de- 
fendants from using the expressions 
'The Lone Hanger' or 'Hi Yo Silver' 
or from appearing in person as the 
original 'Lone Hanger' of talking 
pictures.' Further, he ruled a prior 
show cause rule handed down by 
Circuit Judge G. B. Greene (S. C.) 
'should be dismissed ' with costs and 
attorneys' fees to the defendants as 
provide by 17 USCA 40.' 



Too Rough for Her 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Miriam Hopkins, dissatisfied with 
her role as femme lead in Univer- 
sal's 'Bad Lands of South DakoU.' 
pulled out of the cast. Actress signed 
for the film without reading the fin- 
ished screenplay. 

Picture's start is postponed while 
the studio hunts a new lead. 



WedneBday, July 2, 1941 



PICTURES 5 




CHISELING RAMPANT 



TRADESHOW BALLYHOO 



Trade showings of the new season's feature product for re- 
lease after Sept. 1, as "prescribed in the U. S. Consent Decree, 
promise to develop into gala occasions for exhibitors, their fam- 
ilies and friends, with each. of the five major companies in com- 
petition to lure audiences to the screenings. 

Actual legal requirements for the advance showing of fea- 
tures, prior to sales negotiations, demand a single unreeling of 
a film in each of 32 exchange teiTitories. Prospective exhibitor 
customers thereby are- given an opportunity to 'see' what they 
are asked to buy; 



First of the companies to comply with the decree provisions 
is Metro, which is issuing invitations to thousands of theatre 
operators to attend showings of three films within as many 
weeks in 62 cities. 



Comes from Warners, information that its department of pro- 
motion is giving serious consideration to a program of 75 ex- 
hibitor screenings to be held in hotel ballrooms, with such pal- 
atable added inducements to attract customers as buffet re- 
freshments served to the rhythm of 'name bands.' Listings of 
desirable ballrooms "have been requested, according to report, 
from Music Corp. of America and the William -Morris agency. 



mm 01 




Exchanges Beefing at Rec- 
ord-Breaking Habit That 
Exhibitors Have Acquired, 
Blaming It on Bad Biz — 
Branch Managers Promise 
To Crack Down On Exhib 
Shuffling 



ADJUSTMENTS-'N' HOW I 



And, not to be outdone, a third distributor is said to be churn- 
ing the idea of conducting a national raffle of an automobile 
among exhibitors as an inducement for them to attend the com- 
pany's screenings. 



It has been hot in New York during the past week, but not 
that hot. 



Whether one or both of the other defendant distributors will 
institute a pl^n of calling for customers in special automobiles 
and returning them to their homes after the showings is un- 
verified, it could happen. 



More likely, however, is an early conference among sales 
chiefs from which will evolve a scheme of trade showings that 
is safe, sane and business-like, having in mind that the provision 
for advance showings was framed for the convenience and pro- 
tection of the exhibitor, rather than a springboard for warm 
weather exploitation. 



aw Lasky 
Bankroll For 3 
More Pictures 



Jesse L. Lasky, 'east to huddle 
with two New York' banks on a $3,- 
600,000 loan lor the production of 
three pictures, hasn't determined 
yet what company will release the 
films, he said Monday (30). Pro- 
ducer declared he 'rather favored' 
Warner Broi., whch Is releasing his 
latest, 'Sergeant York,' but that 
United Artists and another major 
company had also made him offers. 

Lasky said there is no deal cook- 
ing with WB or anyone else at the 
moment, but In fairness and on de- 
mand of his backers It would be 
necessary to accept the most advan- 
tageous one offered. He stated he 
will announce two of the three 
stories he has lined up before he 
leaves for the Coast at the end of 
next week. 

Reports from Hollywood are that 
the producer was asked to head east 
and talk about loans by the banks 
after their Coast reps had seen 
'York' and tagged it as a winner 

LaCava's U. Encore 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Gregory LaCava has signed a new 
Universal deal to produce-direct an- 
other Irene Dunne starrer. 

It tags on to the current Dunne 
picture now In work. 



SETTLE PIEACY SUIT 

Los Angeles, July 1. 
Norman Houston's plagiarism suit 
against Columbia, Involving 'Mr. 
Smith Goes to Washington,' was set- 
tled out of court. 

Author charged that parts of the 
picture were lifted from his own 
yarn, 'Clown in Congress.' 



REUNION AT RKO 



Breen Brings Anster, Ex-Hayslte 
Into Prodacer Fold 



Hollywood, July 1. 
IsUn Auster, assistant to Joseph 
Pasternak at Universal for three 
years, drew a producer contract at 
RKO. 

Before going to Universal, he 
spent five years with Joe Breen In 
the Hays office: 



HARRY AL WARNER BUYS 
OLD CRAH FARM IN N.C. 



Hendersonville, N. C, July 1, 
Harry M. Warner, who recently 
disposed of his Mt Vernon, N. Y., 
estate, has purchased the 150 year- 
old Crall Farm at Flat Rock, just 
outside of Hendersonville, N. C. Sale 
was announced by Mitchell C. King, 
of Atlanta, former owner whose 
family built the place and named it 
from home place In Ireland — Crail. 

Land and house are said not to be 
especially pretentious, but Flat Rock 
is a section that has long been fash- 
ionable to southern wealth and so- 
ciety. Located 21 miles from Ashe- 
ville, it is in the foothills of the 
Great Smokies, with an elevation of 
about 2,000 feet. 

Sale price is understood to be $75,- 
000, with deed filed in name of Mrs. 
Bessie Warner. Understood that the 
Warners plan to use the place for 
a summer home. 



Giirny Simms' Pic Lead 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Ginny Slmms moves Into the 
femme lead in 'Playmates' .after 
playing supporting roles In two Kay 
Kyser pictures at RKO. 

Filming starts July 7, with David 
Butler producing and directing. 

; { ".-•-I 1 r . ' - - ( ' . ; 



Minneapolis, July 1. 

Local film exchanges are com- 
plaining of record-breaking exhibitor 
'chiseling' as one of the effects of 
present generally bad business 
throughout the territory. 

It takes the form, the branch man- 
agers say, of the exhibitors attempt- 
ing to allocate their pictures them- 
selves. Instead of remitting the 
amount billed, it's declared, the ex- 
hibitors in many instances are send- 
ing in what they— the exhibitors — 
think they should pay and what they 
consider a 'fair' amount for the dis- 
tributors tq receive for their pic- 
tures, basefj on alleged boxoff ice re- 
turns. 

Even one of the larger independent 
circuits is charged with being among 
the offenders. Exchanges are up In 
arms with the practice spreading and 
apparently being th*., result oi 'con- 
certed action.' 

Branch managers admit that, in a 
number of Instances, adjustments are 
in order and should be made. They 
declare, however, that they're not 
going to permit the exhibitors to set 
their own prices for films,' alter con- 
tracts without permission and to de- 
dda for themselves what 'fair' rent- 
als are. They won't get away with 
It, the managers assert. 



Wobber Sees 
Higher Budgets 
For Pictures 



Hollywood, ' July 1. 

Bigger budgets and a more vital 
interest In Individual pictures is go- 
ing to be the outcome of the consent 
decree, according to Herman Wob 
ber, general manager in charge of 
distribution for 20th-Fox, in Holly- 
wood for a week or two of huddles 
about the general situatioh In the 
picture business, over which all the 
master minds have been worrying, 

Wobber is here to prepare for the 
sales convention at the Ambassador 
hotel, July 16-18, but the big idea is 
to catch up witli the consent decree 
and make the public and theatre op- 
erators like It. 



H'wood Moves to NJ. Fort 



Fort Monmouth, N. J., July 1. 

Large contingent of drafted Hol- 
lywoodites already here has been 
swelled during the past week by the 
arrival of a flock more. They are 
assigned to the Army's Training Film 
Production Unit, headqartered here 
under command of the Signal Corps. 

Among the newcomers was Lester 
Cooper, former Warner Bros, shorts 
writer, who was transferred from 
Camp Callan, Cal. He's doing script- 
ing on the training plx. Other ar- 
rivals were principally cartoonists, 
six of them from the Disney plant. 
They are Berk Anthony, Rodell 
Johnson, Victor Michonski, George 
Paliwoda, George Peed and Robert 
Perry. 



Unprecedented Dearth of Fihn 
Product Threatens for Late July 
And August; Won t Help Gen'l Biz 



Edington's RKO Waskp; 
Nolan Ont After 21 Years 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Harry Edlngton, former executive 
in charge of production at RKO, re- 
mains on the lot to produce one pic- 
ture under general supervision of 
Joseph I. Breen. 

Under his old contract, Edingtoh 
does not check out for six months. 

Joseph J. Nolan, with RKO in 
various capacities for 21 years, 
turned in his' resignation and leaves 
on an extended vacation July 15, with 
futiire plans to be disclosed later. 

After holding executive spots in 
the accounting and advertising de- 
partments in New York for 14 years, 
Nolan moved to Hollywood as as- 
sistant secretary In 1934 and was 
upped to vice-presidant in charge of 
the studio two years ago. 



WB Selling lllis 
Year Before It 
Starts on '41-42! 



A policy of servicing this season's 
product 100% befora trying to sell 
the 1941-42 lineup wai outlined yes- 
terday (Tuesday) by Grad Sears, 
Warner Bros. ssdei chief, in a meet- 
ing of division and district managers 
in 'N'ew York. Sean told the as- 
sembled managers they must go out 
and complet« delivery and service 
all accounts right up to the end of 
the current season before handling 
new season product. Warners ex- 
pects to have 12-lS features on the' 
1941r42 lineup ready some time this 
month for showing to exhibitors. 

Sears huddled with the sales 
chiefs at the Warner home office. 
Besides Sears, Carl Leserman, his 
assistant; Ben Kalmenson, southern 
and western division manager; and 
Roy Haines, eastern and Canadian 
division manager, headed the sales- 
men at the confab. District man- 
agers from Washington, Chicago, 
Kansas City, Atlanta, Dallas and Los 
Angeles also attended. 



PINE AND THOMAS 
TO MAKE 6 AT PAR 



William Pine will produce six pic- 
tures for Paramount's 1941-42 pro- 
gram, In association with William C. 
Thomas, through deal just consum- 
mated. Paramount will finance. 
These six will include' three features 
starring Richard Arlen, and a like 
number headed by Chester Morris. 

'Torpedo Boat,' an original by 
Aaron Gottlieb, will be the first ot 
the Arlen features. Screenplay is 
now being written by Paul Franklin, 
with production slated to start in 
September. Initial Chester Morris 
picture will be 'No Hands on the 
Clock,' a whodunit by Geoffrey 
Homes (pen name for Dan Mainwar- 
ing), skedded to start Aug. 15. 



Shirley Sprocketing Again 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Shirley Temple starrer, 'Kathleen,' 
goes into work at Metro early this 
month, with Warner Baxter playing 
the father role. 

Her next picture Is Edward Small's 
'Little Annie Rooney,' slated to start 
In early fall. . . 



Dearth of product, possibly on a 
scale hitherto not experienced be- 
fore in the film business, threatens 
for late July and August. It's a situ- 
ation calculated to further deflate 
boxonice returns in the 45-day pe> 
riod just prior to release of new 
1941-42 product under the consent 
decree, starting Sept. 1. Subsequent 
run theatres are expected to feel the 
pinch during September because of 
clearance situation which will hold 
back new 1941-42 pictures. 

Exhibitors admittedly are worried 
over the situation because they fail 
to see how the product drought can 
be remedied excepting through re- 
issues or extended running of prod- 
uct which, at best, would have a 
tough job standing up in normal 
weather periods. 

Consequently, a heavy influx of 
reissues and re-booking of recent 
b.o. successes looms for August. 
Reason for possible heavy shortage 
next month Is that several majors 
last year began using new 1940-41 
product as early as Aug. 1. This Is 
particularly true of 20th-Fox, which 
started its 1940-41 season on Aug. 1. 
It applies to Paramount, Warner 
Bros., RKO and Metro in almost th« 
same degree because these distribu- 
tors did a lot ot pre-releasing on 
current season's pictures. ' 

These companies will be winding 
up a full 12 months of product or 
♦hgresbAuls, at the- -end of . July but • ■ 
the demand of exhibitors will be for 
13 months of films because of that 
early start last August Hence, for 
these five distribs few new pictures 
will be in sight during August or 
until the new 1941-42 films are re- 
leased to exhibitor accounts. 
WB and Par Exceptions 

In fact, it now appears question* 
able whether many major com- 
panies, excepting Warners and Para- 
mount, win be able to meet 1940-41 
contract provisions. Metro is strug- 
gling to reach the minimum of 44 
features under its contract (maxi- 
mum promised was 62) while United 
Artists also is reported finding it a 
task to round out Its current ■ con- 
tracts. This all makes for an addl- 
tiondl shortage at the tag end of a 
season when strong product is 
needed more than ever before to 
bolster a weak b.o. 

Typical of the trend towards more 
and more reissues is the action of 
RKO, Paramount and Warner Bros. 
Last named distrib has been doing 
well for a month or more with a 
reissue of 'Devil Dogs of the Air.' 
Paramount has announced it will 
send out 'Ruggles of Red Gap' again, 
for July business. RKO has had 
'Vivacious Lady' out for some weeks 
on reissue and is reported giving 
serious consideration to reissuing 
'Ramparts We Watch,' March of 
Time^feature released originally less 
than a year ago. United Artists has 
tried reissues of 'Prisoner of Zenda' 
and 'Tom Sawyer' in several spots. 
Understood that Par, RKO and War- 
ners are considering other oldies for 
re-booking. 

Combination of product scarcity 
and extended runs of current top 
boxoflice attractions already is 
showing up in subsequents. In- 
stances have been noted where sub- 
sequent-run houses even have em- 
ployd two reissues to attract busi- 
ness rather than use two question- 
able 'B' current releases. 



Autry's Okla. Rancho 

Dallas, Texas, July 1. 

Gene Autry, Republic Pictures 
cowboy star, will purchase a ranch 
near Ardmore, Okla., buy livestock 
for a complete rodeo and show the 
rodeo in some of the nation's largest 
cities this fall or next spring, accord- 
ing to Lloyd Rust, district manager 
of the Republic. 

Rust Is just back from San Antonio 
where he conferred with Autry and 
Col. W. T, Johnson who retired from 
the rodeo biz after five consecutive 
years at Madison Square Garden In 
New York and alsewhere. Rust said 
the rodeo premiere will be in Dallas. 

i . JJ ' > T • '..5 '. >' J J J ♦ 



PICTUBES 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



K-A<0 $8,000,000 Ref imding Plan 
Consummated; Retire Keith Bonds 



The $8,000,000 refunding, re- 
organization plan of Keith-AJbee- 
Orpheum Corp., was formally con- 
summated Monday (30) as the di- 
rectors took final steps following the 
approval g;iven by the stockholders 
Friday (27) following two postpone- 
ments. Simplication of RKO's cor- 
porate structure, particularly as it 
pertains to theatre subsids, was 
possible through making the plan 
effectiye. This was done through 
consolidating principal RKO thea- 
tre subsids with the parent RKO 
company. 

One of final steps was Atlas 
Corp.'s action in picking up the re- 
maining 21,000 shares of K-A-O 
preferred held by Mike Meehan in- 
terests Monday. After exercising 
this option. Atlas tendered these 
shares plus 7,000 other preferred 
which it had obtained earlier from 
Meehan, to HKO at $114.25 option 
price. 

Another portion of the plan calls 
for K-A-O to pay $15.75 accrued 
dividends on the remaining outstand- 
ing K-A-O preferred shares, total- 
ing about 15,000. Sinking fund pro- 
vision is said to consider later re- 
tirement of these shares, which 
would leave only the K-A-O com- 
mon outstanding. 

Most of coin obtained in loans 
from four banks and one insurance 
company will be used to retire $4,- 
454,000 worth of B. F. Keith bonds 
outstanding as well as $580,000 in 
Keith Memorial bonds, also out- 
standing. Bulk of remaining amount 
■was required to handle the ac- 
quisition of the Meehan preferred 
chares. 



Unions' Squabbling 
Kayoes Jukepix in N.Y. 

Rochester, N. Y., July 1. 

Coin-in-slot film machines have 
disappeared from Rochester bar- 
rooms and night spots following de- 
mands by the Motion Picture Pro- 
jectionists Union that the machines 
be serviced by union operators. 
Members of the Bartenders Union 
backed up the projectionists and the 
proprietors, not wanting that much 
trouble, quietly ordered the ma- 
chines out. 

The few machines installed didn't 
operate long enough to demonstrate 
popularity. 



Bondo? 



Austin, Texait July 1. 

It has been dlshware, linen, 
icreeno, bank night and now Ita 
National Defense Bond Night, 

Joseph's Drive-In here each 
week dflers Its patrons one $100 
Defense Bond . as b.o. bait. 



52 BIBLICAL SHORTS 
FOR CHURCH XIRCUIT' 



SEC Ok on K-A-O 

- "WasM/igioBi July 

Three related deals involving over 
70,000 shares of Keith-Albee-Orph- 
eum preferred and improving the 
cash position of Hadio-Keith-Orph- 
eum by roughly $5,000,000 received 
approval Saturday (22) from the Se- 
curities & Exchange Commission. 
Exemptiota was granted from pro- 
visions of the Investment Company 
Act of 1940 after a finding that the 
transactions are 'fair and do not in 
volve over-reaching on the part of 
any person concerned.' 

The transactions involved unload- 
ing of KAO stock by Michael J, 
Meehan and resulted in tightening of 
Floyd B. Odium's hold on the related 
film enterprises. 

The deals ratified by the 'Federal 
agency were: 

Sale of 48,586 shares of KAO pre 
ferred by RKO to KAO for a price 
of $3,090,019.75; sale of 21,800 shares 
of KAO preferred by Meehan to 
Atlas Corp. and American Co. on bC' 
half of RKO for $2,490,650; and sale 
by Atlas and American of voting 
trust certificates for 6,000 shares of 
KAO preferred for $600,000. 



STUDIOS - SDG 
AGREEMENT 
SET 



Hollywood, July 1. 
Producers and the Screen Directors 
Guild are nearing a washup of their 
differences and a new contract is 
expected to be signed soon, follow- 
ing meeting of studio heads last 
(Monday) night. Last obstacle to 
the agreement Is believed cleared 
away, with negotiations progressing 
favorably on minimum wage de- 
mands. 

Earlier In the day confabs were 
held with indie producers who de- 
manded recognition in pegging mini- 
mum wage scale. Tentative agree- 
ment- reported reached with SDG 
membership to act on best terms 
-wshglcd l«t- r.egoUating epromi.y.ee,... 

Producers also studied demands of 
lATSE locals, but further discussions 
are slated before the holiday week- 
end. 



New B. F. Keith Corp. 

Albany, July 1. 
B. F. Keith Corp. has been char- 
tered here as a consolidation of 
Greater New York Vaudeville The- 
atres Corp. and B. F. Keith Corp, 
Capital stock is listed at' $20,000,000 
with shares $100 par. Prentice Hall, 
Inc., filed the papers. 



Sweeping Victory for Cartoonists 
In Strike Settlement With Disney 



BIG APRIL Ui. TAXES 
CUES UPBEAT AT B. 0. 



Washington, July 1. 

Furthering the use of motion pic- 
tures in pictorial education — in this 
case Biblical education — is the proj- 
ect of Biblical Photo Plays, company 
organized by Charles Anson Bohd of 
this city. Plans call for the filming, 
in Hollywood, of a sieries of 62 pic- 
tures, one of which will be made 
available each week, beginning Dec. 
1, to churches thrpughout the coun- 
try which lease the series. 

The pictures, it is argued by the 
company, will be a factor in return- 
ing people to church and Sunday 
school. TTie New Testament is to be 
the source material for the series, 
each of the 52 phott^lays ^carrying 
further the story of the life of 
Christ. 

First of the series, a sound picture 
in Technicolor, as will be those to 
follow, has already been completed 
and recently had its world premier 
here at the Foundry Methodist 
Church. 

Daniel C. Roper, former Secre- 
tary of Commerce, addressed the 
audience of church officials from 
Washington and nearby Maryland 
and Virginia, .urging the use of mo- 
tion pictures in Sunday school and 
church work. 

. Since then the film has been shown 
in both. Detroit and Philadelphia and 
is being used as a sample in selling 
the series to churches. 

Each of the pictures, which will be 
three-reelers running approximately 
30 minutes, will be madie In Holly- 
wood by a professional cast and di- 
rector. The director already has 
been sigiilsd,' Borid said, but added 
he could not announce his name as 
yet. 

Biblical Photo Plays hopes to have 
the first six chapters of the series 
on the life of Christ completed by 
the time the first one is released to 
the subscribing churches in Decem- 
ber. 



Final UA Regional Sales | 
Meet Starts in Frisco 

Finale in the current series of five 
regional sales conventions being held 
by United Artists gets under way 
in San Francisco today (Wednesday). 
Similar two-day meets have already 
been held in New York, New Or- 
leans, Cincinnati and Chicago. 

Four western exchange territories 
will be represented — Los Angeles, 
Salt Lake City, San Francisco and 
Seattle. As with the others, Arthur 
W. Kelly, operating head of UA, will 
act as chairman of the conclave. 
Maskell Masters, western sales man- 
ager, will present the new program, 
with other reps from the h^o., In- 
cluding Monroe Greenthal, pub-ad 
head, and Seymour Poe, Masters' as- 
sistant 



2 KRIM BROS. PLEAD 
GUILTY ETAX CASE 



Detr"oit, July 1. 
Sol and Mac Krim, brothers and 
operators of Krim Theatrical Enter- 
prises and Stramer Theatre Corp. 
here, pleaded guilty before Federal 
Judge Frank A., Picard to two in- 
• dictments charging evasion of pay- 
ment of admission taxes and em- 
bezzlement of U. S. funds. 

The brothers had been Indicted on 
charges of having failed to turn 
over in e^^cess of $3,000 collected in 
taxes on admission tickets in their 
' theatres here between July and Oc- 
tober, 1940. Each of the Indictments 
contains eight counts. It could roll 
Up an extreme penalty of 40 years 
In prison and fines of $40,000 since 
the law provides a maximum penalty 
of five years' imprisonment and 
$5,000 fine on each count. 

Judge Picard, after acceptance of 
the pleas, referred the case to the 
probation . department before de- 
termining sentence.. 



Washington, July 1. 

Amusement business took an en- 
couraging upturn in April, accord- 
ing to the May admission tax pay- 
ments which touched the second 
highest level recorded this year and 
topped figures for seven of the other 
.nine months the present scale has 
been in effect. 

The Treasury pocketed $6,955,991 
from the 10% bite on April grosses, 
a rise of $1,328,597 over the prior 
month's collections and a jump of 
$5,164,896 above the same stanza last 
year. Record since the tariff was 
stiffened last summer Is $7,124,225 
turned in last November, and the 
1941. maximum is $7,104,956 received 
in March. 

Cumulative total for the five 
months of 1940 is $32,776,901, or' more 
than three times the sum raked in 
during the same portion of 1940. It's 
almost $12,000,000 ahead of the 
amount which Uncle Sam took from 
amusement patrons In the full 12 
months of his best year under the 
old tax schedule. 

The sharp May rise was in ac- 
cordance with a more or less sea- 
sonal trend. The Government's re- 
ceipts have gone up between April 
and May in five of the last eight 
years, declines occurring only in 
1940, 1938, and 1937. Due to the 
heavier tariff, the Improvement this 
year is by far the -best ever regis- 
tered. 

Further encouragement Is seen in 
the fact that the change from 1940 
to 1941 was the best so far. Only 
other time this year's take has 
topped the same stanza of the pre- 
ceding year was January, when the 
gain was $5,096,74^, or roughly $70,- 
000 smaller than the May-to-May ad- 
vance. In addition, the May jump 
over last year Is some $1,500,000 fat- 
ter than the change from April, 1940, 
to April, 1941. 



SWG Comes of Age 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Screen Writers Guild celebrates 
today (Tuesday) its 21st anniversary. 

Frank Woods was the organiza- 
Uon's first president. , 



Situation Well in Hand 



Hollywood, July 1. 
'On the Shores of Tripoli,' a sec- 
tion of the Marine anthem. Is the 
title of a new service feature in 
preparation at 20th-Fox to keep up 
with the army and navy pictures be 
ing rushed to the front In the other 
studios. 

Screenplay Is by Steve Fisher, for 
mer able-bodied seaman, who spent 
10 days at the Marine base in San 
Diego gathering material. Milton 
Sperling produces. 



Studio Contracts 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Anne Edmonds' player option lift- 
ed by Warners. 

Lisa -'Huntley drew stock contract 
at RKO. 

Janet Shaw inked an acting deal 
with Hal Roach. 

Otto Brower rene>yed for one year 
as director at 20th-Fox. 

Ernest Palmer, cameraman, drew 
option lift at 20th-Fox. 

Smith Ballew inked -player pact 
with Liberty-National Pictures Corp. 

Frank Wilcox drew a renewal of 
his player contract at Warners. 

Barbara Slater, fashion model. 
Inked a player pact at Paramount 

Lew Seller re-optiohed as director 
at Warners. 

Sheldon Leonard'.s player option 
picked up by 20th-Fox. 

Julia Faye signed to a Paramount 
contract 

John Higgins Inked writing pact 
at Metro. 

Hattie "McDaniel's player option 
hoisted by. Warners. 

John Shelton's acting contract 
with Metro was taken over by 20th- 
Fox. 

Lloyd Nolan drew renewal of 
his playing contract at 20th-Fox for 
another year. 



METRO'S $27,500 
FOR 'WARN 
FOR MAY' 



"Very Warm for May,' Max Gor- 
don musical which had an unsuc- 
cessful, run at the Alvln, N. Y., In 
the fall of 1039, has been bought for 
filming by Metro. Price was $27,500. 

Although the sale of the musical 
was understood to have taken place 
some weeks ago, it was announced 
by neither Gordon nor Metro, -al- 
though Gordon confirmed it yester- 
day (Tuesday). Oscar Hammersteln, 
2d, and Jerome Kern authored. 



Hollywood, July 1. 
The four-week strike of the Screen 
Cartoonists Guild at Walt Disney's 
studio is being washed up today 
(Tues.) following approval by mem- 
bership of a proposed contract sub- 
mitted by the AFL committee. 

New deal calls for reinstatement 
of all employes as of May 15; dis- 
charge of all employes hired subse- 
quent to that date; no strikers to be 
laid off within 90 days after settle- 
ment; only those who remained at 
work during walkout or deserted 
strikers to be laid off; full retro- 
active pay and screen credit; union 
label; sick leave; vacations; guaran- 
teed employment of 60 weeks yearly; 
full seniority rights; severance pay- 
closed sho^; all employes to affiliate 
with SCG within 15 days after con- 
tract is signed; appointment of a 
grievance setup; and a committee to 
determine classifications. 

AFL committee meets later today 
with Walt Disney and other studio 
execs, with the only hitch expected 
,on retroactive pay and discrimina- 
tion. Although deal was practically 
set by Harold Smith, head of the 
lATSE soundmen, WlUie Bioff moved 
into the picture and Is directing the 
committee. 

Herb Sorrell, biz rep of Painters 
local, was given a thunderous ova- 
tion by members when terms of the 
proposed contract were read to them. 
Contract has been tentatively okayed 
by Disney and expected settlement 
reached Avithin a few days after the 
pact gets another going-over by the 
AFL committee. 



Other Story Buys 

Hollywood, July 1 
Universal bought 'Gabriel, Sound 
Your A,' by Bemie Feins. 

Walter Lantz bought the song, '$21 
a Day Once a Month,' by Felix Ber- 
nard, as basis of an Army cartoon 
for Universal release. 

Nat Levine and Al Iievoy sold 
"Marshal from Helldorado' to 20th- 
Fox. 

Repubjic acquired 'Body Guard,' 
western yarn by Al Block. 

George Bricker sold untitled G- 
Man story to KB Productions. 

Paramount bought 'Special Deliv- 
ery' from F. Hugh Herbert, who also 
signed to work on the screenplay. 

Joel Malone sold his western tale, 
'Raider.<; of El Dorado,' to Republic. 

20th-Fox has purchased 'No Coffin 
for the Corpse' by Clayton Rawson. 
It's a mystery yarn to be published 
shortly by Putnam. Price was $3,000 
Rawson previously wrote 'Merlini 
the Magician' made by Metro. 
- Principal interest of the studios in 
new books lies in 'The Sun Is My 
Undoing,' a 1,200-pager by Marguer- 
ite Steen, an English writer. It's an 
historical novel of ^ave trading In 
the late 18th century and said to be 
the longest tome covered by the 
majors since 'Gone With the Wind." 
Viking will publish in the fall. 



WHJMUNGTON GOES 
SUNDAY PIX 13TH 



Charlotte, N. C, July 1. 

Wilmington Is going to have Sun- 
day pictures, baseball, softball, foot- 
ball and bowling. But these sports 
and amusements will not be made 
available on the Sabbath until at 
least July 13. 

Wilmington's five-man City Coun- 
cil approved, on first reading, an or- 
dinance to allow the amusement and 
sports activities, but the ordinance 
will have to go through two addi- 
tional readings. The vote was unani- 
mous. - Adoption of the ordinance 
followed a lengthy hearing, at which 
many ministers and other repre- 
sentatives of churches, as well as a 
number of laymen, were heard in 
opposition to adoption of the ordi- 
nance, which will eliminate so-called 
'blue laws' from Wilmington. 



Cummins Appealing N.Y. 
Censors* Nix on *He* 

Albany, July 1. 

The Board of Regents, at its 
monthly meeting, considered the ap- 
peal of Public WeUare Pictures 
Corp., 230 East 41 street, N. Y. City, 
for a reversal of the ruling by Irwin 
Esmond, director of the motion pic- 
ture division. State Education De- 
partment, that 'He' was not license- 
able. The film, based on De Mau- 
pasant's 'Le Rosier De Madam Hus- 
sin,' was nixed by Esmond on the 
ground it was 'indecent. Immoral 
and would tend to corrupt morals.' 
The first application was made in 
July, 1940, and a second recently. 

Samuel Cummins, general man- 
ager of Public Welfare Pictures, 
contends that company purchased 
the exhibition rights in good faith. 
Permit issued to former owner had 
been cancelled. Claim is made that 
previous owner of national distribu- 
tion rights was not aware of, can- 
cellation of permit or of violation 
of rules and regulations of the State 
Education Department. 

'He,' described as a feature-length 
comedy, has been okayed by Massa- 
chusetts, Pennsylvania and Maryland 
censors, petitioner states. Decision 
by the Regentg Is expected soon, . . 



Add B.O. Headaches: 
900,000 More Draftees 

If, as some <exhibs claim. It's the 
number of youths away In army 
camps, that Is responsible for the 
.current b.o. plunge, the news from 
the Presidential estate at Hyde 
Park, N. Y., on Sunday (29) was an- 
other cause . for aspirin-gulping. 
President Roosevelt Issued an order 
authorizing induction of 900,000 men 
In the land forces during the year 
beginning July 1. That's the mayl- 
mum allowed under the Selective 
Service Act. 

Chief Exec's order permits the 
addition of 100,000 more selectees 
than were authorized last year and 
250,000 more than have been put in 
service. There are approximately 
1,500,000 nien now in the army. 

There's not 100% agreement by 
i any means that the Selective Service 
' Act has been to any large measure 
responsible for the b.o. decrement 
although there's no doubt that It has 
counted. ; Some exhibs figure that 
each boy called away accounts for 
at least two less admissions a week 
because he'd usually attend films at 
least once and probably take his 
girl. 

Optimists among the exhibition 
fraternity, of course, are looking 
forward to the day in October when 
the first inductees begin to be re- 
leased from the army to return to 
civilian life. 



DOUG NETTEK AT PAR 

Douglas Netter, son of Leon Net- 
ter, has been made assistant to 
Eddie Hyman, executive in Para- 
mount's Theatre Dept. 

He takes, place of J. J. Fitzgib- 
bons, Jr., who resigned after several 
weeks in U. S., and has gone back 
to Toronto. Young Fitzgibbons is 
son of J. J. Fitzgibbons, president of 
Famous Player$-Canadlan Corp. > . 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



PICTURES 7 



HEID'S SOLO PIX OK B.O. 



Dave Idzal of Detroit Challenges 
firandt, et AL> on Poor Pix Quality 



Detroit, July 1. 

Taking up the cudgel against 
Harry Brandt, whose latest blast was 
carried widely by the press here, 
David M. Idral, managing director 
ol the Fox, accused Brandt of re- 
marks contrapy to fact In an answer 
also liberally spread by the news- 
papers. Brandt has gone all-out 
against duals. 

'Anyone with even the remotest 
interest in the motion picture in- 
dustry knows the- production of pic- 
tures has improved with each sea- 
son,' Idzal declared. Technique and 
mechanics are so far superior to the 
type , of product we received as re- 
cently as two years ago that com- 
parison is almost ridiculous. 

'As for the double-feature policy, 
jrou know that we have experi- 
mented here and that our patrons 
voted 4 to 1 for single features. Also, 
we instituted a policy of double- 
billing in the afternoon and single- 
billing at night. Lack of patronage 
and demands for refunds forced us 
back into the double-bill policy. 

'I have been associated with the 
theatre for over 30 years and each 
summer there have been Harry 
Brandts to condemn the business 
blindly and unjustly — without the 
support of fact and without a single 
practical suggestion for betterment. 

'Brandt is a leader of a- group of 
theatres and as such can set the ex- 
ample of single features. As the 
leader of this same group he is free 
to book only the type of pictures he 
feeli his patrons should see. He is 
not forced under any circumstances 
to play pictures he doesn't feel suit- 
able for exhibition.' 



CHALLENGE TO 
SHOWMANSHIP 



New York. 

f^Aitar, Variety: 

A state of emergency exists in the 
film industry and until the pro- 
ducers,, distributors, circuit and in- 
dependent exhibitors realize the im- 
portance and the necessity of co- 

?irdlnation and cooperation among 
hemselves, the only solution under 
present conditions is hard-hitting 
exploitation and advertising. 

The picture theatres are the great- 
est medium of public assemblage in 
the country but you can'* get people 
Into the theatres by putting long 
drawers on Betty Grable and telling 
Lana Turner that she can't wear 
■weaters. 
Every theatre has its own local 
(Continued on page 22) 



Siegel of Rep. Says Co. 
WiU Up Budgets Also 



With most other companies upplng 
1941-42 budgets to meet competition 
under the consent decree. Republic, 
although not a signatory, will follow 
suit. It will tilt its coin layout about 
$1,250,000. M. J. Siegel. Rep produc- 
tion head, said in New York yester- 
day (Tuesday). There will, however, 
be four more features to come out 
of the 1941-42 budget than will have 
been made for 1040-41, the company 
upping its output from 28 features to 
30. There will again be 32 westerns 
and foiir serials, Siegel said. 

Production exec is east to discuss 
Hep's second quarter product with 
prez Herberl J. Yates. He disclosed 
that three features have already 
been completed for the first three- 
month period of the new season. 
Present year's schedule will all be 
In cans by Aug. 15, he declared. Of 
the 2G features promised, 22 have 
been delivered, two are completedyor 
cutting, 'Icecapades of 1941' is now 
shooting, and 'Doctors Don't Tell,' to 
go into production Monday (7), will 
complete the slate. 

Siegel will head for the Coast 
about next Tuesday, he said. 



Duals Unfair/ Say 

British Indie Exhibs 



London, June 13. 

The dual bill setup has been 
blasted by indie exhibs here, who've 
taken the occasion to smack the oir- 
cuits for unfair competition. Trouble 
is aftermath to Quota affairs and 
film shortage. Independent opera- 
tors urge the dual program lie 
dropped for the duration of war on 
grounds neither business nor fea- 
tures are enough to go around. 

Circuits with their three-hour 
screenings are grabbing off more 
than their fair share of the trade, it's 
claimed, and so indie exhibs can't 
buy in on the ace films till they're 
overplayed. No protest at the charge 
has been lodged by the circuit own- 
ers. 



Anti-Dual Bill 
Defeated in 111. 
Upper House 



Chicago, July 1. 

Bill that was slated to eliminate 
double features was killed off sud- 
denly and unexpectedly by the Sen- 
ate of the State Legislature last 
week after it had passed the House. 
Bill was killed by the executive 
committee of the Senate and was 
never even presented for vote to 
the upper chamber. 

This bill would have made it man-, 
datory for theatres to have a 15- 
mlnute intermission every hour after 
the first two hours of any show that 
runs more than 120 minutes in toto. 

Killing of this bill was a great 
exhibitor surprise. It had passed 
the Legislature in 1939 but at that 
time was vetoed by the late Gov. 
Henry Horner and pigeonholed. 

Allied and other indie exhibs have 
made no plans for a followup now 
that the law on which they had 
banked heavily is a cooked goose. 
May try to work up some plan of 
going directly to the public to get 
a customer stand against double 
bills. 



WAUIS TO CANADA 
ON FLYING PICTURE 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Hal B. Wallis shoved off for Ot- 
tawa to make arrangements for the 
filming of a flying picture, 'Captains 
of the Clouds,' to be shot with the 
help of the Royal Canadian Air Force 
on three air fields above the border. 

Picture is slated to start July 7 
at the barracks at Upland Fields, 
Ottawa, with George Brent in the 
male lead if he can get out of the 
hospital in time. Brent is recover- 
ing from a minor operation. 



Isolationistic Michigan 
Bulh'sh on Defense Pix 



Detroit, July 1. 

With only a slight minority stand- 
ing off, 491 of Michigan's 521 open 
theatres have signed to play national 
defense films here in a section of the 
country notoriously isolationist The 
picture house drive for national de- 
fense was launched at a meeting of 
the Detroit Variety Club attended by 
representatives of more than 200 
theatres as well as 90% of the branch 
managers, bookers and salesmen of 
the district. 

At the gathering Carl Buermele, of 
Cooperative Theaters, and Edward C. 
Beatty, of the extensive ButterAeld 
chain, presented the extensive 
pledges of the state's exhibitors. 



niYSALSO 
GIVEN THE GO-BY 



Pioneer Circuit Head Finds, 
After 4 Weeks, That the 
Policy Change Is for the 
Better 

EXTENDS DATES 



Minneapolis, July 1. 

After a four-week trial period of 
double features and giveaways elim- 
ination in all eight of his Pioneer 
circuit 'A' houses In Iowa, Harold 
Field, owner of the chain, has an- 
nounced here that the policy change 
will be permanent. By extending 
the playing time of pictures and by 
doing away with the twin bills and 
cash and other gifts. Field declares 
that he actually has obtained better 
net operating returns for the the- 
atres and, in consequence, the duals 
and rackets are out for good. 

Moreover, the public reaction has 
been highely favorable, especially 
with respect to the twin bills' elim- 
ination. Saturday night grosses have 
shown a pickup all along the line 
and the theatres that tossed out the 
duals and giveaways fared better at 
the boxoffice, comparatively, than 
nine 'B' houses that continued with 
their double features and gifts, ac- 
cording to Field. 

Bad business prompted Field to 
institute the policy reversal in his 
'A' houses, he explains. He says he 
decided to cut expenses and 'see 
what happened.' 

'Out went the double features, 
cosmetics, gifts of every sort, cash 
giveaways and, except in several 
(Continued on page 22) 



House Approves 
10c Tax Base On 
All Admissions 



Washington, July 1. 

Reduction of admissipn tax ex- 
emption to start the tap on4>.o. fees 
at 10c was approved by the House 
Ways and Means Committee yester- 
day (Monday). Taxes now start on 
admissions of over 20c. Only 
patrons exempt from the new levy 
are to be service men In uniform. 
New base rate is expected to become 
operative in the fall. 

Industry had indicated it favored 
the elimination of any base and 
wanted the tax to be, applicable on 
any and all admissions. Films did 
win a point, however, with the com- 
mittee's refusal tj continue tax Sx- 
emptions on shows given by church 
and charitable organizations. 

Aside from the new base level, 
tax will continue to be 1% of each 
10c or fraction thereof. Present 20c 
exemption, which was voted a year 
ago in place of the old 40c bottom, 
was anticipated to yield $74,000,000 
yearly. New 10c cellar is estimated 
to. bring in $134,000,000. , 

Ways and Meansers did not in- 
clude in the tax bill a proposal 
favored by Congressional tax. ex- 
perts for a $12,000,000 tap on film 
rentals, as was in effect during 
World War I. Had it been enacted, 
it would have been added to exhib 
rentals. 



The Shootin' Dies Down 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Entire feature production program 
for 1940-41 has been completed at 
Monogram, leaving only two Tom 
Keene westerns to be shot, 

Robert. Tansey, producer, is ready- 
ing the pair for early filming at 
Prescott, Ariz. 



Indie Producers Call On Guilds 
And Unions Not to Kayo Dual Pix; 
Foresee Unemployment Otherwise 



Post-Mortem % 



Attorneys working on the 
Douglas Fairbanks estate have 
been perspiring for weeks over 
the intricate mathematics and 
legal papers involved in divvy- 
ing up the holdings into the one- 
fortieth shares dictated by the 
late screen star's will. 

Finally, last week, the reams 
of official documents were com- 
pleted and ready for presenta- 
tion to the court. Then some- 
.one discovered that one of Fair- 
banks' nieces, who Is to get a 
hunk of the estate, is about to 
have a baby. Will mentioned 
that specific possibility with the 
result that all the calculation 
has to be done over and all the 
papers redrawn. Attorneys are 
praying that there be no more 
'Acts of God.' 



Biz Upswing In 
Contrast to B.O. 
Dip Puzzling 



Minneapolis, July 1. 
As painted by the Federal Re- 
serve bank reports, local business 
picture continues to puzzle exhibi- 
tors in the territory. While theatre 
grosses have been at a low ebb for 
several months, the report just is- 
sued states that general business ac- 
tivity, in a protracted upward 
course throughout the district, 
reached its highest level since 1930 
in May. 

The report says bank deposits con- 
tinued to expand and farmers' cash 
income "climbed 10% above May, 
1940. 

May business volume advanced 
from April and continued at the 
highest level since 1930, 'with prac- 
tically all business indexes reach- 
ing the highest level since 1929 or 
1030,' according to the report. 

'Both city and country department 
store sales indexes advanced sharply 
and were at the highest May level on 
record,' the report says. 'At the same 
time the Minnesota index of em- 
ployment rose to the highest point 
on record and farm product prices 
advanced to the highest level since 
July, 1037.' 

Another 'statistical' encouragement 
to the film trade, which hasn't felt 
or benefited from the upswing's ef- 
fects yet, is the highly favorable 
crop report. 

'Spring and durum wheat pros- 
pects in the Northwest are almost 
too good to be true,' declares the 
Cargill Grain company, one of the 
largest elevator owncr.<;. 'Minnesota, 
North and South Dakota and Mon- 
tana could hardly be in better con- 
dition. All grains show prospects of 
heavy yields.' 



Nat'l Agency Bill 

Worries H'wood ^ers 

Hollywood, July 1. 
Bill in Congress to regulate pri- 
vate employment agencies, intro- 
duced in May by Rep. Tolan, 'of 
Oklahoma, has Hollywood agents 
worried. Provisions of the measure 
would have all agents licensed by the 
Secretary of Labor, who would have 
the right to fix fees and revoke li- 
censes. 

Counsel for the Actors Managers 
Guild are hopeful of putting through 
an amendment which would elimi- 
nate talent agents as affected parties. 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Protest against the curtailing of 
double bills was registered here at a 
meeting of the Independent Motion 
Picture Producers Association, 
which called on all the guilds and 
labor unions to keep the duals on 
the screen. A reversion to single 
bills, the indies declared, would 
mean unemployment for labor and 
technical crews and actors not un- 
der contract to major studios. 

Represented at the meeting were 
Monogram, Producers Releasing 
(Corporation, Banner, Supreme, I. E. 
(ihadwick. Gold Seal, Million Dol- 
lar, Mascot, Kozinsky Bros., Boots 
and Saddles, George Weeks, Al Her- 
man, Sarecky-Horwin, Alexander, 
Cinecolor and Windermere Produc- 
tions. Committee to fight against 
the single bill legislation was ap- 
pointed to consult with the Screen 
Actors Guild, the -Screen Writers 
Guild, the cameramen and other 
working organizations. 

In another resolution, under 
chairmanship of I. E.- Chadwick, the 
indies drew up a counter-proposal to 
the recent Hays office dictum which 
fixes a minimum of $100 for pic- 
tures costing up to $25,000 for pro- 
duction code seal. New proposal 
calls for a payment of $50 for films 
below the $25,000 class, increasing 
to $150 for pictures costing $100,000 
and conforming with the major com- 
panies on all productions above that 
scale. 

New officers of the IMPPA are 
I. E. Chadwick, president; William 
Hackel, v. -p.; Lindsley Parsons, sec- 
ond V. p., and Edward Finney, sec- 
retary-treasurer. 



QGHTONPROD. 
LINE AT 20TH 



Hollywood, July 1. 
Eight new pictures, beginning with 
three next Monday (7), are on the 
production slate at 20th-Fox. Three 
Monday starters are the Jane 
Withers starrer, 'Small Town Deb,' 
directed by Harold Schuster; 'Cadet 
Girl,' directed by Ray McCarey, and 
'Detour to Love,' piloted by Alfred 
Werker. 

'Forward March,' a Laurel-Hardy 
comedy, rolls July 10, followed four 
days later by 'Swamp Water- and 
'Confirm or Deny." Two more, 'Re- 
member the Day' and 'Between the 
Devil,' go into work later in the 
month. 



Warners' Two Pictures 
About Prime Ministers 



Hollywood, July 1. 
'The Prime Minister,' a British- 
made picture built around the career 
of Disraeli, has been taken over by 
Warners for American distribution. 
John Gielgud plays the Disraeli role 
and Diana Wynyard the femme lead. 



Churchill ric 

Warners plans screening the life 
of Winston Churchill, and may pro- 
duce the film at the Teddington 
plant, London, according to Max 
Milder, Warner manager for the 
company in Great Britain. Milder 
came into N. Y. on the same clipper 
plane that brought in David Rose, 
Paramount's British manager, last 
Wednesday (25). 

Milder is here for discussions of 
the British situation with Harry 
Warner, having originally been re- 
ported coming over in connection 
with pending deal for buy-in on 
John Maxwell's theatre chain in 
England. Milder made no n\^ntion 
of any such deal on his arrival. 



EXPLOITATION 



Wednesdaj, July 2, 1941 



Panunoant Will Pre-Judge TimeValues 
Before Putting Musicals in Production 



Hollywood, July 1. 
New plan for pre-judging ex- 
pensive tune sequences in film mu- 
sicals is being arranged by Sidney 
Koinheiser, general manager of the 
Paramount Music and Famous Mu- 
sic Corps., and Lou Lipstone, music 
head at the studio. In cooperation 
with all directors working on tune- 
fllms. Idea is to gauge, beforehand, 
the exploitation, sheet and record- 
ing values of forthcoming numbers, 
costing from $15,000 to $50,000 per 
tune. 

Kornheiser is working out a pro- 
gram of air plugging of Paramount 
ditties which he expects will be ac- 
ceptable to ASCAP, and is arranging 
for stronger exploiting of the studio's 
film music through a series of 
trailers. 

Main point in Komheiser's pro 
spectus is to have music publishers 
express their reaction to tunes be- 
fore they are filmed, Instead of 
spending heavy money on the pro- 
duction of doubtful numbers. 

Between huddles, Kornheiser has 
been auditioning numbers for 
•Glamour Boy,' 'Louisiana Purchase,' 
'Birth of the Blues,' 'Sing a Song of 
Homicide' and "The Fleet's In.' From 
12 to 15 songs suitable for sheet 
sales and recordings will be picked 
from the five productions. 



Nate Goldstein's Kid Mat 
Collects 2 Tons Aliuninum 

One of the first aluminum matinees 
held by a picture theatre in coopera- 
tion with the national defense cam- 
paign proved a huge goodwill 
builder for tiie Paramount, Spring- 
field, Mass., last week. Every child 
presenting a piece of old aluminum 
was admitted to the special after- 
noon performance, response being so 
tremendous that two one-ton trucks 
were needed to haul away the metal. 

Special aluminum matinee was 
undertaken under instruction of 
Nathan E. Goldstein, head of West 
ern Massachusetts Theatres, Inc. He 
plans holding similar matinees in 
Brattleboro, Greenfield, North 
Adams, Holyoke, Northampton and 
Plttefleld. 



flock: O'HTLES CUE 
MUCH NEW PRODUCTION 



Art and News 

Ban rranclsco, July L 
EUis Levey, Telenews mana- 
ger, is now purveying oultur* 
with world events. Has turned 
part of hl» upholstered base- 
ment radio studio and reoreatlon 
center Into an art gallery, wher* 
regular exhibitions are being 
held. 

Stunt is grabbing lots of fr«« 
■pace in the papers. 



JOINT BOOK 
MAPPED FOR 
MARITIMES 



PluDys Fdm Row Facelift; RKOs 
Publicity Revamp; Other Briefs 



Cana£an Exhibs 
Now Absorbing 
Part of 20% Tax 



David O. Selznick went on a title- 
registering spree last week, laying 
claim to approximately 25 potential 
labels for pictures. Most of them 
were possibilities for the series of 
short stories he will film and edit 
into feature-length pictures. He has 
decided neither on a generic name 
for this whole type of film nor on a 
specific one for the first picture, 
tentatively tagged: Tales of Passion 
and Romance.' 

Those that he registered were 
Tellers of Tales,' Told in the Night,' 
Tales of Passion 'and Romance,' 
•Salmagundi,' Tales of Mystery and 
Imagination,' 'Green Room Classics,' 
Twice Told Tales,' Tireside Tales,' 
'Round the Campflies,' Tales Worth 
Telling,' "Living Tales,' "These Stories 
Live,' 'Told from the Heart' and 
"Hodge Podge.' 

Others registered were 'Claudia,' 
which Selznick will film, from the 
Broadway legit hit of the same nbme; 
'Sacred and Profane Love' (to which 
Metro has a prior claim, filed in 
1B34), -Night Fighter,' The Battle Cry 
of Freedom,' The Great American 
Hero,' 'Blood, Sweat and Tears,' 
*Wlngs Over England' and 'She 
Walks in Beauty.' 

Unusual registrations recently by 
other producers include: 'Decameron' 
and 'Decameroi) 1941* by RKO; 'De- 
mentia Femina' by Ben Harrison 
Orkow by Metro; '4-H' and '4-H 
Clubs' by 20th-Fox; 'Peary at the 
North Pole' by Warner Bros.; 'Mad 
Dogs of Fifth Avenue' by Universal; 
•Grand Street Boys' by • Edward 
SmaU; 'Private John Smith' by RKO; 
"Boogie Woogie' by Universal;. "Dr. 
Broadway' by Paramount; 'Macbeth' 
by Goldwyn (Reliance Pictures has 
priority); 'So' This Is Klo' by CO' 
lumbla and 'Hl-Spy' by United Art- 
Uts. 



New Glasgow, N. S., July 1. 
When the 20% Dominion war tax 
was placed on all theatre admissions, 
the Allied Exhibitors decided for In- 
creasing the prices to the full tax. 
However, there are murmurs now 
among the exhibs that perhaps they 
should absorb half the tax, as a ges- 
ture of good wUl toward the public. 

The first defections from tiie non- 
absorption policy are Harry Mac- 
Neil, managing the Jubilee and Roxy, 
and Norman Mason, 77-year-old 
owner-manager of the Roseland and 
Academy, at New Glasgow. Thtj 
have cut their prices by 10%, thus 
paying half the tax. MacNeill and 
Mason huddled on the plan, inspired 
by reduced business following en- 
forcement of the levy. A joint agree- 
ment by the competing exhibs was 
reached, in the effort to improve b.o. 
response. At present &ere is not a 
city, town or village in the provinces 
which is not adversely aflected by 
the 20% price boost,, the slump 
coming hard on capacity patronage 
that had prevailed for about 16 
months. With the weather unseason' 
ably chilly during May and June, 
and Ideal for summer theatre biz, the 
vital cause of the recession seems to 



St John, N. B., July 1. 
The cooperative movement for 
farmers, fishermen, home builders, 
miners, and Including penetration 
Into banking, with credit unions, has 
now been extended to cover film the- 
atres. 

Co-sponsors of a plan to establish 
and operate a cooperative booking! 
arrangement for exhibs without dis- 
tributor tleups are Archie Mason, of 
Springhill, N. S., and Jack Butler, of 
Monctoh. Mason is a veteran of film 
exhibition, a past prexy of the Al- 
lied Exhibitors' Association, and Is. 
chairman of the arbitration board 
which patches up troubles between 
exhibs and dlstribs in Nova Scotia. 
Butler was on the distribution end 
for some years before abandoning 
an exchange manager's job at ' St. 
John, for the managership of a 
Moncton theatre, the Imperial, about 
six years ago. 

Mason and Butler have been motor 
trekking around the maritime prov- 
inces, calling on indie exhibs and ex- 
plaining the booking scheme they 
have originated. In each instance, 
the exhib Is asked to join up on 
the ground that strength comes with 
union, and that the'-status of the in' 
dependent theatre owner will be 
greatly Improved by assurance of a 
continuous supply of the best plC' 
tures, and at lower rentals or per 
oentages than now prevailing. The 
proposed booking service would 
make the most attractive deals pos 
slble and, it Is being pointed out, the 
more participants, the better the con- 
ditions for each subscriber. All the 
exchanges covering these provinces 
are located in St. John. 



Philadelphia, July 1. 
PhUly's Film Kow will undergo a 
major operation within the near 
future with the passage of a bill by 
tha State Legislature to widen Vine 
street— exft from the much-traveled 
Delaware river bridge. 

All the properties on the south 
side of the street will be torn down 
under the act end that means eight 
rlalto landmarks will go— including 
two major exchange buildings. 

Set to be evicted by the. order are 
be exohanges of the United Artists 
and Golumbia. Latter Is esconced 
In a building that's scarcely two 
years old. Others who will have to 
find new quarters are the Capitol, 
Hollywood and Republic exchanges, 
the Vine street screening room, the 
headquarters of the projectionists 
union, and Horlachers Delivery 
Swvice. Several premium houses 
are also set to go. 

Widening of the artery has been 
talked about for tha last 15 years— 
ever since the Delaware bridge was 
built Each year the rumor was 
revived, until Vine streeters refused 
to pay any attention to it 

Last week the act was passed by 
the Senate. Already given the okay 
by the House, it needs only the sig- 
nature of the Governor to become 
law. The widening project is part 
of a statewide $50,000,000 highway 
development program. 

Breeze, in South PhlUy, opened 
Friday (27) after complete refur- 
bishing. 

W. A. Weidersheim, Philly lawyer, 
named arbitrator in the case of the 
Hill theatre against Stanley Warner 
Co., Paramount and RKO. 

New giveaway making its appear- 
ance in the nabes is 'Joan Blondell 
cosmetics.' 

Jules Levey, Universal producer, 
in town last week renewing old ac- 
quaintances. 

More than 100 industryites attend- 
ed the annual clambake at Pleasant- 
land, near Boyertown, last Thurs- 
day (26). 

Harold Brason and Ted Minskv, 
Stanley-Warner employes, latest In 
the film colony to don Ichaki. 

LadlM Auxiliary of Tent 13, Va 
rlety Club, has pledged to buy i 
statiqn wagon to transi>ort infantile 
paralysis cases to the Martin Ortho 
pedic School. 



be the 20% ascension in prices. Pres- 
ent indications are that other film 
diowmen will follow the example of 
MacNeill and Mason, convinced this 
Is the surest way to bring the people 
back to the theatres. 



More Fifan Fact-Fmding 

Preliminary N. Y. Survey Strongly Favors Comedy 
Entertainment 



window slUs of the theatre stage 
walls were never removed. 

Poll, himself, designed the interior, 
decorating the bucony horseshoe 
with cherubs, the style of the time. 

'Seavenger Bale' 

Detroit, July 1. 
Picked tip during the State 'scav- 
enger sale,'^the Pastime theatre here 
is Deing remodeled by Joseph Mel- 
lon, circuit owner who contemplates 
a complete relnovation for the house. 
The only theatre In the ^tate in ac- 
tive use ever to go on the 'scavenger 
sale', for unpaid taxes, the Pastime 
will be refurbished by fall. 

rox-W. C's Central Oaice 

Los Angeles, July 1. 
Charles Skouras plans a structure 
to house the central booking oflice 
for all Fox-West Coast chain and 
affiliated houses. Building is to rise 
on the recreation grounds adjacent 
to the executive offices here. 

Returning with Skouras from New 
York was his nephew, Spyros 
Skouras, Jr., who will learn theatre 
operations first as an usher and 
doorman while on vacation from 
college. 

Franchise of Producers Releasing 
Corp. in this territory has been taken 
over by Samuel K. Decker. Louis 
Rutstein, who formerly held the 
franchise in partnership with Sam 
Nathanson, will continue operating 
PRC exchanges in San Francisco, 
Seattle and Portland. Decker is 
former Monogram franchise-holder 
in Detroit 



Eveis Defies SL Louis 
Cops in Balloon Bally 

St liOuls, July 1. 
Harold D. 'Chick' Evens, manager 
of Loew's, last week outpointed the 
cops and pulled an exploitation stunt 
Friday (27) for 'Big Store' (Metro) 
that ordinarily would result in a 
cuffo ride in the Black Maria to the 
hoosegow. Evens cooked up a co-op 
newspaper ad campaign wltii a large 
downtown clothier and on opening 
day released 2,000 -toy .balloons, 50 of 
whldh were colored gffeen and each 
good for a cuifo admish to the the- 
atre. 

The eops, aware of the stunt 
warned Evens that he would be 
jugged if he went through with it 
and caused the streets to be littered 
and traffic congestion occur. Evens 
had already notified his New' York 
office and went through with the 
stunt Approximately 10,000 down- 
town workers on their lunch hour 
joined in the scramble for the bal- 
loons, none littered the streets and 
no pinches were made. 



While one-fifth of New York's 
population attends film theatres less 
often than once a month, about 40% 
of New Yorkers plunk their coin on 
the b.o. sill three to five times every 
four weeks. That was revealed in 
a sampling survey of ,500 residents 
of the city's five boroughs by the 
newly-organized Motion Picture Re- 
search Bureau. 

Outfit operated by Dr. Leo Han- 
del, was recently hired by. David O. 
Selznick to do continuing research 
for him. It wound up its initial as- 
signment for Selznick last Friday 
(27) in calculating nationwide re- 
action to his new idea for compila- 
tions of a number of short stories 
into features. Unlike Dr. George 
Gallup's Audience Research Instl 
tute, which Works exclusively for 
RKO, MPRB is taking on a number 
of picture company clients. 

Handel's New York survey was 
actually only a test for a national re- 
search job' on the same questions, 
There were a number of interesting 
disclosures, nevertheless, on attend- 
ance and preferences. With results 
obtained from men and women al 
most uniform, frequency of attend' 
ance among theatregoers (those who 
attend more than onqe a month) 
showed: Once or twice a month, 
20%; three to five times, 49.5%; 
6-8 times, 18.8%; 9-11 times, 5.7%; 12 
times and more, 6%. 

Reasons 

Reasons for not attending given 
by the 20%- who go less than once a 
month' included: 'Just don't care, not 



Interested,' 84%; "No time,' 23%; 
'Can't afford it,' 17%; 'Pictures too 
poor,' 8%; 'Dislike movies,' 7%, plus 
other minor reasons. 

Survey of preferences for various 
type pictures ' showed comedies led 
all others with 28% demanding 
them. Keynote of the comment was: 
'We viiant to see funny pictures to 
forget the terrible things now going 
on.' Complete list of preferences 
shows: 

Pet 

Comedies 28.8 

No preference 20.5 

Serious stories 12,5 

Adventure, action. 6.7 

Light entertainment* 4.8 

Historicals '. 4.8 

Musicals 4.0 

Romance . . 4.0 

Mystery ....V 3.5 

Educational, factual 3.0 

War, propaganda 2.2 

Detective, gangster 2.2 

Western 1.3 

Others 1.7 

ToUl 100.0 



BKO Field PnbUolty Setup 

Sweeping realignment of RKO's 
staff of field exploitation men, an- 
nounced last week by Terry Turner, 
supervisor for S. Barret McCormick, 
ad-publlclty chief, became effective 
yesterday Cniesday). Sixteen reps 
are reassigned under the revamp. 

Harry W. Reiners gets Boston and 
New Haven. Doc Howe goes to the 
Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver ter- 
ritory. Jimmy Boyle, formerly of 
h.o. publicity staff imtil early this 
year, switched to the Omaha-Des 
Moines area, having formerly been 
in Buffalo and Rochester. 

Al Sellg is assigned Philadelphia, 
Pittsburgh and Washington. Other 
assignments are Ted Wynn, Buffalo, 
Albany; Don Prince, Atlanta and 
Charlotte; Fred Ford, Memphis, New 
Orleans- Bud Gray, Dallas, Okla- 
homa City; Bob Hickey, Chicago, 
Milwaukee; Frank Cronln, Kansas 
City, St. Louis; Bill Scholl, Cleve- 
land, Detroit; Eddie Rivers, Cincin- 
nati, Indianapolis; T. Bidwell Mc- 
Cormick, Denver, Salt ' Lake City; 
Charles Huy, Los Angeles, San Fran- 
cisco; George Degnon, Toronto, Mon- 
treal; Henry Howard, . Winnipeg, 
Sioux Falls. 



,* No specific preference. 

'Passage' for Pommer 

Hollywood, July 1. 

'Passage to Bordeaux' is Erich 
Pommer's next production for RKO, 
dated to roll Aug, 1, with Robert 
Stevenson directing. 

Top spots go to Joseph Gotten and 
Lucille Ball. 



Matinees lipped So ' 

Spartanburg, S. C, July 1, 

First local price change in several 
years inaugurated at Carolina by 
Wllby-Klncey. From 2 until 6 p.m. 
5c has been tacked on to matinee 
admissions. 

Bertram Finch, former Herald- 
Journal radio and film columnist, 
handed army rifle for one year. 

Paul Ballenger named Carolina 
assistant manager. 

Palmetto Amusement's new Caro- 
lina at Columbia, S. C, scheduled 
for Sept 15 opening. Warren Irwin, 
district manager, announces. Chain's 
fifth state capital city unit others 
being Palmetto, modernized re- 
cently, 5-Polnts, Ritz and Strand. 

Wilby-Kincey's new Palmetto here 
will /be straight pix. Interior being 
constructed without a stage. Seats 
900 and located a few yards from 
Strand and State, other W-K up- 
town houses. State has been made 
main W-K stage unit distributor, 
although Carolina handles bulk of 
topflight bands. 



Fox-Midwest Big Revamp 

Kansas City, July 1. 
Extensive list of promotions and 
changes of house managers and 
execs was announced last week by 
Elmer Rhoden, chief of Fox-Midwest 
Theatres Coi.>. Most important was 
the apnointment of James J. Long 
as city manager. He leaves position 
as manager of the Plaza, ace sub- 
urban house, where he held forth 
past six years. Long held numerous 
managerial posts for Fox-Midwest 
and before its organization began 
working under Rhoden in 1929. 

Following policy of the organiza- 
tion to develop younger men within 
its own ranks these changes were 
announced: 

B. M. Montee takes over the Plaza, 
K. C, coming from Beatrice, Neb. 
O. P. (Doc) Hitchler moves from 
Madrid to Vista. Kansas City, where 
he formerly staked out Charles w. 
Barnes leaves' Granada, K. C, Kan- 
sas, to acquire the Brookside, on tha 
Missouri side. CHiarles Weinstein, 
assistant to Barnes at the Granada, 
becomes manager of Linwood, on the 
Missouri side. W. E. Whaley from 
manager Warwick to manager 
Madrid, K. C. Roger Ruddick from 
assistant at Pittsburg, Kan,, to man- 
ager of the Warwick, K. C. Dale 
Havelone from manager Marshall, 
Mo., to chief of the Granada, K. C 
Kan. Harry Biederman from th* 
Linwood to Rockhill. 

George Moore moves fro'tn the sta- 
tionery and supply department of 
the central office to manager of the 
Benton theatre, K. C. 

Out of K, C. in the surrounding 
territory Dale Thomhill becomes 
manager at Chanute,. Kan., moving 
over from an assistant's post at Jop'- 
lin. Mo. Mel Miller moves from 
Chanute, Kan., to Ottawa, Kan., as 
manager. Ed Allison from Ottawa 
to Marysville as manager. Jack 
Maes from Marysville to Beatrice, 
Neb. Joe Ruddick from assistant at 
Springfield, Mo., to Marshall, Mo, 
as manager. Howard Busey from 
assistant at Jacksonville to manager 
of the Palace, Wichita. 

Occasion for changes and promo- 
tions were resignations of Art Zim- 
mer, city district manager who came 
here from Springfield recently, and 
those of Ed Mater, Paul Reinke and 
J. D. Johnson in K. C. and Fred 
Glass at Wichita. 



Historic House Sold . 

Worcester, July 1. 
Loew-Poli Plaza, opened In 1905 by 
S. Z. Poll, closed Sunday night (29) 
Building Is being sold to F. W. Wool-- 
worth Co. During Its 36 years. Plaza 
has played stock, burlesque and pic- 
tures. 

The late Loii^s Sagel, general man 
ager for Foli interests, bought the 
property after a fire — even while the 
timbers were still hot. The scarred 



Blankenstalp's Takeover 

Ralls, Texas, July 1. 
The Crystal here, owned and op- 
erated by Leroy Land, purchased dt 
Wallace BJankenship of Levelland, 
Texas. Blankenship announces that 
his assistant for many years, JacK 
Holman, has resigned and plans a 
new theatre on his own. 



Opera Honse on Block 

Sabina, O., July 1. 
The Sabina Opera House, con- 
structed in 1894, will be sold at pub- 
lic auction July B by the Richland 
township trustees. 

Now Here Is a Junket 

Hollywood, July 1. 

World premiere of 'Navy Blues' U 
slated for Honolulu, world's greatest 
naval base, unless war Intervenes 
before the first week in September, 

Warners is arranging the oceanic 
junket, requiring 10 days, with stars, 
featured players, flim critics and aii 
the trimmings. 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



PICTURE GROSSES 



Draft' Pacing Peppy Chi for $40,000; 
BiOy (idlbert-'Kildare 17G; 'Crazy' 
SlWNavy'llGon 4th H.a Week 



Chicago, July 1. 

There wa3 a slight drop In the 
sweltering thermometer over the 
weekend which was considerable 
boon to downtown houses. There 
was « resultant upturn in trade, the 
lift being accounted- for not only by 
the easier temperatures but also by 
the entry of a couple of top-notch 
money pictiires. 

These two toppers are "Caught In 
the Draft,' now prancing to a fine 
session in the big Chicago, and 'Love 
Crazy' at the United Artists. Both of 
these films depend primarily on 
their stars for the trade. Bob Hope 
bein^ the enticer In the former and 
that ever-popular ieara of Myma 
Loy and William Powell in the other. 

Other than these two another en- 
try that indicates good strength that 
should develop in the nabes is 
'Affectionately Yours* In the Apollo. 

Roosevelt holds over with 'Billy 
the Kid' and the Palace goes Into a 
smash fourth week of 'In the Navy* 
and "Tight Shoes.' Latter house has 
made the most of the possibilities 
offered by the combination. 

EstiniBtes for This Week 

Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 35-53-65-75) 
— 'Affectionately' (M-G). Dennis 
Morgan and others in the cast make 
up considerable boxoffice strength 
and aiding this house to fine $8,000 
currently. Last week, 'Woman's 
Face' (M-G) finished five weeks in 
loop to oke $5,400. 

Chloage (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— 
'Draft' (Par) and stage show. Bob 
Hope has plenty of power and this 
picture is building pace to a happy 
$40,000. Last week, 'Doe' (WB) 
faded, after fine start, to wind up 
with $28,700, satisfactory. 

Garrick (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) 
— 'Doe* (WB). Moved here from the 
Chicago for additional loop time and 
will garner fair $4,500 here. Last 
week, 'Lisbon' (Par) snared good 
$4,900 for second loop session. 

Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-44)— 
'Great. Lie' (WB) and 'Night in Hio' 
(20th). Combination stepping along 
to neat $7,500. Last week, 'Ziegfeld 
Girl' (M-G) and 'Lady Cheyenne' 
(U) came in with mild $6,100. 

Palaoe (RKO) (2.500; 33-44-66)— 
In Navy' (U) and "Tight Shoes' (U) 
(4th wk.). Backed by smart manage- 
ment handling on all business angles, 
this combination is trotting along to 
great coin, going to, fine $11,000, cur- 
rently after taking up excellent 
$12,700 in its third week.. 

Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-5^65- 
75)— "Billy Kid* (M-G) (2d wk). 
Managing to come through with 
$10,000 this week, following good 
$12,300 last week. 

SUt«-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 28-44)— 
People Kildare' (M-G) and vaude. 
BiUy Gilbert headlining on stage, 
and the picture name Is the big 
money asset for the house. Oh his 
moniker rests most of the fine coin 
chances. Also on the bill Is th« Joe 
Sanders orch. With Gilbert and rest 
of the bill, gross looks for $17,000, 
bright. Last week, 'Power Dive' 
(Par) with Victor McLaglen and 
Joan Abbott on the rostrum, snagged 
neat $15,100. 

United ArUsts (B&K-M-G) (1.700; 
35-55-65-75) — "Love Crazy' (M-G). 
Myma Loy and William Powell still 
a brilliant boxoffice combination that 
will rocket the wicket currently to 
hefty $15,000. Last week, 'Men Boys 
Town' (M-G) concluded fortnight 
stay to so-so $9,700. 

Woods (Essaness) (1,200; 50-75- 
$1.10-$1.85) — 'Kane' (RKOli (8th 
wk). Picture is goin.c right along 
and will mark up $8,000 this week 
after taking okay $8,200 last week. 

love Crazy/ ICildare' 
Nice $16,000, B'klyn 

Brooklyn, July 1. 

Loew's MetropoUUn with 'LoVe 
Crazy* and 'People vs. Dr. Kildare' 
getting good break despite terriflc- 
ally hot spell. Second week of 
Penny Serenade' and "There's Magic 
in Mus'c* okay. 

Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (3,274: 25-35-50)— 
;Sunny' (RKO) and 'Bride Wore 
Crutches* (20th). Mild $12,000. Last 
week, 'Blood Sand' (20th) and 
•Melody for Three' (RKO) (2d wk), 
quiet $13,000. 

Fox (Fabian) (4.023; 25-35-50)— 
Out of Fog' (WB) and 'Naval 
Academy* (Col). Mild $13,000. Last 
week, 'Million Dollar Baby' (WB) 
and Devil Dogs' (WB), good $14,000. 

Met (Loew's) (3,618; 25-35-50)— 
T.ove Crazy' (M-G) and 'Peoole vs. 
Dr. Kildare' (M-G). Nice $16,000. 
Last week. "Woman's Face' (M-G) 
and Washington Melodrama' (M-G) 
(3d wk), so-so $12,000. 

Paramount (Fabian) (4,126: 25-35- 



50)— "Penny Serenade' (Col) and 
'Magic Music' (Par) (2d wk). Okay 
$14,000. Last week, first-rate $20,000. 

Strand (WB) (2,870; 25-35-40)— 
•Voice in Nighf (Col) and "Great 
Swindle' (Col). Uneventful $3,500. 
La^ week, •Roar of Press* (Mono) 
and 'Nurse's Secret* (WB), dull 
$3,500. 



Phil Harris Bolsters 
Omaha, Socko $22,000; 
Draft' 8G Second Wk. 



Omaha, July 1. 
"Lady Cheyenne' at Orpheum with 
Phil Harris* band and stage revue go- 
ing over for a sock business, biggest 
here In many months. 'Adventure In 
Washington' and "Time Out for 
Rhythm' at the Brandels wlU run up 
a nice figure. 'Caught In Draft,* at 
Omaha where It was switched after 
a nice week at the Orpheum, also 
Is swell. Biz Is holding well gener- 
ally. 

Estimates for This Week 
Orphenm (Tristates) (3,000; 10-40' 
55)— 'Lady Cheyenne' (U) and Phil 
Harris band and revue, sock $22,000. 
Last week "Caught in Draft* (Par) 
and "Flight Destiny' (WB), dandy 
$12,000. 

Omaha (Tristates) (2,000: 10-30-40) 
—'Caught in Draft* (Par) brought 
over from Orpheum for a second 
week here plus a new. second fea- 
ture 'Cowboy and Blonde' (20th), 
Average $8,000, maybe less. 

Brandels (Mort Singer) (1,500; 10- 
25-35-40 ) — 'Adventure Washington' 
(Col) and 'Time for Rhyhm' (Col), 
good $5,300 on tap. Last week 'FofT 
(WB) and "Scattergood Balnes' 
(RKO) plus Louis-Conn fight pic- 
tures, swell $6,000 thanks to Uie scrap 
films. 

State (Goldberg) (900; 10-20-25)— 
'Zanzibar' (Par) and 'Penny Seren- 
ade' (Col) split with 'Pot Gold' (UA). 
'Forbidden Passage' (M-G) ana 
'Wagons Roll Night* (WB), nice $900. 
Last week 'Men Boys Town' (M-G) 
single split with 'Ride on Vaquero' 
(20th), 'Couldn't Say No* (WB) and 
•Topper Returns' (UA), pretty good 
$975. . 

Town (Goldberg) (1,500; 10-20-25) 
—'Law Range* (U), 'Mall Train* 
(WB) and Tobacco Road' (20th) 
triple split with 'Happened West' 
(Cap), 'Ride Kelly' (20th) and "West- 
em Stars' (Par), 'Rockne' (WB) and 
'Adam Sons' (Col), plus Louis-Conb 
pictures, fair $900. Last week "Bor- 
der Vigilantes* (Par), 'Strange Alibi' 
(WB), 'Melody Three' (RKO), triple 
split with 'Devil's Pipe Line' (U), 
'Price Crime' (Cap) and "20-Mulo 
Team' (M-G), 'La Zonga' (U) and 
'Night Rio' (20th), a light $700. 

Avenne - Military - Dundee (Gold- 
berg) (960; 600; 300; 25)— dtanzibar' 
(Par) and 'Wagons RoU' (WB) split 
with 'Met Argentina* (RKO) and 
"Wild Man Borneo' (M-G) plus Louis- 
Conn fight, neat $1,000. I^st week 
'Men Boys Town' (M-G) single, split 
with 'Ride Vaquero' (20th) and 
'Knute Rockne* (WB) at Military and 
'Letter' (WB) at Dundee. Gooi "" 



PROV. IN DOLDRUMS 



'Sonny' $9,000; 'Rhythm,' Ditto— On* 
Honse Closes for Bepalrg . 

Providence, July 1, 
Summer doldrums are here In 
earnest and most of the boys are re- 
signing themselves to Just marking 
time. Majestic Theatre closed down 
after Sunday (29) and is rushing ex- 
tensive repairs which will include 
coinpletlon of installation of a new 
air-conditioning system, and redecor- 
ation of the entire theatre. Reopen- 
ing scheduled for Friday (4). 
Estimates for This Week 
Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 28-39- 
50)— 'Big Store* (M-G) and 'Get 
Away' (M-G) (2d run) and Louis- 
Conn fight films. Fight pictures are 
helping to carry this one over the 
$2,500 hurdle for a fair take. Last 
week 'Billy Kid' (M-G) and "Broad- 
way Limited' (UA) (2d run) okay 
$2,500. 

Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 28-39-50)— 
'Nevada City' (Rep) and 'Young 
Lady' (20th). Also fallen off for so- 
sb $2,000. Last week 'Buck Privates' 
(U) and 'Mail Train' (20th), fairish 
$2 300. 

iviajestlo (Fay) (2,200; 28-39-50)— 
Dark four days for repairs. Last 
week 'Sunny' (RKO) and 'Passage 
Hong Kong' (WB), $9,000, neat. 

State (Loew) (3,200; 28-39-50)— 
"Knew Answers' (Cof) and 'Time for 
Rhythm' (Col). Headed for one of 
slowest in a long time for weak 
$9,000. Last week 'Big Store' (M-G) 
and 'Get Away' (M-G), good $11,000. 

Strand (Indie) (2.000; 28-40-50)— 
'Point Widow' (Par) and 'Voice In 
Night' (Col), so-so $4,500. Last week 
'Night Lisbon* (Par) and 'Monster 
Girl' (Par) (2d wk.), nice $5,000. 



First Rons on Broadway 

C5ubject to Change) 

Week of Jnly S 
Aslor— 'Sergeant York' (WB) 
(2). 

(Reuleuied in Current Issue) 
Broadway — 'Fantasia' (Disney) 

(34th wk). 
Capitol — 'They Met in Bombay' 

(M-G). 

(Reviewed in VAiuErv Jun« 23) 

Criterion— 'In the Navy' (U) . 
(4th wk). 

Globe — 'Underground' (WB) 
(3rd wk). 

Musle Hall — 'Blossoms In the 
Dust' (M-G) (2d wk). 

Palace — 'Jungle Cavalcade' 
(RKO). 

Psramonnt — 'Caught in the 
Draff (Par) (2d wk). 

Bialto— 'Hit the Road' (U) (2). 

Roxy — 'Moon Over Miami' 
(20th) (4). 
(Reviewed in VABrerv June • 18) 

Strand— 'Manpower' (WB) (4). 
Week of July 10 

Astor— 'Sergeant York' (WB) 
(2d wk). 

Broadway — 'Fantasia' (Disney) 
(35th wk). 

Capitol— "They Met in Bombay* 
(M-G) (2d wk). 

Criterion — 'Stars Look Down' 
(M-G). 

(Revieuied In Vadieiy Jan. 3. 1940) 
Hniio Hall — "Tom, Dick and 

Harry' (RKO). 
Faramoant — "Caught in the 

Draff (Par) (3d wk). 
Blalto — 'Time Out for Rhythm' 

(Col) (9). 
(Reviewed in Vafiitt May 28) 
Boxy — 'Moon Over Miami' 

(26th) (2d wk). 
Strand— 'Manpower' (WB) (2d 

wk). 



WasL Battks Heat; 
7(ochester' PJL 21G, 
'Store' Poor $13,500 



Washington, July 1 
Not much to brag about this week. 
No films of any particular merit on 
tap to battle the heat. Rochester's 
radio fans are fiocking to his per- 
sonal appearance at the Earle, boost- 
ing 'Adventure in Washington' to 
solid biz. 'In Navy* is sailing along, 
too, peddling corn in class house, 
Keith's, at better figure than an- 
ticipated. Rest of town is drifting 
along'. 

Estimates for This Week 
Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 28-39-44- 
66)— 'Big Store* (M-G), plus no- 
name vaude. Poor, $13,500. Last 
week, "Man Hunf (20th), plus tab 
'Crazy With Heaf on stage, led town 
with good $18,000. 

Colombia (Loew) (1,234; 28-44)^ 
"Wings' (Par) (2d run). Due for 
semi-crash landing,- light $4,000. Last 
week, 'Woman's Face' (M-G) (2d 
run), wound up with good $5,000, 
Earle (WB) (2,216; 28-39-44-66) 
"Adventure Washington' (Col.). Can 
thank Rochester's personal on stage 
for excellent $21,000. Last week, 
"Night Lisbon' (Par), plus stage 
show, blacked out with mere $14,- 
000. 

Keith's (RKO) (1.830; 39-55)— "In 
Navy* (U). Better than expected at 
this house, fine $12,500. Last week, 
"Sunny' (RKO), pulled after six 
days, poor $5,500. 

Metropolitan (WB) (1:800; 28-44) 
—Time for Rhythm' (Col). But it's 



Draft'-Bradley-Froman-Kaye 
Hang Up New Summer Mark at N.Y. 
ParJ7l000; ^Blossoms' Flowery 90G 



no solid beat, n.S'.g., $4,000. Last 
week, 'Shining Victory* (WB), aided 
by I«uis-Conn fight films, to good 
enough $5,200. 

Falaee (Loew) (2,242; 28-55)— 
"Love Crazy' (M-G) (2d wk). Good 
enough for follow-up term, $11,000. 
Last week merited holdover with 
passable $15,500. 

Draft' Swamps L'yille, 
Terrific 12G; 'Rhythm' 
$6,500; Others Fairish 

Louisville, July 1. 

Current hot spell is being Inter- 
rupted by heavy rains, and the com- 
bo is slowing up biz at downtown 
houses. (»in-getter of the town is 
'Caught in Draft.' Bob Hope com- 
edy getting a terrific play. Lines 
form at all hours. Other houses 
currently are leaning on the over- 
flow at the RIalto. "Underground' at 
the Mary Anderson is garnering 
okay returns. 

Estimates for This Week 

Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) 
(1,400; 15-30-40)— 'Billy Kid' (M-G) 
and 'Broadway Limited' (UA). Do- 
ing all right after moveover from 
Loew's State. Aiming at satisfac- 
tory $2,000. Last week, "Love Crazy' 
(M-G) and 'Big Boss' (Col), profit- 
able $2,800. 

Kentncky (Switow) (1,200; 15-25) 
—'Zanzibar' (Par) and 'Man Lost 
Himself (U), combining to bring 
fairish biz, probably oke $1,400. Last 
week, 'Sea Wolf (WB) and 'Girl 
Gob" (RKO), split with 'Night Train' 
(20th) and 'Vegas Nights' . (Par), 
copped good $l,50O. 

Loew's State (Loew's) (3,300; 15: 
30-40) — 'Knew Answers' (Col) and 
Time for Rhythm' (Col). Playing 
second fiddle to Bob Hope across the 
street, and will likely catch some 
overflow. Fairish $6,500. Last week, 
'Billy Kid' (M-G) and 'Broadway 
Limited' (UA), flne $8,500, and 
moveover. 

Mary Anderson (Lisbon) (1,000-/ 
15 - 30 - 40) — 'Underground* (WB). 
House has a firecracker in this .one, 
and nice biz. Opposlsh next door at 
Rialto is plenty potent, but expec- 
tations are for medium $3,300. Last 
week, 'Shining Victory* (WB) and 
'Strange Alibi' (WB), dual, and 
change of policy for one week only, 
brought lightweight returns, $2,700. 

Blalto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 15- 
30-40)— 'Caught in Draff (Par) and 
'San Antonio Rose' (U), zooming out 
In front, and practically has a mo- 
nopoly on the b.o. this week. Word- 
of-mouth plenty active, and the long 
lines are spellihg 1ul>ilant $12,000. 
Also strong possibility of extending 
another week. Last week, 'Night 
Lisbon' (Par) and 'Point Widow' 
(Par), satisfactory $7,500. 

Strand (Fourth Avenue) (3,400: 15- 
30-40)— 'Man Hunf (20th) and 'Scat- 
tergood Strings' (RKO). Combo is 
pulling usual summer take on fair- 
ish ' pics. Feeling the pull of Bob 
Hope on the main stem, but catching 
a little overflow. Medium $3,000. 
Last week, 'Lady Louisiana' (Rep) 
and 'Met Argentina' (RKO) with 
Louis-Conn flght pic added, brought 
flne $3,500. 



Heat No Snag to Detroit 

Upbeat Continues — 'Bombay' - 'Music' Dual Neat 
$15,000, Good H.O.'s 



Detroit, July 1. 
Current heat wave has failed to 
check the resurgence of biz here, 
which .bad gone underground fol- 
lowing the boom of Lent until It 
showed marked strength last week. 
With last week's tally having soared 
even above optimistic expectations, 
exhibitors here are beginning to 
wonder if maybe those rubber bands 
on defense earning bankrolls haven't 
stretched to the limit and spending 
is back. 

As a result the first-runs are go- 
ing 50-50 on hold-overs. The 
Michigan should lead the town with 
strong grosses on its new pair, 'They 
Met In Bombay' and 'Magic in the 
Music,' the latter based on this state's 
music camp at Interlochen. As an 
additional fillip the house is using a 
fljm on the local Chamber of Com- 
merce's annual cruise. Adams, us- 
ually a switch-over house, has the 
other fresh product, 'Hit the Road' 
and 'Prisoner on Devil's Island,' with 



better than average business In 
sight. 

Estimates for This Week 
Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40-55) 
—'Hit the Road' (U) and 'Prisoner 
Devil's Island' (Col). Better than 
average $6,000. Last week 'Blood 
Sand' (20th) (4th wk.) and 'Big 
Boss' (Col), fair~$5,500. < 

Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40- 
55)— 'In Navy' (U) (2d wk.) and 
'Tight Shoes' (U). Should easily 
catch nice $14,000 after shooting up 
to a mighty $23,000 last week on 'In 
Navy' paired with 'First Beau' 
(Col.). 

Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 
30-40-55)— 'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 
'Magic Music' (Par). Neat $15,000. 
Last week 'John Doe' (WB) and 
'Million Dollar Baby' (WB) big 
$17,000. 

Palms-State (United Detroit) 
(3,000: 30-40-55)— 'John Doe" (WB) 
and 'Million Dollar Baby' (WB). (2d 
wk.). ■ Pair moved from Michigan 
still good for hefty $8,000. Last 
week 'Night Lisbon' (Par) and 
'Wagons Roll' (WB) plus Louis-Conn 
fleht pictures clicked for $8,000. 



Sweltering, sustained heat wav* 
that engulfed the street starting last 
Thursday (26) was partly offset by 
the Influx of Juvenile trade when 
schools let out last week. Net result 
is that outstanding product is getting ' 
bulk of Broadway business as Oth^a 
sag. 

Easily outstanding Is . "Caught in 
the Draff at the Paramount, which 
is hanging up a new summer record 
for the house. Bob Hope comedy 
plus Will Bradley's orchestra, Jane 
Froman, Danny Kaye and well-knit 
stage show has what it takes, and 
will do holiday season business at a 
sockeroo $71,000 or better. Gross Is 
Unheard of at this time of year. 
Stays two more weeks and likely 
more. Last Monday (30) was big- 
gest Monday in Paramount theatre's 
history despite all the heat. 

Other strong attraction is "Blos- 
soms in the Dusf at the Music Hall 
which Is headed for a rousing 
$90,000, and holdover, mighty wel- 
come for the Rockefeller spot after 
several disappointing weeks. Marx 
Bros.' 'Big Store* only so-so at the 
Capitol with $16,00(1 or better loom- 
ing. I 

Manner In which 'In the Navy' Is 
holding on at the Criterion is sur- 
prising, Abbott-Costello comedy be- 
ing almost as big- as previous week's 
$15,000 on the . third week. Stays a 
fourth. 

'Sergeant York* opens a roadshow 
engagement at the Astor tonight 
(Wednesday). ' 

Estimates for This Week ^ 

Astor (UA) (1,012: 75-85-$ll0- 
$1.65-$2.20) — 'Sgt. York* (WB). 
Opens roadshow engagement today 
(Wednesday). Last week (7th), 
'Barbara' (UA) held up to $8,500 on 
Ave days ended Sunday (29). 

Broadway (Disney) (1,895: 55-75- 
$1.10-$1.65-$2.20)— 'FanUsia' (Disney) 
(34th wk). Holding close to recent 
weekly figure,, and will do around 
$9,500 which means continuance .of 
run for several weeks. 

Capitol (Loew's) (4.520; 35-55-85- 
$1.10-$1.25) — 'Big Store' (M-G). 
Marx Bros, go well here, and $16,000, 
while only modest, comparatively 
better than picture has done In many 
places. 'Billy Kid' (M-G) in previ- 
ous week, slid below $17,000, very 
mild. 

Criterion (Loew's) (1,662; 35-44-55- 
75)— 'In Navy' (U) (4th wk). Still 
making man^ competitors on street 
look poorly in comparison. Running 
neck-and-neck with previous week 
on third stanza ' that clos.ed last 
(Tuesday) ' night, near $15,000. 
Slightly over 'that figure on the 
second week. 

Globe (Brandt) (1,180; 28-35-55)— 
•Underground' (WB) (2d wkX. Stick- 
ing around third session because of 
sturdy $10,000 turned In on second 
week. Opening, week hit $12,500, 
above expectations. 

Palace (RKO) (1,700; 75-85-$1.10- 
$1.65-$2.20) — 'Kane' (RKO) (9th 
week). Concludes its run here to- 
day (Wednesday) with nearly $10,- 
000, just fair. Eighth week dipped 
below recent takings for mea(;re 
$10,000. Frank Buck's 'Jungle Cav-. 
alcade' (reissues of three merged 
animal plx) opens tomorrow at pop 
scale and continuous policy. 

Faramoant (Par) (3,664: 35-55-85- 
99)— "Caught in Draff (Par) and 
Will Bradley band, Jane Froman. 
Danny Kaye, others, in person (2a 
week). Wound up first session last 
(Tuesday) night with sensational 
$71,000, greatest summer business 
house ever had. Really Is Xmas 
week trade, and amazing for sum- 
mer. 'Lisbon' (Par) and Vincent 
Lopez, others, slick $34,000 in previ- 
ous week, its second. 

Radio City Mnslo Hall (Rocke- 
fellers) (5,960; 44-55-85-99-$1.65)— 
'Blossoms in Dusf (M-G) and stage 
show. Rousing $90,000, and stays 
second session. 'Knew All Answers' 
(Col) previous week took mighty 
slim $64,000. 

RIalto (Mayer) (750; 28-44-55)— 
Tight Shoes' (U) and Louis-Conn 
flght films (2d week). Headed for 
nice $5,000, after strong $9,000 on 
initial week. In ahead, "Saint's Va- 
cation* (RKO), tepid $4,500. 

Boxy (20th) (5,835; 35-55-65-75-85 > 
—'Man Hunf (20th) and stage show 
(3d week). Profitable $24,000 after 
good $29,000 on second stanza and 
sturdy $44,000 opening week.. 'Moon 
Over Miami' (20th) comes in Fri- 
day (4). - 

Slate (Loew's) (3.400; 28-44-55-75- 
90-$1.10)— 'Wings' (Par) (2d run) 
plus vaude headed by Bill Robinson. 
Bert Wheeler, others. Traveling at 
nice gait for $23,000 or thereabouts. 
L?st week, 'Woman's Face' (M-G) 
(2d run) and Simone Simon, Al 
Trahan, others, nifty $25,000. 

Strand (WB) (2,767; 35-55-75-85- 
99;— 'Out of Fog' (WB) and Guy 
Lombardo orch ( 2d week). Headed 
for nearly $19,000, not bad consid- 
ering. First week, same combo, 
$24,000. ■ 



10 



PICTURE GROSSES 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



PhiUy Picks Up Despite Heat Wave; 
Andrews Sts-lllfidaw' Nice 



Philadelphia, July 1. 
The double-header assault of heat 
and humidity over the weekend is 
proving no bugaboo for most de- 
luxers. Houses featuring hot prod- 
uct are finding plenty of moolah m 
the till. 

Announcement by the heads of 
large defense plants that there wiU 
be no long July Fourth weekends for 
patriotic reasons Is preventing the 
usual mass exodus from town this 
week, and keeping lots of entertain- 
ment dough here. 

Snaring bulk oil th.e coin is the 
Earle which is headlining the An- 
drews Sisters, in person. 'They Met 
In Bombay' is also in the heavy 
money, while the zanies Abbott and 
Costello continue to lure In the 
shekels as their 'In the Navy" goes 
Into its third elegant week. 
Estimates (or This Week 

ArcadU (Sablosky) (600; 35-46-57) 
~'Love Crazy' (M-G (2d run) (2d 
wk"). Ticking oflT a pretty $3,500 for 
this sesh. ^Reaching Sun' (Par) 
opens a second run today (Tuesday). 

Boyd (WB) (2,560; 35-46-57-68)— 
•Met in Bombay' (M-G) Gable and 
Russell on the marquees enough to 
bring in a satisfactory $15,000. Last 
week, 'Night Lisbon' (Par), sour 
$11,300. 

Earle (WB) (2,768; 35-46-57-68-75) 
—'Point Widow' (Par) with stage 
show headed by Andrews Sisters and 
Joe Venuti's orchestfa. Headed for 
a nice $20,000 mainly on strength of 
the singing trio. Last week, 'Time 
for Rhythm* (Col) with Louis Arm- 
strong orch topping ai; all-sepia 
show, n.s.h. $16,000. 

Fox (WB) (2,423: 35-46-57-68)— 
•Manhunt' (20th). Meeting the fate 
of anti-Wazi films with a poor $11,000. 
•Billy Kid' (M-G) able to hit house 
par of $15,000 abetted by Bob Hope 

Sersonal last week. Hope's 'Caught 
1 Draft' (Par) bows Friday (4). 
Karlton (WB) (1,066; 35-46-57-68) 
—'Man Lost Himself' (U). Initial 
run for this flicker netting a poor 
$2,800. 'Blood Sand' (20th) able to 
gross slightly better for a second run 
fry with an even $4,000. 

Keith's (WB) (2,220; 35-46-57-68) 
—'Woman's FacV (M-G (2d run) (2d 
wk.). Still plenty chipper with a 
hefty $4,300 for this run. Last week, 
Crawford's meller a clicky $5,000. . 
. Stanley (WB) (2,916; 35-46-57-68) 
' —'In Navy' (U) (3d wk): Clear sail 
Ing with a hangup $11,500 for this 
trio. Last week brought a sweet 
$1^800 for second hop after a fat 
$21,000 on first week. - 

Stanton (WB) (1,457; 35-46-57-68)— 
•BiUy Kid' (M-G) (2 run). First 
time this house has been used lor 
second run. In many moons. Taylor 
starrer heading for okay $6,000. Last 
week's combo of 'Adventure Wash- 
ington' (Col) and Louis-Conn fight 
plx brought profitable $5,500. 

Minneapolis Dries Up; 
'Blood' Meagre $6,000, 
'Dictator' Nosedives 



200, and out after six days. Last 
week, $10,200, big. 

SUte (P-S) (2,300; 28-39-44)— 
'Blood Sand' (20th). Being only im- 
portant newcomer, it has field pretty 
much to self. Stretching toward fair 
$6,000. Last week, 'Penny Serenade' 
(Col) and Louis-Conn fight films, 
big $10,000 in eight days. 

Uptown (Par) (1,300; 28-39)— 'Men 
Boys Town' (M-G). First nabe 
showing. Fair 1(2,200 indicated. Last 
week, 'Ziegfeld G.irl' (M-G), first 
nabe showing, okeh $2,500, 

World (Par-Stefles) (28-39-44-55) 
—'Eternal Gift' (Indie) (2d wk.). 
Film of Catholic Easter mass head- 
ing toward mild $1,200. Last week, 
Night Lisbon' (Par) (2d wk.), $1,- 
400. Mild. 



Seattle Cnts Scales; 
'Bombay' Great $8,500, 
'Store' 5iG, Others Sag 



MONT'L MOANS LOW 



Heat Bops Bit; 'Blood' $7,000, 
$6,500, 'Draft' Mild 4G 



■Kid' 



Seattle, July 1. 
Summer prices at the Jensen-von' 
Herberg Liberty theatre, and re- 
duced prices for service men in uni- 
form, and juniors (12 to 16) are now 
in effect at the first run houses. 

Run at Coliseum last week of 
'Zanzibar' wais extended to nine 
days, with Louis-Conn fight thus 
getting a full week's shot. This 
fight film drew better than any in 
years. 'Woman's Face' holds for a 
third good week at the Blue Mouse. 
Outside of that, the showshops all 
have new fare, some of it rating. 
Estimates (or This Week 
Bine Moase (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(850; 30-40-50) — 'Woman's Face' 
(M-G) and 'I'll Wait' (M-G) (3d wk). 
Getting on for $2,300, good. Last 
week, same films (2d wk), sold for 
dandy $3,800 at b.o. 

CoUscnm (H-E) (1,900; 21-35)— 
Ziegfel;! Girl' (M-G) and 'Shot In 
Dark' (WB) (2d run), heading to 
$2,300 in six day;, okay. Last week, 
Zanzibar' (Par) and 'Strange Alibi' 
(WB) (2d run), plus Louis-Conn 
fight last seven days, of nine-day 
run, $3,800, big. 

Fifth Avenne (H-E) (2,349; 30-40 
50)— 'Met in Bombay' (M-G) and 
'Point Widow' (Par). Great $8,500 
looms. Last week, 'Lisbon* (Par) 
and 'Scattergood Strings' (RKO), 
$6,700, big. 

. Liberty (J-vH) (1,650; 21-30-40)— 
•Time for Rhythm' (Col) and 'Miss- 
ing 10 Days' (Col), inaugurating 
'summer prices,* but $3,000 is so 
thfn it may be yanked. Last week 
(30-40-50), 'Knew Answers* (Col) 
and 'Dared Not Love' (UA) landed 
okay $5,000. 

MobIc Box (H-E) (850; 30-40-90)— 
•Billy Kid* (M-G) and 'Blonde In- 
spiration' (M-G) (2d wk. hot from 
(^rpheum, galted at a • big $3,000. 
Last week, T.ove Crazy* (M-G) and 
•Cowboy and Blonde' (20th) (4th 
wk), $2,700, good. 

Orphenm (H-E) (2,600; 30-40-50) 
—'Flame of Orleans' (U) and 'Vegas 
Nights' (Par), got only $2,900 In five 
days, and pulled. Last week, 'Mil- 



Montreal, July 1. 

Blistering heat is nicking grosses 
again and the best in "Sight will be 
shared by Palace and Loew's with 
'Billy the Kid' and 'Blood and Sand.* 
Balance will be near flop figures. 
French language houses are so bad 
they may close for summer. 

Estimates for This Week 

Falace (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 
'Billy Kid* (M-G), $6,500 will be 
good but outlook is uncertain. Last 
week, 'Sunny* (RKO), fair $5,500. 

Capitol (CT) (2.700; 30-45-62)— 
'Caught In Draft* (Par) and 'Point 
Widow' (Par),.. $4,000, fair. Last 
week, 'Knew Answers' (Col) and 
'Naval Academy' (Col), weak $3,500. 

Loew's (CT) (2,800; 35-53-67)— 
'Blood Sand* (20th). Best in town 
with good $7,000 ahead. Last week, 
'John Doe* (WB) (2d wk), slipped to 
$4,000, n.s.g. 

Princess (CT) (2,300; 30-40-53)— 
'Singapore Woman' (WB) and 
'Beauty's Sake* (WB). Hope for 
$3,000 which will be good enough. 
Last week, 'People Kildare* (M-G) 
and 'Washington Melodrama* (M-G), 
$2,800, fair. 

Orphenm (Ind) (1,100; 30-40-60)— 
'Dictator* (UA) (2d wk). Still click- 
ing and may get fair $2,800, after 
nice $4,000 last week. 

Cinema de Paris (France-Film) 
(600; 30-60) — 'Circonstances Atten- 
antes' (3d wk). Pic good enough but 
public won't go this weather. Lucky 
to gross $400 after floppo $600 last 
week. 

St. Denis (France-Film) (2,300; 30- 
40) — 'L« Bonheur* and 'Cavalerle 
Legere' poor $2,000 in sight. Last 
week, 'Violette Imperiale' and 'Con- 
troleur des Wagons-Lits,' weak 
$2,200. 

Triple Shift at U 

Hollywood, July 1. 

Triple play by Universal's casting 
department shifted three leading 
men to three different pictures. 

Robert Stack hopped out of 
'Hellzapoppin' into 'Bad Lands of 
Dakota'; Robert Paige, originally as- 
signed to 'Ride 'Em Cowboy ,*" took 
over the Stack role in the Olsen- 
Johnson comedy, and Dick Foran 
moved Into the Paige spot iix, 'Cow- 
boy.' 



lion Dollar Baby* (WB) and 'Shining 
Victory' (WB^. $4,300, mild. 

Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 21-40)— 
'Nurse's Secret' (WB) and 'Mutiny 
Arctic' (U), plus vaude, traveling 
at $4,600, good. Last week, 'Black 
Cat' (U)' and 'Too Many Blondes' 
(U), plus vaude, $4,400, good. 

Paramount (H-E) (3,039; 30-40-50) 
— 'Big Store* (M-G) and 'People 
Kildare* (M-G). May land good 
$5,500. Last week, 'Billy the Kid' 
(M-G) and 'Blonde Inspiration' 
(M-G), $9,500, swell. 

Boosevelt (Sterling) (800; 21-35)— 
'Nice Girl* (U) and 'Penalty' (M-G) 
(2^* run). Okay $2,300. Last week 
(30-40-50), 'In Navy*. (U) and 
•Vaquero* (20th) (4th wk), good 
f 2 6v0 

winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 16- 
30)— •John Doe* (WB) and •District 
Attorney* (Rep) (2d run). Good 
$2,400, Last week, •Topper Returns* 
(UA) and 'Adam Sons' (Col) (2d 
run), $2,200, good. 



Record Heat Smothers Pitt. 



'Bombay' Sparkling $16,000, But Product Dearth 
Hurts; Other Business Soars 



Pittsburgh, July 1. 

The record-breaking heat and lack 
of outstanding first-run product Is 
making a mourner's bench of film 
row this week. Temperatures hit 
ninety-flve and drove the natives out 
of town for relief. Midday traffic 
conditions prevailed on all roads 
hereabout as late 'as 3 a.m. 

With the exceptions of They Met 
in Bombay' at the Penn and 'Big 
Store,' supported by the Conn-Liouis 
light pictures, at the Ritz on second 
week moveovers from Penn and 



'Dragon' Reluctant 
In Denver, $7,400; But 
'Baby' Sturdy $9,500 



Denver, July 1. 

Business Is only fair with most 
houses down from recent weeks. 
'Million Dollar Baby* at the Denver, 
and 'Reluctant Dragon' at Orpheum, 
shape up as best b.o. bets. 

Estimates (or This Week 

Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 25-40)— 'In 
the Navy* (U), after a week at the 
Denyer. Good $4,000. Last week, 
'Hamilton Woman* (UA), after week 
at" Denver, okay $4,000. 

Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 25-35-40) 
—'Sunny' (RKG) and 'People Kil- 
dare* (M-G) (2d run), fair $2,500. 
Last week, 'Billy Kid' (M-G) and 
'Met Argentina' (RKO), after two 
weeks at the Orpheum, meek $2,500. 

Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 25-35- 
40)— 'Caught in Draft' (Par) (3d wk) 
and 'Parson Panamint' (Par). Neat 
$7,000, nice profit for third session. 
Last week, 'Draft* alone got nice 
$7,500 on Its second week. 

Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-40)— 
'Million Dollar Baby* (WB) and 'Af- 
fectionately Yours* (WB). Sturdy 
$9,500. Last week, 'In Navy* (U) and 
'Cowboy Blonde' (20th), good $9,500. 

Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 25-3^-40) 
—'Reluctant Dragon' (RKO) and 
'Scattergood Strings' (RKO). Fair 
$7,400. l,ast week, 'Sunny' (RKO) 
and 'People Kildare* (M-G), nice 
$10,000. 

Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)— 
'Devil Dogs' (WB) (reissue) and 
'Singapore Woman' (WB). Good 
$6,500. I^st week, ■ 'Time for 
Rhythm* (Col) and Tirst Beau' 
(Col), nice $5,500. 

Rlilto (Fox) (878; 25-40)— 'Hamil- 
ton Woman' (WB), after a week at 
each the Denver and Aladdin, and 
'King Zombies' (Mono). Okay $2,000. 
Last week, 'Blood Sand' (20th), after 
a week at Denver and also Aladdin, 
and 'Horror Island' (U), good $2,000. 



Lamb Quits Disney 

Hollywood, July 1. 
Herbert Lamb has resigned as stu- 
dio manager of Walt Disney Produc- 
tions. 

He Is reported to have checked 
out because of differences with Walt 
Disney ^ver reorganization of studio 
personnel to reduce expenses. 



Minneapolis, July 1 

'Blood and Sand' has a cinch cur. 
rently but not nearly as hot as the 
'weather. It's the only important 
newcomer. Aside from the Gopher' 
'Girl, Guy and Ciob,' vrhlch Is only 
mild. 'Dictator' is disappointing in 
second stanza at the Orpheum and 
goes out. Town Is full of second 
runs and holdovers, and biz Is bad. 

Paul Whiteman is on the Orpheum 
horizon for July 11 — the first stage 
locally In a number- of weeks. 
Estimates (or This Week 
Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 28)— 
•Monster' (U) and "Horror Island' 
(U). In for five days, nice $1,200. 
•Men Timberland' (U) and 'Under 
Age' (Col), also dual first-runs, open 
Tuesday (1). Last week, 'Sleepers 
West' (20th) and •Keeping Company' 
(M-G), dual first-runs, light $900. 

Century (Par-Singer) (1,600; 28 
89-44)— •Pennv Serenade' (Col) (2d 
wk.). Moved here from State. In 
a spot to catch feminine shopper 
patronage, but not doing so well in 
second stanza. Looks light $2,500 
after a l>ig $10,000 first week over at 
State. Last week, 'Eternal Gift' 
(Indie). After poor start; probably 
due to Eucharistlc Congress visitors 
and local parlshoners' concentration 
on Congress activities, patronage 
started Monday and climbed to 
pretty good $3,000. 

Esquire (Berger) (290; 15-20)— 
•Met Murderer* (Indie). - This weak 
Bister British film limping badly. 
Very bad $300 indicated. Last week, 
•Zombies* (Mono) and 'Gang of 
Mine* (Mono), light $500. 

Gopher (P-S) (998; 28)— 'Girl 
Gob' (RKO). Well-liked, comedy, 
but «nly going to fair $2,600. Last 
week, 'Vegas Nights' (Par), out after 
five poor days, $1,600. 

Orpheum (P-S) (2,300; 28-39-44)— 
•Dictator' (UA) (2d M/k.). Falling 
oft sharply after big first week— big 
despite critics' mild response and 
mbredcustomer opinion. Mild $4,- 



NATIONAL B. O. SUMMARY 



Give 'Em a Name Like Gable and Biz Ups — ^Ditto Bob Hope 
—But They Need Good *A' Pix In General 



It' isn't the heat, duals, consent decree or la guerre 
that are holding down film receipts. - It's the dearth of 
new class A starring product. At least, that Is a rea- 
sonable conclusion after glancing at the current week's 
intake, as reported telegraphically from Variety corre< 
spondents, coast to coast. ' ' 

In contrast, when one of the dozen or more big time 
marquee names appears, in all too infrequent releases, 
the boxoflice barometer starts soaring, even In stormy 
weather. To prove the point, Clark Gable returns to 
flrst-run screens this week In 'They Met in Bombay* 
(M-G), "and the receipts are near tops in all bookings. 
In Los Angeles the Gable-Rosalind Russell combina* 
tion hit $28,500 (two houses), best in weeks. Seattle 
is $8,500; Lincoln, a sturdy $3,500; Pittsburgh, smash 
$16,000, and San Francisco, a not so heavy $18,000. 
Film reaches Broadway (Capitol theatre) tomorrow. 

It's that ole debbil personality, and he is showing 
his smiling face wherever 'Caught in the Draft' (Par) 
is playing, giving Bob Hope fi chance to do his own 
brand of clowning. Abbott and Costello, still •In the 
Navy,' are holding tenaciously to holdovers, the best 
extended run engagements since 'Ziegfeld' and 'Zanzi- 
bar' in the spring. Joan Crawford in "Woman's Face' 
(M-G) is gradually leaving the initial engagement 
scene for lucrative subsequent runs, and Myma Loy 
and William Powell have almost completed their key 
city showings in .'Love Crazy* (M-G). 

•DRAFT' DEATCHT TBaBIPIC 

Hope moves to first spot of current showings In 
'Draft.' The Paramount, N. Y., Is close to record 
figures on the week. The Chicago theatre (B&K) baa 



rung up a banner $40,000, and at the Metropolitan, 
Los Angeles, the take is $25,300, terrific. Indianapolis 
la swell at $9,800; Omaha is 8G on the holdover; Port- 
land touches $13,800; best In Louisville with $12,000, 
and excellent second weeks in Frisco and Kansas City. 
Denver is finishing satisfactory third stanza at $7,000.' 

Showmen can estimate the strength nationally of the 
new releases by study of half a dozen early key show- 
ings. Also the weaknesses. 

THE WEAKIES 

- Into the latter category falls 'Man Hunt* (20th), with 
medium, poor and good returns respectively in Louis- 
ville, Pittsburgh and Baltimore. ' 'Big Store* (M-G) is 
something less than an answer to a showman's prayer, 
with spotty returns from Washington, Baltimore, Bos- 
ton and Seattle, and low at the Capitol, N. Y. Like- 
wise, 'Time Out for Rhythm' (Col) is hitting a three- 
quarter pace in most spots. Score: Providence, weak; 
Frisco, slow; Omaha, good; Indianapolis, average; 
Louisville, fair; Kansas City, not bad; Washington, 
n.s,g.; Seattle, thin, and Lincoln, mild. 

•Blossom in the Dust' (M-G) is off to fine returns at 
the first week in the Music Hall, N. Y. No other book- 
ings. 

Added starter joins the roadshows tonight when 
'Sergeant York' opens at the Astor, N. Y. 'Citizen 
Kane' holds on the Palace, N. Y., and Woods, Chicago 
(8th week). And out In Los Angeles "Fantasia' has 
completed Its 22d week at the Carthay Circle, ap- 
proaching the run of 'Gone with the Wind.' 

With: too few returns for general estimate, 'Moon 
Over Miami' (20th) and 'Reluctant Dragon' (Disney 
RKO) are emerging Into first runs. 



Warner respectively, grosses are at 
submarine levels. Some may hit 
lows for year. 

In the face of blotto business in 
theatres, newspapers this week re- 
ported that general business condi- 
tion here have hit an all-time high 
peak. 

Estimates (or This Week 
Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 25-40)— 
•Manhunt' (20th). Excellent reviews 
will help eke out an underpar $2,- 
800. Last we^k, 'In Navy' (U) in 
fourth week concluded with satis- 
factory $2,500 after a profitable run 
which totalled up best grosses of 
year. 

Penn (Loew-UA) (3,300; 25-35-50) 
—'Met Bombay' ■ (M-G). Best in 
town by a mile. Gable-Russell draft 
against current conditions indicated 
by a sparkling $16,000. A cinch for 
a second week at th'e Warner. Last 
week, 'Big Store' (M-G) ambled in 
for a passable $11,000. 

Bitz (WB) (800; 25-35-50)— 'Big 
Store' (M-G) and Louis-Conn fight 
pictures. 'Store' moved here for 
second week and fight pictures ditto 
from Warner. Corribination is going 
to give the house a bright $3,000. 
Excellent here. Last week, 'Billy 
Kid' (M-G) fair $2,200. 

Senator (Harris) (1,750; 25-35-50) 
—'Black Cat' (U) and Devil's Island' 
(Col). Twinner just a filler-inner 
and struggling for a measly $2,500. 



Last week, 'Adventure in Washin 



ing- 

(u: 



ton' (Col) and 'Tight Shoes' 
only a little better at $3,100. 

Stanley (WB) (3,800; 25-40-60)— 
'Sunny' (RKO) and 'Crazy with 
Heat' unit on stage. Neither stage 
nor screen demonstrating any drnw 
and the big deluxer -will take a -dive 
into the red ink with a year's low of 
$10,000. Last week, 'Shining Vic- 
tory' (WB) and Ted Lewis on stage 
came through, with neat but not 
gaudy $17,500. 

Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-40)— 
'Devil Dogs' (WB) and 'Wait for 
You' (M-G) staggering along for sad 
$3,000. Last week, 'AfTectionately 
Yours' (WB) and Louis-Conn fight 
pictures, socko $9,000. 



Hot Weather Slows Up 
Hub; 'Store' $25,000 In 
2 Spots, 'Fog' Mild 14iG 



Boston, July 1. 

'In the Navy' holds for a third 
week at the Keith - Memorial and 
shapes up as the strongest b.o. film 
in town, matching the trade of 
single-week pix in other major 
stands. - 'Navy' will also play a 
fourth frame, moving over to the 
RKO-Bostoii next week. 'Big Store* 
and 'Out of Fog* are running about 
even at the Orph and State and 
Metropolitan, respectively. But all 
boxofllces were dented by a terrific 
heat wave, following a similar show- 
men's headache last week. 

' Estimates for This Week 

Boston (RKO) (3,200; 15-20-28-44) 
— 'The Terror' (Alliance) and 'Mys- 
tery Room 13' (Alliance) with 'Third 
Dimensional Murder* (M-G), a short, 
being publicized as a 'triple-thrill 
show,* aiming at better-than-average 
summer biz, $6,000. Last week, 'Hit 
Road* (U) (1st run) and 'Bringing 
Up Baby* (RKO) (reissue), four 
days; and 'Double Date' (U) and 
'Queen Penthouse' (Col) (both 2d 
run), three days, with Louis-Conn 
fight pix all week, $4,100. 

Fenway (M&P) (1,373; 28-39-44- 
55)— 'Million Dollar Baby' (WB) and 
'Round Up' (Par), skidding to $4,000 
or less. Last week, 'Caught in Draft' 
(Par) and 'Magic Music' (Par) (both 
continued from two weeks at Met), 
$5,500, good. 

Keith Memorial (RKO) (2.900; 28- 
39-44-55)— 'In Navy' (U) and 'Young 
Lady' (20th), third week, heading for 
a swell $13,000. Seaond week same 
combo turned in $14,500. 

MetropoilUn (M&P) (4,367; 28-39- 
44-55)— 'Out of Fog' (WB) and 'West 
Point Widow' (Par), pointing to me- 
dium $14,500. Last week, 'Night 
Lisbon' (Par) and 'Singapore Wo- 
man* (WB), $12,400. 

Orpheum '(Loew) (2,900; 28-39-44- 
55)— 'Big Store* (M-G) and 'Dare 
Not LoVe* (Col), heading for so-so 
$15,000. Last week, 'Woman's Face 
(M-G) and 'Broadway Limited 
(UA) .(2d wk), $13,500. „ „ ,„ 

Paramount (M&P) (1,797; 28-39- 
44-55)— 'MllUon Dollar Baby* (WB) 
and 'Round Up* (Par), sluffing to 
$6,000. Last week, 'Caught, in Draft 
(Par) and 'Magic Wusic' (Par) (both 
continued from two weeks at Met), 
$8,500. 

SUte (Loew) (3,600; 28-39-44-55)-- 
•Big Store' (M-G) and 'Dare Noi 
Love' (Col), slightly off to around 
$10,000. Last week, second stanza ol 
'Woman's Face' (M-G) and 'Broad- 
way Limited' (UA), $9,000. 

Translnx (Translux) (900; 15-25. 
44)— 'Under Age' (Col) and 'U-Boal 
29' (Col) (reissue), indicating fait 
$2,500. Last week, 'Marked Woman 
(WB) (reissue) and 'Mutiny Arctic 
(U) (1st run), $2,000. 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



PICTURE GROSSES 11 



Frisco Turns Blah; "Bombay $18,000 
Heads Ne w Entries; "Kane Oke in Sth 



San Francisco, July 1. 

Things sagged again this week al- 
though the visitors from the valley 
towns are beginninK to trickle in. 
Hot-belters, however, pick items 
they don't get at home. Thia Kelps 
stage shows at the Gate and Is kdd- 
in% to the terrific play which the 
Ice Follies is getting, with nightly 
sellouts. . , „ _^ ■ 

Plenty of new entries on the street 
but they apparently will bring only 
average results or less. 'Met in 
Bombay' is tops at the Fox. Sto- 
kowsky concert just broke even. 
Estimates for This Week 

Fm (F-WC) (5,000: 35-40-50)— 
'Met In Bombay' (M-G) and "Shot 
in Dark' (WB). Gable opus started 
out okay, with around $18,000 in 
sight. t,ast wee];, Marx Bros, com- 
pletely blah, house unable to reach 
even a brutal $11,000 with 'Big Store' 
(M-G) and 'Strange Alibi' (WB). 

Geary (Curran) (1^86; 55-75-$1.10- 
$1.65)— 'Kane' (RKO). Stays over 
lor a sixth week starting today. 
Fifth week got $5,500, still In the 
black and indications now are that 
Welles opus will ride to a seventh 
stanza. 

Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 39-44- 
55) — 'Roar Press' (Mono) and Funza- 
flre unit. Stage is pulling the load 
again this week, without too much 
emphasis on the pull, just average 
$13,500. Last week, Andrews Sisters 
and Louis-Conn fight films plus 'Big 
Boss' (Col), finished with a terrific 
$23,000. 

Orpheom (Blumenfeld) (2,440; 35- 
40-50)— Time for Rhythm' (Col) and 
'Adventure in Washington' (Col). 
Disappointing entry; opened slow 
and $6,000 looks like tops. I<ast (4th- 
flnal) week. 'In Navy' (U) and 'Men 
Timberland' (U) (2d-final wk), mild 
$5,500. 

ParamoDDt' (F-WC) (2,470; 35-40r 
50)— 'Caught in Draft* (Par) and 
'Point Widow' (Par) (2d wk). 
Slacked off sharply after a bang-up 
opening week, but $13,000 13 .still 
good. First week finished with a 
smash $22,000. 

St. Fratacls (F-WC) (1,475; 35-40- 
50)— -Bi^; Store' (M-G) and 'Strange 
Alibi' (WB). Moveover from the 
Fox. lucky to eet $4,500. Last week, 
'Million Dollar Baby' CWB) and 
'Thieves Out' (WB) average $5,000. 

United ArtLits (Cohen) (1,200; 35- 
40-50)— 'Pot o' Gold' (UA). Opened 
mild but may manage to scrape up 
$8,000. Last (4th-flnal) week of 
'Hamilton Woman' (UA), aided by 
preview of Three Cockeyed Sailors' 
(UA) got $5,500. 

-Warneld (F-WC) (2,650; 35-40-50) 
— 'Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Beauty's 
Sake' (20th). Another moderate en- 
try, with $13,000 probable. Last (2d- 
final) we^k. 'Fog' (WB) and 'Af- 
fectionatelv Yours' (WB) unable to 
pass the $7,030 figure. 

Chilled Cinemas Aid 
Hot Cincy; 'Bombay' 
Best at Fine $15,000 

Cindrmati, July 1. 
Weekend heat wave was a b.o. 
booster, chilled cinema chambers 
holding more than average appeal 
to sweltering natives as relief re- 
treats. Current pic trade stacks up 
a couple shades better than last 
week. 

Surprisingly strong is the tug of 
•Met in Bombay' at the Albee. It Is 
magneting burg's biggest figure for 
weeks. 'Big Store' is registering 
fairly good at the Palace. On the 
gloomy side is 'Out of Fog' at 
Keith's. Other ace houses have 
holdovers. 

Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— 
"Met in Bombay' (M-G). Big $15,000 
lor town's tallest take in weeks. Last 
week, 'Billy Kid' (M-G), hefty 
$12,000. 

Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 33-40-50)— 
•Billy Kid' (M-G). Moveover,from 
Albee for second week. Okay $4,- 
200. Same last week for 'Sunny' 
(RKO) (2d run). 

Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-28)— 
•Scattergood BaineS Pulls Strings' 
(RKO) and 'Law of Range' (0), split 
with 'Power Dive' (Par) and Tum- 
ble Down Ranch* (Mono). Average 
$1300. Ditto lost week lor 'Naval 
Academy' (Col) and 'Missing Ten 
Days' (Col) divided with 'Sing 
About* (Ind) and Timberlands* (U). 

Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50)— 
T4eet John Doe' (WB), third week 
on main line. Sorry $2,500. Last 
week. 'In Navy' (U) (2d run), $3,800. 

Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 33-40-50) 
—'Out of Fog' (WB). Slow $3,500. 
Last week, 'First Beau* (Col), fair 
$4,000. 

„ Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 33-40-50)— 
In Navy' (U). Second transfer lor 
third consecutive week on front 
stem. Tame $2,800. Last week. 
Devil Dogs' (WB) (revival) (2d 
run), limp $2,000. 
.Palace (RKO) (2,600; 33-40-50)— 
Bjg Store' (M-G). Fairly good $9,- 
000. Same last week on 'Night Lis^ 
bon* (Par). 



Key City Grosses 



Estimated Total Gross 
This Week $1,46840* 

(Based on 26 cities, 16S thea- 
tres, chiejly first runs, mcTudtrio 
N. Y.) 

Total Gross Same Week 
Laat Tcsr.......,...41,4»8,40* 

(Based on 26 cities, 169 theatres) 



DRAFT BEST 
IN BUFF„ 14G 



Buffalo, July 1.' 
Heat wave is blistering the b.o.s 
so efrectively that not even the ex- 
tra thousands in town lor the na- 
tional Townsend Clubs convention 
will add many shekels to the final 
total. 

'Caught In the Draft' is way out 
front at the Buffalo and will sock 
the till for a tidy numeral. 'Fog' 
is showing some substance at the 
Lakes but othervvise the wickets are 
pretty much ding-dong. 

Estimates for This Week 

Baffalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55)— 
'Caught Draft' (Par) and 'Accent 
Love' (20th). Nifty $14,000. Last 
week, 'Big Store' (M-G) and 'Power 
Dive' (Par), brutal $7,500. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-55) 
—'Out of Fog' (WB) and 'Uncertain 
Feeling' (UA). Indicates for profit- 
able $8,000. Last week, 'Man Hunt' 
(20th) and 'Broadway Limited' (UA) 
hekl up to hopes at $8,000. 

Hipp (Shea) (2,10g; 30-45)— 'Man- 
Made Monster' (U) and 'Horror Is- 
Und' (U). Fair $5,500. Last week. 
'Night Lisbon' (Par) and 'Get-Away' 
(M-G) (2d run), mediocre $5,300. 

Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300: 30-40) 
— 'Adventure in Washington' (Col) 
and 'Time Out Rhythm' (Col). Over 
$6,000, just fair. I,ast week, 'In 
Navy' (U) (2d wk) and 'Dynamite' 
(U) held up well over $8,500. 

Seth Century (Dipson) (3,000: 30- 
44) — 'Affectionately Yours' (WB) 
and 'Repent Leisure' (RKO). Under 
par, over $5,000. Last week, 'Jesse 
Jame;' (20th) (2d run) and Louis- 
Conn fi^ht, ditto. 

DRAFT' HUCE $13,800 
PERKY PORT. LEADER 



Portland, Ore. July l. 
'Caught in the. Draft,' only new pic 
in town this week, making a big hit 
and big returns at the big Para- 
mount. Mayfair upped its ordinary 
b.o. last week by coupling Louis- 
Conn fight with 'Hamilton 'Woman,' 
and still holding up. 'Billy the Kid' 
still going swell in a second stanza 
alter making a b.o. high in its first 
week. 

Estimates for This Y/etk 
Broadway (Parker) (2,000: 35-40- 
50)— 'BUly Kid' (M-C) (2d wk.), 
dualed with 'Washington Merry-Go- 
Round' (M-G) (1st wk.) still going 
strong at high $7,000, after excep- 
tional first week at terrific $10,000. 

Mayfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1.500; 
35-40-50)— 'Hamilton Woman' (UA) 
fourth week, with Louis-Conn flsht 
films (2d wk.). Good $4,000. Third 
week ran well above average for this 
house, nice $6,000. 

Orphenm (Hamrick -'Evergreen) 
(1,800; 35-40-50) — 'Million Dollar 
Baby' (WB) and 'Devil Dogs' (WB) 
second week getting satisfactory $3,- 
500, in six days. First week, great 
$6,700. 

Paramonnt (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(3,000; 35-40-50) 'Caught in Draft' 
(Par) and 'Melody Three' (RKO). 
Looks like colossal $13,800. Last 
week, 'Night Lisbon' (Par) and 
'Magic Music' (Par) closed a second 
week for okay $6,100. 

United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 35- 
40-50)— 'Love Crazy' (M-G) (2d 
wk.) and "The Gateway' (M-G)- (1st 
wk.), second week holding up to 
big $6,000. First week, singled-billed, 
went over the top for bonanza $8,000.. 

'ANSWERS' FAIR $8,500, 
'SUNNY' $5,700 IN K. C. 

Kansas City, July 1. 
Mild tone in theatres currently 
compared to recent weeks. 'Caught 
in Draft' at the Newman with the 
Louis-Conn fight pictures is going 
strong on its second week while 
TKijew All Answers' and 'Time for 



Rhythm' is mild at the Midland. 
Weather dampened things Friday 
with 2.6 inches of rain, -but put biz 
back in normal stride Saturday and 
Sunday. 

Estimates tor This Week 

Esquire and Uptown (Fox Mid- 
west) (820 and 2,043; 10-28-44)— 
'Sunny' (KKQ) and 'Devil Dogs' 
(WB). Both RKO and Warner re- 
leases made available for the Fox 
houses with closing of Orpheum lor 
the summer. Week's biz decidedly 
mild at $5,700. Last week, 'In Navy' 
(U) and 'Scotland Yard' (20th) 
twinned in holdover week to satis- 
factory $5,500. 

Midland (Loew's) (4,101; 10-28-44) 
— Knew Answers' (Col) and Time 
for Rhythm' (Col). Billing equally 
divided on these, and will garner 
$8,500 average. Last week, 'Big 
Store' (M-G) and 'Blondle Society' 
(Col), dualled. Personal appearance 
of Penny Singleton two days on 
opening helped, but light $7,tf00 is 
all in sight, 

Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10- 
28-44)— 'Caught in Draff (Par) and 
Louis-Conn fight pictures for a sec- 
ond week. Duo sailing along to good 
money, $6,600, alter gratifying first 
week, $11,000. 

Tower (Joffee (2,110; 10-20-30)— 
'Affectionately Yours' (WB) on 
screen with variety bill on stage. 
Star names in film not enough and 
stage show is no help. Mild $6,000 
is all. Last week, 'Power Dive' (Par) 
fVlm and vaude bill did about the 
same, $6,200. 



Torrid Weather Hits 
BaIto;'Store'$ll,000, 
Tight Shoes' Neat 9G 

Baltimore, July 1., 

Hot weather is nicking things here 
and hurting weekeniis which were 
lilesavers before. Withdrawal of 
combo Hipp, undergoing a three- 
week period of remodeling, is send- 
ing some customers to other down- 
towners. Best currently is The Big 
Store' at Loew's Century. Some ac- 
tion also reported for Tight Shoes' 
at Keith's. \ 

Estimates for This Week 

Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15 
28-44)— 'Big Store' (M-G). Leading 
town in steady fashion with okay 
$11,000. Last' week, second of 'Billy 
Kid' (M-G) added okay $8,200 to 
strong opening round at $12,400. 

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240; 
15-28-39-44-55-66)— Closed for three 
week, period for extensive remodel- 
ing. Last week, 'Time for Rhythm" 
(Col). Leaned heavily on support- 
ing stage show of A. B. Marcus 'Con 
tinental Revue' and Conn-Louis fight 
pix to chalk up healthy $15,300. 

Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406: 15 
28-39-44)— Tight Shoes' (U). Well 
received by crix and holding healthy 
pace to indicated $9,000. Last week, 
third of 'In Navy' (U) added $4,900 
to extra big first two weeks, which 
totaled $20,400. 

New (Mechanic) (1,581; 15-28-35 
44)— 'Man Hunt' (20th) (2d wk). 
Building in fairish style at possible 
$4,000 after inching out a pleasing 
$5,200 on initial sesh. 

Stanley (WB) (3,280; 15-48-39-44 
55)— 'Out of Fog' (WB). Not faring 
so badly at indicated $7,500. Last 
week, 'Night Lisbon' (Par) held up 
nicely to good $9,900. 

Bob Hope Comedy Tops 
Lincoln, Strong $4,500 

Lincoln, Neb., July 1. 

'Caught in the Draft' hogged the 
com with a close-to-terrific take at 
the Stuart. Gable-Russell 'Met in 
Bombay' is above par at Lincoln, 
and biz generally is standing up well 
in face of usual summer heat. 
Estimates for This Week 

Colonial (Monroe-Noble-Federer) 
(750; 10-15)— 'Rider Crosses Rio' 
(PRC) and 'Military Academy' (Col) 
split with 'Secret Seven' (Col) and 
North Lone Star' (Col), Nominal 
51.000. Last week, 'Billy Kid's Pals' 
(PRC) and 'Nancy Drew Detective' 
(WB) split with 'Friendly Neighbors' 
(Rep) and 'Silver Stallion' (Rep). 
All right $1,000. 

Lincoln (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,503; 
10-25-40) — 'Met Bombay' (M-G). 
Terrific opening points toward very 
solid $3,500. Last week, 'Big Store' 
(M-G) clicked lor very nice $3,300, 
fine black figure. 

Nebraska (J. H. Cooper-Par) 
(1,236; 10-20-25) — Toint Widow' 
(Par) and "Wait lor You' (M-G). 
Not bad $1,700. Last week, 'Round 
Up' (Par) and 'Washington Melo- 
drama' (M-G). So-so $1,500. 

Stuart (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,884; 
10-25-40)— 'Caught in Draft' (Par). 
Town's big winner at extremely 
strong $4,500. Looks like cinch hold- 
over. Last week, 'Man Hunt' (20th) 
fell flat on its face Irom opening day 
to measly $2,400. 

Varsity (Noble-Federer) (1,100; 10 
25-40)— 'Time lor Rhythm' (Col). 
Despite extensive bally probably no 
better than $2,700. I.ast week, Louis- 
Conn fight and 'Out of Fog' (WB) 
did neat $3,000 thanks to cauliflower 
clips. 



Like Old Times in LA. Draft' With 
W. Osborne $25 JO, 'Bombay' $28,500; 
Kids Hypo Tantada' %M, H.0.'$ (fte 



Broadway Grosses 



Eslimaled Total Gross 

This Week $301,0M 

(Based on IZ fheatres) 
Total Gross Same Week 

Last Tear $227,7M 

(Based on II ttieatre:) 



GABLE -RUSSELL 
B1G13G1N 
CLEVE. 



Cleveland, July 1. 
With town becoming more ac- 
climated to terrific heat and grosses 
climbing a bit. State is getting the 
major breaks with "They Met in 
Bombay.' Hefly opening crowds un- 
usual, considering it's a pre-holiday 
week. 

'Man Hunt' also lifting Palace sev- 
eral notches over its recent figures 
but Hipp's being slowed up by 'Out 
of Fog.' 'In the Navy' still one of 
Allen's best money-making hold- 
overs. 

Estimates for This Week 

Allen (RKO) (3,000; 30-35-42-55)— 
'In Navy' (U). Abbott and CosteUo 
fans, and there are plenty of 'em 
here, are boosting this one to $3,300 
for fourth stanza after doing fine 
$4,000 last week. 

Hipp (Warners) (3.700; 30-35-42- 
55)— 'Out of Fog' (WB). Fried by 
critics and hamstrung by Indifferent 
start; so-so $8,000 sighted. Last week, 
'Sunny' (RKO) mooched in only 
$6,600 on six days, one day being cut 
oft jrun to shift house into Friday 
openings. 

Palace (RKO) (3,700: 30-35-42-55) 
—'Man Hunt' (20th). ThriUer show- 
ing sturdy b.o. pull and backed by 
swell notices for nice' $9,000. Last 
week. 'Sin<;apore Woman' (WB), 
$6,300, indifferent. 

State* (Loew's) (3,450; 30-35-42-55) 
—'Met in Bombay' (M-G). Combo of 
Gable-Russell stealing everything in 
sight, including excellent $13,000, 
with a problematical h.o. Last week, 
'Big Store' (M-G) merely proved that 
the Marx Bros, are off in these parts, 
with thudding $7,000. 

Stillman (Loew's) (1.072; 30-35-42- 
55)— 'That Uncertain Feeling' (UA). 
Okay $3,500 for such a light summer 
dish. Last week, 'Billy the Kid* 
(M-G) shot up target for $3,200, sat- 
isfactory for third round. 



Big Indpls. Coin To 
Bob Hope, Swell $9,800 

Indianapolis, July 1. 

Bob Hope is representing the local 
branch of the U. S. Mint here garner- 
ing most of town's coin at the Circle 
where his 'Caught in the Draft' is 
dualled with 'Scattergood Pulls the 
Strings.' His present biz makes 'Road 
to Zanzibar' look like a detour. 
Other managers of downtown houses 
are not running up any excess heat 
hurrying to the bank. The Lyric Is 
anemic showing 'Singapore' with 
vaude headed by Gertrude Niesen 
and Professor Lamberti. 

Estimates for This Week 

Circle (Katz-DoUc) (2,600; 25-3P- 
40)— 'Caught in Draff (Par) and 
'Scattergood Strings' (RKO), swell 
$9,800. Last week, 'Sunny* (RKO)' 
and Louis-Conn fight pictures, fair 
$6,500. 

Loew's (Loew's) (2.400; 25-30-40) 
— 'Knew Answers' (Col) and Time, 
for Rhythm' (Col), average $7,500.. 
Last week, 'Billy Kid' (M-G) and 
'Broadway Limited' (UA) slick 
$10,300. 

Lyric (Lyric) (1,900: 30-40-50)— 
'Singapore Woman' (WB) and vaude, 
poor $7,800. Last week, Thieves 
Fair (WB) and Ted Fib-Rlto orch, 
ditto $8,500. 



HEAT WILTS J. C. 



'Penny' Doal Ok on H.O.— 'Navy' 
Doal Good $14,00« 



Jersey City, July 1. 
The heat since Saturday has 
severely cut attendance at the city's 
three first-run theatres, and the 
temperature may continue at its 
present high level for the next lew 
days. 

Estimates for This Week 
Loew's (Loew's) (3,205; 28-33-50 >— 
'Penny Serenade' (Col) and 'Queen's 
Penthouse' (Col) (2d wk). This 



Los Angeles, July 1, 
Another ideal weekend drew thou- 
sands out of town but schools wound 
up last week, and juve attendance 
more than compensated. Heaviest 
solo grosser is the Paramount where 
Caught in the Draft,' with the Will 
Osborne ork on stage, is packing 'em 
in to tune of around $25,000. Satur- 
day*Sunday business was off in most 
houses. 

Biggest combined gross will likely 
be turned in by the State and 
Chinese where top feature is They 
Met in Bombay.' Two houses are 
headed for sweet $28,000, plenty of 
dough. RKO and Pantages are hold- 
ing 'In the Navy' for a third week 
and Warners are keeping over 'Un- 
derground,' single billed, for an' ad- 
ditional five I'.ays. 

Estimates for This Week 

Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1,615; 83- 
$1.10-$1.65)— 'Fantasia' Disney (22d 
wk.). Kids arc oui of school and 
cartoon opus should hit $5,300 cur- 
rently. Last week brought lucrative 
$6,300. No doubt now that picture 
will outlast 'Wind.' which ran 24' 
weeks at the Carthay Circle on its 
first appearance. 

Chinese (Grauman-P-WC) (2,034; 
30-44-55-75) — 'Met in Bombay' 
(M-G) and 'Beauty's Sake' (20th). 
Another bright week in store with 
prospect of a big $13,000. Last week, 
'Woman's Face' (M-G) and 'Wait lor 
You' (M-G), excellent $11,400. 

Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-44-55) 
—'Underground' (WB) (2d Wk.). 
Holds through Wednesday on second 
week to enable house to open new 
show on the holiday. Additional five 
days will likely bring $4,500 after 
first week grossed satisfactory $7,000. 

Four SUr (UA-F-WC) (900; 30-44- 
53)— 'Rage in Heaven' (M-G) (4th 
wk.). Managing to make expenses 
but slim $1,900. Last week came in 
with dismal $2,300. 

Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-44-55) 
—'Underground' (WB) (2d wk.). 
Solo bill is being held five days ad- 
ditional to enable house to switch 
to Fourth of July opening. This 
stanza will likely add $5,000 on top 
of first week's e:tcellent $7,500. 

Orphenm (B'Way) (2,200; 30-44- 
55) — 'Shadows Stairs' (WB) and 
'Singapore Woman' (WB) and vaude. 
Sepia show on - stage helping house 
to neat $10,000. Last week, 'Bride 
Crutches* (20lh) and Thieves Fall 
Out' (WB) with vaude, just hit $9.- 
500, which left little profit. 

Pantages (Pan) (2,812; 30-44-55)— 
'In. Navy' (U) (3d wk.) and 'Repent 
Leisure' (RKO). Added new second 
feature will not help much with 
around $5,600, fair. Second week of 
'Navy' finished with okay $8,800, but 
five grand lower than the Hillstreet, 
day-dating. Tight Shoes' (U) was 
supporting feature. 

Paramonnt (Par) (3,595; 30-44-55- 
75)— 'Draft' (Par) and Will Osborne 
ork on stage. Just like old times at 
this- downtown acer and big $25,300 
in sight, insuring a holdover. Last 
week, 'Point Widow,' with Rochester 
and ' 'Fats' Waller crew on stage, 
eked out slim $16,000. 

BKO (RKO) (2,872; 30^4-55)— In 
Navy' (U) (3d wk.) and 'Dreaming 
Loud' (RKO) with second week 
holdover of the Louis-Conn fight pix. 
Will ad a big $S,000. Last week, 
with 'Navy' (U) and Tight Shoes* 
(U) (2d wk.), terrific $13,436, Plenty 
evidence that the fight pix meant 
something as shown exclusively at 
this downtown house. 

SUte (Loew-F-WC) (2,404; 30-44- 
55-75)— 'Met In Bombay^ (M-G) and 
'Beauty's Sake' (20th). Best biz 
house has had in weeks, ahd $15,500 
leaves neat profit. Last weel^ 
'Woman's Face' (M-G) and 'V/ait for 
You' (M-G), weak $13,800. 

VnlUd Artlsta (UA-F-WC) (2,100; 
30-44-55) — 'Woman's Face' (M-G) 
and 'Wait lor You' (M-G). Another 
good week in store with this move- 
over bill and outlook is lor com- 
fortable $3,400. I<ast week, 'Billy 
Kid' (M-G) and 'ScotUnd Yard' 
(20th), on moveover just hit $4,000. 

WiUhlre (F-WC) (2,296; 30-44-55) 
— Woman's Face' (M-G) and 'Walt 
for You' (M-G). Hitting the high 
spots and looks like $6,000. I>ast 
week, 'Billy Kid' (M-G) and 'Scot- 
land Yard' (20th), surprising $6,000. 



double, in its second week, drew ia 
fine $15,000 first week, and is ex- 
pected to take $7,600 during the cur- 
rent week. 

SUnley (WB) (4,500; 28-33-50)— 
'Navy' (U) and 'Angels Broken 
Wings' (Rep). An expected $14,000, 
good. Last week, 'Blood and Sand 
(20th) and 'Hello, Sucker' (U), good 
$13,000. 

State (Skouras) (2.150; 28-33-50)^ 
'Night In Lisbon' (Par) and Tight 
Shoes' (U). So-so $7,500 in sight 
'Magic in Music' (Par) and 'Hit 
Road' (U) weak $7,000 last week. 



12 FILM REVIEWS 



Wednesday, July .2, 1941 



SERGEANT YORK 

Warner Dros. TPleoBe of Jesse- L. Lneky 
Knd Hal n, Wnllls prnductlnn. Htars Cary 
Cooper; featuVcH Waller Ilrcnnnn. Joan 
Irfsllr, Ocnige Toblaci, Stanley RldKes. Di- 
rected l>y llownrtl TluwUn. Screenplay by 
Abcm FInkel nnrt Harry Chnndlee. Howard 
Koch nnd John Huston; ramem. Sol Tollto; 
Kcoi-e; Mnx Steiner. rrevlcwod In. projec- 
tion TOfvn, N. T., June :)<), '^1. Running 
time, 134 .MINS. 

Alvin I'. YorS Gary Cooper 

Paator Roslf:r I'iK- Walter Prcnnan 

(iraclo NVIIIInmsi Joan Ijeclle 

PUFber Rose Gcorpo Toblaa 

Major Bu:tlon Stanley RI(lF;ea 

Mother York Margoret Wycherly 

Iko Dnlkln Ward Bond 

Buck Mpsccmb N'otth Brcry. Jr. 

Roele York June I-oc'*hart 

Oeorgo Yorl: DIclile Moore 

Zeke Clem Ttevans 

Lem ...Howard dc SIiva 

Oordell Hull (.•hnrlci Trowlirldge 

Captain Danforih Harvey Steptienfl 

Bert Thomoa n.-wld Bruce 

German Major Chnrles F.smond 

Sergeant Karly Joseph Sawyer 

Sergeant Ifarry Paisuds Pat Flaherty 

Zeb Andrewr. Rol-ert Porlerfleld 

Nate Tomklna Ervllle .Mderson 



side church services and revivals 
with keen appreciation for the im- 
portant part which religion plays In 
the American midwestern scene. He 
has touched expertly a phase not too 
lamiliar to theatregoers. 

In his direction he has had able 
help from Sol Polito's skill as photog- 
rapher, and Max Stciner'.s fine musi- 
cal score. Sound recordins is way 
above average, and an echo elTcct is 
one o( several produclion interpola- 
tions that heighten the film's general 
quality. 

Smaller bits play importantly In 
the picture. Dickie Moore, now a big 
boy. and June Loclchart, as York's 
younger brother and sister make 
favorable impression. Clem Bevans 
is an amusing cracker-barrel phi- 
losopher. Harvey Stephens plays 
Representative Cordell Hull, now in 
the Cabinet. 

In 'Sergeant York' the screen hrs 
spoken for national defense. Not in 
propaganda, but in <hc:t're. Flin. 



Like the clear notes of reveille at 
summer sunrise. 'Sergeant York' is 
a clarion film thr.t reaches the pub- 
lic «it a moment when its stirring 
and patriotic mcsi^age is probably 
most rieeded. Tt is as timely as i 
White House flrcsic-e chat, a moving 
and effective presentation in thrill- 
ing entertainment terms of whr.t is 
meant by 'the American way of life,' 
understood and lived by people on 
American soil. -T implement its 
purposes, G&ry Cooper sppeilVs in 
the title role, for which he seems 
singularly suited ' and well chosen. 
Featured and suppsrting players 
give excellent performances in a 
wide varied of characterizations. 
•York' is a star.snangled attraction 
of unlimited boxofflce values. 

For more than 20 years studios 
sought per.-nission to. film the heroic 
World War deeds of Sergeant York, 
Co. G., 328th Inf., 82nd (AH Ameri- 
can) Div., U. s; Army. And for as 
long a period York refused the nec- 
essary cooperation. Of his heroism 
on the early morning of Oct. 8, 1918, 
when he single-handed killed 20 
Germans and compelled the surren- 
der of 132 of the enemy in' the Ar- 
gonne sector. Marshal Foch called it 
'The greatest thing ever, to be ac- 
complished by any private soldier in 
ell the armies In Europe.' 
. Lauded, praised, av/arded the Con- 
gressional Medal of -Honor, York 
side-stepped all proffers to- benefit 
Irom the acclaim. of his citations.. He 
returned, from - army service to his 
home In. Pall Mell. Xenn., where he' 
has devoted himself t6 farming and 
edutjatlonal work. 

Co-producflr of the 'plctarb'is JesSlEf 
1*. Lasky, who after many attempts 
finally persuaded York, to permit an 
authorized flirt of his life. The War- 
iier Studip furthered the project With 
laclUUes and . the services of Hal b; 
Wallis, dn the production end, and 
Howard Hawks, as director. EnlisT- 
ment of Cooper in the name part 
completed the top unit. With assur- 
ances pf .isubstantial funds to extend 
his educational ■ activities, • York 
turned over notes and memoranda. 
The script w^s prepared by a platoon 
of four writers, Abem Finkel, Harry 
Chandlee, Howard . Koch and John 
Hustdp. . . ■ y. / 

It is film biography at its best, 
■ field jh which Warners has ex- 
celled with 'Rothschild,' 'Pasteur' 
and 'Zola.' If the York feats of 
- mlUtary prowess seem incredible, it 
is only because until ■ now no xne- 
dium as potent- and revealing as Uie 
screen has undertaken to tell the 
story Of what kind of aii individual, 
of old American pioneer stock. grows 
and thrives in- the Tennessee- moun- 
tains. • The writers- have paid more 
attention to character, and the back- 
grounds and associatlQiis which cre- 
ate it, than "to- incident. 

For Cooper the role Is made to 
order. 'It is unlikely that he ever has 
been seen to better advantage, or 
has given a better performance. He 
convincingly portrays the youthful 
hackwoodsman, unruly as a youth, 
who in time gains jnastery over his 
wlldness. The. romantic passages 
played with Joan Leslie, awarded 
feature billing after her work in 
•Wagons Roll At Night,' are tender 
and human. But Cooper is best, per- 
haps, In the scenes of early camp 
training when his marksmanship, 
learned In the woods, attracts at- 
tention,- His explanation to buddies 
how a covey of wild turkeys 'is 
Knocked ofl! one by one • is rich 
hunipr, made highly dramatic later 
on in the Argonne sequence. ' 

Among the featured players the 
.reliable Walter Brennan is splendid 
as the combination village pastor 
and storekeeper. There's comedy by 
George Tobias, and a good straight 

Sart of importance by Stanley 
.Idges, playing an army major. But 
the standout is Margaret Wycherley, 
as York's mother, contributing a 
piece of feminine hardiness and 
understanding unmatched op the 
screen. In one scene, at family 
JJ,eakfast In tfie mountain cabin, 
(Miss Wycherley speaks a volume of 
Americanism in a single sentence. 
Dear .Lord,' she says, 'we thank 
Thee for this food, and that we are 
beholden to nobody.' 

Almost as long as the war Itself 
(running two hours and 14 minutes), 
the film jiever lets down. Hawks has 
turned out a picture replete with 
moods, melodrama and meaning. 
The entire early portion of the pic-^ 
ture is concerned with primitive 
folk, of whom York is first a prob- 
lem child, later an earnest regllion- 
1st, Hawks has handled the country- 



The Bride Came C.O.D. 

Hollywood, June 27. 

Warner Bros, release of Wllllum CHgnoy 
production. Slare Jnmcs Cagney. Dette 
Uavta: feoturce Stuart Erwin. Kugene Pul- 
lette. Jack Carson. Directed by William 
KelRhtey. Screenplay by Julius J. und 
Phillip O. Epstein, from story by Kenneth 
Barl and M. M. Musfeltnnn; camera. Krnte 
Haller; editor. Thomas Rlchard.<:; Assr. di- 
rector. Frank Heath; special etterts. Uyron 
Hoakin and Rox Wimpy. Previewed at 
Studio City theatre, June lie, '41. Running 
time, 94 .MINS. 

Steve Colllna Jomes Cagney 

Joan WInfleld Ueiie Uavis 

Tommy Keenan Stuart Krwin 

Lucius K. WlnAeld lilugene Pallette' 

Allen Rrlce Jack Carson 

Pcewee George Toblos 

Pop Tolllver ...J.Harvy. Davenport 

Sherlft McGee William Krawley 

HInkle Edward Brophy 

Judge Sobler Harry Holman 

Flrat Reporter Chirk Chandler 

Second Reporter. Keith Dougla.s 

Third Reporter Herbert AnJerson 

McGee'a Pilot....' William .Newell 

Kecnnn'a Pilot UeWoK Hopper 

After a long succession of dra- 
matic roles, Bette Davis is teamed, 
with James Cagncy in a broad farce 
that combines spontaneous gayety 
and infectious humor. It's a hefty 
package of laugh entertainment that- 
will deliver strong b. o. returns in 
the summer key bookings with star- 
ring combo of Davis-Cagney provid- 
ing plenty of marquee strength to 
catch ticket-buyers. 

In handing Miss Davis a comedy 
assignmeht, Warners go all out in 
also making her the victim of con- 
tinual physical and mental violence. 
She's dirtied up in a mine; acquires 
three doses- of.. cacti needles in pe- 
riodic-. -falls; and even .siqjoscE.^ne'- 
posterlor as target for well-directed 
shots from Cagney's improvised 
slingshot. Slapping around of one 
of films outstanding dramatic ac- 
tre^es accentuates audience reaction 
to the slapstick situations. 

Story takes about 20 minutes to 
Mtablish characters and situations, 
then wmds up at a merry pace. Cag- 
hey .ls the owner of a plane about 
to be repossessed by the finance 
company. Miss Davis is an oil heir- 
ess about to marry orchestra leader 
J4ck Carson. Radio gossiper Stuart 
Erwin prevails on the pair to elope 
via, plane to Las Vegas— and natu- 
""X 9^?**^'^ ^'''P " chartered. 
Girls father from far-off Chicago 
tries to stop the nuptials by phone, 
and Cagney makes a deal to deliver 
unwed daughter in Texas for amount 
necessary to save Kis plane from the 
finance crowd. Pilot gets Miss Davis 
alone >n plane and takes off with- 
out the prospective bridegroom, but 
makes a forced landing in' the CaUr 
fornia-Nevada desert near a ghost 
town. There the conflict between 
the pair is softened by lone inhabi- 
tant Harry Davenport; while. Car- 
son, the father (Eugene Pallette) 
and a, horde of reporters race for 
the desert town. After a- razzle-daz- 
zle of complications, Miss Davis 
tosses over Carson In favor of 
Cagney. 

Cagney grooves in a familiar role 
M the aggressive and two-fisted bat- 
tler—manhandling the girl periodi- 
*?.''. -maximum results. Miss 
Davis chcks strongly as the oil heir- 
ess, displaying a flair fbr comedy 
that cannot be overlooked in future 

?r^i?^^?*'9f'"^"t*- Supporting cast 
Excellently set up, with Carson, 
Erwin, Davenport and George To- 
bias providing strong characteriza- 
tions. - 

WUllam Kelghley takes advantage 
of every opportunity provided in the 
compact script by Julius and Phillip 
?Pufi*"ui.*° the comedy 
,hlghllghts-and the broader the 
slapstick the better for reaction 
i'lcture gets a mounting throuehout 
Wolt. ■ 

BARNACLE BILL 

Hollywood, June 28. 
Ml" neeVy; fcolurea Marjorle 

Richard 'niorpe. Screenplay by Jack 
f?o*,°r'Kj"'T""»* ""«"" «n original 

Vn^rfe: S'.^,!'%r^^:e5'a.^'r^^^^ 

5r'Jl/°^f""°;; V Wallace Beery 

g"" CRvendlah Marjorle MalS 

vi™i;?f.'''r'5?*!! Carrlllo 

•piS%j2^rj'°" Virginia Weldler 
JohS Suv ....Donald Meek 

M.™i» *^ Barton Macl.ane 

..Sara Hoden 

nXnf*""" William Kdmunda 

S?°J:"U Don Terry 

MocDonald .aim Cralg 

•Barnacle Bill' steers Wallace 
Beery to the waterfront for a typl- 



Miniature Reviews 



'Serreant York' (WB). Gary 
Cooper as the World War hero 
in a thriller that will hit box:., 
offices like a hand grenade. 

The Bride Come C. O. D.* 
(WB). Bette Davis and James 
Cagney In roaring farce-comedy, 
cinch for general appeal. 

•Barnacle Bill', (M-G). Wal- 
lace Beery in above par starrer. 
Will catch attention of general 
audiences. 

•Blondle in Sneiety' (Col). 
Blondic and her family provide 
good program entertainment 
Best of the series. 

•Hello Sacker' (U). Very poor 
entry of Z rating. For cancella- 
tion privilege or shelving. 

•Bachelor Daddy' <U). Baby 
Sandy talks, but It's, all rather 
unintelligible. So's the film. 

•Pnddin' Head' (Rep). Judy 
Canova in a sour bucolic medley 
from away back. 

•Poison Pen* (Rep). British- 
made is too sordid for present 
consumption. 

•Bedhead' (Mono). Dull, silly 
romantic comedy with June 
Lang, Johnny Downs, Eric Blore; 
thin fare on weaker dualers. 

' S o V : e t Frontiers on the 
Dannbe' (Russian). Propaganda 
documentary showing the Soviet 
army occupying Bessarabia. 

•Knkon' (documentary). Illu- 
minating- and inspiring, if over- - 
long, pictorial record of a trip 
through remote China. 



cal adventure which utilizes the 
long-familiar Beerian grimaces, 
swagger and deyil-mayrCare trap- 
pings. It's an above-par Beery star- 
rer, which means that general runs 
will garner better-than-average biz 
despite the summer b.o. slump. PIct 
ture has only the waterfront tang 
of 'Min and Bill' and 'Tugboat An- 
nie,' and despite recourse to tried- 
and-true situations for Beery when 
the tempo lags a bit. It will amply 
satisfy the star's following. 

Beery is owner of a small fishing 
boat, tossing financial obligations off 
lightly and continually. To insure 
supplies,, he coyly romances Marjorle 
Main, daughter of waterfront store- 
keeper, Donald Meek, with consist- 
ent results. But arrival of his daugh.' 
"ier, Virginia Wtldlei-; from <Sh;aces.r 
ter puf a- new complextlon on 
things, and the two females prevail 
on him to work on a commercia] 
flshboat. This gets him tangled with 
fish-contractor Barton MacLane; and 
winds up with him buying a large 
schooner — with money provided by 
Miss Main — to be.useid as refrigera- 
tor boat for the fishing fieet, al- 
though Beery Intends to sneak off 
on a South Seas cruise. After a 
round of by-play, including sailing 
through a storm of hurricane pro- 
portions, Beerjr docks to be tied 
down in mamaee by the assertive 
Miss Main. 

Miss Main Is an excellent foil op- 
posite Bpery, turning in a slick per- 
formance. Leo Carlllo is Beery's 
shipmate stooge; Miss Weidler the 
daughter; Meek the dowdy store- 
keeper and shipyard operator; and 
Barton MacLane the conniving fish 
operator. All provide strong sup- 
port. 

■ Picture has several highlight com- 
edy episodes, most prominent of 
which is the church hymnal serv- 
ice, and the antics of a trained peli- 
can which continually, makes passes 
at Beery and CariUo. The tuna and 
sword-fishing sequences aboard the 
commercial fishing boat are most in- 
formative to nimrods; while storm 
sequence of the belabored schooner 
is an excellent example of topnotch 
edltmg. 

Direction by Richard Thorpe takes 
full advantage of Beery's familiar 
mannerisms, but carries the tale 
along at a fairly good clip to create 
the necessary sea-tang. Camera work 
and process photography are of high 
standard. WaXt. 

BLONDIE IN SOCIETY 

(WITH SONGS) 

Hollywood, June 26. . 
Columbia release o( Robert Sparks pro- 
duction. -Features Penny Singleton, Ar- 
thur Lake, Lorry Slmms, Daley. Directed 
i91w.'S'''' .S'"'!'". Screenplay by Karen 
DeWolt; Btory by Bleanore GrlTAn; based 
on comic atrip created by Chic Young - 
camera, Henry Freullch; editor. Cbarles 
Nelson; Aaat. director, Abby Berlin. Pre- 
viewed In studio projection room Jun» 23. 
Running time, 77 MINH. 

|r5d:::.:::::::;:;::;;?:!":y;.«2^ 

iiv?; ...Jonathan Hale 

*^,*<"« Danny Mummert 

n„".l^,°, ^...William Frawley 
cSrt iV.;™ • ^S?" Kennedy 
M»Vi,^.„ • • ^^"^ Chandler 
Announcer .^^^^ Bill Goodwin 

Further adventures of the Bum- 
stead family are delineated in this 
latest issue of the 'Blondle' series 
which carries strong entertainment 
content for the family circuit as a 
programmer of above par calibre. 
New wrinkles and gag situations are 
provided for display of the familiar 
characters in the series— all as- 
sembled in a compact feature that 
lets the laughs fall in proper 
grooves. 

Dagwood acquires .a Great Dane 



pedigreed dog tor a loan to a school- 
boy chum, which provides major 
pivot for story to revolve on. It 
creates dissension in the household, 
but Dagwood starts to get out from 
under when an Important customer 
of the firm wants to buy the canine 
— and so close a construction con- 
tract. But Blondle enters 'the thor- 
oughbred in the dog show, aiming 
for a |500 prize, and many compli- 
cations ensue before the maze is un- 
tangled with a series of humorous 
episodes. 

The Great Dane displays unusual 
antics that run ahead of those pro- 
vided by little Daisy. Best dog epl- 
.<;ode is a most realistic canine- burp- 
ing display which highlights its gen- 
erally high standard of direction- 
taking. 

In addition to the familiar char- 
acters depicted in the series includ- 
ing Penny Singleton, Arthur I^ke, 
Larry Simms, Daisy, Jonathan Hale, 
and Danny Mummert, cast includes 
William Frawley as a rich dog 
fancier, and Edgar- Kennedy as 
the veterinarian. Director Frank R. 
Strayer pilots the players In and out 
of situations for maximum audience 
reactionl 

Miss Singleton sings two oldies — 
'In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree' 
and 'Trees'— as incentive for the 
chomp Dane to stand on its feet In 
the show, ring to cop the prizfe. In- 
ference of the numbers will easily 
be tabbed by most audience». Rob- 
ert Mitchell's Boys Chore- provides 
vocal ensemblo . background accom- 
paniment for Trees.' WoU. 



PUDDIN' HEAD 

(WITH SONGS) 

Republlo release of Albort J. Coh<n nrn. 
auction, Features Judy Caiiovn, Kmnc-il 
Lederer, Raymond Walburn. Slim Summ.r 
vlllo, Eddie Foy, Jr., Aslrld Aliwy„ "i*'; 
Kniger, Hugh O'Connell, chiek (:h;indu. 
Directed by Joseph Santley. Scroenpluy bv 
Jack Town)ey and Mllt Gross from „,.|ai. 
nal by Townley; additional illuloz How- 
ard Snyder and Hugh Wedlock. .Ir.- Bon»N 
Jule Styne, Bddle CherkoHe, Sol .Mevfi": 
camero. Jack Marta; editor, Murrnv 
deen. Previewed In projection ruom ".V Y 
June 23, '41. Running .lime, HO .MINS ' 

Prince Karl b'runcis l.ederer 

H. L. Montgomery, Sr...llHymonri Walburn 

Uncle Lem.. -slim' Sumniervlll! 

Yvonne. ,'. A.trld AllwyJ 

S' .Jf.. Ji-.....li<ldle Foy, Jr 

Matilda Montgomery Almn Kruger 

gl""'* Hugh 0-( onn,« 

"""1?" l-XIck- Ctiandlet 

iJr- "."^^^ !''•"' "Tve" 

MIra Jenkins Nora I-one 

■■ -Gerald Oliver .<;niliu 

!??."''2."'i-;,- Wendell Nile, 

Otia Torbell.. .... vince Barnelt 

The Sportsmen 



HELLO SUCKER 

- Hollywood, June 28. 
Universal releane or Ken GoldEmllh pro- 
duction, stars . M\igh Herbert. Directed 
by Edward Cllne. Screenplay by Maurice 
Leo and P.iul Gerard .Smith; original by 
Arthur T. Herman; camera, Chnrlea Van 
Engor; editor. Ralpli Olxon. Previewed In 
sturtin projection i-oom June S7, 'il. Run- 
ning time, eo .MINS. 

Hub"! Hugh Herbert 

Bob Wade._ Tom Brown 

Rofnlle \VI: Peggy Moran 

wal er Lewis Howard 

3/"'^'* June Storey 

Conway , Waller Pnllett 

Connors , Robert Bmmett Keane 

Elevator Boy Mantan Moreland 



Exhibitors who book this one as 
a time-filler in the minor league 
duals better greet patrons at the 
door with 'Hello Sucker' and then 
duck for cover. Customers will be 
looking for someone after sitting 
through this one. 

Story is silly, ridiculous and 
.^itiipid— .with script writers carrying 
on in the same general tenor. As 
result, director Edward Cline has 
nothing to work with, and the cast 
walks and scampers through endless 
episodes spouting sophomoric dia- 
log. 

Story concerns purchase of a 
vaudeville agency by Tom Brown 
and Peggy Moran from a couple of 
sharpsters, with Hugh Herbert hang- 
ing around after being the previous 
victim. Barren biz Is revived 
through promotion of vaude acts for 
department store window perform- 
ances — and then there's the romance 
and battling -between the two young 
partners until Herbert squares 
things away. 

, /Hello . Sucker' will get limited 
plardates where cancellation or 
shelving cannot prevent showings. 

Wolf. 



BACHELOR DADDY 

Unlveranl release of Burt Kelly produc- 
tion. Directed by Harold Toung. Screen- 
play^ Rob-rt r.eea and Fred RInaldo; cam- 
era. Klllon Krasner; editor. Paul Landres; 
mualc. ir. J. Salter. Previewed In Projec- 
tion Room, N. y., June 30, '41. Running 
time, 61 MIX8. 

Sandy.. T Baby Sandy 

Joseph Smith v. Edward Kveretl Horton 

Edward Smith Donald Woods 

George Smith Raymond Walburn 

Williams -Franklin Fangborn 

Heth C*a« Evelyn Ankera 

Eleanor Pierce Kathryn Adams 

o. • • • ■ • Jed Prouly 

?. 5"^'i' V;.- • • -Hardle Albright 

Judge McOlnnIs George Mender 

Bert Roach 

2'' Juanlta Quigley 

-. Bobby Larson 

^'^nmitiiy MIra McKlnney 



In 'Bachelor Daddy' you frankly 
learn Baby Sandy is a girl. Now 
we ve lived. The revelation isnt 
sufficient to warrant a boxofflce 
stampede. What with the heat 'n' 
all. Daddy' is just that much more 
discQmforting. . 

Three brothers— staid aind appar- 
ently confirmed bachelors, residents 
of a bachelors', club, no less— find 
themselves the unwitting foster- 
fathers of Baby Sandy. The rest 
concerns the diflicultieB in which the 
foster-pop become involved when 
they take the baby, abandoned tem- 
porarily by its mother through ^:ir- 
cumstances, to the Bachelors Club. 
There's a lot of explaining to do, of 
course, in addition to some by the 
Universal story department. 

Baby Sandy's girlish gurgle, per- 
haps, has become 'more basso with 
the passage of the years, but actually 
shes getting; too old for these parts. 
The big— and the supposedly cli- 
matic—part is when she starts run- 
ning the elevator by herself In the 
Bachelors Club, sending the place in- 
to a furor. 

Edward Everett Horton, Donald 
Woods and Raymond Walburn are 
the brothers. They're unable to add 
anything to the film. Mother Is 
played prettily by Kathryn Adams. 

Vaka, 



POISON PEN 

(BBinSH-MADE) 

Republic release of Walter C. Mycrott 
production. Directed, by Paul I>. Sieln. 
Story, Richard Llewellyn; adaptation an<| 
Bcreenplny, William Freshmen and Doreen 
Montgomeiy; additional dialog. Esther Mc- 
cracken and N. C. Hunter; camera, Philip 
Tannura; editor. Flora Newton. Previewed 
In Projection Room, N. Y., June 20, '41, 
Running time: M 'MIM9. 

Maiy Rider Flora Robson 

Sam Hurrin Robert Newton 

Ann....'..; Ann Todd 

The Vlcor Keglnald Tale 

David Geoffrey Toone 

Connie Fnteley.... Cslberlne Lacey 

Sucal Hurrin Belle C«iryetol 

Peter Cashelton .Cyril Chamberlain 

Colonel CoaheUon Athole Stewart 

Mra. Caahelton Mary Hinton 

l/en BrUtIn Edward Chopmen. 

Mrs. Grlftln Jean Clyde 

Too many times, films— and in 
most cases British films — have 
deigned to delve into the Freudian 
sanctum to evolve a story — and none 
too successfully— on one of the psy- 
chologist's pet di 'sertations, the 
psychic trauma— or just plain in- 
feriority complex, if you will. I" 
'Poison Pen.' a Brit;sh-made film by 
Walter C. Mycroft, with American 
release by Republic, there is just 
another such story. This time it 
deals with the frustrated inhibitions 
of a woman and their long-time 
veiling by her gesture of psychic 
strength. The result maintains par 
for -the course. 

The performances, perhaps, are all 
that they should be, the direction is 
moderately . good, but Richard 
Llewellyn's original story sugge.sts 
(Continued on page 18) 



Republic has long worked, not 
without success, on the theory 'our 
audiences llk« 'em corny.' That may . 
be so. But there should be a limit 
to off-the-cob celluloid. This one is 
way out in the end zone. It's hard 
to tell whether It was made in 1941 
or 1921. 'Puddin' Head' is definitely 
for the hayseed dualers. 

Judy Canova,-' whom the studio is 
endeavoring to build into a bucolic 
Myrna Loy, proves her mettle as a 
b.o. potential, but must be handed 
a lot better material and better staff 
work If she's ever to get beyond the 
R.F.D. circuit.' Combination of a' 
script with only a wisp of a plot,, 
director Joseph Santley's complete 
lack of feeling for comedy and bad 
photography Is too much for any 
player .to overcome. 

With the picture rating in Repub- 
lic's 'colossal' class— there are one or 
two more expensive, ones each year 
rated as 'super-colossals' — former 
story editor, now neophyte pro- 
ducer, Al Cohen has given Miss 
Canova name support. It will count 
In only a minor way on the mar- 
quee, however. Included are Fran- 
cis Lederer, Raymond Walburn, 
Slim Summerville, Eddie Foy, Jr, 
and Astrld AUwya 

Jack Townley is credited with the 
original story, although its 'original- 
ity' is subject to debate. Townley 
collabbed with Milt Gross on the 
screenplay and then they had How- 
ard Snyder and Hugh Wedlock, jr., 
provide additional -dialog. That's 
quite a collection of names and the 
big question Is: 'What were the boys 
doing?' It looks as If they were in 
a projection room, looking at every 
o\a fllM'they could find and dusting 
off little situation gags. 

Story is merely the slightest ex- 
cuse for a web of outmoded comedy 
and some songs by Judy. The coun- 
try gal and her uncle (Summerville) 
own a farm on what's apparently 
New York's Fifth avenue. Tremen- 
douSwbulldlng next door encroaches 
on it Silightly, whereupon a couple 
sharpshooters, Walburn and Foy, 
endeavor to- get Judy to sell. That 
Involves putting her bn the air, but 
the 'dead mike' into which she's sup- 
posed t9 be singing turns out to be 
alive, a big sponsor hears her and -' 
the femme from the farmlands be- -. 
comes radio's shining star. 

Aside from trequently being slow, ;- 
Santley's direction . lacks ingenuity 
in polishing up the decrepit gags, .i 
Jack Marta's flat-lighted camera '! 
work is equally minus lustre. Cast , 
as a whole battles valiantly against 
the odds, but to little avail. ■: 
Film has a half-dozen tunes by ; 
Eddie Chekose,'Sol Meyer and Jule 
Styne. Mostly on the novelty side, 
the songs aire all given that inter- 
pretation in Miss Canova's wide- 
mouthed but entertaining vocalizing. 
None of them, at least from her 
manner of warbling them, appears 
destined for 'The Hit Parade.' 

Herb. 



fEfr 



INTERNATIONAL 19 



Pars Daive Rose Emphasizes Great 
Need for Film Comedies in England 



Casualfy recounting several nar- 
row escapes from Nazi bombs, David 
E. Rose, Paramount's manager in 
Great Britain, briefly eummarlzed 
the production situation Jn England 
and the frozen coin- setup there on 
his arrival in N. Y. last Wednes- 
day (25). 

Again praising the ninn»ing morale 
ot the British, despite brutal dev- 
astation from the skies, Rose inti- 
mated that the English today have 
almost as great need for screen com- 
edies as additional supplies. To 
stress his point, he cited the busi- 
ness being do(ie by 'Road to Zanzi- 
bar' (Bob Hope-Bing Crosby). Dis- 
counting that he migbt be prejudiced, 
Rose nevertheless claimed that pres- 
ent indications are that it will be 
the biggest grosser -on the British 
Isles this year: He thinks this film 
is typical of the present need for 
laughter in Britain's grim days. 
. In connection with business, be 
pointed out that, with clothing and 
food rationed, the British people, 
who. are earning more than they ever 
did, have plenty: of money to spend 
on cinemas. Although there is a 
blackout at 10;|0 pjn., two hours ot 
daylight enable theatres presently to 
get a ^eady 'flow of customers up to 
the final show. Rose said about 450 
cinemas bad been closed by Nazi 
bombs or for other reasons out of 
about 5,000 In Great Britain. [Re- 
,cent report Irom Vabieit-'s London 
office, hereurith, differs iometohat 
from Rose's yiffures on theatres shut- 
tered.— Ed.] 

Dnbllm BUte 

Rose was in Dublin at 3:30 p.m. 
the same day the Germans bomt>ed 
^at city. They came over at night, 
and by that time he had left the 
Irish metropolis. Windows on Par- 
amount's oflice In London twice have 
been blasted out by Nazi bombs. On' 
one of these occasions^ the Par man- 
ager had been working late looking 
at some new pictures. Only a short 
time after he left, the Nazis dropped 
their, missiles. A time bomb went 
off in a. nearby building,, he said, 
only the fact that the watchman liad 
stepped outside to get a light sav- 
ing the man's life. 

'After seeing how entire sections 
In some of the larger English cities 
have been blasted out of existence,' 
• he said, 'it is all the more astonish- 
ing l^w the British morale keeps 
at such a high pitch. Our branches 
at Manchester, Liverpool and Birm- 
ingham have been destroyed. 
Only .4 Fix In Prod. 

Rose made a tour of all branches 
before leaving England this time. 
He said only four features were in 
production in that country when be 
left, including Hatter's Castle,' the 
A. J. Cronin story, with Emlyn Wil- 
liams, Deborah Kerr, Robert New- 
ton- and James MaSMi in the leads. 
While the Board of Trade is help- 
(Continued^on page 20) 



Teddy Carr Reports thi 
UA Affairs in Britain 



Painting an optimistic picture of 
United . Artists production under 
Michael Balcon at the Ealing studio 
In London, Teddy C^, UA joint 
managing director in Great Britain, 
related this week how operations are 
carried on in Britain in routine 
fashion despite heavy bombings. 
'Ships With Wings,' new Balcon pic- 
ture, is nearly completed at the Eal- 
ing plant. The Ark Royal figures in 
. the yarn, production crew working 
for 14 weeks on the boat. It will 
cost about $750,000. UA Is also get- 
ting The Big Blockade' from the 
Ealing plant 

Carr, who wiU have charge alone 
In Great Britain if George Archi- 
bald is successful In being accepted 
for service in tfie R.AJ"., leaves for 
the Coast next Sunday. (6) . He plans 
being in U.S. about six weeks. 
Archibald would be granted a leave 
ot absence for his joint handling of 
UA affairs in Britain if okayed for 
service. 

Dteplte the heavy bombings of the 
last 12 months, Carr said only 231 
theatres actually had been hit 

No foreign interests will be per- 
mitted to gain control' of theatre 
holdings in Great Britain, accord- 
ing to Carr, who explained that the 
treasury passes on how U.S. dis- 
tributors are allowed to use their 
frozen coin in that country. He 
doubted if any i>ermission would be 
given to allow, the money used In 
buying Britain theatres. 



London's Theatre Toll 



London, June 13. 
. Of th« 9,500 picture theatres 
In England, 562 are closed, 300 
due to enemy action, with re- 
mainder due to evacuation from 
various districts. 

Of the total closed, 350 are in 
London area alone. 



HOYTS. G.U.T. 
REPORTED IN 
ACCORD 



Sydney, June 6. 

It's indicated here that a 'working 
agreement' has been made between 
Hoyts and Greater Union Theatres, 
despite outward avowal of no merger 
intentions. Unofficial reports are 
that the two circuits have an agree- 
ment on product which would mean 
that Greater Union will not try to 
take product from Hoyts and latter 
will not meddle with what 'belongs' 
to Greater Union. 

Although if was reported some 
time ago that all efforts to form a 
booking monopoly corporation, 
through Which both H^ts and 
Greater Union would operate, had 
ceased, it Is understood here that 
Sidney Kent, of 20th-Fox, never has 
abandoned the idea of getting the 
two circuits together. Hence, Ifs 
reported here that .when W. J. 
Hutchinson, 20th-Fox forei^ chief, 
visits, here he will have full author- 
ity from Kent to set some new deal. 



New South Wales 
h Moye to Crack 
Pix-Radio Control 



Sydney, June 8. 

Recently-appointed Labor Govern- 
ment of New South Wales Intends, 
according to a spokesman, to quickly 
cturb any attempt by any industry to 
gain monopoly control within this 
territory. Several Iiabor men, both 
State and Federal, have been closely 
watching the pie industry following 
tips. A watch, too, is being kept on 
commercial radio. 

Majority of film men, including 
U.S. distribs, strongly deny there's a 
move afoot to gain any complete 
control of the pic biz either way. Ifs 
4>ointed out by some distril>s that 
tliis market is 'sour' enough' on ex- 
hibitor rejection rights, coin freeze, 
import uppings and the like, .and the 
only thing worrying the distribs 
right now is how to get rental coip 
unfrozen. 

A test case is due for hearing 
shortly in which an indie nabe exhib 
has lodged a' complaint under the 
Monopolies Act against 20th-F6x,' 
RKO, British Empire Films, Para- 
mount, Universal and Gaumont-Brit- 
ish, plus the director of a theatre in 
same nabe, alleging monopoly and 
restraint of trade. A stix eyhib has 
lodged a similar complaint against 
the distribs named, with the addition 
of Columbia, Warners and United 
Artists. 



Havana Film Grosses 
OK; 'Penny' Fine $2,600 

Havana, June 22. 

Despite summer heat, film grosses 
for this week are unusually high. 
Even the uncooled theatres are go- 
ing better than usual. 

Estimates for This Week 

Fansto, 'Girl.^Guy and a Gob' 
(RKO). $1,500, not so hot 

Encanto, 'Penny Serenade' (Col). 
$2,600, good. 

America,' 'Four Mothers' (WB) and 
'Kid From Kokomo" (WB), dual. 
$2,350, but more needed to cover ex- 
penses. 

Badio-Clne, 'Son of Monte Crlsto' 
(UA). $2,000, very good. 

Payret, 'Olvidados del Dlos' (Mex- 
ican). $2,200, swell for Latin pic. 

Naclonal, Vaudeville, strictly local, 
$1,400, bad. 



'Kitty Foyle' Starts Fine 
In B.A. With $25,000 

Buenos Aires, June 24. 

"Kitty Foyle' getting off to good 
advance notices and top reviews to 
lead film grosses here this week. 
Surprising second week draw ot the 
Argentlne-raade comedy, 'Los 
Martes, Orquideas' ('On Tuesdays, 
Orchids') was also a noteworthy fea- 
ture of film biz. 

Estimates, in Argentine pesos, cur-"* 
rently figured at one peso for 24c, 
follow: 

Ambsnador (Lauteret Cavalo and 
Lococo) 'South of Suez' (WB), 
$11000, fair. 

Ideal (Lococo) 'Kitty Foyle' 
(RKO). $25,000, good. 

Normandle (Lococo) 'Thief of 
Bagdad' (UA) (2d week). $14,000, 
very good. 

Opera (Lococo) 'Lady From 
Cheyenne' (UA). $18,000, fair. 

Snipaeha (Lococo) 'Playgirl' 
(RKO). $10,000, ok. 

Rex (Lautaret Cavalo and Cor- 
dero), 'Andy Hardy's Secretary' 
(M-O (2d week). $15,000, not bad. 

Broadway (Lautaret Cavalo and 
Cordero) 'Los Martes, Orquideas' 
(Lumiton). $18,000, excellent. 



Will Hay Comedy 
^ts in London; 
Ue' Grimling 



London, Jtine 13. 
Ealing Studios has put the Will 
Hay comedy, 'Black Sheep ot White- 
hall,' into work. Picture marks first 
director chore for Hay. He's also 
the star. He's working with Basil 
Dearden, who previously held an 
associate producer berth at EaUng. 
John Mills has a support role; script 
is by John Dighlon and Angus Mc- 
Phail. 

Paramoimt's 'Hatter's Castle' un- 
der way a.t Denham. I. Goldsmith's 
production is using Robert Newton 
In the star ^ot, actor getting special 
leave from the Navy. Deborah Kerr 
has the femme lead, Emlyn Williams, 
James Mason, Enid Stamp-Taylor, 
Henry Oscar, Tony Bateman and 
Beatrice Varley drawing feature 
roles. Lance Coiatoit directs. ^ 

John Argyle's Tower of T^or' 
worked one unit for Ughthouse ex- 
teriors oS the west coast. Wilfrid 
Lawsm plays the heavy, Movita and 
Michael Rennie handle the love in- 
terest 

That John Corfleld comedy with 
Vic Oliver and Sarah Churchill 
proving a ■ bonanza for femme 
warblers. . Uriel Porter, Gabrielle 
Briine,. Peggy McCormack and 
Evelyn Dall all spotted into nite club 
sequences. Tag has been switched to 
"He Found a Star.' 

Terence Rattigan and A. De Grun- 
wald signed by Paul Soskin to 
screenplay his 'Soldiers ot Fleet 
Street' Team did ,the writing job 
oi( his 'Quiet Wedding.' . 

BEN HENRY SWITCH 
CREATES LONDON TALK 



. London. June 13. 

Ben Henry, head of sales of Asso- 
ciated British Films Distributors, 
which distributes all ot Associated 
Talking Pictures product caused 
plenty of guesses in the trade lately. 
He was to have gone to Columbia, 
having signed contract to produce 
six pictures for them starring George 
Formby, whom he has under per- 
sonal contract, early in June. Sales 
force of ABFD was acj:ordingly told 
it should look for jobs elsewhere, 
and then was suddenly told by Henry 
to hold its hand. 

It now appears Henry has taken 
over the assets of ABFD, on arrange- 
ment whereby he gets 20% of the 
intake, pays all overheads and makes 
good all losses. Assets comprise 
primarily a new Formby picture, 'It's 
Turned Out Nice Again,' recently 
finished at Ealing; five Formby re- 
Issues and four American 'B' pic- 
tures. 



. 2d for M-O in Chile 

Metro plans building a $250,000 
film theatre in Valparaiso, Chile, 
shortly. 

This house will give Metro two 
cinemas in Chile, the other being at 
Santiago. 



Spain Bogged Down in Fnrst Attempt 
At Film Prominence, '40-41 Reveals; 
Nazis Showed Most Pix, Yanks Next 



Gagging Gagsters 

London, June 13. 

As offering to help keep up the 
spirits of Londoners, Olsen and 
Johnson have sent Bud Flanagan 
(Flanagan and Allen), 100,000 
gags in bound volumes of over 
2,000 pages. 

[Variety's London office fails 
to report who sent the gags to 
Olsen and Johnson — Ed.] 



SEE BRAZIL AS 
ACEU.S.P1C 
MARKET 



Brazil looms as the coming No. 1 
market in South America ioi U.S. 
films as well as other product, ac- 
cording to word brought back re- 
cently by nearly every American 
film executive 'retnnlng from Latin- 
Ame^ca treks. Several foreign sales 
chiefs, back from South America in 
the past month or two, acknowledge 
business Is igrowlng so rapidly there 
that ultimately it may top Argentina. 

Main reason for this optimistic at- 
titude on Brazil is the unlimited and 
untapped resources in that country. 
More than one foreign- manager 
tabbed the nation ' as ' the best spot 
in the world for the enterprising 
young man to grow up In' despite 
the presence of nearly 1,000,000 Ger- 
mans and several hundred thousand 
Italians there. As one of the more 
reticent managers stated, 'all of these 
Germans are not Nazis, nor do all 
the Italians crave Mussolini. And 
the Brazilians are extremely loyal 
to their country, no matter how 
many nati<H)allties settle there.' 

Indicative of Brazil's importance 
to picture companies is the fact that 
nearly all eight major American dis- 
tributors maintain branch offices in 
that country. Rio de Janeiro con- 
tinues as main headquarters, but 
branches are operated by some dis- 
tribs fai other,.Brazilian cities. 

Comment of Tank, foreign man 
agers regarding South American 
business is that the slight improve- 
ment noted is traceable mostly to 
additional playing time that has been 
opened up because so many foreign 
films of Crance, Germany and Brit- 
ain have been eliminated from the 
market 



Mex Frodocers Renew 
GoyH Plea for Tqnity' 
On Argentine Imports 

Mexico City, July 1. 

The Mexican-Argentine pic propo- 
sition that was to the fore recently, 
then quieted down, has flared again. 
The Assn. of Mexican Picture Pro- 
ducers is discussing with - the gov- 
ernment's picture censorship and 
supervision department plans {or ar- 
ranging what it calls 'equity' with 
regard to the screening in this coun- 
try of domestic and Argentine pix. 
The association wants a sort of ratio 
exhibition of Argentine products 
with regard to its own films. The 
department is reported to consider 
that a good idea and is expected to 
render some sort of a ruling shortly. 

Argentine pix have, become highly 
popular in Mexico. Some are much 
better liked than Mexican products. 
The association explains that it does 
not seek to curb Argentine films — 
Mexican pix do pretty well in the 
Argentine — but to merely get an 
order that will give them brealcs in 
their own country with the impHorts. 

Argentine producers have lost one 
of their best distributors in Mexico, 
Felipe Mier, ex-Warner exec here. 
He has returned to production and 
dropped the -Argentines, for keeps, it 
Is said. Mler is readying bis first 
new production here. It is sched- 
uled to start about mid-September. 



By JOSEPH D. BAVOTTO 

Madrid, June 1. 

With the signal marking the end 
of the 1940-41 film seascm about to 
be sounded, Spain finds that its first 
serious attempt to create a cinema 
industry of international proportions 
failed to score even a first down. 

What the local pic industry failed 
to do on its own during the past and 
present seasons in the way of scor- 
ing on the international mart, the 
government hopes 'to do for it in the 
future by ringing in soiq^ stiff legis- 
lation which will force the foreign 
product to lose much of the ground 
that it has gained here. 

The principal object of the new 
fllm decree is to permit the local in- 
dustry, with its limited technical and 
artistic talent, to rise on its unsteady 
feet in a supreme effort to get a 
chunk ot the presently elusive Latin- 
American market, which has a pic- 
ture public about four times that of 
Spain. 

Another almost equally important 
object, it's stated here, is to defi- 
nitely eliminate the Hollywood prod< 
uct from Spain. Variety's source 
disclosed that loopholes or liberal 
interpretations of the new decree 
will be found to permit the Ger- 
mans and Italians 4o enjoy some of 
the benefits and privileges enjoyed 
by all importers and . foreign col- 
laborators in- the past There is no 
doubt however, that the authorities 
want the Spanish pic industry to be 
the principal gainer. 

Hopes fade 

Last year plans were laid down to 
produce between 50 and 60 films, but 
with the end ot the season only a 
few months off, all hopes of scor- 
ing par are fading rapidly. Even if 
production plans had been realized, 
the pix would not have been suf- 
ficient to meet . the country's local 
needs. This admission is made by 
El Muhdo, political arid economic re- 
view. 

'For now and perhaps' for many 
years, Spain cannot meet the needs 
of its cinematographic market with 
its own films only,' El Mundo writes. 
'Our production ot films is scarce 
in number nOw and it Isn't possible, 
nor win it be possible for many 
years to come, to meet the needs of 
the Spanish market with our films 
only. Before 1936 between .'>00 and 
600 films came into Spain, of which 
400 were American.' 

Although 500 to 600 picts are more 
than .the Spanish market can now 
'absorb annually, an open competi- 
tive market forced the foreign pro- 
ducers to import Into Spain this 
large number, from which only the 
best were released. Mundo claims 
that 200 films per year are sufficient 
for local requirements. It seems to 
forget, however, that the objective 
here is to capture the Latin-Ameri- 
can market so - that the 2a0-goal 
would have to be lifted somewhat. 

But even granting that 200 films 
are sufficient, Spain's production fa- 
cilities cannot hope to account for 
even one third of this total as there 
are only 10 modem studios function- 
(Continued on page 20) 



REISMAN MAT PRECEDE 
WHITNEY TO S. AMERICA 



Phil Relsman, RKO's foreign chief, 
may leave for South America ahead 
of John Hay Whitney, head of mo- 
tion picture division of the Rocke- 
feller Committee on Latin-American 
Relations, because of company's two . 
Latin-American sales^ conventions 
scheduled there in August. Latest 
indication is that Whitney, who had 
delayed his departure until Aug. 15, 
may not be able to leave then. Con- 
sequently, Reisman, who heads (he 
(oreign managers' group in Whit- 
ney's division, may not be able to 
wait until .Whitney shoves off as 
originally interded. 

■RKO will hold one convention in 
Panama 'for Centxal American man- 
agers and another In Rio de Janeiro 
(or most of South American coun- 
trie.<;. Definite dates will be decided 
in the next week or 10 days. 



Colli's WB Huddlek 

Peter Colli, Warners" supervisor 
for Central America, came Into N.Y. 
last week from Havana, his main 
headquarters, for home offic* 

huddles. 

Colli r.>tum» this w>dc. 



14 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 




YOUR ACADEMY AWARD 



SINCE "KinY FOYLE". . . J 






i1 '"'^^'"''Vf 




A DEFENSE 
FILM 

I^itheveryI 

.PROGRAM. 





^^^^ 



i 




^^^^ 

Pi"-'- 




Snot 



V. but nice an- 
only "'^J'*" very*>''"'« 



her have 




Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



15 




16 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



Advance Production Chart 



HoIIytoood, July 1. 
With only n handful of pictures remaining to be 
' completed for the 1940-41 season, bulk of the pro- 
'lucers are devoting their energies to setting product, 
lined up for the new season. To five of the majors this 
I Is particularl]/ important, by reason of the new content 
'decree under which they are bound to preview or 
tradeshou) all pictures be/ore offering them for sate to 
exhibitors. These companies ore Paromount, HKO, 
Metro, 20th-Fox ond Warners. 
While a number of the distributing organizations 



have not as yet definitely decided upon what they will 
o^er exhtbs on and after Sept. 1, when the new selling 
season really gets under way, most of the companies 
ore well fortified with product. This is particularly 
true of Paramount which according to studio records 
has 13 of the 1941-42 pictures actually completed and 
five more, at least, in work. Metro will have half 
dozen or so ready by mid-July when they start their 
tradeshowings and RKO has already announced its first 
package of five. 



FILM BOOKING CHART 



Colombia 



Prom. 
40-41 

Fcatores 44 
Westerns 16 
"^Berlals 4 



Com- 
pleted 

41 

16 
3 



Blioot- Now 
iBK Cuttinc 
2 10 
2 3 
0 0 



Tn He Comp. Shoot. 
Shot 41-42 41-42 
0 0 0 

too 

10 0 



-. Totals 64 60 4 13 1 0 « 

'< Pictures in cutting rooms or awaiting release: 

: THE OFFICER AND THE LADY, drama; asso. prod., 
Xeon Barsha; dir., Sam White; screenplay, Lambert 
jHillyer and Joseph Hoffman; camera, George Meehan. 
.<Cast: Rbchelle Hudson, Bruce Bennett, Roger Pryof, 
'.'.Sidney Blackmer, Oscar O'Shea, Tom Kennedy. 
i I WAS A PRISONER ON DEVIL'S ISLAND, drama; 
. iasso. prod., Wallace MacDonald; dir., Lew Landers; 
;'jscreenplay, Karl Brown; story by Otto E. Eyss: camera, 
::.:John Stumar. Cast: Donald Woods, Sally Eilers, Ed- 
■ iward Ciannelli, Victor Kilian, Charles Halton, John 
MTyrrell, Ed Laughton, Dick Curtis, Lloyd Bridges, 
f'i Stanley Brown. 

:< TWO IN A TAXI, formerly ONE WAT STREET, 

j.^ drama; asso. prod., Irving Briskin; dir., Robert Florey; 
I' orig. screenplay, Howard J. Green, Morton Thompson, 
S Malvin Wald; camera, George Meehan. Cast: Anita 
j . Louise, Russell Hayden; Noah Beery, Jr., George Cleve- 
;. |and, George McKay, Charles Arnt, Ralph Peters, 
: : Frank YaconelU, Dick Flske, John Harmon. 
: . THE SON OF DAVT CROCKETT, western; asso. 

Erod., Leon Barsha; dir., Lambert Hillyer; orl'g. by 
. ambert Hillyer; camera, Benjamin Kline. Cast: Bill 
(vj Elliott, Iris Meredith, Dub Taylor, Don Curtis, Eddie 
■,j Cobb, Steve Clark, Paul Scardon, Lloyd Bridges, Stan- 
;f] ley Brown. 

!;J BLONDIE IN SOCIETT, comedy; asso. prod., Robert 
1;' Sparks; dir, Frank Strayer; screenplay, Karen De 
J? WoU ; story, Eleanor^ Grlflln; camera, Henry Preulfth. 
I^Cast: Penny Singleton, Arthur "Lake. Larry Simms, 
li Danny Mummert, Jonathan Hale, William Frawley, 
Edgar Kennedy, Hal Cooke, Herbert Rawlinson, Cliff 
|j Clark, Chick Chandler. 

W TILLIE THE TOILER, comedy; asso. prod!, Robert 
!i: Sparks; dir.^ Sidney Salkow; screenplay, Karen Morley 
Jj: and Francis Mariin; caniera,"Phil TahftQrfl.— Castr Xay^ 
»!, Harris, William Tracy, Daphne Pollard, George Watts, 

Jack Arnold, Benny Bartlett. 
p KING OF DODGtB CTtY, western; asso. prod., Leon 
4; Barsha; dir., Lambert Hillyer; no writing credits; 
ifi camera. Benjamin Kline. Cast: Bill Elliott, Tex Ritter, 
■ i Judith Lmden, Dub Taylor, Gus Ashe, Dick Anderson: 
l>l Pierce Lydon. ' 

(■ ™*" MANHATTAN, formerly 

!|| GIRLS FROM PANAMA, drama; asso. prod., Wallace 
■,i MacDonald; dir., Charles Barton'; no writing credits; 
, , camera, John Stumar. Cast: Joan Davis, Jinx Falken- 
M burg, Joan Woodbury, Carmen Morales, Marquita 
la BOnanova, Don Beddoe, Richard Flske, Lloyd Bridges, 
ijj John Dilson, Dick Elliott, Tim Ryan, Chuck Morrison. 
h MTSTERT SHIP, drama; asso. prod.. Jack Fier; dir., 
\i' i^'^ . Landers} screenplay, David SUverstein and 
• Houston Branch; camera, Benjamin Kline. Cast: Paul 
A ^^'7 Parks, Roger Imhoff, Cy 

« Kendall,. Ttevor Bardette, Dick Curtis, Dwlght Frye, 
I Byron Foulger, John T^rell. 

f! OUR WIFE, comedy: asso. prod, and dir., John Stahl; 
I original screenplay, Lillian Day, Lyon Mearson; cam- 
j, era, Henry Sharpe. Cast: Ruth Hussey, Melvyn 
. Douglas, John Hubbard, Charles Coburn,- Frank 
; ' Yaconelli. 

I MR. JORDAN COMES TO TOWN, formerly 
'J S!?^^^'* yVMT, comedy; asso prod., Everett 

V. K"*""?; dir Alexander HaU; no writing credits; camera, 
Joseph Walker. Cast: Robert Montgomery, Rita John- 
j' eon, Claude Rains, James Gleason, John Emory, Halli- 
y. well Hobbs, Evelyn Keyes. 

LADIES IN RETIREHENT, drama; asso. prod., Les- 
•] ter Cowan; dhr., Charles Vidor; screenplay, Reginald 
I Denham and Garrett Fort; . camera, George Barnes. 
' I?^ Luplno, Louis Hay ward, Elsa Manchester, 

I Edith Barrett, Evelyn Keyes, Isobel Elsom. 
j WOMAN OF DESIRE, formerly TONIGHT BE- 
I lONGS TO US, drama; prod.-dlr., Gregory Ratofl; 
k. Eleanor Mercln-Smith; camera 

^Arthur MiUer and Harry Stradling. Cast: Lorette 
■Jo""?. .oean Jagger, Eugenie Leontovich, Conrad 
■Veidt, Victor Varcona. 

r TEXAS, western; asso. prod., Sam Bischofl; dir., 
George Marshall; no writing credits; camera, George 
Meehan. Cast: WUUam Holden, Glenn Ford, Claire 
Trevor, George Bancroft, Edgar Buchanan Andy 
Tombes, Edmund MacDonald, Harrison Green. Merlin 
Nelson, George Lloyd, Ralph Peters, Addison Richards. 
Don Beddoe. 

«25,'i.'PS£.ii,^^ PRAIRIE, formerly THE 

MEDICO RIDES, western; asso. prod., William Berke; 
dir., Lambert .Hillyer: no writing credits; camera, 
BenjamiB Kline. Cast: Charles Starrett, Eileen O'Hearn 
Danny Mummert, CUfl Edwards, Stanley Brown, Ted 
Adams, Dan Curtis, Cal Shrum and his Rangers orch. 

BLONDE FROM SINGAPORE, drama; asso. prod,. 
Jack Fier; dir., Edward Dmytryk; no writing credits 
camera, Lou O'Connell. Cast: Florence Rice, Leif 
Erickson, Gordon Jones, Don Beddoe, Adele Rowland. 
Alexander Darcy. 

Columbia Plz In Prodnctlon 
TOU'LL NEVER GET RICH, com. drama; asso. prod.. 
Bam Bischoff; dir., Sidney Idnfield; no writing credits- 
camera, Phil Taimura. Cast: Fred Astaire, Rita Hay- 
.worth, Martha Tilton, Sunnle ODea, Kay St. Germaine. 

THREE GIRLS ABOUT TOWN, comedy; prod, Sam 
Bischoff; dlr, IiClgh Jason; no writing credits; camera 
Franz Planer. Cast: Joan Blondell, Janet Blair, John 
Howard. 

YOU BELONG TO ME, comedy; prod.-dlr., Wesley 
Ruggles; no writing credits; camera, Joseph Walker. 
Cast: Barbara Stanwyck, Henry Fonda, Edgar Buch- 
anen, Melville Cooper, Harold Waldridge, Charles 
Arnt. 

ROARING FRONT1EB8, western^ asso. prod., Leon 
Barsha: dir., Lambert Hillyer; no writing credits; cam- 



era, Benjamin Kline. Cast: Bill Elliott, Tex Ritter, 
Ruth Ford, Bradley Page, Frank Mitchell 



Metro 



. Prom. 
40-41 

Features SO 



Com- 
pleted 
50 



Slioot- Now 
Init Catting 
7 7 



'I'o Be Camp. Bboot. 
Shot 41-4E 41-42 

0 1 s 



Pictures In cutting room or awaiting release: 
BLOSSOMS IN THE DUST, drama; asso. prod., Irv- 
ing Asher; dir., Mervyn LeRoy; based on orig. byjiuiph 
Wheelwright; camera, Karl Freund. Cast: Greer Gar- 
son, Walter Pidgebn, Marsha Hunt, Fay Holden, Samuel 
S. Hinds, George Lessey. 

DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE (1941-42), drama; 
asso. prod., Victor Saville; dir., Victor Fleming;. based 
on orig. by - Robert Louis Stevenson; camera, Joseph 
Ruttenberg. Cast: Spencer Tracy, Ingrld Bergman, 
Lana Turner, Donald Crisp. 

LADY BE GOOD (41-42), musical; asso. prod., Arthur 
Freed; dir., Norman McLeod; from the George Gersh- 
win production; camera, George Folsey. Cast: Eleanor 
Powell, Lionel Barrymore, Robert Young, Ann Sothem, 
John Carroll, Red Skelton. 

BARNACLE BILL, comedy-drama; asso. prod., Mil- 
ton Bren; dir., Richard Thorpe; screeitplay. Jack 
Jevne; camera, Clyde J)eVlnna. Cast: Wallace Beery, 
Virgi^la Weidler, Marjorie Main, Leo CarrlUo, Donald 
Meek. 

LIFE BEGINS FOR. ANDY HARDY, comedy; gen. 
office prod.; dir., George B. Seltz; no writing credits; 
camera, Les White. Cast: Mickey Rooney, Lewis Stone, 
Fay Holden, Ann Rutherford, Sara Haden. 

DOWN IN SAN DIEGO, formerly YOUNG AMERI- 
CANS, drama (41-42); asso. prod, Frederick Stephanie; 
dir., Herbert Sinclair; orlg. Story, Franz G. Spencer; 
screenplay, Harry. Clork and Spencer; camera, Paul 
VogeL Cast: Bonita Granville, Dan Dailey, Jr., Leo 
Gorc«y, Ray McDonald, Connie Gilchrist 

KILDARE, No. 8 (tentative tiUe, MARY NAMES 
THE DAY), drama; gen. office prod;; dir., Harold 
Bucquet; no writing credits; camera^ Sid Wagner, Cast: 
Lew Ajrres, Lionel Barrymore, Lorraine Day, Samuel 
Hinds, Emma Dunn. 

THE YEARLING (production suspended untU 
spring), dramsi (Technicolor) (41-42); asso. prod., 
Sidney Franklin; dir., Victor Flejning; orig. screenplay, 
Marjorie Klnnan Rawllngs; camera, Hal Rossbn. Cast: 
Spencer Tracy, Gene Echman, Ann Revere, Chill Wills, 
Adeline deWalt Reynolds. 

SMILIN' THROU(!iH, drama (TechnWolor) (41-42); 
asso. prod., Victor Saville; dir., Frank Borzage; orig. 
by Jane Cowl and Jane Murfln; camera, Oliver Marsh. 
Cast: Jeanette MacDonald, Brian Aheme, Ian Hunter, 
Patrick O'Moore, Jackie Horneri 

RINGSIDE MAISIE, comedy; asso. prod., j. Walter 
Ruben; dir., Edwin L. Marin; no writing credits; cam- 
era, Charles Lawton. Cast: Ann Sotherri, George 
Murphy, Robert Sterling, Jack LaRue. 

HONKY TONKr drama; -asso. prod, Pandro Berman; 
dir., Jack Conway; no writing credits; camera. Bill 
Daniels. .Cast: Clark Gable, Lana Turner, Claire 
Trevor, Marjorie Main, Frank Morgan, Albert Dekker, 
Rags Ragland. 

THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER, musical; asso. prod., 
Victor Saville; dir., Roy Del Ruth; no writing credits; 
camera, Karl Freund. Cast: Nelson Eddy, Rise Stevens, 
Nigel Bruce. 

WHISTLING IN THE DARK, drama; asso. prod, S. 
Sylvan Simon; dir., George Halght; no -writing credits; 
camera, Sid Wagner. Cast: Red Skelton, Ann Ruther- 
ford, Conrad Veldt. , 

UNTITLED GARBO, drama; gen. office prod.; dir., 
George Cukor; no writing credits; camera, Joseph 
Rittenbferg. Cast: Greta Garbo, Melvyn Douglas, Ruth 
Gordon, Robert Sterling. 

MARRIED BACHELOR, comedy; asso. prod, John 
Considlne; dir., Eddie Zebbell; no writing credits; cam- 
era, George Folsey. Cast: Robert Young, Ruth Hussey. 



(For information of theatre and film exchange bookers Variety presents 
a complete chart of feature releases of all the American distributing com- 
panies for the current quarterly period. Date of reviews as given in 
Vameiy and the running time of prints are included.) 

COPYRIGHT, 1S40. B1 VARIETV. IMO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

Key to Type Abbrevioflons; M— JVfelofframa; C— Comedy; CD— Comedy 
Drama; W— Western; D— Drama: RD— Romantic Drama; MU— Musical. 
.Figures heretvith indicate date of Variety's revieto and running time. 



WEfeK OF RELEASE— S/16/41 



Monogram 



Prom, Com- 
40-41 pletcd 
Features 26 26 
Westerns 16 ~ IS 



Shoot- Now 
In* Cottlns 
2 2 
0 2 



To Be Comp. Shoot. 

Shot 41-42 41-42 
0 0 2 

1*0 



Totals 42 41 2 4 1 e j 

Pictures in cutting rooms or awaiting release- 
»£JS52S£J^L*'*J"'*'*™'*, formerly MURDER BY 
APPOINTMENT, drama; asso. prod., A. W. Hack;eL 
dir., Phil Rosen; screenplay, George Brlcker; cahiera^ 
Martin G. Cohn. Cast: Wallace FordT Marian Marsh 
Sarah Padden, George Guhl, Wallis ■ Clark, Garvin 
Gordon. , 

FATHER STEPS OUT, formerly CITY LIMITS 
drama; asso. -prod., Lindsley Parsons; dir., Jean Yar- 
borough; screenplay, • Norman Leslie; camera. Mack 
Stengler. Cast: Frankle Albertson, Jed Prouty, Lorna 
^»StS'if^i?.f5£l"' MaxweU. J. Arthuf Young. 

ROUGH RIDERS, formerly ARIZONA BOUND, 
western; asso. prod, Scott Dunlap; dir. Spencer Ben- 
nett; screenplay, Jess Bowers; camera, Harry Neumann. 
Cast: Buck Jones, Tim McVoy, Raymond Hatton, 
Luana Walters, Dennis Moore. "aiiwu, 

FUGmVE VALLEY, western; asso. prod, George 
Weeks; dir., S. Hoy Luby; orig. screenplay, Oliver 
Drake; camera, Robert Cline. Cast: Hay Corrjgan, Max 
Terhune, Johnny King, Julfe Duncan. 

Monorram Plx Now In Prodnotlon 

Sarecky; du:, Phil Rosen; oiig. screenplay, Wellyn 
Tottman; camera Arthut Mtttlnelli. (fast: Charles 
FarrelU, John Mlljan, Jan* hmg, Bernadene Hayes, 
Dan O'Brian, J. Arthur Young, . ^ ' 

BOWERY BLITZKRI£a ditaia; asso. prod, Sam 
Katzman; dir, Wallace Foat; Mtieenplay, Al and Helen 

* (Continued <» page 18) 



She Knew All the Answers (Col) S/21 C M 

ini Walt for You (M-G) S/14 D 73 

King of the Zombies (Mono) M 67 

There's Macic In Music (Far) 2/26 D SO 

DoMrt Bandits (Rep) 6/Z8 W SO 

Cowboy and the Blonde (Mth) 4/23 8U w 

Prisoner of Zends (UA) 9/1/37 - BD 100 

Tom Sawyer (UA) 2/M/38 CD 83 

Slniapoie Woman (WB) 9/14 D .6S 



J. Bennett-F. Tone 
M. Hunt-V. Weldlcr 
D. Purcell-jr. Woodbury 
A. Jonei-S. Foster 
D. Barty-L. Merrick 
H. Ha(hei-0. Montgomery 
H. CsiroU-B. Colman 
T. Kelly-E. Patterson 
^, Harsliall-D. Brace 



WEEK OF RELEASE-^/23/41 



Naval Academy (Col) S/28 D 

Love Crazy (M-G) 9/14 C 

Bedhead (Mono) C 

Pirates on Horseback (Par) 9/21 W 

Scattersood Pulls the Strlnft (RKO) 9/14 C 

Aneeb With Broken Wlnis (Rep) 6/4 D 

Saddlemates (Rep) W 

Great Commandment (20th) 1> 

Too Many Blondes (U) S/Zt C 

The Nurse's Secret (WB) 6/11 D 



69 
ST 
64 
68 
68 
72 



F. Bartholomew-J. Lydon 
W. PoweU-M. Loy 

J. Lanc-J. Downs 
W. Boyd-B. Hayden 
O. Klbbee-D. Trout 

G. Rolond-B. Barnes 
3 Meiqniteers 

t. Beal-H. Moieovlch 
B. Vallee-H. Parrlsh 
L. Patrick-B. Toomey 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 5/S0/41 



Adventure in Washington (Col) 
Billy the Kid (M-G) 9/26 
SUver StalUoB (Mono) 6/18 
I Wanted Wings (Par) 3/26 
Sunny (RKO) 9/21 
Blood and Sand (20th) 9/21 
Abbott-Costello In the Navy (U) 
Million Dollar Baby (WB) 9/26 



6/4 



D 84 V. Bmce-B. Harihall 

W 94 B. TayIor>B. Donlevy 

W 60 D. Sharpe-J. Waldo 

<D 131 R. Mllland-V. Lake 

MU 87 A. Neagle-R. Rolger 

D 123 L. DameU-T. Power 

C 89 Abbett-CosteUo 

CD 102 P. Lane-J. Lynn 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 6/6/41 



Mata Bsrl (M-G) D 

Wrangler's Roost (Mono) 6/29 W 97 

Saint's Vacation (RKO) 6/18 M 61 

For Beanty's Sake (ZOth) 6/29 CD 66 

Men of the TImberUnds (U) M 

Devil Dogs of the Air (WB) 2/12/39 D 90 

Shining Victory (WB) 9/28 D 78 



G, Garbo-R. Novarro 
B. Corrigan-J. King 
S. Gray-H. Sinclair 
M. Weaver-N. Sparks 
R. Arlen-A. Devlne 
J, Cagney-P. O'Brien 
Stephenson-G. Fitzgerald 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 6/13/41 



The Get-Away (M-G) 6/11 D 88 

KKh«r< Man to-»«wn (C«4) «/l2 - --CP 70 

Gang's All Here (Mono) 6/29 C 63 

One Night In Lisbon (Par) 9/14 D 8« 

Cyclone on Horseback (RKO) 6/18 W 98 

Bride Wore Crotches (20tb) 7/24/40 CD 84 

Tight Shoes (U) 6/11 C 67 

Broadway Limited (UA) 6/18 D 79 

Oat of the Fog (WB) 6/11 D 89 



R. Sterllng-D. Adams 
F. Cj»ven.J, ^d , 
F. Darro-M. Moreland 
M. CarroU-F. MacMurray 
T. Holt-R. Whitley 
L. Bgberts-T. North 
J. Boward-B. Barnes 
V.McLaglen-M. Woodworth 
t, GarAeld-I. Lnplno 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 6/20/41 



Thne Out for Rhythm (Col) 9/28 MU 74 

Hands Across the Rockies (Col) W 

The Big Store (M-G) 6/11 C 84 

Bowery Blitzkrieg (Mono) D - - 

West Point Widow (Par) 6/11 CD S3 

Relnotant Dragon (RKO) 6/11 79 

Nevada City (Rep) - W ■ 

Man Bunt (20th) 6/ll d 100 

San Antonio Rose (U) 6/29 MU 62 

Passage from Hongkong (WB) D 



R. Vallee-R< Lane 
BUI Elllot-M. Dally 
Marx Bros.-T. Martin 
X. Gnrcey-B. Jordan 

A. Shirley-R. Carlson 
Disney Cartoon 

R. Rogers-G. Hayes 
J. Bennett-W. Pldgeon 

B. Palge-J. Fra<ee 

K. Donglas-L. Fairbanks 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 6/27/41 



Sweetheart of the Campns (Col) 6/25 MU 

Medico of Painted Springs (Col) 6/29 W 

Wanderers of the West (Mono) w 

They Met In Bombay (M-G) . 6/25 D 

The Parson of Panamlnt (Par) 6/29 W 



Jangle Cavalcade (RKO) 
A Very Young Lady (20th) 
Pnddin' Head (Rep) 1/f 
Kansas Cyclone (Ren) 
Bit the Boad (U) 
Undergronnd (WB) 6/25 



4/30/41 



M 
CD 
C 
W 
D 
D 



64 

99 



62 
99 



B. Keeler-O. Nelson 

C. SUrrett-T. Walker 
T. Keene-B. Miles 

C. Gable-R. Rnssell 

E. Drew-C. Boggles 

F. Bock 

J. Wlthers-N. KeUy 
J. Canova-F, Lederer 

D. Batry-L. Merrick 
O. Qeorge-B, MacLane 
J. Lyi|p-K. Verne 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 7/4/41 



tWaa a Prisoner on Devil's Island (Col) D . 70 

Barnacle BlU (M-G) 7/2 CD 90 

Caoght In the Draft (Par) 5/28 C 82 
Tom, Dick and Barry (BKO) C 

Moon Over Miami (ZOth) .6/18 MU 92 

Bachelor Daddy (U) 7/2 c 6 
Kisses for Breakfast (WB) c 



D. Woods-S. EUers 
W. Beery-v. Weidler 
B. Hope>D. Lamour 
G. Rogers-G. Mnrphy 
D. Ameche-B. Grable 
Baby Sandy-E. E. Horton 
D. Morgan-J. Wyatt 



WEEK OF RELEAS&-7/11/41 



Two In a Taxi (Col) 

Navy Blue and Gold (M-O) (reissue) 

Father Steps Out (Mono) . 

Forced Landing jtPar) 

They -Meet Agalf (RKO) - 

Gangs of Sonora (Ren) 

Accent on Love (20th) 

HeUo, Sucker (U) 7/2 

Bride 'Came C.O.D. (WB) 7/2 



O 62 A. Loolse-R. Hayden 

D 95 B. Young-J. Stewart 

D F. Albertson-L. Grey 

M R, Arlen-E. Gabor 

D J. Bersholt-D, Lovett 

W 3 Mesqnlteers 

D ' G. Montgomery-O. Mauen 

C SO B. HeiUert-T. Brown 

CD 94 B. Davls-J. Cagney 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 7/18/41 



Blondle In Society (Col) 7/2 
Son of Davy Crockett (Col) 
Stars Look Down (M-G) 1/3/40 
Sunset In Wyoming (Rep) 
Dance Hall (ZOth) 
Raiders of the Desert' (U) 
Ballets for O'Hara (WB) 



C 77 P. 8lngleton-A. Lake . 

W B. EUlott-L Meredith 

D 104 M. Bedgrave-M. Lockwood 

W G. Aotry-S. Bnmette 

D c. Romero-C. Landls 

W R. Arlen-A. Devlne 

D J. Perry-R. Pryor 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 7/26/41 



The Officer and the Lady (Col) D 

Rhigslde Malsle (M-G) c 

The Deadly Game (Mono) d 

Shepherd of the Hills (Par) 6/18 D 

Hnriy, CharUe, Hurry (BKO) c 

ThU Woman Is Mine (U) d 

Bad Men of Missouri (WB) D 



B, Hndson-B. Pryor 
A. Sothern-G. Mniphy 
J. lang-C. Farrell 
•8 J. Wayne-B. Field 
L. Erroll-K. Howell 
F. Tone-C. Bruce 
' J. Wyman-D. Morgan 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 8/1/41 



Thnnder Over the Prairie (Col) ' w 

Life Begins for Andy Hardy (M-Of C 

Klis the Boys Goodbye CD 

My Lite With Caroline (RKO) . C 

Cracked Nuts (U) c 

Three Sons o' Guns (WB) CD 



C. Btarrett-E. O'Hearn 
M. Booney-A. Rnthertord 
H. Martln-D. Ameche 
R. Colman-A. Lee 
M. Aner-U. Merkel 
W. Morrls-T. Brown 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



17 



HOLDING BACK? 




no/ 



THOU^O TIMES 

NO!'*' *©/ "t -'^ 

HO*' 




M-G-M RELEASES FROM 
NOW TO THE FALL! 

JUNi aorii 

MARX BROS. & TONY MARTIN 

in the big musical comedy 
"TH E BIG S TORE" 

j?^"'" JUNE arih "^'^^ 

[ CLARK GABLE— ROSALIND RUSSELL 
Ijt, in Clarence Brown's production 

^IWb.J'THEY met in BOMBAY" 

JULY 4Hi 

WALLACE BEERY in "BARNACLE BILL" 
• 

JULY llMi 

JAMES STEWART, ROBERT YOUNG 
LIONEL BARRYMORE in 
"NAVY BLUE AND GOLD"- 
• 

JULY Itth 

Watch /or Announcement 
SPECL^L PREVIEW ENGAGEMENT 
"THE STARS LOOK DOWN" 

JULY asrii 

ANN SOTHERN in "RINGSIDE MAISIE" 
• 

AUGUST Ut 

"LIFE BEGINS FOR ANDY HARDY" 
Lewis Stone, Mickey Rooncy, Judy Garland 
and all the folks 
• 

AUOUSTSIK 

MARY NAMES THE DAY" 
(The New Dr. KiUare Hit) 
Lew Ayres, Lionel Barrymore, Laraine Day 

AUOUST ISrti 

GREER GARSON — WALTER PIDGEON I 
BLOSSOMS IN THE DUST" 
fTechnicoIor) 





AUGUST 22nd 

WHISTLING IN THE DARK" 

All-Comedy Cflit of Funsters 



AUGUST 29th 

JOAN CRAWFORD, ROBERT TAYLOR 
GREER GARSON, HERBERT MARSHALL 
"WHEN LADIES MEET" 



In presenting its major stars 
during June, July and August in 
a multi-million-dollar production 
line-up-M-G-M pridefully calls 
industry attention to: 

THE CONSCIENTIOUS COM- 
ip PLETION OF ITS ACKNOWL- 
EDGED OBLIGATIONS OF 
TOP BRACKET PICTURES 
FOR THE YEAR! 




WE HAVE NOT HELD BACK! 
IP NO SACRIFICE HAS BEESn 
MADE IN PRESENT QUALITY 
o.ur."TO EXHIBITORS! OUR 
GREAT SUMMER PICTURES 
SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES! 

THE FRIENDLY 
COMPANY 



18 PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



Advance Production Chart 



(Continued from page 16) 

Martin. Cast: Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, ,Bolrtiy Jordan, 
Warren Hull, Charlotte Henry, East Side Kids. 



Paramount 



studios Z9 
H. Sherman 

9 

Morros- 

StUInuD t 
G.Markey 1 
Pic. Corp. 

of Am. S 
Fleischer . . 

Totab 44 



Prom. Coin- 
40-41 pirtril 



29 



42 



Slinot- Now 
liiK Cultlii( 



To n« romp- Sli(Mi». 
Stmt 
0 12 3 



IS 



Pictures in cutting rooms or awaiting release: 
SHEPHEBD OF THE HILLS, drama; in Technicolor; 
Bsso. prod.. Jack Moss; dir., Henry Hathaway; ong^ 
Harold Bell Wright; screenplay, Grover Jones and 
Stuart Anthony; camera, Charles Lang, Duke Green. 
Cast: John Wayne, Betty Field, Harry Carey, James 
Barton, John Qualen, Billy Gilbert, Ward Bond, Bcu- 
]ah Bondi, Marjorie Main, Samuel S. Hinds, Tom Fad- 
den, Dorothy Adams, John Harmon, Carl Knowles. 

NEW TOSK TOWK' (1941-42), drama; asso. prod., 
Anthony Veiller; dir., Charles Vidor: screenplay, Jo 
Swerling and S. Lewis Meltzer, based on story by Jo 
Swerling; camera, Charles Schocnbaum. Cast: Fred 
MacMurray. Mary Martin, Robert Preston, Lynn Over- 
man, Akim Tamiroff, Betty Brewer, Eric Blore, Grace 
Hayle. 

WIDE OPEN TOWN, formerly MEN OF ACTION, 

westen; Harry Sherman production; dir., Lesley Se- 
lander; screenplay, J. Benton CSieney; camera, Russell 
Harlan. C^ast: William Boyd, Russell Hayden, Andy 
Clyde, Morris Ankrum, Evelyn Brent, Bemice Kay, 
Victor Jory, Glenn Strange, ROy Bancroft, Bob Kort- 
man, Ed Cassidy, Kenneth Harlan, C. Cleveland, Frank 
Darien, Jock Rockwell. 

KISS THE HOTS GOODBYE, comedy-drama; asso. 
prod., WiUiam LeBaron; dir., Victor Schertzinger; 
screenplay, Harry Tugend and Dwight Taylor; from 
play by Clare Boothe; camera, Ted Tetitlaff. ' Cast: 
Mary Martin, Don Ameche, Eddie Anderson, Oscar 
Levant, Raymond Walburn, Jerome Cowan, Barbara- 
Jo Allen, Virginia Dale, Elizabeth Patterson, Minor 
Watson. 

SKTLABK (1941-42), comedy; asso.-'prod.-dIr., Mark 
Sandrich; screenplay by Allan Scott; adaptation, Z. 
Myers; camera, Charles Lang. Cast: Claudette Colbert, 
Ray Milland, Brian Aherne, Binnie ° Barnes, Walter 
Abel, Ernest Cossart, Grant Mitchell, Mona Barrie, 
James Rennie, Virgina Sale, Fritz Feld. 

CAUGHT IN THE DRAFT, comedy; asso, prod., B. G. 
DeSylva; dir., David Sutler; orig. screenplay by Harry 
Tugend; additional dialogue, Wilkie C. Mahoney; cam- 
era, Charles' Schoenbaum. Cast: Bob Hope, Dorothy 
Lamour, Eddie Bracken, Lynn Overman, Clarence 
Kolb, Paul Hurst, Arthur Loft, . Murray Alper, Pat 
■ West. 

THE GREAT MAN'S LADT, formerly PIONEER 
WOMAN (1941-42), drama; asso. prod-dir., William A. 
Wellman; screenplay, W. L. River; camera, William 
Mellor.- Cast: Barbara Stanwyck, Joel McCrea, Brian 
Donlevy, Lloyd Corrigan, Etta McDaniel, Thurston 
Hall, Katharine Stevens, Helen Lynd, Mary Treen, 
Lucien Littlefleld, Anna Q. Nilsson. 

NIGHT OF JANUARY ISTH (1941-42), drania; asso. 
prod., Sol C. Siegel; dir., William Clemens; screenplay, 
Delmar Daves, Robert Pirosh, Eve Greene; camera, 
John Mescall. Cast: Ellen Drew, Robert Preston, Nils 
Asther, Donald Douglas, Roy Gordon, Margaret Hayes, 
Clarence Kolb, Harry Hayden, Edwin Stanley, Paul 
Stanton, Willard Robertson, James Flavin, Georges 
Renavent, Paul Irving, Cecil Kellaway, Jean Phillips, 
Barry A. Bailey, 3i-oderick O'Farrell, J. W. Johnston, 
Jack Richardson, Hayden Stevenson, Alice White, 
Keith Richards, R«d Cameron, George Guhl, Byron 
Foulger, Eric Wilton, Norman Ainsley, Gus Glassmire, 
Sam Ash, Pop Byron. 

Birr ME THAT TOWN (1941-42), drama; asso. prod., 
Sol C. Siegel; dir., Eugene Forde; screenplay, Gordon 
Kahn, based' on a story by Harry A Gourfain, Murray 
BoltinolT and Mai-tin Rackin; camera, Theodor Spar- 
kuhl. Cast: Lloyd Nolan, Constance Moore, Albert 
Dekker, Sheldon Leonard, Barbara Allen, Edward 
Brophy, Warren Hymer, Horace MacMahon, Olin How- 
land, Richard Clarke, Rod Cameron, Pierre Watkin, 
Si Jenks. 

FORCED LANDING (Picture Corp. of America), 
meller; prods.. Bill Pine and Bill Thomas; dir., 
Gordon Wiles; orig. story, and screenplay. Maxwell 
Sliane and Edward Churchill; camera, John Alton, 
Cast: Richard Arlen, Eva Gabor, J. Carrol Naish. Nils 
Asther, Evelyn Brent, Mikhail Rasumny, John Miljan, 
Victor Varconi, Bobby Dillon, John Gallaudet 

SECBETS OF TOE WASTELANDS, western; Hatry 
'Sherman prod.; dir., Derwin Abrahams; screenplay, 
Gerald Geraghty; camera, Russell Harlan. Cast: Bill 
Boyd, Brad King, Andy Clyde, Barbara Britton. Doug- 
las Fowley, Keith Richards. 

ALOHA OF THE SOUTH SEAS (1941-42) (Techni- 
color); asso. prod., .Monte Bell; dir., Alfred Santell; 
screenplay, Frank Butler, SeenaOwen^Lillie Hay ward; 
camera, Karl Struss. Cast: Dorothy Lamour, Jon Hall, 
Lynn Overman, Rita Shaw, Katherine DeMille, Fritz 
Lieber, William Edmunds, Philip Reed, Noble Johnson, 
Francis MacDonald. 

HOLD BACK THE DAWN (1941^2), drama; asso. 
prod, Arthur 'Homblow; dir., Mitchell Leisen; screen- 
play, Ketti Frings; camera, Leo Tover. Cast: Charles 
Boyer, Olivia de Havilland, Paulette Goddard, Walter 
Abel, Victor Francen, Rosemary De Camp, Don Doug- 
las. Curt Bois. 

• NOmiNG BUT THE TRUTH (1941-42), comedy; 
8SS0. prod., Arthur Hornblow; dir., Elliott Nugent; 
screenplay, Don Hartman and Ken Englund, from play 
by James , Montgomery and novel by Frederick S. 
Isham; camera, Charles Lang. Cast: Bob Hope, Paul- 
ette Goddard, Edward Arnold, Glen Anders, Helen 
Vinson, Leif Erickson, Willie B6st, Grant MitcheU, Rose 
Hobart, Catherine Doucet, William Wright, Mary 
Forbes, Helene Millard, Clarence Kolb, Leon Belasco. 
BIBTH OF THE BLUES (1941-42), musical; assoc. 

Srod., Monte Bell; dir., Victor Schertzinger; screenplay, 
:arry Tugend and Walter DeLeon; camera, WiUiam 
Mellor. Cast: Bing Crosby, Mary Martin, Brian Don- 
levy, Carolyn Lee, Eddirf (Rochester) Anderson, Jack 
Teagarden orch. 

AMONG THE LIVING, drama. (41-42); asso. prod, 
Colbert Clark; dir., Stuart Heisler; screenplay, Lester 
Cole and Garrett Fort; camera, Theodore Sparkuhl. 
Cast: Albert Dekker, Susan Haywafd, Harry Carey, 

"'liiiliMiyiUhitfl^ill^^ 



Eburne, Archie Twitchell, Ernest Whitman, William 
Stack, Ella Neal, Catherine Craig, Eddy Chandler. 

SHEIK OF BUFFALO BUTTE, western; Harry Sher- 
man prod.; dir., Howard Bretherlon; no writing cred- 
its; camera, Russell Harlan. Cast: William Body. Brad- 
ley King, Andy Clyde, Jean Phillips, Duncan Renaldo. 
Mickey Eissa. 

WORLD PREMIERE (1931-42), drama; asso. prod., 
Colbert Clark; dir., Ted Tctzlaff; screenplay. Earl Fel- 
ton; camera, Don Fapp. Cast: John Barrymore, Frances 
Farmer, Ricardo Cortez, Don Castle, Richard Denning, 
Eugene Pallette, Cliff Nazarro, Martha O'DriscoU, Vir- 
ginia Dale, Fritz Feld, Luis Alberni, Sig Rumann, Eliza- 
beth Dow, William Wright. 

HENRY ALDBICH FOR FBESIDENT, formerly 
HENRY FOB PRESIDENT, drama; asso. prod., Joseph 
Sistrom; dir., Hugh Bennett; orig. screenplay by Val 
Burton; camera, John MescalL C^t: Jimmy Lydon, 
Charles Smith, June Preisser, Rod Cameron, Martha 
O'DriscoU, Mary Anderson, Dorothy Peterson, John 
Lltel, Buddy Pepper. Lucien Littlefleld. ' 

TIMBER WOLVES, western; Harry Sherman pro- 
duction; dir., Lesley Selander; no writing cre<yts; cam- 
era, Russell Harlan. Cast: William Boyd, Brad King, 
Andy Clive, Eteanor Stewart, Victor Jory. 

Paramoant Pix Now in ProdacUon 

BAHAMA PASSAGE, drama (Technicolor) (41-42); 
asso. prod.-dir., Edward H. Griffith; screenplay, Vir- 
ginia Van Upp; camera, Leo Tover and Allan Davy. 
Cast: Madeline Carroll, Stirling Hayden, Mary Ander- 
son, Leigh Whippe'r. 

SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS, drama (41-42); asso. prod., 
Paul Jones; dir., Preston Sturgess; no writing credits; 
camera, John Seitz. (^st: Joel McOea, Veronica 
Lake, Raymond Walburn, WiUiam Demarest, Franklin 
Pangborn, Porter Hall, Byron . Foulger, Margaret 
Hayes, Torben Meyer, Robert Greig, Eric Blore, Al 
Bridge, Esther Howard, Almira Sessions, Frank Moraa 
George Renevant 

REAP THE WILD WIND, (1941-42), drama; Cecil B. 
DeMUle prod.; asso. prod., William H. Pine; dir., Cecil 
B. DeMUle; no writing credits; camera, Victor Milner. 
Cast: Ray Milland, John Wayne, Paulette Goddard, 
Raymond Massey, Robert Preston, Susan Hayward, 
Lynne Overman, Walter Hampden, Louise Beavers, 
Martha O'DriscoU, Richard Denning, Lane Chandler, 
J. Farrell MacDonald, Joseph Crahan, John St. Polls, 
Tom Tyler, Harry Woods. 

FLYING BLIND, drama; asso. prod., William Pine 
and William Thomas; dir., Frank McDonald; based on 
orig. by Maxwell Shane and Richard Murptty; camera, 
Fred Jackman, Jr. Cast: Richard Arlen, Jean Parker; 
Marie WUson, Nils Asther, Roger Pryor, Eddie QuUlan, 
Dick Purcell, Kay Sutton, Grady Sutton. 

GLAMOUR BOY, comedy; asso. prod., Sol C.,Siegel; 
dir., Ted TetzIalT;' no writing credits, camera, San Fapp. 
Cast: Jackie Cooper, Susanna Foster, Ann Gillis, Darryl 
Hickman, Jackie Searle, WiUiam Wright. 



RKO-Radio 



Film Reviews 



^Continued from pace Us 



POISON PEN 



greater possibilities in the reading 
than in the dual screen adaptation 
-by William Freshman and Doreen 
Montgomery. This yarn, of course, 
indicates, it was written long before 
Llewellyn achieved greater note with 
his now fcr-flung, successful novel, 
'How Greert Was My Valley,' pres- 
ently being filmed in Hollywood. 
'Poison Pen,' in. fact, was probably 
made several years ago, before the 

"The U. S. saleable possibUties 
would possibly l>e limited to the ex- 
tent of Flora Robson's popularity, 
which probably can be measured best 
in terms of her smash notices in the 
past season's Broadway legit horror 
hit, 'Ladies in Retirement.' Miss 
Robson, as one fem'iliar with her 
sordid type of roles might guess, is 
the mad, inhibited person, a sup- 
posedly reputable benefactress iii the 
little English vUlage where her 
brother is the vicar. The UUe is de- 
rived from her practiced penmanship 
to various townspeople, anonymous- 
ly written, and inciting ugly scan- 
dals that result in one suicide and 
in the murder of another. 

Miss Robson, of course, is her 
usually exceUent self in a too sordid 
film whose boxoffice potentialities 
must be restricted in view, particu- 
larly, of the grave times. Reginald 
Tate, as the vicar; Ann Todd, the 
latter's daughter, and all the others 
give creditable performances. 

Naka. 



Froa. 


Com- 


Blioot 


Now 


To.ne 


Coinp 


Slioot. 


40-41 


pleted 


InK 


Cuttins 


Sliot 


41-4^ 




Studio 37 


37 


3 


6 


0 


6 


2 


Westerns 6 


e 


• 


1 


» 


2 


1 


Play's the 














Thing 4 


e 


• 


e 


4 


• 


e 


H. Lloyd 1 


1 


• 


e 


0 


0 


0 


Stephens- 














Lane 3 


3 


• 


0 


e 


e 


0 


.W.Disney 1 


0 


1 


e 


e 


0 


0 


ToUU 52 


4T 


4 


7 


4 


7 


3 


Samuel Goldwyn (1941-42) 






0 


1 



Pictures in cutting rooms or awaiting release: 
TOM, DICK AND HARRY, comedy; asso. prod., 
Robert Sisk; dir., Garson Kanin; screenplay, Paul 
Jerrico; camera, Merritt Gerstan. CasU Ginger Rogers, 
George Murphy, Alan Marshall,- Burgess Meredith, Joe 
Cunningham, Jane Seymour, Lenore Lonergan. 

MY LIFE WITH CAROLINE, comedy; assoc. prod.. 
WiUiam Hawks; dir., Lewis Milestone; play by George 
Berrand and Louis Vemeuil; adaptation by John Van 
Druten; camera, Victor Milner. Cast: Ronald Colman, 
Anna Lee, Charles Winninger, Gilbert Roland, Hugh 
O'Connell, Murray Alper, Matt Moore, Jeanine (jrispin. 

PARACHUTE BATTALION (1941-42), drama; asso. 
prod., Howard .Benedict; dir., Leslie Goodwins; screen- 
play, John Twist and Capt Hugh Fite: camera, J. Roy 
Hunt. Cast: Robert Preston, Nancy Kelly, Edmond 
O'Brien, Harry Carey, Buddy Ebsen, Paul Kelly, Rich- 
ard Cromwell. Robert Barrett. 

BEFORE THE FACT (1941-42), drama; prod, dir., 
Alfred Hitchcock: from the novel by Frances- lies; 
camera, Harry Stradling. Cast: C^ry Grant, Joan 
Fontaine, Cedric Hardwicke, Nigel Bruce, Dame May 
Whitty -Isabel Jeans, Heather Angel, Auriol Lee. 

LADY SCARFACE, drama; asso, prod.. Cliff Reid; 
dir.. Frank Woodruff; screenplay, Arnaud d'Usseau, 
Richard CpUings; camera, Nick Musucara. Cast: Den- 
nis O'Keefe, Judith Anderson, Frances Neal, Rank 
Brooks, Mildred Coles, Eric Blore, Lee Bonnell, Marion 
Martin. Horace MacMahon 

DUDE COWBOY, (1941-42), western; asso. prod., 
Bert Gilroy; dir., David Howard; screenplay, Morton 
Grant; camera, Harry Wild. Cast: Tim Holt, Marjorie 
Reynolds, ' Eddie Dew, 'Lasses White, Ray Whitley, 
Helen Holmes. * 

THE DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER (41-42), 
drama; prod., William Dieterle; asso. prod., Charles L. 
Glett; story by Stephen Vincent Benet; screenplay, Dan 
Totheroh; camera. Joseph August. Cast; Thomas 
MitcheU, Walter Huston, James Craig, Anne Shirley, 
Jane Darwell, Simone Simon, John Qualen, Gene 
XjOckhart, Alex Craig, Frank Conlan, Casey Johnson, 

FATHER TAKES A WIFE, comedy-drama (41-42); 
asso. prod., Lee S. Marcus; dir.. Jack Hively; screen- 
play, Dorothy^, and Herbert Fields Cast: Adolphe 
Menjou, Gloria Swanson, John Howard. Desi Arnaz. 
Florence Rice, Helen Broderick, NeU Hamilton, (George 
Meador, Grady Sutton. 

THE GAY FALCON, formerly MEET THE VIKING, 
formerly THE GAY FALCON, drama; asso. prod., 
Howard Benedict; dir., Irving Rels; orig. by Michael 
Arlen: screenplay, Lynn Rott and Frank Fenton; cam- 
era, Nick Musuraca. Cast: George Sanders, Wendy 
Barrie, Allen Jenkins, Anne Hunter, Gladys Cooper, 
Edward S. BrSphy, Arthur Shields, Damian O'Flynn, 
Turhan Bey, Eddie Dunn, Lucile Gleason, 

LOOK WHO'S LAUGHING, formerly LOOK WHO'S 
TALKING, comedy; asso. prod.-dir., Allan Dawn; 
screenplay, James V. Kern; camera, Frank Redman. 
Cast: Edgar Bergen, 'Charlie McCarthy,' Jim Jordan, 
Marion Jordan, Lucille Ball, Lee Bonnell, Dorothy 
lAvett, Harold Peary, Isabel Randolph, Irving Bacon, 
Neil Hamilton. 

MEXICAN SPITFIRE'S BABY, formerly LORD 
EPPING SEES A GHOST, comedy; asso. prod., Leslie 
Goodwins; dir., Cliil Held; screenplay, Jerry Cady; 

(Continued on page 20) 



REDHEAD 

Monoiri-am releaPe of I. K. ChAdwIck 
production. .^tnrs June LHni;. Johnny 
Downe; fenturfs Uric Blore, Weldon Hey- 
burn, Anna Ohnndler. Directed by Edward 
Cnhn, Soreciiplny by Conrad ReIlerr--I)or- 
othy ReUl; based on novel by Vera Brown: 
camera. Andre Barlallor; editor. Carl Plev- 
non. At New York, N. T.. week June 26, 
'41. duHled. Running time: M MIN9, 

Dale Carter June T.anR 

Ted Brown Johnny Downa 

Dlgby Eric Blore 

T. H. Brown Frank Jaquet 

WJneton Weldon Heyburn 

Peppy Anna Cbnndlei- 

Nlck Harry Buma 

Tramp Baron EmerflOn 

Enlerlalner Rallna Zarovn 



Some mighty capable talent is 
wasted in 'Redhead,' a remake whose 
original novel lacked essential dra- 
matic angles. Direction is lifeless. 
June Lang. Johnny Downs, Eric 
Blore and Weldon Heyburn might 
have made something of a more in- 
triguing yarn. Film will have tough 
sledding even on lower half of 
weakie dualers. 

'Redhead' was done back in 1934 
with Bruce C^bot and C^race Brad- 
ley as leads, and again Monogram is 
using the title. It proved' a mild 
entry as the original picture. 

As projected here it is the oft-told 
tale of the spendthrift son who is 
inveigled into marrying a chance- 
acquaintance — a tired-of-life redhead 
(June Lang). Pappy is delighted to 
get his wastrel son off his hands and 
offers the gal $10,090 if she'll make 
a man of him. She nearly succeeds, 
but in doing so falls in love with 
the lad. 

Too much of picture covers the 
silly endeavors of the worthless 
young rich man and his wife in 
name only to make a go of' ,1 road- 
side hamburger stand. Wear. 



Soviet Frontiers on the 
Danube 

(RUSSIAN-MADE) 

Arlklno i-elea«a ot Central Ukrainian 
Studio ot Documentary Films production. 
Directed by I. Kopniln and I. Pojelaky. At 
Central. N. T.. week June 28. 'il. Run- 
ning lima, eo MINS. 



ApparenUy on the theory that Hit- 
ler's attack on Russia has made the 
Soviet cause respectable to the U. S., 
this Artkino release was booked into 
the Central theatre, in Times Square, 
the first Commintern picture to play 
a Broadway house in the two years 
since Stalin and the Nazis startled 
the world (and U. S. Communists) 
with their non-aggression pact. 
Whether the American public is 
ready to accept a 'whitewashed' Rus- 
sia is a still-dubious question. How- 
ever, it seems likely that this Soviet 
documentary propaganda piece will 
prove a strong boxoflice bet, at least 
while the German-Russian armies 
are locked in combat. But its appeal 
appears destined to be topical and 
therefoi;e brief. 

'Soviet Frontiers on the Danube' 
refers to the territories of Bessarabia 
and Northern Bukovina, wh^ch Rou- 
mania, under Nazi pressure, ceded to 
Moscow last year. Subject to the 
usual technical Inadequacies ot all 
Russian-made Alms, this propaganda 
release shows the seemingly-endless 
Soviet forces rumbling across the 
newly-acquired land. There is a ges- 
ture toward demonstrating Moscow's 
.economic reorganization of the ter- 
ritory, but that remains mostly a 
gesture. 

As an attempt to show how tough 
the Red forces are, the picture suf- 
fers from the fact that no hostilities 
are shown. Thus, it's little more 
than just another view of the same 



old masses of Soviet armed might. 
Powerful as the Russian horde may 
seem In film, the next few weeks' 
headlines wiU tell a great deal more 
accurately how effective the army is 
in actual battle. 

Picture, running 60 minutes, is said 
to have arrived in the U. S. only a 
few weeks ago. English commentary 
was added In New York . and the 
film rushed to the screen. In some 
ways 'Frontiers' is more effective 
than 'Mannerheim Line,' the Mos- 
cow-produced film of some months 
ago, showing the Soviet-Finnish war, 
but due -to Its lack of action it is 
generally inferior. Still, it can 
hardly do the Soviet cause in the 
U. S. any harm, particularly with 
the faithful comrades of "The Party.' 

Also on the current bill at the 
Central, N. Y., is another U. S. S. R. 
propaganda piece, *The Red Army,' a 
short. It's merely a straight rehash 
of shots of the Soviet army on pa- 
rade in the Red. Square, in the field, 
in training, etc. Hobe. 



KUKAN 

(DOCUMENTARY) 

William Alexander and TIerbert T. 
Edwards rolean of travelog filmed by Bey 
Scott: KR«B adaptation, Itiilph S'chool- 
man; maalc, Edward Craig: production 
aopervlalon. Bud Pollard; technical fluppr- 
vJilon. U Line Al; narration, Nlira -Welch; 
forward by Dr. Lin Tutani;. At -World. 
N. T.. Juno C3, 'Al. Running time, 
ISS MIMS. 



This pictorial record of a news- 
paperman's trek from Hong Kong, 
over the Burma Road to Chungking 
and thence over the Red Highway to 
Mongolia and the remote districts of 
Tibet, Is one of the most illuminating 
and at the same time most moving 
documentaries ever made: It is an 
inspiring testament of the idealism, 
courage and resourcefulness of the 
Chinese. And, incidentally, it offers 
appalUngly graphic evidence of the 
barbarity of Japanese aggression 
against China. 

■ Despite these favorable qualities. 
"Kukan' (said to be the Chinese 
-word for courage) is a limited box- 
office bet. For it Is much too long, 
is frequently poorly photograDhcd 
(although, considering the difficul- 
ties, the camera work Is surprisingly 
good) and above all suffers from 
that inevitable flaw of documen- 
taries—lack of story. Still, the prim- 
ary idea of the film is obviously 
propaganda and educational rather 
than money-making, so -it should 
serve its purpose surpassingly. 

Picture is said to have been made 
by correspondent Rey Scott on 16- 
mm. film. It's In color and contains 
hundreds x)f feet of material rarely, 
if ever, filmed before, even by still 
photographers. Ghastly climax of 
the picture, one of the most horrify- 
ing scenes of its kind ever photo- 
graphed, shows the Japanese bomb- 
ing . of CSiungkin^. Filmed from 
across the river, this sequence shows 
the formations of planes and the 
roaring Inferno they made of the 
bamboo-tinder city. Film is likely 
to become an epic example of a na- 
tion's shame. 

Rest .of the picture includes un- 
ending views of vast Chinese scene* 
and people. Scott's brilliant selection 
of Chinese types is everywhere 
shown. Thus the film illustrates, as 
no other pictures possibly ever have, 
the limitless expanse of China end 
the almost unbelievable tenacity that 
has enabled the Chinese to hold out 
against all the fury Japan has been 
able to throw against them. Hobe. 



Eloquent Puppets 



j^^Coptlnued from page 

Daumeier and post-war Czecho- 
slovakia.' 

Lawrence explained how Daume- 
ier, the French artist, propagandized 
against Louis Napoleon with a pup- 
pet caricature of the French tyrant. 
As for the Czechs, he said, a wave 
of puppet propaganda work in 1918 
is often credited with being the last 
effort that created a Republic. 

'You just can't talk back to a pup- 
pet,' Lawrence declared. 'It also ap- 
pears foolish to egg an inanimate, 
even though an eloquent object.* 
Lawrence's idea is to have the Pup- 
peteers of America serve as a clear- 
ing house for ihi military marionets 
in co-op with the United Service 
Organization. 



Drive-hs No Patent 



Los Angeles, July 1. 

Complaint of Park-In-Theatres, 
Inc., charging M. A, Rogers with in- 
fringement of a patent thr9ugh his 
operation of a drive-In film house, 
was dismissed by Judge Harry A. 
Hollier In U. S. District Court. 

Court rul^' that the Rogers thea- 
tre, near Colton, was not an Infringe- 
ment of any patent. 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



19 






CAUGHT 

THE 

IS PARAMOUNT 'S 

TOP GROSSER 

FOR THE YEAR 
PESPITE NATION- 
WIPE Ptti4fmvc/ 




In the face of blistering weather, "CAUGHT 
IN THE'DRAFT" turns in an absolutely 
phenomenqr box-office record . . . actually 
running 30% ahead of "Road to Zanzibar/' 
which up to now was Paramount's No. 1 
money-hit for 1940-411 





^•"fh.; ."f ,00 




ft. 



pi 



IP 



m 



I ■ 



■ 



m 



20 PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



Advance Production Chart 



(Continued from page 18) 

camera, Jack MacKenzie. Cast; Leon Errol, Lupe 
Velez, Don Woods, ZaSu Pitts, Elizabeth Rlsdon. 

SIX GUN GOLD, western (41-42): asso. prod., David 
Howard; dir., Bert Gilroy; orig. story, Tom Gibson; 
screenplay, Norton S. Parker. Cast: Tim Holt, Lee 
•Lasses' White, Ray Whitley, Jane Clayton, Fern Em- 
met, Lane Chandler. Davidson Clark. 

RKO Fix Now in ProdacUon 

THE little' FOXES (Goldwyn) (1941-42), drama; 
air.. William Wyler; screenplay, Lillian Hellman; cam- 
era Greg Toland. Cast: Bette Davis, Richard Carlson, 
Patricia Collinge, Carl Benton Reid, Dan Duryea, 
Charles Dingle, Teresa Wright, Jessie Grayson, John 
Marriott. ^ j 

WEEKEND FOB THREE, comedy; asso. prod., Tay 
Garnett; dir., Irving Reis; orig. by Budd Schulberg; 
screenplay, Dorothy Parker and Alan Campbell; cam- 
era, Russell Metty. Cast: Dennis O'Keefe, Jane Wyatt, 
Philip Reed, Edward Everett Horton, Franklin- Pang- 
bom, Marion Martin. 

UNEXPECTED UNCLE, comedy; asso. prod., Tay 
Garnett; dir., Peter Godfrey; orig. story, Eric Hatch; 
camera, Robert DeGrasse. Cast: Anne Shirley, James 
Craig, Charles Coburn, Astrid AUwyn, Jed Prouty, 
Russell Gleason. 

OBLIGING YOUNG LADT, comedy-drama; asso. 
prod., Howard Benedict; dir., Richard Wallace; ong. by 
Ferenc Molnar; screenplay, Sam and Bella .Spewack. 
Cast: Joan Carroll, Edmond O'Brien, Ruth Warwick, 
Richard Carlson, Franklyn Pangborn, Marjorie Gate- 
son, John Miljan, G«orge Cleveland, Charles Lane, 
Andrew Tombes, Pierre Watkins, Fortunio Bonanova, 
Elmira Sessions. 



Republic 



Prom. Com- 

40-41 pitted 

Featnres 28 25 

Westerns 30 28 

Serlab 4 4 



Sboot- Now 
InK Cattlns 
2 3 

• 2 

• 1 



To B< Comp. Shoot, 
Shot 41-42 41-4Z 

1 0 • 

2 0 e 

• 01 



Totab 62 67 2 6 8 • 1 

Pictures in cutting rooms or awaiting release: 

MOUNTAIN MOONLIGHT, formerly THUNDER 
OVER THE OZARKS, comedy-drama; asso. prod., 
Armand Schaefer; dir., Niclt Grinde; screenplay, John 
Kraft, Mauri Grashin and Dorrell and StOart Mc- 
Gowan; orig., Arthur Vernon tTones; camera, Jack 
Marta. Cast: Weaver Bros, and Elviiy, Betty Jane 
Rhodes, John Archer, Loretta Weaver, George Ernest, 
Frank Sully, Kane Richmond. 

JUNGLE GIRL, serial; asso. prod., H. S. Brown, Jr., 
dir., William Witney and Jack English; screenplay, 
Ronald Davidson, Norman S. Hall, Bill Lively, Joseph 
CDonnell, Joseph Poland, Alfred Batson; camera, 
Reggie Lanning. Cast: Frances Gifford, Tom Neal, 
Eddie Acuff, Tommy Cook, Al Taylor, Bud Geary, 
Frank Lackteen, Bob Barron, Kikume, Ken Tarrell. 

HURRICANE SMITH, drama; asso. prod., Robert 
North; dir., Bernard Vorhaus; orig. story, Charles G. 
Booth; screenplay, Robert Presnell; camera, Ernest 
MlUer. Cast: Ray Middleton, Jane Wyatt, J. Edward 
Bromberg, Harry Davenport, Henry Brandon, Frank 
Carlen, Rod Bacon, Elliott Sullivan, Eddie Chandler. 

GANGS OF SONORA, western; asso. prod., Louis 
Grey; dir., Jack English; orig. screenplay, Albert De- 
Monde and Doris Schroeder; camera. Bud Thackery. 
Cast: Bob Livingston, Bob Steele, Rufe Davis, June 
Johnson, Helen MacKeUar, Robert Frazer, Bud Taggert,- 
Jack Lawrence', Bud Geary. 

SUNSET IN WTOMING, formerly UNDER FIESTA 
STARS, western; asso. prod., Harry Grey; dir., William 
Morgan; no writing credits; camera, Reggie Lanning. 
Cast: Gene Autrey, Smiley Bumette, Maris Wrlxon, 
George Cleveland, Robert Kent, Sarah Edwards, Dick 
Elliott, Sammy Blystone, Monte Blue, Fred Burns, 
Eddie Dew. 

TEN NIGHTS IN BARROOM, drama; asso. prod, and 
dir., George Sherman; no writing cj^edits; cttmera, 
Ernest Miller. Cast; Frank Albertson, JRobert Arm- 
strong, Linda Hayes, Skeets Gallagher, Paul Fix 
Emmett Vogon,. Tim Ryan, Bob McKenzie, Russell 
Simpson, Frank Wilder, Billy Benedict, William Haade, 
Chuck Morrison, Jay Novello, Charles Sullivan. 
PnbUo Plx In FrodncUon 

ICE-(CAPADES, drama; asso. prod., Robert North, 
dir., Joseph Santley; no writing credits; camera. Jack 
Marta. Cast: Dorothy Lewis, James Ellison, Jerry 
Colonna, Vera Vague, Alan Mowbray, Phil SUvers, Gus 
Schilling, Renie Riano, Belita, Vera Hruba, Megan 
Taylor, Red McCarthy, Robin Lee, Phil Taylor. 

KING OF THE TEXAS BANGEBS, serial; asso. 
prod., H. S. Brown, Jr.; dir, William Whitney and Jack 
English; orig. screenplay by Ronald Davidson, Norman 
S. Hall, William Lively, Joseph O'Donnell, Joseph F, 
Poland; camera, Reggie Lanning. Cast: Sammy Baugh, 
Duncan Renaldo, Neil Hamiltdn, Pauline Moore, Monte 
Blue, Josef Forte, Howard Hughes, Bob Barron, Stanley 
Blystone, Roy Bjarcroft, William Kellogg, Buck Bryant, 

BAGS TO RICHES, drama; prod.-dir., Joseph Kane; 
no writing credits; camera, William Nobles. C&st: Alan 
Baxter, Mary Carlisle, Jerome Cowan, Eddie Acuff, 
Paul Porcasi, Ralfe Harolde, Siisanne Kaaren. 



20th Centory-Fox 



Prom. Com- 
40-«l pleled 
Features S2 50 



Shoot- Now . To B« Comp. Shoot 
lag Cnttlns Shot 41-42 «l-42 



2 5 0,4 

Pictures in cutting rooms or awaiting release: 

ACCENT ON LOVE, formerly THE MAN WITH A 
SHOVEL, formerly BETUBN TO LIFE, drama; 
asso. prod., Walter Morosco, Ralph Dietrich; dir., Ray 
McCarey; orig. by Dalton Trumbo; screenplay, John 
I<arkin; camera, Charles Clarke. Cast: George Mont- 
gomery, Osa Massen, J. Carrol Naish, Minerva Urecal, 
Cobina Wright, Jr., Stanley Clements, ' Hector Samo, 
Thurston HaU, John Banner. 

MOON OVEB MIAMI, /formerly MIAMI, musical 
(Technicolor), asso. prod., Harry Jo Brown; dir., Walter 
Lang; screenplay, Vincent I,awrence and Brown 
Holmes; camera, PevereU Marley and Allen M. Davey; 
Cast: Don Ameche, Betty Grabel, Robert Cummings, 
Charlotte Greenwood, Jack Haley, Carolei Landis, Co- 
bina Wright, Jr., Laird Cregar, Condos Brothers. 

SUN VALLET SEBENADE, formerly SUN VALLEY, 
musical (1941-42), asso, prod,, Milton Sperling, dir., H. 
Bruce Humberstone; screenplay, Robert Ellis and Helen 
Logan; camera, Edward Cronjager. Cast: Sonja Henie, 
John Payne, (Jlenn Miller Orch, Milton Berle, Joan 
Davis/ Nicholas Brothers. 

DBESSED TO KILL, formerly THE DEAD TAKE 
NO BOWS, drama (41-42); asso. prod., Sol. M. Wurtzel; 
dir., Eugene Forde; screenplay, STtanley Rauh and Man- 
9 P9nByj. camera,. Qlenn MacWilllams. Cast- 



Lloyd Nolan, Mary Beth Hughes, Sheila Ryan. William 
Demarest, Ben Carter, Virginia Brissac, Erwin Kaiser. 

BELLE STABB, drama (41-42) (Technicolor); asso. 
prod., Kenneth Macgowan; dir., Irving Cummings; no 
writing credits; camera, Ernest Palmer, Ray Rennahan. 
Cast: Gene Tierney, Randolph Scott, Shepperd Strud- 
wick, Dana Andrews, Louise Beavers, Olin Howlend, 
Elizabeth Patterson, Chill Wills, Paul Burns. 

DANCE HALL, formerly THE BOUNCER AND THE 
LADY, formerly DANCE HALL, drama; asso. prod., 
Sol Wurtzel; dir., Irving Pichel; adapted from novel 
by W. R. Burnett; camera, Lucien Andriot. Cast: Cesar 
Romero, Carole Landis, William Henry, June Storey, 
J. Edward Bromberg, Charles Halton, Perc Launders. 

LAST OF THE DUANES, drama (41-42); asso. prod., 
Sol M. Wurtzel; dir., James Tingling; story by Zane 
Grey; screenplay, Irving Chimmings, Jr., and William 
Conselman, Jr.; camera, Charles Clarke. Cast: George 
Montgomery, Lynne Roberts, Eve Arden, Francis Ford, 
George Stone, Joseph Sawyer, Truman Bradley. 

PRIVATE NURSE (41-42), comedy draina; exec, 
prod., Sol M. Wurtzel; dir., David Burton; orig. screen- 
play, Samuel G. Engel; camera, Virgil Miller. Cast: 
Jane Darwell, Brenda Joyce, Sheldon Leonard, Robert 
Lowery, Ann Todd, Kay Linaker, Frank Sully. 

CHARLIE CHAN IN RIO (41-42), drama; exec, 
prod., Sol M. Wurtzel; dir., Harry Lachman; screenplay, 
Samuel G. Engel and Lester Ziffern; camera, Joseph P. 
MacDonald. Cast: Sidney Toler, Mary Beth Hughes, 
Cobina Wright, Jr., Ted North, Victory Jory, Harold 
Huber, Sen Yung, Robert Derr, Jacqueline Balya, Kay 
Linaker. 

20th-Fox Plx in ProdacUon 
A YANK IN THE R.A.F. (41-42), drama; asso. prod., 
Lou Edelman; dir., Henry King; screenplay, Darrell 
Ware and Karl Tunberg; camera, Leon Shamroy. Cast: 
Tyrone Power, Betty Grable, John Sutton, Reginald 
Gardiner, Donald Stuart, John Wilde, Richard Frazer. 

CHARLEY'S AUNT (41-42), comedy; asso. prod., Wil- 
liam Perlberg; dir., Archie Mayo; no writing credits; 
camera, PevereU Marley. Cast; Jack Benny, James 
Ellison, Kay Francis, Filmund Gwenn, Arleen Whelan, 
Laird Cregar, Ernest Cossart, Richard Haydn, Anne 
Baxter. 

WILD GEESE CALLING, drama (41-42); asso. prod. 
Harry Joe Brown; dir., John Brahm; screenplay, Hor- 
ace McCoy, based on novel by Stewart Edward White; 
camera, Lucien Ballard. Cast: Henry Fonda, Joan Ben- 
nett, Warren William, Ona Munson, Barton MacLane, 
Russell Simpson. 

MARRY THE BOSS' DAUGHTEB, comedy; asso. 
prod., Lou Ostrow; dir., Thornton Freenland; orig. 
screenplay. Jack Andrews; camera, Charles Clark. 
Cast: Brenda Joyce, Bruce Edwards, George Barbier, 
Hardie Albright, Ludwig Stossel, Bodil Rosing, Frank 
Sully. 

RIDERS O^ THE PURPLE SAGE, western; prod 
Sol M. Wurtzel; dir., James Tingling; orig. by Zane 
Grey; camera, Lucien Andriot Cast: (Seorge Mont- 

5omery, Mary Howard, Patsy Patterson, Lynn Roberts, 
ane Richmond, Oscar O'Shea, Leroy Mason, William 
Pagan, Richard Lane, Ethan Laidlaw, Robert Barrat 
James Gillette. 

' BOW GBEEN WAS MY VALLEY (41-42), drama; 
Darryl F. Zvuck, production; dir., John Ford; screen- 
play, Philip Dunne; camera, Arthur MlUer. Cast: 
Walter Pidgeon, Maureen O'Hara, John Loder, Anna 
Lee, Roddy McDowell, Donald CIrisp, Sara Allgood, 
Evan S. Evans, James Monks, Patric Knowles, Arthur 
Shields, Richard Frazer, Rhys Williams. 

WE GO FAST (41-42), comedy; asso. prod., Lou 
Ostrow; dir., William McGann; orig. by Douglas Welch; 
camera, Harry Jackson. Cast: Sheila Ryan, Lynn Bari, 
Alan Curtis, Qon Forest, Ernest Truex, (George Lessey, 
Tom Dugan. 

MAN A1VLABGE, meller; asso. prod., Ralph Dietrich; 
dir., Eugene Forde; orig. screenplay, John Larkln; 
camera, yirgil Miller. Cast: Marjorie Weaver, Richard 
Derr, George Reeves, Milton Parsons, Steve Geray. 

WEEKEND IN HAVANA (41-42), formerly CARIB- 
BEAN CRUISE, formerly HONEYMOON IN HAVANA, 
musical (Technicolor); asso. prod., William LeBaron; 
dir., Walter. Iiang; music. Mack Gordon and Harry 
■ "Warren; camera, Ernest Palmer. Cast: Alice Faye, 
Carmen' Miranda, Cesar Romero, John Payne, Cobina 
Wright, Jr., George Barber, Lieonid Kinsky. 



Spanish Films Bog Down 



-Contlnned from page 13; 



United Artists 



Prom. 


Com- 


Shoot- 


Now 


To B« Corns 


' 40-41 


pleted 


ioK 


Cattlus 

e 


Shot 


41-4^ 


Goldwyn 


1 


1 


0 


0 




Selznlck 


2 


0 


0 


0 


2 


0 


Wanger 


4 


2 


0 


• 


2 


0 


Chaplin 


1 


1 


0 


0 


0 


0 


Boach 


6 


4 


0 


0 


0 


» 


Korda 


3 


. 1 - 


0 


0 


1 


1 


Ed. Small 


1 


1 


0 


0 


0 


1 


Lesser- 














Lnbitsoh 


2 


Z 


0 


0 


0 


0 


Loew- 














Lewln 


2 


1 


0 


0 


1 


0 


Bronston 


3 


0 


0 


0 


0 


0 


B.Bowl'd 


1 


1 


0 


0 


0 


0 


Pascal 


1 


1 


e 


• 


0 


0 


James 














Boosev't 


1 


1 


e 


0 


0 


0 


Gloria 














Pics. 


1 


1 


0 


0 


0 


1 












9- 




Totals 


28 


17 


0 


0 


e 


s 



Shoot. 
41-42 

0 
1 
0 
0 
0 
0 



Total sold 22. 
Five cancellea. 
1 to release for '40-41. 

Pictures in cutting rooms or awaiting release: 

NEW WINE (1941-42), musical; asso. prod.. Dr. Wil- 
liam Sekely; dir.; Rheinhold Scheunzel; original by 
Ladislaus Bus-Fekete; camera, John Mescal. Cast 
Ilona Massey, Binnle Barnes, Alan Curtis, Albert Bas- 
serman, Billy Gilbert 

LYDIA, formerly ILLUSIONS (1941-42), drama; 
Alexander Korde production; dit-., Julian Duvivier; 
screenplay, Ladislaus Bus-Fekete; camera, George 
Barnes. Cast: Merle Oberon, Alan MarshaU, Joseph 
Cotten, Hans Jaray, (^orge Reeves, Edna May Oliver 
John Halliday, Sara Allgood, Billy Roy. 

INTERNATIONAL . LADY, formerly G-MEN OF 
SCOTLAND YARD (1941-42), meUer; Edward Small 

Srod.; dir., Tim Whalen; screenplay, E. Lloyd Sheldon, 
ack de Witt Howard Estabrook; camera, Hal Mohr. 
Cast: Ilona Massey, Georg^ Brent, Basil Rathbone, 
Marjorie Gateson, Wyndham Standing, Gene Lockhart 
Rita Quigley, (George Zucco. 

UA Plclnres in Production 
SUNDOWN (1941-42), drama; Walter Wanger pro- 
duction; dirs., Ernst Lubitsch and Hemy Hathaway; 
-(Continued on page 22) 

«5: rv3 1*; i t :'/;:i i.|" I'c/l 



ing in all of Spain. If the decree 
snuffs out foreign picts the gov- 
ernment or privates will have to 
construct new studios and bring 
In new equipment or inveigle for- 
eign producers to do so. Otherwise, 
there's going to be a dearth of pic- 
tures here next season. 

Totalitarians Caught 

Up With the Yanks 

In the past Spain's needs were met 
primarily by Hollywood, but in the 
last year the totalitarians. caught up 
with the Yanks. Recently released 
statistics show that the number of 
Alms released In Madrid last year 
were 248. Of this total Germany 
claimed 82, with the U.S. second 
with 77 and Spain a bad third with 
only 25. Italy came next with 20, 
followed by the British with 14, 
France and Argentina with 10 apiece, 
and Mexico 3. Italo-Spaiiish pro- 
duction chalked up six and Portu- 
guese Spanish production one. 

This low production figure has 
been and continues to be a night- 
mare to Spanish cinema leaders and 
to Spain's cultui:al and economic 
chiefs who want to purge the coun- 
try of foreign intellectual and cul- 
tural influence and reduce currency 
exports to the absolute minimum, 
even though much Is not being taken 
out now. 

An existing law has made it a 
primary requisite for a foreign firm 
to produce one plot in Spain for 
every 10 import licenses granted. 
Furthermore ptesent currency re- 
strictions here made it impossible, 
for foreign producers to withdraw 
their earnings from Spain. 

The currency restrictions as ap- 
plied to the industry admittedly was 
to oblige foreign producers to em- 
ploy their frozen assets here for do- 
mestic production. Sold abroad, 
these picts would permit the foreign 
producers to indirectly get hold of 
the earnings frozen here by the 
profits realized, outside of Spain on 
their Spanish production — Spain, of 
course, claiming a certain share of 
these foreign profits. 

No Solations for U.S. 
This necessarily obliged foreign 
producers, especially Americans 
since it effected them most, to pro- 
duce high grade picts. Second raters 
could not have found any market 
abroad and would not have solved 
the Yanks' problem as far as their 
frozen assets here were concerned. 

In this way Spain subtly hoped to 
get Hollywood .to create at its own 
expense an industry in Spain com- 
peting with its own for the South 
American market. It was asking the 
Yanks to improve Spanish produc- 
tion, to bring in first rate techni- 
cians, to construct new studios, bring 
in new equipment and to train Span- 
ish thesps and technicians so that 
they could eventually stand on their 
own feet and produce for domestic 
and foreign consumption. Legisla- 
tion may have d<^ne the rest 

The Yanks turned their backs to 
this bit of strategy. RKO did pro- 
duce a pic, 'Baleares,' here but it's 
so bad and the Spanish claim 'his- 
torically untrue' that the authorities 
have banned it unless it is remade. 
Other Hollywood firms occasionally 
purchased a Spanish pict with their 
frozen assets for exploitation abroad. 
Results were poor, however, as it did 
not help the Yanks get their dinero. 

Fibn Industiy Took In 
$38,400,000 in '40-41 

A review of what's happened In 
Spain during the last year shows 
that 'the industry collected $38,400,- 
000 in receipts, or 480,000,000 pesetas, 
out of a total of $50,000,000 for all 
amustment receipts. A total pf 248 
picts were shown in Madrid. The 
Italo-Spanish pict, 'Siege of the Al- 
cazar,' broke all records by having 
a run of 77 . days at the Cine Aven- 
ida, grossing close to 1,000,000 pe- 
setas. The German 'Heroes of the 
Track' ran 49 days as a first-run, 
Spanish pict 'Quien Me Compra Un 
Lio,' and the Yank, 'Captairis Coura- 
geous,' both 35 days. Rated the best 
plots of the year were 'Captains 
Courageous' and 'Siege of the Al- 
cazar,' with other hits being Yank 
picts 'You Can't Take It With You," 
'Romeo and Juliet' 'A Day at the 
Races,' 'Hardy and Family,' 'Boys 
Town,' 'Pasteur' and 'Marie Stuart' 
('Mary, Queen of Scotland'). 

Rated tops among Spanish picts 
were 'La GitaniUa,' 'La Dolores,' 'La 
Tonta del Bote,' 'Julietta y Romeo' 
and 'EI Famoso Carballeira.' The 
I National Syndicate named 'La Dol- 
' r r, " '.T I SI 1. •■ .■> ■; •■, \ 



ores' as best Spanish film of the 
year. 

Spencer Tracy, Carey Grant, Irene 
Dunne, Deanna Durbin, Mickey 
Rooney, Katharine Hepburn and 
Paul Muni were rated the best Yank 
b.o. draws, with Grant and Miss 
purbin winning contest conducted 
by mag Primer Piano. Danielle 
Darrieux and Emil Jannings were 
popular among the Continentals. 

Julio Pena, Jesus Tordesilla, Fer- 
nando Fernandez de Cordoba among 
the Spanish male thesps and Josita 
Hernana among femmes rated tops, 
with National Syndicate naming 
Jesus Tordesilla and Senorita Her- 
mana best while Primer Plapo se- 
lected Julio Pena 'and same feitime. 
Imperlo Argentina and Conchita Mon- 
tenegro unquestionably rate higher 
in acting talent than Senorita Her- 
mana, but they only acted in Italian- 
made picts through 1940. 

The National Syndicate named 
Cifesa as the most active producer 
for 1940, Eusebio Fernandez Arda- 
vin best pilot and Rafael Gil best 
scenarist Jose Lopez Rubio, Fer- 
nando Delgado, Florian Ray, Benito 
Perojo, Edgar Neville rate among 
the better of Spain's crop of direc- 
tors while foreigners crowded out 
all Spaniards among the cameramen, 
with American Ted Pahl, BVench- 
man Andre Barreyre and German 
Heinrlch Gaertner getting the nod. 



Dave Rose 

^Continued from page 13; 



ing on the labor end because of the 
scarcity of technicians. Rose said any 
production was difficult just now 
because there were so few ace play- 
ers to go around. Production is go- 
ing on only at the Shepherd's Bush, 
Ealing and Denham studios. The 
whole end of Denham's plant was 
burned out after being hit by bombs. 

Admitting it was difficult to cast 
'Admirable Crichton,' the next pic- 
ture set to go into production. Rose 
expressed hope that he might find 
a suitable English actor in Holly- 
wood who would play the lead. 

He stated that there was not much 
sentiment in Britain for having 
members of the British colony in 
Hollywood return to England for 
service. Feeling there today is that 
the Hollywood contingent of British 
had done its share in getting relief 
funds for Great Britain's war ef- 
fort Besides, as he explained it 
their return would mean just that 
maiiy more people to feed and clothe. 
(This is '-'contrary to an item, by 
Quentln Reynolds, on page 4 of this 
issue.) 

When different nationalities in 
Lisbon heard the British Broadcast- 
ing Corp.- announce the start of the 
Russian-German war early on June 
22, few people would believe it. 
It was not until later in the day, 
when other reports confirmed the 
broadcast that they were convinced 
hostilities had started. Rose added. 
Frozen Coin 

Roae indicated that an effort is 
being made to form an opinion on 
the new frozen money pact which 
goes into effect this fall. He had 
no knowledge of new developments 
regarding loosening up of presently 
frozen funds of American film com- 
panies in Britain. Rose explained 
that frozen funds could not be em- 
ployed in buying theatres in Eng- 
land although this money could be 
used for distributor operations and 
in production to meet Rritish film 
quota obligations. 

Explaining that the present quota 
law had not been changed, he said 
that nearly all companies were in 
default on their quota obligations for 
the year' ended last March 31. 

Rose left for the Coast the same 
day he arrived in N. Y. because he 
wanted to talk with John W. Hicks, 
Jr., foreign chief, before -ne started 
back east 



TITLE CHANGES 

Hollywood, July 1. 

'Ball of Fire* is new tag on Samuel 
Goldwyn's 'The Professor and the 
Burlesque Queen.' 

'The Do's and Dont's of Dancing' 
became 'Cuban Rhythm' at Metro. 

•The Men in Her Life' is the third 
title for Tonight Belongs to Us,' 
originally 'Woman of Desire,' at Co- 
lumbia. 

Columbia switched from 'The 
Medico Rides' to 'Thunder Over the 
Prairie.' 

'Strange Victory' became 'Any 
Girl Would' at RKO. 

'Forward March," Laurel-Hardy 
picture at 20th-Fox, became 'Great 
Guns.' 

Monogram shifted from 'City Lim- 
its' to 'Father Steps Out' ' 
n : ' ;•:(■'' -I'l < i ; 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



PICTURES 21 



Pounce on Topical Idea, Sell It Fast 
Becomes the Credo of Film Writers 



Hollywood, July 1. 

The current event, quickly trans- 
latable into coin, has lured almost 
the last of the screen scribes down 
but of their old ivory towers. The 
newspaper and the newsy magazines 
have become the household gods of 
the 'original' story writers, and clip- 
pings from the dailies now clutter 
desks once reserved only for the 
classics and the thesaurus. 

Alert scanning of press dispatches, 
evaluation o| headlines and bank- 
lines, of obscure items even, has 
largely taken the place of ancient 
and honorable hunch-getting and 
brow-beating as aids to dramaturgy. 
In a word, the lush topical item 
or situation is pounced on by the 
literary boys like pelicans on a Long 
Beach herring. * 

They — the literary practioners, not 
the pelicans, lay the still ink-wet 
selection, all dressed up in a fresh 
husk of 'treatment' or brief synopsis, 
and neatly garnished with a sem- 
blance of plot, at least, on the pro- 
ducers desks with the first morning 
mail — often within five or six hours 
after a first news publication. They 
may have worked all jiight getting 
■ together some kind of provocative 
continuity or thesis. Agents are at 
the studio doors before they open. 
The thing is done at fever heat, at 
a frantic pitch. The competish is 
fierce, and often breeds professional, 
furies. As many as a dozen writers, 
stnfT and freelance, have burned the 
all-night bulbs and smolced the type- 
writer ribbons in the race to get 
first consideration on a news-born 
yarn during the past few months. 

The current event or topical story 
(or the screen has strong sales 
chances. Numerically, the topical 
stuff may not be more marketable 
than other types of film material. 
But it sells quickly, with probably 
the least effort and the best gamble 
for the freelancer. It need not even 
fit infb any of the current cycles. 
The v«y 'heat' of the newsy stoi-y, 
with its exploitation values and pub- 
lic interest, puts a peculiar sales 
pressure on the producer and story 
buying executives. They've got to 
act fast, say yes or no right, now, 
against their competitors. A topical 
classification gets broad clearance at 
the Hays office as amongst the ma- 
jor studios' priority rights. Sales 
are apt to be hustled, if not always 
Judiciously made, under these cir- 
cumstances. Time Is the essence. A 
writer seldom has to wait more than 
a day or two for a decision on this 
kind of snap material. The pay In 
some instances has been fabulous. 
TImfa Bat Interested 

It is only recently that the screen 
has been very considerably inter- 
ested in echoing the news in Its 
fiction features. Even yet, it is pretty 
timid in handling this kind of stuff, 
■which is apt to have concealed con- 
troversial pitfalls and taboos under 
its surface. 

History of motion pictures has had 
■ome obvious exceptions to that gen- 
eralization, however, as when War- 
ners started its gangster cycle and 
moved into the G-Man variation, 
and when Darryl F. Zanuck at 20th- 
Fox based many of his earlier pro- 
duction exploits on a zealous scru- 
tiny of newspapers for a long list 
of topical successes. 

One of the earliest film, exploita- 
tions of matters of current moment 
was Warners filming in 1918 of the 
memoirs of James W. Gerard's 'My 
Four Years In Germany* as the 
American ambassador to Germany. 
It had been serialized in the news- 
papers prior to filming. Ju.st a few 
years ago Warners again based a 
couple of Its most widely exploited 
pictures on the increasing scientific 
matter being popularized through 
newspapers and magazines, notably 
Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet'. 

Preoccupation of film writers with 
all phases of the war is too obvious 
for comment. The Hess incident was 
on the desk of every producer in 
Hollywood within a few hours, in 
Eome elaborated story form or sug- 
gested addition to pictures in work 
or already In the editing processes. 
In Multiple Version 

The vigilant reading of news 
Sheets and topical pictorial mags for 
iiim Ideas by hundreds of Holly- 
woods- ablest screen writers is 
bound, of course, to tend toward 
repetitious production. It has othet 
complications. An item telling about 
the celebration of an anniversary 
of women suffrage granted by Wy- 
oming, for instance, simultaneously 
produced scripts dealing with that 
picturesque historical event in at 



Parsons Reelected 



Hollywood, July 1. 

E, W. Parsons has been reelected 
president of Local 40 of the Inter- 
national Brotherhood of Electrical 
Workers and carried his entire slate 
into office with him. 

Walter E. Kenney Js yice-prexy, 
Earl Counter, financial secretary; 
Harold Foss, treasurer; Al Speede, 
business representative. 



MORE DRIVE-IN 
THEATRE BLDG. 



Chicago, July 1. 
Illinois Drive-In Theatre Co., 
headed by N. S. Barger of the bur- 
ley Rialto, will open an auto the- 
atre on the suburban northside July 
12. 

Spot will wind up costing about 
$150,000 and will have a capacity of 
1,160 autos, each of which will have 
its individual sound outlet. 

In addition to pictures, the Drive- 
In will purvey sandwiches, drinks 
and other, refreshments. It marks 
the closest Drive-in competition city 
proper has ever had. 



New Drive-In 

Erie, Pa., July 1. 
Skyway Drive-In opened here, on 
U. S. Route 6, seven miles west of 
this city. Owned and operated by 
Carl Guerrein, a localite. Business 
only fair. Weather for June chilly. 
Capacity 350 cars. Union projection- 
ists, 



Last Under the Wire 

Montreal, July 1. 
Probably fhe last Canadian mov- 
ing picture theatre to be built in 
view of the law banning further 
construction of flick houses for the 
duration of the war. The Kent, 800- 
seater in the west end of the city, 
opened recently. It's being op- 
erated as an Independent thea- 
tre, and all proceeds of the first 
week's operation, June 20-27, is be- 
ing donated to the 'Wings for Brit- 
ain' fund, the management an- 
nounces. 

The law permitted completion of 
theatres already well towards that 
stage at the time the measure was 
enacted. 



New Des Moines Link 

Des Moines, July 1. 
New Eastown theatre at E. Grand 
near E. 16th, opened. Seats 575. Af- 
filiated with Tri-State, Eastown will 
be managed by Louis Lepovltz; Ver- 
non Carr, former chief of service at 
the Des Moines, assistant. 



Warners' New Albany Nabe 

Albany, July 1, 
The 700-seat Delaware, nabe being 
built for Warner Bros., will open 
around July 15. It is the first chain 
playhouse constructed here since 
1931, when the 3,800-seat Palace was 
placed in operation. Warners has 
four other Albany theatres, the 
Strand, Ritz, Albany and Madison. 
Fabian circuit operates three, the 
Palace, Grand and Leland. Har- 
manus Bleecker Hall, which was its 
fourth, has not been rebuilt since 
fire destroyed that jhistoric theatre 
during the spring of 1940. 



DECREE COMPLAINTS 



least four studios, none of which 
knew that another was working on 
it until weeks of preparation had 
gone on. Frank Lloyd finally made 
it as 'The Lady From Cheyenne'.' 

There are numerous other in- 
stances of .such duplication, with 
much labor lost through secrecy of 
preparation. Numerous charges of 
plagiarism also have originated in 
these simultaneous story develop- 
ments from the same news source. 

An instance of pictorial mag in- 
spiration for pictures was 'Kitty 
Foyle', an RKO production taken 
from the white collar girl life rou- 
tine in a popular weekly. Several 
other studios also received tentative 
treatments on the same story. 

The thumb-twiddling era of mo- 
tion picture hunching is gone with 
the wind. The news peg is the. 
prolific source of quick-selling film 
yarns for trained screen craftsmen. 



Frisco's. First. Set. for Hearing — 
Phllly's Stickler 



San Francisco, July 1. 
July 15 has been set for hearing 
date on Frisco's first consent decree 
complaint, filed by Ray Syufy of the 
Rita, Vallejo, over clearance. Dono- 
van O. Peters, attorney, named arbi- 
trator. 

Second complaint, also clearance, 
which was filed June 5, has not yet 
been scheduled for hearing. Brought 
by A. C. Karski of the Laurel, Oak- 
land, it seeks reduction of <:learancc 
to 45 or 50 days. Named are RKO, 
Paramount, Loew's, Metro, 20th and 
WB, plus the Palace' and Parkway 
theatres (Golden State), Dimond 
(Dimond Theatre Co.), Tower 
(Transbay Theatres) and Capitol 
(Foothill Amus. Co.). 



A Stickler 

Philadelphia, July 1. 

Arbitrator H. Evans Rhell has 
been handed the stickler whether a 
complaint on proper clearance brings 
up the question of 'better runs,' in 
the case of the indie Palm thfatre 
against the Warner circuit and 
three major distribs which opened 
for argument yesterday (Monday). 
Counsel for Paramount, 20tly and 
Metro claim the case i^ 'better run' 
complaint and as such should not be 
heard at this time. (Under the con- 
sent decree all such complaints have 
been ordered held over until after 
the buying season in the fall). 

Samuel and Morris Somerson. op- 
erators of the Palm, are asking that 
they obtain product seven days after 
the Stanley-Warner Kent and ob- 
jected to being forced to wait 14 
days after Warners' Richmond and 
Wishart, claiming the latter two 
houses were not in a competitive 
area. The case wiM be resumed to- 
morrow (Wed.). 



NW Indies Feel Better; Par's 
Chain Has Only Metro Siped Up 



Start Peckio; Away, Boys 

Hollywood, July 1. 
Warners dealt out assignments to 
six writers on three plays, beginning 
with Ben Markson, who is working 
solo on the tale of 'Across the At- 
lantic' 

Others are (Tlharles Grayson and 
Raymond Schrock on 'The Great Di- 
vide,' and Fred Niblo, Jr., Owen 
Crump and Thomas Lennon on 'The 
Man From the FBI.' 



AFL REFUSES AID 

ON EXTRAS' HGHT 



Hollywood, July 1. 

The American Federation of Labor 
is refusing to interfere in- the extra 
setup in the Screen Actors Guild. 
Following a complaint to the AFL 
that extras were refused a vote in 
the SAG, William Green, Federation 
prexy, sent the following wire to 
Harry Mayo, chairman of the Extras 
Advisory Council: 

'The Executive Council found 
from an examination 6f records and 
facts it. lacked authority to Interfere 
ill the Screen Actors Guil'd situa- 
tion. The Council, however, wishes 
to be helpful in bringing about an 
adjustment in every possible way. 
Suggest you present your case to 
organizer Aubrey Blair, representa- 
tive of the AFL In Hollywood.' 

Mayo expressed dissatisfaction 
with the decision, and stated that the 
Council will continue its fight to 
get full voting privileges' for Class 
B members of the Guild. He re- 
fused to say what action was 
planned, but from other sources It 
was learned that certain extra lead- 
ers have been in touch with repre- 
sentatives of the' Congress of Indus- 
trial Organization. 

The Council Is now arranging pro- 
test meetings over the proposed new 
wage scales for extras. The SAG is 
preparing to conduct a mail ref- 
erendum on acceptance of the new 
scales,- which become effective Aug. 
1, if approved by the Class A and 
Class B members of the Guild. 



Greene's (Minnesota) 
Or-Else to Distribs 



Minneapolis, July 1. 

Gordon Greene, one of the trustees 
for the 4,000-seat Minnesota theatre, 
now in receivership, will be in New 
York this \yeek to call on sales man- 
agers of major film companies with 
a request for screen product that 
will permit the reopening and op- 
eration of the de luxe $2,000,000 
showhouse. 

Failing in hi.s endeavors to obtain 
sufficient major pictures, which 
hitherto have been sewed up by 
Minnesota Amus. Co. (Paramount)- 
Mort H. Singer pool in downtown 
Minneapolis, Greene says the thea- 
tre's trustees are prepared to bring 
a conspiracy suit or to institute other 
legal action under the anti-trust 
laws.' Conspiracy indictments also 
may be sought, he declares. 

The Minnesota theatre was opened 
briefly recently to house 'Fantasia' 
which had a successful six weeks 
run. On two other occasions dur- 
ing recent years, since its abandon- 
ment by the Paramount circuit, it 
unsuccessfully has- tried vaudfllm, 
with independent films. 



FRISCO'S 9 P.M. 
'A'PIXFAVORED 



San Francisco, July 1. 

First mass attempt on Coast to 
start the main feature at 9 p.m. 
seems to be working out okay ac- 
cording to Hal Neidcs, district man- 
ager for 17 Golden" bta'te" "and • SaK 
Francisco theatres. Introduced four 
weeks ago by Roy Cooper, assistant 
to. circuit head Bob McNeil, plan 
permits patrons to catch the 'A' pic 
from the start and to skip the 'B' 
if they want to get home early. 

Only plugging idea has had is a 
boxed line in the classified theatre 
section In the dailies, just below San 
Francisco and Golden State sub- 
divisions, reading 'Main Features 
Starts Tonight at 9 p.m. At All S.F. 
(or Golden State, as case may be) 
Theatres.' 



Loew-Metro Home-Office 
Staffers Stage -Struck 

Office boys at Loew-Metro head- 
quarters in New York are planning 
a musicomedy for fall, written, di- 
rected and played by themselves." 
Book, music a'nd lyrics are virtually 
completed and the errand-runners 
are now seeking financing. They're 
looking to Charles C. Moskowltz, 
v.p. of Loew's, who had previously 
angeled their baseball team, for aid. 

Book for the show has been writ- 
ten by Lee Goldsmith, of the pur- 
chasing department. He has also 
contributed some of the music, ma- 
jority of which is being provided by 
Paul Klein, of the auditing ^depart- 
ment. Others aiding with music and 
lyrics are Bernard Weichselbaiim, of 
the film department, and Bob Bals- 



Minneapolis, July 1. 
Revelations that Minnesota Amus. 
Co. (Paramount) has franchises with 
only one o£ the consent decree com- 
panies, Metro, instead of with four 
of the five, as originally believed, is 
relieving Minnesota independent ex- 
hibitors' tension resulting from the 
companies' ban on selling since en- 
actment of the state law contraven- 
ing the consent decree's groups-of- 
five selling plan and requiring dis- 
tributors to sell their entire season's 
product. 

Although Northwest Allied, which 
sponsored the law, recently voted to 
stand behind the measure even to 
the extent of helping to oppose the 
issuance of a temporary injunction 
to restrain its enforcement in case 
that its validity is attaclied, some of 
its leading members had not been 
concealing their worry over the pro- 
tracted ban on selling, now in its 
10th week, and the distributors' 
seeming indifference as manifested 
by their delay in taking any legal . 
or other steps to pave the way for 
corrcctin.!; the situation. 

Now, however, that it develops 
that the Paramount affiliate is vir- 
tually in the same boat with rcg&rd 

.P.WdiK;t.foi:,1;li,e.n?;^a; .seafftpiJ^'saMrrt 
independents, the latter are breath- 
ing somewhat easier. The indies , 
can't see the distributors letting the 
big Par circuit down and they pre- 
dict that all the companies, excepting 
possibly Metro, will find some way 
to sell in Minnesota if it's at all pos- 
sible to do so— even under the state 
law, providing that's necessary. 
Witliout 20th-Fox, Paramount and 
Warners the Paramount chain hardly 
could keep its houses open, the boys 
point out. 

Local trade circles still believe the 
consent decree companies first will 
go before the federal court in New 
York and ask to be exempted from 
the decree sales' provisions in Min- 
nesota. If the request is denied, It'l 
expected that an attack will be m&d« 
in the Minnesota courts on the state 
law's constitutionality and that a 
temporary Injunction will be sought 
restraining the measure's enforce* 
ment until its validity finally Is deter- 
mined. 

Although it isn't selling, RKO has 
announced tradeshowings of Its flr.st 
group of five pictures under the de- 
cree at the St. Louis Park theatre, 
July 14-19, and invitations have gone 
out to exhibitors. 



don, of the exec office reception 
staff. 

Femmes needed for the production 
will be mustered from secretaries, 
bookkeepers, etc., around the build- 
ing. 



New York T}\tatres 



OPENS WED., JULY 2 

GARY COOPER 

'SERGEANT YORK' 

A SV.W W.MlNUn IIKOS. HIT 

a CT/ID BROADWAY 

M9 I W-Bl and 45TH ST. 
AIK-t'O.NI)lTIONKI) 



MUSIC HALL 

IlKLn OVKIC 

WSSOMS IN THE 
DUST" 

Spectacular Stage Production* 



HELD OVKK 



HOPE-LAMOUR 



WILL BRADLEY 



>?8tt^ PARAMOUNT 



ASLEEP AT TEE WHEEL 

Atlanta, July 1. 
Falling asleep at the wheel H. W. 
Rutherford, assistant manager of 
Loew's Grand, was cut about the 
face when his automobile crashed 
into a street car safety zone on 
Peachtree street. 



Opciu Frldu)-, July 4tli 

EDW. G. ROBINSON 
MARLENE DIETRICH 
GEORGE RAFT 

fit a Now ^Vfirnor Ilion' lilt 

"MAN POWER" 

1- r. HHo N CAB CALLOWAY 
STRAND B'way&47St 



Slarti TH 
ClBrencfl Brown 
Laleil 
Clark 
OAIII.K 



■l^BV^^ Alr-Coo!ed 

Brown'i VX 1P M< 
1^(1 OroidvuV lUtSU 



SUM» 

RoHallnd 
RUMSKIX 



They Met in Bombay' 

A SIetro-GDld»>n-5IUTer IMctorr 




■ l.lll Timii W.iT-^ DUNN • 



I 



.111 Tlmot Wed? 
Ray MILLANO 
Veronica LAKE 
"1 ^VANTOI) 
WIX(iS" 

O :• y ■;■ 
BIN ROBINSON 
Berl WHEELER 



Thur., July 3 
Cary 

DUNN • ORANT 
"PKNSY 
SBRKNADE" 



In, Person. 
Carmen AMAVA 

EXTRA I 
SMITH and DALE 




22 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



Advance Production Chart 



(Continued from page 20) 

screenplay, Barre Lyndon and Sheridan Gibney. Cast: 
Bruce Cabot, Gene Tierney, George Sanders, Joseph 
Calleia, Carl Esmond, Reginald Gardiner. 



Universal 



Pram. Com- 
40-41 plet«d 
Featnres 40 40 
Arlen-Devine 
Actions 7 
HVcsterns 7 
Frank 

Lloyd 3 
Serials 4 



Slioot- Now To llo Comp. Shoot. 
Inn CotthlK Sllot 41-41! 41-4:i 



Totals 61 57 1 12 3 9 6 

Pictures in cutting rooms or awaiting release: 

CRACKED NUTS, comedy; asso. prod., Joseph G. 
Sanford; dir., Eddie Cline; orig. screenplay, Erna 
Lazarus and W. Scott Darling; camera, Charles Van 
£nger. Cast: Mischa Auer, Una Merkel, Stuart Erwin, 
Astrid AUwyn, William Frawley, HatUe Noel, Ernie 
Stanton, Mantan Moreland. 

BACHELOR DADDY, formerly SANDT STEPS 
OUT, comedy; asso. prod., Burt Kelly; dir., Harold 
Young; orig. screenplay, Robert Lees and Fred Rinaldo; 
'camera, Milton Krasner. Cast: Baby Sandy, Edward 
Everett Horton, Donald Woods, Raymond Walburn, 
Evelyn Ankers, Kathryn Adams, Franklin Pangborn, 
Iieonard Elliott, Bert Roach, George Meader. 

HELLO, SUCKER (1941-42), comedy; asso. prod.. 
Ken Gol(^mith; dir., .Edward (^line; screenplay, Mau- 
rice Leo and Paul Gerard Smith; camera, Charles Van 
Enge. Cast: Hugh Herbert, Tom Brown, Peggy Moran. 

BETOND THE LAW (1941-42), drama; asso. prod., 
.''nek Barnhard; dir., George Waggner; orig. screenplay, 
> Waggner; camera, Stanley Cortez. Cast: WU- 

liam Gargan, John Litel, June Clyde, Aiihe Nagel, 
Mary Gordon, Addison Richards, Eddie Hart, Charles 
Sherlock, Chuck Morrison, Russell Hicks. 

HALF WAT TO SHANGHAI '(1941-42), drama; asso. 
prod., Marshall Grant; dir., Noel Smith; screenplay, 
Stanley Rubin and Roy Chanslor; camera, John Boyle. 
Cast: Charles Bickford, Evelyn Ankers, Frank Albert- 
son, Cecil Kellaway, Truman Bradley, Willie Fung, 
Viola Vaughn, Keye Luke, Len Christy, « Dorothy 
Vaughn, Grace Lem. 

SEA RAIDERS, drama; asso. prod., Henry McRae; 
dir., Ford Beebe and John Rawlins; orig. screenplay, 
Clarence Upson Young and Paul Huston; camera, 
Jerome Ash. Cast: Billy Halop, Huntz Hall, Gabriel 
Dell, Bernard Punsley, Hally Chester, William Hall, 
John McGuire, Mary Field, Dick Alexander, Stanley 
Blystone, Ernie Adams, Jack Clifford, Anthony Rod- 
gers, Joe Recht, James Blainem, Jerry Mandy, Mickey 
Simpson, Paul Newlan. 

LAW OF THE RANGE, formerly MARSHAL LAW 
(tentative title), drama; assoc. prod.. Will Gowan; dir., 
. Ray Taylor; no writing credits; camera, William Sick- 
uer. Cast; Johnny Mack Brown, Fuzzy Knight, Nell 
O'Day, Elaine Morey, Roy Harris, Ethan Laidlaw, 
Charles King, Hal Taliaferro, Jerry Harte, Pat 
O'Malley. 

JAILHOUSE BLUES, formerly BIG HOUSE BLUES, 
formerly RBAPSODT IN STRIPES (1941-42), comedy- 
drama; asso'. prod.. Ken (lOldsmith; dir., Albert S. 
Rogell; no writing credits; camera, Elwood Bredell. 
Cast: Anne Gwynne, Nat . Pendleton, Robert Paige, 
Elizabeth Rlsdon, John Kelly, Charles Sullivan. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS (1941-42), comedy-drama; 
asso. prod., dir., Gregory LaCava; screenplay, Eugene 
Thackery; camera, Joseph Valentine. Cast: Irene 
Dunne, Robert Montgomery, Preston Foster, Eugene 
Pallette, Esther Dale, Walter Catlett, June Clyde, Dick 
Foran, Samuel S. Hinds, Kathryn Adams, Hugh Beau- 
mont, Virginia Brissac, Mary Jo Ellis, Rev. Neal Dodd, 
Hope Landin, Frank Shannon, Thomas Ross, Phyllis 
Barry, Richard Davies, Virginia Engels, Beatrice Rob- 
erts, Chester Clute, John Sheehan, Matt McHugh, Fred 
Santley, Dorothy Granger, Grace Stafford, Phyllis 
Kennedy, Jack Voglin, Eddie Fetherston, Paul Fix, 
Dora Clemant, Reed Hadley, Boyd Irwin, Frank Cogh- 
lan, Jr., Hillary Brooke, Lester Dorr, Grace Hayle, 
Dorothy Vaughan. 

RADIO REVELS OF 1S42, musical (1941-42); asso, 
prod., Joseph G. Sanford; dir., Harold Young; no writ- 
ing credits; camera, Elwood Bredell. Cast: Ken Mur- 
ray, Frances Langford, Don WiUon; Skinnay Ennis 
. and orch, Susan Miller, Senor Lee, Lewis Howard, Iris 
Adrian, Tom. Dugan, Blanche Stewart, Blvina AUman, 
Hanley Stafford, Peter Sullivan, Six Sweethearts. 

FLYING CADETS, drama (1941-42); asso. prod,. 
Paul Malvern; dir., Erie Kenton; no writing credits; 
camera, John W. Boyle. C^ast: Edmund Iiowe, William 
Gargan, Peggy Moran, Frank Albertson, Frank 
Thomas, Roy Harris, Charles Williams. 

MAN FQOM MONTANA, western-action; assofprod., 
WiU Cowan; dir., Ray Taylor; no writing credits; cam- 
era, William Sicknfer. Cast: Johnny Mack Brown, 
Fuzzy Knight, Nell O'Day, Jeanne Kelly, Butch b 
Buddy, William Gould, James Blaine, Dick Alexander, 
Karl Kachett, Murdock McQuarrie, Eddie Cobb, Frank 
Ellis, Kermit Maynard, Jack Shannon, The King's 
Men. 

SINO ANOTHER CHORUS, formerly MAID IN 
MANHATTAN, formerly SING ANOTHER CHORUS, 
comedy-drama (41-42); asso. prod.. Ken Cioldsmith; 
dir., Charles Lamont; screenplay, Marion Orth, Paul 
Gerard Smith and Brenda Weisberg; camera, Jerome 
Ash. Cast: Johnny Downs, Jane Fra2ee, Mischa Auer, 
Walter Catlett, Sunnie O'Dea, Iris Adrian, George 
Barbier, Nell O'Day, Joe Brown, Jr., Rosario and 
Antonio, Ronald Peters, Ed Kane, Greta Grandstedt, 
Ann Duran. 

MOONLIGHT IN HAWAn, comedy-drama; asso. 
prod,, Ken Goldsmith; dir., Charles Lamont; no writ- 
ing credits; canr.era, Stanley Cortez. Cast: Johnny 
Downs, Jane Frazee, Leon Errol, Mischa Auer, Rich- 
ard Carle, Maria Montez, Sunnie O'Dea, Marjorie 
Gateson, Elaine Morey, The Merry Macs, Jean De 
Briac, Charles Coleman, Jim Spencer, Eddie Lee;- 
Mickey Simpson. 

MOB TOWN, drama (41-42); asso. prod.. Ken Gold- 
jmith; dir., William Nigh; no writing credits; camera, 
Elwood Bredell Cast: Dick Foran, Anne Gwynne, 
Dead End Kids, William Wright, Claire Whitney, Eva 
Qulg, Dorothy , Vaughan. 

U Plx in Production 
THIS WOMAN IS MINE, formerly I JAMES LEWIS, 

drama (41-42); prod.-dlr.,- Frank Lloyd; no writing 
credits; camera, Milton Krasner. Cast: Franchot Tone, 
Walter Brennan, John Ca^toll, Carol Bruce, Nigel 
Bruce, Leo G. Carroll, Roger Imhof, Paul Hurst, Frank 
Conroy, Ray Beltram, Morris Ankrum, Lewis Mercler, 
Philip Charbert, Jerome DeMiccio, Walter McGrUl, 
Dale Van Sickle, George Brogerman, Jerry Frank. 



SAN ANTONIO ROSE, drama (41-42); asso. prod., 
Ken Goldsmith; dir., Charles Lamont; no writmg 
credits; camera, Stanley Cortez. Cast: Robert Paige, 
Jane Frazee, The Merry Macs, Eve Arden, Shemp 
Howard, Lon Chancy, Jr., Louis DaPron, Roy Harris, 
Charles Long. 

ALMOST AN ANGEL, drama (41-42); asso. prod., 
Joseph Pasternak; dir., Henry Koster; no writing 
credits; camera, Rudolph Mate. Cast: Deanna Durbin, 
Charles Laughton, Robert Cummings, Margaret Tal- 
lichet, Guy Kibbee, Leonard Elliott, Irving Bacon, Gus 
Schilling. _ _ 

THE MASKED RIDER, formerly THE MASKED 
CABALLERO, western; asso. prod., Will Cowan; dir.. 
Ford Beebe; no writing credits; camera, Charles Van 
Enger. Cast:- Johnny Mack Brown, Fuzzy Knight, Nell 
O'Day, Harry Woods, Guy D'Ennery, Virginia Carroll, 
Roy Barcroft, Dick Botiller, Al Haskiell, Carmella 
Cansino, Rico De Montez. 

RAIDERS OF THE DESERT, western; asso. prod., 
Ben Pivar; dir.. Jack Rawlins; no writing credits; cam- 
era, John Boyle. .Cast: Richard Arlen, Andy Devine, 
Linda Hayes, Lewis Howard, Maria Montez, George 
Carleton, Turhan Bey, Ralf Harolde, Harry Cording, 
Neyle Marx, Sid Arno, John Harmon, Evelyn Selbie. ■ 

HOLD THAT GHOST, comedy (1941-42); asso. prods.. 
Bury Kelly and Glenn Tyron; dir., Arthur Lubin; 
screenplay, Robert Lees,. Fred Rinaldo, John Grant; 
camera, Elwood BredeU. Cast: Bud Abbott, Lou 
Costello, Richard Carlson, Joan Davis, Mischa Auer, 
Evelyn Ankers, Shcmp Howard, The Andrews Sisters, 
Ted Lewis and orch, Jeanne Blanche, LeAhn Sisters, 
Charles Whittier, Cieraldine Ross, Kay, Kay and Katye, 
Janet Shaw, Marc Lawrence, Russell Hicks, Spencer 
Charters, Milton Parsons, Howard Hickman, Harry 
Hayden, Ed Deering, Ed Pawley, Nester Paiva, Frank 
Penny, Don Terry. 

ARIZONA CYCLONE, western; asso. prod., WiU 
Cowan; dir., Joseph Lewis; no writing credits; camera, 
Charles Van Enger. Cast: Johnny Mack Brown, Fuzzy 
Knight, Nell O'Day, Beatrice Roberts, Herbert Rawlin- 
son, Dick Curtis, Robert Strange, Glenn Strange, The 
Notables, Buck Moulton, Carl Sepulveda. 

THE AA^RICANOS, western; asso. prod.; Ben Pivar; 
dir.', William Nigh; no writing credits; camera, John 
Boyle. Cast: Dick Foran, Leo Carrillo, Andy Devine, 
Marcia Ralston, Ann Doran, Antonio Moreno, Francis 
McDonald, James Seay, Nester Paiva, Leyland Hodg- 
son, Guy Usher, Tony Paton, Stanley Price, Beatrice 
Roberts, Cafmela Cansino, Wade Boteler. 

BOMBAY CLIPPER, drama; asso. prod., Marshall 
Grant; dir., John Rawlins; no vlrriting credits; camera, 
Stanley Cortez. Cast: William Gargan, Irene Hervey, 
Charles Lang, Maria Montez, Mary Gordon, Lloyd 
Corrigan, Wade Boteler, Richard Davies, Turhan Bey, 
Truman Bradley, Roy Harris, Billy Wayne, Warren 
Ashe, Peter Lynn, Pat O'Malley. 

HELLZAPOPPIN (1941-42), comedy; prod., Jules 
Levey; dir, Henry C. Potter; no writing credits; cam- 
era, Elwood Bredell. Cast: Olsen and Johnson, Martha 
Raye, Jane Frazee, Mischa Auer, Katherine Johnson. 



Solo Pix OK B. 0. 

Continued from page 7 ,^^ 



towns where we have to let it run 
out. Bank Night,' says Fields. 'We 
cut down our number of changes to 
two a week, the pictures running 
four and three days where the prod- 
uct is strong enough to permit this. 
Otherwise, we have three changes, 
two for three days each and one for 
a surprise 'bargain day' when the 
admission is 16c instead of 40c. Pre- 
viously, we had had a change on 
Sunday, one on Bank Night and two 
on Fridays and Saturdays. 

'With the double bills discon- 
tinued, we get a late boxoffice play 
on Saturday . nights that we never 
got before and our take for the day 
has been better. 

It has been definitely determined 
that it is better for us to hold a 
strong picture an extra' day, as we 
now are doing, than to spot one 
without boxoffice appeal In order to 
change. 

'While we are doing less business, 
our expenses now are lower and 
we're money ahead. Moreover, busi- 
ness has held up relatively better 
than in the B houses where the dual 
feature policy was unaltered. 

'House managers are enthusiastic 
over the new policy and .they de- 
clare that the public in their situ- 
ations definitely are ' off ot double 
features. We may possitily, how- 
ever, occasionally run a double bill 
on a Sunday, say once in six weeks, 
where the pictures are short and 
sufficiently meritorious to warrant 
this. In such an instance, they 
might prove a stimulus. But as a 
regular diet the twin bills positively 
are out permanently.' 



Warners 



From. Com- Shoot- Now To 0« Comn. Shoot. 

40-41 pictod Ins Cattlnr Shot 41-4i 41-42 

Stndlo 48 48 0 14 • 4 3 
Capra- 

Riskln 1 1 0 0 0 e • 

Lssky 1.1 e 0 0 0 6 



Totals 60 50 • 14 • 4 8 

Pictures in cutting rooms or awaiting release: 
THE BASHFUL HERO, formerly STUFF-. OF 
HEROES, drama; asso. prod., William Jacobs; dir., Ben 
Stoloff; screenplay, Ben Marksen and Kenneth Garnet; 
story by Harold Titus; camera, Arthur Todd. Cast: 
Eddie Alberts, Joan Leslie, Alan Hale, John Litel, 
William Lundigan. 

MURDER ON TH? SECOND FLOOR, mystery; asso. 
prod., William Jacobs; dir., D. Ross Lederman; screen- 
play, Anthony Coldeway; camera, Al Seigler. Cast: 
Frieda Inescort, Heather Angel, Bruce Lester. Paul 
Cavanagh. 

SHINING VICTORY, formerly WINGED VICTORY, 

drama; asso. prod., Robert Lord; dir., Irving Rapper; 
screenplay, Howard Koch and Anne Froelich, from a 
play by A. J. Crpnin; camera, James Wong Howe. Cast: 
James Stephenson, Geraidine Fitzgerald, Donald Crisp, 
Montagu Love, Richard Ainley, Barbara O'Neill, Bruce 
Lester, Frank Reicher. 

THE BRIDE CAME C.O.D., comedy; asso. prod., 
William Cagney; dir., William Keighley; screenplay, 
Julius and Philip Epstein; camera, Ernie Haller. Cast: 
James Cagney, Bette Davis, Stuart Erwin, William 
Frawley, George Tobias, Jack Carson, Harry Davenport. 

THREE SONS O' GUNS, formerly MOTHER'S 
BOY, comedy-drama; asso. prod., William Jacobs; dir. 
Ben Stoloff; story and screenplay, Fred Nlblo, Jr* 
camera, Arthur Todd. Cast: Wayne Morris, Tom 
Brown, WiUiam T. Orr, Marjorie Rambeau, Irene Rich, 
Moroni Olsen, Suzanne Carnahan. 

HIGHWAY WEST, western; asso. prod., Edmund 
Grainger; dir., William McGann; screenplay, Charles 
Kenyon, Allen Rivkin and Kennett Gamut; camera, 
Ted McCord. Cast: Brenda Marshall, Arthur Kennedy, 
S)?,'?^?.^!*^^' W^UHam Lundigan, Slim SummerviUe, 
Willie Best, Dorothy Tree, Frank Wilcox. 

GENTLE PEOPLE, drama; asso. prod., Henry Blanke; 
dir., Anatole Litvak; screenplay, Jerry Wald, Richard 
Macauley, Robert Rossen; from play by Irwin Shaw; 
camera James Wong Howe. Cast: Ida Lupino, John 
Garfield, Thomas Mitchell John Qualen, Eddie Alberts, 
Aline MacMahon, Odette Myrtil, George Tobias, Leo 
Gorcey, Bernard Gorcey, George Homus. 

KISSES FOR BREAKFAST, formerly SHE STAYED 
KISSED, comedy; asso. prod., Harlan Thompson; dir., 
Ray Enrlght; screenplay, Kenneth Garnet, from play 
by Seymour Hicks; camera, Arthur Edeson. Cast: Den- 
nis Morgan, Shirley Ross, Jane Wyatt, Lee Patrick, 
« O'Connor, . Romaine Callendar, 

Nydia Westman, Barnett Parker, Leon Belasco. Louise 
Beavers, Clarence Muse, Willie Best, Frank Orth 

SERGEANT YORK, drama; asso. prod., Jesse L 
Laskyj^dir., Howard Hawks; screenplay, Henry Chand- 
lee and Abem Finkel; supplementary scenes and dialog, 
John Huston and Howard Koch; camera, Sol Polito 
Cast: Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, Joan Leslie. Mar- 
garet Wycherly, Ward Bond, June Lockhart, Noah 
Beery, Jr., Howard DaSilva, Dickie Moore 

BAD MEN OF MISSOURI, drama; asso. prod., Bryan 
Foy; dir., Ray Enright; orig. screenplay, Robert L. 
Buckner, Allen Rivkin, Robert Kent, Lester Cole, 
Charles Grayson; camera, Arthur Todd. Cast: Dennis 
Morgan, Wayne Morris, Arthur Kennedy, Jane Wyman, 
Howard DaSilva, Ann Todd, WiUie Best, Roscoe Ates, 
Eddie Acuff. 

MANPOWER, .drama; prod., Hal Wallis; dir., Raoul 
Walsh, orig. screenplay, Jerry Wald and Richard Ma- 
(Continued on ^age 55) 



Showmanship 



^^Contmued from page 

problems and it is up to each indi- 
vidual exhibitor to try and solve 
his own problems and not expect 
too much from Hollywood In the 
way of super-colossal productions 
because if it were possible for the 
producers to make better pictures 
such pictures would have been made 
under more favorable conditions. 

The circuits should stop making 
office boys out of theatre managers — 
take off the handcuffs— give them 
some encouragement and some ex- 
tra dough for exploitation— it will 
help. You can get more people into 
a theatre with a paste bucket and a 
tack hammer than you can with 
white flannel pants and a tuxedo. 

The "present emergency challenges 
the showmanship of the entire mo- 
tion picture industry. You can't 
dictate public appeal; you must cre- 
ate it. People have been out of 
work so long now that they are 
making a few bucks they want to 
celebrate. The beer halls and the 
Juke Joints are getting the play. 

If commercial corporations, selling 
soap, coffee, drugs, cigarettes, etc., 
find it good business to spend hun- 
dreds of thousands each week for 
radio programs and advertising, as 
a means of building good will to 
encourage the sale of their product, 
there is no good reason why the 
motion picture industry, catering to 
85,000,000 patrons weekly, cannot 
conceive 'some constructive idea to 
encourage theatre attendance. 

Instead of exhibitors groping In 
the dark, criticizing Hollywood and 
beefing about what is wrong with 
the picture business, they should 
take stoclr of'themselves and try to 
solve their own problems. In many 
sections of the country the carnival 
spirit prevails; people working in 
the munition plans are on g spend- 
ing spree! They are walking past 
the theatres to the nearest beer hall 
and bowling alleys. Why? 

I suggest that VAwnrr assume 
leadership in a move to induce the 
major distributors to offer cash 
prizes totaling $100,000 to encourage 
showmanship ideas possibly for a 
national radio or screen contest that 
will build theatre • attendance 
throughout the country over a rea- 
sonable period. 

Varibtt is referred to as 'the 
showman's Bible,' and it is read by 
showmen in the picture industry, 
the theatrical, radio and advertising 
field, and it is possible that an idea 
would eminate from the showmen 
who read VARitrrr that might prove 
a shot in the arm to theatre at- 
tendance or at least a temporary 
stimulant to carry over until the 
.various branches of the Industry 
gets wise to themselves and puts 
their house in order. 

The boys drawing fat salaries will 
probably say that because of the 
nature of motion, picture distribu- 
tion a national idea is no^ practical, 
etc They had their chance . with 



the quiz contest which cost the ini 
dustry close to $1,000,000 and proved 
a terrible flop. So why not give 
everybody a cliance 

All the showmanship brains are 
not confined to the picture industry. 
Radio and the advertising agencies 
have out-maneuvered motion pic- 
ture showmanship by keeping 
abreast with the ever-changing 
trends of public appeal which is 
largely responsible for the present 
opposition to the picture theatres. 

It's a long shot, but long shots win 
once in a while, ^ 

Eddie Bonns. 



DeRochemont 



^sContlnued from page 

tine business while de Groot was on 
his way to a Boston hospital to have 
Yankee medicos overhaul his vision 
machinery, which had been dimmed 
by the Nazis. The commentator's 
eyes were badly seared when a 
bomb made an unscheduled land- 
iag alongside of him while he was 
aiding and abetting in the recording 
of an air raid. 

Another clipper-tripper on the 
same ship was United Press' man 
Friday, Yan H. Yindrich, here to re- 
port to his city desk on his coverage 
of the Middle East campaign, where 
he toured the sand dunes with the 
British Infantry. 

Erika Mann, daughter of novelist 
Thomas Mann and wife of British 
poet W. H. Auden, was one of the 
straphangers on the Atlantic Clip- 
per's eastbound voyage of the week, 
bound for Blighty, where she will 
scribble for the Toronto Star, PM 
and Liberty mag and will broadcast 
on the BBC outlets to her native 
Germans to tell them what chumps 
the British Ministry of Information 
believes them to be. Erika, born in 
Germany, but Britanized when she 
said 'I do,' stated that her papa is 
in California doing himself a job 
on his 'The Story of Joseph,' a tome 
on the spouse of the Mother of 
Christ. 

Hitchcock In 

Alfred Hitchcock, the director who 
recently completed the Cary (irant- 
Joan Fontaine starrer, 'Before the 
Fact,' for RKO, arrived « the air- 
port on the sTWAtoliner in time to 
be guest expert on the Friday (27) 
'Information, Please' air program. 

Sundee (29) sav^r Virginia Dale, 
lovely lady of the films, off on an 
Eastern Airliner to Atlanta, Ga., 
while the same line transported into 
the field 20 of John Powers' squa- 
dron of beauty in from Quantico, 
Va., where the models had been the 
guests of your uncle's marine corps 
for the weekend. 

The Sabbath also noted the ar- 
rival of Barney Balaban, paramount 
man of Paramount films, in on an 
United Mainliner from Los Angeles 
for a business s'ession and the de- 
parture on the Dixie Clipper for the 
European scene of John Sanson 
Evans, Newsweek correspondent. 

The seven-day section of June 
witnessed the departure of Ken Mur- 
ray for L. A. on TWA; Mr. and Mrs. 
Gilbert Miller for the same town on 
the same line; the arrival of Billy 
Conn, Joe Louis' recent nightmare, 
from Pittsburgh, on TWA, to sign 
$25,000 worth of signature on a con- 
tract calling for his appearance in 
Republic's 'Kid Tinsel'; the arrival of 
Joan Bennett for a New York vaca- 
tion, aboard an American Airline 
cloud-scraper from the western end 
of the line. 

The weekend was hilighted by a 
charter flight when Harvey Gibson, 
prexy of the Manufacturers Trust 
Co., holder of enough mortgages on 
the town's nite spots to paper the 
airport's control tower, took a mess 
of guests to his , summer place. 
Grover Whalen, Frank Andrews, Ho- 
tel New Yorker bosseroo, and a host 
of other lads who play first-base in 
the headline league, were among 
those enjoying the Gibson chow. 



NAB ASST. MANAGER 
IN $533 ROBBERY 



Oklahoma City, July 1. 

Standard Theaters, Inc., is again 
the scene of repeated robberies, this 
time the Victoria to the tune of $533. 
W. F. McCorinaughby, former assist- 
ant manager of the Victoria, and the 
recent assistant manager of the Fol- 
ly, was placed imder arrest for the 
robbery, which took place last Sun- 
day night. 

McConnaughby told the police that 
a friend, who has not as yet been 
arrested, took all of the money and 
had gone to Dallas, and .that he was 
to receive his share of the loot later. 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



RADIO 23 



AD AGENCIES PLEAD FOR 2% 



Stagehand s Union in Television 

lATSE Hat Jurisdiction Under ContracU With 
NBC and CBS 



■MBC and Columbia last week 
signed contracts with the Interna- 
tional Alliance of Theatrical Stage 
Employees (stagehands union) lor 
electricians, carpenters and property 
men In television. Groups are the 
same classifications lor which the 
networks already have contracts lor 
their studio-playhouses in New York. 

Deal does not give the lATSE an 
entry into the radio technician field. 
International Brotherhood ol Elec- 
trical Engineers (AFL) and the 
American Communication^ Assn. 
(CIO) have both been organizing 
radio technicians lor the last sev- 
eral years. 

lATSE recently demanded Irom 
the American Federation ol Radio 
Artists the jurisdiction over sound 
effects men, but never replied to an 
AFRA suggestion to submit the 
question to an American Arbitra- 
tion Assn.-conducted election ol the 
men involved; 



Theodora Yates Directing 
men a Girl Marries'; 
Other Benton-Bowles Shifts 



Benton & Bowles shilted director 
assignments last week on its various 
daytime shows. Under the revised 
setup, Theodora Yates handles 'When 
a Girl Marries' (Prudential Insur- 
ance) and 'Home-ol the Brave' (Gen- 
eral Foods — Certo). Jack Hurdle 
directs 'Kate Hopkins' (Maxwell 
House), 'Portia Faces Lile' (General 
Foods— Post Bran Flakes) and, dur- 
ing Don Cope's vacation, 'Lincoln 
Highway' (Shinola). Ken MacGregor 
has 'We of the Abbotts' (Best Foods 
— Hellman's Mayonnaise), while John 
Pickard and Frank Provo write- 
direct 'Young Dr. Malone' (General 
Foods — Post Toasties). . 

'Home of the Brave' is still tenta- 
tively slated to return to Young & 
Rubicam (Calumet and Swansdown) 
at the end ol its current 13-week 
stretch, with B. & B., which has nine 
more weeks to go. 



Ray Linton in Fichita 



Ray Linton has joined KFBI, 
Wichita, as national sales manager. 
Linton in recent years has been in 
the station rep business in New York 
and Chicago. 

He's due in New York this week 
on a sales contacting tour. 



NBC ARTISTS 
BUREAU AWAITS 
BIDS 



ALICE FROST WEDS 
HER RADI9 DIRECTOR 



Alice Frost, radio actress, and Bill 
Tuttle, her director on 'Big Sister,' 
were married Friday (27) at. Bed- 
lord Village, N. Y. Ceremony took 
place at the home ol Janet Cohn, ol 
the Brandt St Brandt agency. Couple 
leave Friday (4) lor short trip. 

Miss Frost was divorced about a 
year ago Irom Robert Foulk, dialog 
director at Warner Bros. 



Novety Aces' Alias 



Cincinnati, July 1. 
The Novelty Aces, mixed instru- 
mental and vocal quintet, who are 
in their lourth year ol quarter-hour 
morning shots five days a week on 
WLW lor Griffin shoe polish, are 
now doubling under the name ol the 
Vocalaires. They started last week 
under the new name on the series of 
Friday night 30-mInute Scramby- 
Amby quiz programs lor Walter H. 
Johnson, Chicago candy manulac- 
turing firm, on Crosley's 50,000 
watter. 

Latter stint Is conducted by Ray 
Shannon and plugs Power House 
candy bars. It has been running lor 
several months and Is slated to 
spread to one ol NBC's nets In 
September. 



McGibney for Skelly 

Chicago, July 1. 

I>onald McGibney . has been set as 
news commentator lor Skelly Oil 
over the NBC-Red web, replacing 
Capt EDC Heme, deceased. 

Account handled by the Henri, 
Hurst & McDonald agency. 



CBS has gone all th* way la 
disposing of Its talent bookinf 
Interest*. Latest move 1« the 
sale of the artists bnreaa oper- 
ated at WCCO, Minneapolis^ 
whioh the network owns. It has 
been sold'io John Willlanu and 
Urbane Boddln, employes of the 
bureau. Meanwhile. Al Shean. 
who headed the talent booking 
staff, goes over to the WCCO'i 
program sMl. Artists bnrean 
did most of Its booking with 
state fairs, barn dances and the- 
atres. 

New T-ork, Chicago and Los 
Angeles artists bureaus of Co- 
lambla become the property of 
the Mnslo Corp. of America In 
another 30 days. 

NBC so far hasn't received an ac- 
ceptable bid lor its artists bureau 
which was put on the block several 
weeks ago. Sidney Strotz, NBC v.p., 
in charge ol programs, has sought to 
sell the company's higher-ups on the 
idea ol keeping the business, but it 
was stated by a network olflcial 
Monday (30) that NBC's intention 
to. dispose ol the artists service re. 
mains unchanged. 

William Morris agency had an- 
other meeting on the proposition at 
NBC yesterday (Tuesday). J. C, 
Stein, ol the Music Corp. of Ameri- 
ca isn't due back in New York un- 
til July 7, but NBC has informed his 
office that if he makes an acceptable 
bid in the meantime action on any 
other offer will be held up imtU he 
gets to New York. 



Carroll Case Takes Over 
Mildred Fenton Duties 
At Hdnunert Office, N.Y. 



Carroll Case, former Iree-lance 
writer, has joined the staff ol Air 
Features, Inc., radio production sub 
sidiary ol Blackett-Sample-Hum- 
mert, in New York. Although he 
has no title^ he has assumed most 
ol the script editorial work lormerly 
handled by Mildred Fenton, who re- 
signed a lew weeks ago to join the 
Ted Bates agency in charge ol day- 
time programs. 

Case is a son ol Frank Case, boni- 
face ol the Algonquin hotel, N. Y. 



Vallee Has His Way 



Hollywood, July 1. 

Rudy Vallee's trip east Is finally 
on again. After being on and off 
a hall dozen times, McKee Ac Al- 
bright agency finally yielded so Val 
lee can pass some time at his lodge 
in the Maine woods. New York 
pitch will be lor a month begin- 
ning July 24. 

John Barrymore is not making the 
trip on account ol picture work. 



DECLARE RADIO'S 
EXAMPLE HDRTS 



Four A's Beseeches Networks 
To Grant Theoretical As- 
sent to Stop Breakdown Of 
Whole Cash Discount Sys- 
tem Among Newspapers 
And Magazines 



WEBS' 'YES, BUT—' 



'Radio's refusal to allow a 2% cash 
discount on advertising payments is 
jeopardizing our credit arrangements 
with magazines and newspapers' 

This is the complaint made by 
advertising agencies that have re- 
cently intensified their pressure 
upon the networks to allow the de- 
duction ol 2% as a premium for 
prompt payments. Radio as a whole, 
with some few local exceptions, has 
always refused to accept this prac- 
tice, claiming it has full protection 
to assure speedy payment and point- 
ing out that in some cases it gets a 
check in lull the day alter the 
broadcast. 

Now, however, the growing vol- 
ume' ol agency complaint, and the 
apparent seriousness to the admen, 
ol a growing disposition by pub- 
lishers to abolish the discount and 
cite radio's practice as an excuse, 
have created a delicate problem. The 
webs don't want to provide the lead- 
ership ol. Or example lor, a move- 
ment hurtlul to their clients. 

Both CBS and NBC have been 
holding meetings with The Ameri- 
can Assn. of Advertising Agencies 
and are reported willing to accept 
the 'theory' if no actual cost to radio 
is Involved. 

Under the possible solution sug- 
gested recently, network rates would 
probably be advanced 2% and then 
this 2% would be allowed as the 10 
day cash disc6unt. The network 
could thereby be in the position of 
not fighting a practice dear and con 
venient to the agencies, and yet 
there would be no financial penalty 
and no actual change in payments as 
already existing. 

This problem is primarily a flnan 
cial one between agencies and pub 
lications. Under the 2% lor prompt 
payment plan, agencies claim that 
all bills are paid, credit velocity is 
maintained and any disputes involv. 
ing rebates, etc., are discussed and 
decided at leisure. With publications 
not granting a 2% discount there's 
haggling and the client holds up 
payment lor adjustment ol claims 
in advance. This causes a serious 
banking problem in billings. Out. 
side the top handful ol big agencies, 
the incoming-outgoing money prob 
lem Is a major agency difficulty. 
Agencies argue that any system that 
makes them devote time- to credit 
worries and bill-collecting is basic, 
ally bad lor everybody as It diverts 
them from their proper job as ad- 
vertising counsellors and creative 
partners to business. 

One large group ol abolitionists 
in recent years has been station- 
owning newspapers. Such publish- 
ers Increasingly tried to stop the 
2% discounts on their sheets on the 
grounds their stations didn't pay 
them. Admen were recently dis- 
turbed when a large group ol maga- 
zines, as a means to increase its net, 
was reported on the point of joining 
the 2% abolition movement. This 
apparently quickened the campaign 
to get radio networks to reverse 
their long-standing policy. 

A Four A's committee last spring 
held several meetings with a station 
committee headed by Harry Wilder 
ol WSYR, Syracuse, but failed com- 
pletely to have a 2% discount em- 
bodied in the new local spot an- 
nouncement contract. 



Traimnell Hint to Senate That 
Red-Biue Lump Discount Is 
Out Prompts Agency Queries 



WTRY Boosts Staff 10^ 

Troy, N. Y., July 1. 
A 10% salary increase lor all staff- 
ers ol WTRY, owned by Harry C. 
Wilder, becomes effective today (1). 
Some 27 persons share in the pay 
hike. 

V^TRY has been on the air since 
April 15, 1940. 



PRESS GROUP 
READY FOR FCC 
DATE 



Steering committee ol the News- 
paper-Radio Committee which met 
last Friday (27) In New York voted 
not to ask the Federal Communica- 
tions Commission lor another post- 
ponement ol the latter's proposed in- 
vestigation in newspaper-station 
ownership and newspaper F-M ap- 
plications. The committee decided 
that there was nothing to be gained 
by lurther delay and that they might 
as well take a chance on the data 
and arguments at hand. The FCC's 
hearing is slated to . open July 23. 

The committee's meeting in New 
York was the first since the Na- 
tional Association of Broadcasters 
convention m St. Louis May 15^ 



Some ad agencies have been in- 
quiring of the NBC sales depart- 
ment as' to when the network pro-, 
posed to put into effect the policy, 
as enunciated by N^les Trammell be- 
fore the Senate Interstate Commerce 
Committee, of eliminating a dual 
discount for advertisers using both 
the Red and the Blue links. Answer 
ol the sales department in each in- 
stance has been that nothing official 
was known of such Intentions. 

Inquiring agencies explained that 
the only reason they were interested 
is for fear the switch in discount 
policy would not be so sudden as to 
ball up their client budgets. These 
agencies feel that if NBC should de- 
cide to abandon the practice of al- 
lowing a user of the red and blue 
links a lump discount they (the 
agencies) should be. Informed within 
a reasonable length of time so that 
they can get the clients to make the 
necessary budget readjustments. 



Harold E. Smith, general manager 
of WABY and WOKO, Albany, has 
withdrawn his FCC application for 
the 1240 wavelength lor Schenectady. 



Gallaher the Invincible 

Minneapolis, July 1. 
For the third consecutive year, 
Eddie Gallaher, sports announcer 
pnd quizzmaster, won, the WCCO an- 
nual staff goll tournament. 
- He shot a 74. 



New Prodoction Setup For 
'B. Johnson'; New Writers, 
Director, Supporting Cast 



Production setup lor "The Story ol 
Bess Johnson' changes this week, el 
fective with the serial moving Irom 
the Ward Wheelock to the ted Bates 
agency with the Monday (30) broad, 
cast. New scripters are Margaret 
Lewerth and Anne Daly, with Basil 
Loughrane taking over direction. 
Show \vas lormerly written by Will- 
iam Sweets and previous to that, 
when it was called 'Hilltop House' 
and was produceS by Ed Wolf As 
soclates, was authored by Lynn Stone 
and Addy Richton. Chick Vincent 
was director ol It lor WoU and Diana 
Bourbon subsequently took over lor 
Wheelock. 

Bess Johnson remains in the lemme 
lead, of course, but the rest of the 
cast changes after this week. Re- 
placements will Include James 
Meighan, Florence Malone, Juliana 
Taberna and David Gothard. Frank 
Gallup remains as announcer and 
Dick Liebert as organist. Mildred 
Fenton supervises the show lor the 
Bates agency. 

Miss Fenton has assumed charge of 
casting lor all Bates programs. 



WOWO Now Fan fmie 



Ft. Wayne, July 1. 
Westinghouse WOWO, Ft. Wayne, 
went on lull time operating basis, 
effective June 24. Station will op- 
erate daily from 6 a.m. until mid- 
night, 

' Formerly split time with WWVA, 
Wheeling, West Va., has closed down 
lor couple of hours late afternoon 
and nightly at 10:15 p.m. 



Howard Meighan Weds 

Howard S. Meighan, eastern sales 
manager of Radio Sales, Inc., CBS 
subsid, was married last Saturday 
(28) in Scarsdalc, N. Y. The bride 
was Maryelalne Pryor, of that town. 

Meighan will be back on the job 
after a honeymoon In Canada, 



Peter Michael Air Credited 
As Sister Sandra Collabs 
On Revised lone Joamey' 



Peter Michael, brother of Sandra 
Michael, is now billed with her. as 
co-author of 'Lone Journey,' Procter 
& Gamble serial which moved orig- 
ination last week from New York to 
Chicago. Miss Michael, who also 
writes 'Against the Storm' lor P. & 
G., lormerly received solo billing on 
'Journey,' although her brother has 
been assisting on the script for som6 
time. 'Journey' is handled by Black- 
ett-Sample-Hummert and plugs 
Dreft. 

Now that the show is produced In 
Chicago, Ted MacMurray has re- 
placed Axel Gruenberg as director, 
the latter remaining in New York 
with 'Storm.' Cliff Soubier has 
moved to Chicago as one ol the 
leads, while Art Jacobson, Mary 
Marren, Louise Fitch, John I^arkln,.^ 
Genelle Gibbs, DeWitt McBrlde, 
Diekie Holland, Willard Waterman, 
Betty Hanna and Herbert Butter- 
field have now taken over the other 
parts. Larkin, Miss Gibbs (Mrs, 
Larkin) and McBrlde were orlginaHy 
in the show when it debuted as a 
Chicago .production, but dropped out 
when it moved to New York last 
lall. 

Durward Kirby is now announcer. 



VICK DECISION DUE 



Morse- International Has SubmlUcd 
10 Radio Programs 



■VIck Chemical Co. will within the 
next two weeks get down to business 
of deciding what its radio campaign 
will be lor next lall and winter, 
Morse International, agency on the 
account, has already submitted about 
10 shows for network alignment and 
the indications are that the account 
will go both network and spot. 

Randall M. (Mike) Dubois, tim* 
buyer for Morse, was called for serv- 
ice in the Navy last week on 24 
hours notice. He's an ensign in the 
Naval Reserves. Lynn Barnard has 
resigned as time buyer at Pedlar & 
Ryan to take the Morse job. 



Holzman's Defense Mfg. 

Hollywood, July 1. 

Ben Holzman is leaving the Wil- 
liam Morris agency here to form a 
partnership with Jerry Baum in de- 
lense manufacturing enterprise, > 

Fgr years Holzman was personal 
manager for Eddie Cantor. 

Leonard L. Levinson is head writer 
on the Ransom Sherman summer re- 
placement show for Fibber McGet 
and Molly (Johnson Wax), whlls 
latter are making an RKO picture. 
Levinson collaborates on the Fibber 
& MoUv show regularly. 



24 RADIO 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



Chicago Meeting on WKRC Issue 
Fails But AFRA Postponement 
Of Network Strike Keeps Gate Open 



Halbert Taft, Jr., of WERC 
yvas In New York Monday and 
Tuesday In connection with sit- 
uation bnt did not see any AFRA 
execs. He stated to Variety 
yesterday afternoon tliat, in his 
view, it was 'now entirely a 
question whether a union In 
New Torli may force Its terms 
upon a local station usln; the 
threat of a networic boycott and 
not consenting to hold a major- 
ity vote of the local station staff.' 
TVKRC has only four out of 17 
employes on strike, he stated. 
American Federation of Radio 
Artists strike deadline against all 
sponsored Mutual programs going to 
WKRC, Cincinnati, previously set 
for next Monday (7), has been set 
back to the following Saturday (12). 
Union's national board took the ac- 
tion to give Mutual's stockholders, 
meeting in Chicago next Tuesday 
(8), a chance to consider the entire 
AFRA-WKRC situation. 

Mutual's decision to lay the matter 
before its stockholders followed an 
unsuccessful attempt at seUlement at 
a meeting last Saturday (26) in Chi- 
cago, attended by representatives of 
the network, WKRC and AFRA. 
Those present at the session, which 
was reported to have deadlocked 
from the start on the issue of the 
union's demand for an AFRA-shop, 
were Fred Weber, Mutual general 
manager; Keith Masters, network at- 
torney; Hulbert Taft, Jr., owner- 
manager of WKHC; Taft's attorney, 
and Emily Holt, George Heller and 
Henry Jaflfe, of AFRA. 

Reversing itself at the last mo- 
ment, the AFRA national board de- 
cided late Tuesday (22) of last week 
not to serve immediate notice on the 
ad agencies and sponsors of its July 
7 strike deadline against Mutual 
commercial programs fed to WKRC. 
Kotiflcation was held up and still 
has not been sent, but probably will 
be immediately after the Mutual 
stockholders' meeting, if that session 
fails to produce some signs looking 
toward a settlement of the strike 
against the network's Ci^icinnatl out- 
let. . 

Hutaal's Delicacy 

Mutual is in a ticklish spot in the 
entire situation. Network execu- 
tives explain that they are not op- 
posed to AFRA's general aims but 
regard some of the union's specific 
demands upon WKRC as unreason- 
able. On the other hand, the net- 
work is reluctant to let AFRA (and 
possibly later, the musicians' and 
technicians' unions) establish the" 
precedent of forcing affiliate stations 
Into line by pressure against the 
network. Because of this latter 
angle, both NBC and CBS are like- 
wise watching the situation closely, 
although not taking any sides with 
their Competitor. 

Question of legal rights in case of 
a strike against network programs to 
|, a specific affiliate is admittedly an 
8 unprecedented one. Certain attor- 
P neys and oSici«Js In the industry 
argue that such a strike would con- 
stitute a secondary Ijoycott, which 
the courts have ruled illegal. But 
AFRA leaders believe it would be 
absurd for members of a union to be 
forced to work as strikebreakers 
against their fellow-members, merely 
because the latter were in a differ- 
ent city.. They assert that the legal 
aspects of the matter are for the 
courts to decide. 

(Clause In the recentlv-slffned 
transcription code gives AFRA the 
right to prevent iTanscriptions being 
used for 'strike-breaking.' Specific 
ally, the normal supply of platters 
to an 'unfair" station may not be 
shut off and producers are not bound 
by the AFRA regulations in the mat- 
ter, but the agreement states that 
'neither AFRA nor AFRA members 
shall be .subject to action for breach 
of contract or otherwise.tQT. comply- 
ing with or enforcing such rules.') 

MeanwhUe, AFRA Is negotiating 
•with WCKY, the Cincinnati outlet 
«f CBS, and claims 'substantial 
prqgress' is being made toward an 
agreement and contract. Union's 
demands at the Columbia outlet are 
said to be virtually Identical as 
those being sought from, and re- 
fused by, Taft for his WKRC. These 
Include AFRA-shop, mtnimum pay 
for staff announcers, actorii and sing- 
ers and a scale of 20% less than the 
regular network rate for commer- 
dals. Only dther network station in 



Cincinnati is WLW, affiliated with 
NBC-Red, already having a contract 
with AFRA. Other stations in Cin- 
cinnati are WCPO and WSAI. 
AFRA has not yet approached either 
for a contract. 

According to AFRA's national of- 
fice in New York, pressure by the 
Cincinnati Central Labor Council 
has already resulted in six local 
sponsors withdrawing their shows 
from WKRC. Union heads further 
claim that all the remaining local 
sponsors have promised to cancel 
their shows as soon as present con- 
tracts expire. 



Ban Singer at Opera 

Cincinnati, July 1. 
Helen Nugent, singer, who_has 
stuck with WKRC through the pres- 
ent strike of AFRA has felt the re- 
action at the Cincy Zoo Opera. 
She. won't sing this summer. 



36 AGENCIES 
COMPETE FOR 
WARD 



The Name's Sam 

In the absence of his sound 
effects man Sam Monroe on va- 
cation Ben Bernie is indulging 
his whimsy on the Bromo- 
Seltzer program (Ruthrauff & 
Ryan) over NBC, 

On successive weeks he is re- 
ferring to Sam Trammell, Sam 
Strotz, Sam Kobak and Sam 
Kiggins, all in sly salute to NBC 
execs. 



From the Production Centres 

♦♦♦♦♦♦ » ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ■ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦*«♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ »♦ -f. • 



Chi NBC Remodels 
So Shows Go Out 
From Elsewhere 



Ward Baking Co. had up to last 
Friday (27) been, approached by 36 
ad agencies with requests that they 
be permitted to submit presentations 
for the acount. It was reported In 
the trade that the agency holding the 
strongest in on the business was 
Ruthrauff & Ryan. 

Sherman K. Ellis' resignation of 
the account takes effect in August. 



Chicago, July 1. 
With NBC studios undergoing a 
series of structural enlargements 
under the expansion <^mpaign 
started by NBC Central Division 
chief Harry Kopf, a number of key 
shows originating in Chicago from 
the NBC 'A' studio will necessarily 
be shifted outside of the NBC quar- 
ters. 

Carnation's 'Contented Hour,' the 
Johnson "Hap Hazard' program and 
the Holland Furnace 'Housewarm- 
ing' shows will originate in .the 
Goodman theatre.' Brown & Wil- 
liamson's 'Plantation Party,' Stand- 
ard Oil 'Auction Quiz' and the Mor- 
ris B. Sachs 'Amateur Hour' will 
air from the Women's Club. Other 
key programs will be shifted to 
smaller rooms in the NBC layout. 

It is expected that the new en- 
larged studios at NBC will be ready 
for the start of the new season on 
Ijabor Day. 



ED AND POLLY EAST 
SET FOR FILM SHORTS 



LOCAL SHOWS INTEREST 
CORN PRODUCTS'. AGCY. 



Ed and Polly East, conductors of 
White Rose Tea's 'Kitchen Quiz' on 
the NBC-Blue, -have been signed by 
Columbia Pictures to turn out a 
series of short subjects based on the 
idea of 'the broadcast. 

Shorts will be .made starting 
July 15. 



Corn Products is buying spot 
schedules in scattered markets 
through the C. L. Miller agency 
Product Is Mazola and the required 
periods are daytime. 

The inquiry Is for announcement 
availabilities or what-have-you in 
the way of local shows. 



Muriel Wageman Radio 
Head of Sorenson Agcy. 

Chicago, July 1 
Muriel Wageman has been ap- 
pointed radio chief for the Sorenson 
advertising agency here. 
' Miss Wageman has been an ac- 
count exec for the agency for several 
years and previously had been with 
the Columbia web ^Sices in Chi 
cago. 



IBEW Gets Wage Hikes 
For Don Lee Technicians 

Hollywood, July 1. 
Agreement was reached last week 
between the J)on Lee stations in 
Calif ornia ' and the Hollywood local 
of International Brotherhood of Elec- 
trical Workers calling for Increases 
to 75 technicians ranging from $25 to 
$75 a month. Affected are em- 
ployees of KHJ, KFRC, KGB and 
KDB. 

Only stations not yet signed by 
IBEW are the NBC outlets, KFI and 
KECA. 



John Sthranun, from WOV, N. Y., 
is new production manager at new 
WBNY, N. Y. 



fiV ISEW YORK CITY ... 

Sandra Michael back from Chicago. .. .Mary Mason to Coast for visit 
with family, due back about July 15 to rehearse 'Male Animal' for New- 
port (R. I.) playhouse. .. .She does tbe 'Maudie' series Thursday nights on 

CBS, starting Aug. 14, for General Mills Hal JaiAes and Florence Sperl 

(Mrs. James), both of the Compton agency, vacationing in the Michigan 

woods, due back about July 14 Phyllis Jeanne, recently heard on sev- 

eral WGR, Buffalo, originations over Mutual, wds guest soloist Thursday 

(26) on 'Open House,' with Joe Rines orchestra, on WMCA Jay Jostyn 

bought a home at Manhasset, L. I Vera Allen, Bill Adams, Margot 

Stevenson and Norman Tokar set for 'Aunt Jenny' sequence starting July 

and continuing through Sept. 13 It'll be the longest story yet of- 

fered on the show, the yarns previously continuing, only a few days, or - 

week, at most. .. .Norman Dicken will direct 'Amanda of Honeymoon 
Hiir while Stephen Gross vacations. 

Helen Hayes will be guest lead tomorrow (Thursday) night in 'Two 
Face the World Alone' on the 'Sky Over Britain' series via WOR-Mutual 
Chester MacCracken authored the script and William Robeson will 

direct. . . .Robert Allen added to 'Just Plain Bill' cast Edgar Stanley and 

Lesley Woods joined 'David Harum' and Rena Mitchell- new to 'John's 

Other Wife'- troupe George Coulouris and Anne Seymour added to 'Our 

Gal Sunday' Louis Hector now on 'Lorenzo Jones'. ...Pete Donald will 

m.c. the 'Bright Idea' show when it returns to the air Saturday (5).... 
Arnold "Jaffe doing Yiddish programs on WHOM during Hershl Levin's 
vacation.... Al Burnhaih, WHOM chief engineer, laid up with an infected 

foot Jay Sims doing new Thursday night show, 'Beyond the News,' on 

WOR, 

Marion Barney succeeded Blanche Ring in the cast of 'Fight Camp,' on 

WOR-Mutual Don Dunphy and George Barrle doing a new show, 

Batter Up,' on WINS Leland Stowe doing three commentator shots on 

WOR-Mutual during Raymond Gram Swing's visit to England First 

Is tonight (Wednesday) Phil Carlin, NBC-Red program head, vaca-^ 

tioning-flshing at his place at Guilford, Conn Stan Hubbard, president 

of KSTP, Minneapolis, in town last week so was A. Frank Katzentine, 

prez of WKAT, Miami Beach. . . .Lester Damon gets tne male lead, with 
Claudia Morgan, in the 'Thin Man' series starting July 2 on NBC-Red. 

.Margaret Cuthbert, director of NBC women's programs, at American 
Home Economics Conference in Chicago last week.... and taking part of 
her vacation this week visiting Mrs. Knox Reeves at the latter's summed 
home in Minnesota. .. .Upton Close moves his Sunday series July 13 from 

4:15 to 2:15 p.m British War Relief benefit show will be aired July 13 

from London, Boston and Hollywood, via NBC-Red. . . .Hank Lawson band 
moved origination from WRC, Washington, to KYW, Philadelphia.... 
Until a few weeks ago the outfit was piped put of WTIC, Hartford, Conn. 

Mary Proul Lindecke, women's program: director of WTCM, St. Paul 
and Jane Weaver, ditto at WTAM, Cleveland, visiting New Yo»-k last 
week. .. .Latter sailed Saturday (28) on a Caribbean cruise. 

Joe Bier, WOR staff announcer, will sub for John Gambling during the 
latter's vacation . . . Charles Stark gets the announcer assignment on 
'Claudia,' which starts on its own Friday night (4) ... Henry Hull will 
guest Sunday (6) on 'Star Spangled Theatre" . . . Frank Forest, tenor on 
'Double or Nothing,' goes to the Coast this week for a visi, and will ba 
replaced by the Four Oklahroma Owboys for the Friday (4) show and by 
the three Ross Sisters on the July 11 stanza , . . He'U be. piped in from 
Hollywood for the July 18, Aug. 1 and Aug. 8 programs and will be back 
Aug. 15 . . . Charlotte Buchwald, formerly interviewer over WMCA, will 
do a show this summer from WBRY, Waterbury, Conn., for the strawhat 
theatre at Guilford, Conn, . . . Geoffrey Crowther, editor of the London 
Economist, will sub July 10 for Lester Velie and Merryle istanley Rukeyser 
will ditto July 17 . . . Velie will be vacationing those dates . . . Clauda 
Rains guests July 12 on 'Lincoln Highway,' with Burgess Meredith getting 
the assignment July 19 and Muriel Angelus on Jul> 26. > 

Vic Ratner of Lord & Thomas will be a father second time come De- 
cember . . . Bill Kostka, NBC press chief, and family off to Pennsylvania 
for vacation . . . Hugh Beville of NBC has new post- In Market Research 
Council . . . Art Hayes, WABC sales mgr.,.. underwent emergency ap- 
pendectomy last week . ; . William "Morris' William Murray Is ' associate 
director of Treasure Hour broadcasts (Defense Bonds) under Howard 
Dietz '. . . This is the Texaco 'donation' program on which Connie Ernst is 
working . . . Herbert Bayard Swope, Jr., may leave CBS to join the United 
States Navy . . . Ronnie Ames' will be the press agent when the British Wat 
Relief sends Winifred Ashford and Pat MacLeod, of the Women's Mechan- 
ized Transport Corps, on tour ... Two Englishwomen were heard last 
Wednesday on 'Danger Is My Business.' 

John B. Kennedy, WNEW news analyst, lectured at Syracuse U. . . .Don- 
ald Briggs in lead as reporter in 'City Desk' show beginning July S over 
CBS. . . .Hershl Levin, Yiddish language commentator on WHOM, vacation- 
ing, and place taken by Arnold Jaffe. 



Cohan, Bowes, Various Commentators 
Amimg the Few Who Aren t in AFRA 



Commentators, audience members 
on audience participation shows and 
'bona fide' amateurs on amateur 
shows are the only ones appearing 
on network programs not required to 
be members of the American Feder- 
ation of Radio Artists. Among the 
network commentators who are not 
members are Elmer Davis, H. V. 
Kaltenborn, Raymond Gram Swing, 
Boake Carter, Maj. George Fielding 
Eliot. 

According to AFRA officials, none 
of them has ever been asked to Join. 
Elmer Davis, president of the Au- 
thors League of America, is also a 
member of the Radio Writers Guild, 
as are several other commentators. 

Among the commentators who do 
belong to AFRA are Gabriel Heatter, 
Bessie Beatty, Mary Margaret Mc- 
Brlde, Dr. Henry Lee Smith, Maurice 
C. Dreicer and various people such 
as Clifton Fadlman, Franklin P. 
Adams, John Kieran, Deems Taylor, 
Oscar Levant, Bob Hawk and others 
regularly appearing on quiz shows. 

Virtually the only actor who has 
appeared more than once or twice 
and nevertheless has not Joined 



AFRA la George M. Cohan, for 
whom a waiver has been granted in 
each Instance. As a' member- of Ac- 
tors Fidelity, the anti-Equity organi- 
zation dating back to the 1919 actors' 
strike, Cohan was exempted under 
the settlement agreement at that 
time of ever having to join Equity. 
His only screen appearances were 
made before Screen Actors Guild 
had a contract with the studios, so 
he has never Joined that group. He 
has also refused to Join AFRA. 

Although 'bona fide' amateurs ap- 
pearing on amateur shows are not 
required to Join AFRA, the union 
rarely gets waiver requests from 
Any of the regular amateur shows on 
that score. There have been no such 
applications from Maj. Bowes, for 
Instance, In many months. That isn't 
necessarily Indication that contest- 
ants on such programs are regular 
professionals. Probably few of them 
have appeared much on network 
shows. However, It's figured that 
nearly all of them have worked pro- 
fessionally at least a few times on 
the air and are thus not admissable 
as amateurs. Incidentally, Bowes 
hImseU is .not an AFRA member. 



lis HOLLYWOOD ... 

Rudy Vallee drew an extension as conferencier on the Sealtest Show 
to Jan. l..,.Maj. Marvin Young, NBC producer, feted by his confreres 
before shoving off for Washington and a hitch in the army's morale di- 
vision There also was a bending of elbows on the occasion of Tony 

Martin's lest show for Woodbury National Boy Scouts Council kudosed 

Harrison Holllway with a special award for his efforts In its behalf. . . . 
Nelson 'Pete' Pringle, KNX news bureau head, analyzes the news five 
times a week for Union Oil over Columbia's California network An- 
nouncing staff at KNX added Wesley Mears, -onetime studio guide.... 
DeSoto dealers bankrolling Frank Bull's 'Sports Bullseye' for a year on 
KFWB Franklin Bingman rubbed down for another quarter of news- 
casting on NBC by his-Iinament sponsor. .. .Paul Pierce given the pro- 
duction helm on Columbia's Latin-American good-wilier, 'Southern Cruise,' 
steaming out July 4 with Dick Powell, Frances Langford and Arthur Q. 
Bryan as first mates — Lester Linsk joined Music Corp. after checking 

out of' Lyons & Lyons Matrimonial bug -nipped-Grace -Alwor-thw^nd- 

John Roder, producer; Barbara Smith and Richard Hall, scripter, all at 
KNX — James McFadden, radio head of McKee & Albright, here to talk 

oyer summer plans with Dick Mack, Sealtest producer Dave Rose, 

KHJ music director, dished up the tune, 'Hollywood Boulevard,' which 

Chamber of . Commerce is ''calling its own Bill Davidson transferred 

down from KFRC, Frisco, to KHJ for emceeing duties. 



IN CHICAGO . . . 

Four Vagabonds set by NBC for club date at the Civitan International 

convention in the Morrison hotel Jonathan Hale added to cast of 'Scat- 

tergood Baines,' Viola Berwick, Roland Butterfleld and Dorothy Meade to 
'Road of Life' and Nanette Sargeant, Fred Barron and Herb Butterfleld to 

'Right to Happiness' JTules Herbuveaux, NBC program chief in Chi, 

back from eastern headquarters huddle. 

WIND has renewed its news commentators, Irving Pflaum of the Chi- 
cago Daily Times and Dr. Gerhard Schacher of the Medill School of 
Journalism at Northwestern U., and has added' Associated Press wire ser- 
vice. .. .Alexander McQueen going back on WGN with his 'Nothing But 
the Truth' program, riding Monday through Friday for five minutes each 

morning Vera Lane will debut as WBBM singer and Cliff Johnson as 

announcer on the new 'Deep Night' program starting Monday (7) with 
Dave Bacal, 'WTBBM organist, supplying the music base. ...After 12 years 
as secretary in the NBC press offices Agnes Seward has resigned. 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



RADIO 25 



NOT-SO-CLEAR CHANNELS 



I CBS Tops in Quarter Hour Firsts 



♦♦♦<»*»♦♦♦♦«♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦«♦♦♦>♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 

As summer si\s in on the radio networks the latest Cooperative Analysis 
of Broadcasting reports reveals the Columbia Broadcasting System leading 
the Red and Blue webs of NBC. according to the quarter-hour breakdown 
system used in various advertising agencies for comparative purposes. 
This method divides the broadcast schedules into 15-roinute units and 
credits the top ranking percentage to that period. This method skips over 
the uneven time question of quarter, half and full hours. This computa- 
tion presently shows CBS with most quarter-hour firsts as follows: 

AFTER- 

MORNING NOON NIGHT TOTAL 

CBS 26 67 81 174 

RED 22 65 33 120 

BLUE 3 9 12 

In visual explanation of how the quarter-hour comparisons work out ^ 
a picture of program popularities, network by network, the following chart 
for Tuesday night, CBS best night, distributes stars in the following 
sequence: 



HOW -QUARTER- WINS' ARE COMPUTED 

DATA BASED ON TUESDAY EVENING SCHEDULE 
6 PM 7 » ? 10 



II PM 



CIS 


★ 


t 


★ 




★ 


★ 


★ 


★ 


★ 


★ 


★ 


★ 


★ 


★ 














UB 




f 


























★ 


★ 


★ 




★ 


★ 


BUE 




t 




★ 


































6 










1 






















10 






TTP 



t NO COMMERCIAL NETWORK rROORAM AT THii TIMF 



$U8 Line Cost for $1 in Biz 



Charges of Ex-Mutual Affiliate Put Senate Spotlight 
on 'Bigger-Than-ASCAP' Fixed Charges 



Washington, July 4. 

Crabby disposition of the tele- 
phone company (A.T.&T.) was criti- 
cized roundly last week during wind- 
up of the Senate Interstate Com- 
merce Committee hearings on the 
proposed anti-monopoly regulations. 
Either a Congressional or an FCC in- 
quiry into the reasons for and. rea- 
sonableness of the tariffs Imposed on 
broadcasters was demanded by Sena- 
tor Homer T. Bone, Democrat, of 
Washington. 

With a deep distrust of the Bell 
system. Bone caustically commented 
several times that the radio industry 
' seems to be in the clutches of a Shy- 
lock who makes money even if no- 
body else does and' somebody should 
do something to lighten the load on, 
broadcasters. Bone called for data 
that will show the amount the 
A.T.&T. has sunk in the lines used 
for radio program distribution and 
the return, instructing Seymour 
,Creager of the Commish legal staft 
to give him a report on what the 
regulators have done about super- 
vising these tolls. 

Bone showed lively interest after 
J. W. Lee, of KGFF, ghawnee, Okla., 
testified his line charges exceeded 
the revenue from Mutual Broadcast- 
ing System, even though his station 
was hooked to the web only with 
Class C wires. Earlier Niles Tram- 
mell had related that NBC's annual 
^ bill is $4,000,000 against Columbia's 
*2,000,000 and Mutual's $1,000,000. 
IIJ8 for $1 In Biz 

The Oklahoman testified that for 
every $1 received from MBS It cost 
him $1.18 for the wires that brought 
the web programs to his plant. He 
' pointed out that a Class A wire, 
costing $8 per mile per month was 
more than he could afford and 
shocked Bone by explaining the 
charge for Class C lines is $5.10. 

'It seems to me a little more rigid in- 
quiry into the line charges might 
be wise,' the Washington Democrat 
remarked, noting the Shawnee sta- 
tion had to pay more than $60 yearly 
per mile. 'It's no wonder the tele- 
phone company pays dividends. The 
telephone company seems to have 
fastened itself on this business so 
that it makes money even if nobody 
else does.' 

When Bone observed he'd like to 
know what the Bell System's 'over- 
all take is' from the radio industry, 
he was advised by Creager that FCC 
records showed charges for regular 
links and special pick-ups cost 
broadcasters about $8,000,000 last 
year. Bone commented disgustedly 



that this sum substantially exceeded 
fees paid to ASCAP. 

At another point, Bone said he 
felt the charges for special connec 
tions to make possible remotes are 
'frightful' and wondered why the 
radio business doesn't make more 
squawks. He observed that the A.T, 
& T. seldom appeared at Congres- 
sional hearings, though it has a big 
stake in the industry welfare. 

During the testimony of Charles 
B. Hasbrook of WCAX, Burlington, 
Vt., the caustic solon suggested 'you 
ought to get out of radio and go into 
the telephone business.' Hasbrook 
remarked 'they got there ahead of 
us.' Bone was 'astonished' the Bell 
System 'hasn't got around to the 
Pittsburgh-plus system,' the way in 
which the steer Industry used to cal- 
culate costs from a 'basing point' and 
observed 'it's an idea they could flirt 
with.' 



WOL CHIDES, 
SCRAMS NM 



WOL, Washington, makes the 
seventh Mutual Network affiliate to 
resign from the National Association 
of Broadcasters. WOL submitted its 
exiting paper last week along with a 
blast which accused the association 
of 'undemocratic treatment' of the 
minority point of view. 

The letter quotes from an N. A. B. 
memorandum on the hearings of the 
Senate Interstate Commerce Com- 
mittee which stated that 'the pur- 
pose of this memorandum is to offer 
a brief review presented from the 
viewpoint of the majority opinion of 
the radio broadcasting industry' 
WOL's letter questioned whether the 
memo actually represented the ma- 
jority point of view but added, that 
assuming it did, 'then* where Is the 
report representing the minority?'- 

WOL's letter closed with the re- 
mark that when the N. A. B. again 
becomes representative of the en- 
tire industry the station will again 
apply for membership. 



Durstine's Petrol Acct 



Roy S. Durstine agency has ob- 
tained the Macmillan Petroleum 
Corp., of Los Angeles, account, for- 
merly handled by Erwin, Wasey. 

Company sells Macmillan Ring- 
Free lubrication. 





y. 

FIRST TO FILE 



'Move Over' Petitions For 
Choice Berths Expected 
To Increase Following 
KOA, Denver, Case 



D.C. INDIFFERENT 



Washington, July 1, 
General raid on the Class I-A chan- 
nels, Jiow that the Federal Com- 
munications Commission has refused 
to reconsider its decision breaking 
down the 850-kc ribbon formerly 
dominated by KOA, Denver, is an- 
ticipated in industry circles and the 
clear-channel group is getting set 
for a determined defense of the long- 
established policy upon which New. 
Dealers are looking with apparent 
disinterest The clear-channel gang 
isn't exactly on the ropes yet, but 
fears the cards are stacked against 
them. 

Suggestions that the Commish call 
another general legislative hearing 
have been heard in industry circles, 
since a. wholesale assault impends 
and the holders of the 24 remaining 
I-A stripes apparently will be hard 
pressed to preserve their status. A 
move may be made shortly to bring 
about a general confab over the 
present need for protecting the sec- 
ondary service area of high-power 
plants, with the hope some binding 
policy can be established which will 
let everybody know Just where the 
regulators stand. 

Thinly-veiled fear that clear chan- 
nels definitely are doomed has been 
reflected, especially since it is so 
doubtful if NBC's court challenge of 
the decision allowing WHDH, Boston, 
to operate full time on KOA's fre- 
quency, will succeed. An appeal 
has been filed, but it is limited from 
necessity- to procedural questions, 
chiefly whether the FCC was on 
sound ground in restricting the right 
of NBC to fight the Boston plant's 
plea. At tlie best,"the clear-channel- 
ites cannot hope for more than court 
action forcing the regulators to hold 
another hearing— and it is taken for 
granted the outcome in that event 
would be the same regardless of 
what evidence might be submitted 
on behalf of KOA and the other 24 
I-A operators. 

Since the Commish refused to 
postpone effectiveness of the WHDH 
decision, let alone reconsider the 
while matter, L. B. Wilson has 
moved quickly to take advantage of 
the apparent FCC feeling that sec- 
ondary service should not be pro- 
tected beyond a limited area. He 
asked the Commish on June 21 to 
shift his WCKY, Cincinnati, from 
1490 to 640, on which KFI, Los An- 
geles, is the full-time plant, and 
there are three class II outlets (WOI, 
Ames, la.; WHKC, Columbus, and 
WNAD, Norman, Okla.). 

-Although the clear-channel issue 
is not presented, KSD, St. Louis, has 
petitioned for a transfer from 550 to 
940 and a boost to 50 kw. Latter 
ribbon, in the Class I-B category, 
now Is occupied only by WMAZ, 
Macon, Ga., a Class II transmitter. 
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch sees in 
the present attitude of the regula- 
tors a chance to get much better 
facilities than were provided by the 
four-way agreement with competi- 
tors in its area negotiated a year 
or so ago after prolonged scrapping. 

While WCKY is the only station 
so far to try profiting from the 
philosophy voiced in the WHDH de- 
cision, numerous rumors have circu- 
lated that others will follow Wilson's 
lead until there may be so many re- 
quests that the fundamental clear 
channel policy will have to be re- 
viewed. James M. Cox, the former 
Ohio governor, has shelved thoughts 
of asking full time on 640 for WHIO, 
Dayton, since it was pointed out 
somebody else might seek privileges 
of using the 740 stripe assigned to 
his WSB, Atlanta. Renewed talk Is 
heard that Ed Craney, friend of 
Senator Burton K. Wheeler of Mon- 
tana, again is on the verge of trying 



Edward G Robinson's $100,000 Gift 
Climax of Dniyi Broadcast 



Travers Wells at Bates 
For Guy Lombardo Show 

Travers Wells, recently of the 
Steve Hannagan publicity office and 
previously with Lord & Thomas, 
joins the Ted Bates agency July 28, 
as direotor-supervisor of the Guy 
Lombardo show for Colgate-Palm- 
olive-P,eet. Band is now sponsored 
by Lady Esther, but switches to the 
new account for the Aug. 4 broad- 
cast. 

Wells is taking a vacation before 
joining the Bates office. 



15 Stations Get 
Ruggles Discs 
Via Zone Suds 



San Francisco, July 1. 

Some 19 new outlets for the Bri- 
sacher-Davis agency's 'Barrel of 
Fun' 'cO:Qp show were lined up this 
week. Charlie Ruggles' transcrip- 
tions have bebn spotted on three 
Alaska stations, KFQD, Anchorage; 
KFAR, Fairbanks; KGBU, Ketchl- 
can,. plus KHSL, Chico, 'CaL, and 
KXO, El Centro, Cal., for Acme 
Brewing. WIBX, Utlca, WJTN, 
Jamestown; WMRN, ■ Marion, O.; 
WMAN, Marshfleld, O., and WLEU, 
Erie, Pa., get Pancakes via Brewing 
Corporation of America through 
Hubbell agency, Cleveland. 

WCHA, Charleston; WBLK, 
Clarksberg, and WWVA, Wheeling, 
W, Va., are set for Fort Pitt Brew- 
ing, via B.B.D.&O., .Pittsburgh. On 
WFTB, Sarasota, and WDBO, Or- 
lando, Fla,, for Southern Brewing, 
through Peninsula Advertising of 
Tampa. 



BOTH I.Q. SHOWS IN 
SAME TOWN SAME TIME 



Chicago, July 1, 

Both of the Mars Candy shows. 
Dr. I. Q. and Dr. I. Q. Junior, will 
move to Minneapolis this month. 

Dr. I. Q., currently originating in 
the Fox, Detroit, shifts to the Or- 
pheum in Minneapolis on July 14, 

On the day preceding (July 13) 
the Dr. I. Q. Junior show will move 
into Minneapolis from Toledo. 

Grant agency here handles ac- 
count. 



to get in on W£AF's 600 ribbon In 
order to get the long-desired right 
to boost his KGIR, Butte, to SO kw. 

The clear-channel group intends 
to go on trying to intervene in any 
proceeding that might result in arbi- 
trary FCC reclassification of fre- 
quencies, despite the refusal to 
listen to Its evidence in support of 
KOA's clqim to exclusive night oc- 
cupancy of 850. It would not be 
particularly surprising if this crowd, 
which has been trying to mobilize 
listeners in the farm areas, asks the 
Commish to open up the entire ques- 
tion, take evidence on social and 
economic as well as engineering fac- 
tors, and redetermine the way the 
United States makes use of the 
stripes allotted under the Havana 
Treaty. This admittedly would be 
a gamble In view of the feeling 
shown by a majority- of the reguli^- 
tors, some of whom wanted to 
throw clear channels out the win- 
dow at the time the North AmM'ican 
pact was placed in operation; 



AP's radio subsidiary. Press Assn., 
Inc., Is now issuing complete news 
feature scripts cued for music and 
sound effects, ready for production. 



Hollywood, July 1. 
Typical of Hollywood's full co- 
operation with the national defense 
efforts but not typical of Hollywood's 
better efforts to entertain was the 
CBS broadcast Sunday (29) for the 
United Service Organizations, It did 
contain one dramatic highlight when 
Edward Arnold announced over the 
air that he held in his hand a check 
for $100,000, a gift to the U,S.O. from 
Edward G. Robinson. Everything 
else paled by comparison with that 
gesture. 

[The lOOG is his studio salary in a 
forthcoming picture. The Man They 
Couldn't Kill.'] 

Hollywood's rally ran for an hour 
and was too talky, with production 
loosely knit, many pauses and mis- 
cued musical bridges interrupting 
even flow of star acts. There were 
few attempts at originality, and these 
fared badly. Most of the turns have 
been heard from other Hollywood 
benefits and no less than four of top- 
billed talent let It go at getting in a 
few words for need of morale in 
cartps and coin in USO coffers. 
Most asked that coin be mailed them 
personally, to be turned over to fund. 
This is a new angle.. 

Military- fanfare signed in show 
and brought Arnold to mike with 
'Hollywood Goes on Duty Again.' 
Arnold turned over emcecing to sev- 
eral privates, acquitting themselves 
creditably. Norma Shearer opened 
with plea for fund, and Nelson Eddy 
followed with rendition of 'Song at 
Twilight' with Meredith Willson ba- 
toning. Burns and Allen pattered 
with army gags for first comedy in-* 
terlude, and then Rudy Vallee and 
the brothers Barrymore did rowdy 
turn that had John and Lionel twit- 
ting each other. Too noisy to be too 
funny and at times on ragged edge. 
Whispered aside had one of the Bar- 
rymores muttering, 'Who the hell 
came with you, a blonde' After con- 
siderable -persiflage havini; to do 
with the brothers, Vallee joined them 
In a ditty about the ;freat profile. 

Jane Withers got intro as concert 
star and then banged into 'Hut Sut.' 
Loretta Young put In her plea for 
contributions, but orchestra drowned 
her out at finish. Comedy bit by 
Fanny Brlce and Hanley Stafford 
was followed by the Robinson lOOG 
donation. Robinson previously had 
asked the country to contribute for 
camp entertainment and appended 
remarks on his contribution with 
'my pleasure and expression of senti- 
ment for the cause.' Frances Lang- 
ford and Dick Powell dueted, and 
Tyrone Power pleaded for donations 
and asked they be sent to him per- 
sonally. 

Comedy sketch by True Boardman 
which he said would solve double- 
bill problem brought on Irene Dunne, 
Charles Boyer, Rosalind Russell,- 
Cary Grant. One of those double- 
talk things in which the males and 
femmes spoke in unison. It may 
have been impressive to audience out 
front, but flattened on the air. 
Wasted talents of four top names. - 

Connie Boswell scored in 'Inter- 
mezzo' and then Bette Davis read 
wire from Secretary of Navy Frank 
Knox. 

Leon Leonard! directed music on 
show, aided by Willson and Lud 
Gluskln. Charles Vanda produced, 
and Hal Medford scripted. 



Weiboorn Kelly Soperrising 
Radio Scripts for Navy; 
ContinDes lower Basm St' 



Welboum Kelley, NBC staff writ- 
er, resigned last week to become 
supervisor of scripts for the radio 
section of the Navy Department, in 
Washington. Started his new duties 
yesterday (Tuesday). - He will also 
continue writing 'Chamber Music 
Society of Lower Basin Street' 
series. 

Before joining the NBC scripting 
staff, Kelley was with the network's 
publicity department and previous 
to that was with the AP and various 
newspapers. 



26 RADIO REVIEWS 



Wedncfsday, July 2, 1941 



Checkmg Up on the Washtub Weepers 

. '} 

The daytime serials are better technically than their collective reputa- 
tion artistically. Some of them are downright good. Some range to pad- 
ding and excessive gobs of hoke. But alX Ja all, after careful, patiejt, and 
perhaps courageous, exposure to two dozen or moie serials in the last 
week or two Vambtv reviewers report that the scripts, the directing and 
the acting are generally better than a year- or two back. With, however, 
more than a couple conspicuous examples of sUghtly indigestible corn pud- 

^'ihe plots of current sequences are touched upon in the follow-up com- 
ment below. The plots are the sum and substance of tiie soap operas, 
■which is not to belittle the leading lady's tremolo. The daytime serials 
nut the housewives of America through a daily emotional wringer, and 
no wonder real-life husbands sometimes find the little woman preoccupied 
at dinner, the way she toiled over a h ot radio all day. 

'StelU Dallas,' with Anne ■ Hum' 



mert given air billing as author, is 
currently involved in a tangle of 
husbands and wives, ex-dittos— ana 
their assorted offspring. Its appar- 
ently aimed at the self-analytical 
housewives who constantly examine 
their own situations to find out why 
life and love "and marriage hasn t 
been just all one long dream. Stella, 
a tough-voiced dame with a crude 
background, has been seeing her ex- 
hubby, to virtually everyone s. in- 
sistently-expressed disapproval. Ob- 
viously her intentions are the best, 
but of course no one else m the 
script recognizes that K^, indinea 
to be prett>- heavy going (NBC Red) 
and, to the casual tuner, rather too 
complex. On a recent Wednesday 
show, Beatrice di Silvara, who 3 ap- 
parently something extra-implressive 
in the beauty biz, appeared in person 
to plug Phillips' milk of magnesia 
facial cream. 

•Backstacc Wife' is weathering a 
terrifically tense sequence these days. 
It deals with gangsters, threatened 
murder and all sorU of skullduggery. 
Pretty hokey at times, but rather 
skillful, particularly the way the 
. script draws suspense steadily up- 
ward to the fadeout climax. , Piano 
accompaniment to some of the action 
mars the illusion, and the way some 
of the characters talk to themselves 
to tell the audience what's going on 
Is a bit transparent But generally 
a credible stint Commercial punches 
' hard on the fact the; Dr. Eyons is in 
; powder form. On NBC-Red. 

'David ' Hariun,' Babo's cracker- 
barrel .handyman and rural Good 
Samaritan on, the NBC Red. out- 
smarted himself recently, when he 
got the local halwkshaw so confused 
'In legal complications that that 
>^ worthy g4nt resigned and handed 
■ over his town constable badge and a 
baffling murder mystery to the old 
' boy. So now Harum has to- Uncover 
the slayer of Gregory,, the knavish 
butler ot mystery writer Jefters. All 
the clues point to the author, but 
AOnt Polly (in one of the miost 
quavering trick voices ia AFRA his- 
tory) . insists he's innocent In Its 
■way, the show is palatable hoke. 
Title character is well scripted and 
■ nicely' played, • but the whoduoit 
. author sounds almost as old-maidish 
as Aunt Polly. Chapter, caught built 
; to a punchy surprise climax. 



20 Winks 



tense. Then Dr- Alec went to see 
Tubby,' who, it seems, was knrfcked 
goofy by a gang of hoodlums. But 
hubby spurned his old pal. 'Get 
out' he ranted, ever more violently, 
'get out, get out.' Wives at least 
learned that Bisquick is excellent for 
use for outdoor cooking on camping 
trips. * 

'Life Can Be Beantlfnl' is stretch- 
ing the title a bit in its current se- 
quence on CBS. Story is about a gal 
named Patricia who, though married 
to a trainee named Barry, is sliding 
tov/ard an afTair with her old beau 
liOgan Smith (not to be confused 
v;itn essayist Logr.n Piersol Smith, as 
scripters Carl 'Bixby and Don Becker 
fall to mention). She's apparently 
kind of dim-witted, as well as self- 
centered, according to the dialog — 
will you go away if I kiss you good- 
bye?' Other character.<! 'on the show 
include a gal named Chichi, who isn't 
going to tell hubby about Patricia 
because Smith (a regular .serial heel) 
gave her a better job in his father's 
store if she'd keep quiet, a guy 
named . Steve and a Hebe-.ic'cented 
David .Solomon. Prqcler & Gamble's 
extra-length commercials for Ivory 
flakes are identical with those on 
Against the Storm' on NBC-Red. 



I 



"Martha Webster* continueis to be 
«ne of .the saintlicst of the serial 
. herpines — no mean achievement 
• She's such a tolerant, kindly, sym- 
- pathetic, . generous, courageous CBS 
, dame. However, the part Is w611 
played and some of the supporting 
characters have enough color to re- 
V lieve a bit of the. script's saccharine. 
Current sequence has to' do with 
young Virginia and the wiles ot 
Lloyd, the husband from whom 'she's 
separated.' Seems he gave an auto- 
. ' mobile to her kid brother, which' 
'.just goes to show what a cad. he is. 
Pretty homey stuff, , with Ralph 
Dumke still providing a lively In- 
, gradient Martha introduces the 
. chapters ' with philosophical solUo- 
. 4uies. And Del Sharbutt suggests a 
' ciiiile in his reading of the Camp- 
bell's vegetable, soup plugs. 

'Boml-ot tife' (NBC-Red). 5s about 
to witness' some ultra-devious doings 
' ' by members of the medical' profes- 
: cion. Asd when the daytime serials 
' show doctors as anything but saints, 
-Where's the future- of romance? In 
, fact Avhere's ■ the future? 'Anyway,, 
It ;eems Dr; Jim Bent has a iealous 
rival physician who's out to. let him, 
' Avlth no prescriptions barred. Ques- 
,tion,' too, whether Dr. Jim- Is going 
to remain too blind to marry that 
'pretty, nurse whp adores him so.' 
Two things appear obvious — Dr. Par- 
cons is a villain in medico's clothing 
and Dr. Jim Won't many the nurse. 
How can he? What would' happen to 
the rating? Chipso's commercials are 
cf the C.A.B.-defying length. 

■ 'Valiant Lady' is getting the emo- 
tional works on NBC-Red at present 
But the serial isn't so named for 
nothing. Her hubby, Dr. Tubby' 
Scott may be going, loco, but she'll 
stay In there and suffer for dear old' 
Bisquick if she has to yank the 
housewife listeners' nerves to shreds 
doing it Meeting hubby's old fdend 
Alec, the brain surgeon, in a drug- 
store the other day she unburdened 
herself through the montage-chatter 
of customers, 'My husband Is de- 
ranged, doctor. He's out of his mind. 
He used to love me; he doesn't- any 
more.' Both were quavery and ultra- 



■Bomanoe. of Helen Trent' on CBS. 
aims particularly at the yearning-to-' 
be-young-again housewives with the 
Intro that 'romance need n'ot-be over 
for a woman of 35 — romanc^-'may be.- 
gin at 35.' - Plot itself is now localed 
in - that gliamor capital. Hollywood',' 
Wednesday's (25). episode' Was mostly, 
a . long, • leisurely confab between 
Helen and hubby, the art director at. 
a film studio. Both were being pretty 
thankful that they're not -going to be 
blind after all— and because the baby 
Is. coming. Litt'e' action on the ^how 
and only a single scene change.. 
Commercials plug Bisodol as ci4re .for 
'excess' stomach acidity' and. /acid 
distress.*' Also mentioned an' illus- 
trated article about the program In a 
radio fan mag. ' 

IVh^n » Girl Marrieis' she's apt to 
become involved in all sorts; of melo- 
drama, according to the serial's go- 
ings-on heard Wednesday. (25) 'dn 
CBS. Current sequence deal; -with '.a 
perjury-loaded divorce trial of Phit 
and. Eve Stanley. A low-life' named 
Wilde, has apparently cooked' up the! 
dirty ' work, topped wljen ' a' Mrs. 
Aslxby dropped dead on the .witness 
stand after giving a flock' of wl)opp'er' 
evidence.' Bad-rman Wilde, has. a con-: 
vinclngly sinister sound,- while abbut-^ 
torbe-dlvorced Eve Stanley was ultra-r; 
tremulous. ■ Prudential . Insurance 
commercial urged ' listeners not ' to 
let policies lapse, lest they be unable 
to get another and because they'd 
be in a higher age bracket and thus 
pay increased premiums. . 



Those early morning pro- 
grams on New York stations all 
have one thing in corhmon — the 
engineering is awful. DifTer- 
ertce in volume between a com- 
mercial and the playing of a 
record drives a listener nuts. It 
means continous twisting of the 
volume control tor the listener. 
A fllm operator in the booth of 
a theatre can ruin a picture, so 
an engineer at the control panel 
can make a bum of a radio pro- 
gram. Take a bow, boys, you're 
lousey .... Manhattan has Ave 
stations on the air 'till 4 a.m., 
WHOM. WHN. WEVD, WNEW. 
and WOR. After four o'clock 
just WNEW and WOR figKt it 
out; WHN quits at three. But 
it plays the loudest records, 
positively. If a disk is just wild 
that's not enough for WHN, it's 

got to be frantic Sunday 

nights David Niles (WEVD) has 
New York to himself from three 
to four. And what does he do 

- with it? Nothing. Davey ought 
to change that maudlin para- 
graph Introducing his final 15 
minutes in which he 'rests, re- 
laxes, and reminisces.' Hear it 
twice and it starts to take on a 
comedy angle, But Davey must 
like it because he serves it regu- 
larly at 3:45. 

Meanwhile, th» opposition -gets 
tougher. But WOR's .Jerry Lawr 
rence can't just, coast on . 50,000 
watts. It's nice, but it's not 
everjrthlng. ' Even the birds 
sound good some times at 4:30 

- . . . .Ear-catching themes: Duke 
Daly's, Charlie Teagarden's, Al- 

vino Rey's, Whlteman's Gene 

Austin could do himself, and 
WOR, a lot of good if the sta- 
tion would, give him 30 minutes 
and he'd give his routine some 
thought To suddenly hear 
someone who can really sing -a 

. Eong,' at 1:30 a.m., after Jt. salvo 
oi those hokey-pokey band vo- 
calists, is something. But 15 
minutes for Austin isn't enough - 
except -if he doesn't care. Then 
.It's 'too much. ... 

S^udderS '.of the week: Tea- 
. garden's (Charles) m.urderingof 
' 'Aurora'? 'Vaughn Monroe's dirty 
trick to 'PagUacci'? All singing 
song titles. Whlteman's 'Maria 
Eleha.' :Not because of the way 
he. plays It,-' but because of how 
often he pUys It 



the latter case, such as on the 
Wednesday ; (25) program; the dialog 
Is irom the following day's episode. 
Obviously, that's intended as a teaser 
to clutch listener suspense, but makes 
Uie'show that much more complex. 
Actress ;playlng lAicrece in the cur- 
rent sequence has a persuasive voice 
quality. Incidentally, since the pro- 
gram's title doesn't contain the name 
of any character on the show, the 
istoty- doesn't have to 'stick to any 
particular person. Therefore, 'Storm' 
has- .no permanent lead,, as some 
serials do. 



FRONT r AGS FABBELL* 
With CarHon Toanr. Virginia Dwyer, 
Ethel Intropldl, Frederic Teiere, 
William Shelley, Laellle Meredllh, 
BUI Bond 
IS HlBs. 
Dally, 1:3* p.m. 
WOB-Mutoal, New Tork. 

(BUicIcett-Sample-Humniert) 
As the flr.st business given to 
WOR-Mutual by the New York of- 
fice ot Blackett-Saniple-Hummert, 
as well as the network's first spon- 
sored serial out of New York, other 
than recorded repeats, 'Front Page 
Farrell' is supposed to be some- 
thing of a test. On the . basis 
of the Wednesday (25) episode, 
the third of the series, it's also 
a test ot the American listening pub- 
lic. For if audiences will swallow 
such deliberate super-serial hoke as 
this, they will seemingly accept any- 
thing. It's as though B-S-H, the mass 
producer of serials, had set. out to 
<:how the ultimate In daytime clap- 
trap. It's a serial to end serials. 

Just consider: 'Front Page Farrell,' 
the by-line reporter of the New York 
Eagle, is so outraged when fellow- 
reporter Sally tells him she's going 
to many millionaire Everett Some- 
body, even though she doesn't really 
love him, that he 'sweeps her off her 
feet' (that's what the script said) and 
rushes her to the altar himself. 
While the gal's mother wrings her 
hands In anguished frustration, Far- 
rell and jilted old Moneybags meet 
and exchange Sunday-supplement 
threats. Sally keeps them from 
swapping punches, but she obviously 
can't help their corny dialog. Ap- 
parently no one can. 

'I'll get you yet,' hisses the million- 
aire, in ,' approximately those very 
words. 'When you see other women 
riding in the sort ot fine cars you 
could have, while you trudge the 
streets, you'll come back to me.' 

'How dare you talk to my wife that 
way,' storms Our Hero. 'Why III 
spread your dirty past all over the 
front page of the Eagle. I'll print 
the dope on that crooked stock deal. 
I'll expose how that model com- 
mitted suicide off your yacht. I'll 
show she didn't fall overboard — she- 
was pushed.' 

'■JfCu try to smear me and youll 
have the same fate she had,' the Vil- 
lain sneers .in reply. 'IH ruin you if 
I have to buy your filthy paper to 
do it' And so on and on. Aside 
from the fact that the supposedly 
heroic newspaper man has very du- 
biou.s professional ethics, the dialog 
might have been lifted verbatim' 
from "The Drunkard,' or sdme other 
of those humorously-antiquated tear- 
jerkers. How can anything of the 
kind be judged by serious critical 
standards? It's Strictly incredible^ 
Of course, with daytime serials, any- 
thing is possible. According to the 
moron-audience school of thought 
'Front Page Farrell' should be an 
exploitation bonanza for Anacin. If 
so, it's an appalling commentary on 
the intellectual level of housewife 
audiences. 

According to the credits, the show 
is scripted by Cecilia Lipschutz, 
from a story outline by Frank and 
Anne Hummert. Martha Atwell 
directs, assisted by Norman Sweet- 
.ser. Bill Bond is announcer, Carlton 
Young plays Farrell, Virginia Dwyer 
is Sally, Ethel Intropidi is the girl's 
mother and Frederic Tozere! Is .the 
rnillionaire. William Shelley and 
Lucille Meredith have supoortlng 
parts. Hobe. 



- 'Arnold Grlmni's Daqshler,* her 

brother. Tom and the -latter's wif? 
Bemlce. are all pretty upset because, 
the old man has . gotten in the 
clutches of:a scheming 'dame -named 
Mrs. IStephanie Sommer^.'In.a single, 
conversatlon-lpaded scene Wednes- 
day (25) on NBC-Red,, they all bec 
labored 'the su£iect until' finally Sen- 
ator Jeff Corbett, the swain :.df 
daughter Connie.- admits he^s known 
for some tijne that Grimhi Is going 
to. divorce his wife, (who wants him 
back, of course) and marry Mrs; 
Sdmmers. That was the 'clima:t and 
the only hint of antion-in the.'entire 
episode. Plot outline^' should last a 
long while at that rate. ' Commercial 
.copy told about an avlatrix named 
Rolf, one of tbos*" 'women who . do 
things.' who eats Kixx. "In fact she 
even lets'her name be used for tes- 
timonials. 



l.-ZMa Perkins,' the veteran Procter 
& Gamble heroine on NBC-Red, is 
'still In her rocking chair on the 
front porch back in RushviUe Cen- 
ter, but her daughter and son-in- 
law, the Paul HendersQ'tS, are at last 
meeting some pleasant bigwigs in 
Washington, where his work as 
Congressman has won him only ene- 
mies and abuse. Writing on the show 
has several original and effective 
slants. Author Orin Tovrov makes 
deft use of cut-backs to parallel 
scenes in different places. He also 
provides ' scope for musical back- 
ground to the action, at times using 
the- same music for different, but 
concurrent scenes. And he doesn't 
Immediately tip' off his characters. 
"FhUs, ' a' seemingly gracious couple, 
the Bermans, with Mrs. Berman's 
friendly sister, may .turn' out to be 
as nice as they seem or villains in 
society clothing. Like all P. Sc. G. 
commarcials- the Oxydol plugs are 
plenty long. . 



Dorothy Lowell, In the title part 
of 'Our Gal Sunday' on NBC-Red, Is 
notable amid a welter of indistin- 
guishable actresses on daytime 
serials. Without overemohRsis, she 
somehow projects a blend of tremu-^ 
lousness and vitality that is quiet^, 
yet dramatically, appealing. Program 
is Wading in capital-lettered 'plot' 
currently, having wandered via a 
misdirected plane flight, to the East. 
Indies. There, «f course, tropical 
passions are. smouldering all over 
the studio. And the next boat won't 
be along for months. It's terrific. 

'Against the Storm,' on NBC-Red, 
uses the curious and -somewhat puz- 
zling narrative device of a line or 
so of dialog at the Intro, before the 
opening commercial, and another at 
the close, after the closing plug. In 



•Gnldlng Light,' on NBC-Red for 
Procter & Gamble, is going through 
one of those sequences so typical of 
serials. Torchy, who shares an 
apartment with Judy, sees her room- 
mate in love with Gordon Ellis, a 
painter with whom she herself was 
once in love. She has told Judy of 
him only as 'Mr. Nobody from No- 
where,' but now it appears (in one 
talk-filled single, slo-w-movlng scene) 
that she'll have to tell 'all to poor 
little Judy. It's obviously apparent 
to the entire femme audience exactly 
what slangy, ungrammatlcal Judy is 
going to have to go through and how 
Torchy Is going to have to suffer 
with her. And obviously the audi- 
ence Is going to have to suiffer, too, 
which appears to be just dandy with 
housewife serial audiences. Opening 
musical theme on the show is rather 
loud organ chords, but the dramatic 
(Continued on page 28) 



'MINNESOTA TO THE DEFENSE' 
With George Grim 
Drama 

IS Mins.— Lpcal 
Sustaining ' 
Thursday, 9:4S a.m. 
WCCO, Minneapolis 

Inaugurated .with a visit to the 
Jostcn manufacturing -plant at Owat 
onna, Minn., - this transcribed .series; 
aims to publicize in dramatic form 
the state's defense activities and 
counteract an impression that little 
Government defense spending is tak- 
ing place In . Minnesota. - George 
Grim, the commentator and. pro- 
ducer, is Minneapolis Star-Joumal- 
Tribune newspaper radio director. - 

In accomplishing his purpose of ac 
qualnting the public with, the defense 
work in Minnesota and making th^ 
public defense activity conscio'iis. 
Grim has done a . workmanlike job 
for a starter. While entertainment 
value seems ' Impossible for attain- 
ment in this type of program, he 
nevertheless - has : Injected sufficient 
drama into the script to pake- it 
compelling. 

A bit of romance, at the outset 
found a girl and boy plighting their 
troth"-- following, high school com- 
mencement exercises. This opening 
scene, calculated to grab off audience 
attention, fits in because. the Josten 
plant manufactured high school com 
mencement rings before It received 
the Government contract to turn out 
surgical Instruments for the defense 
forces. 

Grim explained how such small 
towns as Owatonna may be fitted 
into the defense program. A visit to 
the factory followed. The establish- 
ment's vice-president. In an inter- 
view with (jrim, told the way in 
which the plant was converted from 
jewelry to surgical instruments. 
Sound of the machinery in action 
provided the atmosphere. Various 
employees were, interviewed and re- 
lated how glad they were to do bit 
In the defense program. Rees. 



PLATTEBBBAINS 
With iBob Bach. Milt Gabler, Leon- 
ard Feather, Be^ Wain, Tommy 
Dorscy 
QnU 

25 Mini.— Local 
Friday, M pjn. 
WMCA, New York 

Informial get-together of 'experts' 
who try to answer musical quizzes 
filed by listeners with conductor Bob 
Bach makes up an interesting ses- 
sion. But it would be much more 
interesting and much clearer if Ba'ch 
could devise some way of .cqritrolling 
the board both in their answers to 
his queries and in extemporaneous 
remarks. This program 'came over a 
hodge-podge. • of ' voices, none too 
clear unless one got in his say alone. 
"Too, aU concerned are apparently 
grouped around one mike in a small 
studio. 

Permanent board ot puthorities on 
jazz, etc., is made up <* Milt Gabler, 
operator of Commodore Music Shop, 
N. Y.. who gives albums of record- 
ings to listeners stumping the ex- 
perts; Leonard Feather, jive author- 
ity from England, and two guests 
each week. Bea Wain and Tommy 
Dorsey teed-'ofl the guests. Except 
for her early answers, Miss Wain and 
Dorsey. almost were shut out by the 
other twol 

Program Is built on records and 
questions range from 'what band and . 
what, tune' to tougher things like 
'who plaved the trumpet solo in this 
number?^ 'It's okay stuff, though its 
audience appeal is limited by an al- 
most strict jazz groove. That- was 
tipped off by Bach's early crack that 
'very few ,'Hut-Suts' and plenty hot ' 
stuff will be heard.' ' Wood. 



AMEBIC A THE FREE' 
With Vlotor Arden orch,,Myer Rap* 

paport chorns. Ford Bond 
30 MIns. 
ANACIN 

Saturday, 10:36 a.m. 
WEAF-NBC,.New York 

(Blacfcetf -Sample -Hum nicrt) 
To its already extensive radio ex- 
ploitation, Anacin has added two 
more network shows', 'Front Page 
Farrell,' a serial on WOR-Mutual, 
and this • 'America the Free,' , half- 
hour m'uslcal stanza Saturday morn- 
ings on NBC-Red (WEAF). This 
one seems expertly designed to catch 
mass appeal. Principal limit would 
seem to b(;.the size qt the potential 
audience for morning musical shows. 

As heard Saturday (28), the stanza 
was sub-billed, 'Songs of the Coun- 
try You Love,' ahd offered a mixture 
of current pops^ marches,, folk bal^ 
lads and a hymn. Latter, 'Battle 
Hymn ot the Republic.' was some- 
what Incongruously' (considering the 
feeling of a large part of the". south) 
announced as, 'the s5ng ot a united 
, America.' As a matter of fact the 
title and the whole slant of the pro- 
gram seems a bit of an effort to grab 
the coat-tails of the current na- 
tionalistic drive. 

Opehing and closing with a march 
tune, the show caucht included the 
'Hut Sut Song,' 'Billy Boy,' 'Yippee 
Klyay,' Things I Love' (without bill- 
ing for Tchaikowsky's original), 
'Band Played On,' "Turkey in the. 
Straw,' 'Kentucky Home' and 'Battle 
Hymn.' Myer Rappaport -chorus 
supplied backgrounds for nearly all 
numbers but' the marches, with indi- 
vidual members ot the group pro- 
viding occasional vocal solos. As. 
usual with' Hum'mert-Victor'. Ardea 
presentations, the arrangements were 
unpretentious and made frequent 
use of the hokey 'Paramount finish.' 

Few announcements and those 
brief. Commercials followed Ana- 
cln's current theme ot plugging the 
assertion that 'your physician or 
dentist Ijas probably given you 
Anacin in an envelope' and that the 
product contains 'not just one, but 
several ingredients.' • Ford Bond de- 
livered them in his familiar high* 
voltage manner. . Hobe. 



THE MAN FROM WASHINGTON* 

Serial 

20 MIns. 

Friday, 7:15 p.m. 
BBC, London 

Author of' this one flew in the face 
of tradition by having Scotland Yard 
stuck and obliged to send for an 
American G-Man.> If that's not 
enough, BBC Is fixing to have him 
clean up this messy drug-traffic busi- 
ness In six weeks — one ri;t each 
week. In case there might have 
been any mistake about that, the 
fella says so right out. and the Yard 
Chief says 'Marvelous' the way only 
a Yard chief- can. 
. Those responsible for. this script 
seem desperately anxious their au- 
dience should not be constrained to 
think. Every little move is staked 
out like a pelt the ingredients time- 
tried, pulp-lined and syrup-fed: 
question and answer dialog does 
more than its share, with each char- 
acter addressed by name in case 
voices on .their own are not enough. 
Script is weighty with 'Superintend- 
ent' and 'Mr. Cordell.' you can al- 
most feel them raise those hard hats 
with which Scotland Yard biggies 
are plctorlally invested. 

There's also a feeling 'The Mnn 
From Washington' has been here be- 
fore. In some guise or other. 

Pappy Cheshire, maestro of KMOX, 
St Louis, hillbilly galaxy, reports 
offer from 20th-Fox to do a picture 
based on the 4-H and to co-star with 
•Jane Withers, 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



FACTS ABOUT WKRC AND AFRA 



Sponsors, advertising agencies, radio stations and networks: Do not be misled 
by misrepresentations and half trusts— CONSIDER THESE FACTS: 



WKRC's RECORD 

New managrement has increased wages, im- 
proved working conditions and increased 
employment for radio artists — (contrary 
to misleading: claims of AFRA, WLW is 
only station in Cincinnati area with AFRA 
contract). 

Recognized right of its employees to select 
representatives and offered to have Labor 
Board election for this purpose. 

m 

Offered to arbitrate differences. 

Offered to permit outcome of NLRB elec- 
tion determine shop provisions. 

Offered to accept verbatim terms of con- 
tract signed by AFRA with KYW, Phila- 
delphia. 

Offered to accept full AFRA shop for all 
artists, to be effective when competitors 
signed similar contract with AFRA. 

Offered to accept AFRA shop for two of 
three classifications of artists. 



AFRA's RECORD 

Forced a strike against the will of over- 
whelming majority of staff artists — only 
four out of seventeen on strike. 



Refused to have Labor Board election. 

Refused to arbitrate. 

Refused to permit NLRB election. ' 

Refused to sign this contract. 



Refused this offer, although it has granted 
similar concessions in other cases. 



Refused although recently signed con- 
tracts with other stations covering only an- 
nouncers. 



AFRA called this strike against the wishes of the overwhelming majority of the staff artists. Only four 
out of seventeen staff artists are on strike even though AFRA has resorted to threats and intimidation 
to force out all artists. The NLRB has not made any findings against WKRC. In an effort to defeat 
a NLRB election of WKRC artists, AFRA recently, in desperation, filed charges which, if true, should 
have been filed weeks ago. WKRC denies these charges and will prove them false. 

Again in desperation, AFRA now threatens illegal boycotts of advertising agencies producing network 
shows in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and elsewhere. This dictatorial, undemocratic and illegal 
procedure, if successful, will place advertisers, affiliates and employees at the mercy of a few paid 
AFRA organizers, because by threatening to eliminate chain programs, these organizers can compel 
the affiliates an4 their employees to bow to their will, even though that will is unfair to the employees, 
the public, and the station. 

CONSIDER THESE FACTS AND THEN DETEBMINE WHO HAS BEEN UNFAIR AND UNREASONABLE 

Since the strike was called, WKRC's billings have INCREASED. Bookings signed since the strike's 
inception have offset minor suspensions of accounts three-fold. 



(Signed) HULBERT TAFT, JR., GenH Mgr. Radio Station WKRC, 



28 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 




BoEton— shortly after lightning struck William R. Williams, local auto- 
mobile salesman, while he was playing golf, he was interviewed from his 
bedside during the Loose-Wiles-Sunshine dramatized news program over 
WNAC. 



Sioux City, la.— Station KSCJ, local NBC outlet, joined the K. A. Mur- 
ray Motor Co., local Studcbaker dealer, in staging a four-block traffic race 
between a horse and a Studebaker car. Charles Sebastion followed the 
race in another car and described it via portable shortwave transmitter. 
Ihe horse won. 



Schenectady — Vic Campbell, WGY assistant program manager, while 
doing production on 'Speaking of Books," reluctantly left his stop-watching 
to answer an 'urgent' out-of-town phone message. A Utica woman, of 
Scotch birth, had made the 75-mile call to protest strenuously agamst the 
use of the word, 'England,' rather than 'Great Britain,' in program then in 
progress. *Now don't hang up,' said the Scotch lady, 'I've paid for three 
ininutes.' 



'The White Cliffs of Dover' Done on BBC 
But Not as Solo Reading as in Amerb 



London, June 13. 
BBC's broadcast of Alice Duer 
Miller's poem of Anglo-British sen- 
timent, "The White Cliffs of Dover' 
was broadcast here by a method 
quite different from that used in 
America last season ^yhen Lynn Fon- 
tanne's reading (as reviewed In 
yAWEjrr)/ was one of the dramatic 
highlights of the broadcast season. 
Constance Cummings had the sad- 
■ eweet lines of the American girl who 
marries an Englishman, loses him .in 
one war and sees her half-English 
son go off to fight In another war. 
But for BBC's version there were 
other actors (among them John Mc- 
Kechnie, Gladys Young) and* there 
vrere too many musical bridges and 
Interruptions. 

(Vanks loere not altogether 

JtXeased. with the musical score even 
n the highly-praised Lynn -Fdn- 
tanne reading referred to by Vari- 
ety's London reviewer above. — Ed). 

However the subject matter could 
not fail of heart-tug and appeal here 
any more than in the U. S. Miss 
Cummings gave the central figure an 
.intelligent treatment after a some- 
what slow warming up In which the 
production of Val Gielgud seemed to 
obstruct rather than aid the telling. 
On the whole It was good stuff with 
the chief criticism a seeming failure 
of adaptor M. H. Allen and the BBC 
inaestro to harmonize words and mu- 
sic better. 



Experienced 



Minneapolis, July 1. 

When 800 youngsters suffered 
heat prostrations during the eel- • 
ebration of Children's Mass at 
the National Eucharistic Con- 
gress and KSTP was apprised of 
the situation, Stan Hubbard put 
entire staff to work calling med- - 
leal societies and hospitals. 

Congress officials had wanted 
KSTP t^ put out a radio appeal 
for doctors and nurses, but Hub- 
bard believed that would unduly 
alarm too many parents. 



KGA, Spokane, to 10,000 W 

Spokane, July 1. 

KGA, NBC Blue network outlet 
in Spokane, was granted a construc- 
tion permit Wed, (25) authorizing 
installation of new transmitting 
equipment, directional aerial, and an 
increase in power from 5,000 to 10,- 
000 watts. Approximately $200,000 
will be spent in installing new equip- 
ment, which' will be located in the 
same building with the 5,000-watt 
KHQ transmitter. 

Both stations are owned and op 
erated by Louis Wasmer, Inc., KHQ 
is the red network outlet here. 




KSTP Salesman Killed 



Minneapolis, July 1. 
Jerry Voyer, 27, KSTP salesman, 
and his companion. Miss Blanche 
Blundell, 2C, Minncapsli? model, 
were instantly killed when Voyer's 
car collided head-on with another 
machine. 

Accident occurred In a Twin Cities 
suburb. 



Follow-up Comment 



sContlnued from pace 2C: 



intro is toned down and more atmos- 
pheric. 



•VIo and Sade,' as heard via tran- 
scription repeat on WOR, New York, 
Tuesday (24) night, was a talky bit 
between the title couple and their 
50n, Rushj about a four-foot piece 
of railroad track, weighing 440 
pounds, which Uncle Fletcher Is 
going to give them as a door-stop. 
It'll be covered with plush and have 
an embroidered motto on it There 
were a couple of mild snickers in the 
chapter, but it was generally kinda 
uneventful. Usually, ' Vic's dry 
humor uncorks several- genuinely 
amusing slants at - Sade on each 
stanza— and either Sade or Rush can 
dish out the wit, too. Author Paul 
Rhymer had an off day this script. 



Stenographers 6% Less Interested 



Agency handling a dramatic show which has been a click consist- 
ently year after year was recently jarred when the account involved 
put In a stiff complaint about the quality ttl the programjs this season. 
The agency, admitting itself puzzled, went over the list of the produc- 
tions and the roster of stars used, and came to the conclusion that the 
all-around quality -was superior to what it had been the year before. 
Ratings this season were also relatively higher. 

The tipoff as to what it was all about came a week later. The agency 
learned that the account had taken a poll of the stenographers in the 
home office and found that whereas last year 65% of them Ustened 
regularly to tlie series, this season the stenos were fans only to the 
extent of 59%. 



STUNTY KGO-KPO 



'Aunt Jenny's Real Life Stories' 

used a slight variation, Wednesday 
(25) on CBS, of that threadbare 
serial theme, the heroic surgeon who 
has lost faith in himself because 
one of his patients died. As a switch,' 
'Aunt Jenny' told about a woman 
surgeon who had lost faith, etc., but 
who regained her confidence when 
she was forced to perform a highly 
difficult emergency appendectomy 
on her husband. It was acceptable 
commercial corn. Show continues 
the legend that the yarns are the 
honest - to - McCoy actuality. An- 
nouncement at the close asserts that 
'true names are never used in Aunt 
Jenny's Real Life Stories.' Commer- 
cials also work on the true-life angle, 
as 'Aunt Jenny' and garrulous 
friends spiel on about the marvelous 
pies baked the 'Spry full-flavor way' 
with 'Spry, the flavor-saver.' There's 
even a testimonial letter. 



San Francisco, July 1. ' 

KGO-KPO, NBC outlets here, is 
upping its outside pickups and 
stunts. During past week alone, 
station had an announcer miking 
from a sled during a performance 
at the local ice rink; a Dude Ranch 
musical pickup from Community 
Playhouse; a production show for 
Frisco-Oakland Electric Clubs in 
Palace Hotel. 

Also inaugurated a new weekly 
remote from Hotel St. Francis in 
which Mildred Brown Robbins, so- 
ciety editor of the Chronicle, chats 
with guests at her luncheon table. 
Station also sent home-ec expert 
Gladys Cronkheit to Lodi for a p.a. 



'Manluttan at Midnight' (NBC- 
Blue) Wednesday night (25) seemed 
to be vieing with the lesser daytime 
soap operas for low honors in liter- 
ary salami. The spot was so far- 
fetched and involved that the nar- 
rative at several points threatened 
to break down from sheer ridicu- 
lousness,' while the behavior of the 
characters themselves served little 
else but to dramatize the writer's 
contempt for the intelligence of the 
average radio audience. The story 
had something to do with the heart' 
break of a refugee Austrian girl 
when her American husband deserts 
her for another dame and of the 
complications that ensue when her 
husband's brother tries to arouse her 
back to faith in her fellow men. The 
refugee was played by Maria Plch- 
ler, a Viennese actress for whom 
this constituted a radio debut. Her 
reading was far above .the. level qf 
the dramatic stuff to which she was 
fastened. 



'One Man's Family,' veteran series 
for Standard Brands (Tenderleaf 
Tea) out of San Francisco, was over- 
talky Sunday night (29) on NBC- 
Red. Episode had too many char- 
acters for clarity or story movement 
and on one occasion used an ex- 
tremely unorthodox, if not forbidden, 
scripting device — picking up one end 
of a shouted, long-distance conver- 
sation and then continuing the action 
from the other end. In- other words, 
the locale was changed without a 
change of scene. Script was also 
repitious and the scene-setting intro- 
duction virtually a travelog. An in- 
ferior script, with the in-character 
dramatized commercial at the close 
probably effective merchandising, 
but possibly weakening dramatic il- 
lusion. 



Annonncer Covers Ice Rink From a 
Sled — Other Remotes 



Jim Sanders Heads Texas 
Show for Cotton Oil Co. 

San Antonio, July I.- 
South 'Texas Cotton Oil Co. (Cru- 
stene Shortening) will sponsor a 
new series starting July II over the 
Texas Quality Network. Jim Sanders 
heads variety type show. 

Music under direction of' Floyd 
Tillman. 

John Paul Goodwin is radio di- 
rector for Segall & Weedin, the 
agency handling the show. 



KXOK's Press Spending 



■ St. Louis; July 1. 

Weekly ads in 82 newspapers of 
various sizes in the St. Louis listen- 
ing area of KX,OK, to run for an en- 
tire year, at a cost of approximately 
$9,000 based on rate cards for this 
display, is part of the statid^'s most 
elaborate advertising campaign just 
teeing off. To bolster the campaign 
the station is- broadcasting two 
weekly salutes to cities and towns 
in the area. 

City fathers and civic biggies are 
invited to- the station to participate 
in the posy-tossing.. 



WOODSIDE. N.Y., NABE 
250-WAnER GETS 5 KW 



Power boost from 250 watts to 
5,000 watts day and night has been 
granted WWRL, located in the 
Woodside, L. I. (New York City), 
section, by the FCC. Station will 
build a new transmitter at a site to 
be selected and' expects to be ready 
for operation with the Increased 
power early in the fall. Additional 
studios will also be built at the 
present location. 

Outlet shares the 1,600 kc. band 
with WCNW, Brooklyn, the former 
h^ing flve-eighths of the tlpie. Both 
outlets have English and foreign lan- 
guage programs. 



Kansas City— WMBC announcing 
stall has Grayson Enlow, formerly 
of KCMb. Bethyl Davis is ne.w mu- 
sic librarian. 



KMAC Petitions FCC 

San Antonio, July 1. 

KMAC, operated by W. W. Mc 
AUister and Howard Davis, has asked 
the FCC for full time and a new fre- 
quency. Station at the present time 
shares time with KONO here. Both 
operate on 1,400 kilocycles with a 
power of 250 watts. 

Petition asks for full time on 1,240 
kilocycles with n^ncrease in power. 
If move is granted by FCC will give 
this city five full time stations. 



I HATE- 

By SIDNET BURTON 



Phoney radio patriots. 

* • 

Over-genial radio announcers. 
« • 

Sponsor gags. 
Gag writers' gags. 

Word-twisting radio comedy rou- 
tines from burlesque. 

The hilarious 'and here comes-^ 
all dressed up in, etc' announcer. 

* « 

Chi-chi cosmetic commercials. 

* * 

Emcees who say — 'And, now. Sir.' 

* * 

'No other — can-make-that-claim' 
blather. 

* * 

'Rare ingredient' - goo. 

* * 

{lervous quizmasters who tell 
others not to be nervous. 



Basso profundo, 
newscasters. 



voice-of-doom 



That endless ASCAP-BMI flght. 
* * 

The 'be sure and ask wour mother 
to buy a box' kiddie ga-ga. 



The 'see-your-own 
doctor) hedge. 

* *. 

Boy-soprano tenors. 



dentist' (or 



Neal Hopkins Joins NBC 
Script Division in N. Y. 

Neal Hopkins, former free-lance 
writer, has joined the NBC script 
department to author 'Spin and Win 
with Jimmy Flynn,' plus documen- 
tary and special events shows and 
editing for the Southernaires. 

Before going with NBC, he wrote 
a number of programs, including 
'Two on a Shoestring' and 'Your Un- 
seen Friend,' and supplied material 
for Ed East and Ralph Dumke. 



Tomlinson Tours for NBC 

Edward Tomlinson, author and 
lecturer on South America, has been 
named by NBC as 'Inter-American 
Advisor.' 

He will leave Aug. 1 on a three- 
month trip to Argentina, Brazil and 
Uruguay sponsored by the company. 




The Sun 

vt the 

It's really shining its brightest ! One hundred and ten 
million dollars going for three TVA dams and power 
plants I . .-t Textile mills and other Industries on 24-hour 
day! . . . Aluminum Company doubling capacity of 
plant! Full details of these teeming activities . • . and 
how they affect your market . . . free, of course, on re- 
quest . . . Ask the Branham Company. 

SoiippB-Howard Badio, Inc. 

CBS . . . 990 Kc. 
6,000 W. Day, 600 W. Night 



C. P. GRANtED 

10,000 W«tt» full Tim* 




\redneBday, July 2, 1941 



29 



SCIENCE MEASURES SHOWMANSHIP 



(AND fmstt WILL TELL THE STORY) 

t 

BEGINNING IN NEXT ISSUE 



One 
Button 

Says: 

'I LIKE 
THIS PART 



OF 

PROGRAM' 




Other 
Button 

Says: 

'I DON'T 
LIKE THIS 

PART OF 
PROGRAM' 



DAWN OF A NEW TECHNIQUE — Scene during test with the Stanton- 
Lazarsfeld push-button mechanism which records on a movi^ig tapis a correla- 
tion of audience reaction to every minute of a radio program. The photograph 
was made at Station WOR, New York. . 

HOW TO DIAGNOSE YOUR 
RADIO PROGRAMS s COMMERCIALS 



By HORACE SCHWERIN 



First to use the Stanton-Lazarsfeld program analyzer mechanism for extended 
audience tests Schwerin provides provocative answers to basic problems of radio 
advertising:. The findings of the research director of the Spector Agency will be 
published in four installments starting next issue (JULY 9TH). 



ANOTHER 




EXCLUSIVE 



so 



RADIO 



Wednesdaj, Jniy 2, 1941 




Dayton, O^Robert H. Moody has 
become commercial manaeei of 
WHIO, Dayton, succeeding David A. 
Brown, resigned. Moody has been 
on the sales staff for the past six 
years. 



Longview, Texas — Bruce Dennis 
now KFRO engineer. Comes from 
WMCI, Columbus, Miss. Replaces 
Johnnie Dunn, who joins the gov- 
ernment. 



Cincinnati— Herbert Flaig moves 
Up as assistant to Robert E. Bun- 
ville, general sales manager, and 
being supplanted by James Cassidy, 
from the press department, on spe- 




50,000 WAHS 
DETROIT 




W]R 

the 

Goodwill 
Station 



Mictiigans 
g reatest 
advertising 
medium 



5,1, J,,., E-!.,,,, Or.uu ^ivice 
' ■ ■ -lo,- I- 'oir' "iioi- c;;;-^ui 
■V / or ■■ 01 • ■■ c ; r ' - r .1 
CHS SO 000 v/iii- siniions. 



cial cvenU for WLW, WSAI and 
WLWO. Cassidy also will act as an- 
nouncer on some of the special 
events broadcasts. He reports to 
Cecil K. Carmichael, administrative 
chief of publicity, special events and 
remotes. 

Flaig succeeds Eldon A. Park, who 
was recently promoted to WLW's 
sales staff in New York, 



Forth Worth— J. Robert Cr^use 
has been called to active duty with 
the United States Navy. Was radio 
engineer and operato- at station 
KFJZ. 



San Antonio— KTSA has Nat Safir 
in sales handling the Mexican Com- 
mercial Hour. Bob King is new on 
the announcing staff. 



Weal aco, Texas — Frank Dent, for- 
mer KITE program director and 
NBC announcer, has Joined the an- 
nouncing staff at KRGV. 



catiMial director of KMBC, Installed 
as pastor of the Bennington Church 
of Latter Day Saints (Mormons). 

Mildred Bohnsack, music librarian 
for KMBC, left last week to join her 
husband hi St. Paul, where he be- 
gan his Interneship at Anker hos- 
pital. 

New York (?!ty.— John W. Power, 
head of the traffic department' of 
Sherman K. Ellis, has been upped to 
assistant account executive. John A, 
Thackston succeeds him as traffic de- 
partment head. * 



Tankton, S. D. — John Wilson, of 
Kansas City, and Kenneth Relf, of 

Vermillion, S. D., hav<> joined the 
engineering staff of WNAX, Sioux 
City-Yankton. 



Portland, Ore. — Peggy Williams, 
who handles several news and 
women's public events programs over 
KGW-KEX, local NBC outlets, has 
been named director of women's 
programs for the stations. 



-Sicnx Ctty, la — Hugh Harper, 
formerly with WSUI, Iowa City, and 
KGNO, Dodge City, Kans., has joined 
the announcing and continuity staff 
of KSCJ. Sioux City. 



Fort Worth.— J. Robert Crouse, ra- 
dio engineer and operator for KFJZ, 
has just reported at Charleston, S. C, 
for active duty in the United States 
Navy. He's attending a three-month 
school at Charleston before receiving 
regular assiganent. 



Portland, Ore. — Joseph Messmer, 
of the sales staff of KGW-KEX, local 
NBC outlets, has taken a leave of 
absence because of ill health. 



New lork City.— Francis Garufy, 
formerly of the engineering staff of 
WNLC, New London, has replaced 
Charles Harrison at the WOR trans- 
mitter, Carteret, N. J. . Helen P. 
Burke joined the WOR engineering 
department in a secretarial capacity. 



Bechia, Sask.— Roy Cahoon, man- 
ager of CBK, Watrous, Sask. to 
Montreal for work with the Canadian 
Broadcasting Corp. Lawrence Mar- 
shall replaces. 

Roy Malone added to CKCK, 
Regina, spieler lineup. 



Denver — With, the leaving of 
Glenn Gasscock, control engineer 
KOA, to navy duty, Douglas D. 
Kable moves up to that job. How- 
ard S. Johnson is the vacation relief 
engineer. Milton Shrednlk is again 
director -of music at KOA, succeed- 
ing Chester Smith, resigned, who 
left on a tour of Canada. 

George Hinds is summer relief 
annotmcer at KLZ; and Harold 
Stein, Jack Neubauer and Fred 
Olinger are now operators on the 
same station. 



Dea Moines. — Ray Stauffer has 
been transferred from WHO, Des 
Moines to WOC, Davenport, Iowa, as 
chief engineer. New man at WHO's 
transmitter is Jack Volk, from the 
WOC staff. 



Buffalo— Al Haley, former WBNY 
spieler, into Army. Also Frederick 
Bayne, organist from WHLD, Ni- 
agara Falls. 



Schenectady— Edith Natalie Stark, 
form erly women's commentator on 
WEBN and writer for the Buffalo 
Evening News, is now handling the 
'Musical Matinee' show on WGY, 
Schenectady. She takes the place of 
Betty Stokes. 



Sioux City, la. — Bill Treadway, 
formerly with KFBB, Great Falls, 
Mbni, has joined the staff of KTRI, 
Sioux City, to handle the home base- 
ball broadcasts of the Sioux City 
Sedbirds. ' Carl McGee, formerly 
with KWYO, Sheridan, Wyo, has 
succeeded Carleton Gray as chief 
engineer at KTRI. Gray left to join 
the 7th Army Corps as thief radio 
engineer, stationed in Omaha. 



NadtvlDc.— Irving Waugh, WLAC's 
Esso .Newscaster, left recently. 
He went to WTAM, Cleveland. 
Charles Chxunley, WLAC announcer, 
has departed for his noW post as 
announcer at.KRBC, Abilene, Texas. 
No replacements so far have been 
made. 



Buffalo. — Gordon Redding, form 
erly with WEBR here, is now on 
WBNY's spieling staff.. Army got 
ex-WBNY spieler Al Haley and 
WBEN actor Dr. LeMoyne . Bleich, 
latter getting commission in medical 
corps. 



Philadelphia.— Jim McCann, form 
erly with WIBG and WPEN, and 
George Edwards of WNBF, Bing 
hampton, N. V., have joined the an 
noiincet ' staff of KYW, '. . 



Ashtakala, O.— Thurse F. Slgman, 

press agent and news coipmentator 
for WICA, Ashtabula, O., since its 
inception three years ago, gone to 
tlie public relations division of Amer- 
ican Rolling Mills Corp., Middle- 
town, O. 



FCC Analysis of Radio s Payroll 

Washington, July 1 

Radio's payroll last year shot up $107,295 weekly, with nearly 22,000 
persons employed on a full-time basis during 1940, the Federal Com- 
munications Commission has reported. Average check of $47.13 was 
$1.23 more than in 1939. 

Total weekly bill for services, not including talent hired by sponsors, 
was $1,020,348, the survey showed, while part-time helpers, number- 
ing 4,007, got $110,144 In additloa Figures include staff, artists and 
musicians. 

The tabulation for' tlie first time included separate figures for net- 
works, showing the major chain execs averaged $251.68 weekly and 
the employes in other brackets drew $57.55. Latter was $16.50 mora 
than the average for the entire industry. 

The sample week showed 21,646 persons employed In radio, an in- 
crease of 1,773 over 1939. There were 215 more execs in the individual 
stations and 1,490 more employes. The national chains had three more 
bosses and 14 less hired hands. 

The 10,320 full-time employes below executive ranks received an 
average of $41.68, a rise of 60c over the 1930 scale. Station execs got 
$84.69, a rise of $4.99. s 



new station, call letters undeter- 
mined, to be opened at Greenwood, 
S.C., in Septemtier. 



Howard Brown,, formerly of 
WJRD, Tuscal oosa, Ala., new relief 
announcer at WIP. 



Saskatoon, Sask.— Art Walls, ra- 
dio editor of the Saskatoon Star- 
Phoenix for the past five years, has 
joined 'the Royal Canadian Air 
Force as a pilot officer. 



San Fnuiclsee^David A. William- 
son has been added to the KSFO 
sales staff effective July 1. Comes 
from post as promotion manager of 
American Meat Institute on the Paci- 
fic Coast 



Dallaa^WFAA has Prank Lucas 
as new spieler. 



Fart Worth.— Ralph Maddox lias 
joined the staff of WFAA-KGKO as 
announcer and- a. producer. Comes 
from WJDX, J^cfcsoh, Miss. 

Nl»«»»» Fallit N. T^aA Weaver) 

ex-WBNY, Buffalo, spieler' is now 
on WHLD's staff succeeding Lar^y 
Lawrence, now at WAGE,' Syracuse. 



Buffalo.— Roger Coleman, WGR- 
WKBW singer, gets Uncle Sam's call 
this week. 



Akllene, Texaa— Charles Chumley, 
has Joined announcing staff here of 
station KRBC. Comes from WLAC, 
Na^bville. 



ODclnati— Neil K. Searles, for- 
merly of WJBK, Detroit, joined 
WLW's stall, of announcers recently. 

He replaces Bill Frost, who r^orted 
June 21 for selective service train- 
ing. 



Beghia, Sask.r— Bill Walker, an- 
nouncer with CJRM, Regina, Sask., 
with the air force. 

Prince Albert, Sask,— New addi- 
tlons^lo CKBI, Prince Albert, are 
Jim Maxwell, formerly of CFQC, 
Saskatoon, Sask., and Arthur Holmes. 
BUI Hart, chief announcer,^ upped 
to sales manager. 

K ansas 'CKy.— C. 'V. McGulgan has 
left WHB.tp enlist in the navy where 
he will enter the officers training 
course. . 

Naahyine.— Earl Melby U WLAC's 
new Esso reporter; replacing Irving 
Waugh who has Joined NBC stafT in 
Cleveland. Qharles Chumley also 
left WLAC to take post 9s announcer 
and student. In AbQenc, Texas, with 
KRBC, 

Marion, O.— Morris Kline, regional 
wfhiier fn a high school competition, 
has become staff pianist at WMRN. 
Also added td WMRN staff is Bert 
Stnie, formely with WBNS and 
WOSU, Columbus, C, as announcer 
and dramatic editor. 



^•rssy Clty>-rB(l'X«us, former an- 
nouncer, has been made news edi- 
tor of WAAT. 



Hartford. — Ser eno G ammell named 
news director of 'WTHT. 

Miami— Barle J. Pudney, formerly 
production manager at WAGA, At- 
lanta, is acting program director at 
WIOD, Miami. 



Succeeds Robert W. Carpenter 
who goes <Hi local sales staff. 



MUitol— Norm Sherr, formerly 
pianist with 'WBBU and other Chi- 
cago stations, has joined WQAH 
staff as musical director. 



Chicago.— Robert L. Smock, form- 
erly continuity editor of WIRE, In- 
dianapolis, has joined the Chicago 
office of McCann-Erickson to do ra- 
dio wrlU^ and production. 

K^as "CHy— Paul Fonda, KMBC 
engineei- for 12 years, reported for 
active army duty at Ft. Leavenworth 
recently. "Will later go to Army air 
base at Sacramento, CaL 

Edwin Blrowhe, rdigious and edu- 



San Antonio — June Haggin, of the 
KABC traffic department, takes over 
similar duties at station KGKO, 
Fort Worth, following a brief vaca- 
tion, 

Cblcago— Baker Ostrin, radio 
writer, formerly with Ruthrauft & 
Ryan, and C. H. Dykeman, copy 
writer, formerly with the Maxon 
agency, have joined the Chicago of- 
fice ot Sherman K. EUis. 

■ I 

Milwaukee— John Cannon has- left 
WBBM in Chicago to join the an- 
nouncing staff of WTMJ. 

Philadelphia. — Alwyn Bachi vet 
announcer, now at KYW; - coming 
here from WOR, New York, 

After three months in a Naval Re- 
serve training station. Lew Fisher 
returned to his announcing berth at 
WCAU with a reserve ensign's com- 
mission in his pocket. 

Bill Edmunds leaves WFIL an- 
nouncing sUff for a similar post with 
WHN, New York. Joe Novenson, 
doing Summer relief work at WFIL, 
steps up to a permanent post. 



Oakland — Glenn King new at 
KROW as producer and special- 
even ter. 



Philadelphia — Terry Allyn has 
■been added to the announcing and 
special events staff of WDAS, mak- 
ing her the only gal gabber at the 
outlet 

Spartanburg, S. C— Dan Crosland, 
former Greenville, <S.C.) News radio 
editor and more recentjy manager 
of WMCB, (VenvUle, will manage 



Sallsbary, N. C— Carl Watson has 
been ma de ch ief engineer at radio 
station WSTP, Salisbury, N. C. He 
replaces James H. Yost, who resigned 
to accept a posKfon with 'WIOD, at 
Miami, Fla. 



New York City— Frank Duiine, 
formerly of WTAG, Worcester, 
Mass., and Joe Ripley, formerly chief 
announcer at WSLS, Roanoke, Va., 
and before that at CBS, have joined 
the announcer staff at WOB, New 
York. 

Dallas.— Richard Perry has re- 
turned to WFAA-KGKO news an- 
nouncing staff. 



Troy, ^. X.— Jerry Lansing, an- 
nouncer on WTRY, Troy, since April 
15; 1940, has taken over as program 
manager of WMAS, Springfield, 

Mass. 

Bob Lewis, from Detroit, has 
joined WTRY as a n announcer. 

_Carl Quirk, WTRY transmitter en- 
gineer, has been Inducted into the 
Army and sent to Fort Dix, N. J. 

Schenectady.— Wilbur Morrison, of 
WGY's news department, shed 15 

pounds, in order to pass the physical 
examinations for the U. S. Army Air 
Corps. 

Ft. Wayne— Hugh Hines, baritone, 
now on WOWO accompanied by 
Jeane Brown at organ. • 

St. Louis— Robert DeVoe, from 
CBS's New York auditing depart- 
ment, arrived here today to become 
auditor of KMOX local CBS ouUet 



TOLEDO 



SET 
YOUR 
"SALES" 



— ^For bigger 
volume on 
Northwestern 
OhioV5,000 
watt, NBC-Red 
outlet. 





Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



P^rieTy 



INTERNATIONAL RADIO Si 



BRITONS TOPS 






RADIO HABITS 



Dance Music Is U.S.A.'s Best 
Liked Shortwave Offering 
According to First Re- 
search Job By Modem 
Methods 



DOMESTIC VS. DX 



Brazilian radio listening habits 
have recently been surveyed by 
American research methods for the 
first time. The data obtained re- 
veals that England is apparently the 
clear-cut shortwave leader in Brazil. 
Two-thirds of all set owners of sets 
capable of picking up BBC listen to 
London at least occasionally. The 
•United States is described by Lloyd 
Free of American Social Surveys, 
Inc., which prepared the data as a 
'poor second' hardly ahead of Ger- 
many. Taking the Yanks and Nazis 
as about equal, their shortwave has 
only 66% as many Brazilian listeners 
as the British. Italy is a poor fourth 
and Argentine an outsider. 

Report suggests that the American 
newscasts have not been advertised 
or built up adequately. Whereas 
news Is the BBC's chief appeal it's 
dance music has the greatest 
appeal to Brazilians among the items 
shortwaived from the United States. 

•Simpatico' (i.e. a feeling of friend- 
ship or 'compatibility) was 4% for 
England Jn the research effort to 
trace reasons of Brazilians for tuning 
in the DX of specific countries. 
Germany, Italy and Uncle Sam rated 
2% in 'simpatico.' In contrast, in 
shortwave (small compared to do- 
mestic listening). Yankee music had 
a 42% appeal. 

It has occasioned much interest in 
Washington circles that U. S. A. 
shortwave news does not rate higher 
on the score of reliability alone. That 
England, a belligerent, should so 
notably outdistance the news^ather- 
ing facilities and lack of censorship 
of the U. S. A. is a surprise. 

In what shortwave listening to the 
United States there is NBC had the 
clear leadership of Brazil by a large 
margin. Cieneral Electric (Schenec- 
tady) was second. 

Brazilians shortwave^ news listen- 
ing is as follows: 

England 85% 

Germany 47% 

tl. S. A 42% 

Italy 16% 

Argentine 5% 



ALASKAN PRO-BRITISH 
SUBSCRffTION STUNT 



Juneau, Alaska, July 1. 

KINY has begun special half-hour 
broadcasts in the interest of British 
War Relief. Programs- are aired by 
Alaska Life Magazine as part of a 
subscription drive, half of proceeds 
to go to the relief fund. Goal is 
$1,500 for a Mobile X-ray Unit. 

Time is donated by the station and 
listeners phoning in their subs will 
have their conversations broadcast 
during the program. 



Says Stanley Richardson— 

Stanley P. Richardson, co-ordi- 
nator of shortwave broadcasting, 
denied last week the report that he 
is undertaking to edit a special pro- 
gram which Avill be interspersed be- 
tween the programs of the various 
shortwave outlets directing their 
signals toward Latin-America. 

Richardson said he hadn't worked 
out Sny policies or program but that 
he was still merely feeling his way 
around. * 



Spartanbarg, S. C. — Robert F. An- 
thony, formerly with WOLF, Syra- 
cuse, N. Y., joins WORD here as 
program director. Lew Epps, an- 
nouncer, upped to production man- 
ager, • 



Brazilian Listening Habits 



Between February and May of this year American Social Surveys, 
Inc., conducted 2,297 personal interviews with Brazilians In 18 urban 
and 12 rural are^s of that country. The sample was made 'representa- 
tive' according to income group ratios, etc. These are over-all pic- 
tures. 

DOMESTIC (LONGWAVE) LISTENING 

Listen Listen Listen 

Rcealarly Occasionally Never 

Urban (men) 50 33 15 

Bnral (men) 14 39 47 

SHORTWAVE (FOREIGN) LISTENING 

Regalarly Occasionally ^Fevcr 

Listen Listen Listen 

Urban (men) 15 10 75 

Knral (men) 2 - 1 97 



95-1 Vote on Axis Investigation 
As Argentine Ministers Softpedal 



Buenos Aires, July 1. 
An investigation of totalitarian 
propaganda in Argentina, especially 
use of local radio stations and news- 
papers in the spread of Axis-inspired 
ideas, has been ordered by the 
Chamber of Deputies here following 
extensive debate in which high gov- 
ernment officials attempted to mini- 
mize the danger. Chamber voted 
95 to 1 for the prob.e despite as- 
surances by minister of the interior 



Miguel Culaciati that there was 'no 
cause for unrest.' 

(Unwillingness of acting president 
Ramon S. Castillo to take any strong 
stand against' the dictators has been 
the cause of much dissatisfaction 
here especially from those strongly 
pro-democratic). 

Same day the probe was voted 
Dr. Horacio C. Rivarola, director 
general of posts ,and telegraphs 
which has charge of radio broadcast- 
ing, announced the. Radio Callao 
(Continued on. page 34) 



>NeaWeYOuMtWlNGUNOl 



ivy.^„. ,s..^{' . .. 



■■■'i-i 




^^^^ 



: 3 , C C 0 V''.' V T 



PRIMARY SECON&ikKtY 



THE mighty impact.of WBZ't new 50,000-walt trantmilttr 
has swept back radio's frontier In New England with 
compelling force. 

Here, in print and in fact, is the new pattern of WBZ- 
WBZA coverage. It is a pattern wrested from the sensitive 
dials of signal measuring instruments, and from the fingers 
of $0,822 listeners who wrote us letters. It is a pattern show- 
ing 65 per cent increase in Primary county coverage alone 
- a pattern rendering obsolete all other WBZ-WBZA maps. 



This matchless coverage of New England and the all- 
Important market^ Greater Boston, is yours for those vital 
summer and fall campaigns . . . of no intfatm in ro/e. 

Phone or write any NBC Spot Soles representative for 
the detailed presentation, "We Give You New Englandl'.' 



^ VISTINBBOISE BUlO STATIONS Inc 



KOKA KYW WIZ WBZA WOWO WOL WBOS 
REPRESENTED NATIONALLY BY NBC. SPOT SALES 




32 



INTERNATIONAL RADIO 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



Investigating Australian Radio 

Private Broadcasters Fear It May Lead to Control — 
Labor Party Forces Probe on Menzies 



Sydney, July 1. 

Robert Menzies, Prime Minister of 
Australia, has appointed a Parlia- 
mentary committee to probe both the 
national, tax-supported 'A' stations 
and the private, advertising-sup- 
ported 'B' stations. This is in response 
to continuing pressure from Labor 
groups who have for some time 
viewed with suspicion the tendency 
of large business interests to acquire 
radio stations and string them to- 
gether into networks. 

John CurUin of the Labor opposi- 
tion in Parliament has sUted 'as 
- radio is of paramount importance it 
Is essential it be a publicly controlled 
utility.' 

Private broadcasters are somewhat 
dismayed that this may be the be- 
ginning of full Government control 
• of radio. A dual system, not radi- 
cally different • from Canada, has 
been the policy here. , ■ 

wrCboston, 
opensinn.y. 



London Calling 

♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 4 4»«»«»««»»«««* 



London, June 6. 
'Picture Reporter' folding at ter- 
mination of its sixth session. More 
publicity than listeners. 



Arthar Askey without his straight- 
man, Richard Murdoch, who's gone 
into the Air Force. Askey is figuring 
to use a femme in the BBC spot. It's 
a full hour session. 



Evelyn Laye set with BBC to do six 
shows, spread over 12 weeks. Scries 
will be biographical. Aubrey Walker 
scripts. 



'Bine Stoeklnffs,' comedy by Mo 
liere, adapted by Cynthia Pughe for 
radio. It will go out first on local 
air, with probability ot- shortwave to 
follow. 



AliG.1 



WRUL, Boston shortwaver, will 
open studios In the International 
Building, Radio City, N.Y., on Aug. 
1. Present studios and transmitter 
will remain In Massachusetts. 

Station, It was confirmed Iclst week 
by Don Francisco, chief of the com 
municatlons division of the Rocke- 
"leller Committee on South Ameri- 
can Relations,. wiU get $200,000 from 
the committee lor a g^aranteed 
' number of night program hours 
beamed to the Latins during the 
government fiscal year beginning 
yesterday (1). 

WRUL had already been receiving 
Bid from the Federal government 
for its program of world-wide short 
wave broadcasting. That contract, 
involving considerably less than the 
$200,000 for 1941-42, expired Mon- 
day (30). Station had no other 
source of regular revenue, depend-, 
ing upon' contributions. 

Station willliave $40,000 from Re- 
construction Finance Corp. to bring 
its power up to 100,000 watts from 
the present 90,000. When new 
studios in' New "^ork go into use it 
. is expected that WRUL will add As- 
sociated Press to Transradio News, 
which it now depends upon for Its 
heavy schedule Jot foreign news- 
casts. 



Queen's Hall, a sufferer In the blitz 
deprives BBC of one of Its main or- 
chestral outlets. ■ Hall was used for 
housing famed BBC Symphony Or- 
chestra, apart from its long associa- 
tion with things musical for Lon 
doners. 



Mabel Constandnros has scripted a 
new serial for the Monday evening 
drama spot. 



Michael. Arlen story to go radio Is 
1*ady Here's a Flower.' Novelist has 
been a steady provider of material 
to BBC since script shortage first hit 
the Drama Department. Val Giel 
gud produces the 15 min. piece, with 
Hugh William and Ann Todd from 
films. 



John Gellend airing 'Richard of 
Bordeaux' Hugh Stewart arranged 
for radio. 



Anna Instone presents a new BBC 
series 'Stars In Their Courses.' It's 
a go-over of name actors and ac 
tresses, with Harry Welchman airing 
In the opening sessl.on. 



Bobert Speight, radio thesp, has 
put Into script form his impression 
of the U.S. attitude to Europe's cur 
rent conflict He was in America 
till the spring of this year, and his 
documentary version covers trends 
of public opinion from the outbreak 
of war to passing of the Lend-Lease 
BUI. 



Claire Luce drew spotting with 
Leonard Urry's 'May We Introduce', 
Actress has been this side since com 
ing over with 'Mice and Men,' and 
figures on sticking. Right now she': 
active with U.S. charity, aids for 
Britain, and one of the committee 
founders of The American Eagle 
Club, hostel for Yank members of 
the Empire services. 



Bertram Mills, soa of the circus 
founder, told radio listeners the big 
show is under wraps for the dura 
tion but will be right there when the 
big day comes. He's a pilot officer 
in the Air Force now, and still keep 
ing tabs on the tent-show acts 
throtigh the mall. 




3 



GOOt) WILL FOR EXPORT 



By Robert J. Landry 



4. ^ 



SITTING 
PRETTV 

WITH 



WBNS 



CENTRAI. OHIO'S OHlV 
C^S OUTIET 

BINS 



00, 



Yankees h^ve lately re-discovered Latin America- 
430 years after Columbus. They . made out. South 
America by the light of advance flares dropped from 
Nazi plans. It surprised the Yanks to realize what a 
considerable stretch of terra firma and what a large 
body of homo sapiens they had been overlooking. This 
has produced a somewhat boyish and distinctly tardy 
excitement on the part of some Yankees and, in turn, 
evoked a certain amount of pique from the cultured 
and culture-conscious pro-European classes of the Latin 
lands who did not and do not appreciate this abrupt 
recognition of their existence. While the Latins are 
at least courteous in greeting strangers and in enter- 
taining good will missions they still have allowed 
the Yanks to understand that there were dischords 
in hemispheric close harmony. 

Perhaps it is always a bit incredible to the mind 
of a Yankee that all the world does not necessarily 
share his conviction that the United States is the 
finest nation and civilization in the world. And the 
Yank has been a bit condescending. If he thought of 
the South Americans at all the average Yankee prob- 
ably thought of them as tango-dancing cowboys from 
the pampas or llama-shepherding hillbillies from the 
Andes mountains. To discover that the South Ameri- 
cans, far from having an appropriate sense of their 
own backwardness, actually regarded the Mr. Big Stufl 
Yankee as an untutored rural yokel, has been a 
chastening experience for some of the boys from God's ' 
front yard. 

HTTRT FEELIHOS 

If the United States has a war psychosis, undoubtedly 
its chief fixation is South America and the possibility 
of Nazi economic capture or Infiltration of large parts 
of that continent We have been told since 193B, and, 
without quite thinking It through, ace generally will- 
ing to accept it as a truism, that Nazi and Yankee 
spheres of influence and Ideologies cannot co-exist in 
this hemisphere. Thus for the sake of a continent we 
seldom thought about or visited^ tor the sake of ex- 
port markets that have hardly ever been considered, 
by the average citizen, Yankees quite generally see 
trouble with Germany sooner or later. We get a little 
hot at the mere Idea of. Germany having the audacity 
to steal our 'gobd neighbors' good will and our sensi- 
tivities are hurt that certain South Americans fre- 
quently express admiration for Germans, and even NaU 
Germans. 

But once convinced that something ought to be done 
about something, the Yankee is the man to act. Just 
now we have under way in the United States and in 
Latin America innumerable good will activities, many 
of them still pretty vague, but all designed to charm 
the South Americans and check the Germans. We are 
exchanging students and tenors, army officers and 
broadcasters. At least two U.S.A. magazines are is- 
suing Spanish language editions. Articles and photo- 
graphs and social notes from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, 
Mexico, Peru have begun to appear In our publica- 
tions. (Variety, too, has a growing volume of Latin 
news). Most significant — and astonishing — of all is that 
Yankee business men in the U.S.A. are studying to 
speak Spanish. They speak it atrociously but it's still 
Spanish. 

One of the most spectacular Yankee undertakings 
of recent months has been, of course, the trip to South 
America of a party from the Columbia Broadcasting 
System headed by its president, William S. Paley. 
Visiting every country in South America (while an- 
other Columbia executive visited Mexico and Central 
America), the Paley party signed up 64 radio sta- 
tions to form a network throughout the 20 Latin re- 
publics. . Thus, In one audacious coup, Columbia, for 
one, has 'done something' about the Germans. 

(Actually the National Broadcasting Company, and 
particularly John . Royal, has been operating out of 
South America intermittently for 10 years). 

TOimOSTERS BESFONSIVE 

It would be brash in anything as many-sided and 
controversial as Pan-Americanism to Indulge in snap 
judgments. Nevertheless there is support for the 
view that the United States must win the LiStln 
youngsters and, to a certain extent, resign Itself to the 
arched eyebrows and skeptical smiles of the older gen- 
eration who may perhaps be softened toward the 
Yanks but not wholly convinced. It Is not for today 
but the generation of tomorrow that new and better 
Impressions of the Yanqul need to be substituted for 



the old peso-squeezing, marine-landing, bigstick- 
waving caricature, 

'Good will,' apparently, is a peculiarly subtle thing 
not conveniently packaged either for export or Import, 
All the elaborate technique, of 'contact' in a year's time 
may fail to offset a single drunken sailor's fantastic be- 
haviour during one purple-hazed hour ashore. The 
brawling in Mexico City of a famous film actor irom 
Hollywood was an international incident some years 
ago, involving as it did not only disturbance of the 
peace in the first degree, but an insult to the armed 
forces of the country. 

'BOMANCINO' TOO ABBUPTLT 

Meantime, it is generally agreed a too precipitate 
'romancing' of our hemispheric co-tenants is not de- 
sirable. This is particularly dangerous if there is not 
wider Yankee appreciation' of the elements of the prob- 
lem and if anachronisms continue to flourish in Yankee 
thinking. The emphasis upon 'culture' without de- 
fining it, the thoughtless bunching of Peruvians and 
Mexicans, Bolivians and Costa Ricans as if there were 
no distinctions or differences between the countries of 
South America, as among the countries of Europe, may 
all lead us into errors of judgment. We will only be 
shadow-boxing with the problem of Pan-AmerioAn re- 
lations if these differences, including language, are not 
correctly understood to start with and a 'simpatico' Is 
not .introduced. 

On the whole it Is perhaps more Important, nega- 
tively, to refrain from ill-considered stunts than, posi- 
tively, to hope to 'make a hit.' Even so routine a 
.matter as the wrong kind of Spanish dialect on short- 
-wave programs has been resented. (We must ap- 
parently go further afield than Cuba for our experts on 
speech and manners). 

AN&LO-S&XON YIEWPOINT 
There is also the question of the Jarring 'intrusion' of 
the Anglo-Saxon viewpoint on international affairs. 
While our news bulletins are tremendously respected 
In South America for their impartiality and complete- 
ness and freedom from doctrine, and. this Administra- 
tion is well-regarded, the iait remains that Latin 
leadership often chafes at the 'assumptions' in our 
comment upon the war and upon political ideologies. 
' Recently a large oil company has been sponsoring over 
the NBC shortwave from New York Spanish-Portu- 
guese translations of the scripts used the day pre- 
viously in the United States by Raymond Gram Swing. 
This immediately stirred questions of policy. On the 
one hand Americans and Britons resident in the Latin 
republics even sent cables to express their delight to 
have their point of view so eloquently and clearly 
articulated. Against this reaction was the Nazi- 
Inflamed comment of some South Americans that 'we 
do not need to be told what to think.' 

Shortwave radio's role in modern propaganda is 
very considerable, but sometimes for reasons and In 
ways not always fully understood. Shortwave is also 
very limited. Surveys show that our U. S. shortwave 
' radio listening is only about 30% of the total listening. 
This seems odd when related to the fact that short- 
wave reception capabilities of sets have been a 'selling 
point' of radio merchants for years. We simply do not 
listen to shortwave very much! The British (in- 
cluding BBC'c New York rep, .Gerald Cock) k'how this 
and have employed all possible publicity means in the 
United States to draw attention to their nightly 'Britain 
Speaks' shortwave (8:30 p.m. NYT) program from Lon- 
don. The Germans recently resorted to the stunt of of- 
fering to pay the cable charges for questions from 
Americans to be answered on the Nazi shortwave pro- 
gram. They did so not to get cables but to get listeners. 

Dictatorships use shortwave a little to directly prop- 
agandize the masses in other lands but perhaps chiefly 
to instruct agents, nations or partisans In- the 'line' of 
argument or propaganda to be used. 
The best thought in the United States is that we 
• must have a long view with regard to 'good will' ex- 
porting. Expediency must not tempt us from com- 
plete veracity In factual reporting and from discretion 
In comment upon Latin, and perhaps even European 
alTairs.' Most of all, and this may be particularly true 
of the history-remembering Mexicans and the unpre- 
dictable beef-selling Argentines, we must exercise In- 
finite patience and lorebearance. We must not be led 
to hasty actions that smacks of Yankee high pressure. 



HAMS ARE SPANKED 

Bnt Oovcriuaent Agrees They Were 
Not Sobveralve YioUtloiM 



Washington, July 1. 
Fascination of communicating with 
foreign countries in a period of na- 
tional emergency last week cost 13 
hams a 60-day suspension for viola- 



tion of Federal ^ Communications 
Commission' Order No. 72. 

Caught by the Commish's National 
Defense Operations Section, individ- 
uals were absolved of any evidence 
of subversive activity but were told 
that their suspensions were 'exem- 
plary of emergency requirements and 
demonstrate the futili^ of trying to 
flout the ether patrol.' 



XEQ's Baseball Team 

Mexico City, July 1. 

The stall of local radio station 
XEQ has organized a baseball team. 
F. A. la Torre, a musician, is the 
captain. ~ 

The team turns out for practice 
daily — some days at 7 a.m. 



4 



Network Successes' in 
Years — In SucceM$ion I 



UNDISPUTED SUPERIORITY 

At iH-esent doing shows 
for two major agencies. 



FRITZ 



PRObuCER-WRlTER'DIRECTOR 
CmCAGO 



MORE THAN 

$1,000,000.00 

Total Cost of Shows Handled 
By Blocki — !Sot One Failure ! 

SEVERAL NEW SHOWS 
NOW AVAHABLE l 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



RADIO 



ss 



Inside Stutf-Radio 



As a patriotic gesture, Arde Bulova, watch magnate and owner of six 
radio stations, decided to give small enameled American flag pins to lis- 
teners of his New York key station WOV. Accordingly, an order was 
placed for 3,500 pins and an appropriation of $500 set aside to cover their 
l^urchase and distribution. 

The offer of the free pins was made over the air for three successive 
days, starting June 11, by the stations' five emcees and its newscasters. 
As a result, more than 75,000 mailed requests were received by 
WOV and the cost of handling the offer will exceed $12,500. WOV's 
emcees, all of whom handle record shows, are Dick Gilbert, Kennedy 
Ludlam, Allan Strong, Alan Courtney and Dan Richards. 



Herbert S. Moore, hea^ of Trans-radio News Service, is one of the stock- 
holders of the newly incorporated Hemisphere Publishing Co., Hartford, 
Conn. Latter has bought the offset printing plant of the defunct Hartford 
Newsdaily which Transradio serviced. 

Hemisphere is authorized to publish newspapers and to collect neWs 
reports and relay them by way of radio or television, but, according to 
the incorporators any • newspaper that it does publish won't be a daily. 
Other ineopporators are Sims Guckenheimer, Harold E. Mitchell and John 
S. Murtfia. 



Number of Arch Oboler radio scripts have been done recently for Brit- 
ish war fund-collecting purposes. Sir Cedrlc Hardwicke did 'The Flying 
Yorkshlreman' in Canada, Herbert Marshall and Miriam Hopkins aired 
one of his' comedies for the Canadian War Loan drive, Val Gielgud is 
doing his 'Of Human Bondage' adaptation for BBC for the X^ndon bomb- 
ing fund. 

Also, the Telecommunications department at Nassau will broadcast the 
Ecripter's plays, 'Catwife' and 'Mirage,' as part of the Red Cross drive 
there. Oboler waived fees in each case. 



Celebrating the completion of 52 weeks on the air for Alka-Seltzer, some 
60 Quiz Kids gathered at the Stevens hotel for a first anniversary party. 
Affair was stagey by Iiou Cowan, manager and p.a. for the Kids, and who 
conceived show idea. 

Unique Idea' was carried out with the Kids dressing in costumes signify- 
ing the type of career they would like to follow in future years. Using 
the ingenuity they are famed for on the air the Kids came up with some 
novel and interesting costume ideas. 



More than 100 stations off the main-radio line are airing the transcribed 
programs of Lum and Abner, now tieing broadcast over Pacific NBC net- 
work. Invasion by Alka Seltzer of small communities marks the first 
time that a national advertiser has used the Keystone network, which is 
«aid to service a 'neglected' area of 38,000,000 population. Flattered series 
started June 30 and within a few weeks will spin four times a week on the 
turntables of 120 stations. ' 



Station in two-transmitter San Diego seemingly is trying to surpass its 
o^^ \ record for lackadaisical operation. Soft-drink account airing on the 
outlet switched to the opposition when a salesman called, because station 
in question never bothered to ask for a renewal when the contract ran out 
Another instance is cited where a prospective sponsor phoned' the station 
to send somebody- around, but nobody showed up, and the secondary unit 
got the biz. 



CBS has ordered from General Electric three FM relay transmitters for 
two circuits, to carry short wave programs from the New York City 
studios to its international short-wave transmitting station at Brentwood, 
Long Island. Investigations have shown that Frequency Modulation trans- 
mission is Ideally suited' for such application, according to GE. One 
transmitter equipment will be used as a standby program circuit. 



• WNAX, Yankton, S. D., will have the tallest transmitter tower on the 
North and South American continents and the second tallest in the world 
when construction on Its 9?.7-foot structure is finished. . The tallest is 
said- to be in Budapest, Hungary, which is 1,020 feet. Paul Huntsinger, 
chief engineer for the Iowa Broadcasting Co., and Cliff Todd, WNAX 

■ chief engineer, are supervising construction. 

Walter Brown 6f WSPA (CBS) and WORD (NBC), Spartanburg, South 
Carolina, complains, 'I just returned from a 2,000-mile trip. I talked with 
100 national advertisers in many sections of the country. At least 50% 
of them called my home city 'SpartanSburg' when its Spartanburg.' Will 
Vabiettt please help me get rid of that extra 'S'.' 

William L. Shirer, former Berlin rep of CBS, has a best seller in his 
Knopf -published 'Berlin Diary' ($3) which earned Shirer a $10,000 ad 

■ vance, unusual in book biz. Volume is being hailed as only important 
radio-produced war document to late. Meantime CBS gave away 500 
copies of book last week to advertising agejicies, et al. 



Romantic leads on one of the more sugary daytime serials have become 
so bored with the sappy dialog they're given to spout day after day that 
they now kid, each other about their boy-and-girl act. 

Call themselves Bill and Coo. 

I ' . ^^=g=^^^=a^=4. 




Broadcastmg 
Nightly 

from 
EUtch's 
Trocadero 
Ballroom 



MaoaUASBIE FBOM EEISCO 

San Francisco, July 1. 

Haven MacQuarrie's Continental 
Baking 'Marriage Club' has been set 
for four local dates. 

CBS originations will come from 
Oakland Civic Auditorium July 17 
and 24, and from San Francisco 
Civic Auditorium July 31 and Aug. 7. 



PAULINE HOPKINS 



AND 



OWEN VINSON 



WRITERS AND PRODUCERS 

''JIM BREWSTER AND FAMILY 
"MIDSTREAM" 
"THE MAD HATTERFIELDS" 
"HIS FATHER'S HOUSE" 

CHICAGO 



11 



WDAS' Aluminum 



Philadelphia, July 1. 
WDAS first of the local sta- 
tions taking initiative to plan 
city-wide campaign to collect 
aluminum for national defense. 
Large crates will be placed in 
front of studio building and in 
studio lobby with a series of de- 
pots set up in all sections of the 
city. 

Each contributor will get a 
marker to serve as admission to 
defense quiz with defense bonds 
and stamps for prizes. 



M.M.McBRIDE 
SET FOR HEAT 



Mary Margaret McBride, who 
winds up her CBS series Friday (4) 
for Florida Citrus Fruit, begins a 
combination sponsored-and-sustain- 
ing setup Monday (7), three days a 
week on the network and two days 
locally on WABC, New York. She'll 
continue to air at the same 3-3:15 
p.m. time. 

Local show Tuesdays and Thurs- 
days will be bankrolled by Bohack 
stores, one of the broadcaster's par- 
ticipating sponsors w)ien she had 
her 'Martha Deane' series on WOR, 
New York. Deal will run an in- 
definite period, probably 'ending 
about Sept. 1, when Miss McBride 
expects to have a new- national 
sponsorship setup ready. Meantime, 
the Bohack stores will run a series 
of special sales and special days at 
the various stores In Brooklyn and 
Long Island, with Miss Bride plug- 
ging them on her two-a-week shows. 
Freystadt is the agency on the deal. 

Monday, Wedniesday and Friday 
stanzas will be the same as for Flor- 
ida Citrus, except that they'll be 
sustainers. 



ANOTHER YEAR OF WITT 



KNX Sales Manager Again Heads 
Southern California Assn. 



Los Angeles, July 1. 
Another term as president of 
Southern California Broadcasters 
Ass'n, Inc., was v(ited last week to 
Harry Witt, KNX sales manager. 
Ben McGlashen, KGFJ owner, was 
made a vice prez, the only new of- 
ficer. 

Others holding over are^Lawrence 
McDowell, KFOX, Long"*'Beach, as 
secretary-treasurer, "and the follow- 
ing-committee chairmen: Fox Case, 
KNX, legislative; McGlashen, engi- 
neering; Cal Smith, KFAC, agency 
recognition and code; Van Newkirk, 
KHJ, educational. 



Phil Ekan's New Chore 



♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦t«»t««»»*»» . » ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»»♦♦ 

i CBS' National Defense Programs i: 



Washington, July 1. 

New York youngster, formerly on 
the legal staff of the Federal Com- 
munications Commission, snow is 
la^9 clerk to Associate Justice Felix 
Frankfurter of the United States Su- 
preme Court. 

Philip Elman, 23, a graduate of 
Harvard Law School • in 1C39, re- 
signed his commish job, where he 
had been since last August, to join 
Justice Frankfurter's staff this week. 
At one time he was law clerk to 
Calvert Magruder, senior judge of 
the First Judicial Circuit, Boston, 



Defense problems, promotion of 
the sale of U. S. 'Treasury bonds, 
discussion of nations.' policy and the 
German world revolution, the grow- 
ing exchange of programming with 
Latin-American republics are all 
evidenced in the service to Ameri- 
can democracy and patriotism being 
carried on by the radio industry. 
Typical of the present summer's 
scheduling of public interest broad- 
casts of these kinds is the following 
summary from the Columbia Broad- 
casting Systems of programs from 
today (Wednesday) onward into 
next week: 

Wednesday, July Z.— (9-10 p.m.)— 
Premiere of 'Treasury Hour.' Time 
contributed to U. S. Treasury by the 
Texas Company to help sale of De- 
fense Bonds. Runs 13 Wednesday 
evenings on 68 CBS stations coast- 
to-coast. First show includes Fred 
Allen, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, 
Charles Laughton, Lyn Murray, Ray 
Block's Choir, Irving Berlin, Barry 
Wood, Grace Moore, the cast of 'In- 
formation, Please' and A) Goodman's 
orchestra. Earle McGill directs. 
Larry Elliott announces. 

Wednesday, July 2.-10:15 to 10.30 
p.m.). — Robert V. Fleming, president 
and chairman of the Board of Riggs 
National Bank, speaks from Wash- 
ington on defense savings drive. 

Friday, July 4.— (4:55 to 5:15 p.m.) 
— President Roosevelt. Marine Band 
then plays three bars of the 'Star 
Spangled Banner' — and bands the 
nation over take up the beat and play 
the anthem through in unison. Mayor 
LaGuardia arranged the event as 
director of the Office of Civilian De- 
fense. 

Friday, July 4.— (8:30 to 8:55 p.m.). 
— Premiere of 'Southern Cruise' with 
Dick Powell and Frances Langford, 
Lud Gluskin's orchestra. Another 
program to aid friendly relations 
with Latin America. Program also 
goes out via short>^ave on CBS- 
WCBX, New York. -Program origin- 
ates in Hollywood. 

Friday, July 4.— (9:30 to 10:00 p.m.) 
— Senator Josiah W. Bailey (Dem., 
N. C.) from Asheville on 'Our Re- 
public, It Must Be Preserved.' 

Friday, July 4.— (10:30 to 11 p.m.) 
—'Proudly We Hail.' A salute to de 
fense workers. 

Saturday, July 6. — (12 Noon to 
12:30 p.m.)-»-'Columbia'3 Country 
Journal' conducted by Charley 
Stookcy, presents ' C. C. Thompson, 
president of the Federal Barge 
Lines, describing the haulage of 
commodities and material via the 
nation's waterways. 

Saturday, July S.— (4:00 to 4:30 
p.m.) — 'Calling Pan America'- is fo- 
cussed upon Caracas, Venezuela, 
with a broadcast, from that point. 

Saturday, July's.— (7 to 7:30 p.m.) 
— Four average Americans and Ly- 
man Bryson on 'People's Platform' 
discuss 'Russia and the War.' • 

Saturday, July 6.— (10:15 to 10:30 
p.m. EDST).— Howard Hunter, Works 
Project Administrator, discusses 
'WPA Workers and National De- 
fense.' 



ILLINOIS 



CABOL IBWIN EETUBNINO 

Carol Irwin, head of daytime radio 
for Young & Rubicam, flies back to 
New York next week after a month 
on the Coast. 

She's been checking the local San- 
forising programs In Los Angeles 
and San Francisco. 



Ferdinand Diondi, will have a cast 
of 25, some professional, some soldier 
talent drawn from the eight French- 
Canadian military camp:; in the 
province which it will visit. 



WGN's Army Emphasis 

Chicago, July 1. 

Bruce Dennis, WGN publicity di- 
rector, has been assigned to devote 
the major part of his time to ex- 
ploiting special events programs 
such as defense and army-navy 
broadcasts. First of these will be 
known as 'Your Army' and entail 
much use of the station's mobile unit. 

WLS is another local outlet that Is 
preparing to put on a heavy schedule 
of defense programs. 



Defense Stamps as Prizes 

Seattle, July 1. 

KIRO is giving Defense Savings 
Stamps as prizes on new kid's 
qdizzer, begun June 20. 

'KIRO School Quiz' is recorded at 
Seattle playfields and fleldhouses by 
Jack Kinzel and broadcast later. 



Glenn Snyder's Camp Shows 

Chicago, July .1. 
Glenn Snyder, WLS general' man- 
ager, has set up a schedule of na- 
tional defense activities for the sta- 
tion. Included are pickups from 
camps located in the WLS four-state 
area. 

Soldier talent will be utilized. 
Pro'duction chief Al Boyd typs to 
each camp several days before broad- 
cast to line up the broadcast. Plans 
are to bring some of these soldier 
performers to Chicago for broadcasts 
eoast-to-coast on the WLS National 
Barn Dance. 



MeyerhoflF, Brown, Wilson 
. Confer at War Dept. 

Chicago, July 1. 
. Arthur E. Meyerhoff. agency chief, 
Columbia producer Bobby Brown 
and writer Ray Wilson are in 
Washington currently for confabs at 
the War Department 

Discussion involves Army life de- 
picted in the 'Dear Mom' series for 
Wrlgley. Trio will offer all coopera- 
tion to the War Dept so that the 
'Dear Mom' program can be on in- 
tegral part of the national defense 
campaign. 



tKAC's 'La Bevne Khaki' 

Montreal, July 1. 

Designed to step up the lagging 
recruiting drive for 32,000 men 
which has been dragging along past 
two months, CKAC has been given 
official acceptance by Military Dis- 
trict No. 4, covering the province of 
Quebec, of 'La Revue Khaki,' which 
will open July 10 and will be broad- 
cast every Thursday from 9:15 to 
10:15 p.m., sustaining. 

The revue, which is produced and 
scripted by Henri Letondal and 



Fred L. Allen Resigns 

Wichita, Kas., July 1. 

Fred L. Allen, general sales man> 
ager of radio station KFBI for past 
year, has resigned. He left Wednes- 
day for Los Angeles where he may 
join one of the west coast advertis- 
ing agencfes. 

Allen was formerly member of 
KLZ staff in Denver for 10 years. 

San Antonio — Lucille Davis at 
KABC to replace June Haggin in 
the traffic department. Comes from 
KTBC, Austin, 



WBNX 



NEW 

YOR 

MOST 

8ALE8 APPROACH 
AMERICA 
MARKET 




5000 WATTS //A 



WW flHI 13 ^ yr.i. f,. -1 
OVfR mhropOi;:an -Ci.' 



Buffalo— New spieler at WBEN is 
Ed O'Connor from WJNO, West 
Palm Beach, Fla. Succeeds Robert 
Denton, now with NBC In New 
York. 

Oscar Davis is out as em-cee at 
WBEN. Thrush Vera Holly doubling 
in 'International House Party' series 
in his spot. 

Robert Field, ex-B. A. Rolfe 
singer, is at WGR-WKBW succeed- 
ing Roger C(rieman, who switched to 
Uncle Sam's uniform. 



Lincoln P. Simonda, former man- 
ager of the local office of the Texas 
State Network, has joined sales rep 
Joe Weed. 



1 





By .IAi\!F_ WEST 








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||CTC|)|TWICE DAILY 

*'*""^NBC Red Network, 12:16 to 12:30 P.M., EDST 
IM- WABC— 6:30-B:46 EDST— CBS 
• • COAST TO COAST 

Dir. COMPTON ADTEBTISINO AOENCT 

MGT. ED WOLF— RKO BLDQ,. NEW YORK CITY 



84 RADIO MARKETS 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



NBC Blue to Carry Pyiy Fights 
For Adam Hats; WFIL Sets Deal 



.1 



J' 



Philadelphia, July 1. 
1, Major commercial event of the 
■•: past week in Philadelphia radio was 
WriL's deal with Herman Taylor, 
1 who conducts fights at Shlbe Park 
i and Convention Hall, lor broadcast 
rights to 10 events. WFIL did the 
negotiating for the NBC-Blue, which 
will carry the series under the Adam 
Hats banner. Sam Taub and Bill 
Stern will man the mikes. 
First bout under the contract will 
■• be the one between Sammy Angott, 
} lightweight champ recognized by the 
' I National Boxing Association, and 
»i Ray Robinson, New York Necro 
M fighter. Four events will come from 
the park, and the remainder from 
'A the indoor stadiimi of Convention 
: ! HaU. 

; ] WFIL: Steel Pier, Atlantic City 
;c (amusement park), six partlcipa- 
tions weekly for rest of summer; 
Philadelphia Dairy Products, (ice 
cream), five 15-minute shows 
weekly, through Scheck Advertising; 
Clicquot Club Co^ 10 e.t.'s weekly, 
through N. W. Ayer; A.B.C. Credit 
Corp., six participations weekly on 
service programs, ttirough Soils S. 
Cantor: Lydia S. Pinkham C^>., 10 
e.t.'s weekly, through Erwin, Wasey; 
Doyle Packing Co. (dog food), six 
participations weekly on Anice Ives 
program (13 weeks), through H. M^, 
Alexander A^ociates; West End Fur- 
nlture Co., 234 spots, through Cox 
& Tanz; Vlck Chemical Co., six 
studio programs weekly (13 weeks), 
i\ through Morse International, 
vl WCAU: Renuzlt, 39 participations 
In Laura May Stuart 'program, 'For 
Women Only,' through Feigenbaum 
agency; Ivory Soap, local tie-in an- 



Bulova's Specials 



In addition to it regular 52-week 
schedules Bulova watch Is in the 
market for a special time-signal cam- 
paign which will begin in September 
and extend to just before Christmas. 
It's for a single nightly spot seven 
nights a week. 

Blow Is the agency. 



GUNTHER'S BEER 
EXTENDSQUIZ 
ONWFBR 



I; 



H nouncements on 'Life Can Be Beau- 
h tiful,' through Compton Advertising; 
;^ Florida Citrus Fruit, 65 participa' 
'i\ tions In Stuart program, through 
^! Arthur Kudner; PhiUlps soup, 26 an- 
\\ nouncements, through Aitken-Ky- 
nett; Borden cheese, 26 participa 
?i tions on Stuart airer, through Young 
; ! C' Rubicam. 

V ;r WIP: Moss Brothers Nut Co., 348 
announcements, through Wellman 
agency; Tru-Site Optical Co., 15 
minute news show, weekly (32 
weeks), through DeHaan agency; 
Gilbert Spruance Co. (paints), 135 
announcements, through May Co.; 
Passons' Sporting' Goods Co., one 
announcement weekly, 13 weeks, 
through Cox & Tanz; Bandler's Fur- 
E'r nlture Cto, 234 spots, through Harry 
. Feigenbaum; Laife Bryant (women's 
i wear), six spots; Anadn Co., five 15- 
i minute programs~weekly (52 weeks) 
I through BlackettrSample-Hummert; 
I American Home Products, five 15 
minute news programs- wee&ly (51 



H weeks), through Blackett-Sample- 
Ij Hummert 

!; WIBG: A 312 spot announcement 
I contract for Quaker City Supply 
Co. (house furnishings). 



Baltimore, July 1. 
Airing of nightly baseball games 
over WCBM helping- local national 
spot In weathering usual seasonal 
slump. Other classifications are 
fairly steady, with summertime spe- 
cialties also helping, especially in 
local figure. 

WBAL: Cali/ornia Fruit Growers, 
through ,IiOrd & Thomas 51 spots; 
Procter & Gamble (Duz), through 
Compton Adv., 13 spots; Gittings 
Auto Supply, via Jos. Katz, 101 75 
word spots; Gossman's Gingerale, 
through Jos. Katz, 78 spots; I. Green- 
hood (furs), through Theodore New- 
hoft, 201 spots; Tru-Ade Beverages, 
through Beaumont & Hohman, 78 
50 - word announcements; Royal 
Farms Dairy, through Paul Brown, 
26 spots; Lydia Pinkham, through 
Erwin, Wasey, .20 one-minute an- 
nouncements. * , 

WCBM: Royal Farms Dairy, 
through Paul Brown 50 spots; Gen- 
eral Radio Corp., through J. Ellison 
Hurwitz, 300 spots; Fisher Fur Co., 
via Louis Schecter, 15 spots; Schind 
ler Peanut Products, through J. 
Courtland Ferguson, 260 spots. 

WFBR: Lord ,Baltimer Laundry, 
through Paul Brown, participations 
on early a.m. program; Y^ger Lina- 
ment, through Harry Massengale, 
participations; Manhattan Soap, via 
Franklyn Bruck, newscasts; Gittings 
Auto Supply, through Jos. Katz, an- 
nouncements; S. J. Vogt Co., through 
Clements Co., added participations; 
Noxzema, through RuthraufI & 
Ryan, renewed haU-hour 'Bugle Call 
Jamboree' from nearby Camp 
Meade; Gunther's Beer renewed, 
through RuthraufI & Ryan, half- 
hour weekly 'Quiz of Two Cities'; 
Free State Brewery, throu^ Harry 
J. Patz, participations. 



TRUE STORY ADS ON 
KDYL; CHICLETS, KSL 

Sal Lake City, July 2. ^ 
Hot weather finally struck, but cus- 
tomary follow-up slump still in abey- 
ance. Few national or net^rk can- 
cellations, with local fairly strong. 
It all adds up to another week which 
can be tagged 'better than last year 
this time.' 

W. E. Wagstaft, commercial man- 
ager of KDYL, off to attend the Pa- 
cific Advertising Club Association 
convention at Santa Barbara, Cali- 
fornia. Special events crew at 
KDYL .covered the Utah State Open 
Golf Championship for the fourth 
year, Friday tiirough Sunday (29). 

KSL loses two men to the Reserve 
Army. Lieutenant Wayne Richards 
lOf the promotion department to re- 
port to Mather Field, California, July 
17, for administrative duty in the 
Advanced Flying School. Scott 
Clawson, newly married, will leave 
for the third division of the Field 
Artillery. 

KDTL: Troy Laundry, 156 one- 
minute announcements, through Gill- 
ham Advertising Agency; Reed's 
Riteway Stores, 52 announcements 
on KDYL Dude Ranch; American 
Mutual Building & Loan, 52 an- 
nouncements, through W. E. Feather- 
stone Advertising Agency; J. W. 
Brewer Tire Company, 52 news an- 
nouncements; White Distributing 
company, 26 announcements; Capson 
Bowman Realtors, 52 five-minute 
programs; 'Intermountain Speed- 
ways Association, 52 announcements, 
through R. T. Harris Advertising 
Agency; Fruzola, 52 announce- 
ments, through Francom Advertising 
Agency; Service Garage, 52 spots; 
Utilities Engineering Institute, 13 
five-minute live talent programs, 
through First United Broadcasters; 
Macfadden Publications, 13 chain- 
break announcements, through Ar- 
thur Kudner, for True Story maga- 
zine. 

KSL: P it G (Oxydol), through 
Blackett-Sample-Hummert, series of 
one-minute announcements; Ameri- 
can Chicle, through Badger, Brown- 
ing & Hersey, series* of spot an- 
nouncements. 

KDTL: Western Auto Supply, 26 
announcements; Mrs. McDonald Ice 
Cream Company, 26 announcements; 
Black Rock Beach Resort, 28 an 
nouncements. 



Onz Biz: Chapter- 



Latest chiz biz fly in the station reps' ointment Is a watch company 
which, the reps claim, not only likes to buy according to' what it thinks 
a paclcage Is worth but depresses the price after the rep has Induced 
the station to accept It The account haa an agency but the latter 
doesn't figure until after the deals have actually been closed.' 

Watch company's initial step is to Inform the rep that it would like 
to buy a package on a station In his Ust,^ow much the account haa 
to spend in that market and what it expects for its money. The rep 
looks on the proposition as a broad piece of chiseling but he submits 
it to the station anyway. Then comes the next squeeze In the account's 
routine. 

The rep calls up to say that the station has finally agreed to accept 
the account's offer of so much money for so much time and the rep 
adds that he trusts that the- thing 1* now a deal? 'Walt a minute,', 
rejoins the fellow with the watch company, 'what amount was that 
you mentioned?' 

'Why, $3,000,' says the rep. 

Three thousand! You must have misunderstood our Mr. Fishbait 
He was authorized to put the limit at $2,600, and . . , 

'But,' Interrupts the rep, 'I distinctly remember hearing the amount 
$3,000, and as a matter of fact I jotted down the figure while your 
Mr. Fishbait was talking to me.' 

'Sorry,' the account's ad manager commiserates. 'I'd suggest you 
get back to the station and tell 'em you misunderstood the figure and 
if you can get an okay within the next 24 hours it's a deal.' 

The rep hangs up, muttering things, he didn't pick up at Sunday 
school and tempted to throw the station's wire of acceptance into 
the wastepaper basket and forget about the whole thing. But a mo- 
ment later he's dictating a wire of explanation to this station. 



Comparative Unit Connt 



Jane 2) 
Network .. 9,738 

Looal 20,712 

Natl Spot.. 4.420 
Total ...... 34370 



% of 

..June 21. Change. 
93« — IJ 
tifiH —0.4 
4355 • -1-1.4 
35,029 —0.4 




(Included: KYW, WCAU, WDAS, 
WFIL, WIBG, WIP, WPEN) 



Hillman-Ray Clapper 
Draw Radio Sponsorship 

Tremont Co, maker of Clipper- 
craft Clothes, will underwrite, the 
Thursday evening Instalment of the 
William Hlllman-Raymond Clapper 
news comment on .the NBC,-Blue 
starting in September. 

The hookup will nm around 60 
■tatlons. 



Vaseline for Radio 



^11 



Cheeseboro (Vaseline Products) is 
contracting for local programs In 
miscellaneous markets.. 

McCann-Erickson is the 'agency 
but deals are being made direct by 
the account. 



Earl Glade Heads <C.ofC. 

Salt Lake City, July i. 
Earl J. Glade, vice prez of station 
KSL was elected this week as Presi- 
dent of the Salt Lake City Chamber 
of Commerce. 

just completed a year as vice 
president of the Chamber. 



i 



Xbad E. Horion has resigned from 
commercial department, WSPA- 
WORD, to Join WMRC, GreenviUe, 
S. (X 



Comparative Unit Count 



% of 

Jane 28. Jane 21. Change. 
Network .. 8,180 8,085 -fl.2 

Local 4,621 4,636 —0.3 

Nat'I Spot. . 2,486 2362 -f-5.2 

Total 15388 16,083 ,-1-1.3 

(Included: WBAL. WCAO, WCBM, 
WFBR) 



Fred Mahlstedt Transfers 

Fred Malilstedt has been trans- 
ferred from CBS' sales promotion 
staff to Radio Sales, Inc. . 

His initial duties on the new job 
are coordinating survey data. 



Comparative l^it Count 



% of 

June 28. Jane 21. Change. 
Network .. 6362 7,088 —1.7 

Local 2,174 2383 —8.7 

Nat'I Spot. . 1325 1,248 —1.6 

toUl 10361 10,716. —33 

(Included: KDYL; KSLi KUTA) 



Argentine 

zContlnued from page 31; 



(LS 10) only B. A. station regularly 
carrying pro-Axis Stefani and Trans- 
oqean news bulletins, had been or- 
dered oft the air for 48 hours. Timing 
of the order was regarded by some 
deputies as an 'appeasement move' 
by the post office. Those strongest 
in demandihg the probe say they 
will not be satisfied with such mild 
actions, explaining tha^ if the sta- 
tion was fifth columning it ought to 
be knocked out for good. 

Raul Damonte Jaborda, son-in-law 
of Antonio Bottano, publisher of 
'Critica,' strongest pro-democracy 
paper, is a' prime mover of the in- 
vestigation demand. 



Active National Accounts 



♦ ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦4«««««« >«♦«♦♦♦ 



TIME 

ACCOUNT AGENCY PURCHASES 
American Home Products Blackett-Sample-Hum- 
mert % Hours 

Brown & Williamson Russel M. Seeds % Hours 

Carter Products ..^ Spot Broadcasting 

Announcements 

Denalan dental plate cleanser .\ Jluf us Rhoades. .Announcements 

Gardner Nursery T Northwest Radio 5-Mins. 

Horllck's Malted Milk -..Erwin, Wasey Participations 

Kellogg (Pep) Kenyon & Eckhardt 

Announcements 

Macfadden- (Liberty) Badger, Browning & 

Hersey % Hour News 

Megowen-Edncator (Crax) John W. Queen , Announcements 

Murine (eyewash) BBD&O Announcements 

Omar flour — Hays MacFarland.. 

Announcements 

Fall Hall cigarettes RuthraufI it Ryan 

Announcements 

Pinn-Bad motor oil Harry Feigenbaum 

Participations 

Phillips Packing Co ...Aitken-Kynett. .Chain Breaks 

Starr Pen Co - United Adv. Agencies;... 

Participations 



P. & G. Stanzas On 
KOA; Northwestern 
Yeast Signs KLZ 



Denver, July 2. 
Top sales include Prumess Jewelry 
Co. a-nd Max Cook each signing for 
daily newscast for one year, over 
KFEL; Procter & Gamble (Dash), 
260 quarter-hours on KOA; Man- 
hattan Soap and Northwestern Yeast 
for 39 quarter-hours each over KLZ, 
and Paul Weiss, optician, contracted 
for three news a week for three 
months over KMYR. 

KFEL: Frumess Jewelry Co., one 
newscast daily, one year; Jennie 
Berkowitz, 13 spots; - Max Cook, 
through Ted Levy agency, one news- 
cast daily, one year; Kilpatrick Bak- 
ing Co., through Ball and. Davidson, 
four five-minutes a week, six 
months; Rocky Mountain Beverage 
Co., five quarter-hours weekly, 'Ad- 
ventures of Jimmy Allen,' six months; 
Veto's Cabaret, 12 announcements. 

KOA: Procter & Gamble (Dash), 
through Pedlar & Ryan, 260 quarter- 
hours; Joe Kavanaugh, through Betts- 
Koerber, 312 temperature reports; 
Millar Coffee Col, through Robertson 
agency, 364 announcements; Dupler's 
Art Furriers, through Ted Levy 
agency, 384 annouc^ments; Carey 
Salt Co.," through McJunkin Adver- 
tising, 130 announcements; First In- 
dustrial Bank, through Max Gold- 
berg agency, 12 temperature reports; 
Morton's Apparel Store, through Ted 
Levy agency, 104 announcements; 
Amter's .Store, through Raymond 
Keane agency, 104 announcements; 
Republic Orthopedic Shoe Co., 52 
spots. 

KLZ: Denver & Rio Grande Rail 
road, through C. F. Cusack agency, 
26 announcements; Wilson & Co. 
(Ideal dog food), through U. ^S, 
agency, 442 temperature reports; 
Manhattan Soap Co. (Sweetheart 
Soap), through Franklin Bruck 
agency, 39 quarter-hour newscasts; 
Lever Bros (Rinso), through Ruth- 
rauS & Ryan, eight announcements; 
Pioneer Wholesale Tailors, through 
Earl A; Pivan agency, 104 announce- 
ments; Northwestern Yeast Co., 
through Hays MacFarland, 39 quar- 
ter-hours. 

KMYR: Paul Weiss, through 
Wooley & Hunter, three five-minute 
newscasts weekly, three months 
Ranier Ginger Ale, through 
Buchanan agency, 50 100-word an 
nouncements; Globe Furniture, 
through Ted Levy agency, 250 100- 
word spots; Carson Crockery, 
through Collins agency, 13 announce 
ments. 



13.3% OFF ON 
NAT SPOT 
IN LA. 



Comparative Unit Connt 



June 28 June 21 Change 

Network 8,195 8,045 -|-1.9 

Local 8,231 8,312 —0.9 

Nat'I Spot... -2,464 2,521 —23 

Total 18,890 18,878 -^0.06 

(InoluaeU: KFEL, KLZ, KMYR, KOA, 
KVOD.) 



JANSEN OPF TO TACOMA 

San Francisco, July 1 
Edward Jansen moved his KSFO 
sales staff resignation up two months 
and departed this weelc for "Tacoma 
to take over general managership of 
Tacoma Broadcasters, Inc. Call let- 
ters KTBI have just been assigned. 

Letters formerly belonged to the 
Bible Institute in Los Angeles, which 
went off the air several years ago. 



Los Angeles, July 1. 

National spot sales went Into a tail- 
spin last week and took a thick slice 
out of that .unit count. Other de- 
partnients plugged along with only 
slight fluctuations. 

KHJ: Aspertane, 260 quarter hours, 
through Blackett, Sample & Hum- 
mert; Anacin, 260 quarter hours, 
through Blackett, Sample &' Hum- 
mert; Pioneer Builders, 52 five-min- 
ute transcriptions, through Charles 
Mayne; Pall Mall cigarets, 312 one- 
min, transcriptions, through Ruth- 
rauff & Ryan; Metropolitan Federal 
Savings, 10 participations in 'Let's 
Play Bridge,' through Eiwood Rob- 
inson. 

KNX: Los Angeles Times, 13 half 
hour broadcasts of 'Who, What, 
Where and Why?'; Ball Bros. (Mason 
jars), 26 announcements, through Ap- 
plegate agency; Catalina Island, 21 
quarter hour periods, through Ar- 
thur Meyerhoff. 

KFI: Lawrdon Chemical, 65 par- 
ticipations in Art Baker's 'Notebook,' 
through Allied; Beckman furs, 15 an- 
nouncements, through Glasser-Gai- 
ley; Hires root beer, 40 announce- 
ments, through O'Dea, Sheldon & 
Canaday; True Story magazine, 23 
announcements, through Arthur 
Kudner. 

. KECA: Kelley Kar, 157 quarter 
hour newscasts; through Allied; 
Pennant Oil, 25 flve-min, transcrip- 
tions, through Brisacher-Davis; Pall 
Mall cigarets, 300 one-min. transcrip- 
tions, through Ruthrauff & Ryan- 
California Federal Savings, 37 one- 
min. transcriptions, through Eiwood 
Robinson. 



Comparative Unit Count 



% of 

June 28. June 21. Change 
Network .. 11,734 11,611 -f 1 

Local 4,328 4346 — .4 

Nat'I Spot. . 1,726 1390 —13.3 

Total 17,788 17,947 — 9 

(Included: KECA, KFI, KHJ, 
KNX) 



NUMBERS SUFFICIENT 



No Lack of Attorneys tor the Defense 
of Radio 



Washington, July 1. 

Legal day of reckoning which the 
broadcast industry appeared this 
week to be facing will not be lost 
for want of radio a' . irneys. 

Added to- uncounted dozens of 
young Blackstones who have been 
admitted to practice before the Fed- 
eral Communc'iations Commission 
are: 

Samuel T. Cranik and James 
Francis Foley, Washington, D. C; 
John T. Cahill and Julius Schein, 
New York; Bernard Eskin, Philadel- 
phia, and George J.. Zimmerman, 
Chicago. 



Froman for Coca-Cola 



Jane Froman may join the Coca- 
Cola program with Andre Kostelan- 
etz. Some 'its' still pending. 

Biggest if: contract .with ASCAP, 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



RADIO MARKETS 35 




^^^^^^^^^^^^ 



■ 




-%>-^-5';. ■•■■|ir,- 



|+14°-o I 
US'i I 

EE] 



SPOT CAMPAIGN 
ON WOAI FOR 
GROVELABS. 



San Antonio', July 1. 

With the race for the seat In the 
United States Senate coming to a 
close Saturday (28), the past week 
was a hectic one in local radio cir- 
cles. Several of the stations had to 
curtail the sale ot spot announce- 
ments during the week as there was 
no tirae for that all ready sold. 

WOAI: Grove Laboratories (Dr. 
Porters Oils), through H. W. Kastor, 
39 announcements; Globe Labora- 
tories, through Ray K. Glenn, four 
announcements per week for 52 
weeks; Swift & Co. (Jewel shorten- 
ing), through J. Walter Thompson, 
six e.t.'s per week for 26 weeks; 
Shaler Co., through Kirkgassen- 
Drew, seven 100-word announce- 
ments; Martin-Neal Motor Co., direct, 
two special announcements; Sun- 
shine Laundry, through Coulter- 
Mueller-Grinsted, two announce- 
ments per week; Starkist toothpaste, 
12 election returns spots; on the po- 
litical side, Jaartin Dies seven quar- 
ter-hours on Texas Quality Network; 
Gerald Mann, 18 quarter-hours over 
TQN. Lyndon Johnson, 19 quarter- 
hours over TQN; W. Lee O'Daniel, 
nine quarter-hours over TQN. 

KABC: Martin Dies, five quarter- 
hours over Texas State Network; 
Lyndon Johnson, five quarter-hours 
over TSN and four quarter-hours 
locally; Gerald Mann, five quarter- 
hours over TSN; two quarter-hour 
programs and 10 spot announcements 
on 'Billy the Kid' moving over for 
another week's run at the Texas; 
Northwestern Yeast Co. (Macca 
Yeast), three quarter-hours per 
week through the TSN; on the base- 
ball side of the ledger. Seven Up four 
games and Wheaties four games. 

KONO: Ernest Cude, for the State 
Representative, 10 spot announce- 
ments; Alamo Piano Co., 15-minute 
studio program each Friday; Spector 
Bros. Bargain Store, one quarter- 
hour program, 

[ Comparative Unit Connt "[ 

% of 

June 28. June 21. Change. 
Network .. 7^03 7,162 +8.9 

Local 10,727 11,300 —5.0 

Nat'l Spot. . 2,380 2,410 ' —1.2 

ToUl 20,910 20,872 -1-0.1 

(Included: KABC, KMAC, KONO, 
KTSA, WOAI) 

WOWO, Ft Wayne, New Kz 

Ft Wayne, July 1. 
WOWO New Business is as fol- 
■ lows: 

Allied MiUs (Wayne Feeds), 156 
anns., direct 

Starr Pen Co., 39 15-minute shows 
with Bob and Norm, through United 
Advertising Co., Inc., Chicago. 

Orphenm Dry Cleaners, 13 100- 
word announcements, direct. 

American Chicle Co., (Chiclets) 65 
100-word announcements, through 
Badger, Browning & Hershey, N.Y. 

Johnny Jones exposition, 17 ' 50- 
word announcements, direct 

Horace Heldt, for stage show, 19 
50-word announcements, direct. 

Kay Jewelry, 300 quarter-hour '-re- 
motes 'Man On Street' direct. , 

China Inn, 28 50-word participa- 
tions, 'Where To Go,' direct. 

Miller's English Tea Room, 26 50- 
Word blurbs, 'Where To Go,' direct. 

Foster-Milburn Co. (Doan pills), 
105 one-minute transcriptions, 
through Spot Broadcasting, 

Annie Oakley shooting galleries, 
52 50-word announcements, 'Where 
To Go,' direct. 



Kitchen Rebellion 



Portland, Me., July 1. 

Boston & Maine railroad's new 
series of Interviews-with-house- 
wives, 'Boston and Milady,' on 
WGAN, is at variance with bal- 
ance of station's us-girls chatter. 
In latter Gwen Graves, outlet's 
kitchen queen, strives to make ' 
handling leftovers thrilling and 
darning socks an adventure. 

But in new railroad series 
housewives are~ asked whether it 
wouldn't be wiser to throw in 
sponge and take a trip for for- 
getfulness. 



DES MOINES SKIDS 



Local Plunges 8.9% — Nat'l Spot 
Holds Gains 



Des Moines, July 1. 
Des Moines local biz took a fast 
trip down, with most other brackets 
tumbling after. National spot struck 
out in the opposite direction, how- 
ever, to chalk up a comfortable 3% 
gain. 



Comparative Vnlt Count 



% of 

Jane 28. June 21. Change. 
Network .. 7,500 7,688 —2.4 

Local 3,096 3,401 —8.9 

Nat'l Spot. . 3,190 3,097 -|-3.0 

Total 13,786 14,186 —2.7 

(Included: KRNT, KSa WHO) 



PABST TESTING 
IN3MARKETS 



Team Changes Owners, 
Optimism Converts Dud 
Air Tmie Into a Buy 

Milwaukee, July 1. 
When the Milwaukee Baseball 
club of the American association 
played such poor ball that it quickly 
landed at the bottom of the list, 
WEMP, which has the broadcasting 
privilege, was unable to sell the time 
ahead of . and after the game be- 
cause seemingly no one was inter- 
ested in what the Brewers did or 
didn't do. However, the club was 
sold last week to Charley Grimm 
and Bill Veeck, formerly of the Chi- 
cago Cubs, and the morning follow- 
ing the sale C. J. Lanphier, mana- 
ger of the kilocycle cabin was con- 
fronted in his office with several 
prospective clients clamoring for this 
time. 

Fellenz Coal & ock Co. got the 
time because its representative was 
at the station first. 



Chicago, July 1. 
Pabst is readying a test campaign 
of announcements and will spot 
them on four stations In three 
towns. Using WGN and WIND, Chi- 
cago; WISN, Milwaukee, and WDEL, 
Wilmington (Del.). Being placed 
through the local offices of Lord & 
Thomas. 

Meanwhile the Chicago agencies 
are beginning to line up considerable 
air time to start in the autumn, par- 
ticularly network stuff and a lot of 
these contracts should be signatured 
within the next two or three weeks. 

Evans Fur Co. came through for 
a renewal of its schedule of 15 min- 
utes daily, Monday through Friday, 
on WMA(5, through the Critchfleld 
agency. On July 18 the NBC-Blue 
outlet WENR, will pick up a weekly 
30-minute program through net- 
work feeding of the new Standard 
Oil of Indiana show, 'Auction Quiz,' 
placed through McCann-Erickson. 



Comparative Unit Connt 



% of 

June 28. Jane 21. Change. 
Network . . 0,310 9,380 —0.8 

Local 6,420 - 6,456 —0.6 

Natl Spot.. 11,357 11,388 —0.2 

Totet 27,087 27,224 —0.5 

(Included: WBpM, WENR, WGN, 
WIND, WJJD, WLS, WMAQ) 



DETROIT LOCAL GAINS 



other Categories Fade — Sweetheart 
Soap on WJK 



Detroit July 1. 
Sole bulwark this week for De- 
troit's six stations was local business, 
which recorded a slight gain to con- 
tinue, far ahead of the same kind of 
business a yea. ago. After plugging 
the leak for the last few weeks, net- 
work and national spot here again 
ebbed, the latter down better than 
6%. 

However striking comparatives 
for the 1940 season, business is up 
here this year better than 2,400 units 
for the same week of last year. Local 
business is running 2,000 units ahead 
of the same week in 1940; network 
is -up 800 units, although local spot 
is the weakest, bein 400 units off. 

WJBK: Michigan Milk Producers 
Association, six spot announcements 
daily, 26 weeks, direct 

WJR: Manhattan Soap Co. (Sweet- 
heart), Jimmie Stevenson newscasts, 
15 minutes, three a week, 13 weeks, 
through Franklin Bruck, Inc. 



Comparative. Vnit Count 



% of 

June 28. June 21. Change. 
Network .. 8,219- 8,334 —1.4 

Local 12,980 12,831 +1-1 

Nat'l Spot.. 4,501 4,792 —6.1 

Total 25,700 25,957 —1.0 

(Included: CKLW, WJBK, WJLB, 
WJR, WW.T, WXY^;) 



KIRO'S 50,000 WATTS 
GOES INTO OPERATION 



SeatUe, July 1. 

Big news In Seattle this week Is 
the formal opening of KIRO (29) on 
50,000 watts, with visiting biggies 
from CBS, Hollywood and New York 
City, In attendance. ''I Was There' 
for General Petroleum also airs over 
KIRO next day; show put on at 
Music Hall theatre. 

Al Pearce will hold a Talent Quest 
Monday (30) over KJR. Hour show 
is sponsored by Ben Tipp, jeweler. 
Pearce, in Northwest on fishing trip, 
decided to hold the Quest because 
of past success in finding talent here. 

Lots of activity at KOL with 'Twi- 
light TraU' with Dick Todd for 
Brown & Williamson, 'Front Page 
Farrell' for Anacin, and John B. 
Hughes for Aspertone, all five times 
a week, going on the air. Mutual 
station also began two new local 
programs, Carroll Carter commenta- 
ting across the board on a sustain- 
ing spot, and. organist Don Isham 
being sold for three times a week 
show for fuel dealers Napier & 
Scott 

Canceling of some network shows 
on KIRO cut down the week's total, 
but setback is expected to be only 
temporary. 



Comparative Unit Connt 



% of 

Jdne 28. Jnne 21. Change. 
Network .. 7,367 7,475 —1.4 

Local 0,748 6,707 -|-0.6 

Nai'l Spot. 795 788 -(-0.9 

Total 14,910 14,970 —0.4 

(Included: KIRO, KOL, KRSC) 



New Biz in Miami 



Miami, July 1. 

Russel M. Seeds agency of Chicago 
has contracted for daily newscasts, 
beginning July 1, over WQAM for 
Avalon cigarettes. 

National Airlines, through Griffith 
agency of St. Petersburg, using spots 
on WQAM. 

Hudepohl -beer has taken over 
sponsorship of WIOD's 'Don Q' au- 
dience participation show. 

WKAT originating new quizzeroo 
from Opa-Locka naval base. Pitting 
different teams from the base 
against one another. 



Gen'l Mills Uses KROD 

El Paso, Texas, July 1. 

New biz at station KROD includes 
'Hymns of All Churches' and Betty 
Crocker for General Mills. 

Also series of 25 quarter-hour pro- 
grams to be aired six days per week 
in behalf of the candidacy of Gov. 
W. Lee O'Daniel for the U. S. Senate. 



Gardner Nursery on KPO's 'Musical 
Clock'; Arrid Spiels on PUG 



Biz Rivals at Lunch 



Minneapolis, July 1. 

WCCO gave luncheon In honor 
of Tom Buechner, Ted Bates 
agency exec in town visiting his 
brother. Bob, a WCCO salesman. 
Among the 17 guests were: 

Merrill Hutchinson and Ver- 
non Churchill, McCann-Erickson 
office. 

Jack Cornelius, of BBD&O. 

Vic Breytspraak, Mitchell- 
Faust, Chicago. 

John Jerome, Minneapolis 
Times' advertising manager. 

C. T. Hagman, station man- 
ager, WTCN. 

Sam Howard and Harold Perk- 
Ings, Minneapolis Star-Journal. 

Also attending was a smatter- 
ing of prospective clients for all 
those present. ■ 



KIRKMAN SOAP 
RENEWS WMCA 



The current heat wave has melted 
Gotham biz down near the vanish- 
ing point with only a handful of re- 
newals and new accounts to report 

WMCA: Kirkman & Sons, through 
N. W. Ayer, 13-week contract for 10 
announcements weekly; St. Chris- 
topher's Inn, S2-week renewal on 
WMCA and 26-week renewal on WIP 
(Philadelphia) of 'Ave Maria Hour,' 
half-hour weekly. 

WOR: Strauss Stores Corp., through 
Thomas F. Harkins, participations in 
'Moonlight Saving Time,' Monday 
through Saturday; Bayuk cigars, 
through Ivey & Ellington, renewal, 
quarter-hour 'Inside of Sports, 
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday- 
Florida Citrus C^>mmlssion, through 
Arthur Kudner, announcements, 
Monday tljrough Friday; Look maga- 
zine, direct, qtiarter-hour 'Trans- 
radio News With Jay Sims,' Tues- 
day, Thursday and Saturday; L. M. 
Renault & Sons, through Gray & 
Rogers, renewal of announcements, 
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; 
Blue Moon Foodt, through H. B. Le- 
Quatte, renewal of quarter-hour 
'Dear Imogene,' Monday and Thurs- 
day; J. L. Prescott Co., through 
Monroe F. Dreiser, renewal of an- 
nouncements, Monday, Thursday, 
Friday and Saturday. 



Horse-Yard Adyertising 



Schenectady, July 1. 

The Saratoga Racing Association, 
for Its August meeting of the gee- 
gees, will add 21 daily and weekly 
papers to the newspaper schedule, 
and will use at least 10 radio stations. 
Although the setup Is not completed, 
dramatic announcements ranging 
from 26 to more than 100 will be 
broadcast over WGY, Schenectady; 
WOKO and WABY, Albany; WTRY, 
Troy; WKIP, Poughkeepsle; WBRK, 
Pittsfleld, Mass.; WFBL, Syracuse; 
WIBX, Utica; WNBF, Binghamton, 
and WMFF, Plattsburgh. Other sta- 
tions may be added. 

Leighton & Nelson Is the agency. 



A Mysterioos Germicide 



Blackett - Sample - Hummert has 
wrapped in much mystery the germ- 
icide for which It is seeking to place 
one minute spot announcements In 
the New England area. The sched- 
ule will be five blurbs a week, night 
time. 

Markets will include Boston, Prov- 
idence, Hartford and Portland. 



Williams Adds WTRY 

Troy, N. Y., July 1. 
WTRY, Troy, was added this ^eek 
to, the NBd :f)Iue stations carrying 
''True Or False,' quiz show conducted 
by Dr. Harry Hagen for Williams 
Shaving Cream. 



Franklin Brack Agency has pur- 
chased three quarter-hour morning 
periods weekly on WGY, Schenec 
tady, for newscasts by Gene O'Haire, 
for Sweetheart Soap. 



San Francisco, July 2. 

NBC's local two outlets, KPO and 
KGO, have contracted to stage a 
weekly two-hour show for the Lucky 
grocery chain, composed of 21 units 
in the East Bay area, in the Oak« 
land Civic Auditorium starting July 
26. Only an hour of the show will 
be broadcast. Grocery chain had 
budgeted $2,000 for talent. Bob Seal 
will produce ..nd the cast will in- 
clude a 40-piece o- chestra. Series 
will be exploited as an anniversary 
good-will gesture. During the in- 
terim five-week campaign the chain 
will emphasize, radio - advertised 
products, Oakland Post-Enquir.^j^ 
will figure in a publicity tieup, while 
Milt Samuel, the stations' publicity 
manager, has several novel stunts 
lined up for the campaign. 

Bank of America, which has been.' 
going for special-eventers, has placed 
its first on KFRC In the . current 
series. Don 'Lee outlet will cut 30 
minutes of the Salinas Rodeo for a 
9:30 p,m. delayed broadcast July 17. 
Feature will be fed to KDON, Mon- 
terey, also. , Rodeo is one of the 
biggest affairs of its kind in the 
west and draws heavy play from all 
over the state. 

Participatinc shows continue to 
headline Frisco buying, with all sta- 
tions reporting takers for their mu- 
sical clocks and women's features. 

The picture presented by the unitf 
count was not a cheerful one. Na- 
tional spot lost heavily, falling oil 
nearly 16 p«rcent Local stayed 
above the line, but only by the 
slightest margin. 

KGO: Sommer & Kaufmann 
(shoes), through W. J. Wilkin, three 
quarter-hour parOcipations, Musical 
(Tlock, and five spots; Loma Linda 
Food Co. (Ruskets), through Gerth- 
Knollin, 25 twice-weekly participa- 
tions, Ann HOlden Home Forum; ' 
Ice Follies, through Allied Adver- 
tising, 12 spots. 

KPO: Gardner Nursery, through 
Northwest Radio, '41 quarter-hoMr 
participations. Musical ' Clock; Pro- 
gressive Optical System, through W, 
L, Gleason, 104 Sunday spots (re- 
newal); Swerl Products (soap), 
through Lord & Thomas, 26 Wed- 
nesday evening spots; Lehn St Fink 
(hand cream), through William 
Esty, 12 weekday spots; Ice Follies, 
through Allied Advertising, 10 spots. 

KFRC: Sunnyvale Packing (Ran- 
cho soups), through Lord tt Thomas, 
20 five-minute participations, 'Bess 
Bye'; Pacific Brewing & Malting Co, 
(Wlelands beer), through Brewer- 
Weeks, 27 spots; E. Raymond Shane, 
chiropractor, . through Ewing C. 
Kelly, 39 Monday, Wednesday and 
Friday quarter-hour participations, 
Rise and Shine; Carter Products (Ar- 
rid), through Spot Broadcasting, 28 
one-minute ET spots; Henry Doelger . 
(builder), through Y^omans & 
Foote, 368 100-word spots; W. T. 
Hanson Co. (com salve), through 
Leighton St Nelson, three one minute 
spots weekly, 13 weeks. 

I Comparative Unit Count ~~\ 



% of 

June 28. Jnne 21. Change. 
Network .. 9,253 0,440 —1.9 

Local 3,666 3,565 +0.03 

Natl Spot.. 1,483 1,728 —15.9"' 
Total 14;:72 14,733 —3.1 



Tarclier Asks Smith Bros. ^ 
Options for Chainbreaks 
To Start After No?. 15 



Tarcher agency Is making an un- 
usual request from stations \fi be- - 
half of Smith Bros, cough drops 
and ^rup. 

Though the campaign isn't to start 
until around Nov. 15 the agency 
wants stations on the NBC-Red and 
CBS to sign up for a stipulated 
schedule of chainbreaks which 
would run for 17 weeks. 



Grain Bins on Air 



• San Francisco, July 1. 

Sioux Steel Co. of . Sioux Falli^ 
S. D., will plug grain bins on KSFO's 
Farm Journal with participating 
spots starting this we^k. Deal was . 
set by Brewer-Woeks agency and Is 
first of its kind on Coast -t,. : 

Garflnkel agency has spotted Paul 
Pry on the same station for Eagle 
Vineyard Products Co. (wines) in 
five-minute slots Tuesdays and Fri- 
days at 5.55. Pry will dq a gossip 
stint startingnoday (1), 



36 CONCERT 



Wednesda7, July 2, 1941 



Six New Operas At Mel in '41-'42; 
Elizabeth Wysor, Newcomer, May 
Sing the Lead in Tenerentola 



Metropolitan Opera has a number 
of revivals and new operas planned 
for the coming season. At least 
six works not heard this year will 
probably be given. 

These will be the 'Magic Flute,' 
mentioned two weeks ago in 
Varietv, for Jussi B j o e r 1 i n g 
(although latest reports say the 
Swedish tenor may not be able to 
come as the Trans-Siberia route is 
now closed); 'Fra Diavolo,' in Eng- 
lish for Lily Pons, Irra Petina, Sal- 
vatore Baccaloni, Charles Kullman, 
Virglio Lazzari, Louis D'Angelo, 
■with Gennera Papi conducting. 
'Amelia Goes to the Ball,' with 
Muriel Dickson, and a new opera 
being commissioned by the" Opera 
Guild by John Carlo Menotti. 

t,ast ot the new works meiitloncd 
Is the probability ol Rossini's opera, 
•Cenerentola,' never given at the 
Met and presented Infrequently in 
the U. S. since its birth in 1817. 
Opera was starring vehicle for 
Maria Malibrun and Marietta Al- 
boni in the first half of the 19th 
century, but lack of a great con- 
tralto with a three octave range 
has prevented its being used since. 

Salvatore Baccaloni is scheduled 
to appear in the revival, and as 
"Cenerentola,' the Met is planning to 
tise the American contralto, Eliza- 
beth Wysor, who possesses range of 
over four octaves. The singer is 
known to have created a very fa- 
vorable impression with her singing 
of arias from the opera; and while 
Met officials refuse comment on 
next season's plans, and the singer 
denies the reports, it is likely she 
will be the 'sleeper' the Met will 
use for next season. 

Failure of Kirsten Flagstad to re- 
turn from Norway will mean a con- 
siderable reduction in Wagnarian 
operas, with Helen Traubel, Amer- 
ican dramatic soprano taking over 
the Norwegian's roles. Miss Traubel, 
who goes to the Coast this week, is 
reported to have been told to learn 
the three Brunhilde's, 'Isolde,' 'Aida' 
and 'Gioconda' by next season. GaC' 
tano Merola will probably use. her 
at the San Francisco season as his 
replacement for Flagstad. Miss 
Traubel will sing at the Hollywood 
Bowl in July. 



Kurbi, Schlpa, Fray and BragglottI 
Amonp Those Set 



Havana, July 1. 

The Philharmonic Orchestra here 
will present seven soloists during 
the 1941-42 season. All told 15 con- 
certs will be given. 

Soloists include Jascha Heifctz, 
Jose Iturbi, Tito Schipa, Fray and 
Braggiotti, Jose Echaniz, Greta 
Menzel and OUando Barera. The 
season is under the direction of Mas- 
sino Freccia, and includes 150 chorus 
voices, and a 90-piece orchestra. 
Ludwig Lustig, general manager, is 
now In N.Y. signing soloists. 



VIVIAN DELU CHIESA 
OPENS GRANT PK. DATES 



Chicago,' July 1., 
Vivian Delia Chiesa, lyric soprano, 
has been engaged by the Grant Park 
Concerts here to open the season on 
July 8. The soprano Is booked for 
« hectic first week of July, flying to 
Cincinnati at 11 pjn. Sunday (29) 
lor rehearsals for 'Carmen' In which 
she appeared yesterday (Tuesday), 
and repeats tomorrow (Thursday). 

She then returns by plane to N. Y. 
for a good will broadcast to South 
America with Frank Black's orches 
tra, 'and on Sunday sings with' the 
American Album of Familiar Music 
Others set for the Grant Park Con' 
certs which have drawn as many as 
600,000 people are Lily Pons, Gio 
■ vanni Martinelli, John Charles 
Thomas, Lawrence I'ibbett, Jascha 
Heifetz and Mischa Elman. Con 
certs are free to the public Svith $80, 
000 needed to carry them Tor the sea. 
eon. The Chicago City Opera Or- 
chestra supports the singers. 



MeDDhin S.R.O. in B. A. 



Buenos Aires, June 24. 

Yehudi Menuhin cracked all house 
records at the Colon Opera house 
with his first recital here during the 
week. The violinist i^ completely 
cold out on his three cdncerts. 

He is booked at Port of Spain, 
Trinidad, July 9, and at the Philadel- 
phia Dell on July 15. Lewisohn 
Stadium, N. Y., will hear him July 21 
end Ravina Park, Chicago, July 24 
and 26. The Hollywood Bowl, on 
Aug. 19, will conclude summer en- 
gagements. . 



HAVANA SOLOISTS 



Stoki Kiddies in S. F. 



San Francisco, July 1. 

Leopold Stokowski paid a quiet 
visit to Frisco Friday (27) with his 
American Youth Orchestra, pre- 
sented at Civic Auditorium by Jo- 
seph Dyer, who is also head of the 
municipal art commission. At a 
$2.50 top, single concert broke even. 

Stoki arrived in the a.m. from 
Sacramento without fanfare and 
moved on after his one-nighter to 
finish his tour with ' a concert in 
Pasadena Sunday (29). 



Sigfrid Prager Asks ATM 
Protecdon of Reputation 
For Milw'kee Cancellation 



McARTHUR NOT 
RITZY UKE 
ITURBi 



Jose Iturbi, Spanish maestro, last 
week withdrew as conductor of the 
Philadelphia Orchestra's concert at 
the Robin Hood Dell next Tuesday 
(10) because Benny Goodnjaix was 
slated as feature soloist. 

Iturbi declared it was below his 
dignity. He is booked Nov. 9 to con- 
duct the Rochester Civic Orchestra. 
Larry Adler, 'harmonica virtuoso' is 
to be guest soloist. 

Adler has been making a number 
of longhair appearances lately. He 
played with the Bronx, N. Y., Sym- 
phony about a month ago, is to play 
with the Cleveland Symphony July 
11 and the New York Philharmonic 
at Lewisohn Stadium, July 14. 

Edwin McArlhur, will substitute 
for Iturbi free of charge. Calling 
Goodman 'one of the great virtuosi 
of the clarinet,' McArthur said 'it 
would be a distinct honor and privi- 
lege to conduct the Benny Goodman 
concert.' 

In. volunteering his services gratis, 
McArthur took a slap at Iturbi's 
walkout on the Goodman date. He 
praised Goodman as 'a distinguished 
addition to your list of great mu- 
sical names' and declared: "Mr. 
Iturbi's action has made me feel the 
need for an American cond\4Ctor to 
take up the cudgels and show how 
we really feel about this sort of 
thing. 

McArthur is breaking up a Maine 
vacation to fill the podium for the 
Goodman concert. 



Milwaukee, July 1. 
■ Dr. Sigfrid Prager has appealed to 
the New York office of the Ameri- 
can Federation of Musicians td aid 
him in collecting damages from Mil- 
waukee county because of his re- 
placement as conductor of the Wis- 
consin Symphony orchestra's 'Music 
Under the Stars' summer concert 
programs in Washington Park, 
where concert and operatic stars are 
guest attractions. 

After Dr. Prager. had been widely 
billed throughout the state as con- 
ductor, following four years in a 
similar capacity, he was replaced in 
the eleventh hour by Jerzy Bojan- 
owski, Polish-American leader. 

Park officials claim Prager was 
employed on a per concert basis at 
$100 per night. He admits having no 
contract, but claims to have been 
told he was to conduct this season 
and made his plans accordingly. He 
wants coin for loss of salary and 
damage to his professional standing. 



MET CAST'S TASQUALE^ 
OPENS BEEGLE SERIES 



Pittsburgh, July 1. 

The May Beegle Concerts will 
present nine attractions for the 1941- 
42 season, ofjening Oct. 17 with 'Don 
Pasquale' by a Metropolitan Opera 
cast, and closing April 24 with Lily 
Pons. Season tickets range from $9 
to $24 for 'the concerts. 

Other soloists appearing will be 
Richard Crooks, Don Cossack Sing- 
ers, Maraccl Dancers, Salvatore Bac- 
caloni, Jascha Heifetz, Nelson Eddy 
and Vladimir Horowitz. 



CHERYL CRAWFORD 
PROMOTES CONCERTS 



Cheryl Crawford will branch into 
concert this year, and will present a 
number of recitals at the Maple- 
wood, N. J., Playhouse late in Sep- 
tember. ' She is booking artists now. 

First set to open the series is 
Lottie Lehmann, Met soprano. 



Muriel Dickson, Dudley 
Savoyarding in Philly 

Muriel Dickson, Met soprano, and 
John Dudley, Met tenor, have been 
booked for a series of six excerpts 
from (Gilbert and Sullivan Operas 
this summer. First gets under way 
July 17 at Robin Hood Dell, Phila- 
delphia. 

Both singers are from D'oyle 
Carte. 



Montreal Symph to NBC 

Montreal, July 1. 

The Montreal Symphony Orches- 
tra will broadcast Its summer pro- 
giam from July 3-Sept. 25 over NBC 
•very Thursday night. 

Takes the spot now held by the 
ttoronto' Symphony. ^ 



Hofmann at Lewisohn 



Josef Hofmann will fly from his 
summer home in California to make 
an appearance as soloist with the 
Philharmonic orchestra at Iiewisohn 
Stadium, N. Y., on July 7. The 
pianist will play the Chopin E Flat 
Minor piano concerto, 

Hofmann will spend th« summer 
resting and working on an inven- 
tion, to improve the tone of the 
piano. His tour opena In January, 
With 40 dates set, flrst of which will 
be in A^cron. ' ' ' 



Considering Copland For 
N. Y. Post Music Critic 

Aaron Copland, one of the coun' 
try's top young modern composers, 
is being considered by the New York 
Post to take over the job of music 
critic: in the fall Don Briggs is 
temporarily filling the spot whicti 
was vacated. by Samuel Chotzinoff, 
now director of serious music for 
NBC. 

New York Herald Tribune has 
whipped up considerable additional 
interest in Its music reviews since 
employing another modern com 
poser, Virgil Thomson. 

♦ ♦♦♦» ' ♦♦■»-» »♦»♦♦♦♦>>!>>♦♦ I 



Concert Footnotes 

♦ ♦♦♦ M ♦♦<>♦♦«< M M ♦ M 4 ♦ ♦ 



Metropolitan Opera is - understood 
to have signed Kurt Baum, Czech 
tenor. Baum, a 33 year-old lyrico 
spinto, made his American debut 
with the Chicago Opera Co. in 1939, 

John Charles Thomas will appear 
in concert at Robin Hood Dell. Aug, 
5; Milwaukee, Aug. 12: .Chautauqua; 
Ohio, Aug. 17; Bay View. Michigan, 
Aug. 21,. and Chatauqua, N. Y., Aug. 
30; 



Paal Robeson has been booked for 
summer appearances at the Stadium, 
N.Y., Newark, Hollywood Bowl, and 
Robin Hood Dell. He Is one of the 
few singers to make the round robin 
of all principal' summer attractions, 



High-oallber grand opera presenta- 
tions by a reorganized Mexican com- 
pany opens in Mexico City June 24 
under auspices of the Ministry of 
t^iblic Education at the Palace of 
Fine Arts (National Theatre). 



Margaret Speaks, NBC 'lyric so 
prano, and sololist on the Firestone 
hour, will appear in Cleveland July 
9 as soloist with the Cleveland Sym 
phony orchestra,. 



Radio Station Opens Chautauqua 

Quiz Kids Are Initial Attraction-^Bad Weather Mars 
First of Eight WLW Events 



JAN PEERCE'S TOUR 



Badio City Music Hall Tenor's Fees 
Now Above $750 



Jan Peerce, tenor of the Radio City 
Music Hall, has been booked for ap- 
proximately 30 concerts for the fall, 
openings in Galveston, Texas, in Oc- 
tober. The tenor will sing in 'Lucia' 
and 'Rigoletto' with the Cincinnati 
Opera Co., and will also appear with 
the Chicago Opera Co. 

Peerce sings 'Traviata' opposite 
Jarmilla Novotna under ■ Gaetano 
Merola at the Hollywood Bowl July 
5. His fee runs from $750-$l,000 a 
concert. 



CONCERTSDOING 
WHAMMO AT 
LEWISOHN 



The Lewisohn Stadium concerts 
continued to pack 'em in during the 
past week. Weather was favorable. 

Tuesday (24) saw 3,000 paying 
estimated $1,400 to hear Benjamin 
Britten's Suite in five movements, 
'Soires Misicales,' excerpts from Ber- 
lioz's 'Damnation of Faust,' Wagner's 
'Siegfried Idyl' and works by Smet- 
ana and Walter Piston. 

Wednesday (25) attendance was 
5,000, with about $2,250. On Thurs- 
day (26) the Ballet Russe de Monte 
Carlo appeared for the flrst of two 
jperformances, giving 'Les Sylphides' 
of Chopin, the 'Scheherazade' of 
Rimsky-Korsakoff, and 'Le Beau 
Danube' of Johann Strauss. Thurs- 
day it rolled up a 16,000 attendance, 
with around $8,500 In the till, and 
Friday (27) saw 18,000 admissions 
with $9,500 taken in. 

Saturday (28), Veronica Mimosa, 
15 year old pianist made her debut 
with the orchestra drawing 5,500 ad- 
missions or $2,200. Sunday (29), a 
small throng of 2,500 tossed around 
$1,200 in the till to hear works of 
Gluck, Beethoven, Hadley, Sibelius 
and Dukas. 

Rain' postponed Monday (30) con- 
cert, which was to have included the 
Stadium debut of Eugene Goossens 
as conductor and Mischa Elman as 
violin soloist. The concert was given 
yesterday (Tuesday) instead. 



Ballet Russe Opens Fall 
Season in October 

Ballet Russe . 'de Monte Carlo, 
which played two dates last week at 
Lewisohn Stadium, N. Y., is set for 
a repeat there July 17-18, then goes 
to San Antonio lor dates July 22-23. 
Subsequent bookings already set are 
for Hollywood Bowl, July 29-Aug. 2, 
and San Francisco, Aug. 5-9. Other 
dates may be set in the interim. 

Troupe opens its fall season In 
New York sometime in October, 
probably at the Metropolitan Opera 
House. Last fall the company played 
an extended engagement at the 51st 
Street theatre, N. Y. 



Concert Guest Dates 

Uuly 2-12) 

James Melton— 'Madame Butter- 
fly,' with Enys Gonzalez, Hollywood 
Bowl (8). 

John Charles Thomas— Hollywood 
Bowl (10). 

Brnno Walter— conducting Los An- 
geles Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl 

Donald Dickson — with Summer 
Symphony, Milwaukee (8). 

Oscar Levant— with Philharmonic 
Symphony, Lewisohn Stadium, N. Y. 
(10). 

Jessica DraeoneUe— with National 
Sym'phony (Antonta Brico, conduct- 
ing), Washington (10). 

Jose Itarbl — (soloist-conductor) 
with Philadelphia Orchestra, Robin 
Hood Dell, PhlUdelphia (8). 

Benny Goodman— Edwin McArthur 
conducting) with Philadelphia Or- 
chestra, Robin Hood Dell, Phlladel- 
Iphia (10). 



Cincinnati, July 1. 

Opening of the WLW-Miami Val- 
ley Chautauqua's summer season of 
eight Sunday afternoon platform and 
air programs, held Sunday (29) was 
marred by the elements. Showers 
and high winds not only reduced at- 
tendance to 1,200, which was about 
one-sixth of the number anticipated 
by the management, but Interfered 
with WLW's broadcast of the show 
from 3 to 4 p,m., EST. 

Programs are staged in the 6,000 
seat open-air pavilion at Miami Val- 
ley Chautauqua's summer colony 
near Franklin, O., 30 miles from 
Cincy. Gate is 50 and 75 cents for 
adults and 25 cents for,juves. 

Headliner for the initial program 
was the Alka-Seltzer Quiz Kids. 
They were supported by the Vo- 
calaires (5), Gladys Lee, organist, 
and Doris Jeanne Peterson, marimba 
soloist, with Howard TuUey as m.c. 

Proceedings smacked of showman- 
ship that was head and heels above 
the way Chautauqua programs were 
presented a generation or so since 
when thsit form of entertainment was 
at its peak. 

Quiz Kids were accompanied by 
their manager, Louis Cowan. They 
were a pronounced hit, working the 
same as on their regular radio net- 
work, stint. Vocalaires and Miss 
Peterson also clicked in style. 

Peter Grant, WLW's ace news 
commentator, tops the program for 
Jiily 6. He wiU be followed by H. V. 
Kaltenborn, NBC news commentator. 



MARION TttVA'S 'IP 
ON OPERA RETURN 



Norwalk, Conn., July 1. 

Marion Telva, former contralto of 
the Met who retired in her vocal 
prime about a half dozen years ago, 
will return to the Met if Helen Trau- 
bel does 'Norma.' Miss Telva is a 
pal of Miss Traubel's, having gone 
to school with her in St. Louis. 

Last time Miss Telva was heard 
in the Bellini, opera was with Rosa 
Ponsella and Glacomo Laurl-Volpl 
in the late 1920's. She recently sang 
a concert in Mexico City with Ger- 
aldine Farrar at the piano. 



Naya, Spanish Tenor, At 
Randall's Island, N. Y. 

Francesco Naya, 27-year-old Span- 
ish tenor, will sing in 'Cavalleria 
Rusticana' and 'Boheme' at Randall's 
Island during the summer. 

The- tenor may also replace 
Michael Bartlett as Mario In Grace 
Moore's flrst 'Tosca' at Cincinnati 
July 27. 



Robeson's 51 Concerts 



Paul Robeson has been booked by 
Columbia for the heaviest concert 
tour of his career in the U. S. start- 
ing Oct. 1. The Negro bass is sold 
out now on 51 concerts to the end 
of January, and Columbia is adding 
about 20 more to keep him going to 
the end of March. 

Robeson gets about $2,500 per con- 
cert. 

Robeson has been signed by Co- 
lumbia Records. He'll record for 
that outfit on both masterworks and 
popular releases, working with sym- 
phony background on the Blue Seal 
stuff and solo and with the Golden 
Gate quartet on the 50c pop sides.. 

He was with Victor last. 



Book Yale Concerts 

The Woolsey Kail Concert Series 
at Yale University hsii booked seven 
attractions for its season from Oct. 
29 to March 11. Prices range from 
$7.75 to $15. 

Artists to appear will be Sergei 
RachmaninoiT, Boston Symphony 
(twice), Gladys Swarthout, Don Cos- 
sack Chorus, Philadelphia Orches- 
tra and Jascha Heifetz. 



Leonard Share at Berkshire 

Leonard Shure will solo at the 
Berkshire Festival with Brahms 
piano concert in B fliit under Sergie 
Koussevitsky on Aug. 9. 
' On Aug. 14, the pianist is set to 
play with the Budapest String Quar- 
tet at Ravina Park, Chicago, 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



USriety 



ORCHESTRAS 



37 



BAN ON % mm STUNS BIZ 



DRAFT CAUSING 

scARcnr OF 

MUSICIANS 



Detroit, JOIy 1. 
Growing shortage ot musicians 
forced Sammy Dibert band to forego 
its vacation this year. Hy Baron 
band had been alternating with the 
Dibert orchestra at the Wonder Bar 
here, but because of the increasing 
shortage of musicians due to the 
draft the Baron combo .was unable 
to carry out its plan of doubling its 
size. 

As the result of Baron's failure to 
round out a fuller band, Dibert or- 
chestra postponed its vacation to 
continue alternating on the stand 
with Baron. 



Barron's NBC Remoters 
From Tour Will Inctnde 
Bhrbs by Local Gentry 

Though ^ starting date has no( 
definitely been set, Blue Barren's or- 
chestra will occupy the NBC Blue 
6-7 p.m. slot each week from various 
cities on a planned road tour. Cur- 
rently at the Edison hotel, N. Y., 
where it finishes Sunday. (6), Bar- 
ron's band will be the focal point 
of a scripted band sustainer, ten- 
tatively titled 'Baron of Broadway.' 

Program will have as guests each 
week the local dignitaries ot the 
town from which each broadcast em- 
anates, and also weave in stories 
concerning the lives of the musicians 
in Barron's band. Outfit currently 
airs on NBC's Blue from the Edison 
each Sunday at 6:05 p.m., but for 
only a haU-hour:" . Originally NBC 
wanted Barron to originate the full 
hour script show from the hotel, but 
decided to wait and do the road 
shots. 



McFARLAND TWINS 
BUYUPZUCKER'SPACT 



After months of dispute the Mc- 
Farland Twins last week bought out 
Stan Zucker's interest in their band 
for $3,500. Twins had been handled 
by Zucker practically from the be- 
ginning several years ago. Pair 
notified Zucker about a month ago 
that their relations were at an end 
and to do nothing in their behalf. 

Based their dispute with Zucker 
on objections to his booking activi 
ties. When they hooked up with him 
he was a personal manager, but in 
branching out into the booking end 
recently he was competing with 
MCA, which books them. 



Dan Noble, 25, Picked Up 
Unconscious; Disappears 

St Louis, July I. 

Dan Noble, 25, a Philadelphia mu 
sician, who was found unconscious 
on the street in Belleville, 111., near 
here, Thursday (26) mysteriously 
disappeared from St, Elizabeth's 
Hospital In the same town 24 hours 
later. 'Noble told cops he had en 
tered Illinois over a bridge span- 
ning the Mississippi from Missouri 
In an auto accompanied by a friend 
and remembered nothing more until 
he awoke in the hospital. 

Although penniless when picked 
up. Noble claimed the loss of a new 
auto and $50. Cops are searching 
for Noble end the man he named as 
his companion. 



NICHOLS' STAKDAED E.T.'S 
Minneapolis, July 1. 

While here at Excelsior Park, 
George Tasker,. manager of Red 
•Nichols' Pennies, set deal with 
Standard Radio, Inc., to make ses- 
sions of dance transcriptions, 

Tasker anticipates deal pending 
tor radio sponsorship out of Chicago 
will be completed within fortnight 
0 1 '.: I ( > . H :i ' ■ c I : :• >• '/ •• 



FRENCH REFUGEES TOOT 

Eddy Brandt Orchestra Has Serge 
Olykson Md Alme Bene 



Eddy Brandt orchestra, currently 
at the Terrace Club, Virginia Beach, 
Va., included two French- refugee 
musicians in its sax section. Players 
are Serge Glykson and Aime Rene, 
who doubles violin and arranging. 
They arrived here only a few weeks 
ago. 

Brandt knew then) when he 
worked in Paris years ago. 



LEGAL MOVE TO 




MUTUE MEETS 
DANCEMEN 
LATER 



Mutual network executives, headed 
by Fr^d Weber, expect to sit at 
luncheon with various bandleaders 
under the eye of union execs. Idea 
is to straighten out complaints, etc. 
Get-together Is not definitely dated, 
but it's scheduled for a few weeks 
hence at Toots Shor's, In New York. 

Weber and his lieutenants met 
with music publishers at Shor's yes- 
terday (Tues.) for a similar purpose. 



Swing Ain't Doing Right 
By Old Masters, Music 
Chibs m Counter-Move 



Los Angeles, July 1. 

They swung on swing with cul- 
tural haymakers at the annual con- 
vention ot the National Federation 
of Music Clubs and advocated an ed- 
ucational block against unsports- 
manlike assaults on the old masters, 
who are not here' to defend them- 
selves. Highbrow musikers, har- 
monizing at the Ambassador hotel, 
also jumped on jazz and adopted a 
resolution deploring the fact that: 

'Beautiful musical composltiotu of 
Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Cho- 
pin, Tschaikowsky, Dehutsy and 
Foster and many other masters, 
have been deltberatelv converted 
into jazz and swing without the 
knowledge and consent of said com- 
posers now deceased,' 

Other resolutions opposed a Fed- 
eral tax on musical instruments, 
pledged Intensive efforts to increase 
the number ot choral and instru- 
mental groups in industrial plants 
and urged continued efforts for 
unity' with Latin-America through 
the medium of music. 

Sigmund Spaeth, president of the 
National Association ot American 
Composers and Conductors, took a 
swipe at the networks and declared 
radio's war with ASCAP is a 'con- 
spiracy against the work of Ameri- 
ca's best and most popular compo- 
sers.' 



Kay Kyser's Disc Pact 

Hollywood, July 1. 
Kay Kyser orchestra got set with 
Columbia Records here last week 
after recording for that outfit for al- 
most a year without being under 
contract. 

New deal, for a year, calls for 
substantially the same terms as the 
old one which paid Kyser $500 a 
side against a royalty. 



Name Bands in Poconos 

' Stroudsburg, Pa., July 1. 

Alvino Rey and the Four King 
Sisters inaugurate a name band pol- 
icy at Saylor's liake Pavilion, Say- 
lorsburg, near Stroudsburg, Pa., next 
Saturday (S), Venture is backed by 
A. J. Perry, veteran promoter and 
owner-operator of the Empire Ball- 
room, AUentown, Pa. 

Sammy Kaye follows on Tuesday 
(8). ■ ■■• 



American Federation of Mu- 
sicians Orders All Book- 
ings After Sept. 15 Be on 
Straight Specified Guar- 
antee — 'Beat for Most' 
Idea Prevails But Rule 
Will Embarrass P a c e - 
Setters of Dance Music 



PROMOTER RISKS 



By BERNIE' WOODS 

The national executive board ot 
the American Federation ot Musi- 
cians has stunned name band leaders 
and booking agency officials with a 
new ruling that forbids the placing 
ot any band on a date where the 
band's salary is arrived at via a per- 
centage agreement. Effective Sept. 
15 the regulation will revolutionize 
the selling of name bands and will 
bring on, for awhile anyway, a great 
amount ot contusion. Rule states that 
all dates, whether one-nighters, 
hotel, nite club or roadhouse, have 
to be booked on a flat guarantee. 

Amendment stems from the prob- 
lem of social security taxes with 
which the A.F.M. has been wrestling 
tor some time, trying to place the 
responsibility for them anywhere 
but on a leader's shoulders. Sam 
Ansell, union attorney at Washing- 
ton, sponsored the resolution that 
the executive board made a law. He 
argued at the recent convention in 
Seattle that on a date where a band 
is booked on a guarantee against a 
percentage the government could 
construe the leader as a partner in 
the venture because he was partici- 
pating in the profits, therefore he 
could be classed as an employer and 
made liable tor the payment ot social 
security taxes. Ansell pointed out 
that forcing all bands to play dates 
on a flat guarantee basis would elim- 
inate the possibility ot a leader be- 
ing called an employer, which, of 
course, would help toSs the respon- 
sibility for tax payments to the own- 
ers. 

In making its ruling the AFM ap- 
parently felt that while it would 
have a detrimental effect 'on 50 to 75 
ot the top name bands, musicians in 
general would benefit Any move 
that would help ward off responsi- 
bility for the payment of taxes 
would help the thousands ot s^all 
bands around the country, outfits 
whose leaders would feel seriously 
the burden of paying them. Mean- 
while such small groups have .rarely, 
if ever, worked on a percentage 
basis. 

Present Booking 

However, the idea ot booking 
names such as Benny Goodman, 
Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, etc., 
On a fiat guarantee is not easy, and 
it's bound to create a bad situation. 
As it is now the average name 
band is sold anywhere from $750 to 
$1,000 a night against a privilege of 
60%, meaning that they can take a 
60% cut of the gross if the gross ex- 
ceeds their guarantee. Some ot the 
biggest names demand and get more 
ot a guarantee, but rarely does the 
percentage privilege go above 60%. 
And in more than half the dates 
played by those bigger bands they 
cut into percentage — they have to in 
order to make ends meet. Benny 
Goodman, for instance, operates un- 
der backbreaking expenses for high- 
priced musicians, arrangers, singers, 
etc. Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Mil- 
ler's troupes range around 30 peo- 
ple apiece, which demands 'high 
bracket Incomes to underwrite. 

Now, with the new flat guarantee 
ruling, selling these high priced 
bands is going to be a headache. 
Leaders mentioned above, according 
to booking execs, can't exist on 
guarantees alone unless those guar- 
antees are high enough to approxi- 
mate what they might have taken 
out ot a spot under a percentage 
agreement. On the other hand, 
(Continued on page 39) 



Second-Guessing on Madison Sq. Try 



Jive Proved Monotonous as Principal Diet — 
Garden Should Have Had 3 Band Shells 



Big 



Renew Glenn Miller 

For Chesterfield Show 

Glenn Miller has been renewed by 
Chesterfield (CBS) for another 13. 
weeks starting Sept 12. 

He went on the cig account's pay- 
roll the last week in 1939. 



GEORGE OLSEN 
OPERATING 
BALLROOM 



Detroit July 1. 
George Olsen has taken over the 
operation of the Fair Grounds near 
here as an outdoor dance pavilion. 
Deal was with the State Adminis- 
trative Board. Olsen will have pos- 
session of the spot from July 3 un- 
til the State Fair opens in the fall. 
The rental will- be $1,500 a week 
and when the Stats- Fair opens he 
will receive $9,000 for the services 
ot his.'band on a 12-day run. Latter 
arrang^inent gives him a monopoly 
ot dancing at the fab: where, in the 
past, bands were rotated from day 
to day. 

Another ex-bandman turned oper- 
ator in this locality Is Lowry Clark. 
His spot is Westward Park. Other 
moonlight danceries in operation 
hereabouts this summer are the 
Walled Casino, Eastwood Park and 
Jefferson Beach, Olsen's spot will 
be remote from opposition. 



Lionel Hampton Winds Up 
Victor Deal Which HeM 
Him to Small Combination 



Lionel Hampton has stopped re- 
cording for Victor Records with the 
small combination he led on the SOc 
Victor label. Leader stepped off Vic- 
tor's roster after his last date a few 
weeks ago because the company 
would not record him with the big 
band he has been leading tor more 
than six months. He figures records 
by the small group aren't helping his 
full-sized combo. 

Victor's reason for not recording 
Hampton's new band is supposed to 
be its contract with Duke Ellington. 
Lalter's agreement prohibits Victor 
from using any other normal-sized 
colored band while he's working tor 
them. Hampton so far hasn't hooked 
up with any other company. 



BOB CHESTER SEES 
BIZ NEEDS SOLVED 



Cedar Point O., July 1. 

Bob Chester is elated over that 
NBC wire he'll get when his out- 
fit opens at the Chatterbox, Moun- 
tainside, N. J., July 17 tor an indefi- 
nite stay. Figures he's in with the 
younger generation already via rec- 
ords, but has never had any substan- 
tial air time by which he might woo 
general acclaim. 

Because ot this he is able to pack a 
dancehall but his theatre draw Is nil. 
The band figures this ether time will 
supply the necessary^push. 



Daye Runs Celoron Pier 



Jamestown, N. Y,, July 1. 
Contracted to run J. G. Campbell's 
Pier Ballroom, Celoron Park, this 
summer, is M. L. Daye, formerly 
manager ot the Royal Palm Club, 
Miami. 

Vaughn Monroe booked for formal 
opening ot 'name' bands July 4. 



Despite some 'simpatico' tor Monte 
Proser tor his daring and the rap 
he took> with his Madison Square 
Garden Dance Festival (N.Y.), the 
post-mortems on how and why he 
started with 'two strikes on him' are 
many. Notably, now that it's over, 
the monotony ot three jive bands — 
ell bouncing in the same groove 
(Goodman, Clinton and Barnet)— is 
blamed. Also at fault was the one 
podium when three, . circling the 
room, would have staggered the 
traffic more advantageously. 

Proser himself has gone into the 
box tor abnost $15,000, including 
pledging of an insurance policy and 
his share in two Broadway niteries, 
the Copacabana and Beachcomber 
(now the Zombie Club, as of July 1 
by court o>der in order not to con- 
flict with the Hollywood Beach- 
comber). 



Proser to Pay 
Off Garden Debts 
To Orchestras 



New York local 802 of the Ameri- 
can Federation of Musicians has re- 
leased a $2,500 bond posted.by Monta 
Proser before he could open his 
Dance Carnival at Madison Squace 
Garden, N. Y. Money came out i)f 
escrow to help pay oS the bands still 
owed salary by Prosfer's short-lived 
try at ballroom operation of the 
Garden, which closed a week ago 
Sunday (22). Garden shuttered ow- 
ing approximately $8,000 for music 

Cash was distributed among the 
bands of Benny Goodman, Charlie 
Barnet Larry Clinton and Ben 
Bemie, allocated according to Jiow 
much they had coming. . Goodman, 
was owed the most. Rer^ainder will 
be paid off In weekly Installments 
by Proser, 

None of the bandleaders involved 
is worried about his money. Spoken 
to, last week, two of them expressed 
implicit faith in Proser's paying 
them. 



JUKEBOX OP JAHID 
IN N.Y. MM RACKET 



Jacob Bernoff, one ot the heads of 
Regal Music Co., operators ot sev- 
eral hundred coin machines placed 
in New York cate, bars and grills, 
was one of seven men locked up 
Monday (30) by N. Y. district at- 
torney Thomas E. Dewey, charged 
with being a member .Of a ring of 
extortionists who have gathered in 
about $2,500,000 from milk trucking 
concerns bver a five-year period. 

In addition to his interest in coin- 
machine oi>eration, Bernoff is said to 
be owner ot one of N^ York's 
prominent night clubsi He was held 
in $50,000 bail in Felony Court be- 
cause of a past police record, which 
includes a conviction tor kidnaping. 
Abraham Lichtenstein, supposed to 
be an employee of Regal Music, was 
taken into custody also. He was 
labelled as Bemoff's 'bodyguard' by 
Dewey. 



Les Paul Leads at WJJD; 
Ben Kanter as Lawyer 

Chicago, July 1. 

Les Paul, guitarist tor the past 
three years with the Fred Waring 
orchestra, takes over on Aug. 1 ai 
musical director for WJJD here. H* 
replaces Ben Kanter, who is resign- 
ing to devote more ot his time to 
his law practice, with radio appear-' 
ances more or less as a sideline. 

Paul was with WJJD before going 
with Waring. 

■ J C fi j f '. 'r. O'I't '0 i. 



S8 ORCHESTRAS 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



BAND ROUTES 



(WEEK OF JULY 3) 



Present whereabonls, or fixed addresses, of dance orchestras arc 
given below, alphabetically arranged. Every effort will be made to 
keep the list as complete and correct as possible. Band leaders and 
their managers are Invited to cooperate by notifying Variett of 
changes and corrections. There Is no charge for listing. 

Abbreviations used are as follows: B — ballroom; C— cafe; CC — 
connlry dob; H— hotel; NC— night club; R— restaurant; T— theatre. 
Booking office abbreviations are: ftfCA, Music Corp. of America; 
GAC, General Amusement Corp.; CRA, Consolidated Radio Artists; 
F. B., Frederick Bros.; Wm. M., Wm. Morris, 



Abbs, Vic, Book-CaUIUac H., Detroit. 

Aloxuadcr, Van, Enna Jeliick Park, Au- 
fcurn, N. y. 

Allen, Red, Cafe Society, NTC. 

Andrews. Gorilon, Club IS, NYC. 

Armstrong, I.nuls. Joe Glnser, NYC. 

Arnhelin, Guh, Mendowbrook, C. C, Bt. 
LouIh. 

Ash, Paul. Roxy T., NYC. 
Aator, Dob, Wlgn-am, Budd Lake, N. J. 
Ayres, Mitchell, West End Casino. Deal, 
H. J. 



Bardo, BID, Dreamland Pork, Kenova, 

"BarSiw, Ralph, li^uclld Bench Park, Cleve. 

IBnrnet, Charlie, MCA, NTC. 
(Baron, Paul, Wm. .M., NYC. 
IBurrle, Dick, Oriental B., Delvant, Wis. 
IBnrron. Hlue, Edison Hotel. NYC. 
I IBiirtha, Alex, Steel Pier, Atlantic City. 
Snale, Count. Rltz-Carllon H., Boston. 
Bnlim, Charles, CRA, NYC. 
Becker, Howard, The Pines, Perrysvllle, 

BorlRon, Bunny, MCA, NTC. 
Bcinle, Den, Cedar Point B., Sandusky, 
Chlo. 

Bcstor, Don, Bill Green's, Pittsburgh. 

Beverly Twins, Roosevelt H., Jackson- 
(Vllle, FIB. 

Black, Teddy, CRA, NYC, 

IBorr, Mlschtt, Waldorf H., NTC. 
: Bradley, Will, Paramount T., NTC. 
■ Brnndywynne, Nat, Copacabana, NTC. 

Brandt, Eddy, Terrace C, Virginia 
peach, Va. 

Breese, Lou. GAC, NTC. 

Brlgode, Ace, FB, Chicago. 

(Britton, Milt, GAC, NTC. 

iBrown, 1.08, Log Cabin, Armonk, N.T. 

iBundy, Rudy, Henry Grady H., Atlanta. 

Busae, Henry, SurC Beach C, Virginia 
Beach, Va. 

iByrne, Bobby, Pennsylvania H., NTC 



I Calloway, Cab, GAC, NTC. 
\ Carlsen. Bill, MCA, Chi. 

Carroll, Irving, Dempsey's Rest., NTC 

Carter, Benny, Moe Cale, NTC. 
■ Caaino, Del, OAC, NTC. 

Cavallaro, Carmen, Rltz Carlton H., At 
lantio City. 

Chester, Bob, Cedar Point, Sandusky, O. 

iChavez Orch., Beachcomber, NTC. 

Chllda, Regie, UCA, NTC. 
' Clarke, Buddy, Park Central Hotel, NTC. 

Sllnton, iMiry, Peabody H., Memphis, 
oe. Jay, Wm. M„ NTC, 
Coltoy, Jack, Jvnklnson Favllloo, Point 
pleasant, N.J. 
Cooper, Al, Savoy B., NTC. 
Coleman, EmII. WM, NTC. 
I Connlff, Ray, MCA, NTC. 
' Courtney, Del, Clarldge H., Ueroptala. 

Craig, Francis. Hermitage, NashvllU. 
' Crosby, Bob, MCA, NTC. 
I Cugat, Xavler, Waldoi^ H., NTC. 
' Cummlngs, Bemfe, Clarldgs H., Memphli, 
Curbello, Fausto, Riviera, Fort Lea, K. J. 



RAYMOND 
SCOTT 

AND HIS ORCHESTRA 

Direction 
MUSIC CORP. OF AMERICA 



HARRYS 
JAMES 

AND HIS 

Music Makers Orchestra 

NBC— Cotumbia Reeorda 
CoTTentir 
HOTEL LINCOLN 

NEW YORK 
Dir. : — Hiulo Corp of America 



LES BROWN'S 

SENSATIONAL 

UMENTTOLOVE" 

OKEH NO. 6258 



f. A9S3H^ ' i til #r<J<*f|| I 



Curbellii, Herbert, .IT W. ,17th St., NTC. 
Cutler, Ben, Wm. M., NYC. 



Dniy. Duke. Playliind C.islno. Rye, NTC. 
Duvls, F.ildic, Ln Itue's, NYC. 
Dawn. Holly, Rosclund B.. NYC. 
Day, Hobby, Idora I'ark, Youngstown, O. 
Dcnnv. Jack, Tybeo Beach, Savarthnh, 
Ga. 

licutsch, Emery, W"m. M., NYC, 
Donahue, Al, Enstwc'od Gardena, DeL 
Donuhuc. Sum. Wm. M., NYC. 
Dorsey, Tommy, Aator H., NYC, 
Dorsey, Jimmy, Sherman H., Ctilcago. 
Dowell. Saxle, MCA, NTC. 
Duchin, Eddy, Copacobana, Rio De Jane- 
iro. 

Duffy, Geo., Cleveland H., Cleve. 
Dunham, Sonny, Mendowbrook, Cedar 
Orove, N. J. 

E 

Ellington, Duke, '\\'M, Los A. 

Elliot, Dnron, O. Hcitry Park, Chicago. 

Ennls, Sklnnay, Palmer House, Chicago, 



Fields, Shep, MC.\, NYC. 
Flo nito, Ted, Wm. M., NTC. 
Fisher, Buddy, Avalon B., NIlea, Mich, 
Flshor, Freddie, Old Vienna, Clnclnnatt 
Fllzgorald, Klla, Moe Gale, NTC. 
Fontaine, Nell, Walton H., Roof, Pblla- 
delii4)la. 

Foster. Chuck, Blltmore Bowl, L.A, 
Fox, Roy, F.B.. NYC. 
Fra-^etto, Joe, WIP, Phlla. 
Fredericks, Jan. Boulevard Ttfvem, NTC 
Funk, Larry, Lookout House, Covington, 
Ky. 



Gogen, Frank, MC.\, NTC. 
Carber, Jan, Peabody H., Memphis. 
Garr, Olen, Joe Claacr, NTC. 
Gasparre, Dick, Plaza H., NTC. 
Golly, Cecil, Rainbow Gardens, Strat- 
ford, Pa. 

Goodman, Benny, Eastwood Gardens, Det, 
Gordon, Gray, CRA, NYC. . 
Grant, Bob, DraKe II., Chicago. 
Gray, Glen, Cork O'ICeefe. NTC. 
Grayson, Hal, MCA, NTC. 

H 

Hamilton, Geo., Mansion, Toungstown,. O. 
Hall, Sleepy, Kew Gardens, L.L 
Hallett, Mai, CRA, NYC. 
Hampton, Lionel. Joe Glaser, NTC 
Harris, Jack, La Conga, NYC. 
Harris, Phil, Chicago T., Chicago. 
Hawkins, Ersklne, Moe Gale, NTC. 
Heatherton, Ray, Blltmore H., NTC. 
Holdt, Horace, MCA, NTC. 
•Henderson, Fletcher, Regal T,, Chicago, 
Henry, Chuck, Paris Inn, L.A* 
Herbeck, Ray, F.B., NTC. 
'Herman, Woody, OAC, NYC. 
Herth, Milt, Syracuse H., Syracuse. 
Hill, Tiny, Melody Mill, Riverside, IIL 
HImber, Richard, CRA, NTC. 
Hinee, Earle, WM, NTC, 
HIte, Les, CRA, NTC. 
Hoagland, Everett, MCA, NTC 
Holden, Lou, OAC. NTC. 
Holmes, Herble, Chippewa Lake, O. 
Hoist, Ernie, El Morocco, Westchester 
Bath C, N.T, 
Hopkins, Claude, Wm. NTC 
Hudson, Dean, MCA, NTC. 
Hugo, Victor, Little Rathskeller, Fhlla. 
Button, Ina Ray, Wm. M., NTC. 

InkspotB, Moe Oale, 48 W, 48tli St, NTC. 
J 

James, Harry, Lincoln Hotel, NTC 
Jarrett, Art, Blackhawk Cafe, Ctal. 
Jones, Isham, Plantation C,, Dallas. 
Jordan, Lou, Capitol Cocktail Lounge, 
Chicago. 

Joy, Jimmy, Geneva-on-Lake, O. 
Jurgens, Dick, St, Catherine H., Cata- 
llna la., Cal. 



Kassel. Art, Lakesldo Park«. Denver. 
Kay, , Herble, MCA, NTC, 
Kaye, Sammy, MCA, NTC. 
Keams, Joey, WCAU, Phlla. 
KavcUn, Al, Coney Island Park, CInn, 
Keller, Leonard, St. Anthony H., San 
Antonio. 

Kendia, Sonny, Stork Club, NTC 
King, Geo., MCA. NYC. 
King, Henry, CIro's, Hollywood, 
King, Teddy, Chamberlain Hotel, Old 
Point Comfort, Va. 
King, Wayne, MCA, NYC. 
KIrby, John, La Martlnlaue, N. J, 
Kinney, Ray, Lexington H., NYC' 
Kirk, Andy, Joe Glaser, NTC. 
Knlght-Bob, Cate Pierre, NTC 
Krupa, Gene, MCA, NTC. 
Kuhn, Dick, Stntler H., Buffalo. 
Kyser, Kay, MCA, Hollywood, 



LeBaron, Eddie, Rhumba Casino, Chi- 
cago. 

Levant, Phil, Rice H., Houston. 
Lewla, Ted, Wm. ,M., NYC. 
Light, Enocti, W.M, NYC. 
Little, Jack, MueDebach H., Kansaa City. 
Lorobardo, Guy, Strand T., NTC. 
Long, Johnny, New Yorker H., NTC. 
Lopez, Vincent, Tatt h:, NTC. 
LordI, Carl, F.B., NTC. 
Lorlng, Michael, Luna Park, Brooklyn, 
NTC. 

Lucas, Clyde, Palisades Park, Fort Lee, 
•N, J. 

Lunceford, JImmIe, H, Ozley, NTC. 
Lymnn, Abe, Palladium B., Los Angela*. 

M 

U&drlguera, Bnrlc, St. Franols H,, Son 
Francisco, 

Malneck, Malty, MCA, Loi A. 

Manone, WIngy, Joe Olaser, RCA Bids,, 
NYC. 

Marsala, Joe, Brass Rail, Chicago. 
Marti, Frank, Copacabana, NTC 
Martin, Freddy, Cocoanut Orove, L. A. 
Martin, Lou, Leon & Eddie's, NTC. 
Masters, Frankle, MCA, NTC. 
McCoy, Clyde, Sprltag Lake Pork, Oklo^ 
homa City. 

^iMcCune, Bin, ChattorboK, Mountainside, 

McOee. Johnny, Steel Pier, Atlantic Clt7. 
McFarland Twins, Jones Beach, NTC, 
Mclntlre. LanI, Lantz'a Merry-Qo-Round, 
Dayton, O. 
Messner, Johnny, Essex Hons*, MTO, 
Millar, Bob, Nicollet H., Minn. I 

J (''Ijl •>.■'. '; ' r'/H,i|T !n II ' , 



Miller. Glenn, OAC, NTC, 
Mllllnder. Lucky, Savoy B., NTC 
MollniB, Cnrlos, MCA. NTC. 
Monroe, Vaughn, Wll. NTC. 
Monney, Art, Uordewlck's, Tuckahoe, NT, 
Mor.mrt, Joae, MCA, NYC. 
Moi'g.-xn, RuKs, Kdgewater Beach H., Chl- 
cogo. 

N 

NoKcl, Freddy, Utah 11., Suit Lake City. 
Nelson, Ozxlo, Win. M.. NYC. 
^'U•holH, Hod, F.ll., NYC. 
Noble, Ruy, W.M, NYC. 
•N'oble, I.flghton, Trianon B., South Onta, 
CmI. 

Norvo, Ilod, Buckeye Luke, O. 
N'otilnKhum, Gury, Bal Tubiirln, San 
Frunclsco. 



Oliver. Eddie, La Marllnliiue, N, J, 
Ohnon, Vul, Ambassador Eust H., Cbl- 
caKo, 

Dlscn, GcorKO, Wm. .«., NYC. 
Dsborne, Will, Paramount T., Loa An- 
geles. 

Owens, Hurry, MCA, L. A, 



Pablo, Dun, Pulm Beach C, Dct. 
PalKC, Hot LIpH, Kelly's Stables, NTC 
Panililto, Vcr.'iHille.'i, NYC. 
PuncliOi Rlvicrn, Fort Lee, N.J. 
Parks, Dubby, St, George H., Brooklyn, 
NYC. 

Pastor, Tony. CRA, NYC. 
I'enrI, Ray, P.C., NYC. 
Pedro, Don, lUiumba Cnaino, Chicago. 
Perry, Newt, MCA, NYC. 
Perry, lion, LaUuardla Airport, NTC, 
Petti, Emlle, Ambassador East H., Chi- 
cago. 

i'lnenpple, Johnny. Lura Feng's, NYC 
Pollack, Ben, Sherman Inn, San Diego. 
Powell, Teddy, Rustic Cabin, Englewood, 
N. J. 

Prima, Louis, Summit, Baltimore. 
Pragcr, Col. Manny, Peony Park, Omalia. 



Raeburn. Boyd, Che£ Faroe, Chicago. 

Ramo^, Ramon, Chase H., St, Loul!*. 

Rapp, Barney, Iroquois Gardens, Louts- 
vllle, Ky.y 

Uavazza, Curl, Wm. M., NYC. 

Rolchman, Joe, Roosevelt H., New Or- 
leans, 

Rellly, Mike, Sea Girt Inn, Sea Girt, 
N. J. 

Relsman, Leo, Colony Surf C., West End. 
N. J. 

Rey, Alvino, Mnnlmltan Beach, N. T. 
Iteynolds, Tommy, Falmouth Beach, 
Masc. 

RImac. Ciro, MCA, NYC. 
RInes, Joe, WMCA, NYC. 
Rnudes, Rusty, Antlers H., Colorado 
Springs. 

RodrlRo, Nano, Club Ball, Phlla. 
Rogers, Dick, Steel Pier, Atlantic City. 
Rogers, Eddy, Cabanas C., Urbano, O. 
Rolllnl, Adrian, Wm. M., NYC. 



Savitt, Jan, MCA, Chicago. 

Saunders, Hal, St. Regis H., NTC, 

Scott, Raymond, MC.V, NIC. 

Shand. Terry, Plantation C, Houston. 

Shaw, Artie, GAC. NTC. 

Slasle, Noble, Diamond Horseshoe, NTC, 

Smith, Russ, Rainbow Grill, NYC. 

Smith, Stun, Enduro Rest., Bklyn, N.T. 
■ Spanler, Muggay, CRA, NYC. 

Spltalny, Phil, Variety, NYC. 

Splvak, Charlie, Glen Island Casino, New 
Rocholle, N.T. 

Stabile, Dick, Earle T. ,WBsh., D. C. 

Stenrney, George, Le Coq Rouge, NYC. 

Steck, Gus, Brook Club, Summit, N.J. 

StooMer, Wally, Riley's Lake House, 
Saratoga, N. Y, 

Straeter, Ted, WM, NTC. 

Stuart, Nick, Broadwater Beach H„ 
Blloxl, Miss, 

Sudy, Joe, Del Marc, Santa Monica, Cal. 



Teagurden, Charlie, P.B., NYC, 

Teagarden, Jack, MCA, Chicago. 

Tttompson, Grant, Three Rivera Inn, 
Cloy, N.Y, 

Thompson, Lang, Kennywood Park, PItU, 

Thornhlll, Claude, GAC, NYC. 

Tomlln, Pinky, Wm. M., NYC. 

Travera, Vincent, Wm. M., NTC. 

Trlni; Anthony, Village Bam, NTC 

Tucker, Orrin, Totem Pole B., Auburn- 
dale, Mass. 



On the Upbeat 



Phil Sand* orchestra set ior At 
lantic Beach Club, N.Y., all summer. 



Ernie Heoksoher into the Mark 
Hopkins,. San Francisco, July 18 
Currently arcoss bay at the Clare- 
mont Hotel, Berkeley, 

Lew Gray's newly formed band, 
recently closed at the Rustic Cabin. 
Englewood Cliffs, N. J., Inked by 
Frederick Bros. Gray la set. to re 
cord for Mills. 



Mary Fleece, former singer with 
Bill Amrine's band, la now with Joe 
Sammarino at the Trocadero 
Youngstown, O. 

Fausto Onrbello into Marden's 
Hivierai, Fort Lee, N. J., succeeding 
Carmen Cavallero who shifts to Ritz 
Carlton, AUantlc City. 



Dlok Kuhn Maalo Corp. has been 
chartered in Albany to operate an 
orchestra, with office In New York. 
CaplUl stock la 200 shares, no par 
value. Jerome E. Leon If a director 
and flUng attorney. 



Bill Roberts* orchestra back into 
the Olympic hotel, SeaUle, for the 
summer. Buddy MalevlUe In at the 
Trianon for a two or three-week 
stay, with Ozzie Nelson *booked 4nto 
the Trianon July 11 and 12. 



Fats Waller orchestra plus addi- 
tional musicians, booked to play a 
swing concert at Seattle's Moore the- 
atre, July 13, under the sponsorship 
of young Norm Bobrow. Bobrow 
gained local prominence a few 
months ago through the formation of 
a hot music club on the University 



Tucker, Tommy, Berklay-Caitaret H., 

Asbury Park, N. J. 
Turner, Don, Mount Royal H., MontrtaL 

V 

Varzos, Eddie, Frovldanca-BlUraor* H., 
Provldenc*, R, I. 
VenutI, Joe, Centannlal Terraoe, Byl- 

vanta, O. 

Vincent, Victor, Apaoh* H., Lai Vegaa. 

Nev. 

W 

Vald, Jerry, OAC, NTC 
Waller, Fats, MCA, NTC. 
Walsh,. Sammy, Roosevelt ■., New Or- 
leans. 

Wamow, Mark, CBS, NTC 
Watklns, Sammy, HoUtndon H., Cleve- 
land. 

Weekj, Anson, Idoim Park, Toupgeto'wn, 
Ohio. 

Weeks, Ranny, Maytair Club, Boston. 
Weeins, Ted, Weems, Ino.. Chi. 
Welk, La-wrence, F.B., NTC 
Whiteman, Paul, RIveralda T„ Mllwaa- 

kee. 

Wilde, Rao, Cal-Nava Lodo, Lakt 

Tahoe, Nev. 
Williams, Oritr, MCA, Chicago. 
Williams, Sanie, Sutler H., Detroit 
Wllaon, Teddy, Cat* Soolety, M7C. 
WInton, Barry, Rainbow Room, NTO. 



10 Best Sellers on Coin-Machines 



(Records below are orabbing "WDSt nickels this week in jukeboxes 
thTotighout the counfrv, as reported by operators to Vambiv. J^ames 
of more than one band or vocalist after the title Indicate*, in order of 
popularity, whose recordings are being played. Figures and Tiame* in 
parenthesis indicate the number of tveeks each sonfl has been in the listings 
and respecttue-'publishers.) 



1. Daddy (4) Republic. 



8. Dolores (12) Paramount. 



( Sammy Kaye. .Victor 
( Andrews Sisters Decca 

2. Intermezzo (7) Schuberth ( Woody Herman..., .. Decca 

(Benny Goodman.. .Columbia 

3. My Sister and I (5) BMI ; , | i'™"? Dorsey. . , . ... -Decca 

( Benny Goodman.. .Columbia 

4. Aurori (3) Bobbins f Jimmy Dowey Decca 

(Andrews Sisters Decca 

B. Nighty Night (3) Beacon ; . . .. | ^^^'j?* Bluebird 

i Bobby Byma Decca 

6. Amapola (15) Marks Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

7. Hut Sut Song (2) Schumann 1 5}"*?*/* 

(King Sisters Bluebird 

(Blng Crosby Decca 

( Tommy Dorsey. Victor 

9. Maria Elena (1) Southern [ i^^ny Dorsey Decca 

(Tony Pastor Bluebird 

10. Green Eyes Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

DISKS GAINING FAVOR 

(These records are directly below the first 10 in popularify, but arouiing 
in demand on the coin machines.) 

G'bye Now (BMI) i Horace Heldt Columbia 

■ ( Vaughn Monroe. . . .Bluebird 
Kverything Happens to Me (Embassy) Tommy Dorsey Victor 

Let's Get Away From It All (Embassy )...,iy*"^'' Herman Dacca 

' (Tommy Dorsey Victor 

Do I Worry? (Melody Lane) (Inkspota Decca 

( Tommy Dorsay Victor 

Yours (Marks) (Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

*' I Vaughn Monroe Bluebird 

Rose and a Prayer (BVC) Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

Goodbye Dear, Be Back in Year (C. to C). f Horace Heldt Columbia 

(Dick Roba>^jon Decca 

Don't Ciry Cherie (Shapiro) Glenn Miller Bluebird 

Yes, Indeed (Embassy)......,...,. Tommy Dorsey ......Victor 

tr n. ••.>■;:>•, ^ c.rM ' j M ». ii- i .. , i i I ^i 1 . . ) 



Of Washington Campus, and has since 
put on several swing concerts with 
local musicians. 



Clarence Basscy, former saxo- 
phonist with Benny Goodman's or- 
chestra and later with Artie Shaw, 
into the Army, 



Pinky Tomlln into Anacacho Room 
of the St. Anthony Hotel, San An- 
tonio, starting July 3. 



Billy Dlehl's band plays early ses- 
sion at Onawa Lodge and a later one 
at Wllmer Vogt's Tavern, Mountain- 
home, Pa. Only band In the Pocono 
Mountains forced to alternate. 



■C. E, LeBeaux and orch are the 
nightly attraction at the Craigs 
Meadows hotel, Route 209, near East 
Stroudsburg, Pa. A Broadway floor 
show .is an added feature. 



Frankle Masters replaces Michael 
Lorlng at Luna Park, Coney Island, 
N. Y., Friday (4). Latter, who moves 
to the Hollywood Golf Club, N. J., 
for the weekend, returns to the re- 
sort next Tuesday (8), 



Linda Keene, vocalist last with 
Muggsy Spanler's new band, starts 
a single turn at Uptown Cafe So- 
ciety, N. Y., tonight (Wed.). 



Tommy Taylor on notice with Mit- 
chell Ayres band. May join Benny 
Goodman. 



Sam Bublnwlch, saxist with Woody 
Herman, headed for the Army. 

Don Minor and Ed Cuffee, trom- 
bonists with Coimt ' B^ie, replaced 
last week by Robert ^cott and Ell 
Whitney, respectively. 



Bobby Byrne band renewed at 
Pennsylvania ' hotel, New York, for 
six additional weeks, bringing him 
up to Aug. 31. 



'Shep Fields goes into Sea Girt Inn, 
Sea Girt, N. J., July 9 Instead of 23 
because of fold of Dance Carnival 
at Madison Square Garden, N. Y. 
for which he had been booked. 



Mildred Law, dropped. out of 'Pal 
Joey' Broadway musical, to join 
Vaughn Monroe as vocalist. Mari- 
lyn Duke remains also. 



Diana MUtchell new vocalist with 
Sonny Dunham, at Meadowbrook, 
Cedar Grove, N. J., for the summer. 



Hoghle Prince, co-writer of 'Beat 
Me Daddy Eight to the Bar,' arrang- 
ing, writing and occasionally sing- 
ing with Teddy Powell's band. . Lat- 
ter goes Into Rustic Cabin, Engle- 
wood, N. J., Friday (4) with Dick 
Judge as new vocalist ? 

Phil Moore, new arranger for Jack 
Teagarden. 



Ben Bernle doesn't know It, but on 
the night of July 19 he's going to se« 
lect the official hostess for the Ohio 
Grape Festival, to be held In San- 
dusky Sept 24-28. Ceremony will 
take place In the ballroom here, 
where gals will parade for maestro's 
approval. 




MANACEMEWT 



GENERAL AMUSEMENT CORP. 




and His Orchestra 

AT 

COLLEGE INN 

SHEBMAN HOTEI« OHIOA0O 
Over NBC Every Nit* 



management 

GENERAL AMUSEMENT CORP. 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



ORCHESTRA GROSSES 39 



Inkspots and Band Gross $1100 At 
Greensboro; Norvo, Detroit, $U00 



(Estimates) 

Cab Calloway (Arena, London, Ont., Can., June 29). Searing heat, yet 
Calloway grabbed sock 2,462 patrons at $1. 

Bob Crosby (Totem Pole B., Auburndale, Mass., June 23-25). Crosby 
established a following here a year ago. This trip he pulled 1,100 Monday, 
1,600 Tuesday, 2,700 Wednesday, all warm days, for solid $3,645. 

Larry Clinton (Totem Pole B., Auburndale, Mass., June 26-28). Last 
time Clinton was here he drew 6,000 a Saturday-Sunday In rain. This 
time Boston's record heat days hit him, but he^got swell 1,900, 2,400 and 
3,000 T-F-S for big $4,927 at $1.35 pair. 

Al Donahne (Fairyland Park, Kansas City, June 27). Rain hurt, but 
1,100 turned out at 60c advance, 80c gate for $700 total. Manager John 
Tumino satisfied. At .Modernistic B., Milwaukee, June 29. take of $1,100 
from 2,200 at SOc was rated disappointing, 

Jimmy Dorsey (Hershey Park, Hershey, Pa., June 21 ). . Solid 3,601 at 
$1.10 and 220 at 85e for great $3,788 excluding tax. On Wednesday (25) 
band pulled %olid 2,011 at $1.10 advance, $1.35 door at Summit Beach Park, 
Akron, Q. 

Woody tterman (Ramona Gardens, Grand Rapids, Mich., June 27). Fair 
1,300 at $1. Jumping to Lakeside Park, Dayton, O., next day (28) outfit 
pulled heavy 2,300 at 7Sc for total $1,725. Skipping to Myers Lake Park, 
Canton, O., pulled 1,150 at $1, Okay. 

Inkspots (A & T College, Greensboro, N. C, June 21). Quartet and ac- 
companying band pulled neat 1,680 dancers at prices ranging from 50c to 
$1. Gross, $1,100. At Memorial Aud., Chattanooga, Tenn., June 24 baind 
and singers pulled solid $3,315 from 2,068 Negro dancers at 75c and 1,981 
white spectators at 55c. , 

Frankle Masters (Pleasure Beach Park, Bridgeport, Conn., June 29). 
Profitable 967 hoppers at 77c. 

Glenn Miller (Prom B,, Minneapolis-St. Paul, June 28). Dancing was 
Impossible, but few of the 3,500 who paid that much at $1 seemed to care. 
Hundreds turney away. 

Red Nichols (Excelsior Amusement Park, Minneapolis, June 18-25). 
Nichols is favorite here. Drew approximately 4,000 dancers at 44c week- 
days, 66c Sat.-Sun. Best biz to date here. 

Bed Norvo (Jefferson Beach, Detroit, June 20-27). Hot spell and strong 
competition hurt Norvo. Listless 2,500 payees for week at 55c for $1,400. 

ja«k Teacarden (Jantzen Beach B., Portland, Ore., June 17-29). Total 
of 13,700 at 55c-6Sc paid good $6,850 in 12 days. 



Coin-Catching Record Possibilities 



Oziio Nelson 'Swingin' Golden Gate'-'Jersey Jive' (Bluebird 11180) 

Nelson hasn't done much recording lately. These sides are a surprise. 
They're cut with interesting and lively corn arrangements based on good 
tempos. 'Gate' side is best, slow paced with a very satisfying rhythmic 
pattern. 'Jive' side is bit fasted; briskly arranged and played and studded 
with solos. ^ 




Alvino Key 'As I Remember Tou'-'Romantio Guy, I' (Bluebird 11186) 

Rey has made strides lately on the strength of a good band and good 
material. Two sides here won't further his progress. 'Remember' is too 
average a melody with a lyric that Bill Schollen couldn't do much with; 
reverse is better, but still not of a calibre to stimulate much interest. 
Skeets Herfurt does vocal. 



King Sisters 'Back In Back Tard'-'Dreamt Dwelt Harlem' (Bluebird 11184) 

Good contrasting tunes. 'Yard,' a solid standard, gets smooth rhythmic 
treatment at slow tempo and it stacks up as a machine candidate. Alyce 
King gets in short solo. Coupling is faster and the tune Tits the group's 
style like a glove. It will probably be the best selling side of two good 
ones. 



Tony Pastor 'DInah'-'AII Alone and Lonely' (Bluebird II 185) 
Pastor does the unexpected by playing 'Dinah' at almost dragging tempo 
and turning a vocal that should make it a nickel-grabber. Band's playing 
of a neat arrangement is commensurate. Backing is another salable item 
■ewed by good band work, a Pastor sax break and Dorsey's Anderon vocal, 
but it's a little slow for best effect. 



Eddy Ducbin 'Ton Started Somethlng'-'Lovellness and Love' (Col. 36181) 
Duchin's pianoing and a tasty arrangement make the first side a .strong 
melody, a cutting with potentialities. Easy rhythmic tempo and vocal by 
Bill Heathcock and chorus help side add to very likeable total. Coupling 
Is also nice, but it hasn't half the punch. June Robbins lyrics. 



PAGLIACCI 

BLVEDIRO— 11139 

TATTLE TALE 

DLVEDIRD— HITS 
Top Recordingi by 

VAUGHN MONROE 

and His Orchestra 



WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY. INC. 



"FLAMINGO" 

COLUMBIA 36147 
A Groat New' Record by 

WILL BRADLEY 

and HIS ORCHESTRA 
tBAxuBma 

Ray McKinley 



WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY, INC. 



Leonard Whitcup Must 
Amend 'Frenesi' Suit 

Leonard Whitcup, ASCAP-affilia- 
ted writer, has until Monday (7) to 
ale an amended complaint in the 
$25,000 suit which he brought against 
Southern Music, Promotora Hispano 
Americana de Musica and Peer In- 
ternational Corp. in connection with 
the tune, 'Frenesi.' Justice Samuel 
I. Rosenman last week in the N. Y. 
supreme court dismissed Whitcup's 
complaint but gave him 10 days to 
file another one. 

Whitcup wrote the lyric that orlg- 
j inally went with 'Frenesi,' a Mexi- 
I can composition, but Southern, ac- 
cording to the complaint, substituted 
; another set of verses because Whit- 
' cup was an ASCAP member and the 
1^ connection would have prevented 
: the song from being exploited over 
NBC, CBS and the stations which re- 
fused to renew their contracts with 
■ASCAP Jan. 1. 



Lon Breese, July 5, Cedar Lane C, 
Opelousas, La.; 7, Joyland Park, 
Lexington, Ky.; 8, Civic Aud., Kings- 
port, Tenn.; -9, Bluefleld, W. Va.; 10, 
Beckley, W. Va.; 11, Casa Loma, 
Charleston, W. Va.; 12, Conneaut 
Lake Park, Pa.; 15-16, Maryland 
Theatre, Cumberland, Md.; 19, Say- 
lor's Lake, Saylorsburg, Pa.; 21, 
Basle theatre, Washington, Pa.; 23, 
Hershey Park, Hershey, Pa.; 24-26, 
Totem Pole B., Auburndale, Mass.; 
28-31, same; Aug. 8-14, State Lake 
theatre, Chicago. 

Maxine SnIllTan - Benny Carter, 
July 11, Armory, Wlnston-Salem, 
N. C; 12, Arena, Beckley, W. Va.; 
13, Carolina Warehouse, Asheville, 
N. C; 14, Aud., Raleigh, N. C; 15, 
Aud., Roanoke, Va.; 16, Township 
Aud., Columbia, S. C; 17, Aud., 
Charleston, S. C 

Vanghn Monroe, July 4, Celeron 
Park, Jamestown, N. Y.; 5, Hershey 
Park, Hershey, Pa.; 6, Myer's Lake 
Park, Canton, O.; 7, Waldemere 
Park, Erie, Pa.; 8, Nu-Elms B., 
Youngstown, O. 

Del Courtney, Aug. 2, Morthmore 
C. C, Glencoe, III.; 17, week, Kenny- 
wood Park, Pitts. 

Ted Lewis, Aug. 10, two v/eeks, 
Lookout House, Covington, Ky. 

Ray Noble, Jul^ 6, Palladium, 
Portland, Ore.; 26, Commercial ho- 
tel, Elko, Nev. 

Carl R»Taxza, July 10, indef,, ^Pal- 
ace hotel, San Francisco. 

Ben Pollack, Aug. IB, Civic Aud., 
Glendale, Cal. 

Nell Bondsha, Aug. I, indef.. Giro's 
Hollywood. 

Jinunie Lnncetord, July 24, Shrine 
Aud., Los Angelc:; 25, Municipal 
Aud., San Jose; 26, Sweet's B., Sacra- 
mento; 27-28, . Sweet's B., Oakland, 
Cal. 



Billy Maxted, pianist, and one ol 
the arrangers with Red Nichols' 
Pennies, left the organization to re- 
join Will Bradley at the Paramount, 
New York. He Is succeeded with 
Nichols by Dean Nelson. 



Will Bradley With Froman-Kaye 
Socko $71,000 at Paramoimt, N.Y. 



Ban on <fo 

: Continued from pace 3*: 



spot owners can't afford to grant 
such high guarantees, say of $2,000. 
If they do and bad weather or some 
other unlooked for happening ruins 
the date's take the loss would be dis- 
astrous to the promoter. There will 
be all sorts of selling ideas set. up, 
designed to evade the letter of the 
new rule; what the trade calls 'dipsy 
doodle' deals. 

The same .thing will apply all 
along the line of bands in the $600, 
$500, $400, $300 and $250 guarantee 
classes. 'They all work under the 
idea that good dates which allow 
them to take out a percentage are 
the ones which will help show them 
a fair profit for the year. They'll 
begin raising their guarantee de- 
mands and wind up hurting more 
promoters than they make money 
for. 

Pace-Setters 

A.F.M. ruling seems to fail to take 
into account the terrific popularity 
of name bands and leaders, the idol- 
izing of whom goes a long way to- 
ward keeping the band business go- 
ing at the rate it has for the past 
several years. Top flight outfits which 
will be harmed by the new ruling 
very often make it possible for as 
many as a dozen smaller bands to 
work. If there wasn't a strong draw 
outfit available every so often some 
spots around the country would fold. 
The biggies usually provide a healthy 
enough margin of profit to enable 
gambling with smaller names In the 
off stretches. 

Various booking agencies are ex- 
pecting to file a protest against the 
rule with James C. Petrillo, A.F.M. 
prez. They figure to point out that 
the incomes of the name leaders will 
suffer under the ban against per- 
centage deals and in turn their in- 
come from commissions will' be low- 
ered, making it tougher for them to 
operate. 



Bands at Hotel B.O.'s 



NEW YORK 

(Presented herewith, as a weekly tabulation, is the estimated cover 
charge business being done by name bands in various New York hotels. 
Dinner business (7-10 P.M.) not rated. Figures after name of hotel give 
room capacity and cover charge. Larger a7nount desisnates weekend and 
holiday price.) 

Keelu 

Runrt Hotel FlHTcd 

Ray Heatherton . . Biltmore (300; $1-$1.50) 3 

XavierCugat Waldorf (375; $1-$1.50) 11 

Ray Kinney* Lexington (300: 75e-$1.50) 11 

Bobby Byrne Pennsylvania (500; 75c-$l) 3 

Tommy Dorsey... Astor (1,000; 75c-$l) 6 

Harry James Lincoln (250; 75c-$l) 9 

Hal Saunders St. Regis (400; $1-$1.50) 6 

Johnny Long* .New Yorker (400; 75c-$1.50) 3 



Covert 
Part 
H'Mk 

425 
2,523 
1.350 
1,725 
0,900 
300 
325 
1,300 



Total 
Coven 
Od l>nte 

1,250 
23.050 
14.725 
3.925 
29,775 
4,100 
2,625 
4,000 



'Asterisks indicate a supporting floor show, although the band <s the 
major draw. 



Geauga Lake Park, O., ballroom 
built on the site of the Garden the- 
atre,' opened June 24, W. G. Kuhl- 
man, park president, said~B policy of 
name band attractions will be inau- 
gurated. Gil Crest and his orchestra 
played at the opening. 



CHICAGO 

Paol Whitcman* (Chez Paree; 500, $2.50-$3.50 min). One more week 
for the King of Jazz and has been doing excellent trade for the spot, play- 
ing to 3,200 people last week. Boyd Raeburn orch. opens Friday (4) with 
Milton Berle heading the floor aggregation. 

Sklnnay Ennls* (Empire Room, Palmer House); 600; $3-$3.S0 dinner 
mit\.; $2,-$2.50 supper min.). Ennis orchestra and show opened on Thurs- 
day (26) and indicates a good money stay here, coming up with indicated 
3,000 customers for initial week. Replaced the Jan Garbar band which 
started slowly but built steadily. 

Cab Calloway (Panther Room, Sherman Hotel); 700; $l-$2 min). Callo- 
way drew 3,700 people last week. Came up with one of the biggest four- 
week stands this spot has had under its monthly jive policy. In fact, joint 
tried to hold the band over but couldn't figure out how. Jimmy Dorsey 
band replaced on Friday (27) and rocketed through a big week-end which 
Indicates a powerful coin stay for this orchestra, too. 

Jimmy Joy* (Walnut Room, Bismarck Hotel; 300; $l-$2 min.). Joy or- 
chestra is new in Chicago but indicates satisfactory stay here and drew 
nice business for this room where the floor show is cut down to a mini- 
mum and where all business must be credited to the draw of the orchestra. 
In initial week was excellent at 2.300 ' customers. 



LOS ANGELES 

Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1-$1.50). In his 27th week Martin 
picked off another 2,900 covers, aided by a Friday night turnout of grad- 
uation parties numbering 1,058, high for the year. . Martin sticking at the 
Grove through the summer. 



MINNEAPOLIS 

Bob Millar (Hotel Nicollet Minnesota Terrace; 400: $l-$2 min.). In first 
week and initial appearance, this band plus floor show copped fair 600 
attendance for seven days. This is below par even for slack season but 
night club and theatre biz generally is not as good as corresponding period 
year ago. Unpretentious floor show includes Collette and Barry Dancers 
(6) and band singers. Establishment's budget always curtailed during 
most of summer. 



(Estimates for This Week) 
■Will Bradley, New York— (Para- 
mount; 3,664; 35-55-85-99). Bob 
Hope's 'Caught in Draft' (Par) on 
screen is handing house its huge 
business. Jane F'roman, Danny Kaye 
and others on stage are giving band 
big assistance. Heading for $71,000 
or better, theatre's best summer 
business, and really winter season 
peak gross. 

Goy Lombardo, New York — 
(Strand; 2,767; 35-55-75-85-99). Plus 
'Out of Fog' (WB). Whole show on 
its second week. Fair $19,000 in 
prospect, not so bad considering 
weather and lukewarm screen assist- 
ance. 

Phil Harris, Omaha — (Orpheum; 
3,000; 10-40-55). Coupled with Lady 
from Cheyenne' (U) and stage revue. 
It's Harris and his crew which is 
getting the folks inside for sparkling 
$22,00(1. This is rated socko around 
here. Femmes going big for Phil. 

Joe Sanders, Chicago — (State- 
Lake; 2,700; 28-44). Plus Billy Gil- 
bert, Hollywood fave here on stage, 
and .'People vs. Kildare' (M-G).' 
Band is popular in these parts but 
Gilbert given plenty of credit for 
bright $17,000. 

WUl Os'borne, Los Angeles — (Para- 
mount; 3,505; 30-44-55-75). Teame^ 
with 'Caught in Draft' on screen i^ 
spelling old times at this tbeatrei 
Swell $25,300, which insures hold-> 
over. Picture obviously Is the big 
magnet. 

Joe VenatI, Philadelphia— (Earle* 
2,768; 35-46-57-68-75). 'West Point 
Widow' (Par) on screen, and big 
support by Andrews Sisters on stage. 
Nice $20,000, with sister trio rated 
main draw. 



Kaye Hires Ai Marino, 
A Connterman in Diner; 
Was on Colgate Spotiiglit 

Al Marino, new singer with tha 
Sammy Kaye band, was a counter-i 
man in a roadside diner on Route 61 
near Peekskill, New York, onlj^ 
couple weeks ago. Ho was unearthec| 
through Ed East's Colgate 'Spotlight' 
program on CBS, for which ha 
auditioned and subsequently copped 
first prize on a broadcast, 

Kaye happened to hear the broad-* 
cast and took a liking to him. He^ 
makes the seventh singer in tha 
Kaye band including George Bran-^ 
don, sax man who works only as) 
part of the Three Kadets. Others ar^ 
Tommy Ryan, Maury Cross, MartjJ • 
McKennaj Charles Wilson and 
Arthur Wright 



ALLAMERICA HAILS 

THE SKYLINED MUSIC 
of 

TED 
FIO-RITO 

AND HIS ORCHESTRA 
★ 

RECENTLY COMPLETED 
8MA8H WEEK AT 

STATE-LAKE 

THEATRE, CHICAGO 

LYRIC THEATRE 

INDIANAPOLIS 
OfENINO W£KK JL'I.Y IITII 

MEADOWBROOK 
COUNTRY CLUB 

HT. LOUIS, MO. 



MtntftnMt 

MUtIO CORPORATION OF AMERICA 



40 MUSIC 



Wednesday, Julj 2, 1941 



15 Best Sheet Music Seflers 

(Week endiJifl June 28, 1941) 



Hut Sut Song Schumann 

Things I Love Campbell 

Intermezzo Schuberlh 

Daddy Republic 

Maria Elena Southern 

Soiith of .North Carolina Porgie 

I'll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time Broadway 

You Are My Sunshine Southern 

My Sister and I BMI 

Band Played On P. D. 

Until Tomorrow Republic 

•Dolores ('Las Vegas Nights') Paramount 

Do I Worry? Melody Lane 

Amapola Marks 

God Bless America Berlin 



*Filviiisical. 



NBC Offers ^ to ASCAP 
With 1S% Sides Commission Off; 
No Deduction for Lost Stations 



Proposal for a licensing agreement 
^hich NBC submitted to the Amer- 
ican Society of Composers, Authors 
•nd Publishers last Friday (27) con- 
cerns its network business plus the 
revenue it derives from its nin^ 
managed and operated stations. The 
outstanding differences between 
NBC's offer and the one submitted 
by CBS the week before are (1) 
NBC offers Vt% more and (2) the 
NBC proposition seeks the deduction 
of a flat 15% as a sales commission 
whereas CBS based its sales com- 
mission on a percentage scale that 
' Increased as the millions in sales 
went up. Unlike CBS, NBC doesn't 
ask for further deduction in the 
event it has to give up its M & O 
■tations. CBS had asked for^an al- 
lowance of $500,000 on each M & O 
outlet that might vamoose. 

NBC's offer, which it says has re- 
ceived the approval of the officers 
«f the Independent Radio Network 
Affiliates that are associated with 
the network, follows in summary: 
Blanket Network Commercial 
Ltcense < 

Tee, of 2% % on network net re- 
•eipts after deducting 15% as NBC's 
■d'es commission, plus the cost for 
wires. Affiliated stations would be 
required to reimburse NBC for such 
music uses to the amount of 2^% 
•f the money it received from HBC 
«n_ hookup sales. (Under the old 
contract the stations paid 5% oh the 
•hare of. network income they re- 
ceived. Th<; network itself paid 
nothing on network business to 
ASCAP.) 

Blanket Network Snsialninr 
License 

NEC would pay ASCAP $200 a 
year in advance on all stations af- 
filiated v/ith it or operated by it; 
Exception would be those stations 
that It feeds occasionally with sus- 
taining programs on the basis of 
public interest. No provision is.' 
made tor the reimbursemmt of paH. 
of this fee by affiliated;:. Stations to 
. the network'/ -- h'--' 

Local SUtlon' Blanket License 

Fee of 2% on net receipts from 
IocdI or national spot sales, after 
deducting a sales commission of 
15%. (Under the old contract the 
les was 5%.) 
Local Station Blanket Sastalnlng 
Fee 

1. Stations doing , more than 
$150,000 net a year from 16cal and 
national spot woulid .pay 12 times 
the highest half-houi: card rate. If 
■uch hnlf hour card rate with a 
■tation in that classiflcation Is $100, 
ASCAP's annual sustaining income 
from that station would be $1,200. 

2. Stations doing between $50,000 
•nd $150,000 net a year from local 
and national spot sales would be re- 
quired to pay annually 12 times the 
bighest quarter-hour .on the rate 
card. 

3. Stations doing less than $50,000 
■ year would pay but a nominal 
fee of $12 a year. 

Local Station Per Prosram 
Commercial Licenses 

1. On commercial programs "mak- 
ing much use of ASCAP music 8% 
of the net receipts on local and 
national spot business.. 

2. On commercial proBr^aiKt9.,)|sii)gj 
ASCAP music only In case of back- 



grounds or bridges, themes or signa- 
tures, ASCAP arrangements of pub- 
lic domain compositions, or inciden- 
tal to the broadcast of a public or 
Sports event the fee would be 2% 
of the net receipts on local and 
spot busipess. 

Local Station Per Program Sastaln- 
Inic License 

On sustaining programs using 
ASCAP music the station with this 
type 6t license would be required 
to pay 1% of the station's card rate 
applying to the time consumed. If 
such a sustaining program ran a half 
hour and the commercial rate for 
that time of day were $100, the pay- 
ment to ASCAP for that particular 
program would be $1, minus amounts 
equivalent to the discounts and 
agency conimissions which normally 
apply and a sales commission of 
15%. (Under this particular plan, 
as pointed out by ASCAP officials, a 
sustaining program could make free 
use of Victor Herbert. Jerome Kern 
and' George Gershwin inusic and 
ASCAP would wind up with about 
45c to distribute among the com- 
posers and their publishers.) 



Several ASCAPers Win 
In Pro-Ally Song Contest 

Number of ASCAP members were 
among the winners' announced Mon- 
day (30) of the contest Sponsored by 
the National "Woman's Division of 
the Comipittee to Defend America 
by Aiding the Allies for a 'song of 
the hour.' William A. Dillon of 
Ithaca, N. Y„ former vaudevillian 
and an ASCAPer, won the first prize 
of $3()p. There were 1.675 entries, 
with choice made by wJt. musicians 
and others. 

Dillon's tune is tagged, 'Me and 
My Uncle Sam.' Another ASCAP 
member was tied for second place. 
He's Allie Wrubel, Hollywood song- 
smith, who wrote 'IJy Own America.' 
He splits $300 with Ralph Hcrrick, 
Boston, N. Y., musician, whose en- 
try was labeled, Trepare America.' 

Among other ASCAPers who won 
radios in the contest are Gerald 
Marks and Ben Ryan CYankfee 
Doodle Do It Right Away'), Bert 
Reisfeld and George Whiting ('Let's 
Keep America Free'), and Al Good- 
hart, Ed G. Nelson and Harry Pease 
("You Don't Have to Wear a Uni- 
form to Be a Soldier'). 

Joan Sinclaire of Universal's New 
York scenario department also was 
a winner. She wrote 'Now Is the 
Time' in collaboration with Camilla 
Frydan, former Viennese s'ongwriter, 
publisher, producer and one of the 
founders of the Austrian performing 
rights society. 

ARTUlERYSONi; 
IN LITIGATION 



Inside Stoff-Music 



Martin Block, phonograph record m.c. on:WNEW, N. Y., blossomed out 
into the publishing business last week with a tune, 'I Guess I'll Have to 
Dream the Rest.' He's credited also as co-writer, with Harold Green and 
Mickey Stoner. . 

Among the other latest newcomers to the publishing field which have 
allied themselves with BMI are Eugene Cassivant, Fine Songs, Freeman 
Music Co., Graham Music Co., American Melodies, Greater New York 
Music Corp., Reld & Singer Music Publishing Co., Sheppard Music Corp., 
and Urban Publications. 



MISCELLANEOUS PB07ISI0NS 



1. All contracts shall run until 
Dec. 31, 1049. 

2. ASCAP shall drop all claims 
and suits against NBC and Its af- 
filiates, with full releases delivered 
by ASCAP and its members. 

•3. NBC shall not be held re- 
sponsible for the payment of fees due 
from stations located in states where 
the network is barred by local 
statute from dealing with ASCAP 
for such stations. (This refers fo 
Florida. Nebraska, etc.). 

4. ASCAP grant licenses . for 
nominal fees covering Frequency 
Modulation, Shortwave, television 
and experimental stations, and at 
such time that these go commercial 
the fee on longwave broadcasting 
will apply. (ASCAP has previously 
pointed out that its contract with 
writer and publisher members do 
not include television rights and 
that It is not a.u,thorize,d. to license 
.such rights). 

5. ASCAP must guarantee that 
its foreign and domestic catalogs will 
not be sub-stantially reduced during 
the run of the contract. 

6. The agreements must stipulate 
that major non-dramatic work.<: are 
within the terms of the' ASCAP li- 
censes. 

• 7. Provision must be made for 
the right of NBC and its affiliates 
to record NBC programs for ref- 
erence, file or audition and delayed 
broadcasting. 

8. License must 'include without 
additional fee the right to perform 
before an audience in a theatre or 
studio incidental to the broadcast. 
(This has never been questioned be- 
fore by ASCAP itself). 

9. NBC has the right to termi- 
nate, its contracts if network broad- 
casting as now constituted is sub- 
stantially changed. 

10. n ASCAP obtains from Its 
members the right to make contracts 
beyond Dec. 31, 1949, NBC shall have 
the right to extend its licensing 
agreements for a similar period sub- 
ject to all the terms and conditions 
In the currentt. contract, except as to 
tees which shall be determined by 
.n)}itual agreement, .failing, wh,i,clj, 
they shall be set by arbitration. ' 



The TT. S. Field Artillery's march- 
ing song, "The Caissons Go Rolling 
Along,* is subject of a copyright in- 
fringement suit brought in Boston 
Federal Court against E. C. Schirm- 
er by Shapiro, Bernstein tk Co. and 
Philip Egner and Frederick C. 
Mayer. Lyrics and music were 
written in 1921 by Brig. Gen. Ed- 
mund L, Gruber, who died a few 
weeks ago. 

Egner and Mayer originally pub- 
lished the march and in 1936 as- 
signed sheet music and other rights 
to Shapiro, ■ Bernstein. They claim 
that Schirmer recently issued copies 
without permission and seek an in- 
junction and minimum damages of 
$250. 



Allen Loses Song Suit 



Suit of Thornton W. Allen against 
Walt Disney Productions, Ltd., RKO 
Radio Pictures, Inc., Walt Disney En- 
terprises, and Irving Berlin, Inc., 
charging the plagiarism of his song 
'Old Eli March,' in 'Someday My 
Prince Will • Come* from 'Snow 
White,* was dismissed Friday (27), 
by Judge Edward A. Conger in N.Y. 
federal court. Action had sought an 
injunction, accounting of profits and 
damages. 

The court ruled there was not suf- 
ficient similarity to constitute plagi- 
arism, and that there was no proof 
the defendants had had access to 
plaintiffs' song. 



Frank Capana, of Tin Pan Alley Music Co., of Philadelphia, has written 
to Tin Pan Alley Songs, of New York, protesting against the latter firm's 
use of that name. Capana stated that he started his publishing venure 
with the 'Tin Pan Alley' tag in 1937, and that he hoped Tin Pan Alley 
Songs would pick itself another trade name so that there won't be any 
confusion. 

Tin Pan Alley Songs came into existence V/ithln the past three months. 

David L. Podell, special counsel to ASCAP in its proposed conspiracy 
suit, has been paid a $25,000 advance fee as 'evidence of good faith.' It's 
not a retainer, in the technical sense, but more ^ evidence that ASCAP 
isn't kidding. 

Mutual Network Plugs 



The following tabulation oj network popular music pcr/ormances is con« 
fined to WOR, New York release for JVfutual Broadcasting System. 
The compilation herewith cowers the week beginning June 23 (Monday) 
and ending June 29 (Sundav) , from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., and based on daily 
recapitulations furnished by Accurate Reporting Sen;ice. 



TITLE 

Auro.ra 

Hut Sut Song 

I Understand 

Tale of Two Citie- 

Harbor of Dreams 

Kiss the Boys Goodbye — 'Kiss the Boys Goodbye 

Music Makers :. .. . 

You''re Dangerous — *Road to Zanzibar 

I Guess I'll Have to Dream the Rest. 

I'll Be with You in Apple Blossom Tihie 

Intermezzo 

Beau Night in Hotchkiss Corners 

I Found a Million Dollar Baby— 'Million Dollar Baby 

Love Me a Little Little 

Bewitched — tPal Joey '. 

South of North Carolina 

Daddy \. .• 

Begin the Beguinc 

Don't Cry, Cherie 

Corn Silk 

Dolores — "Road to Zanzibar 

Jenny — tLady in the Dark 

Maria Elena 

Memory of a Rose 

My Sister and I 

Romantic Guy, I 

There Goes That Song Again 

Truthfully 

We'll Meet Again 

Where You Are-^*Great' American Brtadcast... 
You Stepped Out of a Dream— ♦Ziegfeld Girl . . . 

Yours '. 

• Filmustcat excerpt, t Production number. 



PUBLISHER TOTAL 

Robbins 21 

Schumann 13 

Feist 13 

Harms 11 

Miller 10 

Famous 10 

Paramount 9 

Santly 9 

Block 8 

Broadway 8 

Schuberth 8 

Berlin 7 

Remick 7 

Mayfair 7 

Chappell 6 

Porgie 6 

Republic 6 

Harms 5 

Shapiro 5 

BVC 4 

Paramount , 4 

Chappell 4 

Southern 4 

Shapiro 4 



BMI 
Nationwide 
ABC ....... 

Ager 

Dash 

Feist 

Feist 

Marks 



K.O. 'Sweet Leilani' Suit 

Los Angeles, July 1. 

Damage suit for $500,000, filed by 
Myrtle RT'Hoffman, composer, against 
Bing Crosby, Harry Owens. Para- 
mount Pictures and Herbert B. Mar- 
pie, song publisher, was thrown out 
of Superior Court by Judge William 
J. Palmer. 

Suit involved the song, 'Sweet 
Leilani,' written by Owens and Sung 
by Crosby in the Paramount film, 
'Waikiki Wedding.' Plaintiff charged 
the tune was taken from one of 
her own compositions, submitted to 
Marple. 



Gabriel of Havana 
Adopts Robbins' Idea; 
But With Southern 



NBC-CBS Plugs 



FoII<>tuin0 compilation of plttcs on NBC_ond Columbia's Hew York out- 
lets covers the week beginning June 23 (Monday) and ending June 29 
(Simdav), from 8 a.m. to I a.in.,^and is based on doily recapitulations fur- 
nished by the Office of Research'-Radio Dii)ision of the College of the City 
of New York. 



TITLE 



PUBLISHER TOTAL 



Hut Sut Song Schumann 

Intermezzo Schuberth 

Maria Elena Southern 

Daddy Republic . 

Things I Love ; ; Campbell 

Green Eyes Southern 

Yours Matks 23 

South of North Carolina -...Porgie 24 

G'bye Now BMI 

Everything Happens to Me Embassy 

Amapola Marks 

Two Hearts That Pass in the Night Marks 

Do I Worry? Melody Lane. 

It's So Peaceful in the Country Regent 

My Sister and I BMI 

What Word Is Sweeter Than Sweetheart? Reis-Taylor , . 

Romantic Guy, I....... Nationwide .. 

Until Tomorrow Republic 

Do You Care Campbell 

I Went Out of My Way , BMI 

For Want of a Star Marks 

Nighty Night '. ..Beacon ... 

Time and Time' Again London ...... 

There'll Be Some Changes Made Marks 

We Go Well Together Regent 

JLajnent to Love Roe-Krippene . .. 10 

mth a Twist of the Wrist ;■. . , . .V; * BMt . 1 . .'. * 1(J 



38 
31 
31 
30 
28 
26 



23 
22 
20 

io 

19 
19 
18 
18 
17 
17 
13 
12 
12 
12 
12 
11 
11 



Havana, July 1. 
When Jack Robbins was in Havana 
last winter be spoke of forming the 
National Music Co. of Cuba with 
Miguel Gabriel of station CMQ 
(Cuba) as partner. Plan was to em- 
ploy CMQ artists to plug NMCC 
songs. 

However, months later, or last 
week, Ernesto Roca, Cuban agent for 
Southern Music Co., and Peer Inter- 
national Music Co., announced that 
the Compsnia Cubana Editora de 
Musica, S. A. had been formed with 
himself and Gabriel as partners. Of< 
flees of the company are at Roca'4 
place of business, the Excelsior 
Music Shop. 

Formation of a company was not 
necessary because Roca end Gabriel 
have worked closely with Southern 
for years, but now the CCEM will 
assimilate contracts and assuma 
those of Southern as they expire, 
until Southern Music withdraws en- 
tirely from the Cuban picture. The 
Southern Music Co.'s connection re- 
mains in that Peer Internation will 
have exclusive selling rights for 
CCEM songs in the rest of the world. 

Through this company, Cuban 
composers will be dealing with 
Cuban agents,, thus eliminating any 
feeling of racial distrust. Mexican, 
Argentine and other Latin artists 
coming to CMQ will plug CCEM 
songs. 

Formation of this company seems 
to end Robbins' elaborately prepared 
plans to cut into Peer's almost ex- 
clusive Latin sphere. 



Johnny Marvin wrote three, sona* 
for 'Roaring Frontier' at Columbia. 
Ditties are 'County Jail Blues,' A 
Part of the West' and 'You've Got 
to'Coihb jfn'a'Gtt'Me." •'•■' •' '■ 



.Wednesday, July t, 194.1 



MUSIC 41 



BMI PUBUSHER GOT $2.45 



•♦V- 



CBS Comment on Insincerity' 



CBS' reaction to the charge of ASCAPerc, as publiihed in VARiErr, 
that CBS' "proposed terms' (2%) were 'Insincere' were not answered 
(o far as music publishers were concerned but the network did answer 
advertisine asincies and sponsors who showed curiosity about the 
charge. In essence CBS said to admen: 'How can an oiTer to pay- 
around two-thirds of what the other side has demand^ be called 
insincere?' 

However, with the appearance a weiek later of NBC's 2%% offer 
to ASCAP, CBS readily admitted its own proposals were at once 
obsolete in bargaining tactics. 



ASCAP IncU to Turn Down 
NBC's Wo Licensing Offer; 
Figures $3 J0,000 From 3 Webs 



Poll of important opinion within 
the American Society of" Cwnposers, 
Authors and Publishers yesterday 
(Tuesday) indicated that NBC's pro- 
posal for, a licensing agreement will 
probably be rejected when the 
ASCAP board of directors meets to- 
morrow morning (Thursday) to con- 
sider the offer. Impression given by 
the ASCAP leadership was that the 
proposition was not an equitable one, 
even though 'advanced with sin- 
cerity,' and that ASCAP in granting 
the Mutual Network a 3% fee on 
network business had reduced its de- 
mands to a minimum and that re- 
gardless of how much longer the 
light with radio would have to con- 
tinue ASCAP would stand by this 
figure. 

Intimations were also made from 
the same ASCAP quarters that the 
Society might not even elect to sub- 
mit a counter offer. David Podell, 
special counsel retained to bring an 
anti-trust suit against NBC, CBS, 
RCA, Broadcast Music, Inc., and the 
National Association of Broadcasters, 
is slated io attend tomorrow's meet- 
ing and it was suggested that he 
mi^t advise ASCAP not even to 
acknowledge NBC's proposal, as hap- 
pened in the case of CBS' offer, on 
the ground that it might jeopardize 
ASCAP's legal position In the pro- 
posed suits." 

Aside from the offer of a 2>^% fee 
on network business and 2% on local 
station receipts, NBC, according to 
immediate ASCAP reaction, had in- 
cluded a number of terms that were 
impossible for ASCAP to accept. 
The ' most con^icuous of these, it 
was pointed out, had to do with 
every ASCAP member signing a re- 
lease for all claims or actions pend- 
ing against the network. ASCAP, 
it was said, could easily give NBC 
a release for the organization itself 
but it could not deliver releases' 
from its individual members. An- 
other NBC proposal which would 
make it impossible for ASCAP to 
get together with the network, if the 
latter insisted*upon compliance, was 
that having to do with granting tele- 
vision rights. These are rights that 
have speciflcally been retained by 
ASCAP members; 

Meeting for the consideration of 
NBC's terms had been called for 
Monday morning (30) but there 
were not enough board members 
present to justify taking any action 
and -so the meeting was adjourned. 
The notice of the Monday meeting 
•was issued by ASCAP's home office 
near the close of business Friday 
with the result that a number of di- 
rectors missed • knowing about it 
until they arrived at their offices 
Monday morning arid too late to 
call off other business engagements. 
The interim,' howeve», gives 
ASCAP's management a chance to 
check NBC's estimates of what its 
proposition would bring ASCAP 
annually. Using Its 1941 net receipts 
as a basis of computation NBC 
figured that ASCAP would easily 
wllect $3,300,000 from radio. In 1940 
ASCAP, without being able to t^p 
radio billings at the source, drew 
H100,000. from that industry. 

Invidlons Comparison 
In turning In Its proposal to 
ASCAP, NBC let it.fjp.If.riojy;^ t}:^t, 



even though It was anxious to settle 
the fight with the Society the offer 
was a final one. The network 
pointed out that terms embodied in 
the proposal had received the ap- 
proval of important affiliates and 
that if these terms were turned 
down tITere was no chance of NBC 
again obtaining the support of its 
affiliates. In answer to ASCAP's re- 
joinder that the offer was absurd in 
that the networks were paying BMI 
and the local stations up to 
Z^k% for a catalog that had no com- 
parison with ASCAP's, NBC took a 
charity-beglns-at-home stand. It 
stated , that >ln BMI it had something 
that it owned, while ASCAP music 
was something It rented from out- 
siders. 

While the ASCAP directors were 
not tickled by the terms in the NBC 
proposal, they evinced gratification 
at the way that NBC went about 
presenting it. In contrast with 
CBS' method of the week before 
NBC, ran the directorate comment, 
delivered a copy of the proposal to 
ASCAP before the terms were pub- 
lished in the New York dailies. It 
was also remarked that NBC's pro- 
posal was a decided improvement 
over Columbia's in that it was de- 
void of involved mathematical de- 
vices and was succinct and straight- 
forward. 

One director remarked that he 
suspected that CBS had " rushed 
out its proposal to embarrass NBC, 
having got word that the latter was 
preparing to offer 2^!% on network 
business, whereas CBS had set the 
figure at 2%. (CBS has told admen- 
it was other way round). Another 
ASCAP director expressed the ihis- 
picion that NBC -had originally in- 
tended to make the local station 
likewise 2Vi% but that Columbia's 
move had compelled NBC to slice 
this down %%. 

Laviryert Still At It 

In the meantime ASCAP's general 
counsel, Schwartz & Frohlich, are 
working with Podell on the prepara- 
tion of complaints in the announced 
anti-trust suit. Podell has expressed 
a prelefence of holdtrigTjlT filing the 
action until every bit of necessary 
data and evidence had been corre- 
lated and rechecked so that every 
chdrge in the complaint could be 
amply supported. The papers are 
expected to be completed by the end 
of this week. Podell has so far been 
tied up as -aid to Thurman Arnold, 
assistant U. S. Attorney General, in 
prosecuting the metal packaging in- 
dustry on anti-trust grounds. 

ASCAP figures that, even with- 
out NBC and Columbia J>ack in the 
fold, it will be able to issue some- 
where around a $l,00(r,000 dividend 
at the end of September, because of 
the increased income from other 
sources than radio, the deal with 
Mutual and some 200 station licen- 
sees and the fact that the Society's 
overhead has been cut to the bone. 
It estimates that the net collections 
for the second quarter of this year 
will be around $350,000 a month. 



EDDIE HABMOB TO CHICAGO 

. Chicago, July 1. 
Eddie Marmor comes in to take 
over as Chicago rep for the Remicl< 
Music firm, replacing Al Beilin. 
' Marmor moves in alter a spell up 
,lh.thp,Bostoii territory^,.,' 



SHELDON. $24.60; 




Payoff Checks Cause Furore 
and BMI Puts Auditors to 
Work Re-Tabulating Per- 
formance Credits — Sug- 
gest It May Be 'Mistake' 
and If So WUl Be Rectified 



INVIDIOUS CONTRASTS 



Management of Broadcast MiJsic, 
Inc., received such a violent kick- 
back from writers and publishers 
on the amounts paid them on per- 
formances for the first quarter of 
this year that it announced Friday 
(27) that an auditing staff had been 
put to work on a 24-hour basis to 
re-check tabulations with a view to 
making additional payments. Tills 
assurance did not serve to dissuade 
several dissatisfied publisher-affili- 
ates, of BMI from calling a meeting 
of all small pubs licensing through 
BMI to protest against the smallness 
of the payments made to them and 
to demand a detailed explanation of 
BMI's method of performance ac> 
counting. 

The more articulate of BMTs 
publisher affiliates admitted that 
their chagrin had in no- small 
measure been aggravated by compar,- 
ing the figures on their checks with 
the amounts that will likely be re- 
ceived by ASCAP affiliates as their 
share of the announced split of 
$1,000,000 royalty purse. Several of 
these BMI-affiliated pubs declared 
that they couldn't understand how 
BMI, -with almost a complete monop- 
oly of radio, could pay off in such 
small amounts, while ASCAP, which 
had been barred from radio income 
since Jan. U could still afford to 
divvy up $1,000,000, 

Barton's $2.4S 

Most drastic form of reaction to 
the BMI distribution came from 
Benny Barton, who operates the 
Keystone Music Co. Barton mailed 
back his check for $2.45. Fred Wise, 
writer of 'Wise Old Owl' and other 
BMI hits, who had to split $380 with 
his co-authors, declared that he was 
going to demand ah accounting. Guy 
Lombardo's London Music Co., with 
an investment to date of around 
$6,500, received a check for $8. The 
bandleader expressed himself^ as 
very much puzzled as to how BMI 
had arrived at this accounting con- 
sidering the , huge number of per- 
formances his own publications had 
received on , his own network pro- 
grams during the first three months 
of ■ ft^l."' The" Sheldon Music Co., 
publisher of 'Donna' and 'Guess 
Who?' received a BMI check for 
$24.60, while the firm of Porgie, Deb- 
bin & Friedman responsible for 'Just 
a Little Bit South of North Caro- 
lina' and 'Made Up My Mind,' got 
one for $53.60. 

Bepublic's $74.20 

The Republic Music Co., which is 
controlled by Sammy Kaye, and the 
source of 'Until Tomorrow' and 
'Daddy,' was given a voucher for 
$74.20. Glenn Miller's firm, the Mu- 
tual Music Society, was still in the 
process of negotiating a basis of re- 
imbursement with BMI last week. 
The deal involved Miller's arrange- 
ments of public domain music. BMI 
offered Miller payment on the basis 
of $8 a week, but this was rejected. 
The next offer was $16.50. 

Payments made by BMI to pub- 
lishers was on the basis of 3c a sta- 
tion per plug; 2c per performance 
per station. 



Max Lutx ha.s been appointed 
midwest rep for the Mills Music Co. 
Will headquarter in Chi but will 
make regular tours throughout the 
territory,. 



Kaye Admits BMI Payoff Errors 



Sidney M. Kaye, v.p. In charge of Broadcast Music, Inc., explained 
Monday (30) that his bookkeeping department had made quite a mis- 
take in royalty allocations made to BMI-affiliated publishers for the 
first quarter of 1941 and that 'the errors were being quickly rectified.' 
Checks for additional amounts would, he said, be going out to these 
publishers this week. What had happened, according to Kaye, was 
that the bookkeeping department, while paying off for local station 
pltigs, had failed to take in account lots of network performances, all 
of which, he admitted, meant a difference of thousands of dollars for 
waiter and publisher groups affiliated with the radio-owned organi- 
zation. 

Kaye also explained the situation from another angle. He pointed 
out that most of these small BMI-associated publishers didn't go into 
business until long after BMI had been formed so that they did not 
fare so well in the way of performances during the first three months 
of this year. In support of this observation he recalled that none of 
the small BMI pubs had a number on the Lucky Strike Hit Parade 
until the very end of March, and this was 'Oh, Look at Me Now.' 

Now, added Kaye, that th6se small publishers were established they 
could expect to do much better In BMI royalty collections for the 
second quarter of this year, particularly since BMI had let down in 
its publishing operations and the outsiders have practically all the hits. 



ASCAP Scents More Destructive 
Tactics by BMI as Latter Moves 
To Fmance ASCAP Songwriters 



Jimmy Campbell Exploits 
Little Known Big Seller 

Jimmy Campbell, until recently 
running London Music Corp. for the 
Lombardo brothers, is now doing a 
special exploitation job on 'You and 
r for Meredith Willson, which the 
Maxwell Coffee House maestro au- 
thored, words and music. It has 
sold 40,000 copies to date, with but 
little plugging, and it's now to be 
Videly exploited, hence the Camp- 
bell affiliation, 

Larry Itichmond (Music Dealers 
Service) will get 10% for handling 
its sales. 



BMI-Affifiated Piibs 
Retain Counset To 
Probe Small Payoffs 



Royalty checks from Broadcast 
Music, Inc., for the first quarter of 
1941 already have had marked' re- 
percussions among its affiliated pub- 
lishers. Smaller element of such 
publishers has retained Andrew D. 
Weinberger as counsel and will 
meet tomorrow (Thursday) after- 
noon to organize a protective asso- 
ciation. Sidney Kaye, BMI v.p. and 
its chief counsel, has been invited to 
recount why the royalty checks were 
so much smaller than had been an- 
ticipated. Kaye, in turn, will be 
informed that if his explanation 
does not prove satisfactory the 
newly organized publisher group 
will, in association with BMI "affili- 
ated writers, organize also a per- 
forming rights society of ' its own 
and collect either through ASCAP 
or an independent source. 

Weinberger declared yesterday 
(Tuesday) that his clients would 
also demand a standard form of con- 
tract in whose fashioning they are 
to participate. If, Weinberger added, 
it is found that BMI has not main- 
tained an auditing system which 
gives the affiliated publishers 'a fair 
break,' the association will insist 
upon a performance payment of 30c 
per station. [How, this is arrived at, 
Weinberger will explain later.] If, 
on the other hand, it is found that 
BMI has a sound system and 'an 
honest mistake' had been made, the 
new association will ask foi; a slight 
increase of the 3c rate per station, 
but demand the right for a regular 
audit of BMI's book: and radio logs. 
It is Weinberger's position that BMI 
should extend bargaining rights to 
its affiliated publishers and writers 
and not continue setting arbitrary 
terms. 

. It will make the first organization 
of popular publishers ever set up 
outside the Music Publishers Pro- 
tective Association, and the first 
trade group whose creation was in- 
s^M^ed by-B?M.- - ' ' ■. '-• ■ ■ • 



Broadcast Music, Inc., is setting 
up a couple Eubsidiaries to handle 
the publications of writers who are 
affiliated with ASCAP, So far BMI 
has refused to disclose the names of 
these writers. It has already asked 
the contactmen's union to submit its 
list of available members so that 
some of these could be employed for 
the new firms. It will make the first 
time that BMI has openly under- 
taken to finance outside firms. 

According to BMI's own announce- 
ment 'several prominent writers 
have entered Into contracts for the 
publication of their songs' and that 
performing rights oi these songs will 
be licensed directly to broadcasters 
'without payment of any fee.' BMI, 
the announcement added, 'will con- 
trol the publication and piechanical 
rights in tl^s music' 
' Through this action, according to 
the viewpoint of ASCAP officials, 
BMI seeks to force the former or- 
ganization into another test suit. 
The consent decree which the Gov- 
ernment obfained from ASCAP spe- 
cifically forbids ASCAP members 
from licensing their works through 
BMI, but there Is nothing in the de- 
cree which bars ASCAP members 
from giving their performance rights 
away. But where such writers and 
BMI might find themselves stymied 
is in the provisions in the consent 
decree which (1) requires an ASCAP 
memt)€r to give ASCAP notice of 
his intent to license directly; (2) 
requires an ASCAP memtter to get 
consent to such licensing; and (3) 
bars members from granting to 'per- 
'sons, firms, corporations, including 
Broadcast Music, Inc., the right to 
license others.' 

According to ASCAP counsel, 
Schwartz -it -Frohlich, these pro- 
visions were put into the decree to 
avoid the very 'subterfuge' that BMI 
had undertaken, but this counsel is 
under the impression that the de- 
vice has been exercised more for the 
purpose of heckling and embar- 
rassing ASCAP than foT any practl^- 
cal effect. 



ASCAP's BMI Rib 



ASCAP 9lso is making derisive 
capital of 'a statement by the Na- 
tional Association of Broadcasters, 
when BMI was launched, that 'per- 
haps we are entering a new {>eriod 
in radio's history when radio audi- 
ences will have the thrill of watch- 
ing a whole new group of American 
composers who will make their bid 
to fame and fortune on the air.' 

As a twist to this ribbing ASCAP 
writers are flouting the fact that 
during the current week there will 
be distributed among them half of 
the $1,000,000 royalty melon declared 
by ASCAP, even though their music 
has been barred from an over- 
whelming portion of broadcasting 
since Jan. 1 and BMI has enjoyed a 
practical mofnopcfljr.- 1 <b . i-).'-'.t i.j ..-j 

— ' /-• '■'-■.. E-. I ' ( r, ./-..I 



42 VAUDEVnXB 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



Pa. Legislature's Rush to Adjourn By 
July 4 Ores Show Biz Ae Brushotf 



Philadelphia, July 1. 

Musicians, actors, bookers and 
others connected with show biz in 
this state are aUegedly getting the 
business from the State Legislature. 

Bills sponsored by these groups 
lor the 'betterment' of the entertain- 
.ment industry ar« getting the brush- 
olT by the solons as they're hurrying 
to clean up their calendar so they 
can adjourn before July 4. Only 
•mi'sf legislation is being considered 
and the bills musicians, actors et al. 
are interested in don't come under 
this category. 

Lost in the adjournment shuffle is 
the new employment agency bill, 
which had the backing of the Amer- 
ican Guild of Variety Artists and the 
Entertainment Managers Association 
(bookers). The bill, which already 
had the okay of the lower house of 
the Legislature, would have barred 
all out-of-stete bookers (MCA, Con- 
solidated, William Morris, etc.) from 
doing business in Pennsy and would 
have given performers iron-clad 
protection against fly - by - night 

A delegation of 10 percenters and 
actors was skedded to go to Harris- 
burg today (Tues.) In a last-minute 
effort to get the Senate to consider 
the bill before it folds. All admit 
that the trip is almost hopeless. 

Two bills sponsored by the Musi- 
cians' Union have died in committee, 
One of them would put heavy taxes 
on juke boxes, while another would 
control the activities of school or^ 
chestras and prevent their working 
on jobs in competition with profes 
sional musicians. , 



Milton Douglas opens July 21 at 
the Savoy-Plaza hotel's Cafe Lounge 
(N. Y.) for four weeks, succeeding 
Peggy Fears, incumbent. 'It's his 
first N. Y. date since his regular 
winter at the' Hollywood Beach ho- 
tel in Florida. 

Howard Lally is the new band suc- 
ceeding Emile Petti. 



Al Sheehan to Stage 
2 Mpls. Variety Shows 

Minneapolis, July 1. 

Al Sheehan, head of WCCO Art- 
ists' Bureau, has been appointed to 
handle the I^neapolis Aquatennial 
celebration's two principal shows 
this month — the 'Summertime' stage 
spectacle at the Auditorium and the 
'Aqua Follies,' water panorama at 
Cedar Lake. 

Aqua Follies cast will include 
Morton Downey, Buster Crabbe, the 
Hopkins Sisters, Larry Griswold, 
Charlie Diehl and a 28-girI water 
ballet. For the stage show Shee 
ban, who will stage both produC' 
tions, has a 16-girl line, a 16-voice 
iglee club, Lee Harris, Penny Perry, 
the "Three Macks, Harry Harper, 
Gretchen Palen and Verne Rooney's 
orchestra. 



Levey Adds 2 

SeatUfr, July 1 
Two new night clubs have been 
' added to Bert Levey bookings In the 
N. W. 

Palomar Supper Club, Vancouver, 
-',B. C, Is using four acts, changed 
^ievery two weeks. The Amato Sup 
Iver Club, Astoria, Ore., is also using 
itour acts. 



Saranac, N. V., July 1. 
Walter Silverman, Boston, former- 
ly with .Columbia Pictures, is a new 
arrival at the Will Rogers. 
■ Leandria Rensler back ozoniiig at 
the Hilltop lodge after a two-week 
vacash In the Big Towt). 

Peg Fears at N.Y.'s 



Milton Douglas Follows 



STORE BECOMES 
THEATRE FOR 
H1LL6ILUES 



Louisville, July 1. 
Clayton McMichen's Georgia Wild- 
cats, hillbilly combo, renewed by 
Howell Furniture over WAVE for 
another year. Combo has been air- 
ing over Louisville stations for 10 
years aside from an occasional jaunt 
to another town. 

McMichen's crew airs for 30 min- 
utes each noon from the second floor 
of the furniture store, with an in- 
vited audience, and also does an 
hour show on Friday nights, with 
Cliff Gross Cowboys, also appearing 
the audience show. Front of 
store is billed like a theatre, with 
posters plastered over the windows. 

Outfit is busy playing dates within 
a 50-miIe radius of Louisville. Hill- 
billy groups airing over local sta- 
tions formerly made trips of 150 
miles or more, playing small town 
schools and auditoriums, but now go 
no farther than 50 mfles, as they ex- 
plain that many people have left the 
small towns to come to Louisville 
for work in defense industries, and 
bulk of the money is now in this 
town and its immediate vicinity. 



John Murray Anderson's 
Wikhire Bowl (LJi.) Show 



Los Angeles, July 1. 

John Murray Anderson is putting 
a new show into the Wllshire Bowl 
in five or six weeks, and while it will 
also have the same nostalgic pattern 
aS: the nitery revues he has staged 
for Billy Rose at the Diamond Horse' 
shoe, N. Y., it will be an entirely 
independent venture. 

Rumors were that Rose was con- 
templating invading the Coast to 
buck Earl Carroll's cabaret-theatre. 



Saranac Lake 

By Happy Benway 



One Less Jackson 

Detroit, July 1. 

The Three Acrobatic Jacksons 
henceforth will be known as the Two 
Acrobatic Jacksons. 

Chester Stanley has left the trio 
to join the Marine Corps parachut 
Ists. 



Ttlwicus 
LOEW 

BOOKING 
AGENCY 

■oiHUAi ixtcurivt ernett 
LOEW BUILblNO ANNEX 

;1M W. 4Mi St., N. y. C • Blyam 9-7iM0 



Rogers after an operation. Boy do 
ing okay, but is held strictly in bed. 

Irving 'Butch' Wilbur, who grad- 
uated from this actors' Colony, Is 
now connected with a Loew's the- 
atre. 

Walter Conley, former engineer 
with the Loew circuit, who used to 
work under Len Grotte, is a new- 
comer at the Rogers. Doing great 
and likes it much. 

Chester Vaughn, who made the 
grade out of this colony, now beats 
thie drums with Don Warnos' orch. 

Dickie Moore (Killian & Moore) 
is getting nifty reports at the Rogers, 
But recently celebrated a 10-year-in- 
bed routine. Says he would like to 
hear from. some of the boys from the 
old White Rats and NVA. 
; The Will Rogers hospital got an 
overhauling. 

Thanks to the Three Troubadours 
who toot nightly at Hennessey's lo- 
cal nitery for their time out to ser- 
enade this colony. They are George 
Petroutsos, guitar; Shirley Tobin, 
piano, and John Helmer, sax. 

Joy Navarre, who did so much for 
the gang at the Rogers, is back 
nursing a setback. Nothing serious. 

Robert Flory, who dabbles around 
a theatre in Newark, O., here for a 
summer vacash on lower Saranac 
Lake./. 

Victor Rockiter, whose last job 
was tooting a sax at the Palestine 
PaviUon at the N. Y. World's Fair, 
is now the mailman at the Will 
Rogers, and between rest periods 
takes time out giving guitar lessons. 
Plenty of takers, too. 

Anna Mae Tesslo licked an opera- 
tion. Dr. Wariner Woodruff did the 
job. 

The gang at the Will Rogers thank 
Martin Moskowitz for the nice 
things he sends to the san. 

Charlie Smitli shot back to bed 
with a slight Setback. 

Virginia Bishop getting nitty okay 
reports from the medico. 
, Jerry Sager and Harry Martin 
gaining weight at the Rogers. 

Semi-annual official report of ad- 
dresses and mailing list of the Ac- 
tors Colony: 

Will Rogers Memorial Hospital- 
Jack Altree, Edna flell, Louis Betz, 
LiUian Biggio, Joe Bishdp, Richard 
Bergseth, Margo Block, Virginia 
Brown, Joseph Bryant, Alice Car- 
man, William Chase, Harry Clifton, 
Michael Cojohn, Anna Commerford, 
Robert Cosgrove, Harry Cross, 
Charles Diego, Timothy Doherty, 
Eddie Dowd, John Eaton, Nonnie 
Edwards, Harriet Emerson, RudeUe 
Gayles, Seymour Grill. Vera Harff, 
Samuel Hine, Miriam Hirsch, Helen 
Inglee, Carl Kern, Margaret Kin- 
sella, Helen Lassman, Katheryn 
Laus, Beatrice Lee, John Louden, 
Harry Martin, Peggy McCarthy, 
Richard Moore, Josephine Navarre, 
Dorothy Newcomb, Agnes Orr, John 
O'Shea, Oscar Price, Earl Redding, 
Stanley Rausch, James Rickettes, 
Leandra Rinzler, Victor ' Rockiter 
Nettie Robey, Martha Gill Rogow, 
Isabelle Rook, Ben Schaffer, Charles 
Smith, Margaret Newell, Hazel 
Smith, Arthur Smith, Bernard 
Schultz, Paul Sorkin, Joseph Sou- 
hami, Anna Mae Tesslo, Collin 
Tracy, Vivian Vaughn, Eddie Vogt 
Clarence Walker, Patricia Wallace, 
Donald Wayne, Rufus Weathers, Mil- 
to^ Weeks, James Wildenthaler, 
James Young, Arthur Sager, Donald 
Fairchild. 

Harry and Charles Barrett, 302 
Broadway; Helen O'Reilly, 44 Main 
street; Arthur Alveres, station 
WNBZ; Cliff Heather. 59 Kiwassa 
road; Lillian Mansfield, 88 Riverside 
drive; A. B. Anderson, Pontiac the- 
atre; Percy Wenrich, Hotel Saranac; 
Valentm Parera, Santononi apart- 
ments; George Wallace, 19 Broad- 
way, and Happy Benway, 10 Olive 
street. 

Write to those who are 111. 



Clark's New Pard 



_ , Chicago, July 1. 

Coleman Clark, left without a table 
tennis partner by the three-year 
Army air corps induction of Billy 
Wlllard, has signied George Hendry 
as his new opponent. Hendry, inter- 
collegiate titleholder is a former 
member of the U.S. teams that com- 
peted In the world championships In 
London and Vienna. 

Clark & Co. are presently at the 
Panther Room of Hotel Sherman, 
Chicago. 



Night Club Reviews 



PANTHER ROOM, CHI 

. (HOTEL SHERMAN) 

Chicago, June 27. 
Jimmy Dorsey Orch (17), Bob 
Eberly, Helen "O'Connell, Coleman 
Clark 



Giving every indication of being a 
greater boxoffice draw than ever, 
Jimmy Dorsey's crew figures to start 
off the best Panther Room summer 
^season to date. A new cooling sys- 
tem is now In the process of instal- 
lation, and judging by the size of the 
crowds it will be a welcome addition. 
In on a guarantee and percentage, 
which should keep everyone satis- 
fied, Dorsey becomes the second band 
to play the Panther Room under this 
kind of arrangement, the other out- 
fit being -that of Cab Calloway, who 
broke records. 

Musically, the band is at its peak. 
There's a snap to the brass and 
rhythm, the reeds blend beautifully. 
Six brass, three trumpets and three 
trombones; four saxophones, not in- 
cluding the maestro himself, and the 
standard four rhythm setup add to 
a total instrumentation of -14 men. 
Added to this are the two very cap- 
cyble singers. The entire group with 
Dorsey comprises 17 people. Ar- 
rangements display fine taste and 
ideas. Band is wisely built around 
the great saxophone .and clarinet 
work of the leader, but offers full 
opportunity to all members for in- 
dividual expression. There is out- 
standing musicianship In the outfit, 
of which, perhaps, the mo&t notice- 
able is the drumming of Buddy 
Schutz. Playing with terrific drive, 
Schutz gives a constant lift to the 
band in addition to being an excel- 
lent showman. In the reed section 
the doubling of Charlie Frazier de- 
mands attention and the pianoing of 
Joe Lippman Is equally excellent. 

House policy decrees the presenta- 
tion of two shows nightly. At show 
caught, Dorsey capably emceed and 
had the crowd with him all the way. 
Opening with an arrangement of 'I 
Want to Be Htippy,' with Dorsey 
giving out with some fine alto and 
clarinet work, the band got Into a 
groove and stayed there all the way 
tlirough the two vocal offerings of 
the blonde Helen O'Conrtell. Her 
numbers, 'Au Reef and 'Sweet Let- 
ters from You,' are both well 
adapted to her style and scored 
heavily. Baritone Bob Eberly turns 
in a convincing job on Mabel 
Wayne's new tune, 'Be Fair,' and for 
an encore combines with Miss O'Con- 
nell for a cute novelty, 'Do It Again.' 

Only floor show booking is a hold- 
over of Coleman Clark and his table 
tennis partner. A popular favorite 
here. Clark offers a novel and en- 
"joyable turn. Real strength of the 
bill, though, is the Dorsey band and 
another record-breaking engagement 
is anticipated. Loop. 

Camellia House, Chi 

(DRAKE HOTEL) 

Chicago, June 26. 
Hildesrarde, Bob Grant Orch (5); 
no cover, $2.50 minimum Saturday. 

In the town's most effectively dec- 
orated small room, with its air of 
easy money and excluslveness, 
Hildegarde finds a setting in which 
she shihes jewel-like. With Hilde. 
garde as the sole attraction, the joint 
is jumping with biz. 

They pack In. here happily and get 
plenty of reward from 30 minutes of 
superb entertainment from an out- 
standing performer. And Hilde- 
garde has these sophisticates eating 
out of her hand. A wink, a twist of 
the wrist, a. lift of a finger serve ex- 
cellently in lier handling of these 
people. Sound and solid as a singer, 
her choice of material Is excellent 
and her delivery sure. 

Hildegarde's top songs are 'Jenny,' 
'Ain't We Got Fun,*. 'Remember 
Vienna' and she pianos Rach- 
maninoffs prelude in C sharp minor 
in modern tempo. Also does several 
special material songs sold by her 
sock showmanship. 

She had been off for' several days 
due to a sore throat, but her return 
gave no indication of any flaw in her 
delivery. Hildegarde is here for 
four weeks. And it will be a glori- 
ous four weeks on coin. 

Bob Grant orchestra has the ishow 
and dance assignment, doing a fine 
job of it. Gold. 



CLUB LIDO, S. F. 

San Froncisco, June 25. 
Duncan Sisters, Faye and Weiling- 
ton, Stan Kramer & Co. (2), 
Guieneth Omeran. Dorr Stewart, 
Margaret Faver Line (6), Tommy 
Smith's Orch (9). 

Located just a block from the Bal 
Tabarin and seating 600, L. Magglora 
JJJ'^J'S^''' farces' recently remodeled 
Club Lido is splurging with a new 
show headed by the Duncan Sisters. 
Opening (25) was big, although Wed- 
nesday is ordinarily the Lido's poor- 
est night, Indlcatiing the Duncans 
can stIU pull. Sisters were set in by 
MCA for a reported $700 a week plus 
15% of the gtosB over $6,000. 
' New' tevue- Is! presented 'In play 



form, with a King Arthur tlieme and 
costumes, Idea probably looked good 
on paper but come^ out like amateur 
night in San Diego and demonstrates 
the futility of attempting sustained 
dialog in a night club. Eva (Vivian 
Duncan) is on first, summoning Topsy 
(Rosetta), who works sans black- 
face here, to tell her story of King 
Arthur, which cues the balance of 
the bill. Rosetta returns as the King 
with Eva doing Gulnivere, accom- 
panied by three or four knights of 
high-school-play breed. 

Specialties are okay, particularly 
Stan Kramer's puppet act,, but are 
more or less lost in the confusion. 
Only times the show really grabs 
hold is when the Duncans themselves 
slip into their old routines, which is 
what the customers want. 

At one point the gals pause to 
harmonize 'I'll Never Forget You* 
and despite the kingly robes it's 
something the folks recognize as 
Duncan, and they go for it. Topsy 
also .manages to work in her biz of 
greeting individual ringsiders and 
while the pair are on their own, time 
moves forward. They remain great 
troupers. 

Vivian is as charming and doll-like 
as ever and Rosetta has lost none of 
her energetic enthusiasm. At the 
close the customers demanded and 
got Duncan harmonizing — 'Remem- 
bering,' 'I'm Following You,' 'Never 
Had a Mammy* — which made up for 
a lot of what went before. Show 
undoubtedly will undergo major op- 
erations as a result. Dimcans are in 
for four weeks with options. 

Rosetta has one '■ good number as 
King Arthur, •Here*s to Health'; Faye 
and Wellington, dance team, are on 
once. Line here from Chicago's 606 
Club, works twice, first time In a 
dual number wherein skirts of blue 
frocks split to become butterfiy 
wings. Dorr Stewart, baritone dis- 
guised as one of the knights, has an 
okay piping system but hasn't much 
chance to use it. Gweneth Omeran, 
soprano, is lost in the shuffle. 

Wem. 



LOG CABIN 

(ARMONK, N. T.) 

. Armonk, N. Y., June 20. 
Lcs Broujn Oreh (15) with Betff 
Bonnet/, Ralph Young; no cover, no 
mi7itmum, 20c. 'music charge.' 

Spirit and enthusiasm among th* 
comparative youn.gsters that staff 
this band, plus good arrangements 
and a leader who has an ingratiating, 
eager personality, are making Les 
(Continued on page 44) 




I want to publicly acknowl- 
edge the fine treatment ac- 
corded me at the ROXY. 
New York, during my two 
weeks engagement conclud- 
ed June 26. I deeply regret 
my inability to continue this 
pleasant engagement be- 
cause 'of previous commit- 
ments. 

STEEL PIER, Atlantic City 
THIS WEEK, JUNE 28 

Maiwf ementt A. & 9, LYONS 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



VAUDEmUS 43 



Mobile Army Camp Units to Conthme 
Past Jofy 4 Deadline Due to Requests 



Mobile units presenting tree, out- 
tloor shows In Army camps, under 
sponsorship ot the Citizens Commit- 
tee for the Army and Navy, will con- 
tinue Into mid- July or beyond In- 
stead of winding up around July 4 
as originally planned. Troops were 
expected to be moving into field 
maneuvers by that time, but requesto 
iot bookings continue to come into 
New York headquarters from posta 
throughout the country and the 
United Service Organizations- 
financed units will, continue to fill 
them so far as possible. . 

Five troupes are now out per- 
forming on. the stages which unfold 
from the sides of giant trucks loaned 
by General Motors. Two more 
trucks are available, but the ' im- 
minency of maneuvers makes it un- 
wise to organize companies to go out 
with them. 

Present, sked calls for only one 
group to disband on the original 
date, July 4. That's "B,* headed by 
MUton Dotiglas, currently touring 
Illinois. 'A,' topped by Lew Parker, 
and traveling through the south, runs 
until July 18; 'C,' with Harry Savoy 
as.m.c, running through Texas, goes 
on' until July 10; 'D,' headed by Don 
Bice, 'and going through Missouri, 
Arkansas and Louisiana, ends up 
July 15, and 'E,' of which Don Cum- 
mings is topper, covering Pennsyl- 
vania, Maryland and Virginia, 
operates until July 17 or 18. 

Soout 'Broshofl* 
• Reports that the War Department 
Is giving the brushoff to the prob- 
lem of entertainment in Army 
camps have been scotited by Brig. 
General James A. Ulio, chief of the 
Morale Branch.. General Ulio, in re- 
ply to a request by Varietv for an 
official statement of the War De- 
partment's attitude, declared: 

'Motion picture entertainment 
Is already available in all of the 
army camps. The question of 
supplementing this with, live en- 
tertainment has- received and 
continues to receive, the most 
serious consideration of the War 
Department. Any such program 
must necessarily concern itself 
with the facilities available and . 
with the very considerable ex-, 
pense involved, for which no 
appropriations are available. Ar- 
rangements concerning profes- 
sional entertainment in various 
camps have been largely left' 
within the discretion of the local 
camp commanders, in view of 
their familiarity with the local 
conditions and the resources 
available and also, so that they . 
Inight feel no obligation to un- 
dertake any activities that might 
interfere with the main objec- 
tive in the present emergency, 
of training the troops under 
*- their command. 

'The War Department has, 
however,- been ready to avail 
itself of the suggestions and ad- 
vice of those highly regarded in 
the field of professional enter- 
tainment. Recently,; at Robert 
Sherwood's suggestion, a Citi- 
zens Committee on Entertain- 
ment for the Army and Navy 
has been appointed, of which 
Vinton Frfeedley is chairman. 
The War Department makes no 
attempt to control the activities 
of any such committee. 

'You may be assured that your. 
Interest and the interest of the 
theatrical profession in the wel- 
fare of . the army are greatly 
appreciated." 

Fort DIx Trial 
Initial experiment in the country 
with a policy of full-week vaude in 
.' an Army camp will be tried at Fort 
Dix, N, J., starting next week. Show 
is being set and booked by agent 
Phil Morris of New York, working in 
close cooperation with Major J. C.- 
Donoghue, Dix morale officer. 

It will be presented on an outdoor 
stage built during the last war and 
recently reconstructed. Benches 
have been placed around it 'to seat 
1.850. Admjsh will be 20c. and Post 
Exchange checks (credit) will be 
accepted. 
Plan is to have five acts, a line of 
(Continued on page 44) 



Rossilianos Take Steps 
Toward U^. Citizensliip 

Detroit, July 1. 
Without a country since the Ger- 
man invasion of Poland, the dancing 
Rossilianos will leave the United 
States shortly to return and take the 
first steps toward becoming Amer- 
icans. 

Stranded in the U. S. by the war 
since they came over to dance at the 
New York World's Fair, they re- 
vealed that following their appear- 
ance at Loevy's State, N. Y., they'll 
leave for several appearances in 
Canada, which fits in neatly with 
their booking toward citizenship. 
Following the Canadian appearance, 
they can come back into this coun- 
try after July X under the Polish 
quota, when their subsequent steps 
will be to get their first papers. 



Coincidence 



BERLE DICTATES 
CHI CHEZ 
SHOW 



' • Chicago, July 1. 

For the first time in the history 
of the Chez Paree an act will be 
permitted to dictate the makeup of 
the rest of the floor show. Milton 
Berle, who opens in the spot on 
Friday (4), has a clause in his con- 
tract which gives him the right to 
choose the surrounding acts on the 
show. He chose the Five Jansleys 
and Ben Yost's VaVsity 8, who were 
with him at the N.Y. Paramount; 
also Carol Rhodes, singer; new band 
is' Boyd Raeburn succeeding Paul 
Whiteman. 

Berle is in for four weeks and will 
be followed there by Carmen Am- 
aya and her South American dancing 
troupe. Comedian returns to Holly- 
wood and his 20th-Fox • contract 
thereafter. 



Memphis Dates Apollon 

Dave Apollon heads the initial 
stage show the week of July 18 at 
the Malco, Memphis. Formerly the 
Orpheum, house is now under new 
management, 

Apollon is currently marking the 
10th anniversary of his first appear- 
ance on the Interstate Circuit with 
^ . another tour of the Texas houses. 



Fox's M'waukee Burlesk 
Aimed at Legionnaires 

Milwaukee, July I.- 
Charley Fox, this ' town's burley- 
que impresario, who is opening the 
long closed Alhambra in September, 
had planned to run the house on a 
24-hour-a-day basis during the 
American Legion convention, but 
union demands for quadruple shifts 
of stagehands and musicians has 
caused abandonment of the idea. He 
will content himself with five or six 
stageshows a day, the last show 
starting at midnight, with its patrons 
permitted to spend the rest of the 
night- there to sleep if they wish. 

Fox expects to realize enough from 
the pillow concession to pay for ex- 
tra ^expense involved. Incidentally, 
he plans to switch the theatre en- 
trance from Wisconsin avenue, the 
main stem, to Fourth street. In the 
belief that many pp.trons prefer to 
slip into a Girlesque (it's no longer 
burlesk) show unobserved via the 
side street 



Washington, July 1. 

Choosing a stage name for 
laughs just 'isn't safe, no mat- 
ter how outlandish the name. 
Vaudeville and radio comedy 
team of Nan Rae and Mrs.«. 
Stanislaus Waterfall (Maude 
Davis), playing the Capitol the- 
atre here, discovered It during 
the past week. 

Woman called the theatre, 
asked for the comedienne, said 
her primary purpose in calling 
was to find out if the two might 
be related. Her name was Mrs. 
Waterfall. And furthermore, 
there was once a Stanislaus 
Waterfall in the family and she 
wondered if that could have 
been the vaude player's hus- 
band's grandfather. 



Burley Strippers in Middle of Feud 
In Philly Between Hirst and Niteries 
That Feature Doffers; AGVA Steps In 



Frisco Lindy^s Bows 
Anew as Deaavifle 



Indict Two New York 
Niteries and 22 Ticket 
Agencies for U.S. Ta^es 

An indictment handed up by a 
federal grand jury Friday (27) in 
N. Y. federal court charges two night 
club corporations and three individ- 
uals with the embezzlement of 
monies received as defense taxes 
from patrons, and charges the 
clubs with failure to report such 
•taxes in their proper amount An 
information handed up at the same 
time charges 22 theatre ticket brok- 
ers with failure to rebord-the prices 
at which tickets are sold on the 
tickets. (Further details on ticket 
brokers 'indictment in Legitimate 
section.) 

Night clubs named are the M. C. G. 
Restaurant and Waikiki Club Corp., 
operating the Club Waikiki, 62 West 
52d Street, Robert Ching, manager, 
James McKenzie, president; and the 
Pango Pango Amus. Corp., 138 East 
SSth street, and Edward Duthu, pres- 
ident. Both have since folded. 

The amount of the evasion on the 
part of the defendants is not known, 
according to U. S. Attorney Jesse 
Moss, but it was pointed out that the 
Government has collected over $2,- 
500,000 above taxes reported from 
varipus amusemen^ enterprises and 
ticket brokers during the past 18 
months. » 

Under federal laws, patrons of 
night clubs must pay a tax on all 
meals costing specified amounts, the 
operators of the clubs thus becoming 
trustees of monies belong .to the U. S. 



Hamid Sets Ted Lewis 



Springfield, Mass., July 1. 
George Hamid's 'Echoes of Broad- 
way' has been engaged by Meiha 
Temple Shrine here for an outdoor 
show Aug. 2 to 8 at Pynchon park 
here. 

Ted Lewis band and troupe fea- 
tured. 



^■TOLLIES' (m FREE 
IN SLAYING OF MATE 



Detroit, July 1. 
Mrs. Vida Fenn, said to have been 
a former 'Follies' girl under her 
maiden name of Vida Maybuiy, was 
acquitted in Bffy City, Mich., last 
week of. the first-degree murder 
charge brought following the slay- 
ing of her husband, Edward, last 
March. 

Mrs. Fenn testified that drunken 
and jealous assaults had punctuated 
her dancing 'career with her hus- 
band before they settled in Bay City, 
where they operated a night club. 
She charged ' that the attacks were 
resumed there and that she had 
stabbed him in self-defense. 



San Francisco, July 1. 
Lindy's, which folded recently, has 
reopened as the Deauville. Backer 
is J. J. Canham, auditor for the 7- 
Up company here, who secured use 
of the Deauville tag from Frank 
DeGofI, currently operating Streets 
of Paris. 

Pr^ent setup has a nut of $1,400 
a week and can do about $1,500, 
main idea being to ride along pend- 
ing $5,000 renovation to permit book- 
ing of floor shows. Canham has a 
10-year lease and plans call for turn- 
ing the spot into downtown com- 
petish for the Bal Tabarin and Stair- 
way to the Stars. , 



GOHA dance; 

DEL SAYS OF 
STRIPPERS 



Detroit, July 1. 
, Unless they can dance, strip- 
teasers are banned, from. Detroit's 
niteries. Clamp was put on the 
peelers by Sergt Joseph Kollar, 
police 'censor, who said that too many 
beefs had been received of 'raw stuff 
working in close proximity to au- 
diences.' ' 

His ruling was that the cafe nud- 
ists could appear 'if they're barely 
able to keep time to Ihe music. But 
they've got to dance. I don't care if 
it's Interpretative stuff that goes 
back to Solomon, they've got to do 
something besides undress. They 
can't get by here any more with just 
a beautiful body and no talent' 

Kollar said he wanted no repetition 
In Detroit 'of conditions in St. Louis,' 
and said that the edict also called 
for the stirlppers to keep on the 
brassieres. Rules are' less strict in 
the burley houses, it was conceded, 
since people know what they're-^-. 
Iftg ih tb' see and ''tHe act Ts"'inore 
remote from the audience.' 

The ban on the nitery peelers also 
revealed that five girls have been 
banned from many further ; appear- 
ances in the burlesque houses. How- 
ever, Kollar put a squelch on the re- 
lease of their names, declaring that 
while they never could come in 
Detroit again, 'we don't intend to 
keep them from making a living else- 
where.' All five were said to have 
been a "constant headache because 
they took their peeling art too seri- 
ously and went the limit. The rule 
also has called "for a few more drap- 
eries on some of the lines working 
here. 



Philadelphia, July 1. 

Izzy Hirst, operator of ttie Troca« 
dero burlesker, is campaigning 
against niteries that feature strip- 
pers. Chief target of Hirst's cam- 
paign is Carroll's,, Walnut street 
cabaret, run by Stanley Carroll. 

Henceforth no peeler who sheds 
at Carroll's or any other so-called 
'burlesque night club' will find work 
at the Troc or any of the theatres 
which Hirst controls. This means 
26 houses, as Hirst is head of a wheel 
of 13 burley theatres In the east and 
has recently consummated a pooling 
deal with the Midw'est circuit, which 
also has 13 theatres.' Loss of a po- 
tential 26 weeks' work each year 
has made many topnotch strippers 
hesitate before taking a job at Car- 
roll's or the c^er spots in town. 

The feud came to a head last week 
when Crystal Ames, penciled in for 
a couple of weeks a'. Carroll's, can- 
celed when she heard of Hirst's 
ukase. She then went to work at 
the Troc. 

Carroll Squawks . 

Carroll squawked to the American 
Guild of Variety Artists about the 
cancellation. Dick Mayo, AGVA 
business agent, ordered Miss Ames 
placed on the unfair list. The dance 
team of Jones and Faye, booked at 
the Troc, walked out rather than 
play on the same bill with Miss 
Arhes. . 

Among those who have played 
Carroll's recently and are skedded 
to get the silent treatment from 
Hirst are Maxine DeShon, Lois De- 
Fee and Dixie SuJivan. 

The strippers claim they're in the 
middle in the Hirst-nitery squabble. 
Most of the burley theatres are shut- 
tered in' the summer and they can 
.only find work In the cafe spots. If 
they do take a booking, they find 
themselves on the receiving end bf 
the silent'boycott of the Hirst chain. 
And now the .union. ' 

Carroll, meanwhile, Is skedded to 
appear before the State Liquor 
Board today (1) to rhow cause why 
his license shouldn't be revoked'^ 
His spot is charged with improper 
entertainmeht, iiisiifficlent illumlna^ 
tlon, allowing entertainers to mlxi 
with customers. Improper advertis- 
ing, Sunday liquor sales and allow- 
ing dancing and entertainment to 
continue after legal closing -hours. 



Chicago AGVA Seeks to Boost Wages 
Of Performers to Meet Rising Costs 



Frisco Vaude Respite 

San Francisco, July 1. 

Vaude policy at Dan McLean's 
Embassy will be discontinued until 
fall, Amateur show will be substi- 
tuted until then if unioi\ objections 
can be overcome. 

Venture in stage shows has con- 
vinced McLean that a profit can be 
made even at 20c. top. although the 
current try only broke even 'because 
we learned the hard way,' 



Chicago, July 1. 
Local offices of the American 
Guild of Variety Artists have taken 
into cognizance the problem of rap- 
idly rising living costs. Conse- 
quently, local president Jack Irving 
has summoned a special me^tihg^of 
the board of directors for Monday 
(9) to discuss ways and means of 
meeting the situation, for while liv- 
ing costs have risen sharply In the 
wake of the defense activities, per- 
formers' salaries have remained on a 
level established months ago. 

It is likely that the AGVA may 
ready a new minimum wage scale 
for performers in this territary. This 
will work to an added benefit for 
performers who have already re- 
ceived a boost in salary minimum 
since the induction of Irving as chief 
of AGVA activities here. 

Since Irving took office the mini- 
mum of $20 for chorus girls and $25 
for principals has been eliminated 



entirely and a graduated scale plan 
instituted, giving chorus girls a mini- 
mum of $30 and principals $35 in the 
lowest or Class C spots, while prin- 
cipals get at least $50 In Class B and 
$60 in Class A niteries. 

Toledo Gambling Spot 
Seeks Nitery Permit 

Toledo, O., July 1. 

The Club Devon, former gambling 
house constructed after Lucas 
County Sheriff Charles L, Hennessy 
ordered gambling places on the 
Dixie Highway closed may be con- 
verted into a night club. 

Glen Karcher, Toledo, has applied 
to the Ohio Liquor Department for 
a night club permit, stating he has 
been in business at the Devon sinc^ 
April 25, and had been granted a 
restaurant permit 



Hirst Back in A. C. 

Philadelphia, July 1. 
Izzy Hirst Is again operating the 
Globe, Atlantic jCIty, with burlesque 
this sunlmer. 'Using a stock troupe 
with- changes weekly In strip prin- 
ciples and cOmics, season got under- 
way last week (24) with 'Shorty' Mc- 
Allister and 'Stinky' Fields in. the top 
spot Jack Beck, from Allentown, 
Pa., again back as house manager. 

' Troc here, break-In iiouse for the 
Hirst wheel, also goes stock for the 
summer. 



Service Shows Create 
N. 0. Talent Dearth 



New Orleans, July 1, 
Local entertainers. on the move to 
bring some diverting moments to the 
soldiers in the suftbuh'dWg" atmy" 
camps and air bases Is held the rea- 
son for the dearth of talent In. the 
French Quarter night spots. 

Many of the acts left their jobs to 
tour the camps and play niteries 
'near the training ba^es.' — 



Chester Hale to Stage 
Arena Mgrs/ Ice Show 

' Chester Hale has been engaged to 
stage the new Ice show, succeeding 
the currently-touring 'Xcecapades,' 
for the Arena Managers Assn., 
headed by John Harris. Presenta- 
tion will go into rehearsal July 26 
ih Atlantic City, wh'ere 'Icecapades' 
closes the preceding night. 

After four weeks' rehearsal, the 
new show will play two perform- 
ances in Atlantic City, then go to 
Dallas for the start of a season's 
tour. 



Hale, Inc., Dissolves 

Albany, N. Y., July 1. 
Chester Hale, Inc., New York, haa 
been dissolved, -according to papers - 
filed with the secretary of state - In 
Albany by New York City Attorney 
Abner Goldston. 



44 VAUDEVILLE 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



Night Club Reviews 



^Continued from paie 42^ 



LOG CABIN 



Brown's band a heavy click at this 
roadside spot some 40 miles from 
New York. Brown and his rising 
outnt began their upward trek at the 
Theatre Cafe, Chicago, through the 
latter part of the winter, and before 
starting here about a week ago went 
through a stretch at the Srand 
theatre. New York. 

A crack, flexible unit composed of 
six brass, four saxes, four rhythm. 
Brown's bunch seems headed for 
big money. It has aU the necessary miramum 
requirements; a clean playing group 
of instrumentalists that boasts sev- 
eral standout men, a seemingly in- 
exhaustible wealth of push and drive 
which makes itself felt in even the 
sweeter tempoes, and good dancing 
rhythm at any speed. Leader him- 
self plays alto sax. He's almost 
always taking an active hand, align- 
ing his instrument with the other 
four to fill out that section and coun- 
terbalance the six brass, which are 
split evenly. 

Singers keep pace.' Betty Bonney, 
a recent addition, sells a song, par 



spelling out the words phonetically, 
as do many of the crooners here, 
Rolero Pan-Americana, which han- 
dles the Cuban and Brazilian music, 
is owned and trained by Stewart 
and features Ismar Guimaraes. a 

,a lift to a bill that's somewhat too,f,;^l^ ^U^ed^C^'dur^i**"^! 
long and draggy in middle caused by ^^^i^^^l^^r^j^^UJ^l 
'necesary planting of nund-rcadingL^arch, get the most palm-warniing 
act Sammy Watkins' crew holding I i„ this division, 
up as strongly on seventh months, Tourbillion, done up in classic, 
but leaving soon. r...i.-_ , . *■ 



PuIIen. 



CLUB BALI, PHILLY 



Phibidetpht^i, June 27. 
^luseU Swann, Nino and Lenore, 
Virginia RaTnos, Elisse, Bait-Lovelies 
(6), i41len Ficldtnjr Orch (8), Juani- 
ta's Rhumba Band t6); no cover or 



, Tourbillion, done up ... 

style with rich royal red and cream 
decorations, is probably the most 
expensive spot in B. A., ofTering din- 
ner at seven pesos ($1.75 U. S.>, 
which is terrific cash tor foiod in this 
low-cost eating town. Spot now 
operates only on Thursday and Sat- 
urday nights, but may unshutter for 
other evenings if biz continues good. 

Ray. 



ticularly novelties, in smart fashion r 
and is a decided decoration on a 
bandstand. Ralph Young, from 
Tommy Reynold's orch, gets his stuff 
oS much in the manner of Russ Co- 
lumbo, but is not aSected by any 
thoughts of imitation. His ballads 
help immensely. - Abe Moast, who 
plays a world of clarinet, occasion- 
ally chimes in with Miss Bonney on 
vocals such as 'Hut-Sut Song.' 

Broadcasts and a continuation of 
the solid records Brown has been 
turning out, pins time, should put 
his band in a major position. Wood. 



The Freres Kaliner are keeping 
their air-cooled 'tropical' club open 
aU summer, though they're cutting 
down on the talent nut for the dura- 
tion. 

Russell Swan combines his deft 
legerdemain with clever, sophisti- 
cated patter to make his turn a nice 
hunk of entertainment Swann m.c.s, 
piloting the acts in a smooth, suave 
manner. 

Virginia Ramos, a south-of-the- 
border looker with an excellent con- 
1 tralto, is rather pleasing, -while 



VOGUE ROOM, CLEVE. 

(HOTEL HOIXENDEN) 

Cleveland, June 21. 
, Rolf Passer, Glen Pope, Marma, 
Caroline Rhodes, Sloan and Gary, 
Sammy Watkins' Orch, 



Du£ to dearth of entertainment in 
town's night spots, the majority of 
which have dropped floor shows for 
the eauatorial months, the Hollen- 
den's vogue Room Is ekpaiTataiting 
With four-week runs for its unit 
revues. In the current case of Bolt 
Passer, Glen Pope and MaWng, 
maigico telepathists, who started the 
policy, if 3 been a stireflre stunt 
Tno Is a slow-baOder as a brain- 
teaser novelty, but word-of-mbuth 
publicity showed 'results in a profit- 
able second week that lured in re- 
peaters and a cargo of curiosify- 
seekers who don't as a rule frequent 
the night-boxes. - 

What Passer, from Vienna, does in 
locating hidden pins, executing 
secret orders of customers and ap- 
parently reading their minds is 
actually a revamped version of an 
old-time magic act Modern gen- 
eration, goes nuts trying to figure 
it oiit . 

Holding on to sensitive wrist and 
pulse of Matina, hI*exotic-Iooking 
assist, long-haired telepathlst makes 
a rather - melodramatic entrance in 
the European manner. Hokey tinge 
Is forgotten when he goes into action, 
turning out lights, moving napkins, 
plates, and performing gags pre- 
arranged by clients and the m.c. 
While Passer's out of room. 

Tricks are amusing mystifiers, a 
bit on the uncanny side since there's 
apparently no cot=,-^ or signals passed 
between him and medium. If 
secret's a matter of muscular re- 
flexes and pulse jumps, helper covers 

pLJr'S^„ff»"[!°?i'^yi Throw-Off is ploy the device. 
Passer s offer to take any gal from Ur - ^""^ 
audience as a medium " " 



warbling a string of Latin tunes, in' 
eluding 'Slboney,' 'Amapola' (in the 
original Italian), 'Cielita Linda' and 
others. 

Nino and Lenore lead the line of 
Bali-Lovelies in the congarhumba 
routines, also doing two solo turns of 
Latin-American and Spanish folk 
dances. Elisse steps out of the liiie 
for a Mexican shawl dance. Neither 
is out of the ordinary. 

Juanita's rhumba sextet :winds up 
a 10-month engagement this' week, 
opening at the Hotel President in At- 
lantic City over July 4. The aggre- 
gation has built ' up a following 
among the rhumba addicts in town. 

Allen Fielding's band continues 4o 
dish out the dance rhythmics, while 
backing the floor show handily. 

Room was about three-fourths 
filled at catching (supper show, Fri- 
day). Shal. 



TOURBILLION, B. A. 



: hidden objects Is his top 



r-to find 

' clicker. 
- Pope, a glib emcee, displays a mitV- 
sUck sleight-of-hand work. Al- 

-'^■1»:.^ir'rtf^^>&&-„:fd-cage and cigaret 
leats for flash effect, his real forte is 
in coin-card legerdemain, in which 
the boy has a brilliant touch. 

Carol Rhodes, a brunet canary 
with more pulchritude than ordinary 
pipes out ballads in a straight but 
neatly appealing fashion. Also gives 



Buenos Aires, Jone 24. 
Refurbishing of this society spot, 
located in the Hotel Alvear Palace, 
No. 1 B. A. hostelry, both, with new 
decorations, new entertainment and 
new type of service, seems to have 
caught on both with Argentines and 
the international set, who comprise 
the bulk of all nitery business in 
this .cosmopolitan metrcqjolis: 

Despite demand from the U. S. 
crowd, spot continues -the South 
American system of offering an 
array of bands and featured singers, 
but nothing else by way of divertise- 
ment, zeasoning that those wlio want 
shows will have to go to cabarets ot 
the type of the Ta-Ba-Ris. and that, 
anyway, the cost of a show HfTt-M^ 
is eight times greater than that of 
iiiO-show places. , . 

Top band is Bob Stewart, Argen- 
tine-born of Australian descent, who 
makes not only a handsome front 
for the 11-man crew, but also han^- 
dles the accordion and warbles some 
of the swingier jive. His outfit is 
one of the smoothest of the U. S.- 
type In B. A., being far ahead of 
many' in the newness not only of 
the rnusic, but in the way it's played. 
Band can best be described as being 
somewhat like Eddy Ducfain's, espe- 
cially when Mario Cesar! lets go 
some Duchin-style pianology. Stew- 
art gets much the same-style .crowd 
as the Plaza in New York, and there- 
fore the emulation is not misplaced. 

Request number- slips are used, 
spot- being the only local one to em- 
It's e^ecially popu- 
. — with the English crowd, for 
using her ^hose big dances Stewart used to 



play before the war. Ray Noble's 
'Isola Bella,' Cole Porter's 'Let's Be 
Buddies' and 'This Is the Beginning 
of the End' are the current most- 
requests tuneif. ' ' 

Featured singer is Helen Jackson, 
Argentine born of U. S. descent, and 
she does equally well with the torchy 
stuff and the ballads. Has a nice, 
easy manner at the mike and is one 
of the few local singers who can 
han/ile_j_mimber in Epglish without 



Alice Kavan 

*'The Female Paul Draper** 

Club Royale, Detroit 

Thanks to PHIL TYRRELL 



Just Completed 4tli Return Engagement 
College Inn, Chicago 

•T<rew (^ancing sensaUon . . . Chicago"— Herald-American. 

. . terrific spina . . . -wlna top applause" — D«tre>t News. 

. . » moat talented young dancer . . ,. with something new and 
deferent"— Oatroit Times. 



WALNUT ROOM, CHI 

(BISMARCK HOTfL) 

Chicago, June 29: 
Jimmy Joy Orch (11) tohh Betty 
BuTTii, Maurice and Maryea, Jane 
Hadley Dancers (6). 

This has always been a staul, quiet 
little room where the jitterbug is an 
unaccustomed visitor, where the 
wine seldom pops and the general 
tone Is for the home-folk and not 
much squandering of sugar. The 
operating cost is. kept at a minimum 
and the only attraction is the band. 
The. floor show has to, be looked 
for 'quickly, or the customer will 
miss it entirely. 

Current layout consists of a line 
of six girls doing two numbos and 
a simple little l>allroom dance team. 
It's pleaisant enough, but completely 
without boxoffice appeal or meaning. 



The Jane Hadley Dancers are nicely 
and quietly costumed, and they turn 
In sifnple routines which lean sharp- 
ly towards the 'cute and sweet.' 
Maurice and Maryea make a good 
appearance and this audience found 
their ballroom dance work satisfy- 
ing. 

Jimmy Joy orchestra indicates that 
the room is in for one of its top 
m<iney sessions. Joy has had quite 
a moniker for Chicagoans thongh 
pretty much of a stranger in town, 
and it appears that he will gamer 
plenty of customers here. 

And that is as it should be for the 
Joy orchestra is neat in this room, 
purveying the type ot music all 
types ' of customers like. Band Is 
baJanced welt and hits it out neatly 
on all kinds of tempo. 

Joy does . a ^e»t job of handling 
the saxophone for specialties, does 
the m. c duties qp the floor show 
and generally keeps things mdving 
excellently. He has Betty Bums as 
femme vocalist and she is in keep- 
ing with the general aspect of the 
orchestra, easy to listen to at all 
times. 

Current ride of the WGN-Mutual 
wires from this location should aid 
Joy's b.o. . <3oId. 

365 CLUE, FRISCO 

^San Frantiuo, Jwie 20. 
'Chicago Follies,' with Charles 
Fredericks, ZerVy and^Wiere, Bobby 
Belmont, Ted Waldman and Susi«, 
Dorothir ByUtn Line (6), Joe Mar- 
cclHno'* Orch (5). 

Best-knit, fastest-tcioving floor- 
show seen here in some time debuted 
tonight (26) .with opening 6f 'Chi- 
cago FoUies,' Dorothy Byton unit 
from the 'Windy ' City, booked by 
MCA. Second only to the Bal 
Tabarin in the Frisco nitery picture, 
this third floor room operated by 
'Bimbo' (August Guintoli) is on the 
intimate side, .accommodating just 
under 300. Cozy atmosphere is a 
break for any act, but the new 'Fol- 
lies' unit can -stand on its own any- 
where. 

Line, here from Chi's College Inn, 
Is well trained and opens with a fast 
routine, paving way for 'Miss Chi- 
cago,' femme half of Zerly and 'Wiere 
te^n, who sheds her name-banner as 
her partner appears, also displaying 
nude torso. Dame team is smodth 
and as the flash is more' nudity than 
Bimbo ordinarily go6s in for, show 
gets off to a zingy start Almost 
before the^r'te off, the line is back in 
dazzling pink-and-green flourescent 
costumes, like pf which localites 
haven't seen before. Gals carry 
flourescent puppets arid whbn lights 
go up Bobby Belmont is discovered 
on a portable stage with a puppet 
act Town is flooded with 'em, but 
the boy has several new twists, in- 
cluding a clown that juggles. 

Oiarles Fredericks, baritone re- 
putedly under five-year contract to 
the Shubetts, half-ways with three 
numbers. Voice is okay; he's a 
handsome, broad-shouldered lad. 
Selection of numbers is poor, how- 
ever, 'Glory Road* making for good 
stage exhibition but meaning little fn 
a nitery. Line works in toward the 
end, with another change. 

Zerly and Wiere, in lavender gown 
and tails, return for a slick routine, 
tagged by blackface harmonica of 
Ted wal(^pan, line returning in new 
outfits at dose. Gals work every 
number. Zarly and Wiere polish the 
works off with a soft-shoe jitterbug 
ihaf 9 plenty neat, witti everybody on 
fbr the finish. Joe MarcelUno's orch 
gives excellent support and for dan- 
sapation the boys, having worked to- 
gether here for three yearai. get more 
out of five pieces than many do out 
Of 10. Wem. 



■**t ttftftftfftftttttttftttttn itj. 

The Good Old Days 

*** 1 A ..A,f^^^f ^ ^^ ^ ^ ^ ^^i 

Herewith appears a Variety revtew oi a N. Y. Palace bill oj 20 years 
ago. The intcTitton is to reprint these weekly using the relative week of 
1921 uAth the current date oi issue. No special reason in revitnno thc»c 
revieutt other than the mtereft they may have m recalltno the acts which 
were playing at that time, the manner of putttnff together a big time show 
(booking), -which radio station* may find pertinent, and aa a resume of the 
style of vaudeville reviewing of that day. 

(Reprinted from Varieiv of Julv 1, 1921) 

PALACE, N. Y. 



Reappearances feature this week's bill at the Palace with the Six Brown 
Bros, back for their flrst Broadway vaudeville showing after a long stay 
with Fred Stone's Tip Top.' Florence Moore is also at the Palace for the 
flrst time since embarking on a musical comedy career. . John Steel held 
over and another musical comedy entry makes for a ritzy bill'that breezed 
through to about three-quarters of a hotisetul Monday night. 

Steel repeated his triumph of last week, teninln^ bis way to ambitious 
heights and singing as long as there was a demand, wlti^ ran bis score up 
to about eight numbers. His delivery, technique and showmanship, not to 
speak of appearance and voice, estaUtsh him as a feature for vaudeville 
as long as he wishes to stay. He was- in fifth position, which showed ex- 
cdlent Judgment on the layout, for down lower oo the bill the act loiaow 
mg would have been sacrificed. 

Stan Stanley, after a year's absence, was back in his former audience 
turn just atfiai of Steel. Stanley seems to have fully recovered his health 
and looks pounds heavier. The act remains the same, with May Stanley 
more prominent, she having developed into quite an asset in addition to 
adding oceans of class in a red, short-sknled costume in which sbe looked 
ravishing. Tlie former king" of the trampoline is handling talk as to the 
manner bom, but should freshen up some of the crossfire used after he 
ascends the stage. He announced - his return and gratification with the 
results in a brief speech. 

'Flashes' closed the flrst half in bangup style, mainly through the efforts 
of Doc Baker, Polly 'Walker -and the Piersons, a pair of nifty steppers who 
stopped the act on one Occasion with a dotible eccentric routine. The house 
couldn't get enough of Polly ,..who looked like money from home. Polly 
was turned out during one of nature's happiest moments, and ht addition 
ean sing and dance gracefully. She is an ideal Ingenue for the little mu- 
sical revue. 

Second after intermission. Six Brown Bros, scored a comedy and musical 
hit with their playing. The turn remains practically the same in construc- 
tion as when last seen in the two-a-day houses, with Tbm Brown handling 
the pantomimic lead stuff in blackface, with the five others- in harlequin 
costumes and clown makeups. They are the same sterling miisicians, w.ith 
the same sure assortment ot musical comedy and popular song melodies 
that left the varieties for the legit attractions. The vaudeville engagement 
was possible on account of the early closing of the Stone show his summer. 

Florence Moore opened the last half. Miss Moore has her act in .shape 
now and has injected, some ad lib stuff that sounds Cresh and original. She 
Ss working lastec and getting her nut: stuff over without any lulls. A brief 
dance in 'one' was substituted for the 'Ha. Ha He He* song of Sam Mayo's, 
but the song was rung in later, when another encore was demanded. Miss 
M-oore annoimces in a speech that she purchased the American rights from 
Mayo, but Is still silent as to the origin of the former Alice Lloyd standard, 
"Did 'Your First Wife Ever Do That?', also used in the act. She scored 
strongly Monday night, being forced to two encores and a speech that was 
one tst the funniest contributions of tl).e evening. 

(^axcmetti Bros,, in trampoline acipbatics and hat juggling, made an in- 
teresting opening turn with Rolls and Royce in their flrst Palace appear- 
ance, scoring a distinct impnession second with some nifty stepping. This 
pair wOTk^ as hard as Dempsey did this week and deserved the generous 
receipts accorded. The hoofing included eccentric waltz clog, buck and 
acrobatic stuff. 

[B^onite] Whipple and [Walterrfluston, third, in their allegorical con- 
ceit, 'Shoes,' did nicely. The man has an easy personality that is refresh- 
ing, with the girl foiling nicely. The act contains an Idea which hasnt 
been beaten to death and makes a pleasant structure fox the talents of the 
two principals. 

Muldoon, Franklyn & Rose held them in ttie closing.spot v>ith songs and 
dance doubles; Muldoon handles the vocalizing, whidt consists of intro- 
ductory songs ^or the different dances. The steppers are a graceful pair 
who will interest following all the dancing turns. A tough' double at the 
start -contains a Frisco finish when the boy pushes the girl to her knees as 
he acknowledges the applause atone. His acrobatic jumping solo was the^ 
biggest ^iplause winner of the routine. Con. 



Mobile Units 



SSSContiBned Jtom pace 

gals ' and a band. It will be pre- 
sented seven nights a week with 
wedcly change. ' There will be two 
shows nightly at 6:30 and 8 p.m. 



Camp Polk Show Set 

New Orleans, July t£ 
The boys in khaki at Camp Polk, 
Leesville, La„ will see four per- 
formances of 'Broadway on Wheels' 
entertainment July 6, 7' and 8. For 
many of the Louisiana boys it will 
be the flrst time the^ have seen a 
big production, quite a number of 
them hailing from the bayou areas 
and small towns far from the big 
centers. 

From Camp Polk, the show will 
move over to Camps Claiborne and 
Livingston near Alexandria, La., and 
later to the Naval Air station at 
Pensacola, 



N. Y. Ifiter; Folk>w-Up 

Fefc's Monte Carlo Beach club, 
right nexf door to Fefc's Monte Carlo 
supper club, is easily the prettiest 
room in New York. Decored by 
Franklin Hughes, who did the Cafe 
Pierre (also a Felix Ferry operation), 
it's a warm, sunlit-appearing room, 
simulating - a - fashionable Rr/iera 
t>lace with gay awnings and um- 
brellas. Ifs intlme, seats only about 
100, with John Klrby's "biggest little 
band' giving but spirited rhythms. 
Lulie Jean, aa NBC sustaining song- 
stress and a nice personality, in the 
class cafe manner, dispenses the 
vocal interludes. But the room is 
the prime draw, Open from lunch- 
eon through cocktails, dinner and 
supper, it's not cheap. There's a 
$1.50 cocktail minimum and $2.50 at' 
supper. Again Gene Cavallero, boni- 
facc of the Colony restaurant, is part- 
nered with Fefe Ferry in the ven- 
ture. - Abel 



FRANK PAYNE 

America *8 Youngest Star of Mimicry 



Peraonal Manaoement 
DAVID P. OmilEY 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



45 



Variety Gills 



WEEK JULY 4 

Namerala in connection with blUs below Indicate openlnr *»j of 
show, whether fall or split week. 



Paramount 



MBW YOBK CITY 
Paromoaat <8) 

■Will Bradley Oro 
Danny Kay« . 
Jane Froman 
Virclnia Austin 
' CHICAGO 
Chlcava (4) 
Fhll Harris Oro 
Paul WInchcll 



Amea & Arno 
Blllingtona 

Lake «) 
Harry RIchman 
MIAMI 
Olympla (4) 
WInl Shaw 
Hector Co 
nonctte De T^ys 
Ken Whltmer 
Lav/ lloffman 



Warner 



JiEW TOBK CITY 
Strand (4) . 

Cab Calloway Oro 
Avia Andrewa 
Moke A Poke 
Oho Bason 
' Uonon- Club. Co 
«7) 

Guy Tjonibardo Ore 
Bernarila Co 
Bobby May 
Blbyl Bowan 
PHILADELPHIA 
Karie (4) 
Rochealer 
nick Stabile Ore 
Oracia- Banle 
Walton A O'Rourke 
Kitty Murray 
Ruby RInic 
<27) 

Andrews Sis 
Joe Venuil Oro 
Joey Rardln 
Deval, Merle A !• 



PITTSBURtiU .. 
Stanley <4) 

Andrewa Sla 
Gene Krupa Oro 
4>at Ilennln; 

(S7) . 
Crasy wlih Heat 
Willie Howard 
Sylvia Frooa 
Betty Kean ■ 
Pansy A Moro 
WABHIKGTON 
Earle (4) 
Roxyottes 
Gloria Grant 
Niallle Arnaut Co 
! Gil Lnmb Co 
Sibyl Bowan 

(J7) 
Rochester 

DIok Stabile Ore . 
Grade Barrle 
Walton A O'Rourke 
Kitty Murrny 



Loew 



KEW'TORK CITY 
State (S) 

Park A cilRord 
. Cardlnl 
Sara Ann McCabe 
Smith A Dale 
Carmen Aniaya 



WASHINGTON 
Capitol (3) 

Rhythm Rockets 
B Dancing Boys 
Ben Yost Co. 
Johnny Burke 
Sylvia & Clemence 
Joe Besser 
Bill Coyle 



Independent 



KEW TOBK CITY 
^nalo Hall (8) 

nermanos "Williams 

Gloria Gilbert 

Brianta 

June Forrest 

Sari Wrlghtson 

Hilda Eckler 

Jerome Andrews 

Rockettes 

Corps de Ballet 

Glee Olub 
' Erno Rapee Symph 
Boxy (4) 

Major Bowes Co 
Apollo (4) 

Canada r.ieo 

Blanch Calloway O 

Willie Bryant 

Troy Brown 

Baron Lee 

AKRON 
Palace (4-7) 

Ted Lewis Ore 

Snowball Whiitler 

LeAhn Sis 

Jean Blanche 

Kay, Kalya & K 
ATI^NTIC CITY 
Hamld'a Pier <•) 

Dick RoKcra Ore 

Sally Rand 

Adrian Rolllnl I 

Carroll A Howe 

Jack McCoy 

Andrew DeWalt Co 

4 Co-Eds 

Steel rier (3) 

Gae Foster Ola 

West A McGlnty 

ChrlstlanI Tr 

Sharkey 

Gautler Co 
• Bobby -MroTla 

Richard Dana 

Pinky Lea 

Ryan A Benson 

Ben Tost Co 
(6) • 

Goodrich A Nelson 
Dinah Shore 
P^ J Hubert 

Charlie Barnett Ore 

<4-S) 
Bammy Kave Oro 
^ ■ (6 only) 
Benny Goodman O 

4 Inkepots 



(4) 

3 Sailors 

BALTIMORE 
State • (S-S) 

Martin. Bros 4k F 
Vox A Denning 
Bud Sweeney 
6 Yocalettes 
(3) 

Bobby Joyce Co 
Larry CoIIInn 
Jay Palmer Co 
(One to All) 

CAMDEN 
Tower* (4-6) 

Martlnelll 
Rae & Harrison 
Hetene Denl2on Co 
(Two to (III) 

FREEPOBT 
Freeport (4 only) 
Phllllii A Hall 
OAK Keane 
Ann Bond 
(Two to fllll 

LPNG ISLAND 
Honm Beach (3-6) 
Bob Howard 
Belitt A Eng Bros 
3 WIIM 

Woralslde Park 
(4 only) 
Martin Bros A F 
FenwIrk A Cook 
A A M Havel 
PHILAt>KLPn;A 
Carman (4) 
Carol KInv 
Phylls Colt 
Wells A 4 Fays 
PITMAN 

B'way (B only) 
Martin Bros A F 
Fenwlck- A-Cu>ok 
Bud Sweeney 
6 Vnrnlnttes 

■wiiajow grovk 

willow Grove Park 

(A only) 
Bobby Joyce Co 
r.arry Collins 
Fenwick A Cook 
A A M Havel 
Wells A 4 Fays 

(4 only) 
Ray A Arthur 
Morey A Eaton 
Bud Sweeney 
fi Vocalcttes 
(One to nil) 



Kenneth Spencer 
Meade Lux Lewis 
Art Tatum 
Helena Horne 

Cliateaa Hodema 
Annette Guerlnin 
Covert A Reed 
Luclle Jarrot't 
Maurice Shaw Oro 
Gabriel 

ClaremoBt Ina 
Joe RIcardel Oro 

Clab IS 
Q Andrews Oro 
Peter Brent Ore 
Pat Harrington 
Jack WhHe 
Roy Sedlcy 
Diana Fontaine 
Frankle Hyers 
Irene Barclay 
Cor.chlta 
Anita Dillon 
Ann Paige 
Hazel McNultr 
Vlnce Curran 

CiDb Gancho 
Don Avendano Oro 
Currlto A Coral 
Luis Camacbe 
Jose Perez 
Rosa Rio 
Harriet Carr 
Renee 

Cora ft Irene's 
Joe Ellis' Ore 
RIngo A Harris 
Betty Froos 
Marcella Clair 
Nick Leeds 
DIatnoDd Horseshoe 
Dr Rockwell 
Mna Murray 
NIta Naldl 
Carlyle Blackwell 
Joe B Howard 

?;oss Wyse, Jr 
une ■ Mann 
Delia LInd 
Geo Fontana 
Llla Lee 
Gllda Gray 
Charles King 
Mangean Sis 
Clyde Hager 

'El Chico 
Don Alberto Oro 
Juan Martinez 
Gloria Belmonls 
Antonlta 
Maria Lopez 
Cbarro Oil 3 

Famous Door ■ 
Sylvan Green Oro 
Val Irving 
Olive Fay 
Dixie Roberts 
Gibsons 
Bea Knlmus 
3 Heat Waves 

HaTana-Hadrld 
Frollan Maya Oro 
Juanlta Sanabria O 
Alberto Torres 
Ramon A Luclnda 
Belen Ortega 
Alda Rodrlguex 
Fay Torres 
Arturo Cortes 
Dolores DeLeon 

Hickory 4foDS« 
Bill Turner Oro 
Hotel Astor 
Tommy Dorsey Ore 
Ralph Rotgera Ore 
Connib Haines 
Pled Pipers 
Frank Sinatra 
Buddy Rich 
ZIggy Elman 



Maxine Krsor 

Hotel Knoseveit 
Jose Morand Oro 
Hotel Saroy-Plaxa 
Howard Lally Ore 
Peggy Fears 
Hotel St, Ceorg* 
. (Brooklyn) 
Dave Martin Oro 
Dee Williams 
Yank Porter 
Dick Fulbrlght 
Bill Dlllard 

Hotel St. Horlts 

Ford Harrison Oro 
Lolo & Kumon 
Florence A Alvarez 
Betty Blark 
Jaye Martin 

Hotel SL KegU 
Hal Saunders Ore 
Gus Marlel Oro 
Hotel Taft 
Vincent Lopez Ore 



Senia Karavaeff 
Michel MIchon 
MIstal Uzdanoff 
Arjslak Arafelova 

Splvy's Bool 
Splvy 

Haywood A Allen 
Eddie Mayehoft 
Betty Bryant 

Stork CInb 
Sonny Kendls Oro 
Ray Benson Ore 
Emlle Hensel 



VeiaaUIca 

N Brandwynne Ore 
Panchlto Oro 
Joan Merrill 
George Church 
Doris 

Vllluge llnrn 
Gene Austin Ore 
SherrlU Sis 
Zeb Carver 
Bud Sweeney 
Don A Ruth Lane 
Pappy Below 
Roberta Welch 



LOS ANQELES 



Bar of Hnslo 

Bill Jordan 
George Kent 
Ann Harriett 
Tony Sharrabba 
Dick Wlnslow Oro 

Blltmore Bowl 
Jimmy Castle 
Royal Guards 
Dorothy Brandon 
Armand A LIta 
3 Dee's 

Chuck Foster Ore 

Casa Mnnana 
Miller Bros A Lois 
Jimmie Luncetord O 

Cocoannt Grove 
Mary Parker 
Billy Daniel 
Jimmy Brierly 
Mitchell Leisen Rev 
I'Veddle >[artln Ore 

Earl Carroll 
Dr Rockwell 
B MInnevitch Co 
Helen O'Hara 



Gordon Bishop 
Bob Murphy 

<It' Cafe 
Dave Forrester Ore 

Macambo Cafe 
Mocambo 
HumbertOB Bd 
Phil Ohman'a Oro 

Palladlam 
Abe Lyman Oro 

Paris Inn 
Kenny Henrysnn 
Marg'rlte A M'rtinez 
Henry Monet 
Chief Eagle Feather 
Patsy Brittain 
Herman Lope^ 
Fred A Jerry 
Helen Miller 
Chuck Henry Oro 

PIratea Den 
Art Wen:tel 
Henry Grant 
Gaby La FItIa 
Shadrack Boys 
Marjorle Raymond 



Krtgewater Beach 
Hotel 
(Beach Wnlh) 
Ruaa Morgan Oro 
PhyllsH Lynn 
Mortelis 
MIgnoii 

Waiter Donohue 
Nighthawka 
Dorlicn an 
Herb Koote 

M6 Club 
Rogers A Morris 
.Ferry Bergen 
Joan Hope 
Raul A Hose Marie 
Julio Garcia Ore 
(arnemere Hotel 
(GlaNB Honsa Km) 
'Dlrg Dell Ore 
Thelma Mitchell 

HI Hnt 
Fin D'Orsay 
Rmile Boreo 
Doris DuPont 
Andrea Andrea 
Lonette Sis 
VIrg Vaughan 
J Manzaneres Ore 
younger Gla 
Eddie Fens Ore 

Ivanhne 
Florence Schubert 
Al Truce Orr 
Holly Swanson 
Vlerra Hawallans 
Helen Suntner 

I.'Alglon 
Spires Stamus Oro 
Fin de Vlllerle 
Gwendolyn Veausell 
Edna Sellers 
Isubel de Marco 



BOOKING THE NAHON'S LEADING INDEPENDENT 
VAUDEVILLE THEATRES 

EDWARD SHERMAN 



1619 BitOADWAY 



NEW YORK 



COL 5-0930 



"Cabaret Bills 



NEW YOEK CITY 



Arnundo'* 

Gen Morris Oro 
Pedrlln Oro 
Julie Holt 

/omble 
Dick D'AmIco Oro 
Chavez Oro 
Carmen D'AntonIo 
Toy A Wing 
wynn- Murray 

out Bertolottr* 
Don Sylvio Oro 
Angelo Oro 
Frederlcn 
Peggy Bills 
Edith Lambert 
Dorothy Allen 

Bill's Gay DO's 
Charles Strickland 



Lulu Bates 
Fred Bishop 
Spike Harrison 
Harold Willard 
Harry Donnelly 
Bernle Grauer 

Cafe rieno 
Bob Knight Oro 
Patricia Ellis 

Cnfe Soelely 
(Ml(Uown) 
Teddy Wilson Ore 
Eildle South Oro 
Mszel Scott 
Ammons A Johnson 
Jack Gilford 
James Copp, III 

Cnte Society . 
(Village) 
Henry Allen Oro 



Hotel Belmont 
/ Plasa 

Arthur Ravel Oro 
Joe Pafumy Ore 
Bea Perron 
Gwen Gary 
Eleanor Bberle 
John Hubert 
Belmont Balladeers 

Hotel Blltmore 
Ray Heatherton O 
Judy Clark 
Adrlna Otero 
Eleanor Knight 
Don Carlo 
Sam AmarosI 
Eleanore Knight 

Hotel Bosscrt 
(Brooklyn) 
Bobby Parks Oro 
Imogen Carpenter 

Hotel Edison 
Blue Barron Oro 
Hotel Emcx Hou<e 
Johnny Messner O 
Hotel Lexlogton 
Ray Kinney Oro 
Meymo Holt 
Napua 
T.,ellanl laea 
Nanl.Todd 
Lehua Paulsen 

Hotel Lincoln 
Harry James Oro 
. Hotel McAlpIn 
Arturo Arturos Oro 
Wendy Bishop 
Hotel Kiw Yorker 
Johnny Long ,Oro 
Helen Toung 
Bob Houston 
Paul Harmon 
Bclita 

Anne -Haroldon 
Peter Klllam 
Phil niser 
Ice Ballet 

Hotel Park Centml 

(Coccanut Grore) 
Buddy Clarke Ore 
Jose Dnmlnguez O 
Jack Waldron 
Bl'enore Wood 
HIbbert, UyrJ Co 
Winton A Diane 
Bunny Howard 
Ginger Dulo 
Sylvfa Barry 
Hotel Pennsylvania 
Bobby Byrne. Oro 
Dorothy Claire 
Stuart Wade 

Hotel Plaza 
Dick Gasparre Ore 
Chlaulto Oro 
Paul Haakon 



Ann Barrett 
Sonny Skyler 
' IluUI WalilorN 
Astoria 
(Starlight Boot) 
Xavler Cugat Oro 
Miguclilo Valdes 
Dean Murphy 
Evelyn Tyner 
H Williams, 3 
HorrlcaBe 
Dick SatterHeld Ore 
Ohluuilo Ore 
Kareen Cooper 
Billy Vine 
Honeychlle Wilder 
April Ames 

Iceland Restaarunt 

Ted Eildy Ore 
t Co-Eds 
Jack Lane Co 
Nola Day 
DannyWhlte 
Collette A Deane 
Robblns Bros A M 

Kelly's Stable 
Hot Lip's Page Ore 
Uiilie Holiday 
Ullly Daniels 
Stult Smith 
King Cole Trio 
I,a Conga 
Jack Harris Ore 
Noro Morales Ore 
Beatrice A Gapella 
Jay A I.uu Seller 
Lazara & CaslcU'os 
Nina Oria 

La MartlDlqne 
(West End, N. J.) 

Eddie Oliver Ore 
Herbert Curbello O 
Georgle Tapps 
Adrlenne 

Le Coq Rouge 
.Tos Smith Oro 
BelQ Blzony 
RudI Tlnifield 

Lroa ft Eddie's 
Lou Klartin Oro 
'Nerida Ore 
Eddie Davis 
Jerry Blanchard 
Dance Players 
Clay Bryaon 
Barbara Perry 
Sherry Britton 

Place Elegante 
Ernest Frnnz Oro 
■Bill Farrell 
Vincent DeCosta 
Art Tubertlnl 

Queen Mary 
Roy Stewart Oro 
Carolina Night 
KImi Toyo 
Ginger Wayne 

Rainbow Grill 
Rubs Smith Oro 
Ash burns 

Rainbow Room 
Barry Winton Ore 
SIgrld LaSMon 
Oleniente Oro 
MayJa 

Russell Swann 
Aaron A Glancz 
Julian A Marjorl 
RIvIers 
(Ft. Ler, M. J,) 
Pancho Oro 
Fausto Curbello O 
CroBH A Dunn 
Terry l>awlor 
Georges A Jalna 
Lane Bros 
Ches Hale GIs 
Edith Roark's Club 
Joe White Oro 
Henry Marko 
Helen 'Fox 
Mildred Kay 
Ruth Gallagher 
(Chester Nelson 
RusBfll Hird 
rat Bennett 
Edith Roark 
BoM Fenron Farm 
(Asbury Pk, J,) 
M Bergere Ore 
Columbus A Carroll 
Carole A Sherod - 
Sally Gay 

Kuban lllea 
Edwin Mai thews 
Vera SanofC 

Russian Kretcbma 

Nicolas Matthey O 
Peter Nomiroft Ore 
Qiga Ivanova 
Nasi la Pollskova 
MnrUHia Sava 
Adla Kuznetzoff 



Think-D'lc Hoffman 
Gene Shelton 
Barney Grant 
Dorothy Ford 
Buster Shaver * 
6 Debonairs 
Beryl Wallace 
Reyes' Rhumba Bd 
Bill Brady 
Manny Strand Oro 

Florentine Garden 
Lillian Tours 
NTG Anniversary 
Joe Kirk 
Jerry Kruger 
Fred Scott 
Don Eddy 
Sugar Geise ' 
David Marshall Ore 

Cfaarlle Foy'a' CiDb 
Charlie Foy 
I.eonard Sues 
Jerry Lester 
Edcle Calvert 
Marian Manners 
Red Stanley Qro- 
Grace Hayea Lodse 
Mary Kealy 
Neville Fleeson 
Peter LInd Hayes O 
Carlyle 
Grace Hayes 
Mary Rellly 
Sylvia Fielding 
Mavis MIms 
Ineclta 

House of Murphy 
Frankle Gallagher 



Chet Record 
Nick Cochran Oro 

Bbnmboogle 
Four Tones 
3 -Chocolateers 
Lovey Lane 
Lois Galloway 
Cee Pee Johnson O 
Scheberszade Cafe 
Richard Smart 
Yasoha.BorowskI 
Russian Gypsy Ore 

Seven Beaa 
Lilla KIplkona 
Sybil Thomas 
Benny Kaha 
FuananI Mathews 
MIkl Wlkl . 
Charlie Openul 
Bobby Mathews 
Johnlp Bright Oro 

Slapsy Haxlea 
Ben Blue 
Cully Richards 
Sid Tomick 
Rels Bros 
Denny Leesy 
PattI Moore 
Sam Lewis 
Pat Shaw 
Joe Oakle 
Al Bard Oro 

Somerset House 
Harry RIngland 
Lou Bailee. 

SwaoDc Ian 
Slim A Slam 



ABNER J. CRESHLER 

Freaenta 

WESSON BROS. 

3rd Week— Roxy, N. Y. 
also 

Return EnBaflement In 

6 WEEKS 

EARLE THEATRE, WASHINGTON 
Opealnr Jnlr 11th 

Via: MARK J. LEDDY 



Raftone Sis 
Hal Chanslor 
Jean Neunler 
Gay 



Charlie Evans 
TrIanoD 
Leighton Noble Ore 

Wllshire Bowl 
Darryl Harpra Ore 



CHICAGO 



Ambassador Hold 

(I'umii Room) 
Val Oman Ore 
Biiimarrk Hotel 
(Walnnt Room) 
Jimmy Joy Oro 
Betty Burns 
Maurice A Maryea 
Tune Tessers 
Kadley Cls 
Art London 

(Tavern. Room) 
Dave Pritchard Ore 

BUickliawk 
Art Jarrett Oro 
CJiris Cross 
Robinson Twins 

lllackslooe Hotel 
(llallnese Rm.) 

Eddie White Ore 
Ur^'voort HoteV^ 
{Cr/ttAl Bcrast) 
3 Nlb\lcs / 
Peggy Xtater 
Ta>Is LaChance 
Bob Billings 

Brondmont 

Wally Rand 
T,a Verne Dane 
Betty Coeds 
Anita Page 
June Darling 
Gwen Daucher 
Charlotte Buckley 
.Sally Barr 
Herb Hudnlpha Ore 

Brown Derby 
Harriet Norrls 
Cecelia DIaIr 



Romona Hughes 
Pat Lordler 
Joe Franks 
Savage Trio 
Edith Mitchell 
Marnha DeLand 
Joan O'Shca 
Mary Grant 
Ethel Brown 
Mickey Dunn 
Advocates 
Sammy Frisco Oro 
Capitol -Lounge 
4 Mills Bros 
Maurice Rocco 
Louis Jordan Oro 

Chrc Parce 
Milton Serle 
Jansleys 

Rnquel A Tarriba 

Ben Tost Singers 

Boyd RaebOrn Ore 

Bobby Ramos Ore 

Evan3 GIs 

Coloslmoa 

Frank Qualrell Ore 

Gale C 

Renee Villon 

Rose Perfect 

Yvette Dare 

Bobby Danders 
Congms Hotel 
(Glass Hat Rm) 
(Peacock Rm) 

Jot Vera 

'Del Sliore 

Eddie Danders Ore 
Drake Hotel 
Camlllla Mouse) 

Bob Grant Ore 

Ulldegarde 



Morrison Hotel 
(Boston Oyster 
House) 
Manfred Gotthelt ^ 

New Yorker 
Ruth Craven 
McKays 
Ray English ' 



Payne A Gilbert 
Ada Lynne 
Mary Camp 
Kretlow Gla 
Arne Barnett Oro 
Al Milton Ore 
Old Heidelberg 

SaJly .<>liarratt 
Heidelberg Ens 
Louie A Weasel 
Hans Menzer 

Palmer House 
(Empire Room) 
Skinnay Ennis Ore 
Roaarlo A Antonio 
Carlos Ramirez 
3 rilrhmen 
Johnny Mack 
Inez Gonan 
Carmine -Calhoun ' 
Pedro DeLeon Oro 
Abhntt Dancers 
Shennan Hotel 

(Celtic Cafe) 
Gene Korwln Oro 
Jaros Sis 

(Panther Room) 
Jimmy Dorsey Ore 
Byton GIs 
Carl Marx 

Rhumba Casino 
Tito Gulzar 
Eddie I.,aBaron Ore 
Paul Sydell 
Evelyn Farney 
Eduard A Diane 
Pan-Anr Dane 
Don' Pedro Oro 
Mllo Perez Ens 
«oe Club 
Billy Carr 
Alyce Cerf 
Cell von Dell 
Marlon Klngsley 
Cleopatra - ' 

June March 
Diane Rowland 
Jean Mode 
Sparklet GIs 
Nannetta Carmen 
Jimmy Ray 
Carrie Finnell 
MlUle Wayne 
Sol Lak« Oro 
Tripoli 3 

Stevens Hotel 
(Continental Room) 
Del Courtney Oro 

Villa Modeme 
Bob Strong Ore 
Villa Venkw 
Roslta Ortega 
PoggI A Igor 
Tana 

Vanessa A Sandlno 
Jacqueline MIgnao ' 
T,ed Adair 
Buzzonnle 
Rinaldl 
Aurette Sla 



PHILADEIiPHIA 



Club Ball 
Alan FieldIni Ore 
Ball-lovelies 
VIvvlnIa Ramos 
Nino A 'Lenbra 
Michael Amador 
Rusdell Swann 

Hen Frankilo 
Frederico A Rankin 
Ralph Eastwood 
T.AO Zollu Oro 
Leonora Sola 
Pauline A Bob 
Castalne A-Barrle 
NIrma Cordova 
Birmingham Inn . 
(Pemberton, N. J.) 
Birmingham Oro 
Jean A R Carney ■ 
Ford MaBon 
Jerry Gordon 
Gallagher A Rush 
Ralph Brown 
Rekoma A Loretta 
Joe Gordon 

Cadillac Kavera 
Harrr Dobbs Oro 
Cadlllao Capereties 
Sally Osborne 
Dlmas A Anita 
3 Dukes & Duchess 
Lucille Rand 
Henrique A Adrl'ne 

Carroll's 
Chanlle Galnest Ore 
Dixie Sullivan 
Charlotte Vogue 
Al Farr ■ 
Harry Rose 
Bobby Vail 
Carrollettes 
Jack Shaw 
Wllma 

Ccdarw'd Log Cabin 
(Malaga, N. t.) 

Bay O'Day 
Cynthia Evans 
Dorothy Lawrence 
Jean Graham 
Annie Guetlfr 
Carole Dale 
Patricia Lawrence 
Frances Williams 

Dr Pinto's 
Dave Steiner 
Kay Carlton 
Eddie King Oro 

Embassy 
Suflnn I.ang 
Allida A Chiro 
Johnny ParrlA)i 
Chlriulta 

Carlos Reyes Ore 
Evergreen Casino 
Laura Kellogg 
Kancheros 
Beth Chains 
Nitzu A Ravell 
Cynthia Hare 
Vivian Vanve 
Pat Bhevlln Oro 
1523 Locust 
Marian Proctor 
Evelyn Bradley 
Tola Mnntoya 
Elaine Black 
Bubbles Shelby 
Hose Feeney 
Kny Lavery 
King's. Swing Ore 

(H Walton Roof) 

Glamour GIs 
Helen Heath 
Jackie Mills 
MIml Kellerman 
Paul Duke 
Vera Neva 
Michael .Mandlna 
Itose Oallo 
I.OU Morrison 
Nell Fontaine 

Jam Session 

Gen Verrechla 
Mif'key House 
Billy Kretchmer 
Ifopklns'Rathikeller 
Jimmy Venutl Oro 
Frank Lester 
Hose Jovlnelll 
Joe Com no 
KuBtes ,SIs 
Young Sis (i) 
Myra Lee 
Bonnie Waters 



Mildred Kays 
Agnes Barry 

Udo Tenico • 
Roillno Trio 
Wally Vernon 
Darlene 
Blaine. Ellis 
.Marge A Carr 
Danny Versee Oro 
ZIttle Ratbskellei 
Jackie IIIII 
Marian Powera 
Sally Keith 
De Lloyd McKay 
Spencer A Forman 
Leon Fields 
Victor Hugo's Ore 

Hanoa Ion 
Gene Tobln 
Dot Garcy 
Grade Steele 
Wade A Wade 
Caslmlere GIs 
Dot Garcey 
Edythe Sallade 
Frank Cuneo Oro 
Nancy NewelL . 

Minstrel Tavern 
Cortez A Peggy 
Tony Callazo 
Ed' McGoldrlck, Jr. 
Margie Rose March 
Sissy Glnnle Loftus 
Bd McGoldrlck, Sr 
Helen Marriott 

Nell Dlegban's 
Leonard Cooks 
I^e Rogers 
Chadwlcha 
Rush. A Gallagher 
Havenalres (4) 
Ray Hbttlnger Oro 
Reno 

Old V»n» Tavern 
Billy Hayes' Ore 
Frankle Richardson 
Ray A Dale 
Carlta 

Open Door Cafe 
Helen Wilson 
Warren Phillip* 
Sunny Ray 
Don A Doresse 
Irving Braslow Oro 

Park Casino 
Pk Casino Trou'dors 
Frank Hall 
' Peacock Gardens . 
(Klng-nt-PruBsIa, 
Pn,) 
Sid Long 
Gil Fitch Ore 
Margie George 
Artie Singer 

Rainbow Terrace 
(StralTord, Pa.) 

Cecil Golly Oro 
Margie Kelly 
Gene Ilyman 
Jimmy Engler 
Hal FIfer 

Bed mu Inn 
(Feonsauken, N, J,) 
Nokl A Bakl 
Frank Murtha 
Pepper Oarat 
Pen Raymond 
Murray Ann 

Roman Grille 

Sliandor A Margo 
Doris Fields 
Betty Scott 
Rol Parker Oro 

Rendrivona 
(Hotel Senator) 

University 3 

Showboat 
Pellegrino Revue 
Rontons Stars 
Lou Karns 
Morgle Smith 
Billy Hamilton' 
Hurry Taylor 

Sliver Fleet Inn 

Rrma Lynn 
Betty Keenan 
Chic Lauler 
Max Levin 
Joe Lenny 
Harry Smalt 
Joe Siiotty 



Sliver Lake Ian 

Rrglna 
Geo Heed 
Eden Twins 
Allen Lucey 
Nadia A iJasha 
Frank Hessei Ore 

Stamp's 
Margie Drummond 
7 Cappy Barra Boys 
Jack Grinin 
Garvey 
Stamp Trio 
Joyettes 

Geo MarchettI Ore 

Swim Ciub 
Jerry Mnrcells 
t,ola Claire 
Julia Cummlngs 
Maf;e A Carr 
Henry Patrick Oro 

^Olh Crnlory 
Mike Pedecin 
Men of Rhythm 
Kenny Shaffer Trio 
IVrber's Hot Bniu 
Camilen ' 
Peii Bannerman 



.Tules Viacco's Oro 
Maurine A Norva 
Harry Robb 
Bobby Waling 
Yvette 

Pumphandle Trie 
B Wells A 4 Faya 
Al Ooldecher 
Jack Smith 
Signer Carminn 
Rathfc'r Eidiirudland 
Dave Pierson 

Wilson's 
Joe Hough 
Louis A Cheri* 
Lillian Caplln 
Rn.a''0 A DuVal 
2 Lurky Bucks 
Ceo Baquet Oro 
Art Mathews 
Carlta . 

YaCiit. Club 
Gloria Mann 
Ed Gavin 
Audrey Joyce 
Pen Raymond 
Mary Navis 



CLEVELAOT 



Alpine Vlliago 

4 Sydneys 
Blondell Twins 
Gregory A Raymond 
Uob Confer 
Carl Mueller 
Ot:u Thurn Ore 
F,l llonipo 
Bob Manners Ore 
Sammy Lipman 
Antoinettes 

Freddie's Cafo ' 
Gayle Parker 
Ray Rogers 
Harriet Grant 
Paul A Thelma 

Gourmet Club 
Eddie Robinson Ore 

Hotel Allerion 
Joe Baldl Ore 

Hotel Carter 
Thtxlon Snrengor 
AmbniiBadors Oro 
Hotel Cleveland 
George Duffy Ore 
Hotel Fenway Hail 



Johnny C'owglll 
Grant Wilson 

Hotel Holirnden 
Glover A LnMne 
Doraine A Ellis 
Bob ' RIptt 
Sloan A Gary 
Sorellt 

.Sammy Watklns O 

Hotel Statler 
Jules Duke Orr 

La 4^nga Club 
Ramon Arias Ore 
Lindsay's Siiybar 
Jaun Florer 
Pearl de Lucca 

Monaco's Cafe 
Jimmy Harls Ore 

Regal Cluh 
Ducky Malvin Ore 

3700 Club 
Art West 
Ruth Farranlz 
Pat Jordan 
Don Walsh Ore 



DETBOIT 



Book-Cadlllac Hotel 

(Book Casino) 
Loren Parsons 
Sanford Mandel 
Barry Wllklnsun 

(Motor Bar) 

Vie Abbs 

Bowery 
3 Ryan Bros 
Ella Logan 
Anita Sevllla 
Antonio de Cordoba 
Paddy CllfT 
Tucker Key 
8 Berdun Jitterbugs 
Arden Dane 
Johnny King 
Chas Carlisle 
Benny Resh Ore 

OasaooTo 
Glamour GIs (6) 
Bernle Oreen 
Kilty Morrison • 
Kughli' O'Donnell 
Lee O'Donnell 
Lee Walter Oro 

Oorktown Tavern 
Billy. Meagher 
Dolly Stirling 
Beth Farrell 
Bllen Kaye 
Joe B Kerns 
Cole A Corte 
< Vesters 
Les .^quette Ore 

Hand's 
3 0)d Timers 
Manuel Lopes 
London Chop Hoaie 
Tonia ValentI 
Chet Everhart 
Frank Whitman O 

Club Mar-Jo' 
Paul Regan 
June Carson 
Dancing DIetrlchs 
Merritt Laihb Ore 

Morocco 
"Gay Nineties' Rev 
Buddy Duray 
Joe Koder-Oro 
Madelpn Baker 

Keblolo> . 
Beth Farrell 
O'Donnel A Loyce 
Dick Worthlngton 
Bstralllta 
Leonard Seel Oro 
Northwood Ian 
Anita Jacobl 
Woods A Bray 



Harry Srhilling 
Roshee A Lee 
Ray Carlin Ore 

°Olde Wayne Cluh 
Melody Ambaae'doro 
Bernlce BlBhop 
Hoffman Bros 

Palm Beach 
Tnnglnl 
.Dave Barnum 
Daro A Davis 
Diane Labonil 
Ramon A Louise 
Don Pablo Ore 
nnck'ii Bedford Ina 
Mao McGraw Ore 

' Cif b Royale 
Peter HIgglns 
Alice Kavan 
Gillette A Richard* 
Mardonl A Louise ■ 
Winnie Hoveler GIs 
Stan Norrls Oro 
Statler Hotel 
Sande Williams Or* 
Maxine Tappan 
San Diego 
George Preitnell 
Al Alexander Ore 
Udell A Daye 
Burns Bros 
Dolly Dawn 
Marya A Marlyn , 

The Troplct 
Betty Blair 
Jean Field 
Linda Bruce 
The Friars (3) 
Vincent Bragale Or* 

Verne's 
Jack Morrison 
Miller A Millard 
Betty BIyttae 
Harry Collet Ore 
Wblltler . Ho'-el 
(Cold Cub Boom) 
'Herman Fine 

Wonder Bar 
Consuella 
Hy Baron Ore 
Castrlllos Ore. 

M» Club 
Dale Rhodes ' 
Dl Giovanni 
Margo Good " 
Good A Goody 
Verne Wilcox 
John A Jessie HorA 
Olga Ray 
Horace Houck Ore 



PITTSBUBOH 



Anchorogo 

Hugh Morton Ore 
Maynurd Deane 

Arlington Lodge 
Phil Cavezza Ore 

Baleonoilef 
John Fontaine Oro 

BUI Green's 

Don Bestor Oro 
Penny Lee 
Jerry Ecott 



, Al Devin 
Kvergreea Gardena 

Revelers 
Sam Sweet 
Allcs Sons 
Zelda 

Wicked Willies 
' Hotel Roosevelt 
Johnny Xaalbue , 
Royal Hawllans 
Jlotol Scbenlcr 



Iloogle-Wooglo Clob Billy Hinds Oro 



Boug Sherman 
Maxie Simon 
Harry Comorada 
Buddy Blaine 
Tubby Miller 
Reggie Dvorak 
Clob Petite 
Piccolo Pete Oro 
Betty Smiley 
Sidney A Ames 
Bernard 

cork nod Bottle 
Lloyd Fox 

Eddie Peyton's 
Marty Oregor Oro 
Marlon Muller 
Bl Chko 
Frank Andrlnl Oro 
Virginia Ramos 
Talavera Tr 

Hotel Fort Pitt 
Ken Bailey Oro 
Johnny Mitchell 
Jessica Wheatiey 
Hsrry Walton 
Irma Gulhrell 
Hotel Ilrnrr 
(rtUver Grill) 
Stan RucKer 4 
(Gay «0's) 
Dorothy Nesbitt 
Hotel 7(li Avenue 
BeM Saunders 
Ida tola 
Everett Hardn ■ 
Betty Donahoe 



Rita Seamon 
Buzz Mayer 
Jack Calhoun 
Hotel Wm Penn 
(Continental Bur) 
Wanda 
Escorts 

kcnnywood Pnrh 

Brad Hunt Ore . 
Jeanle Regal 
Billy Carmlchael 

Herry-Co-Roimd 
Joe Hart Oro 
Dick Harter 

New Penn 
Gay Carlisle. Ora 
Teddy Ryan 
King Sis 
Penny Gray 

Nixon Cafo 

Al Msripco Oro 
Bob Carter 
Roshee A Lee 
Stewart A Lee 
Kretlow GIs 

Nut House 
Sherdlna Walker 4 
Ted Blake 
Joe Klein 
George Gregg 
Ev.elyn NelUs 
Kay Balte 
Mllly Bradley 
Fat Burns 
Charley Adams 



■ 



(Continued on page 54) 



46 



HOUSE REVIEWS 



UBIETY 



Wednesday, July 2, 1911 



MUSIC HALL, N. Y. 



Eorl Wrightson, Gloria Gilbert, 
June Forrest. Amanda Williams, 
Hermanos Willtams Trio, The 
Briants, Hilda Ecfcler, Jerome An- 
drews, Ballet Corp, Rockettes, ^/l^xsic 
Hall S«niphon« Orch with Emo 
Ropee: 'Blossoms in the Dust' (M-C), 
reviewed in Variety, June 25. 

This is an excellent show, with a 
Etrone talent lineup skillfully and 
handsomely presented. Settings in 

particular, r.re imaginatively and 
decoratively suggestive. Whole show 
Is the kind ot thing that only the 
Music Hall can do. 

Overlong overture medley of 
southern songs is featured by 'Dixie 
Girl,' recent composition by Kent 
Cooper, general manager of the As- 
sociated Press. Although it's an un- 
distinguished piece, it's probably 
something of an achievement for a 
news syndicate chief and there's a 
bit ot screen ballyhoo about it Also, 
Earl Wrightson does a vocal of it— 
a novelty for Music Hall overtures. 
Show proper is called 'Symphony in 
Color' and uses an artist theme 
throughout. Glee Club opens, 
dressed as artists and, as a welcome 
innovation, actually getting some 
movement into the scene. Then 
Gloria Gilbert, after modeling as a 
ballerina during the song, does a 
sensational toe routine, terping dif- 
ficult and spectacular twirls . and 
kicks and climaxing with an almost 
unbelievably sustained pirouette. It 

. deservedly drew one of the most 
enthusiastic storms of applause ever 
witnessed in the Music Hall. 

With the Glee Club stiU standing 
about as artists-atmosphere, Amanda 
Williams warbles a Spanish number 
and then supplies a guitar accom- 
piment while the Hermanos Williams 
Trio (although there are only two of 
them) mix impressive acrobatics 
and balancing with slow tango steps. 
For the finale of the scene, June 
Forrest strolls out as. a blue-gowned 



tions, and Lane and Ward do okay 
novelty dances and acrobatics. 

Other attractions which drew large 
crowd on pier included exhibit of 
German fighting plane, Messer- 
schmitt 109; Bob Crosby's orch in 
Marine ballvoom, log rollers, water 
circus, animal zoo, and ~trained seal. 

Corter. ■ 



Majestic, San Antonio 



San Antonio, June 28. 
Daue Apollon's 10th AitniversaTy 
Revue with Lorraine and Ropnan, 
Virpinia Mayo with Pan$y the Horse, 
Dicfc and Dot Remy, Three BUt- 
morettes. Ben Beri, Al Valente, Ben 
yost'j JVew Yorkers (8), Ernest 
Hauser's House Orch (13); 'She 
Knew All the Answer' (Col). 

Ever since 1932 Dave ApoUon has 
been bringing his shows here. This 
year Apollon rounds out his 10th 
year with a streamlined anniversary 
revue packed full of showmanship 
and containing some of the best 
talent ^een here in some time. 

Gone now, of course, are the 
Filipinos whom Apollon has. used in 
the past as stooges. In their stead he 
has a fast-movingr highly entertain- 
ing 80-minute show that is pleasing 
local theatregoers. There's plenty of 
comedy, songs and music, dancing 
and even a juggling act, something 
to please all type.<;. 

Revue opens with Ernest Hauser's 
house orch on full stage opening with 
'Happy Days Are Here Again.' This 
cues Apollon to' come, on. He was 
greeted with a big ovation. Directs 
the orchestra in a couple of pop 
tunes, best of which is 'Amapola.' 

The Three Biltmorettes have a nice 
softshoe tap routine to "Tea for Two' 
and climax with neat acrobatics. 
Only veteran face in the revue that 
Apollon brought here last year is 
Ben Beri. Beri has a much better 
juggling turn, neatly mixed with 



comedy than on his previous' visit. 
mcJdS''to';M"ii^ •BiurSkies,""th^ Yost's New Yorkers, singing 

Club lending vocal background for "l.ale oct-t^ have a nice presenta .on 



the last few bars. 



highlighted with their pleasing 



Next setting represents an artist's I voices and harmony, 
palette, with the Rockettes prancing . Dot Remy, hefty gal 
out of the thumb-hole in the huge 



board and, as animated gobs of vari- 
ous-colored paint, snapping through 
one ot their better precision routines. 
It's a fairly simple number tor them 
and the kind of thing at which 
they're at their best Consequently, 
It registered, solidly. Still carrying 
out the artistic motif, the set then 
revolves to show the inside of a por- 
trait artist's studio and revealing' the 
two Briants snoozing on chairs. They 
slowly awaken, one guy removing 
the other's prop bald head, then 
amble brilliantly through the rest of 
their familiar and always-hilarious 
routine of slow-motion, collapsible- 
body comedy. 

Finale is an elaborately staged 
number by Hilda Eckler, Jerome An- 
drews, the Ballet Corps and, at the 
last, the entire comsany. It's kind ot 
modern-style terping, made palatable 
by expert lighting and the visually 
effective groupings on four different 
stage levels. However, the number 
Is a bit overlong. Kobe. 

STEEL PIER, A. C. 

(MUSIC HALL) 

Atlantic City, June 29. 
Dennis Day, Stump and St*mpv, 
Lane and Ward, Art Carney, Gae 
Foster Girls (18), Z>lcfc Dono, Ben 
Yost Singers (9), Bobbv Morris, 
J'inky Lee, Ryan and Benson, Eddie 
Knight's Orch; 'Western Union' 
(20th). 



with her 

brother Dick, both from Ed Wynn's 
'Boys and Girls Together,' as was 
Apollon, put on a comedy dance. 
She proves very agile despite her 
weight. 

Apollon Is highlighted with his 
nifty mandolin. Assisted by Al 
Valente and his electric guitar. 
Apollon plays a special arrangement 
of 'Star Dust' and 'Beguine.' As he 
bowed off at showing caught, a 
basket of flowers was presented to 
him. He told the audience that it 
came from the 'old gang' at Fort 
Sam Houston. And for them he 
would play as a special favor two 
songs that are, by now, his trade- 
marks, 'Dark Eyes' and 'Two 
Guitars.' 

Virginia Mayo puts Pansy the 
horse through a workout that brings 
many hearty laughs. 

Lorraine and Rognan have a nice 
routine full ot laughs. Fine is the 
comic-serious dance done to the 
'Blue Danube.' Girl shows- good 
voice in a bit while the boy plays the 
harmonica. 

Apollon is on stage throughout, 
giving out with quips here and there 
and keeping the show moviog. 

Show closes with a medley of 'Eyes 
ot Texas' and 'God Bless America,' 
while the Lone Star emblem is 
shown on the backdrop. On sta^e 
are the New Yorkers dressed in 
typical cowboy regalia. 

Show caught Saturday (28) played 
to a full house. Andy. 



PARAMOUNT, N. Y. 



Will Bradley Orch with Ray 
McKinley, Lynn Gardner, Terry 
Allen; Virginio Austin, Jane Froman, 
Danny Kaye; 'Caught in the Draft' 
(Par) reviewed in Variety, May 28. 

Par's combination of Bob Hope's 
'Caught in the Draft' and a smoothly 
moving stage show gave evidence on 
night caught (Thursday) that the 
week's take was heading for the 
stratosphere. Strong, unstinting 
praise for the picture in daily re- 
views helped form long lines ot 
standees at the b.o. 

Pleasing effect ot the stage show, 
which runs off in about 50 minutes, 
is not from anything particularly 
outstanding in the lineup, but from 
the layout as a whole. Danny Kaye, 
normally, perhaps, the most effective 
entertainer of the layout was ham- 
pered considerably this session by 
laryngitis. In as much as his punch 
is virtually all in his throat the at- 
tack made deep inroads. Nonetheless 
he clicked handily. 

Kaye used only three ot the 
routines that have gotten him wide 
praise, among them the 'Minnie the 
Moocher' bit. Will Bradley's band 
identifies itself at the very begin- 
ning, coming out of the pit with 
'Scrub Me Mama,' thereafter brush- 
ing off boogie-woogie tempoes. Out- 
fit contributes some exceptionally 
good work solo and behind the vari- 
ous acts, particularly tor the Virginia 
Austin marlonet turn. Band's only 
fault lies in a three-man trumpet 
team, which possesses a thin, tone- 
less qu'ality that clashes with the 
rest ot the sections. Saxes ride 
smartly and the rhythm with Ray 
McKinley always as the base couldn't 
be more effective. Bradley himself 
is okay up front tromboning and 
grinning. McKinley gets his sh^ts, 
too, growling an original, 'AH that 
Meat and No Potatoes,' and working 
with phosphorescent sticks and drum 
setup in a moving, unbilled jive tune. 
It's a highly effective showmanly 
presentation. 

Lynn Gardner, bund's new vocalist 
gets in her innings early. An im- 
pressive seller, gal works up good 
response with 'Daddy,' backgrounded 
by an arrangement that apparently 
was worked 'up in a hurry, and 'Oh 
Look At Me Now.' Terry Allen's 
shots come later, on "Flamingo' and 
'Dolores.' 

Miss Austin (New Acts) provides 
an interesting and unusual marionet 
layout and she's followed, after a 
stretch by the band, by Jane Froman. 
Singer hasn't wor^i^d a Broadway 
house in some time. Reaction to her 
stuff is peculiar. She's admittedly 
above the level ot such . things as 
rhythmic versions of 'Let's Get 
Away from It AH,' 'No. 10 Lullaby 
Lane' and 'Hut-Sut Song,' yet that's 
when she's most effective. Her de- 
livery of them is warm, alive and 
more to the taste of an average 
listener. Wood. 



Dennis Day heads a well-routined 
bill arranged for a season now in 
full swing. Bill Is also marked by 
return ot Frank Elliott's Minstrels, 
an institution at the Pier's Music 
Hall for years, more modernized and 

i streamlined^ each season. 

I Introduced by Jack Benny's' re- 

' corded voice. Day sings The Things 
I Love* and 'My Sister and I,' which 
brought big response when caught 
at the performance Sunday after- 
noon (29). 

Gae Foster Girls, who begin an 
all-season engagement this week, 
open with stilt number, for which 
cuties get fair band. Their best Is 
final number, which closes show 
with bang. Accompanied by Day, 
who sings 'Amapola,' girls in shim- 
mery. white satin costumes and 
wearing bells on ankles and. wrists, 
hop and skip out tuneful rhythm, 
singly, in duets and entire group for 
flnisb. This, with Day's vocals, gets 

. .. best hand ot show, which runs 75 
minutes. 

Stump and Stumpy, colored, put 
on fast, taip and comedy dance, well 
received and drew lauuis with Don- 
ald Duck impersonation. Elliott's 
Minstrels got warm welcome from 
pier goers who recalled them from 
other seasons. Ben Yost and his 
singers, in red and white satin cos- 
tumes and In trim new military uni- 
forms, warble some of their familiar, 
rousing numbers, getting loud ap- 
plause, especially .for the 'God's 
Country' number. 

Dick Dana returns here again as 
emcee and plays straight with Pinky 
Lee, Bobby Morris. Ryan and Ben- 
son in blackface. Their comedy bits 
on sharpshooting went over well, as 
did several gags, some new, some 
not so new. 

Art Carney does well with Imlta- 



CAPITOL, WASH. 



Washington, June 29. 
Nan Rae and Mrs. Waterfall 
(.Maude Davis) , Trixie, Six Swing Co 
eds. Alberta Mans^eld, Rhythm 
Rockets House Line (16), Sam Jack 
Kau/7ndh and House Orchestra; 'Big 
Store' (.M-C). 



Attempting to prove perhaps, that 
vaude will get along, draft or no, 
there isn't a man involved in this thing 
called 'Femme Follies.'. That may be 
the attempt; what's proved is- that 
too many girls can be boring, 
especially when all they're working 
up to is Nan Rae and Mrs. Water 
fall (Maude Davis) . This turn, sort 
of burlesque' of 'woman in street' 
broadcast with Miss Rae interview- 
ing rube femme character out of 
audience, has some .followers from 
radio, who greet twosome warmly, 
but they're strictly for the corn-fed 
who love their diet. 

Show does have variety, at least 
and some bright moments. One en- 
joyable Interlude is provided by 
Trixie, compfict and acrobatic jug- 
gler, who bounces through some ex- 
pert ball-tossing to win solid ap- 
proval. The Rhythm Rockets are 
good, too, in a ballet number with a 
modernistic touch, staged by Sandy 
Grant It serves as introduction and 
background to dance by Alberta 
Mansfield, who is, if nothing more, 
brilliant; costume consists principally 
of glittering silver paint Nothing 
spectacular, however, about Rockets' 
other two appearances. Nor is there 
anjrthing spectacular about Six 
Swing Co-eds. They're pretty, 
though, dress up a stage and treat 
some novel arrangements with pleas- 
ant voices. 

Biz good opening matinee Thurs- 
day (26). Mac. 



wrist-watch and baby-crying routine. 
He's given a short niche new" the 
close and makes good use ot It. Joe 
Bonnel does okay stepping while 
tooting a sax, with Ken and Roy 
Paige doing all right In gag knock- 
about. ' 

'Funzafire' won't add anything to 
the art of the footlights, but It can't 
hurt anybody. 

Biz fair at opening. Wem. 



PALOMAR, SEATTLE 



Seattle, June 26. 
Hicks Troupe (4), Elsie Long, 
Eddie Lee, Frank Rosa and Anita, 
Max and His Gang, Jerry Ross, 
House Orch (6); 'Block Cof (U) 
and 'Too Many Blondest (17). 

Quite a change at the Falomar this 
week after the Polack Bros, circus 
on the stage last week, but bill which 
Is a little weak on the comedy side 
carries through all right. 

The Hicks Troupe is mostly routine 
balancing and tumbling but the two 
youngsters apparently about II or 12, 
are nice appearing and help sell the 
act. Elsie Long is on. next and does 
a ragdoU dance. Is a looker and the 
candy-striped rompers don't obscure 
her charms. Comes on later in blue 
velvet pajamas tor an acrobatic 
dance. Both are okay, but some 
patter would certainly help. 

Eddie Lee, who has been on 
KOMO for the past 36 weeks in a 
morning spot has a good voice which 
he ranges from soprano down in 
such novelties as 'The Little Red 
Hen." His intimate radio manner 
goes over well here. Also whistles 
'Song of India' for a hand. 

Frank Ross does voice imitations 
of famous trumpet players and a 
hillbilly radio band, putting a lot ot 
drive in his stuff. Manner and chat- 
ter are assured, bringing the high 
spot in the bill. Anita comes on for 
a few blue jokes and does an imita- 
tion ot a French singer. 

Max and His Gang wind up the 
show. His hoofing and acrobatics 
are imitated by his four dogs, which 
do some good tricks, one being back- 
flips in unison with Max. Windup 
has one dog walking on and over Max 
while he does backfiips across the 
stage. Pooch made it on the second 
try, which merited a big hand. M. 
C. Jerry Ross is only on briefly for 
two introductions. 

Biz slim on first afternoon show 
day caughtt (26). Reed. 



TOWER, K. C. 



GOLDEN GATE, S. F. 



San Francisco, June 25. 
'Funzajtre' with Benny Meroff, 
Pepito, Juanita, Rita DeVere, Billy 
Moroaco, Joe Bonnel, Louise Shan- 
non, Pann Merryman, Ken and Roy 
Paige, At Spiro, At De Vito, Dianna 
Abbey, Meroff Orch (10), combined 
Unit and House Line (17); 'Roor of 
the Press' (.Mono). 

The whole load is on the stage 
again this week, with George Bole 
selling Benny MeroJTs "Funzafire' 
unit to the hilt even unto a tie-up 
with a local nut merchant. Street 
bally includes such items as a Napo- 
leon-hatted stooge fishing on street 
corners, tagged 'If you think Vm 
crazy, see — ' etc. 

Show remains a hodge-podge of 
nut stuff, depending on a responsive 
audience to go over, whole being 
geared to a corny level save for sev- 
eral specialties. Some of the gags 
are clickers, others wear whiskers 
but the whole manages to generate 
a degree of hilarity. 

Extensive use continues to be made 
of plants in audience and boxes with 
somebody nmning tip and down the 
aisles most of the time. Typical is 
supposed patron, Dianna Abbey, fat 
woman carrying a big package, who 
forces her way to the middle of a 
row, finds no seat and reverses, 
crushing halt a dozen customers. 
Zany tricks on stage include a screw- 
ball jumping over a suitcase because 
he's trying to get over the' grippe. 

Audience gets its share ot man — or 
rather girl — handling, entire line ot 
17 filing into pews and all kissing the 
same male customer en route. Unit 
and house lines are merged to give 
show a 17-temme flash. 

Benny Meroff's band works on 
stage (house tooters laying off with 
pay this week) against crazy-quilt 
drops and giant clown face. Meroff 
fronts the aggregation, spending most 
of his time In front of the mike as 
show-holder-together and gag feeder. 

Authentic specialties include 
Louise Shannon, slick machine-gun 
tapper to tune ot 'Donkey Serenade'; 
Pann Merryman, zingy In an acro- 
batic Cakewalk; Rita LaVere, contor- 
tionist whose spine-doubling can 
hardly be topped by subsequent 
backbcnders for simple reason 
there's no place left to bend to, and 
Pepito, vet Spanish clown, still using 
his oversize collar, alarm-clock 



Kansas City, June 28. 
Britt Wood, Dea Lang, Johnny 
Rexola Trio, Greenman and Coyle, 
Lester Harding, Herb Six House 
Orch, Dorlo Cole; 'Affectionately 
Yours' (WB). 

Stage variety bill Is definitely in 
second place this week as film at- 
traction has more marquee names 
than is customary in this house and 
pic is consequently relied upon for 
magnetism. Phenomenon of a War- 
ner picture in this house, is made 
possible by .the summer-shuttered 
Orpheum, which normally would 
have caught this one. 'While It's 
more film than usually seen here it 
will likely tall short of the draw ex- 
pected, and with the less than mild 
stage show, house will take it easy. 

Four standard acts with Lester 
Harding, the Herb Six band and 
amateur discovery are too much to 
crowd into less than 40 minutes, and 
few performers really get a chance 
to display wares. After band's be- 
ginning with a medley of plantation 
and southern airs, Johnny Rexola 
trio, two guys and gal, are on tor a 
fiing at rollerskating, acrobatic danc- 
ing and a wind up with a pole bal- 
ancing male duo. There Is a high- 
light in the pole work, but rest ot 
the act is lightweight 

Dorla Cole, Quenemo, Kans., 10- 
year old, exhibits lusty pipes, but is 
not yet ready for regular entertain- 
ing. Conversational piece by Green- 
man and Coyle turns into a drum- 
beating prgy,' but gets little accom- 
plished. 

Hapjiily, last halt of the show, 
beginning with Dea I<ang, has a bet- 
ter tenure, but it's all too brief. 
Miss Lang gets a good chance to 
display a one-foot control-kick 
routine that is accomplished and she 
finishes off with an acrobatic num- 
ber. Harding has "The Things I 
Love* as his baritone contribution, 
and then turns stage over to Britt 
Wood. Vet Wood, now vauding after 
a stretch in the Hopalong (^ssidy 
film opries, has some of the stuff 
that would have elevated the show, 
but In nine minutes he couldn't get 
enough of it across. His harmonica- 
Izlng, Ritz Brothers' imitation and 
softshoe tapping are the kind of 
corn that the house takes to, but 
Wood was off almost before the 
patrons begaij to enjoy his work. 

Quln, 

Vauders' 59lh Anni 

Springfield, Mass., July 1. 

Mr. and Mrs. (Jeorge Guy, of this 
city, observe their 59th weddlnff an- 
niversary today (1). 

Guy, 65, is the last of the Six Guy 
Brothers, minstrel and vaudeville 
turn. Mrs. Guy Is 78. 



STATE, N. Y. 



Bill Robinson, Bert Wheeler with 
Hank Ladd & Co., Sue Ryan, Les 
Juvelys, Roaailianos; 'I Wanted 
Wings' (JVf-C;. 



With the feature film running two 
hours, stage show takes slightly less 
time than usual. It's a five-act bill 
topped -by Bill Robinson and Bert 
Wheeler. For some weeks the last 
show has been starting later than 
usual; it is not until 11:20 p.m. that 
the turns start showing their stuff 
thjs week. The picture was exploited 
across the street at the Astor when 
it played there, which hardly ups its 
drawing chances here. 

Wheeler may not realize it but he 
is setting quite a gross mark for the 
State to shoot at. In his Inonologistic 
bit the comic says Robinson and he 
are_ on percentage. Bill to get 15% 
on all over 65 G's while he's to get 
5%. Figure he mentions Is way over 
the house record. 

'Wheeler and Hank Ladd have been 
together for some time, having 
toured with Earl -Carroll's 'Vanities.' 
'Wheeler and Ladd coaxed a sum- 
mer's day audience into good humor, 
getting the best laugh with their 
amnesia gag. The redheaded Fran- 
cetta Malloy serves well enough late 
in the act and two stooges, a gink 
following a girl, got a few giggles, 
but Wheeler and Ladd are the major 
part of the turn. 

Robinson, Immaculate in summer 
suit of pearl gray, makes his dancing 
look easy. Following a slow-tempo 
tap, the crack colored hoofer tells a 
few of his stories which he has had 
tor some time. But dancing is his 
stuff and Robinson is stillSaces there. 
Faster tapping and the neat waltz 
clog finale leave his routine without 
change. 

Sue Ryan, she ot the lusty pipes, 
turns in an excellent score in the 
keystone spot. Singing comedienne 
starts with a special lyric, 'Publicity,' 
with a lengthy, varied number fol- 
lowing, tunes being supposedly sug- 
gested by magazines. Perhaps her 
best number is the onetime favorite, 
'You Made Me Love You,' as origin- 
ally rendered. The swing version 
doesn't measure up to the straight 
vocalizing. Though it was used as 
the last number, house sought more 
from the blonde artist, but she called 
it an act 

Les Juvelys open excellently. 
Novelty balancing duo Is away from 
the usual and could be a circus fea- 
ture. The Rossilianos close with a 
short routine ot Polish dances. 
(3raceful couple are said to be refu- 
gees. Outside of the names, the bill 
is not exceptional, though satisfac- 
tory. I bee. 



LYRIC, INDPLS. 



IndiaTUtpoIis, June 27. 

Gertrude Nlesen, Pro/essor Lam- 
berti, Bob Dupont, Don and Jane 
Ford, Winter Sisters (3), Billy 
Watson, Dicfc Gordon, Rajah Roboid; 
'Singapore Woman (WB). 

This week, the management has 
moved the 12-piece pit orchestra to 
the stage and brought in Dick Gordon 
to wave the stick and m.c, using 
the setup as background for six acts 
presented in revue style. It's a good 
show but something is keeping the 
customers away, without all the 
blame cast upon the hot weather. 

It may be that the men are steer> 
ing away from Rajah Raboid, mental- 
ist as matinees are well attended 
but evening performances light. The 
Rajah works in one to get initials 
from the audience by thought trans- 
ference, followed by the question, 
which he answers. His 25 minutes 
are mystifying but not entertaining 
to the average vaude patron who 
drops In for singing, dancing, and 
the sight ot some gals. The Rajah 
is separated from the regular stage 
show by the news real and trailers. 

Professor Lamberti and Gertrude 
Niesen share headline honors in the 
regular S6-minute show. This is 
^Miss Niesen's first appearance here 
and her throaty singing of 'Dark 
Eyes,' 'My Man,' 'I Want My Mamma' 
and comedy versions of 'Oh Johnny' 
earned for he.r a permanent place on 
the 'welcome' guest' list. She knows 
her business and gives a song plenty. 

Professor Lamberti has been 
around as regularly as a tax col- 
lector. This year, he brings with 
him a piece .of business left over from 
his stay at Earl Carroll's nltery in 
Hollywood, during which a full- 
bosomed blonde does' a strip-tease 
behind his xylophoning of 'Wishing.' 
It's good for laughs but the Professor 
always got more than his share any- 
way. His antics at the woodpile have 
never failed to tickle local ribs and 
he might possibly hurt his rep In a 
family theatre by associating him- 
self with the dame stuff. 

Bob Dupont Is also an old favor- 
ite. His deadpan juggling ot rubber 
balls, Indian clubs and tamborlnes 
are sure giggle winners. The Winter 
Sisters, tapping acrobatic trio, ap- 
pear briefly in the opening stanza. 
Billy Watson, amateur, does okay 
singing 'Here's My Heart* Don and 
Jane Ford have a well worked out 
routine in which they explain their 
tapping in a song which Is woven 
through their turn. 

Biz was light at third show Friday 
(27) opening day. Kitey. 



^Tednesd^y, July 2, 1941 



HOUSE REVIEWS 47 



EARLE, PHILA. 



Philadelphia, July 1. 
Andrews Sisters, Joe VenuH Orch 
(12) ■with Kay Starr, Joe Reardon, 
DeVal, Merle and Lee; 'West Point 
Vfidow' (Par). 

Lots of laughs and rhvthm on the 
Earle boards this sesh, a grand 
combo to help take one's mind ofl 
the blistering heat wave which In- 
vaded Phllly over the weekend. 

Snaring the top-billing, and de- 
servedly so, are the Andrews Sisters. 
The trio Is currently hotter than a 
Fourth of July firecracker, and only 
a plea of exhaustion enabled them 
to bow ofl, when caught, in the face 
of crescendos of applause. 

With their popularity enhanced a 
hundredfold since their last appear- 
ance here, the gals are jamming in 
the jukebox jive addicts, now home 
for school vacations. 

Dolled up in cool-looking evening 
gowns, the sisters came on in the 
closing spot to a terrific reception. 
Opener is the swingy version of 
'Beer Barrel Polka,' followed by 
'Daddy.' Number three Is 'Boogie 
Woogie Bugler from Company B — 
hit tune from 'Buck Privates'— a solid 
click with the hundreds of uniformed 
men in the audience. 

First encore is their revival of 
'Apple Blossom Time.' Continuous 
palm-thumping broiight the gals 
back for a try at warbling some- 
thing called 'Sonny Boy,' a comedy 
version of Al Jolson's tearjerker of 
a decade ago. It's the Andrews dam' 
sels' latest waxing, but at this catch' 
Ing it didn't look like it would at- 
tain the popularity of their other 
disc efforts. ' . . 

The trio has found a clever tnck 
for bowing oft.. They get the audi- 
ence to clap hands in- unison while 
they swing-sing 'My Bonnie.' As the 
beat becomes louder they ease be- 
hind the wings while Patti Andrews 
trucks slowly off. 

A sleeper in the billing is provided 
by tiny Joey Reardon. The person- 
able mite Js making his debut at the 
Earle, and from all indications it's a 
howling success. Reardon has a style 
that's refreshingly different. With a 
grin like a tiny Irish pixie, he im- 
mediately wins the audience. 

He starts ofl with a ."swingy varia- 
tion of 'Casey Jones,' Then branches 
out Into giving imitations qf various 
musical instruments and instrumen- 
talists. Bringing a volley of guflaws 
Is his takeoff of auto horns which 
reflect the personality of various 
types of motorists. Reardon winds 
up his stint with an excellent takeoff 
of Jimmy Cagney (for whom he's a 
dead ringer) in the dramatic death- 
house scene from 'Angels With Dirty 

The dance team of DeVal, Merle 
and Lee also provides plenty of en- 
tertainment with their surprising 
aero act. .They start out strictly 
deadpan in the standard ballroom 
routine, then suddenly switch Into a 
rib-tickling, slam-bang comedy turn 
in which the fragile-appearing 
lemme of the team gets tossed 
around like a sack of meal. 

Joe Venuti's orchestra does an 
adequate job of backing the show, 
with the band members getting In a 
few novelty licks of their own. 
Venuti Is a local boy and had lots of 
ex-neighbors from South Philly 
dovyt front rooting for him. Kay 
Starr does a fairisli job of vocaliz- 
Ing, her forte seeming to be the low- 
down type of Jive rather than on the 
sweet stuff. Venuti scores nicely In 
two turns In which he solos on his 
' fiddle. 

The husky maestro makes a mis- 
take when he continues to plug re 
cordlngs of 'four years ego.' It gives 
the customers the Impression that 
the band Is passe. 

Biz at show reviewed was okay 
considering the humid weather (Fri, 
night). Shal. ' 

ORPHEUM, L. A. 



seem to get enough of their wares. 

Miss Fitzgerald, garbed In an Alice 
Blue gown, is in a somewhat tough 
spot following all of the talent that 
has gone before, but she manages to 
make the most of her bit. After a 
nonsensical opening she does 'I<one- 
somest Gal in Town' to a slower and 
quieter tempo and winds up with a 
somewhat different version of 'St. 
Louis Blues' that registered. 

Show as a whole does not rate with 
some previous Orpheum- bookings, 
but for the clientele undoubtedly fills 
the bill satisfactorily. £duia. 



Los Anflieles, June 25. 
Ella Fitigerald Orch, Bob Evans, 
Three Berry Brothers; Shadows on 
the Stoirs' (WB) and 'Singapore 
Woman' (WB). 

Ella Fitzgerald's all-Negro orches- 
tra Is providing the Orpheum 
patrons with plenty of hilarity this 
week. For the sepia trade, especial- 
ly, the offering is one bound to lead 
to encouraging boxoffice'results. 

There is little In this colored band 
to distinguish It from others of its 
ilk, with the possible exception that 
the 14 playing musicians make a lit- 
tle more noise than Is customary. 
Particularly is this true of the drum- 
mer, who keeps up a constant pound- 
ing of the bass drum that, after the 
first 15 or 20 minutes, becomes 
rather monotonous. 

Sepia songstress does not make an 
appearance until after band and the 
featured acts have gone through 35 
minutes of the 45 minutes allotted 
to the act. Tony Fulton does a num- 
ber on the sonovox which kept the 
crowd interested after a hot number 
by the band with Teddy McLain 
directing. Then Bob Evans, soft 
shoe expert, does some routines 
while warbling several numbers, and 
the Three Berry Brothers, garbed in 
tails and high hats, execute some 
maneuvers that virtually stopped the 
proceedings. They are eccentric 
acrobatic steppers par excellent, and 
the nnv piictrtm<»rc liiRt couldn'* 



STATE-LAKE, CHI 



EMBASSY, N. Y. 

(NEWSREELS) 



Chicatro, June 28. 
Joe Sanders Orch with Red Hodg- 
son, Blanche LaBow, Billv Gilbert 
and Co. (2), Dorothy Keller; 'People 
vs. Dr. Kildare' (M-G). 

With the combination of a picture 
name and a locally favorite orches- 
tra, this week's bill looks to do well 
at the wicket, but is not so strong on 
entertainment value. Could be 
helped considerably by a general 
speeding up of the whole show. 

Joe Sanders orchestra, long identi- 
fied with Chicago, opens the bill- with 
a very mediocre arrangement of the 
'Hut Sut Song.' Band lacks punch 



Jack Benny s Phil Harris, 'Rochester' 
Break in Own Units for Vaude Tours 



PHIL HARRIS UNIT 

(OBFIIEUM, OMAHA) 

Omaha, June 27. 
Phil Harris Orch and Revue (27) 
loith Potricia Kay, the Billingtons-, 
Paul Winchell, Ames and Omo, plus 



Just a bunch of assorted cluck 
clips. This house is fortunate that 
it has two reels of the March of 
Time and other editorial screen talk 
by Tex McCrary. Outside of Para- 
mount's neat treatment of the 
Russo-Nazi warfare (mostly w-ith 
library shots) and single contribu- 
tions by Universal, Pathe and News 
of Day, the material is about as 
newsy as a last year's weekly maga- 
zine. 

American newsreels are more 
handicapped than usual in covering 
the outbreak of fighting between 
the Germans and Russians. First 
actual scenes are expected in this 
week if they catch the clipper 
plane. With world interest focused 
on this battle, other items fade into 
insignificance. That's why Mc- 
Crary's new subject, 'Master of 
Timing,' holds attention. N.Y. Daily 
Mirror editorial writer feels that 
Hitler is the perfect timer in mili- 
tary campaigns ^nd that when he 
gets through with Russia, more thor- 
ough attention can be given, the 
British Empire — and then the U.S. 
He remains a convincing speaker 
and the material is shrewdly edited- 
Paramount uses mostly old mate- 
rial on Rpsso-Nazi war, posing the 
question of how Britain -will be af- 
fected, result of conflist on the pres 
ent British-Axis struggle, relative 
strength of the Russian military 
pitted against the German war ma- 
chine, reaction in U.S. (swell close 
up of Sumner Welles explaining the 
American official attitude) and the 
position In which communists are 
placed in this country. Also pon 
ders the question as to whether it 
will briiTg a halt to present strikes 
in U.S. defense industries. 

News of Day furnishes views ,of 
war maneuvers by Russians and the 
recent blasting of Nazi locations in 
France by the R.A;F. Pathe has 
vivid pictorial material of British 
capturing German prisoners in 
Libya. Par follows the trek of 
$100,000,000 worth of American sup- 
plies to Britain In 50 freighters. 
Movietone's shots of the Pough- 
keepsie Regatta are above average 
Rest of the stuff is pretty dull. 

'China Fights Back,' June M. of T. 
issue, is a real lift after this desul- 
tory procession. Wcor. 



and the intonation Is bad. Sanders ' Sam Broun, ' local colored enter- 
m.c.s from the piano with the aid of tainer; 'The Lady }rom Cheyenne' 



a hand mike, wasting too much time 
with elaborate introductions. His 
own vocals are characteristic, his 
best being 'Lonesome Road.' "Trum- 
pet playing Red Hodgson displays 
talent in comedy numbers, 'Music 
Goes Round' and 'Ding Dong Daddy,' 
but his material is very dated and 
leaves much to be desired. An Imi- 
tation of Clyde McCoy's 'Sugar 
Blues' drew results. Blanche LaBow, 
plump vocalist with the Sanders out- 
fit, isn't particularly impressive. 
Poor choice of numbers and awk- 
ward stage presence hamper her con- 
siderably. Her diction, too, could be 
much improved. 

Dorothy Keller, cute tapstress, 
while not a finished performer as yet, 
still shows she has plenty to offer, 
plus a fundamentally good dancing 



HAMID'S PIER, A. C. 

(HIFFODSOME) 



(U). 

Phil .Harris and his gang walked 
in on Omaha in their tour opener 
Friday (27) and completely 
whammed the locals as nobody has 
done in a Ions time. One of the 
biggest weeks in the history of the 
place is in the oiilng. 

It's a big, bra.ssy and, at times, 
rowdy episode, of the snappiest and 
most spontaneous sort. Packed with 
ad libs, fast, new gags and paced by 
the personable Harris, the show 
fairly rocked the customers. Not in 
years has so much applause and de- 
mands for encores been heard in 
Omaha. When the Harris train 



self at a time and to leave them 
wanting more. 

The comic doesn't devote much ot 
the 20 minutes or so he is on stag* 
to Idle chatter, anyhow, blasting one 
comedy song in his blow-torch voice, 
spending most of his time in that 
comic dancing at which he is an ex- 

Eert. For punctuation in his act, as 
reathers for both himself and Itie 
audience, 'Rochester' brings on Caleb 
Peterson, Negro baritone with good 
pipes, for 'Old Man River,' and 
Kitty Murray, barrel sized sepia 
comedienne, for some deadpan 
swing. Comic's following dance with 
Miss Murray is a howl for a socko 
finish. 

There almost is a definite division 
of the show into tiVo parts, Dick 
Stabile's orchestra plus some stand- 
ard vaude turns preceding 'Roches- 
ter's' portion of the bill, though en- 
tirety is to tour as a unit. Stabile 
crew is smooth musically lively 
enough for the jive fans. Emphasis 
is on leader's sax, which is mellow. 

Gracie Barrle (Mrs. Stabile) is a 
show-stopper, having once been m.c. 



pulled into Union station the night at the house. She war'oles some 
■before the opening, the leader was : pop tunes solidly, then goes into 
. _ _ , mobbed by more than 400 women. | special version of 'Daddy' with 

style. She's much better at straight i There was parade in which a local : leader, to leave 'em happy Other 
rhythm dancing than she is in her 'Rochester' drove Harris to the hotel 1 vaude turns win solid approval, too,, 
routine set to a medley of Spanish < in an ancient Maxwell car (as per | Ruby Ring's extraordinary acrobatic 

. ^^le radio act), accompanied by the; and contortionistic dancing and 

mayor and other civic dignitaries. | Walton and O'Rourke's clever pup- 
By show time the house was : pets providing just the right touch 
literally jammed to the rafters and ' of variety. 

first appearance of Harris wasj Biz good at Sunday (29) supper 
greeted with a scream of delight show caught, Mac. 
(from the women) and interrupting 
laughter ad applause went for every- 



tunes. Good possibilities 

Billy Gilbert, garbed in the chef's 
outfit he so often wears on the 
screen, turns in an amusing and 
laugh-getting talking bit, with the 
assistance of a straight woman. He 
later returns to sing three songs 
f roua his oresent picture, ' 'Tin Pan 
Alley.' The audience liked him 
plenty. 

Biz good supper show Frid.-" '''7). 

Loop. 



New Act in Theatre 



VmCINIA AUSTIN 

Marionettes 

8 Mlns. 

Paramount, N. Y. 

This turn ranks among the best 
of its type. It's 'extremely entertain- 
ing and cleverly worked out to 
make the puppets seem more alive 
than the usual dolls. 

Turn tees off with a single boy 
puppet outfitted as a clown, being 
bashful in the spot, riding a toy 
horse, etc. Second half adds a 
femme doll and both go through a 
burlesque MacDonald-Eddy 'Sweet- 
hearts' number, voices to fit each 
supplied by Miss Austin. To get off 
she puts the miniatures through a 
jitterbug routine, and it's solid. 

Adds a strong touch to any stage 
show, and okay for niteries, too. 

Wood. 



Atlantic City, June 28. 
Victor McLaglen, Rochelle and 
Beebe, Wally Ward, Six Grays The 
Kanazawas (4); 'Puddin' Head' 
(Rep). 

Vicor McLaglen, in first personal 
appearance here, drew one of 'the 
biggest crowds so far this season at 
Hamid's Pier Hippodrome at show 
caught Saturday night (28). His ap- 
pearance was signal for loud cheers, 
whistles, and handclapping, which 
was repeated at every opportunity, 
whether warranted or not. 

McLaglen's genial personality and 
broad, friendly grin did more to win 
his audience than his ability to put 
on any kind of performance. He 
gives a riambling little talk on his 
earlier experiences — in Boer war, in 
South Africa, from prospecting for 
diamonds and pearl diving to fight- 
ing, etc. He reads a little verse, 
again telling of those experiences, in- 
terspersing with tribute to America 
and England. It all got a tremendous 
hand. 

He follows with a bit from 'Gunga 
Din,' interrupted by clowning of 
stooge, which is pointless but drew 
laughs from mob. He took five bows 
at performance caught and then did 
brief scene from 'The Informer,' 
which won him the Academy award. 

The Four Kanazawas put on a 
speedy act of balancing and fast foot- 
work. Tliey spin barrels, balance 
each other on feet and catch others 
somersaulting by feet. Walking on 
one hand Is good number and got big 
hand. The Six Grays, with songs 
and dancing, are also outstanding. 
TTiey're five girls and a man. 

Rochelle and Beebe, In comedy 
dance aiid burlesque ballroomery, 
drew much applause, as did Wally 
Ward and Co., who furnish some 
comedy with songs and gags. Their 
hillbilly songs drew best, and Ward's 
imitation of old player piano got 
good hand. 

Vaughn Monroe's band, Sylvia and 
her Debs, Eddie Morgan's orch, ani- 
mal circus are also features on Pier. 
Admission is 75c, with half fare for 
men in uniform. Carter. 



'Un-Americanism* 



sContlnued from' page 1; 



Spaniard, one of the biggest cinema 
operators of the port. He was. ar- 
rested with four other notable Span- 
iards and two prominent Mexicans 
on unrevealed charges on orders of 
the Federal Attorney General. 

Vigil and the other six are' said 
to have had codes and maps in their 
homes and offices. They are to be 
tried here. 



'Unfairly Branded Fascist' 

Montevideo, July 1. 

Andres Segovia, rated by many 
as the world's greatest guitarist, 
claims he has been deprived of the 
privilege of going to the UrS.-for «• 
concert tour because of a mistaken 
notion by some New York concert 
managers that he supported General 
Franco during the Spanish Civil 
War and is therefore Fascist. 

Segovia, now living here per- 
manently, declared he took no sides 
in -the Spanish conflict because as 
an artist he "felt it was not for him 
to pick one side or the other. Adds 
that he turned down contracts in 
Germany and Italy arid that the 
British government on its radio pro- 
grams for S. A., uses recordings of 
his playing, proof that they regard 
him as friendly. 

Has been giving concerts in Monte- 
video, B. A.,, and other South Amer- 
ican cities. 



Ringling for Mexico 

Mexico City, July 1. 

Prospects are good in show circles 
that the Ringling circus will play 
Mexico this season, a four-day stand, 
possibly looping in from its South- 
ern U. S. dates. 

The Big Show is reported here to 
be arranging for the operation of its 
special trains. That is said to be 
the last detail of this proposed visit, 
the first in many years to be made 
by a major American circus. 



thing he did. It's a fine band, but it's | 
Harris wlio's the show, gagging hiS; 
way along in a series of unrehearsed 
chatter in which he parries with the 
audience in a good-natured way. 
Bill Miskell, manager, listening to 
the applause, remarked: 'Is This 
Omaha?' 

Smart showmanship sticks out all 
over the unit. After it had run 
about 15 of its 60 minutes, he sud- 
denly remarks in 'hurt' way, 'Nobody 
has even asked me about Alice 
(Faye) yet,' whereupon there's a 
chorus of questions from the audi- 
ence. Harris gags about his. wife for 
about Ave minutes, and the women 
ate it up. He uses the smart tech- 
nique of kidding himself, then 
swings into a series of fast chatter, 
all tempered to strictly middle-west 
consuinpion. Sam Brown, local 
colored hoofer, did 'Rochester.' 

Band consists of 15 men, two 
pianos, three saxes, two woodwinds, 
three trumpets, three trombones, 
bass and drums. Very little doub- 
ling, in fact only bit being done by 
Frank Remley (sax and guitar), who 
has been with Harris 17 years. 
Harris plays his orchestra up, con- 
tinually giving them the spotlight 
and a chance- to do comedy and 
specialty work. Their best numbers 
are a modified jive arrangement of 
'Poet and Peasant overture, the 
'Hut Sut Song,' which Harris sings 
neatly; 'Caesar,' In which Harris goes 
to town on the drums, and. of course, 
the leader's of 'That's What I Like 
About the South.' The clever 'Ten 
Little BotUes' clicked, too. 

The acts went over terrifically, 
aided by some exoert m.c.ing by the 
maestro, who had his hand in most 
efforts, either seriously or kiddingly. 
Paul Winchell, the ventriloquist, got 
two demands for encores. Patricia 
Kay, a low-voiced' torch slngeT,"gAt 
over big with her sob-songs, but she 
really wowed 'em when she wound 
up with a burst of torrid boogie- 
woogie. Ames and Arno bounce 
around In • their sock burlesque 
adagio. The Billingtons, lad and 
lassie, are fresh, snappy type of col- 
legians who \yent big with the 
femmes-at?d-}»ia-4o- «W M>..i lw a ^ i -)i M A «» 
do some more of the loose-hipped 
tap stuff. 

Show has some pretty heated 
gags, but Harris gets 'em off with 
such aplomb and good taste that 
they go over okay. He uses the 
safest- End- most— Hmt--lried-,'«!>»nt."-a- 
for gagging; namely, kidding himself. 

-Roch. 



Concert Boom 



^Continued from page 1; 



'ROCHESTER' 

(EARLE, WASHINGTON) 



Washington, June 29. 
Eddie 'Rochester* Anderson, Gracie 
Barrie, Walton and O'Rourke, Ruby 
Ring, Kittv Murray, Caleb Peterson, 
Dick Stabile's Orchestra; 'Adventure 
in Washington' (Col) . 

: Like many another Hollywood per- 
sonality to come east for a personal 
appearance jaunt, 'Rochester' is lack- 
ing in only one department. He 
nends a writer. Here than once the 
onlooker is allowed to perceive that 
Jack Benny and the Benny writers 
are generally the real stars of that 
radio show. It isn't too noticeable, 
however, to detract considerably 
from entertainment value of show 
Harry Anger has staged for the sepia 
comic. 'Rochester,' for one thing, is 
showman enough to direct plenty of 
attention to others in his revue, to 
give customers only a little of him- 



concert attractions is easily doubled 
after any kind of big-time radio 
build-up. Nino Martini, an unknown, 
made the Met following a radio bal- 
lyhoo. *Oscar Levant can new be 
booked at fat fees as a pianist be- 
cause he has captured public fancy 
as a wit on 'Information, Please.' 
Albert Spalding, the violinist, has 
been doing a saucy master of cere- 
monies for Coca-Cola and is now 
bigger than before as a concert fig- 
ure. Many other examples could be 
multiplied. 

George Engles of NBC recalls the 
ridiculous situation in 1928 when 
concert managers then inserted 
clauses in contracts forbidding ar- 
tists from appearing on the air. From 
192B-33 the concert business wont 
slowly to pieces, and might have 
died. Broadcast ballyhoo thereafter 
put good music back on its feet. De- 
mand for concerts has increased ten- 
fold under radio stimulation. Today 
only two great artists have not yet 
been heard on the air. These are 
Fritz Kreisler and Sergei Rachman- 
inoff, and Engles believes that a fee 
of .$15,000 for either might be paid 
for a 'first' radio appearance. 
Johnson's Views 
Edward Johnson of ■• the Met re- 
vealed to a Variety reporter that the 
annual spring tour of the' Metropoli- 
tan-Opera included 38 performances 
in nine cities and played to 183,000 
paid admissions, a substantial in- 
crease oyer spring tours In the past. 
In Boston alone, thanks to seating 
capacity of the Auditorium, 12 per- 
formances were attended by 12,000 
more ticket buyers than hitherto. 
This implies an increase of some 35%. 

Says Johnson: 'What else but radio 
can have brought about this im- 
provement? A few years ago the 

tered mainly on prominent personal- . 
ities, on the leading singers and their 
doings both on and off the stage. 
That interest Is still manifest, but 
alongside it one finds a new Interest 
iir the- opera itself, in the story and 
the music, In the direction, the in- 
terpretation and the staging. A more 
Intelligent discrimination is notice- 
able today, and this fully as much 
among the students of our high 
schools as among those who live out 
in the adult world. In this regard 
two forms of radio education in par- 
ticular are helping to prepare people 
generally for the Metropolitan Opera 
broadcasts^ on Saturday afternoons. 
These are the regular broadcasts to 
the schools on the Thursday evening 
series presented by our own Metro- 
politan Opera Guild, Inc.' 



GASDEN TO BBIDGEFOBT 

Bridgeport, July 1. 

Fast fold of Madison Square Gar- 
den (N. Y.) lance carnival gives 
Pleasure Beach, city-operated park, 
quickie booking of Bob Crosby for 
one-niter tomorrow (2). Date must 
compete with Rln;;ling-B. & u. circus. 

Coming up at Pleasure Beach: 
Sammy Kaye (6), Blue Barron (13), 
Alvlno Rey (20). 



48 LEGITIMATE 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



Chi s Grand Opera House Folds, 



Results in Closing of 'Arsenic 



Chicago, July 1. 
Grand Opera House has passed 
back Into the hand's of the Ham- 
lin Wizard Oil estate and Is being 
operated by John Schreiber, Ham- 
Un representative in Chicagi^. 

House went darli Saturday (28), 
with 'Arsenic and Old Lace' cut- 
ting short Its run and disbanding for 
the summer. Notice has been posted 
for reassembly of the cast early in 
September for a road tour slated to 
etart September 14. 

Grand Opera House now is open 
for all and any negotiation. Hamlin 
estate does not want to operate the 
house, but will do so if there is no 
other course, and Schreiber has set 
himself up to double between the 
Hamlin Wizard Oil office on the 
north side and the Grand. 

At one point last weelt there was 
an indication that the Shuberts 
might return as lessees of the thea- 
tre but J. J. Shubert shuttled back 
to New York after a day's talk with 
Schreiber, and the matter looks 
plenty cold as far as a Shubert take- 
over is concerned. For the past two 
years house has been leased to Sam 
Gerson, who, in turn, worked out a 
deal for Shubert bookings in the 
theatre. 



Smnmer Premieres 



(July 2-12) 



'Broadway — 1341,' revised version 

by Phil Dunning of his and George 

Abbott's 'Broadway,' at Montowese 

playhouse, Branford, Conn, (2-5). 

'Tower Beyond Tragedy,' drama- 

RHw Chnatp Sll(>«l To " tuation in verse by John W. Gass- 
ttOW. V^noaie sues XO ^y Robinson-Jeflere. 

Recapture Mr. Big Judith Anderson, at Forest 

. .»c„«nn V T,j J ^u„..« ' thcatrc, Del Monte, C^al. (2-5). 
A $250,000 suit by Edward Choate, , Answer,' by UeweUyn Mil- 

ler, at Woodstock (N. Y.) playhouse 
(3-6). 

The Dlvorcons,' new adaptation 



legit producer, against Arthur Sheek. 
man and Margaret Shane, writers, 
and George S. Kaufman, charging 
breach of contract and conspiracy, 
was revealed Thursday (26) in N. Y. 
supreme court when Justice Bene- 
dict Dineen ordered examination be- 
fore trial of Kaufman on July 21. 
The writers are the authors of the 
play ;Mr. Big.* 

Chbate claims that on March 6, 
1941, he advanced $200 to Sheekman 
and Miss Shane for the right to pro- 
duce the play in the U. S. and Can- 
ada, and 40% of the film, radio, and 
television rights. It is charged that 
the authors backed out of the deal 
at the instigation of Kaufman, and 
returned the $200. They refused to 
sign a Dramatists Guild contract and 
instead gave the rights to the play 
to Kaufman, it is asserted. The re- 
lief sought is $250,000 damages, an 
injunction, and renewal of the orig- 
inal agreement. 



Closing Not Sarprislng 

Closing Saturday (28) of the C^ii- 
cago company of 'Arsenic and Old 
Lace,' a replica of one of Broad- 
way's leading standouts at the Ful- 
ton, was not entirely surprising to 
the 21 backers of the show. They 
■were aware that the Loop comjiany 
was operating to a modest profit 
compared to the original outfit, from 
which they got back their invest- 
ments and monthly profit checks of 
goodly amounts. 

Shutdown was not actually oc- 
casioned by business. While it was 
Indicated early in the Chicago en- 
gagement that the comedy had not 
. registered as well as In New York, 
'Arsenic' could have remained an- 
other month or more there but un- 
' wittingly became involved when 
Sam Gereon, lessee of the Grand was 
' declared insolvent. The booking 
, Is said to have been originally ill- 
' advised because of .the size of th6 
; theatre, but that was not the reason 
' for the closing either. 

'Arsenic' producers, Howard Llnd- 
sey and Russel Crouse, decided 
against taking a chance of going 
Into operating red which continu- 
■ ance might have brought about, es- 
pecially had it been necessary to 

I move the show. Recently the gross 
i had been dropping to between $10,' 

000 and $11,000. Once it dipped 
under the lOG Mark and showed a 
slight operating red, but that waff 
because extra advertising had heen 
charged oil on that week's state 
ment. Final week at the Grand the 
payoff was $2,000 less than the 
statement showed, it is understood. 
That represented advance sales but 
the coin was not in the boxoflice. 

At a- gross of $10,500, the Chicago 
•Arsenic' netted a profit of $1,000 
weekly. Company share on that ep 
proximate gross was $6,900, expense 
being $5,900. Of the latter amount 
cast salaries were $3,100, slightly 
less than New York's, balance going 
for the show's staff, advertising and 
other expense in wl^lch the show 
^hai;ed. Capacity for the Grand was 
around $18,000, but 'Arsenic' never 
grossed that mu>°'- there. 

The N. Y. 'Arsenic' has been main- 
taining a capacity gait at the Ful- 
ton despite the general summer let 
down In business, takings being 
around $16,500. At that level the 
chow's profit is $4,000 weekly, while 
another $2,000 is earned on the house 
end, so that the average profit Is 
around $6,000 per week. 
Original 'Arsenic' was budgeted 

II for $30,000, which was rapidly 
^jl earned back. Chicago outfit's budget 
)iwas $25,000 and it is said that that 

. outlay was not recaptured during the 
■Ir|l2-week engagement. However, the 
i^jshow will tour In the fall and is 
!? expected to play profitably. JPlans 
;)call for resumption in Boston, pos 
visibly under American Theatre So- 
ciety subscription, instead of touring 
^the midwest as originally intended. 



Aussie Play Chicks 

Sydney, June 6. 
Alec Coppel, who authored 'I 
Killed the Count,' world-preemed 
I his latest opus, 'Mr. Smart Guy,' at 
I Minerva, Sydney, recently. Coppel, 
'In association. with Kathleen Robin- 
eon, recently formed Whitehall Pro- 
ductions here In an endeavor to keep 
legit going. Idea is on 'community' 
Unea. 



r 



B W MANAGER UNIT 
MULLS COIN SETUP 



Board of the League of New York 
Theatres is considering the financial 
status of the outfit, as it usually 
does annually at this time of the 
year. In between seasons the man- 
agerial organization runs shy of 
funds, going into the red for sev- 
eral thousand dollars. Heretofore, 
money has been borrowed from the 
bank upon the signature of the 
board's- individuals and repaid dur- 
ing the season. While that is ef- 
fective enough, another means of 
financing is being sought. 

Aside from its general funds the 
league has around $9,000 on hand, 
collected from the ticket agencies 
under code regulations. Kfoney is 
useable for the code enforcement, 
but little appears to have been ex- 
pended in that way during the past 
year. Surplus is supposed to be re- 
bated to the agencies pro rata, but 
it's doubtful if there will be a split- 
up, because, while the League cannot 
use the ticket money for general ex- 
penses, it can and will be used to 
defend the suit against the state 
ticket law, much to the dlitomflture 
of the ticket people. 



by Margaret May, of Sardou's origi' 
nal. at Hilltop theatre, Ellicott City, 
Mad. (1-5). 

'Helen,' Negro swing musical based 
on, A. P. Herbert's satire, with Her- 
bert Kingsley arrangement of Offen- 
bach's 'La Belle Helene' score, at 
Country playhouse, Westport, Conn. 
(7-12). 

'Seraphlna,' by Benjamin Charles 
Martin, at Paper Mill playhouse, 
Millbum, N. J. (7-12). 



EFFORTS TO SAVE CHI 
AUD GETTING RESULTS 



Inside Stuff-Legit 



The late Senator Pat Harrison was instrumental in getting an intelligent 
interpretation of the admission tax law, especially in having the 10% fed- 
eral levy apply to the actual price paid by the patron for cut-rate tickets 
rather than the printed, or boxoSice, price which Washington insisted on 
for several years. 

There is a curious quirk in the regulations, however. Tax on the actual 
price goes for straight plays and musicdis with a sustained story. So if 
tickets for 'Louisiana Purchase' (recently closed), 'Panama Hattie' or 'Pal 
Joey' were cut-rated. It would be okay; but if for 'Hellzapoppln' the tax 
would apply on the established price. That show li a revue, whila tha 
others are book musicals. Just why there is such a differentiation no on* 
in ticket circles knows. Neither does the tax department. 



Chicago, July 1. 

Efforts to save Chicago's Audi- 
torium are getting results. Instead 
of being boarded up after this week 
the traditional structure will con- 
tinue as is until the end of July at 
least with indications that it will 
operate in all departments. It's to 
be chartered as a non-profit music 
foundation. Theatre, office building 
and hotel are to remain open, ten-< 
ants being notified to that effect. 
The Aud is back $1,000,000 in county 
taxes but the assessor proposes that 
the levy be based on the actual value 
of the property rather than the ab- 
normal theoretical assessment. If 
the new; tax base be made retroac- 
tive the principal financial problem 
of the Aud wiU be solved. 

Incorporators of the new Chicago 
Music Foundation, which would 
operate the enterprise, are John 
Goodridge, president of the Audi- 
torium Building Corp.; William Al- 
vln Dudley, managing director of the 
Greater Central District Association; 
William F. Krahl, president of the 
Stevens hotel; Frank Whitson, Al- 
bert H. Wetlen, realtpr; Col. Robert 
H. McCormick, chairman of the Chi- 
cago Opera Co.; Elmer Rich, presi- 
dent of the Simoniz Co.; Philip F. W. 
Peck, chairman of the Civic Federa- 
tion; Jos^h K. Brittain, realtor, and 
Wallace J. Stebbins, of the Chicago 
Association of Commerce. 

It's understood that all feel that 
If the Aud folded, it might tend to 
deteriorate the neighborhood. 



Oscar Polk, colored actor who has appeared la a number of Broadway 
shows, principally Kaufman and Hart comedies, has visited Broadway after 
a sojourn on the Coast He told friends that he is broke, but made enough 
out of his engagement In 'Gone with the Wind' to buy a -house. He intends 
returning to Hollywood on spec. 

Polk was familiar around Broadway with his riiotorcycle trimmed with 
a bunch of gadgets. He disposed of the machine after a serious accident. 
Those who 'know" Polk claim he is still growing, though not a youngster 
by a long shot. 

Dorothy Gish, in Detroit with 'Life With Father,' met for the first time 
in 3^ years Bert St. John, now director of Detroit Scottish Rite groups. 
In 1902 St. John was company manager of the melodrama, 'In Convict 
Stripes,' which started out from Detroit. Miss Gish was one of the half 
dozen children who lent smalltown atmosphere to the thriller. Four of 
the others were Lillian Gish, Mary, Lottie and Jack Plckford. It marked 
the pro debuts for the youngsters. 



It's understood that Charles Washburn, currently press-agenting 'Arsenic 
and Old Lace' in Chicago (Grand), will be associated next season with 
Endyfed H. Williams, an attorney there, whose clients Include Rudy 
Vallee, Alice Faye and Charles Ruggles. New combo will ba engaged 
in theatrical activities and possibly legit production in the Loop. WiUiams 
was 'recently appointed racing commissioner for Illinois. 

One of the main factors behind the successful start at Elltch Gar- 
dens, Denver, recently was the widespread exploitation of Arthur J. Levy, 
summoned from New York by. Arnold B. Gurtler, president of the Elitch 
Gardens Theatre Co. 



All-Expense Bos Tours 
To Near-N.Y. Strawliats 
hcL Admish, Meals, Etc 

Regular round-trip all-expense bus 
excursions to strawhat theatres with- 
in motoring distance of New York 
will be started next week by Coun- 
try Playhouse Tours. Venture is be- 
ing launched by Frances Keogh, who 
already has a hookup with Greyhound 
Bus and is now completing deals 
with various leading summer the- 
atres In New York. New Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massa- 
chusetts. 

Rates will include round-trip fare, 
theatre admission, meals and all in- 
cidental expenses. "There will be 
single-excursion and season rates. 



Central City, Col., Glories In the Past 
As 10th Annual Play Festival Nears 



Central City, Colo., July 1. 
Central City, once-famous mining 
camp known round the world as the 
richest square mile on earth,' comes 
back to reclaim a fraction 'Of that 
title when the 10th annual Play Fes- 
tival, a spectacle which for three 
weeks makes it a theatre Mecca, 
opens July 9 and continues through 
July 26. 

Set in almost the geographical cen- 
ter of the nation, and easily 'acces- 
sible by air, rail and motor. Central 
City is a natural magnet attracting 
tourists, artists, drama lovers, so- 
cialites and students. 

There are- the glorious mountain 
scenery, the historic mining camp it- 
self with Its relics, quaint houses and 
steep streets unchanged with the pass- 
ing-years, the Teller House, once ele- 
gant four-story hotel built before ele- 
vators were used, where will meet 
and mingle as others did eO-odd years 
ago, the elite of theatredom, the 
opera house, one of the most beau- 
tiful theatres in America, the inspi- 
ration that has awakened the town 
and attracted the visitors, and in 
which a glorious production of two 
operas, Rossini's 'Barber of Seville' 
and Gluck's 'Orpheus,' will be 
staged. 

The twin offerings, which will 
feature the 10th anniversary of the 
Central City Play Festival, are pro- 
duced this year under the direction 
of Robert Edmond Jones, the scenic 
designer; and Frank St. Leger, Met- 
ropolitan Opera conductor; staged 
by Herbert Graf of Met aind Frisco 
Opera Companies, and sung by stars 
of the Met, Anna Kaskas, Stella An- 
dreva, John Carter, John Brownlee, 
Louis D'Angelp, Edwlna Eustis and 



Nino Ruisl, supported by a chorus 
of 44 and a ballet. 

rrodooed $89,OM,eO« In Gold 

The play festivals, which have 
again established Central City's 
claim to the title of 'richest square 
mile on earth,' won during the 1860's 
when the mining district of which 
she is the center produced some $85,- 
000,000 in gold; are sponsored by the 
UnivaFaty-«f Denver- through the 
Central City Opera House Assn., a 
non-profit organization composed of 
social and art-minded folk of Colo- 
rado. The festivals are the result 
of a desire to commenmorate the 
ideals of the- pioneers who- founded 
the west. Differences between gross 
and expenses are paid by Denver 
merchants and others. 

In Central City is the only re- 
maining pioneer theatre of the west. 
The old Opera House was built in 
1878 at a cost of $80,000. Over its 
stage trod such immortals of drama 
and music as Edwin Booth, Sarah 
Bernhardt, Joseph Jefferson, Ade- 
lina Patti and many others. At the 
height of prosperity in Central City 
the latter was the farthest west for 
all theatrical companies. Today the 
theatre Is almost unchanged from 
that glamorous past. It is a stone 
building, its walls four feet thick, 
built of rock from nearby moun- 
tains. Inside it is gay with hand- 
tinted frescoes, delicately painted 
curtain, crystal chandeliers and 
crimson carpeting. 

Visitors at the opera house will 
sit in the identical chairs where 
once sat booted miners— or richly 
gowned ladies. And after the per"- 
formance they will stop for a bite 



of supper or to chat with friends 
at the Teller House, famous hotel 
which set the social pace for Cen- 
tral City in a day when the elite of 
the Colorado mining camp mingled 
with the elite of New York and the 
continent. President Grant was en- 
tertained here, and a pavement of 
solid silver was laid for him to walk 
from his carriage to the hoteL 
- Tho Teller House har-been' Te-HO-" 
vated and painted, but is little 
changed from its palmy days. Its 
kitchen still glories in a cooking 
stove as large as a narrow-guage lo- 
comotive.' Its second floor parlors 
are elegant with- -damask,- brussels 
carpets, crystal and gilt, loveseats 
and what-nots. There is the grand 
piano brought over the narrow 
mountain trails at great effort. There, 
too, is the Baby Doe suite, still fur- 
nished with the fragile furniture 
which H. A. W. Tabor bought for 
her. 

On the steep streets are to be 
found other fascinating features of 
this awakened frontier town. ■ One 
may visit a gold mine scarcely a step 
from the main thoroughfare. There 
is the Glory Hole and the placer dig- 
gings. One may Join in reels and 
polkas as called by Dr. Lloyd Shaw 
in the livery stable on Eureka street. 
On Sunday one can go to church and 
join in old Welsh hymns, the very 
songs which early miners used to 
sing as they dug for gold. 

A night club is operated in the 
Teller House, owned by the associa- 
tion, Thursday and Saturday nights 
during the play festival. This year 
John Buckmaster is the entertainer. 
Cover charge is $1.50. 



mnvE son; in 

RED FOR 366, 
CLOSES 



'Native Son' was rated a moderate 
success on Broadway up to a month 
ago, but with it* abrupt closing at 
the St James Saturday (28), when it 
completed 14 weeks. It tmcamo 
known that the drama was heavily 
in the red. Closing was occasioned 
by a sharp drop in attendance, with 
the weekly gross sagging to $6,500. 

Production cost . $46,000, imusually 
high for a drama, and it's estimated 
that only around $10,000 was earned 
back. 'Son' is expected to go to the 
road next season after the settings 
are made practical for touring. 

Orson Welles came from the Hoi- . 
lywood to direct 'Son' in the Mer- 
cury Theatre manner, John House- 
man being teamed with him. Neither 
is said to have put money into the 
show, backing coming from Bern 
Bernard of the Coast, who is re- 
ported to have invested $35,000. 
Whether any backing represented 
picture money is not clear. A de- 
layed opening, caused by added re- 
hearsals, etc., cost $11,000. 

Play, based on the sensational 
novel by Richard Wright, colored, 
tells of a burly Chicago Negro who 
murders a white girl. Critics were 
somewhat divided in their opinions; 
•bat atlea^ on€ regariiecf "Son' asTCe" 
best play of the past season. Busi- 
ness was fairly good, but the show 
never vied with the standouts. After 
the first six weeks it was indicated 
that 'Son' was running out of audi- 
ences ■ despite"- the -many fKeafre 
parties booked. 

It appears that many who read the 
book passed up the performance, 
women being offended at the story's 
implications. Certain percentage of 
patrons objected, too, to the court- 
room scene -with its tinges of radi- 
calism. It was figured that 'Son' 
would draw from Harlem, but not 
more than 15% of the average au- 
dience was colored. Even though 
there were tickets at $2.20 on the 
lower floor, with $3.30 the price fur- 
ther front, it was too high for them. 

Ray Collins, who played the de- 
fense attorney In the cast, had a suit 
of clothes stolen from his dressing, 
room last week. In filing a claim 
with Equity, he said the clothes cost 
$65, but having been used he'd settle 
for $35. , Under the rules the com- 
pany • la responsible for dressing- 
room losses of costumes used in per- 
formance. It's understood that the 
showmanagement claimed the house 
should be liable on the ground that 
the stage doorman was away from 
his post when the theft occurred. 



Radio Man Masts Lambertson 



Philadelphia, July 1. 
Samuel R. Rosenbaum, WFIL prexy, last week charged Congress- 
man William P. Lambertson (R., Kan.) ot making statements which 
were "blind and stupid distortions' and 'crawling behind Congressional 
Immunity.' 

Rosenbaum's blast against the Kansan followed Lambertson's refusal 
to retract a charge he made on the floor of Congress that WTIL had 
denied time to Col. Charles A. Undbergh during the lattcr's address of 
an 'America First' meeting here last month. 



B way Managers, Equity Consider 
Extension of Pact Whereby Union 
Would Not Change Poficy for Year 



Managers and Equity will soon 
oonslder an extsnslon of the agree- 
ment whereby the actors association 
would not change jtolioy for one 
year, It being an annual arrangement 
starting and ending 8^t 1. Ap- 
parently the only change to come Is 
the deletion of the exclusive-service 
stipulation, which provides that play- 
ers In legit may not take Jobs In 
other fields such as night clubs, radio 
and pictures without permission of 
the manager. There are also other 
considerations. 

Deletion of the exclusive-service 
provision was made at the virtual 
demand of the membership some 
months ago, but it didn't become ef- 
fective until the start of the new 
season. It was brought about despite 
a difference of opinion, opinion In 
some quarters being that the man- 
ager should have the services of the 
player when at his best, and that 
outside appearances may affect his 
or her performance. Also, that out- 
side engagements should be spread 
among those without stage jobs. 
Rank and fliers saw It differently, 
feeling that because of unemploy- 
ment, every opportunity to earn 
salary should be the actors' privilege. 

Complaints from managers over 
the exclusive-service clause have 
been rare over a long period. Some 
showmen participated in the. outside 
earnings of their players. Managers 
argued that as they had developed 
the players they should have the 
right to share In that coin. Some- 
times that amounted to Important 
money, especially when the player 
went into Alms and more recently 
into radio. 

Leseue's Contention' 

Managerial League of New York 
Theatres, with which Equity has the 
pact, points out that the agreement 
In effect provides that when Equity 
contemplates making changes, the 
League should flrst be consulted. It's 
contended that when the exclusive- 
service clause deletion was adopted. 
Equity did not notify the managers 
of that intention, therefore there was 
a technical violation of the pact. 

Equity merely says that the man- 
agers assented. It's doubtful if they 
could have done anything about it, 
had they not done so. What the 
showmen now feel is that during the 
coming season some radical changes 
are possible even if the agreement 
Is extended. While such changes 
would not become effective until 



Swanson Draws 30 Days 



Loi Angeles, Jtily 1. 

William D. Swanson, producer of 
the stage play 'White Cargo,' drew 
a 30-day sentence in City Jail and 
a fine of $500 on charges of pre- 
senting an Indecent show. 

Mtmicipal Judge Newcombe Con- 
dea declared the sentence was a 
warning against the showing of 'im- 
proper theatrical ventures.' 



Non-Pro Group 
In Paid-Admish 
Preem in N. Y. 



DRUNKARD' REELS INTO 
NINTH YEAR ON COAST 



stating It Is not in opposition to 
Broadway, a non-professional outfit 
opened. Monday (30) in "Four Girls 
On a Dime' at the Radiant Center, 
theatre on West 54 street, N.V., form- 
erly called the Adelphi (originally 
built as the Craig). Spot Is the 
headquarters of the Society of Master 
Metaphysicians, a cult known also as 
the Church of The Radiant Light 
Group has done other plays now and 
then, but this Is the flrst for wUich 
admission is charged and the general 
public admitted. 

Outfit is described as independent, 
self - supporting and non - profit- 
making. Because of the latter fea' 
ture, tickets, top being $1, are tax 
exempt However, as the audience 
is to receive a dime each at the end 
of performances, the admish appears 
to be 90c for the best locations, 25c 
being the lowest priced ticket 

It's claimed that eventually pro- 
fessionals will be engaged for shows, 
but for the present it is a sort of 
strawhat theatre on Broadway. 

No charge is to be made for the 
use of the theatre. Those interested 
in the project say that enough talent 
was discovered within the cult for 
the present purpose. What goes for 
the actors also applies to the stage 
crew, scenic department and the 
balance of the staff. 

Play Is by Atmee Torriani, a Coast 
writer, and biographical. It con- 
cerns the experiences of a quar- 
tet of girls doing the best they can 
in Hollywood. Some of the char- 
acters are known personalities on 



Los Angeles, July 1. 
Eight years ago, on the night of 
July e, Gait Bell, venturesome pro- 
ducer shortly out ofcollege, with his 
maiden effort as a producer, 
wondered if he could make a go of 
"The Drunkard,' at the little Theatre 
Mart here. GaU, with the piece 
resurrected from the public domain 
hoped that he might get a six weeks' 
run. 

Next Sunday, on July 6, the meller 
which the Hollywood wiseacres said I 
could not possibly stick, enters its 
ninth consecutive year, or to be more 
exact, its 417th week at the little 
playhouse, located about midway be^ 
tween downtown Los Angeles and 
Hollywood. 

During the past eight years it has 
played every single night, but has 
never been given at a matinee per- 
formance. And, what is more, there 
has seldom been a vacant seat. It is 
true the attraction does not sell out 
as far in advance as it formerly did, 
but by curtain time every seat 
usually is sold. 

Producer Bell is not content to rest 
on his laurels. The show improves 
with each performance, new actors, 
new olio acts, stunts all of the time. 

Half of the original cast are still 
doing yeoman duty. There have been 
16 marriages of actors and two babies 
have been born since that memor- 
able July 6, 1933. On« death, that of 
Jeffrey Williams, is recorded. 

Thirsty patrons have consumed 
2,100,000 bottles of beer, which are 
furnished gratis with the admission. 
No hard liquors are sold or per- 
mitted on the premises. There have 
been 1,750,000 Sandwiches supplied 
and 6,300,000 pretzels have been 
eaten. More than 050,000 spectators 
have witnessed the performance, 
coming from all parts of the world, 
Many of these are 'repeats,' with 
some customers being drawn back 
week after week for their ^beUy 
laughs.' 

As to when The Drunkard' will 
end its run here, that la proble- 
matical. 



Equity Council Tables Resolution 
Barring Radicals From Union Posts; 
'No Proof Key to Beaten Proposal 



Rnssell Hunts Play Lead 



Hollywood, July 1. 

A picture name is being sought 
by Benee Russell for the lead in 
his play, 'I Will Rock the World,' 
which the Shuberts will produce on 
Broadway in the fall. 

Another stage piece by Russell, 
'Heaven Please Do Not Disturb,' may 
get its break-in here. Playwright 
is also a composer, having recently 
completed the score of the Shuberts' 
'Follies,' which is slated for a fall 
staging in New York. 



SUNDAY SHOWS 
GETEQUinOK 
FOR YEAR 



1043, the showmen will seek a way 

of the pact. Hermit GirXs' is s/ateJ c< 

Other Changes 
Changes made over a period of 
several seasons, until the original 
-pact not to .'slip Jn'. new rules on the 
manager, included pay jioir reh'eair- 
sals, limitation of rehearsal pay and 
elimination of the junior minimum 
pay ($25). When the recent upheaval 
In Equity occurred, councillors who 
resigned said they were apprehen- 
sive that new members of the coun- 
cil might advocate rules which 
might further restrict the manager 
and further hold down the amount 
of production. 

If the agreement is extended it 
will include continuation ot the 
ticket code. It is believed that the 
code is effective in holding down 
high prices, even .though there is a 
state law fixing the maximum pre- 
miums by ticket agencies. Latter 
have a suK pending to test the 
legality of thj|t statute. 



Toledo Civic Op to Bow 

Toledo, O., July 1. 
Toledo Civic Opera ■ Association's 
1941 season will open July 14, with 
Victor Herbert's operetta, 'Babes in 
Toyland,' to play for a week. 



sented also at the Community the- 
atre, Sherman Oaks, near Hollywood, 
soon. 

Eddie Cantor Renamed 
Jewish Guild President 

With but one additional vice-presi- 
dent the Jewish Theatrical Guild 
reelected officers for the ensuing 
year at the N.Y. annual meeting last 
Friday (27). 

The officers: Eddie Cantor, presi- 
dent; George Jessel, Fred Block, Sam 
H. Harris, William Morris, Jr., Ben 
Bernie, Jack Pearl, A. A. Jailer, 
v.p.'s; Abe Lastfogel, treasurer; Nat 
Lefkowilz, assistant treasurer; Sam 
Forrest financial' secretary; William 
Degen Weinberger, chairman of 
board of trustees. 

Dr. Leo Michel is chairman of re- 
lief; Harry M. Katz, legal commit- 
tee; Dave Ferguson, executive secre- 
tary. 

Named to the council: Louis Bern- 
stein, Charles Cantor, Dan Dody, 
Nat Dorfman, Benny Fields, Lester 
Hammel, Henry Jaffe, Morris Jacobs, 
Dr. Elihu Katz, Harry Oshrin, Mar- 
vin Schenck and Harry Schumer. 



It's generally understood that when 
Equity okayed more Sundays on 
Broadway, the extension was for an- 
other year, or up to May 31, 1942 

Last Sunday, there were three 
shows played, 'Hellzappppin,' Winter 
Garden; 'Separate Rooms,' Plymouth, 
and "The Beautiful People,' Lyceum 
as against a high of 14 attractions 
during several weeks in mid-winter. 
Next Sunday (6) there will Ul but 
two, 'Hellz' giving up performances 
on that day during July and August, 

The two are gambling on the 
weather and If it rains they may 
draw business from visitors. Busi- 
ness is way off, but It was claimed 
by one manager that Sunday takings 
are better than most Monday nights 
earher in the season. 'Hellz' had a 
fair matinee last Sunday '(29) in 88 
degree heat but the night attend 
ance was so much affected that dis 



II Ticket Agcies. 
Indicted By Feds 
In Surprise Move 



Surprise action by federal authori- 
ties against a majority of New York 
theatre ticket brokers was taken last 
week when 22 agencies were report- 
ed indicted for failure to stamp the 
tickets with the actual price obtained 
for them. Only two or three of the 
larger agencies were involved. It is 
alleged that while the tickets were 
stampted with the regular agency 
premium of 75c over the price, a 
number were actually disposed of 
through clubs and other outlets at 
higher prices. Government's com- 
plaint is that it did not get its right- 
ful 10% levy on that overage. (Other 
details in vaudeville department). 

Inside tipoff that the tax depart- 
ment people were making a move 
came several' weeks ago when tax 
inspector Llttwln, well known to 
boxoffice men and brokers, im- 
pounded all deadwood, that part of 
the pasteboard that goes into the 
tickettaker's box. League ot New 
York Theatres wished to check up 
on possible code violations, but was 
told to keep hands off. 

It was Inferred that because tick- 
ets were being stamped according 
to the code's regulations that the 
brokers figured such violations were 
easier to detect and therefore re- 
spected the code. They did not evi- 
dently consider that the federal in- 
vestigator,s would discover that a 
perceotage of the supposedly cur- 
rently ' stamped tickets were sold at 
higher prices. That came about 
either by a tipoff or other means. 

Brokers are somewhat apprehen- 
sive over the new 'drive' because it 
might endanger their licenses. If 
the charges are sustained, there's 
the possibility of revocation by N. 
Y. License Commissioner Paul Moss, 
although the latter may not take 
such drastic action until the dis- 
position of the legal proceeding to 
test the validity of the state ticket 
law, due for hearing in September. 

Jesse Moss, in charge' of investi- 
gating tax frauds in New York, also 
filed charges against the M.C.G. 



Fact that matinees on Sunday nave 
been better than nights has been 
true for some time, upholding the 
original contention that Sabbath 
afternoons are more logical diaws 
than evenings. It proved true with 
'It Happens on Ice,' which ultimately 
dropped the nights at the Center. 
'Ice' is the only show due in before 
August, slated to relight about the 
rhiddle of July. 

Rush out of town over the long 
Fourth of July weekend will be in 
full stride by tomorrow (Thursday), 
but there will be a corresponding in- 
flux, as indicated by capacity reser- 
vations in New York midtown hotels. 
If it rains the legiters will benefit 
including the Sunday brace of shows 
should the visitors remain in town. 

There was an idea that this sum- 
mer is exceptionally good, but that 
is not true. While the same number 
of shows are playing, the grosses 
are distinctly imder the levels of 
survivors of last season at this time, 
at least in most cases. That would 
tend to prove that the N. Y. World's 
Fair did benefit Broadway quite 
definitely, it not to the extent that 
some showmen expected. 

There are 12 shows on the list and 
two may not survive much longer. 



He said that $2,500,000 has been re- 
covered from delinquent theatres 
and cafes during the past year and 
a half. 

The brokers named are the Acme 
Theatre Ticket Service, 168 West 
44th street; Alexander's, 216 West 
50th street; George J. Bascom Co., 
299 Park avenue; Louis Cohn, 223 
West 52d street; Joe Deutscb, 145 
West 45th street; Joey Gold, 235 W|Kt 
47lh street; Hollywood Theatre 
Ticket Agency, 223 West 46th street; 
Sussman Theatre Ticket Office, Inc., 
20 Broad street; Park Theatre Ticket 
Service, Inc., 705 Madison avenue; 
Rialto, 120 West 45th street; News- 
stand Theatre Ticket Office, Hotel 
Taft; Jacobs, 225 West 49th street; 
Grand Central Theatre Service, 
Grand Central Terminal; Leblang- 
Grays, Inc., 1476 Broadway; Naugh- 
ton, 1619 Broadway; Leo Newman, 
1502 Broadway; Faber & Sutton, 120 
West 44th street; City Theatre Ticket 
Co., Inc., 21 West 52nd street; 
Gransky, 156 West 44th street; Mack- 
ey's Inc., 234 West 44th street; Saul 
Subber Theatre Ticket Service, Park 
..Central Hotel, and the Supreme 
Ticket Office Inc., (no address 
given). 



Induction of new members of 
Equity's council to replace those who 
resigned, after their dissatisfaction 
with the recent election, was sup- 
posed to be routine last week, but 
there was pointed discussion over a 
resolution barring Communists, their 
sympathizers and other radicals 
from holding office or employment 
in the association. It was defeated, 
principally because it was too radi- 
cally phrased. 

Philip Loeb, a councillor who was 
in Chicago, attended last Tuesday's 
(24) session, coming by plane. Week 
previous, when, he intended being on 
hand, Loeb could not obtain permis- 
sion to leave Chi, where he is ap- 
pearing in 'My Sister Eileen,' but 
Max Gordon, show's producer, 
changed his mind and an understudy 
appeared in Loeb's part that eve- 
ning. 

' It is doubtful whether the resolu- 
tion would have been adopted even 
if Loeb, named by Congressman 
Lambertson as one of half a dozen 
Reds in the counci>, had not been 
present. He was only one of a num- 
ber of those on hand who objected 
,to the form of the proposal. Resolu- 
tion was introduced by Equity's legal . 
department which had been working 
with a committee named last season 
after a similar resolution was vir- 
tually adopted, then turned over to 
the committee for further considera- 
tion. 

Loeb Sits In 

Resolution, which may eventually 
be in the form of a by-law if not an 
amendment to the constitution, was 
voted down because it did not call 
for proof of alleged radicalism. 
Without such stipulation dismissal 
might have'- become indiscriminate 
and unfair, it was averred. Number 
of Equity leaders have demanded 
that substantial proof be given of 
those under Red charges ever since 
Lambertson sounded off. Copy of 
the proposed resolution was sent to 
all members of the youncil whether 
in town or not That brought Loeb 
back for the session. 

Loeb, among the others named by 
Lambertson, has insisted he is not 
a communist nor fellow traveler. He 
says he is a 'liberal' and has been" 
seeking a way whereby he can clear 
himself of the charges which orig- 
inally appeared in the Congressional 
Record just a year ago. Loeb was of 
the group known as the Actors 
Forum, which several years ago ef- 
fected a 'number of changes in 
Equity regulations asserted to have 
worked to the benefit of the general 
membership. Group was discredited 
and those members of the . Forum 
who were In the council are out but 
Loeb, known as a power in that body, 
was elected for a second term about 
two years ago. 

Bert LyteU, the Equity prez, has 
been most insistent that an investiga- 
tion of the charges be made by the 
Dies Committee, and although Lam- 
bertson recently aided hirp in getting T 
action, there has been no word from ! 
Washington that the Dies bunch has ] 
any intention of going into the 
Equity matter In the near future. It's 
explained that Washington is too Ij 
concerned with checking up and I 
ousting radicals In Industry to give j 

from the council wrote asking why t 
their resignations were not printed ' 
In Equity's magazine. The mag had 5 
gone to press before acceptance of 
the withdrawals was formally made. 



i 



Seattle Grips Picket 

America First Group 

Seattle, July 1. j 
Senator D. Worth Clark, of Idaho, j 
speaking here last week for the \ 
America First Committee (Lind- i 
bergh group), was picketed by th» • 
Stage Employees Union, Local 15. ^ 
Picket carried a sign saying, 'Amer- ; 
ica First Unfair to Organized ri 
Labor.' 

Stagehands' business agent Basil • 
Gray stated that the committee was ) 
placed on the unfair list because 'of ) 
a refusal to employ union stage- I 
haiids. The union had no quarrel | 
with the owners of the Eagles build- | 
ing, where the meeting was held, t 
said he, but the employing of tha * 
stagehands to handle curtain, etc, i 
is up to those who hire the hall. , ? 

Senator Clark said the picketing I 
was 'a political trJck,' f 



so LEGITIMATE 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



Broadway Reaches Ebb Tide; Even 
mine' Dips, $17m'Hattie $23,500 



Broadway has reached the ebb of 
the year. Business has been on the 
decline for some time, which is sea- 
sonally so as the Fourth of July ap- 
proaches. Two abnormal June heat 
die of the month an upturn is pos- 
sible. 

Estimates for Last Week 

Key: C (Comcdv), D (.Dranxa), R 
(Reuue), M (Mtxsical), F (Force), 
O (Operetta), 

'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Fulton 
(25th week) (CD-938; $3.30). Only 
performance that threatened not to 
sell out was last Wednesday (25) 
matinee; $16,500. 

'Claudia,' Booth (20th week) 
(C-712; $3.30). One of the most con- 
sistent of Broadway's surviving 
standouts, being helped by exploita- 
tion; around $11,000. or better. 

'Hellzapoppin,' Wiriter Garden 
(145th week) (R-1,671; $3.30). Went 
off further but claimed gross bettered 
$10,000; has eliminated Sundays, but 
is due to play through summer. 

'Lady In the Dark,' Alvin (M-1.375; 
$4.40). Suspended; boxoffice closed, 
but will open Aug. 1 when campaign 
for performances in autumn will 
start. ' 

'Life With Father,' Empire (85th 
week) (C-1,006: $3.30). Standing. up 
as well, if not better, than last sum- 
mer; around $14,000. 

'Man Who Came to Dinner,' Music 
Box (90th' week) (C-1,013; $2.20). 
Weather hurt here more than in 
most spots; takings dropped under 
$7,000; not definite after next week. 

'Mv Sister Eileen,' Biltmore (27th 
week) (CD-991; $3.30). Dipped un- 
der $11,000 but that is okay for this 
show, which has played more than 
half a year. 

'Native Son,' St. James. Stopped 
Saturday (28) after playing 14 
weeks; did fairly well for a time but 
attendance on down grade recently. 

'Pai Joey,' Barryn. (27th week) 
(M-1,104; $4.40). AU..jugh affected, 
It's likely to stick; a musical that 
does not require exceptional grosses; 
$15,000 estimated. 

'Panama Hattle,' 46th St. (35th 
week) (M-1,347; $4.40). Also eased 
off but still in the big money; rated 
around $23,500, with plans to extend 
■Into next season. 

'Separate Rooms,' Plymouth (66th 
week) (C-1.107; $3.30). Dropped to 
■round $4,000. 

The BeaotUnl People,' Lyceum 
(10th week) (C-1,004; $3.30). Down 
to around $3,500r which leaves little 
for show after house gets its share, 
but costs little; maybe broke even. 

The Corn Is Green,' National (31st 
week) (D-1,162; $3.30). Like some 
others takings went to new low 
asain; rated around $9,000, but defl- 
nltely slated to stisk. 

■Wsieh on the Shine,' Beck (13th 
week) (D-1,214; $3.30). Even the 
front-running straight show was ef- 
fected by thje heat wave and dropped 
"to around $17,600. 



Current Road Shows 

(July 2-12)' 



'Accent on Youth' (Sylvia Sidney) 
— Selwyn, Chicago (2-5); Windsor, 
Bronr. N. Y. (8-13). 

•Cabin In the Sky* (Ethel Waters) 
— Curran, San Francisco (2-12). 

'George Washington Slept Here' 
—Garden Pier, Atlantic City (2-6). 

'Hellzapoppin'— Erlanger, Chicago 
(2-12). 

'Johnny Belinda'— Windsor, Bronx, 
N. Y. (2-6); Flatbush, Brooklyn (8- 
13). 

'Life With Father' (Dorothy Gish) 
—Cass, Detroit, (2-12). 

'Male Animal' (Phillips Holmes)— 
Flatbush, Brooklyn (2-6); Garden 
Pier, Alantic City (7-13). 

•My Sister Eileen'— Harris, Chi- 
cago (2-12). 

'Vineitar Tree'— El Capitan, Holly- 
wood (2-6). 



'RIO RITA' CLICKS IN 
DALLAS AL FRESCO 



Talu and Winston 



Westport, Conn., July 1. 

Tallulah Bankhead, opening 
the strawhat season last night 
(Monday) at the Country play- 
house here in 'Her Cardboard 
Lover,' brought part of her pri- 
vate menagerie onstage with her. 

Actress had her Pekinese in 
tho show through most of the 
third act and then caused a sen- 
sation by appearing for the cur- 
tain calls carrying her pet lion 
cub, Winston Churchill. 



I) Strawhats Listed By Equity; 
Amateur Troupes On the Rise 



Tirefly' Draws 
Sock R500 At 
St. Loo Revival 



EDDIE 
GARR 

CO-BTARBUiQ , 
IN RECORD BREAKING 

"HELLZ-A-POPPir 

ON TOCB 
• 

Mgt.! WM. KENT 
1776 B'way. New York 



Dallas, July 1. 

'Rio Rita.' third of the opera- 
under-the-stars series being offered 
here by the Shuberts, promises to be 
the best so far from an attendance 
standpoint. The crowds are taking 
wen to the musical !;how. which in- 
troduced the Texas Ranger to Broad- 
way and which has gay Texas-border 
atmosphere. It opened Thursday 
night (26) at Fair Park Casino. 

Ben Blue is seen as Chick Bean, 
the cowboy. His partner in comedy 
is Jack Sheean. Nancy McCord is 
Rita and sings the title tune. ' Others 
included in the cast are Robert 
Shafer, Robert Chisholm, Leonard 
Ceeley. Hope Emerson, Doris Pats- 
ton, Niles Landine, Alex Alexander, 
Elliott Romertson, Harriet Hutchins 
and Donald Gage. 

'The Merry Widow' closed Wednes- 
day (25) with a better attendance 
than the opening 'Blossom Time.' 
Clear skies permitted all perform- 
ances to be given outdoors, while 
rain sent 'Blossom Time' into Fair 
Park auditorium once. 



McCoy's Summer Season 
Averaging 4G in Mont'l 

Montreal, July 1. 

Frank McCoy's summer season of 
stock at $1 top, each week featuring 
a different star in a different play In 
this city at His Majesty's, is. doing 
light but on the whole satisfactory 
bii. Grosses around $4,000 every 
week of six nights and two mats. 

Started week of June 16 with Fay 
Wray^in 'Night of January 16'; then 
Anna Sten last week in 'Nanc^r's 
Private Affair'; and currently with 
Katharine Warren In 'The LitQe 
Foxes.' 



St. Louis, July 1. 
Rudolf Friml's musical romance, 
'Firefly,' which attracted 63,000 pay- 
ees to six performances here in 1933, 
returned for another one-week 
stand in the Municipal Theatre 
Assn's al fresco theatre in Forest 
Park last night (Monday), and de- 
spite the' high temperature an over- 
flow opening-night mob that paid 
an estimated $4,500 turned out. 

Except fOT a few minor changes, 
musical was staged exactly as in 
1933. Rosemarie Brancato, Kansas 
City songbird, who scored solidly 
here two years ago in her local 
bow, socked again. Last season she 
clicked in 'Naughty Marietta' and 
'Rio Rita' here. Eric Mattson, as 
Jack Travers, a fave of several sea- 
sons, and Dorothy Sandlin, Texas 
thrush, a newcomer, also scored in 
warbling stints. Helen Raymond, 
throaty; comedienne, and diminutive 
William Lynn, ditto. Raye and Nad- 
lin, ballroomologists, new here, also 
clicked. Betty Bruce and Jack Wil- 
liams, hoofers, who won the mob 
last week in 'Too Many Girls,' are 
maintaining the pace. 

Standouts in support are Joseph 
Macaulay, William O'Neal, John 
Thurston, Ethel Taylor and Frederic 
Person. Watson Barratt kicked in 
with some more eye-filling sets and 
the line of 24 contributed new tei-p- 
ing routines cooked up by Al White, 
Jr., and Theodore Adolphus. 

First local showing of the RodgerS'* 
Hart smash hit, "Too Many Girls,' 
ended seven-night stand Sunday 
(29). Hot apd threatening weather 
held the take to approximately $33,- 
000. 



Early this week there were B9 
summer stocks regularly listed by 
Equity, of which 34 are operating, 
or will start, during the week. 
There's been a rush of 16 rural spots 
to open up and more will get going 
next week, but the reports that the 
total number of strawhats was much 
greater Indicates that most of such 
ventures are amateur or semi-pro. 

Last season, Equity's total of 
summer stocks was 86, and while a 
few more are due to form, it is evi- 
dent that there will be at least a 
score fewer than last summer, verify- 
ing an earlier survey, while the 
number of amateur troupes will pos- 
sibly jump, 



Corio Ups Worcester 

Worcester, July 1. 

After a slow start the Little thea- 
tre in Worcesters Municipal Audi- 
torium Is clicking. 

With Ann Corio hobbling about on 
one foot last week, boxolTice was 
biggest in the fourth of traveling 
road shows scheduled here. The 
burlesque stripper, who suffered 
broken bone in foot in New Britain 
%eek previously, appeared in first 
and third acta only, 'but name was 
sufficient to draw heavily. 



Bass Bocks 

Gloucester, Mass, July 1. 

Bass Rocks theatre here has two 
tryouts slated for current season. 
First one will be "Two Story House,' 
by Parker Fennelly, will be pre- 
sented by Brock Pemberton and 
directed by Antoinette Perry, week 
of July 14. Madge Evans will be 
starred in 'House.' 

Oscar Serlin is sponsoring a local 
tryout, week of' Aug. 25, but no de- 
tails have been announced by man- 
agement. Urik Rhodes wilj be 
starred In •Gaorge Washington Slept 
Here,' July 7. 

Elsa Maxwell will be starred 
in 'Party,' by Ivor Novello, July 
21; Buddy Ebsen in 'Male Animal,' 
July 28; Fritzi Scheff and Eric 
Linden in 'Ladies in Retirement,' 
Aug. 4; Elissa Landi in 'Another Lan- 
guage,' Aug. 11; and Diana Barry- 
more and Eric Linden in The Phila- 
delphia Story,' Aug. 18. 

Signed for the season at Bass 
Rocks theatre are Carol Goodner, 
Robert Shayne, Oliver Thorndike, 
Frederick Bradlee, Nancy Cochrane, 
Nancy Clark, Roger Converse, Philip 
Tongem, Katharine Bard, Belle 
Gardner, Eleanor Wilson, Juliette 
Langdon and Arthur Marlowe. Miss 
Bard left the cast of 'Life With 
Father' on Broadway to summer 
here. 

Town Hall's Season ' 
Westboro, Mass., July 1. 

Town Hall Playhouse, directed by 
Alan Gray Holmes, opened its sec- 
ond season here June 21 with Sally 
O'Neil in The Best People.* 

Among plays and players skedded 
by Town Hall are Fifl D'Orsay in 
'Little Miss Bluebeard'; Beverly 
Roberts and John Craven In 'Phila- 
delphia Story'; C. Aubrey Smith in 
'Old English'; EUssa Landl in The 
Shining Hour'; Ramon Novarro in 
'Command to Love,' and Anna Sten 
in 'Smart Woman.' 



000 vacationeers who spend part or 
most of the summer in the vicinity. 
Among them are many Floridians, 
sneaking out for a breath of cool air, 
■ Robroy Farquhar, business mana- 
ger, operated his own company in 
this spot last summer, and is re- 
sponsible for the Fifteen trying the 
mountain air. Charmlne Lantaff 
Camine, wife of a prominent Miami 
realtor, is producer and backer. 
Theatre school is being operated in 
conjunction. At least one new play 
will be offered, probably 'Magnet,' 
by Martha Pittenger, Fifteen mem- 
ber, whose 'Man From the Band' of- 
fered last summer received some 
Broadway Interest but didn't quite 
make it. 



Triple PUy' for Mt. Kisco 

'Triple Play,' tentatively-titled 
comedy by William Roos, will be 
tried out the week of Aug. 18 at the 
Westchester playhouse, Mt. Kisco, 
N. Y. It will be staged by Jack 
Hurdle, who also has the rights for a 
possible Broadway presentation in 
the fall. 

Hurdle is a radio director and 
former legit stager. He held an. op- 
tion last winter on Carl Aliens- 
worth's 'Village Green,' but dropped 
it and the piece was recently tested 
at White Plains, N. Y., by Felix 
Jacovcs, who plans a fall produc- 
tion on Broadway. 



Sweeney Recuperating 

Joe Sweeney, who submitted to 
an emergency appendectomy after 
being forced to withdraw from the 
Lakewood Players, Skowhegan, Me., 
last week, is reported in favorable 
condition. 

Sween'ey insisted on opening in 
'Major Barbara' although he was 
suffering intense pain. 




aiCt.1 liOD OLATTOH 



NORMAN 



HARRIS 



and 

SYLVIA 



SHORE 



OFENINO JULY 8 
BAL TABABIN 
SAN ZBAMOISCO 



Uaoaccmcnti WIL KENT 
mt Braadwar 



New Vwk 



'Arsemc' in Chi Windup At $12,000, 
'Hellz'$18i00; Two Shows After 4th 



Hammond's Second Theatre 
Keene, N. H., July 1. 

Freeman Hammond, director of 
Keene Summer theatre has also 
taken over operation of the Wood- 
bound theatre. East Jaffrey, N. H. 
Six-week season at Woodbound will 
start July 18. No schedule of plays 
announced yet. 

Keene Summer theatre opened 
June 30 with 'George Washington 
Slept Here.' Resident company in- 
cludes Grace MnTarnham, Adele 
Wilde, Royal Beal, Ralph Clanton, 
Lesley Savage, Graham Velsey, 
Mary-Ellen Fowler, Charles Mendick 
and Conrad Kluger. 



CHATTER 

Jane Cowl will do '(Candida* ex- 
clusively for North Shore Players, 
Marblehead, Mass., week of Aug. 18. 

Eleventh season of the Garrick 
Players at the New Kenncbunkport 
Playhouse, Kennebunkport, Me., 
opened , last night (1) with Terence 
Rattigan's 'French Without Tears.' 
. . . Karen Van Ryn end Harry 
Townes featured. 

The Vilan-Chaney production of 
"La Belle Helene," "swing musical" 
version of the work by Jacques Of- 
fenbach and A. P. Herbert, opens at 
the Westport Country Playhouse, 
Westport, Conn., Monday night (7). 
Stewart Chaney directed and de- 
signed ,the production and Deme- 
trios Vilan and Felicia Sorel have 
set the choreography. 

The Peterborough Players, Peter- 
borough, N. H., begin their eighth 
season tomorrow night (2). Five 
plays are scheduled over the nine- 
week route. 



v^Xj* ■ ■- ■■■ 

Chicago, July 1. 
Three shows are now in Chicago, 
with the sudden, decision to close 
'Arsenic and Old Lace' when the 
Grand Opera House became in- 
volved in leasehold technicalities. 
'Arsenic' disbanded for the summer 
and is slated to reassemble in Sep- 
tember for a road tour. 

It is likely also that one of the 
three remaining shows will close its 
Chicago stay on this Saturday (5). 
This is 'Accent on Youth,' the Luther 
Adler-Sylvia Sidney revival which 
has been trying to stick it out at 
the Selwyn despite poor grosses. Had 
been figuring that the good notices 
and the 'Tine word-of-moutb would 
stimulate trade, but somehow it has 
failed to catch on thus far and it is 
not likely , that the attempt will con- 
tinue to be made after this week. 
This will leave Chicago with two 
shows, 'Hellzapoppin,' which will 
probably run through the summer at 
the Erlanger, fiavinjt run -at a fine 
pace, and 'My Sister Eileen,' which 
slumped last \yeek. 

Estimates for Last Week 
•Accent on Yonth,' Selwyn (4th 
week) (1,000; $1.65). Despite re- 
duced admission price. It isn t catch- 
ing on and figures to call It a run 
this week; $5,000. 

•Arsenic and Old Lmc,' Grand 
(12th and final week) (1,200; $2.75). 
Rather than become mixed up in a 



number of lease technicalities, show 
is pulling out to lay off the summer 
and reassemble in the autumn for 
road jaunt. Wound up at $12,000 
on finale. 

'Hellzapoppin,' Erlanger (7th week) 
(1,400; $3.30). Will make a run of it 
easily and will outlast anything now 
in the loop. Dropped slightly in 
last week's heat at $18,500. 

'My Sister Eileen,' Harris (19th 
week) (1,000; $2.75). Has had a fine 
stay here but tapering off, coming up 
with $8,000 last week, but intends 
sticking. 



Del Tatlier' Also Hot 
At B O. With $16,500 



Detroit, July I. 

Prolonged hot spell here failed to 
whittle much off from 'Life With 
Father,' which still emerged with an 
approximate $16,500 in its fourth 
week at the Cass last week. 

The Dorothy Gish-Louis Calhem 
company now has rung up an esti- 
mated $78,000 in the first month's 
stretch, a new record topping by far 
the comparable $2,75 scale record 
previously held by John Barrymore 
In 'My Dear Children.' ■ 



Palmerton Players Bow 

Fitchburg, Mass., July 1. 

Guy Palmerton Players at Lake 
Whalom theatre here opened their 
eighth season with 'George Washing- 
ton Slept Here,' Jline 30, Other 
shows slated for the summer include 
a new, untitled musical, week of 
Aug. 11; and Ann Corio in The 
Barker,' July 28. 

Resident company Includes Frank 
Lyon, Sheila Bromley, Evelyn Daw, 
Raymond Greenleef, Richard Midg- 
ley, Louise Kirtland, Michael Harvey, 
Gordon Merrick, Jean Arden Cobb, 
Harry Lowell, Edna Skinner, William 
Ulric and Byrd Bruce. 



Miami Theatre to N, C. 

HendersonviUe, N. C, July 1. 

Miami's Theatre of the Fifteen has 
moved to the mountains here for the 
summer and opens tonight with 
Mark Reed's "Yes, My Darling 
Daughter.' Permanent company of 
IS people, Incorporated as a produc- 
ing group, is now two years old, It 
spent lost summer on Cape Cod and 
last winter in Miami, 

Theatre is the 250-seat, $1.10 top 
Old Mill Playhouse, a famous old 
miU. Situated in the fashionable 
Flat Rock section, with many big es 
Uttes, It can also draw from the 30, 



Daffy's 'Comedy' 

Fair 6G, Frisco 

San Francisco, July 1. 

Henry Duffy's version of 'No Time 
for Comedy' got a fair $6,000 In its 
first week at the Alcazar here, with 
Francis Lederer, of the Broadway 
production, topping. Fact that film 
and the Katharme Cornell roadshow, 
a'so with Lederer, played here re- 
cently is proving a handicap. 

Joe E. Brown comes in Thursday 
(3) with 'The Show Off.' 



El Capitan, Hollywood, 
Back to Legit After 'Kane' 

Hollywood, July 1. 

El Capitan, which for the past six 
weeks has been devoted to a road- 
show run of 'Citizen Kane' to un- 
encouraging results, resumed its 
legit policy last week (26). Opening 
attraction is 'The Vinegar Tree,' 
starring Billie Burke, which has 
played in several Coast cities before 
coming here. 

Hollywood Playhouse reopens in 
August with a musical revue, 'Fun 
for the Money,' locally produced. 



Added Strawhats 

(Xquity-Approoed Only) 

Glen Rock (N. J.) playhouse- 
Paul Vroom and Frederick Calvin. 

Michlana Shores (Ind.) theatre. 

Chapel playhouse, Great Neck, 
L. I. 

Farragut players. Rye Beach, N. H. 
Eagles Mer« (Pa.) playhouse. 



Wednesday* July 2, 1941 



LEGITIMATE 51 



EUTCH GARDENS' 50™ AM 



IT'S THE OLDEST 
SUMMER THEATRE 



Many Famous Names Have 
Appeared at Denver Stock 
Spot, Founded By Mary 
And John Elitch — Opened 
To the Public in May, 1891 



P.A. THERE AN HONOR 



By JACK ROSE 



(For (he most part gleaned from 
'The Lady of the Gardens — Mary 
£litch Long,' written f>y Caroline 
Lawrence Dier.) 



Elitch Gardens — a part of Denver. 
And in it is located the Elitch Sum- 
mer Theatre, in operation 50 years, 
the longest tontinuous operation lor 
any summer stock theatre. The 
complete list ot players appearing at 
this old house contains many who 
have before and since made names 
lor themselves in theatre and on the 
screen. To appear at the Elitch was 
considered such an honor that one 
acrtress cancelled a summer vacation 
in Europe to appear at the famous 
playhouse. Personal friendship for 
one of the founders — Mary Elitch — 
had much to do with her decision. 

Mary Elizabeth Hauck was mar- 
ried to John Elitch, Jr., an actor and 
athlete of some fame, whose life- 
long dream was to own a park and 
theatre. In 1682 the bride and groom 
. moved to Denver and spent several 
years looking for a 'place with trees.' 
Sixteen acres in the Highlands, ad- 
jacent to and now a part of Den- 
ver, were bought, a zoo installed, 
amusement park and theatre built, 
and in May, 1891, opened to the pub- 
lic. The park was packed on the 
opening day. 

Present at the opening were Nat 
Goodwin, en route to the Pacific 
Coast; Stuart Robson, P. T. Barnum, 
Mr., and Mrs. Stratton (General and 
Mrs. Tom Thumb), May Irwin, 
Edgar L. Davenport and Eugene 
Field, then working on the Denver 
Republican. 

John Elitch died March 10, 1891, 
end from there the work" of build- 
ing the Denver amusement spot be- 
came the life work of his widow. 
Their home had been in a cottage in 
the park, and there she continued 
to live until her death a few years 
ago. 

The first stock c'ompany was or- 
ganized in 1897, after vaudeville and 
concerts had utilized the theatre 
since its opening. Stock was com- 
ing into an ascendency, and Mrs. 
Elitch derided to capitalize on it. 
In the first company, directed by 
George Edeson, were James O'Neill. 
Jane Kenmark, Walter Edwards, 
Margaret May, Ernest Hastings, Wil- 
liam Burress, Rolinda Bainbridge, 
Lenora Bradley and Lillian Dailey. 
The opening play was 'Helene,' by 
Martha Morton. _ Others that year in- 
cluded 'A Bachelor's Romance,' 
'Reaping the Harvest,' 'Our Regi- 
ment' and 'The Rajah.' 

Mary Elitch Credited As 
Starting 'ChUdren's Day' 

Mary Elitch is given credit for 
having started the now popular 
Children's Day, in use by amusement 
parks over the country. This had 
much to do with the rapidly rising 
popularity of the park in Denver. 
She also started the. 'Child's Com- 
panion,' ' which at one time had a 
free circulation of 15,000, with the 
paper in much demand from adults 
as weU. 

Introduction of Antoinette Perry 
to the stage is told in this from 
'Lady of the Gardens': 

'Here is a snapshot (in a scrap- 
book) of little Antoinette Perry, a 
baby of- four, who walked fearlessly 
into my goldfish -pool to 'det.er. flss 



to pay wif.' Her first public ap- 
pearance was at the age of 11 In a 
small part In my theatre. Today, 
with a brilliant career as an actress 
behind her, having played leading 
lady to such great actors as David 
Warfleld, Antoinette is a successful 
producer In New York City. Her 
young daughter, Margaret Perry, has 
been starred in several pictures.' .' 

The first stage experience of Doug- 
las Fairbanks, Sr., was gained on the 
Elitch stage. About 12 and a great 
admirer of Shakespeare, his mother 
had read all the plays with him. 
Hearing that Shakespeare was to be 
given at the Elitch theatre, and not 
having funds to purchase a ticket, 
Fairbanks appeared at the theatre 
one morning and asked if there was 
any work to do so he could earn 
one.d On being told there was not, 
the future star walked on the stage, 
and after looking it over, suggested 
that a good scrubbing might help its 
appearance. The rough boards re- 
ceived their scrubbing and Fairbanks 
received his ticket. He later became 
a pupil of Margaret Fealy, and in a 
very few years Ftf rbanks was trod- 
ing the Elitch boards as a real ac- 
tor. His first part was Reginald 
Lumley in 'Cousin Kate.' 

Starting in 1897, for 15 years 
Elitch's offered a large orchestra in 
Friday afternoon concerts. Directing 
this were first RaSaelo Cayello, and 
later Horace Tureman. Tureman Is 
still in Denver where he instructs 
besides being director of the Civic 
Symphony orchestra. Among the 
notables who made their first Denver 
appearances with the Elitch orches- 
tra are seen the names of Gadskl, 
Amato, Josef Hofmann, Harold 
Bauer, Nordica, Rappold, Scotti, 
Louis Persinger, Fritz Kreisler and 
Paderewski. 

The 1898 theatre season opened 
with 'Esmeralda' with Walter Ed- 
wards and Margaret Dlbdin in the 
leads. Others Included Meta May- 
nard, Leonora Bradley, Daisy Lover- 
Ing, Harry Leighton, Thomas W. 
Ross, W. M. Wadsworth, DeWitt 
Jennings, J. Rush Bronson, Robert 
E. Bell, Ray Southard and Laura 
Alberta. George R. Edeson was di 
rector. 

1899 Was an Unusually 
Successful Season 

1899 was an unusually successful 
year, with Walter Clarke Bellows as 
director, and Howard Hansel and 
Henrietta Crosman as leads. In the 
company were Henry Kolker, Fred- 
erick Conger, Scott Cooper, Brigham 
Royce, Herman Sheldon, Eleanor 
Robson, Lillian Dailey, Katherlne 
Field and Madge Cooper. 

In 1900 the Manhattan Beach Stock 
company was consolidated with the 
Elitch theatre, and as a result Mrs. 
Elitch engaged some of the most 
prominent players of that time for 
Elitch. Blanche Bates appeared in 
one of her successes, 'As You Like 
It,' with Miss Bates as Rosalind. The 
back of the building was removed so 
that the stage extended out beneath 
the trees, producing the ultimate 
achievement of forest and pastoral 
scenes This was acclaimed a mas- 
terpiece of staging and theatrical 
art. 

The week of July 15, 1900, marked 
the 1,500th performance given In the 
theatre and was the occasion for a 
celebration in the form of fireworks, 
brilliant illumination and special 
music. 

In November, 1900, Mary Elitch 
was married to Thomas Long of 
Denver. The Rev. William O'Ryan 
officiated and Burns Mantle was best 
man. 

Elitch opened in 1901 with 'Sowing 
the Wind' with Hobart Bosworth and 
Eleanor Moretti in the leads. 
Blanche Walsh was signed for a 
month in 'Under Two Flags,' 'Fe- 
dora,' 'Romeo and Juliet,' with she 
the Romeo and Maude Fealy the 
Juliet, and 'La Tosca.' - Attendance 
during the month was record-break- 
ing, but even so, the management 
was accused of unheard of liberality 
when it was heard that Miss Walsh 
was paid $750 a week. 

The Elitch theatre opened in 1902 
with 'Pudd'nhead Wilson,' by Mark 
Twain, dramatized by Frank Mayo, 
and was one of the plays he was 
seen in in Denver a few days before 
his death. 

A baby of three, Maude Fealy was 



engaged as an actress at a $10 sal- 
ary, aiid later returned as the the- 
atre's leading lady at $750 a week. 

Crosman, Bosworth 
Were the Leads in 1903 

Henrietta Crosman and Hobart 
Bosworth were the leads for 1903. 
Carloads of scenery and costumes 



were brought from the east, includ- 
ing $50,000, a gift of Julia Arthur. 
Miss Crosman was so popular in 
Denver that hundreds of lithographs 
of her were jtoler: from windows as 
fast as they were placed. 

During 1905, Minnie Maddern 
Fiske was at the theatre, and in her 
company were George. Arllss, John 
Mason, Charles Courtwright and 



William Mack, conceded at that tlm* 
to be the representative talent of 
the American stage. Also at th« 
theatre during the 1905 season wer* 
Bruce McRae, Edward Mackey, 
Theodore Roberts, Charles Dickson, 
Francis Powers, Cecil B. DeMille, 
Joseph Kaufman, Henry Kolker, Wil- 
liam Carey, May Buckley, 011v« 
(Continued on page 52) 



GOLDEN JUBILEE 

ELITCH^S THEATRE 



1891-1941 



The Qardens 

,,aeo.eSanio.aHoUnee 

„t steeped in the rrve- 
Thi. lonely spot, ste 

mones y^^^ all the w 

Of -oaliaTit days 

''v.as young. ^st. ior Here 

Bids t^elconve to eac 

These noddtng . .^^j Here one 

Onetoall«^» tcneatH 

"""^-"^a branches; Here Ha«e 
"^^oa'Ss,3S OS a OreCn 
nSS. .dded totne 

1 ?ted gardens, teeming 

------ 

ridor . . ^,,t of gemus wan 
Down i«HtcH the j 

der sttll-.^^^^^^^^" 



Congratulations to Mr. A. B. 
Gurtler and Mr. George 
Somnes 

Cecil B. DeMille 

Ona Munson 
Antoinette Perry 
Barbara Bobbins 
Roy Roberts 
Selena Royle / 
James Todd 
Jane Wyatt 



As Members of the Golden 
Jubilee Company and the 
Elitch's Gardens Theatre 
We Extend Congratulations 

Don Woods 
Ruth Matteson 
Viola Roache 
Helen Bonfils 
Augusta Dabney 
Jacqueline DeWit 
Lawrence Fletcher 

Richard Irving 
Freddie Sherman 
EnUnett Rogers 
Frank Jacquet 
Lucian Self 
Arthur E. Gould-Porter 
Victor Paganuzzi 



52 LITERATI 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



Red Issne Dominates Guild 

Following the bitterest fight in iU 
history, the American Newspaper 
Guild concluded - 415 eighth-- annual 
convention in Detroit June 28 by 
referring to the general membership 
the election of new officers. In 
making the constitutional change— 
the international officers hitherto 
were chosen by the convention dele- 
gates—the newspapermen's union 
froze into office its present execu- 
tives to Nov. 1, when the winners 
of the national plebiscite take office. 

Charges of Communism were 
rampant in the convention, headed 
by delegations from Washington, 
Los Angeles, Seattle and Detroit, 
■with both the Guild Reporter, the 
Guild's publication, and Milton Kauf- 
man, executive vice-president, being 
singled out for violent attack. 
Charges against Kaufman provoked 
on all-night session, which went 
■until 4:30 a.m., when vindication was 
yoted by 91 to 80. 

That same margin marked most 
of the present administration's vic- 
tories in the convention with the 
weighty support of New York's 34 
delegates. On only one point — a 
change in the election of five vice- 
presidents to local determination 
rather than a general vote— were 
the anti-administration forces suc- 
cessful, although both sides were in 
accord on the change in the Guild's 
elective process. 

The two slates in the coming inter- 
national election' are: 

Administration — Donald Sullivan, 
Boston, president; Kaufman and Vic- 
tor Pasche, secretary-treasurer (can- 
didates for re-election); for vice- 
presidents: Agnes Fahy, Newark; 
Rollin Everett, Cincinnati; Frank 
Lare, San Antonio; Ralph Foster, 
Toronto; William Brode, San Diego; 
James Whitaker, New York; Alex 
ander Kendrick, Philadelphia; Julius 
klyman, St. Louis; Walter Burson, 
of Pittsburgh, and Don Plnkston, of 
Sidux City. 

Anti-Administration— Milton Mur- 
ray, Detroit Guild president, for in- 
ternational president; Sam Eubanks, 
Oakland, executive vice-president; 
William B. Rodgers, secretary-treas- 
urer; for vice-presidents: Louis Ade, 
of Hammond; Edward Allen, of Bos- 
ton; Kenneth Crouse, St. Paul; James 
Crow, Los Angeles; Walter Engels, 
New York; James Farmer, Seattle; 
Harry Martin, Memphis; Jules 
Schick, Philadelphia, and Joseph 
Walsh, Wilkes-Barre. 



statute. Philip B. Fleming, wage and 
hour administrator, had charged 
that the private contracts between 
the newspaper company and its em- 
ployee we're fictitious, but the lower 
court, and the appeal court, foynd 
them bonaftde. 



New Yorker's Juxlapositlons 

New Yorker mag last week did a 
neat job of taking the professional 
hide off one Fogarty, writer of the 
KnoxvlUe (Tenii.) News-Sentinel. 
Under the heading, "Funny Coinci- 
dence Department,' it listed five re- 
cent instances in which Fogarty had 
closely paraphrased, and in some 
cases copied word for word, para- 
graphs from Howard Brubaker's 'Of 
All Things' column in New Yorker 
issues of a few days previous. Mag 
didn't comment, but merely reprint- 
ed the corresponding quotes side by 
side. 

Incident recalled the case of some 
years ago when Christopher Morley 
exposed a long list of 'coincidence' 
similarities between his writing and 
the late O. O. Mclntyre's column. 
Morley commented at the time that 
whenever he felt discouraged he 
could always cheer himself with the 
thought that 'Odd Mclntyre likes my 
stud", anyway.' 

Alice-Leone Moats In Moscow 
Allce-Leone Moats and Collier's 
got one of those newspaperman 
breaks when she finally got to Mos- 
cow 48 hours before the Nazi blitz 
after having been turned back sev- 
eral times, this despite a Russian 
visa from Ambassador Oumansky in 
Washington. Miss Moats, a friend of 
the Laurence Steinhardts (he's U. S. 
ambassador to the Soviet), made a 
colorful and arduous trek from 
Japan to Harblh but was turned 
back on the Manchurlan-Slberlan 
border. She then came via Man- 
dalay up the Burma Road to Chung- 
king, and thence to Moscow, reach- 
ing just jn time to start filing. 

Collier's, which handled Andre 
Maurois' stuff on a two-three week 
break, hopes to ditto for Miss Moats' 
stuff. Normally Collier's Is four to 
six weeks ahead of publication date. 



Promotion Suit Vs. Life 

A suit by Fred Shevrln against 
Time, Inc. was revealed Wednesday 
(25) In N. Y. supreme court for the 
first time, although action has been 
on file for months. Suit seeks dam- 
ages of $10,000 for the alleged 
plagiarism on an idea to promote 
radio publicity of Life. 

Plaintiff charges he submitted his 
idea In October, 1940, to Time, Inc., 
publishers of Life, which agreed he 
would be paid If it was used. He 
says he was not paid, but that the 
idea was used. 

Short-Llved Chi Strike 

Three Chicago evening dailies, the 
Times, Herald-American and the 
News, were tied up for two days 
last week by a strike of the printers 
despite the frowns of the national 
officials of the International Typo- 
graphical Union. Papers used vari- 
ous devices and out-of-town presses 
to get the editions out. Strike was 
settled as suddenly as It started, and 
by Friday (27) the papers were run- 
ning normally. 

New Chicago A.M. Daily 

Reports persist of the entry of a 
new morning paper In Chicago, 
Since the demise of the Hearst Her- 
ald-and-Examlner, leaving the morn- 
ing field solely in the hands of the 
Chicago Tribune, there haVe been 
continual rumors of a new morning 
sheet. But It now appears that the 
Chicago Times, evening tabber, is 
readying to enter the a.m. field the 
morning after Labor Day. 



Elitch Gardens' 50th Anni 



-Continued from pace 



LITEBATI OBITS 

John D. Osborne, 42, former news- 
paperman and more recently secre- 
tary and campaign manager to Sen 
ator W. Warren Barbour of New 
Jersey, died June 25 at the Roose 
velt HosplUl, New York. 

Daniel ■ D. Clark, 70 , editor and 
publisher of the State Centre Rec 
or/1, Bound Brook, N. J., died June 
26 at the Somerset hospital, Somer' 
set, N. J., after a long illness. 



■ Dallas News Wins Case 

The Fifth U. S. Circuit Court of 
Appeals in New Orleans Friday (27), 
In upholding the denial of an in- 
junction asked by the wage and hour 
division of the U. S. Department of 
Labor against the A. H. Belo corpo- 
ration, publishers of the Dallas' 
Morning News, sat down pretty hard 
on New Deal administrators who 
take the position that their own in- 
terpretations of the law must be fol- 
lowed. 

The Federal court in Its opinion 
said that the views of proponents 
and opponents on any law were of 
no value in its construction and 
added if an administrator should at- 
tempt to give legal construction to a 
law through his own legal staff, he 
would be in the position of a judge 
In his own cause who has written 
his decision before hand. 
The appellate court apparently 
laund..ihi&.£cintention the chief is- 
sue in the case, and its decision an- 
nounced that the authorities cited did 
not support it 

As for the Dallas News, it may 
continue to enter into contracts with 
Its employes so long as the contracts 
do not place the rate of pay below 
that called for in the wag^.^pd.h' 



A Bib For a Brush 

The New York dallies, especially 
the tabs, gave the Brenda Frazler- 
Shipwreck Kelly nuptials the jour- 
nalistic rib for one or another rea- 
son. The Mirror (Hearst) was most 
poisonous with a by-llned story re- 
counting how Miss Frazler's secre- 
tary, heretofore a pushover for the 
press, gave the tab's newsman and 
photog the brusholT on its quest for 
pre-marital pictures. Whereupon 
the Mirror dug up a particularly 
grimacing still photo of Brenda, and 
didn't do right by Shipwreck Kelly 
either, with a scowling likeness, both 
at Stork Club, caught in their off 
moments. 

The News also put emphasis on the 
'most expensive simplicity' which 
keynoted the wedding of a couple of 
cafe society's darlings. 



Hugh M. Love, 62, veteran coast 
newspaperman, died June 24 In Los 
Angeles after a long Illness. 

S. Fred Hogne, 69,. editorial and 
feature writer for 36 years on the 
Los Angeles Times, died June 28 in 
Los Angeles, Native of W,aynes- 
burg, Fla., he began his newspaper 
career as a reporter on the Wheel- 
ing, W. Va,, Register In 1893. 

Agustin Edwards, 63, owner and 
publisher of El Mercurlo of Santiago, 
Chile's most important newspaper 
and one of the South America's top 
dallies, died after a long Illness June 
18 of a heart attack. One of the most 
influential figures in South America, 
Edwards for 40 years took a leading 
part In his country's activities, serv- 
ing as Chilean Minister to the Court 
of St. James from 1910 to 1925. He 
■was publisher of a score of Chilean 
magazines, several' dealing with 
films, and published many books. 



Katharine Brush Again 

Katharine Brush has got another 
good one in 'You Go Your Way' 
(Farrar & Rinehart). It's good be- 
cause it's amusing, and it's amus- 
ing because it's an outstanding 
example of swell dialog holding up 
the lightest of modern marriage 
plots. Sneeze ai.d you'll blow the 
story over. But that dialog! 

This paragraph's guess, is that 
there's a picture here, 'though it 
would take a bit of doing and a 
whole lot of playing. Meanwhile, if 
all the women buy it who would 
have liked to have written it — Miss 
Brush won't have to care about the 



From rag-time to jazz, 
through' jazz to swing, 
the trend of popular 
music and the persons 
who led it are described 
by 

w. c. 

HANDY 

in his new hook 

'^FATHER OF 
THE ELVES'* 



All book- 
stores $3 



MACMDLLAN 



Lyons Colnmn to MoNanght 

Leonard Lyons' Broadway column 
for th« New York Post has been 
syndicated since last week by Mc- 
Naught instead of King Features, 
which had been handling it ^Ince 
1939. Lyons said he cancelled h 
pact with the Hearst-owned syndi- 
cate-after Col. Joseph Willicombe 
secretary to Hearst, sent two wires 
in the name of 'The Chief squawk 
Ing about Lyons featuring Orson 
'Welles In the column. Two Hearst 
papers had previously dropped the 
Broadway pillar. 

Hearst's objection to Welles stems 
from 'Citizen Kane,' Welles initial 
picture, to which the publisher ob 
jected because, allegedly, it so close- 
ly resembles his owo life. 



Oliver, Constance Adams, Dorothy 
Goldthwaite, Edna Aug and Eleanor 
Carey. 

Sarah Bernhardt gave two per- 
formances at the theatre in 1906, 
matinee and night, appearing In 
'Camille' and 'La Sorcerie.' The 
house was packed at both perform- 
ances. At that time the so-called 
theatre trust was in full sway, and 
Elitch theatre was the only place 
In Colorado, at which Bernhardt ap- 
peared. In other places, hot having 
an Independent theatre, she was 
forced to use a tent. May Buckley, 
leading woman, and the rest of the 
Elitch stock, appeared in both plays 
as 'supes,' supporting Bernhardt and 
her French cast. 

Douglas Fairbanks returned to liis 
home town to appear in several 
plays at Elitch's, also in 1906. He 
appeared as Reginald Lumley in 
•Cousin Kate'; Karl Blitz in 'Heidel- 
berg'; Lieut. Ainslee in 'Secret Serv- 
ice' and Bobby Newcombe in The 
Japanese Nightingale,' • 

'Sherlock Holmes' was played by 
the Elitch company for the first time 
in stock. ~ 

David Warfleld appeared in two 
plays at the end of the 1908 season, 
in 'Music Master' and 'A Grand 
Army Man.' these two plays a 
former Elitch 'baby' came back 
home. She was Antoinette Perry, 
appearing as Warfield's leading lady. 
Aug. 30 was declared a special David 
Warfield Day, with large delegations 
.coming from cities^ more than 100 
miles distant. 

In 1913 Lewis Stone was engaged 
as leading man. He was considered 
to be the most popular man in that 
role In stock, having held that post 
with the Oliver Morosco Stock In 
Los Angeles for eight years. Crystal 
Heme was his leading woman. Plays 
that year included 'The Talker,' 'The 



Boy,' second week offering, grossed 
strongly, as did th« opening show. 
'Philadelphia Story," current, bowed 
to sellouts: 

Josh Billings, oldest boxoffice man 
in Denver and known to thousands 
of theatre people from coast to coast, 
is again in charge of the boxoffice. 
He reports season reservations are 
heavy. 



Moss Hart Burns 



-Continued from page 3; 



. New Orleans Item Sold 

Sale of the New Orleans Item, 
leading afternoon daily, (o Ralph 
Nicholson of Tampa, was revealed 
Friday (27) by Colonel James M. 
Thomson, retiring publisher and 
president. . 

J. W. Fanz, business manager of 
the Item, is the secretary of the new 
corporation and Marshall Ballard, 
editor. 



CHATTEB 

Lee Mortimer, film critic of the 
N. Y. Dally Mirror, gathering ma- 
terial in Hollywood. 

Muriel Babcock, former editor of 
Picture Play, was appointed to a 
similar job on Movies magazine, 

Theodore Pratt doing his sixth 
novel on Florida, laid back in the 
early days of the state. Knopf will 
publish. 

Columbia (S. C.) State celebrated 
50th anniversary with special 112^ 
page edition June 25. William Elliott 
is publisher. 

Agent George Bye's reconstruction 
of his Connecticut home is told in a 
series of before-and-after photos, 
pli'j a story, in current House 
Beuiitiral .-.-.ag. 

Walter Duranty arrived in U. S. 
last week from his NANA assign- 
ment abroad to make a summer lec- 
ture tour. Former N. Y. Times Mos- 
cow correspondent hopes to return 
to Russia in the fall. 

George H. Lyon, assistant to the 
publisher of PM, New York tab 
daily, has resigned. He has no fu- 
ture plans at present. Lyon was for- 
merly managing editor and part 
owner of the Buffalo Times. 

'Sodom By the Sea* (An Affection- 
ate History of Coney Isfand), written 
by Jo Ransom (Brooklyn Eagle and 
Brooklyn VAniEXT correspondent) 
and Oliver Pilat, will be out July 11 
under Doubleday, Doran imprint. 

Arthur D. Mackle, theatre editor 
of the Jersey (Jersey City) Journal, 
was honored at a dinner given by 
Hudson County's theatrical and 
newspaper people in recoenition of 
his 25 years in the newspaper busi- 
ness. 

Milt Caniff, who draws 'Terry and 
the Pirates' strip for Chi Trlb-N. Y. 
News syndicate, has been assigned 
by Mayor LaGuardia, ' director, to 
make Illustrations for Office of Civ*- 
ilian Defense posters and other 
prli)ted.materlal._ ^ . , , . , 



Dollar Mark,' 'Man and Superman,' 
'Heir to the Hoorah,' 'The Gambler' 
and others. 

Mulvllhlll's High Standard 
In 1916 John M. MuIvlhlU was 
made manager of the Gardens, and 
In 1920 was also named manager of 
the theatre, and until his death in 
1930 maintained the high standards 
and demands set by Mary Elitch 
Long. The first company under the 
Mulvlhlll management, with Ann 
Mason as leading woman. Included 
Helen Lutrelle, Charles Trowbridge, 
Richard Carle, Marlon Ballou, 
Peggy Boland, Earl Mitchell, Albert 
Brown, George Pauncefort, Beach 
Cooke and Hal Crane, with Rollo 
Lloyd as director. In Ui» years that 
followed were such notable names as 
Helen Menken, Edward G. Robinson, 
Violet Heming, Paul Gordon, Ernest 
Glendenning, C. Henry Gordon, 
Ona Munson, Jane Wyatt, Selena 
Royle, Roy Roberts, James' Todd, 
Barbara Robblns, Sylvia Sydney, 
Isobel Elsom, Albert Hackett, 
Fredric March, Cora 'Witherspoon, 
Florence Eldrldge, Tom Powers, 
Edna James, Douglas DumbrlUe, 
Moffatt Johnson, Flora Sheffield, 
Madge Evans, George Brent, Lily 
Cahill, Harold Lloyd, Florence 
Rittenhouse, Lea Penman and June 
Walker. 



lion for having given Kaye his big 
opportunity and should return to the 
show when It reopens in the fall. 
Author is concerntwi over the hefty 
Investment in the "show, still only 
partly paid oft and dependent on 
continued strong business in the fall. 

Kaye disputes statements of the 
Sam H. Harris office, producers 
(with Hart) of 'Lady,' that he had 
given no indication of his intention 
of not returning when the show re- 
opened. He asserts he told Hart 
numerous times about offers for the 
Cole Porter and several other pro- 
spective musicals. In fact, he says. 
Hart himself was talking to him 
atwut another new show, one to be 
written by Hart and Kurt Weill and 
to involve a huge cast of children 
and a single adult. Kaye declares 
that after refusing for three weeks 
to sign a new. contract for 'Lady' for 
the fail, he finally delayed signing 
with Freedley for a day, so he could 
Inform Hart of his Intention before 
actually going ahead. However, he 
says, he was unable to reach the 
playwright. 

Up to $2,900 a Week 
Kaye's contract for 'I«t's Face If 
calls for star billing and a salary of 
$1,000 a week, plus 15% on every- 
thing over $20,000 gross per week. 
With a hit show, that could bring 
him as much as $2,900 a week. When 
he was cast for 'Lady,' he got $250 a 
week, and after the show clicked In 
New York, was paid an additional 
$300 a week to sign a run-of-the-play 
contract, instead of the previous 
twb-weeks-notice deal. ' He reiterates 
that he is grateful to Hart for the 
'Lady' break, likes him personally 
and would greatly regrtt a serious 
break in their friendship. But he 
feels that he was given the part in 
'Lady' because Hart and the Harris 
office wanted him, not because they 
were trying to do him a favor. And 
he regards the $300-a-week raise 
both as something he justly earned 
and as an Inducement for him to sign 
the run-of-the-play contract, not ai 
a gratuitous bonus. He therefore 
doesn't think hris under any obliga- 
tion, contractual or moral, to return 
to 'Lady' at a cost to his own career. 

Kaye, current at the N. Y. Para- 
mount, will continue two more 
weeks, possibly three, and then goes 
to Hollywood, opening Aug. 7 at 
Clro's for a six-day engagement in- 
tended more or less as a 'showing* 
for the picture crowd. He says, how- 
ever, that he has no film commit- 
ments and that no deal is even being 
discussed. 'Let's Face It' goes into 
rehearsal about Sept. 1. Veree Teas- 



Mulvihill was succeeded as nr«l. ^Tffrn ifidtilpbt iViOTVwtfiiiSWi^ii r 



dent and manager by Arnold B. 
Gurtler, his son-in-law, who has had 
the same visions and aspirations of 
Mrs. Ix>ng — that of keeping Elitch 
Gardens and Theatre at the high 
level expected of them by the peo- 
ple of Denver. Gurtler has safely 
and conservatively piloted, both en- 
terprl'ses thrbiigmryTh'jf 'yeaf s7"Btrr 
always keeping the theatre company 
up to standard even thotigh not al- 
ways making profits. 

For seven years, counting 1941, 
George Somnes has directed and his 
productions have always been 'in the 
Elitch tradition,' adequately staged 
and with down-to-earth acting the 
characteristic that brings the 
crowds. 

And so Elitch started its 50th year 
of operation with ^Skylark' the open- 
ing attraction. In the Golden 
Jubilee company are Ruth Matteson 
and Donald Woods, leads, and Viola 
Roache, Helen Bonfils, Jacqueline 
DeWitt, Augusta Dabney, Arthur E. 
Gould-Porter, Richard Irving, Law- 
rence Fletcher, Freddie Sherman 
and Emmett Rogers. Luclan Self is 
back, as stage manager and Victor 
Paganuzzl as scenlo artist, 

The season will run 11 weeks, and 
besides 'Skylark,' offerings include 
'The Male Animal,' 'Ladies in 
Retirement,' 'The Philadelphia Story,' 
'The Little Foxes,' 'Golden Boy.' 
'George Washington Slept Here,' 
'Old Acquaintance,' The Royal Fam- 
ily,' The Guardsman,' and one other 
to be selected later. 'Skylark' 
opened the .season, Jtvte 16. '.Golden 



Goodner, Eve Arden and Benny 
Baker are . teAtatlvely set for the 
cast. 

Eddie Davis Vloe KayeT 

Eddie Davis, comedian-singer of 
Leon &. Eddie's, 52d street, N. Y., 
nitery, is mentioned as Kaye's re- 
. phrnTni M ^ i Ai>i ^ fe a ii< tfi |iip 'a W RT i)» > Wi'. ?S;^' »8' j > « 
Sept. 1. Other cast changes involve 
Willard Parker for Victor Mature 
and Walter Coy for Macdonald 
Carey. Bert Lytell also will not re- 
turn to the show; he's reported 
desirous of getting another play. 
Number of cast withdrawals is said 
to be the result of the 11-week lay- 
off, which some of the players regard 
as too long. Reason for the extended 
layoff is the desire of Gertrude 
Lawrence, the star, to have a rest 
from her exhausting part. She may 
or may not appear during the sum- 
mer at the Cape Playhouse, Dennis, 
Mass., operated by her husband, 
Richard Aldrlch. 



Six Chautauqua Concerts 

Chautauqua, N. Y., July 1. 

A series of six symphonic concerts 
has been set here and will be broad- 
cast over NBC. 

Soloists to appear will be Albert 
Stoessel as conductor and Mischa 
Mischakofl as soloist on July 20, 
George Britton, baritone, on July 27; , 
Georges Miquelle, viola cellist, on 
Aug. 3; Suzanne Fisher, on Aug. 10; 
Georges Barrere, on Aug. 17, and 
Evan Evans on Aug. 24. . , 



Wednesday, July 2; 1941 



CHATTER 



53 



Broadway 



in 



Mary Brian to Reno. 
William A. Brady has arthritis. 
Jimmy Cagney vacationing 
N. Y. 

Willie Moore fell and fractured a 
shoulder. 

Brock PembeTton having, trouble 
with one of his feet. 

Terry Lawlor lost her 01-year-oId 
grandmother last week. 

Victor Leighton, up from Florida, 
soon eoes to Maine to fish. 

Publicist David E. Green to the 
Coast next week; his first trip. 

John Cecil Holm finishing a book 
with Philly background. It's his 
first. 

Madora Keene of 'Separate Rooms' 
bruised in taxi accident Saturday 
but went on. , 

Robert Montgomery takmg it easy 
-on his Pawling. N. Y., farm. Ar- 
rived from the Coast last week. 

Joe Heidt, the Theatre Guild press 
agent, to handle cafe at SuiTern 
strawhat instead of young Sardi. 

Charley Washburn back in town 
after being in Chicago aU season 
with 'Arsenic and Old Lace' com- 
pany. 

Spencer Tracy and Bill Grady, 
who came east last week, have gone 
up to Maine and Vermont for a va- 
cash. , , , 

Russell Holman, eastern rep of 
Paramount's studio, arrived in New 
York Monday (30) from 10-day visit 
on the Coast. 

Jack Cole Dancers sail Aug. 1 for 
Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Casino, 
opening Aug: 15 for six weeks. 
Booked by Jack Davies. 

Monte and Helene Samuel in from 
New Orleans for a quickie en route 
to their usual summer in the Maine 
woods. Back in Septemi>er. 

Herbert Jacoby, impresario of 
Ruban Bleu, took over the Play 
house Kitchen at Westport in con- 
junction with the Westport Play 
house. 

Virginia Dale, new Paramount 
actress, went to Myrtle Beach, N. C, 
Monday (30) as honor guest of an- 
nual convention of North and South 
Carolina Motion Picture Theatre 
Owners. 

Extraordinary roadhouse business 
enjoyed by Ben Marden's Riviera 
this summer, what with the excel- 
lent weather break, etc., is the talk 
of the business. New Chester Hale 
show (third edition) opens July 10 

Don Higgins. publicist at March of 
Time, vacationing in Puerto Rico, 
being sixth time he's chosen this spot 
for rest. Fred -Schaefer, RKO's press 
book chief, back to his old home 
town, Louisville, on his vacash this 
week. 

Universal exec Matty Fox will ap- 
parently escape the draft. When he 
appeared before his local board re 
cently to obtain permish to leave 
California for his annual summer as- 
signment at the company's N. Y, 
headquarters, he was informed he 
would probably not be called now 
for 10 months or a year. 



Cinematograflcas, which will attempt 
to Introduce new names and faces to 
public. First film will be 'El Timido 
Enamorado' ' ('Timid Lover'), for 
which contest will he opened for 
roles. No professional actors will be 
used. All contestants will have to 
furnish proof that they have never 
acted in any other film. 

Reported here that Bruno Must 
solini is to follow in footsteps of 
brother Vittorio. It appears that his 
production venture started in Italy 
under the name Avia Films will be 
dedicated exclusively to aviation 
picts. First one written by Sastelazz, 
chief of Press and Cinema, with 
Bruno as one of the technicians for 
aviation scenes. Vittorio was direc-. 
tor of ill-fated Era films with Hal 
Roach. . . 



Westport, Conn. 

By Humphrey Doulcns 



Frederick C. Schang, Jr., and his 
son back from a West Indies trip. 

The Justin Sturms to Bucks 
County to visit Jack Kirkland and 
Haila Stoddard. 

Peggy French here with her 
family before playing summer stock 
at Cohasset, Mass. 

Helen Olheim, Metropolitan Opern 
contralto, resting here before sailing 
for South American dates. 

Lily Pons entertaining today (2) 
for Fred and Ella Bradna. of Ring- 
ling Brothers Circus, playing at 
Bridgeport. 

Max Gordon, Richard Rodger!!, 
Lily Pons, Andre Kostelanetz, 
Valentina, Edna Ferber, Kathleen 
Comegys at Playhouse opening Mon- 
day night (30th). 



Atlantic City 

By Mildred Carter 

Joe Moss returned to Atlantic City 
to manage Bath and Turf Club. 

Hotel Chelsea to open Grill and 
Terrace Room for season tomorrow 
(Thursday). 

'Icecapades of 1941' signed for five 
weeks' engagement beginning July 25 
at Convention Hall. 

New Ship Deck of Breakers hotel 
will be opened Wednesday (2) with 
Irvin Wolf manager. 

Cliquot Club opened for season 
Friday (27) with Ann Howard and 
Jimmy Evans heading bill. 

Wally Vernon heading bill at TK9 
Club, which held opening Friday (27) 
with Freddy Bernard as emcee. 

Carmen Cavallaro's orch begins 
engagement tonight (1) at Merry Go 
Round Room of Ritz-Carlton hotel. 

Victor McLaglen sworn in at City 
Hall as member of Atlantic City 
Police Department by Mayor Tom 
Taggart. 

John Redmond's new song, 'At 
lantic City by the Rolling Sea,' in 
troduced at Miss Atlantic City Ball 
Saturday night 

Station WBAB awarded certificate 
by Veterans of Foreign Wars for 
'patriotic services in cooperating 
with 'Wake Up Democracy broad 
cast.' 

Governor Spessard L. Holland, of 
Florida, saluted with song fete writ- 
ten and played by Lois Miller on 
Heinz Pier Friday (27). Governor 
here to open Florida exhibits on 
Heinz and Steel Piers. 

Harvey Lockman introducing dusk 
to-dawn entertainment in Round the 
World Room of President hotel, with 
Ciro Rimac's band starting Thurs- 
day (3) for' two weeks. Juanita's 
band and Adrian Rollini's Trio sup- 
plement. 

Sally Rand to be featured at 
Hamid's Million Dollar Pier on holi- 
day weekend. Tony Pastor's orch 
began week's engagement yesterday 
(30) in Ballroom of States. Vaughn 
Monroe's band ended two-day stay 
Sunday (29). 

Dinah Shore returns to Steel Pier 
Sunday (6) for week. The Four Ink 
Spots on holiday weekend bill. 
Sammy Kaye plays July 4 and 5 in 
Marine ballroom, and Benny Good- 
man follows on Sunday (6). Johnny 
McGee plays entire week starting 
Saturday (28). 



London 



Robert Morley registered for mili- 
tary service. 

J. L. Sacks has been bombed out 
of his third apartment 

Haddon Mason's home destroyed 
in the last London blitz. 

Mary Anderson (Madame de 
Navarro) left English estate valued 
at around $60,000. 

Flanagan and Allen have offer to 
form their own film production unit. 
They're seriously considering it. 

John Harlow, who is directing 
'You Can't Escape' for Warners, has 
been optioned for four more pictures. 

Tracey and Hay in resident show 
at the King's theatre, Glasgow, which 
is expected to stay until September. 

The Archie Parnells and Stan 
Ellis in motor car smash, with Mrs. 
ParneU the only one not detained in 
hospital. 

Leslie Hiscott doing quickie for 
British National Pictures, with Jane 
Carr and Lindon Travers signed for 
leading roles. 

Miss Rogers, telephonist at Warn- 
er's theatre, was killed during recent 
air raid on London when her home 
was bombed. 

Max Milder slept in cupboard under 
stairway in his house for three 
hfionths, and finally gave up, moving 
to Gro.svenor House. 

Frank Boston has forsaken his 
juggling for the duration, having 
joined the Australian contingent of 
the Royal Air Force. 

Harry Roy utilizing 'lead the band' 
idea, presenting It In the sticks very 
successfully. Sammy Kaye origi 
nated it in the States. 

Basil Radford now a captain in the 
Infantry, but still entitled to wear 
hi» 'Wings, as he was In the Air 
Force in the last war. 

Clifford and Marion moved from 
their apartment in Knightsbridge 
four days before it received a direct 
hit from enemy bombings. 

Edmund Dalby, after year of war 
office work at Liverpool, has de- 
cided to get back to London, and is 
awaiting another Government Job. 

Warners' 'Fighting e9th,' 'at the 
Warner, beat theatre's grosses, pre- 
viously topped by 'Confessions of a 
Nazi,' but only stayed one week due 
to house being blitzed. 

Gainsborough Films has signatured 
Robert Morley for the part of 
Charles .Tames Fox opposite Robert 
Donat who plays the ' title role in 
'Pitt, the Younger' (20th-Fox). 

Robert Nesbit to Blackpool to 
stage the George Black revue at the 
Opera House, and when this is set 
he stages the Tom Arnold revue at 
the Grand theatre, in the same town. 



awarded this year at Lyons Instead 
of at the Restaurant Drouant in 
Paris. One will also be awarded for 
last year. 

Marcel Pagnol and Josette Day 
took Emile Peclet, president of 
French Tourist Office in Marseilles, 
to hospitol when he was shot three 
times by three men who attacked 
him at night. 



Havana 

By Fred Whitney 



By Joseph D. Ravoito 



Pic thesp Marta Flores vacation- 
ing in Spanish Morocco. 

Julio Pena considering several 
offers while original pic, with Jean. 
Choux directing oft indefinitely. 

Jose Isbert, Pilar Soler. Guadalupe 
Murioz Sampedro and Manolo Gon- 
zalez slated for roles in 'Alma de 
Dios' CSoul of the Gods'). 

Cabarets now shuttering about 2 
a.m. instead of decree-imposed 1 
a.m. curfew, with summer season as 
pretext, although old law remains 
In the books. 

Joaquin Goyanez, production chief, 
and Rubio Lopez, director, off to 
Seville to do exteriors for 'Pepe 
Conde,' with Miguel Ligero and 
Patora Pena as leads. 

'Sarasate,' with Frenchman Jean 
Choux piloting, begun at Estudios 
C. E. A. with Alfredo Mayo, Italian 
tesp Margarita Carossio, Jose Nieto, 
Manolo Moran, Alberto Romea and 
Jose Maria Seoane in main roles. 

New outfit, Procines Films, plans 
first pic this month, an adaptation 
of 'La Ducuesa Gayetana' by Bon- 
matl de Codecido, who's also doing 
piloting. Will introduce new lead- 
ing lady, Rosita Montana. Company 
plans two other films for this season. 

New company formed in Barcelona 
under name of Astro Producclones 



Rene Carvel, one of Southern's 
composers, is oft on a tour to Puerto 
Rico and Venezuela. 

Great Influx of Argentine artists 
and pictures gives Cuba definite in- 
ternational look this summer. 

Hugo de Carrill, Argentine tango 
singer, starts over CMQ on July 15 
for 20 days of sponsoring by El Cuno. 

Manolo Fernandez, young CMQ 
singer, finished a tour of the inlv:rior 
of Cuba and then threw a party for 
the press. 

Ernesto Roca, Southern's agent 
here as well as representatives for 
RCA Victor, is taking a month's va- 
cation in the States. 

Jose Nojica, Mexican tenor, is com- 
inp to "^uba in July for a four-week 
cTigjoen'.eat .■•vilh Re?alias Fl C-.;no 
over the CMQ network. 

Arsenio Rodriguez, blind composer 
and guitar player at Sans Souci 
nitery, has signed a contract with 
Southern Music after a year with 
Robbins. 

Malena de Toledo, who became 
much involved getting to Havana, 
finally started with Competidora 
over RHC. Alfredo Brito's orchestra 
accompanies, - 

Alberto Gomez, another Argentine 
singer, is contemplating a number 
of Havana performances for cigaret 
La Competidora Gaditana over the 
RHO Blue Network this month. 

Ralph Peer, Southern Music Co.. 
in Mexico winding up his' annual 
Latin American trip. He'll not re- 
turn to Havana as originally planned, 
but is returning directly to New 
York. 

'Ritmos ' de Cuba' ('Cuban 
Rhythms'), 10-minute Spanish pic- 
ture which has been exhibited at the 
Rex, short feature house, is being 
translated into English for presenta- 
tion in- the States. Pic includes three 
Cuban typical numbers. 

COCO and CMCK present nightly 
at 8 'Popular Assembly.' Program 
ar^cs pros and cons of Cuba's 
Obligatory Military Service Bill now 
before Congress. Constitutional dif- 
ficulties plus' Congre.-^ional dissen- 
sion make this a particularly inter- 
esting presentation. . 



Paris 



Lucienne Boyer gave birth to a 
daughter. 

Jean Lallier left for Nigeria to do 
documentary pict, 

Toto Grassin, French cyclist, de- 
buted in music hall. 

Pierre Dominique named director 
of the French Office of Information. 

Author Andre Gide has given up 
writing for Nouvelle Revue Fran- 
caise. 

Marcel Pagnol failed in his at- 
tempt to find studio space in Monte 
Carlo. 

Vichy government set up organi- 
zation to care for unemployed news- 
papermen. 

Screenster Micheline Presle, 'the 
French Deanna Durbin,' made stage 
debut in P^ris in 'Am Stram Gram.' 

Marcel Pagnol received permission 
to show 'Fille du Puisatien' ('The 
Well Digger's Daughter') in occupied 
zone. 

Christiane Chantal, former radio 
singer, debuted at Marseilles Opern, 
with press calling her 'new Lily 
Pons.' 

Edmond Epardau put new screen 
mag on market called Le Nouveau 
Film, which appears four times 
yearly. 

Christian Jaque's 'Enfer des Andes' 
('Angel's Hell'), last film to be fin- 
ished before the start of the war, 
released in Paris, 

Michel Duran has written, directed 
and acted in 'II Elait un Foi,' ('Once 
Upon a Time'), propaganda pic 
against drinking, 

. After Sacha Guitry, Harry Baur, 
Charles Trenet and Cecile Sore], 
thesp Blanche Montel's Aryanism 
being looked into by Paris authori- 
ties. 

Marcel Achard has written new 
play which he hopes to put on Paris 
.^tage with Claude Dauphin, . Rene 
Saint Cyr and Pierre Blanchar as 
leads. 

Mary Morgan, who recently re- 
tired from the Comedie Francaisc, 
returned to the stage in Steve Pas- 
.seur's 'Marche Noir' at the Edouard 
VII in Paris. 

Pierre Brives, whose first play, 
'Carton Pate.' preemed at the Michel 
in Paris, was unable to get permis- 
sion to cro.s.<; into occupied zone to 
see own debut. 

Louis Jouvet and his troupe of 
actors hrve left for South America 
on an official tour which will take 
him through most of the Important 
cities on the Latin continent 

Corrine Luchaire hurt in auto ac- 
cident in Bois .de Boulogne. With 
present restrictions gossips are won- 
dering what French screen thesp 
was doing in a car in the Bois. 

"The Prix Goncourt, France's most 
Important literary prize, will be 



Australia 

By Eric Gorrick 

Williamson-Tait reviving 'Rio Rita' 
legiter in Sydney. 

N. P. Pery, Columbia rep, thrown 
a feed by execs of Greater Union 
Theatres. 

Betty Bryant star of "40,000 
Horsemen' (U), planed to Malaya for 
pic's preem there. 

Howell Walker here to do a special 
war coverage for the National Geo- 
granhic Magazine. 

Wallace ParneU hopes to hook a 
couple of U. S. screen players for 
'Tivoli, vaude runaround, 

Madame Christian, the late Dame 
Nellie Melba's first singing teacher, 
died in Melbourne at 93. 

Arthur . Greenaway is producing 
'Julius Caesar' in Sydney on daily 
matinees only via Williamson-Tait. 

Winter sees the fold of amuse- 
ment parks after a so-so season. 
D;ance biz is increasing in all spots. 

'Sally' revival continues surprise 
hit in Melbourne for Williamson- 
Tait. Show will be brought to Syd- 
ney later. 

Jim Davidson, band ledaer for 
Australian Broadcasting Commission, 
has joined an entertainment unit for 
service overseas. 

Night trotting with betting is still 
seen as a possibility in New South 
Wales as Labor government mulls 
idea as added revenue-getter. 

Federal<6government still said to 
be probing possibility of having dis- 
tribs form one big pool in order to 
further conserve dollar exchange. 

Alec Coppel is figurine producing 
'Skylark' at Minerva, Sydney, after 
current run of 'Mr. Smart Guy.' 
Dave Martin is staging 'Susan and 
God' in Melbourne, 

Charles Munro behind a major 
move to aid civilians of Britain this 
coming winter with clothing. Daily 
Telegraph, Sydney, also appealing 
for helD from public. 

Hal Thompson, U. S. legit player, 
has Joined Alec Coppel's unit at 
Minerva, Sydney, being spotted into 
J. B. Priestley's 'Springtide,' due to 
follow 'Mr. Smart Guy.' 

British pix breaking into strong- 
hold of Metro and Par in Meltwurne 
nabes, with British Empire Films, 
under Gordon Ellis, setting contracts. 

Judy C^nova is going places in 
Sydney following click some time 
ago in 'Scatterbrain' (Rep). Latest 
opus to reach here, 'Sis Hopkins,' 
(Rep), has been dated into State 
Sydney, on extended run bid by 
Greater Union Theatres. 

There appears to be a switch from 
hot rhythm to sweeter melodies on 
radio in this zone. 'Til the Lights of 
London' and 'Boy Coming Home on 
Leave' still remain most popular 
wartime numbers. 'God Bless Amer- 
ica' is also heard frequently. 

Film officials are said to be con- 
cerned over refusal of major indie 
nabe loop to spot the locally-made 
'40,000 Horsemen.'.' Appears that the 
loop figures the price asked by Uni- 
versal, pic's distributor, as too high 
although other exhibs have grabbed 
'Horsemeh' in every other situation, 

Sam Snider, a niajor light in the 
Aussie indie exhib field, is seeking to 
bring about good will in the pic in- 
dustry, being firmly convinced that 
any mooted governmental interven- 
tion in the industry could be pre- 
vented by the ousting of petty 
snuabbles between distribs and ex 
hibs. 



Stroudsbarg, Pa. 

By John Bartholomew 



Hollywood 



Garson Kanin joined the Army. 
Sid Silvers being sued for divorce. 
Dorothy Lamour back from Hono- 
lulu. 

Don Alden King parted with hit 
tonsils. 

Wayne Morris became Ensign B. D. 
Morris. 

Carlisle Jones to the hospital for 
surgery. 

Carlisle Jones recuperating from 
surgery. 

Hannah T. Kichaven opened a tal- 
ent agency, 

Gilbert Miller in town for huddles 
at Columbia. 

Harry Cohn in the hospital with 
kidney stones. 

Steve Brooks laid up with sac- 
roiliac trouble. 

George Brent recovering from a 
spinal operation. 

Arline Judge defendant in $30,000 
traffic accident suit 

Billy Gilbert to Chicago to open a 
six-week stage tour. 

Stanley Paley moved into the story 
department at RKO. 

Ralph Austrian in town looking 
things over for RCA. 

Irene Bordonl arrived for her role 
in 'Louisiana Purchase.' 

Willianx Travers is the new screen 
name for William Justice. 

Harry M. Warner returned from a 
business trip to New York. 

Lent Lynn got her diploma at 
North Hollywood high school. 

Orson Welles preparing a volume 
of Doetry for autumn publication, 

Claude Rains left for his Pennsyl- 
vania farm to spend the 'summer. 

Patrick M. Cunning back from an 
eastern tour of the television field. 

Harold Lloyd back from the 
Shrine convention in Indianapolis, 
Nate Spingold in town to confer 
on production with Columbia execs. 

Betty Grable to the hospital to 
have two more wisdom-teeth yanked. 

Robert Montgomery left for Wash- 
ington to become a naval lieutenant 
Ken Murray and Cleatus Caldwell, 
model, took out a marriage license. 

Cecil B. DeMille was sued for 
$20,255 damages as result of an auto 
crash. 

Arthur L. Pratehett planed in 
from Mexico City for Paramount 
huddles. 

Ashton Stevens spendihg b fort- 
night here with his nephew, George 
Stevens. 

Myrna Loy and Arthur Hornblow, 
Jr., left for a Canadian vacation un- 
til August. 

David Rose "liief of Paramount's 
British Inter, • , in town for studio 
conferences. 

Russell Phelps in Sawtelle Vet- 
erans' hospital recovering from ab- 
dominal surgery. 

William. Holden shot with anti- 
tetanus serum after pistol explosion 
on the 'Texas* set. 

Mary Brian- in Reno seeking a di- 
vorce from Jon 'Whiteomb, mag il- 
lustrator, whom she married May 5. 

Kenneth Lambert moved out of 
Metro's sound department to become 
a major in U. S. Army Signal Corp.c. 

Ralph Murphy temporarily direct* 
ing 'Glamour Boy-' at Paramount 
pinch-hitting for Ted Tetzlaff, who 
is ill. 

Kate Drain Lawson signed as art 
director for David O. Selznick's 
Hollywood Summer Theatre in 
Santa Barbara. 

Maria Korda filed suf -''ir $143,000 
against Alexandra Korda. claiming 
their divorce was not legal and that 
she Is still his wife. 



St Louis 

By Sam X. Hurst 



Camp Tamimenl's new 1,200-seat 
thpatre x>s>vi, in\}^e. . _ ^ ^^^m^ 

Buck Hill Players'^ iTrsl proaucfi5ir*tMani 
will be 'Lady of Letters,' 

C, Raymond Cox, 'America's Ace 
Magician,' at Monomonock Inn. 

Johnny Weir's Dixie Knights the 
musical attraction at Delmar Tavern, 
Mt. Pocono. 

Cornelia Stabler Gillam. dramatist 
and director of the Buck Hill Play- 
ers, will present a series of original 
monolog-masques a la Ruth Draper. 

Ringling Circus advertising for 
young men 'who want to work for 
cood wages, eat regularly and see 
the country with the greatest show 
on earth,' 

So excellent was the Shawnee 
Players' production of Martin Flav- 
in's 'Broken Dishes,' directed by and 
featuring veteran actor Bernard 
Fairfax, that it will tour .surround- 
ing communities, 

Harry Banni.ster'.<! 'Old Mill Mov- 
ies' at Stewartsville, N. J., features 
free outdoor motion pictures with 
wining and dining. Picture!: are of 
the old Harold Lloyd and Pearl 
White vintage. 

Alvino Rey and the Four King 
Sisters inaugurate name band pol- 
icy at Saylor's Lake Pavilion, Say- 
lorsburg. on Saturday (5). Sammy 
Kaye ft*lows on Tuesday <8). Ven- 
ture backed by veteran promoter, A. 
J. Perry, owner-operator of Empire 
Ballroom, AUentown, Fa. 



Ramon Ramos band opens on (he 
Starlight Roof, Hotel Chase, Fri- 
day (4). 

Ed Rosecan, flicker house operator 
at Hannibal, Mo., has taken over an- 
other hoii.se at Cape Girardeau. Mo. 

Mob of 1,600 payees attended sec- 
ond al fresco concert of the St. 
Louis symph orch in quadrangle of 
Wa.shington University last week. 



II tn«i 51. i^oujs 
symph orch, lectured twice to stu- 
dent.*; at Washington University last 
week. 

Charging general indignities, L, Er- 
nest Walker, Jr,, violinist in the St 
Louis symph orch, last week filed a 
suit for divorce from Marion B. 
Walker. 

Jeri Sullivan, songbird with Orrin 
Tucker's band, met her father lor 
first time in 19 years la.st week while 
filling an engagement at the Meadow- 
brook County club. 

'Two On an Island,' new here, 
clicked In opening of the Civic thea-. 
tre, St Louis county strawhatter. la.<:t 
week. Hans Kolmar scored in a lead 
role. Gordon Carter designed sets 
and directed. 

Mi.<;souri's state senate has passed 
a bill placing virtually all pro ath- 
letic events, except ba.seball. under 
the jurisdiction of the State Athletic 
Commission and subject to a 5% 
gross tax. Enactment by the house 
and signature by the governor al- 
most a certainty. 

Steve Cady, former nitery owner 
here, trying to establish' a Los An- 
geles chapter In the Society for the 
Preservation and Encouragement of 
Barber Shop Quartet Singing In 
America. Cady is currently operat- 
ing- a tourist hote> but is mulling » 
return to the nitery biz. 



54 



Wednesday, July 2, 1941 



OBITUARIES 



IGNACE JAN PADEREWSKI 

Ignace Jan Paderewski, 80, the 
Polish pianist and former premier of 
Poland, died of pneumonia in hia 
New York hotel suite Sunday (29) 
jiight after an Illness of only four 
days. The musician end statesman 
remained conscious until the end. 

According to his personal physi- 
cian, Paderewski had become ex- 
hausted of late due to his efforts to 
raise funds for the rehabilitation 
o( Polish refugees and his starving 
countrymen in the Nazi-dominated 
country. 



RICHARD CARLE 

Richard Carle, 69, former Broad- 
way musical comedy star and later 
character actor in pictures, died 
June 28 at his home in North Holly- 
wood, following a heart attack. . 

Carle died without knowing that 
he had been replaced in his last 
picture by his long-time friend, Wal- 
ter Catlett. He had been stricken 
with a heart attack during the fllm- 
. ing of 'Almost An Angel,' with 
Deanna Durbin and Charles Laugh- 
ton on the Universal lot, and passed 
out a week later, still thinking he 
was a member of the sasX. 

In pictures .. Richard Carle was 
known only as a character actor, 
but in a bygone generation of theatre 
fans he was an outstanding figure in 
straight and musical comedy. His 30 
years of footlight acting covered all 
the prominent theatres from New 
York to San Francisco and to Lon- 
don and back. 

'Born Charles Nicholas Carleton 
In Somerville, Mass., July 7, 1871, he 
would have been 70 if he had lived 
nine days more. His theatrical career 
began in New York, at the Bijou 
theatre, Seot. 20, 1911. playing a bit 
part in 'Niobe.' In the same house 
two years later he was playing his 
first featured role as Worthington 
in 'A Mad Bargain,' followed by 
successively better parts in such 
dramas as 'A Round of Pleasure,' 
•Excelsior, Jr.', The Lady Slavey 
and 'The Greek Slave.' 

Outstanding among his roles is 
Professor Zachary Pettibone in The 
Tenderfoot,' which ran during 1903 
and 1904 on Broadway and on the 
road. 

Among his film roles were comedy 
and character parts in practically all 
the major studios. In London he 
was a member of the Eccentric 
Club; in New York, the Lambs, and 
in his later days in Hollywood an ac' 
tive member In the Masquers, many 
of whom attended the obsequies In 
North Hollywood yesterday (Mon.). 
Remains are on their way to Somer- 
ville, Mass., for burial In the family 
plot. 



Brooklyn, N. Y., before World War I, 
died ;June 26 at his home, in New 
Canaan, Coiln. 

Born in Centerville, la., Spoonet 
was the son of the late Spurgcon 
and Mary Gibbs Spooner, who 
founded the Spooner stock company, 
which trouped in the midwest before 
locating in Brooltlyn in 1901. The 
organization first appeared at the 
old Park theatre, Brooklyn, and later 
moved to the Bijou, a larger house. 
The company also acted at the Fifth 
Avenue, N. Y., and in 1913 Mrs. 
Spooner opened the Cecil Spooner 
theatre. The Bronx, which today is 
a film house in the Loew Circuit. 

A half-sister of Corse Payton, 
matinee idol of the '90's, Spooner's 
mother was for years the only fem- 
inine member of thff New York The- 
atrical Managers' Association. As 
business manager of her troupe she 
enjoyed a fair degree of success in 
presenting such plays as 'When 
Knighthood Was in Flower' and The 
Little Minister.' Her son was long 
a member of the company and be- 
sides doing an acrobatic turn at one 
time was also partner in a vaude 
act known as the Delmar Brothers. 

Surviving are two sisters with 
whom Spooner resided, Edna May 
Spooner and Mrs. Cecil Spooner 
Blaney. Both played leads in the 
company and had been active in le- 
git until recently. 



ARTHUR F: GOODRICH 

Arthur P. Goodrich, 63, playwright 
■nd author, whose biggest success 
was 'Caponsacchi,' which Walter 
Hampden both produced and' in 
which he starred, died of a heart ail- 
ment while asleep In his apartment 
„ at the National Arts Club, New 
York. 

I Dramatized from Robert Brown 
I Ing's 'The Ring and the Book,' 
I 'Caponsacchi* was written by Good- 
; rich in collaboration with Rose A. 
- • Palmer. The play was presented at 
Hampden's own theatre on Broad- 
way in 1926 and received such 
[ critical acclalift that the Theatre 
Club, Inc., awarded it a gold medal 
i as tb-* best play of the 1928-'27 sea 

1 ' ma::, it was also done as an opera 
'i by the Metropolitan in 1937. 
J Goodrich, who began to write 
« plays in 1917, started his career with 
r DouMeday, Page k Co. In 1900. He 
remained with the firm for a year 
^ and then Joined World's Work as 
managing editor. Later, he was as 
■ soclated with the American Maga 
V zine and also toured Europe in 1904 
as a free-lance correspondent. 

A native of New BriUin, Conn,, 
Goodrich wrote a number of novels. 
Including The Lady Without Jewels/ 
The Sign of Freedom,' The Man 
With an Honest Face* and The Bal- 
ance of Power.' Among his other 
plays were his first work, 'Yes or 
No' in 1917; 'So This Is London,' 'The 
Perfect Marriage,' "The Joker,' 'You 
Don't Understand,' The Plutocrat,' 
•Richelieu' and 'I Can't Help It.' 

He leaves three daughters and a 
•ister. His wife, Alice, who was a 
'Bister Of Walter Hampden, died in 
1920. 

ROBERT K. SPOONER 

Robert K. Spooner, 64, retired 
vaude performer and member of the 
Spooner stock company .taqiily>„p, 
repertory organization popular In 



drum In parades, he played later in 
numerous Detroit theatre orches- 
tras. 

In conjunction with his work as a 
musician he also followed his trade 
of hatter, at the time of his death 
operating several stores in Detroit. 
His downtown shop was for many 
years a gathering place for those in 
show business. He leaves his widow, 
Katherine, and a daughter. 



EDWARD J. TINNEYc 
Edward J. 'Big Ed' Tinney, 62, in- 
ternational representative of the 
Stagehands and Motion Picture Op- 
erators union, died June 25 at his 
home in Youngstown, O., of a heart 
attack. 

Tinney was long known as the 
trouble-shooter of the International 
Alliance of Theatrical Stage Em- 
ployees and the Motion Picture Ma- 
chine Operators of the United States 
and Canada. He started as a team- 
ster, later becoming a stagehand 
There was no union at that time, but 
a powerful Theatrical Mechanics As- 
sociation was active, which included 
anybody who was in the entertain 
ment field. 

Stagehands got about $17.50 a week 
and had to hold other jobs to make 
a living. Tinney decided to organize 
the stagehands into their own union, 
and with the help of Charles Sager, 
Charles Dingledy, Charles Proctor, 
William Beach, Pat Tinney, Martin 
C. Hlggins, Gus Lentz, Ed Kurfess 
and Clarence Wise, , all now- dead, 
and many mofe, formed a union 
The idea took hold and Tinney grew 
with the organization. He watched 
wages go from a temporary $17.50 to 
a certain $62.50 a week. 

He leaves two brothers, Jack and 
James, and two sisters. 



25 by hanging in her Beverly Hills 
home. She had been 111. 



JOHN MONROE 

John Monroe, 64, veteran Phila- 
delphia film exhibitor and industry 
pioneer, died at the Abington Hos- 
pital, Jenkintown, Pa., Thursday 
(26) after a short illness. 

Monroe was operator of the Fore- 
paugh's theatre, and was noted for 
his showing of the 'Passion Play' 
each Christmas to tenderloin dere- 
licts, a custom he followed for over 
two decades. At the time of his 
death he was secretary of Tent 13 
of the Variety Club. He was a de- 
scendant of an old circus family. 
Survived by three sons and five 
daughters. 



VERONINE VESTOFF 

Veronine Vestofl, 77, retired ballet 
instructor who once toured with the 
Pavlowa ballet, died June 23 after a 
short illness at the House of Cal 
vary, the Bronx, N. Y. 

Born in Stockholm, Vestoff was 
the son of a ballet master who once 
was associated with the Drury Lane 
theatre, London. After graduating 
from the Imperial Russian Ballet 
School in St. Petersburg, he ap' 
peared with Pavlowa and in 1917 
founded a ballet school in New 
York. 

Surviving are his widow, daugh- 
ter and a sister. 



PETER CONNORS 

Peter Connors, 75, widely known 
throughout- the east as 'Smiling 
Pete,' the guess-your-weight man at 
fairs and expositions, died June 26 
in Canandaigua, N. Y., of a heart ail- 
ment. He had been operating his 
concession nightly at Roseland Park, 
Canandaigua Lake. For many years 
he was at Sea Breeze Park in Roch 
ester. 

Little is known of his family ex' 
cept that he had a son. Jack, be 
lieved to be in show business in 
Troy, N. Y. 



BARRT HARRIS 

Harry Harris, 81, a loan broker In 
Milwaukee for more than 50 years, 
died June 25 at his home in that 
city. He was interested financially 
at different times in various theatre 
and sporting ventures. 

Deceased was a brother of the late 
Charles K. Harris, who authored the 
song, 'After the Ball,' and of the late 
Jee Harris, the Chicago producer. 

Three sisters survive. 



SIDNEY WILHER 

Sidney Wilmer, 65, president of the 
Wilmer tt Vincent circuit, operators 
of some 20 theatres in Pennsylvania 
and Virginia, died June 25 in Mount 
Sinai Hospital, New York, alter a 
long illness. 

Wilmer started his career as 
writer of vaudeville sketches in 1895 
in partnership with Walter Vin 
cent. Besides turning out a number 
of playlets and skits, the team also 
had several full-length comedies to 
their credit. Among them were 'In 
New England' and 'A Stranger in a 
Strange Land,' which opened at the 
Manhattan theatre, N. Y., in 1900. 

Operators of one of, the leadinji^ 



iiitier and Vincent launched 
their chain in 1901 when they took 
over the Majestic, Utica, N. Y. With 
few exceptions most of their houses 
are now on a straight-picture policy. 

Surviving are his widow, Zitelka 
Dolores Wilmer, one-tims Ziegfeld 
girl, and a sister, Mrs. Antoinette 
Wright, of Flushing, L. I. Funeral 
services were held Friday (27) at the 
Little Church Around the Corner. 
N. Y. ■ 

MAURICE G. RANDALL 

Maurice G. Randall, reputedly a 
member of the original WGY Play- 
ers, radio's first dramatic company, 
and actor-miker on various pro- 
grams at the Schenectady, station for 
years, died June 29 at his home in 
Wyantskill, N. Y. Randall was a 
thesp in England before coming to 
the U. S. 

Survived by widow, four daugh- 
ters and a stepson. Funeral serv- 
ices in Troy today (Wednesday). • 



TALI ESEN MORGAN 
Tali Esen Morgan, 84, composer 
and condiictor, father of Oscar Mor- 
gan, Paramount's shorts sales chief, 
died Monday night (30) at his home 
in Asbury Park, N. J. 

Morgan was brought to Ocean 
Grove auditorium. Ocean Greve, 
N. J., In 1910 by Walter Damrosch 
to train a large chorus to sing under 
Damrosch. He remained in charge 
for 17 years. 



CHARLES W. WILSON 

Charles W. Wilson, 77, successively 
a circus ticket man, concessionaire, 
animal trainer and finally Big Top 
sleuth, died June 29 at his home in 
Milwaukee. 

He quit the circus many years ago 
to establish a merchants' police 



Robert L. Darrow, 73, who played 
clarinet in many orchestras in the 
Youngstown, O., district and- for 
years was with Charles Liebman at 
the old Opera House there, died 
June 26 of heart trouble. 



Arthur C. Link, 52, member of 
Rocliester's old Lyceum theatre or. 
chcstra, Rochester Park Band and 
54th Regiment Band, died June 27 
in Rochester, N. Y. For several years 
he had been supervisor of WPA ma 
sical projects in the Rochester area. 

He leaves his father, Charles Link, 
two sisters and a brother. 



Georre P. Yerbeck, 71, chief door- 
man for the Strand theatre, N. Y., 
since the house was opened in 1914, 
died of a heart attack June 30 at his 
home in Floral Park, L. I. Funeral 
services will be held in Newburgh, 
N. Y., today (Wednesday). 



Cantor Joseph' Taabenhans, 81, 

father of Gene Doyle, stage per- 
former, died in N. Y., last week after 
a month's illness,. Widow and 
daughter also survive. 



Robert James Corbett, 49, hotel 
man and well known to film play- 
ers, diied June 24 in Hollywood. 



Bills Next Week 



; Continued from page 4S; 



Onsit 

.Inn Vlllell.l Oro 
.lolin c'onle 
•dm 4'unftrtlo 
.Stll Brailen 
Berry Anne 

I'lne* 

Howard Becker Ore 
Trelon 

4 AcfS 
Max Tarshla 
Flo .Parhrr 
Geurge Weber 

Yaclit Club 
.\rchle T.ir.ihia Ore 
Ou«' Vnn 

Singer Sis I.lne (S) 
£>h:rjey Holler 
Sky-Vne 
Fran Klcliltr Ore 



Union Crill 
Art Tmello 
Krank NalHl« 
Mike .<;andreUo 

Vllln Jlndrld 
Btzl CflVRto Oro 
M.arlc Ijane 
Jon TIo 

Kollette ft Dean* 
.Marcia Wayne 
Harriet Brent 
:1 Jcrltg 

M'ebater Hall 
Billy Merle Ore 

tVeil View Park 
.TImmy Gamble Ore 
.Tny Lorlnc 
Chuck Miller 
Acrlalettee 

'Wlllon* 
Art Farrar Oro 



BOSTON 



i^sMuiian u mercnanis police set«a, ^M&»aiMh«VV' 
•WKStf^^ontacts with show busi- ci^oie^HSi!" 



HENRY KOMROFSKY 

Henry ('Henry the Hatter' and 
'Henry the Drummer Boy') Kom- 
rofsky, 68, former theatre musician, 
■dfed June 26 at his home in De- 
troit. Starting out as a kid with a 



ness up to the last. 

ETTORE CAMPANA 

Kttore Campana, 68, retired oper- 
atic baritone who once toured with 
Enrico Caruso, died June 26 in Los 
Angeles. 

Born in Italy, Campana had sung 
with the 'Metropolitan Opera and be- 
fore retiring some 10 years ago often 
appeared in concerts at the Holly- 
wood Bowl. 

He leaves no immediate survivors. 

CHESTER H. DIDSBURT 

Chester H. Dldsbury, 64, operator 
of the Didsbury theatre, Walden, 
N. Y., died June 28 at St. Luke's 
hospital in that city. The house was 
founded by his father some 40 years 
ago. 

He. leaves his mother and two 
brothers. 

C. A. (FRANK) HOPKINS 

Charles Augustus (Frank) Hopkins, 
49, vet vaudeville performer, died 
June 25 in Newark, O. 



PATRICIA VOGEL 

Patricia Vogel, 32, former screen 
actress [^flrt.Wtr?i)g(^l, wife of Paul 
C. Vogel, cameraman, suicided June 



Benfhconiber 

Harry ^lorrlpsey 
Sandro l>'.\rnAz Oro 
.Tudy Klllniflon 
Van Clronas 
Stanley Fieher 
6 BeachleH 
BuHler Kelm Rev 

llllnitrnb'e 
Karl Rnhdo Oro 
Boyd Hrntlipn 
Mary .lane Brown 
Martin £ Allen 
Claire & Senna Sis 

Cam .Wnnau 
A I Tory Ore 
David Ballentlne 
Faye ThomaM 
Virginia MeKord 3 
CCAn Manana Gla 

CInb Hnylalr 
nanny Weeks Oro 
Bernlf Ilennutt O 
George LIbby Hev 
Mastera & Hollina 
Shirley £ Olsen 
.TImmy Leeds 
June WIetIng 

Club Vnnlty Fnlr 
Kal Nlra Ore 
.Mlplla Kay 
Alk-e Moore 
Jane Rand 

Coeoannt (trove 
Mickey Alport Oro 
Don Rico Oro 
Wally Wanger Rev 
rillly Paine 
Marianne Franeig 
Mata £ Harl 
Charlo ft Dupree 
(Oirlailne Forsyth 
Hasoan. 2d 

(Melody Lounge) 

Marjorle Garretaon 
Herb Lewis 

Crawford IIooM 

nson 



Leonard, Lud Gluskin and Meredith 
Willson. 

Getting the best results in the first 
half were Bob Burns, Connie Bos- 
well, Dick Powell, jQdy Garland 
Orson Welles, Frances Langford' 
Gene Autry, Burns and Allen! 
Handicapped by poor material and 
Improper spotting were Fannie Brice, 
Nelson Eddy, Gary Grant, Rosalind 
Russell, Charles Boyer, Irene Dunne, 
Frank Morgan. Others read short 
speeches. 



New York's Drive 

Every branch of film business and 
allied industries in Greater New 
York will launch a 10-day campaign 
July 7 to raise funds for the United 
Service Organizations. 

Joseph Hazen heads a committee 
representing the picture Industry 
which Includes Austin C. Keough, 
Richard Patterson, W. C. Michel, 
Harry Buckley, Matty Fox, Oscar A. 
Doob, Abe Schneider. On the Allied 
Industry committee are B. S. Moss, 
chairman; SI Fabian, George Skou- 
ras, Herman Bobbins, Harry Brandt, 
Samuel Rinsler. 



Bill Malioney 
Gypsy NInu 
Ralph Janiea 



I'm A nniinds 
Milton George Ore 

Bl-Hnt 
Pete Herman Oro 
Lucille Oroy 
Frank Petty 
lintel Brudford 
(Clr«:us Boom) 
Florence Hallmnn 
llunkle & Lambert 
Hntel CopleT riowi 

(Shrralon Room) 
Stuort Fraslor Ore 
Hotel Kfsrz 

Ernest Hurray Oro 
Billy Kollv 
Jack Manning 
Al Lewis 
victor Donate 
Adelo Corey . 
Rita Hendorson 
Tanya Benga 
Frost & Helene 

Hotel Oardner 
Burl Shaw 
livalyn Harvey 
Hotel Sheraton 

(SIcr Garden) 
Don Dudley Ore 

Hotel Statlcr 

(Cafe Nougo) 
Saivy Cavlccblo On 
Hotel Woatmlnster 

(Root Garden) 
.TImmy UcHnIa Ore 
Harry Drake Rev 
Root Garden Ols 
Charles ft Barbara 
Louis ft Dellta 
Ted Mllford 
Hotel Rita Carleton 

(Rltz Hoof) 
Ted Straeter Ore 
Velero Sis Ore 
Carmen Amaya 
International Casino 

Ralph Porraa Oro 
JACk Fisher 
Tamara Dorlva 
I>arls Abbott 
Lawrence ft B Cook 
Brett ft Toung 



MARRIAGES 

Rhoda Goldberg to Ben Kornz- 
weig, in New York, June 29. GrOom 
is press agent for Sam H. Harris. 

Alice Frost to Wilson M. Tuttle, 
in Bedford Village, N. Y., June 27, 
Bride is star of 'Big Sister' serial 
(CBS); groom is the program's di- 
rector. . 

Norma Heeb to Robin Raymond in 
Las Vegas, Nev., June 25. She is a 
stage actress; he operates an Holly- 
wood nitery. 

Don Lake, of Blackha'wk Valley 
Boys, WOWO, Ft. Wayne, Ind., to 
June Shupe, June 15. 

Gertrude Knotts to J. D. Petty, in 
Springfield, III., June 15. Groom is 
assistant manager for Fox Midwest 
Theatres at Belleville, III. 

Louise Schneider to Herman 
Leising, June 21, in Buffalo. She's 
WBNY, Buffalo, music librarian. 

Maryelaine Pryor to Howard S. 
Melghan, in Scarsdale, N. Y., June 
28. Groom is eastern sales manager 
of Radio Sales, Inc. 

Leila Ernst to Stacy B. Hulse, Jr., 
in New York, June 27. Bride is the 
musical comedy actress. 

Pamela Gordon-Howley to Dr. 
William G. Cahan, in East Dennis, 
Mass.. June 29. Bride is the daugh- 
ter of Gertrude Lawrence, legit star. 

Pcgey Rosenfeld to Eeser E, Gold- 
stein, In Elberon, N. J., recently. 
He's the son of Nathan E. Goldstein, 
president of Western Massachusetts 
theatres. Inc. 

Mrs. Leatrice Bramblett Wright 
to Hal H. Collins, June 26,. in Min- 
eral Wells, Texas. Groom, a hotel 
manager, sponsors and broadcasts 
programs for Crazy Water crystals. 

Virginia Wiener to John Pauker, 
in New York, June 24. Groom, son 
of Dr. Edmond Pauker, play broker, 
is a senior at Yale and active In lit- 
erary affairs there. 

Edith Van Buskirk to Carlton A. 
Weidenhammer, June 29, in Kent, 
.^'Conn. Groom's professionally Carl- 
ton Warren, assistant program man- 
ager and ex-announcer of WOR, 
New York. 

Beatrice McCoy to James Cruze, 
film director, June 30, In Los Angeles. 
It's his fourth try. 



USO Coast Gala 

Continued from page 



and Rodgers Dancers to entertain the 
customers paying 50c to $10 per seat 
roUmg up a gross estimated at $15.- 
000. 

Second half started with a smash 
with soldiers, marines and blue- 
jackets marching on stage with 
drums and bugles. Men in uniform 
backed against the Stars and Stripes 
with a battery of lights Illuminating 
the hills, made an Inspiring spec- 
tacle. 

Nicholas Bros, and Rufe Davis* 
imitations topped the professional 
lineup. Lowe, Stanley & Hite, comic 
hoofers; Miss O'Brien, eccentric 
songstress, ballet and precision 
dancers all socko. Approximately 
5,000 soldiers from camps near here 
were in the audience as guests of 
radio and picture executives who 
looted the ticket bill. Seated on the 
hillside, Carrillo briefly gave them 
the spotlight to resounding applausec 

Music was under direction of Leon 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Nelson, daugh- 
ter, June 14, in New York. Father 
is announcer at NBC, New York. 

Is NBC maintenance engi- 



Father 
neer. 

Mr. and Mrs. 'Kenneth Bemis, son, 
In Glendale, Cal., June 23. Father Is 
former stage dancer (Billy and Bev- 
erly Bemis). 

Mr. and Mrs. Edmund A. Chester, 
daughter, June 26, in New York. 
Father is director of shortwave and 
Latln-A.merican broadcasts for CBS. 

Mr. and Mrs. Alan Parker, son, in 
Albany, June 20. He's conductor of 
WTRY 'Alarm Clock', and other pro- 
grams, and formerly was at WG'V, 
WSYR and WNBX. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Garrlgus, son, 
in Boston, June 26. Father is an- 
nouncer at WEEI, Boston. 
, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Mallory, daugh- 
ter, in Lawrence, Mass., June 22. 
Father is program director of 
WLAW, Lawrence. 

Mr, and Mrs. Jules Yale, son, June 
25, in Hollywood. Father Is staff 
artist for Daily Variety. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Carlson, son, 
in Hollywood, June 27. Father is a 
screen actor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kennedy, 
daughter, June 18, in Cincinnati. 
Father is radio editor of the Cincy 
Post. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Johnson, 
son, JunaiSl] in iC}inelnnati/j Partker 
is an announcer on WCKY, Clncy. 



Wednesday, Jaly 2, 1941 



55 



PM's $22,000 Daily Red 



;CoBtlBa«< fiem pace 1; 

tactora in 



the tall, lean and graying publisher 
of the paper that, because of its 
advertisineless policy, ^ price and 
scores of editorial innovations, has 
caused more Fourth Estate discus- 
sion and conjecture than probably 
anything in the past 100 years. Cost 
of weekly operation, IngersoU said, 
Is about $46,000, with hicome amount- 
ing to $24,000 a wedc. 

Sheet's circulation currently is 
about 90,000, IngersoU asserted in 
tracing sales- to the present from 
the 370,000 figure hit the first day, 
June is; 1040. Low, be declared. 
Was totiched last August when circu- 
lation fell to 40,000. 

Recent daily high registered by the 
paper was 106,300 two weeks ago. 
Average for that week was 99,800. 
That was during the period when 
Carl Wall's material from Germany 
and Robert Neville's and Ernest 
Hemingway's from the Far East was 
apoearing. 

Paradoxically, the balding pub- 
lisher disclosed, CoL Cliarles A. Lind- 
bergh—whom the paper has attacked 
more ^dously and more consistently 
than any other individual — may be 
responsible for ifs being alive to- 
day. Jt was the publication on the 
front page of an editorial denounc- 
ing the Nazi tendencies of the flier 
that switched PM's circulation curve 
from south to north. 

Needs M5,«M a Day 
Although* the tabloid-size daily 
needs 20S,00a subscribers to break 
even, IngersoU estimates, he's whist- 
ling hopefuUy because 'every circu- 
lation peak is a bit higher tlian the 
previous one and every trough is not 
quite so deep as the last' 

MarshaU Field, m, who came to 
PM's rescue last fall by buying 
majority ownerdiip when the paper 
appeared headed for -a - pass-out, is 
delighted with the results, Inger- 
soU declared. ISiere's no danger of 
Field tiring of the losses and folding 
the sheet as long as he feels tiiat 
progress toward self-sufficiency is 
being made, said the publisher. 

'Mr. Field compares PM in some 
ways with the PliiUiarxnonic Orches- 
tra,' he explained. ' "No one thinks 
of disbanding the Philharmonic 
merely because it doesn't now sup- 
port itself nor never has. Mr. Field 
feels FM is somewhat in the same 
category, although he nevertheless 
wants if to show a profit When it 
does he has indicated he will turn its 
ownership over ta its employes.' 

PM's losses -of approximately 
$1,000,000 a year at the present rate 
don't amount ~to that much to Field, 
IngersoU pointed out, inasmuch as 
about (850,000 of that sum would be 
spent for taxes anyway. IngersoU 
said he -had never heard Field men- 
tion anything about rumors that the 
business of the MarshaU Field store 
in Chicago, of which he is second 
largest stockholder, had suffered be- 
cause of .PM's liberal policy. 

IngersoU himself 'lost everything 
I own'-^ome $50,000 — in PM. In ad- 
dition, be took approximately a 33% 
cut in drawing account when he 
started PM from the salary he was 
receiving as an executive of Time- 
Life-Fortune. 

IncersoU's Biggest Error 
His greatest error, he feels, was to 
bring the paper out with insuffi- 
cient preparation. 'It's like a theatri- 
cal production,' be said. 'A pro- 
ducer can put on a show after the 
second week that needs six weeks of 
rehearsal. It wiU flop. That doesn't 

the producer should have postponed 
his opening night That's what we 
should have done.' 

Thing that most necessitated a de- 
lay and was the greatest obstacle to 
PM's survival was suburban distri- 
_ button. There are .52 agencies han- 
■ ■dllhgatt the'N'eW 'york pap'eVs in a 
joint circulation setup to cover 
Westchester, Long Island, Jersey and 
other surrounding territories. These 
agents had aU been lined up- to add 
PM to their lists when, two weeks 
before publication, they suddenly 
and mysteriously withdrew. 

The only alternative was for PM 
to establish a distributing system of 
its own, which it did in the two 
weeks. It made eU sorts of loans to 
Individuals to buy trucks and other- 
wise go Into the business of handling 
the paper. System was described by. 
IngersoU as 'fantastically inefficient 
and fantasticaUy expensive.'- It also 
pulled IngersoU out of the editorial 
department and into circulation de- 
tail diu-lng the crucial early weeks 
of PM. 

After nine months of' this Indie 
distribution, the "established agents 
changed their minds' and agreed to 
handle PM with the rest of the pa- 
pers.- iThat was«B©-of the prlneipal 



bringing weekly 
down from |4?,000 to $22,000, In- 
gersoU said. 

New York distribution was and 
still is a major headache also, added 
the publisher. - Each New York 
newsstand is carefuUy divided up by 
an agreement among the papers. 
Every, daily gets the same spot, fac- 
ing in' the same direction on every 
stand every day. If a dealer prefers 
the. Post to the Sun and tries to 
move it to a better position, the 
Post's own circulation man will 
make him put it back in order not 
to disturb the' peaceful' status quo. 

There has been a vacant space 
available on ttie stands, however, 
ever since the Graphic folded. PM 
tried to obtain , that but has been 
consistenUy squelched. As a result, 
it must hang at the back of stands, 
with the magazines. How that hurts 
circulation Is evident l^y the propor- 
tion to sales on subway platforms, 
whose stands -are not subject to the 
placement agreement 

Other New York daiUes originally 
feared PM, .IngersoU stated, despite 
its policy of not accepting advertis- 
ing, because they thought that a gag 
that would last only untU a strong 
circulation was reached. 

No Advertisiiig — Ever— 
There's no chance in the world 
of our taking advertising,' IngersoU 
asserted. 

Publisher admits the sheet was far 
too overpublicized before publica- 
tion. That wasn't so much by de- 
sign, he said, as by lack- of knowl- 
edge of how columnist space and 
free radio>pIu^s were going to snow- 
ball. The worst result of the excess 
of pubUcity lias never been made 
public befo're. That ^as Its effect on 
local distribution and the creation of 
UI wiU during the first two weeks of 
the paper's Ufe that has never been 
lived down, IngersoU asserted. 

pM, it wiU be recalled, .put on a 
pre-publication mail circulation 
campaign. Results were 'four times 
more successful than the best re- 
sults of similar fnTnpniprK^ consid- 
ered highly gratifying at Time mag- 
azine. Arrangements .were then 
made with hundreds o{ newsdealers 
to leave PM on the doorsteps of the 
people who I^d signed up and col- 
lect the fees '- at the end of each 
week. ' Expected sales (150,000) the 
flrst days were so far exceeded, 
however, that it was Impossible to 
deliver any papers at all to some 
dealers, while the -others fotmd they 
could sell as many as they received 
right off the stands so speedUy 
there was no sense going to the 
trouble of delivering them. 

'Thus, the overpubUcIty resulted in 
all the money spent on the mail 
campaign being wasted,' IngersoU 
declared, 'but that was only a minor 
matter compared with the annoy- 
ance of subscrit>ers who couldn't ob- 
tain the paper they had.been prom- 
ised.' 

Big bi D. C. 

PM's Washington circulation, In- 
gersoU maintains, is larger than that 
of all other New York dailies, in- 



cluding the Times, combined. Pub- 
lisher's visit to England during the 
winter and the. resultant articles ac- 
counted for an .Increase of 50,000 in 
circulation, jumping it from 80,000 to 
130,000. Four members of the stall 
later were sent to various parts of 
the world to gather rnaterial, the 
idea being tor each of them to return 
home on a successive week, each 
thus giving a hypo to sales, Inger- 
soU disclosed. 

Scheme didn't work as planned, 
though, for transportation difficul- 
ties made -it impossible to bring 
them to New York on schedule. 
What happened was that they aU 
came back within a week, piling the 
crowded 32-page paper with every- 
thing at once, although accounting 
for the recent circulation peak. 

•We're not at all sure yet that PM 
has achieved the proper combina- 
tion,' declared IngersoU. 'Our flrst 
big cUck was our food pages, teUing 
women what is currently best and 
what is- cheapest. Our digest of ad- 
vertising in other papers we found 
to be a flop and we've substituted a 
comparative shopping service to 
help people save money. That 
seems to be working better. Whether 
the page we devote to listing films 
at all New York theatres is worth 
that space is now "a matter of 
debate.' 

The one thing IngersoU Is sure 
of is that the paper Is 'too grim'; 
that it takes itseU too seriously. 

'We must learn how to be intense 
without being so dead serious,' he 
declared. 'We're endeavoring to ta)ce 
steps In that direction.' 



H'wood's Oaiz: 'Can You Sing?' 



sContinDed from pace 



Havana PH Folds 

Havana, July 1. 

Havana PM, English language aft 
emoon daily, - which bore no rela- 
tionship 'other than name to the New 
York PM, folded after a year and a 
day on June 18. Martin Arostegui, 
editor and publisher, is married to 
the former Kathlieen VanderbUt, the 
reported backer of the paper. Vari- 
ous estimates place year's losses 
between $50,000 and $75,000. 

The Arosteguis now plan to jour- 
ney to Washington and from there 
on an extendi tour of South Amer- 
ica. 

A O. Rodriguez, former manag- 
ing editor, plans to carry on with re- 
duced staff and finances. 



B'way Beefs 




jContUmcd from pace 1; 



the absence of laughs also detracts 
from their enjoyment of the Show. 
. In this connection, some people 
famiUar with the situation believe 
that HoUywood names, after sitting 
through a dull performance of a 
play that had been highly touted 
In advance, are unaware that th6 
same show may have drawn much 
better response the previous night 
and may do- so again the following 
one, when a normal, non-celeb au- 
dience is in the house. In such in- 
stances, the visitors are apt to re- 
turn to the Coast with reports that 
such-and-such Broadway shows are 
over-rated and that New York crit- 
ics and audiences are pushovers. 



singing ability to any of the musicals 
on the schedule. Miss Blair joins a 
list made up of Rita HayworUi, now 
co-starring with Fred Astalre in 
'You'll Find Out,' and gives her the 
rare opportunity to display dancing 
talent, which flrst got her Into pic- 
tures. Ann. Miller, capable of both 
singing and dancing, wiU do several 
for Columbia during the year. Penny 
Singleton, lately better known for 
her 'Blondie' characterizations, has a 
special musical coming up in addi- 
tion to the cartoon strip series. 

Among the properties slated for 
production at Columbia, both musi- 
cals and romantic dramas with 
music, are 'Pal Joey,' 'My Sister Ei- 
leen," 'Eadie Was a Lady,' The 
Things They Do in Rio,' 'But Beau- 
tiful,' 'Synthetic Lady' and an un- 
titled Argentine musical. 

Metro, of course, has the stout bul- 
wark of such musical talent as Jean- 
ette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy, Elea- 
nor Powell, Judy Garland, Mickey 
Rooney, Ann Sothern and George 
Murphy, to carry the main part of 
any load in a tunefilm. But even 
this lot has made a serious effort to 
bolster its featured player list with 
people who can contribute some 
form of acceptable talent to musical 
produclons. Bright among these is 
the newcomer, Kathryn Grayson. 
Metro Well Stocked 

John Carroll has had few chances 
-to tipe his melodic chords, but plans 
are In the making to give him an 
opportunity to carry a singing lead, 
a spot he has not had since appear- 
ing in Monogram's 'Rose of the Rio 
Grande' several year's ago, and which 
helped him win his Metro pact. Dan 
Dailey, Jr., 'Virginia Grey, Jackie 
Horner, Ray McDonald, Douglas Mc- 
Phail, 'Virginia O'Brien, Connie Rus- 
sell, Red Skelton, Richard Quine are 
a few more who have had experi- 
ence in some form of Uve endeavor 
that makes them adaptable to film 
musicals. Tony Martin is available 
for vocaUziqg. Rags Ragland and Red 
Skelton head the comedy talent list 
and Rise Stevens' grand opera abU- 
Ity is another edge that Metro has 
in picking the large and sm'aU mem- 
bers for musicals. 

Paramount also claims to hold a 
good portion of the cream of comedy 
and musical talent' with -a roster in- 
cluding Ring Crosby, Bob Hope, 
Mary Martin, Dorothy Lamour. 
Looking further on its contract list 
are found every range of singing 
voice with, as usual, the femmes pre- 
dominating. Fred Astalre has a pic- 
ture to do for the company.' AUan 
Jones and Phil Regan are available 
for practlcaUy any type of musical 
assignment. Alberto ViUa Is a new- 
comer from Argentina under con- 
tract who wUl have his chance In 
two special musicals. The Gentle- 
man from Buenos Aires' and 'Hula 
Honeymoon.' O^ the feminine side, 
In addition to Miss Lamour and Miss 
Martin, studio has swelled the danc- 
ing and singing talent list over the 
past few months with actresses like 
Constance Moore, Lillian Cornell, 
Betty Brewer, Betty RhodesT Cass 
Daley, Betty Hutton, Patricia Mori- 
son, Virginia Dale, Ellen Drew, Mar- 



Advance Production Chart 



(Continued from page 22) 



.rr^.^^p^ir^'M^^'^^^r^mm. 

Frank McHugh. Eve Arden, Joyce Compton. 

DIVE BOMBER, drama (In Technicolor); asso. prod., 
Robert Lord; dir., Michael Curtiz; story by Com. Frank 
Wead; screenplay. Com. Frank Wead and Robert Buck- 
ner; camera, Bert Glennon and Wenton Hock. Cast: 
Errol Flynn,. Fred MacMurcay, Ralph Bellamy, Regis 
Toomey, Robert Armstrong, Louis Jean Heydt Cliff 
Nazarro, Craig Stephens, Garet Craig, James Anderson. 
' .FUGHT FATBOL;" dfarha;' assoc. prod, Eldmund 
Grainger; dir., Lothar Mendes; screenplay, Leonard 
Hoffman and Barry Trivers; camera, James Van Trees. 
Cast: Ronald Reagan, James Stephenson, William Lun- 
digan, Olympe Bradna, Eddie Foy, Jr., Reginald Denny, 
Charles Irwin, Crauford Kent. 

BULLETS FOB O'HABA, drama; asso. prod., William 
Jacobs; dir., WiUIam K. Howard; orig. by Abem Finkel 
and Harold Buckley; screenplay, Raymond Schrock. 
Cast: Joan Perry, Roger Pryor, Anthony Quinn, Dick 
Purcell, Maris Wrixson, Richard AInsley, Roland Drew, 
Joe King, Joan Winfleld, DeWolf Hopper, Sidney 
Bracy, . Victor Zimmerman, Kenneth Harlan, Frank 
Mayo, Hank Mann, Jack Mower, Lea Balrd. 

NAVY BLUES, drama (41-42); asso. prod., Jerry 
Wald and Jack Saper; dir., Lloyd Bacon; orig., Sam 
Perrin and Arthur T. Horman; screenplay, Jerry Wald 
and Richard Macauley; camera, Tony (^audio. Cast: 
Ann Sheridan, Jack Oakle, Martha Raye, IMdie Albert, 
Jack Haley, Jack Carson, Jack Gleason, Frank Orth, 
Edward Gargan, Tom Dugan, Maris Wrixson, Jean 
Ames, Mary Brodel. 

THE SMILING GHOST, drama (41-42); asso. prod., 
Edmund Grainger; dir., Lew Seller; screenplay, Ken 
Garnet and Wilbur M. Beatty; camera, Arthur Todd. 
Cast; Wayne Morris, Brenda MarshaU, David Bruce, 
Richard Ainley, Willie Best- Helen Westley, Lee Pat- 
ri(!k, Alan Hale, Alexii Smith, Roland Drew, (Charles 
Halfore-J-'O'j? >.c.- •■>• i 5;mi..(.£ i i i-i.;"- ' 



tha O'Drlscoll, June Preisser, Su- 
sanna Foster, Pri^ciUa Lane, Donna 
Drake and others who can turn a 
neat trick In singing, dancing or 
comedy, plus abUity to handle 
straight assignments. 

With such a roster of talent and 
B. G. DeSylva as production chief, 
it Is logical to assume music"-vnll 
play a big part on the company's 
new season program. In the lineup 
are 'Louisiana Purchase,' 'Birth of 
the Blues,; 'Glamour Boy,' (semi- 
musical), 'Sing a Song of Homicide,' 
The Fleet's In,' "Lady in the Dark,' 
Tex Guinan,' 'Holiday Inn,' 'Show- 
boat Sal' and The Road to Morocco.' 

RKO has Ginger Rogers, but it is 
unlikely that this star will do any- 
thing but drama or comedy drama 
for her commitments on the lot 
Even without Miss Rogers' top mu- 
sical services, studio is well-suppUed 
with others to take care of any such 
assignments on its new-season pro- 
gram. Lucille Ball does both comedy 
and dancing, plus having vocal abU- 
Ity. Phyllis Brooks, after her recent 
Broadway chores, will prove capable 
of aiding a musical cast Maureen 
O'Hara, Signe Hasso, Lupe Velez, 
DesI Amaz, Leon ErroU, Alberto 
Villa (one picture a year). Buddy 
Ebsen and possibly Ray Bolger will 
be able to fill practically all de. 
mands. Preparing in the musical field 
are 'The Band Played On' and 'Four 
Jacks and a Queen,' with others to 
follow. 

Bring On the Tunefllms 

Republic has gathered together a 
musical crew to appear in such pic- 
tures as 'Argentine HoUday,' 'Navy 
Blue Eyes,' 'Gobs in Blue' -and 'Slap 
Happy.' Comedy, vocal or dancing 
talent are the specialties of Carol 
Adams, Leni Lynn, Judy Canova, 
Mary Lee, Lois Ranson, Marilyn 
Hare, Ray Middleton, Dorothy Lewis 
(an ice skating dancer), Jane Frazee, 
Eddie Foy, Jr, Betty Kean, WUUam 
Shirley and June Johnson. In ad- 
dition. If necessary, studio could 
raid its rank of film cowpokes for 
musical speciaUties. 

20th-Fox plans to continue its mu- 
sical pace during the ne\y year and 
has made available by contracts a 
number of lesser known but talented 
players, with something special to 
offer in a filmusicaL Chi^ among 
the new signees are Jan Clayton and 
Janis Carter. Among the other 
players 20th-Fox can choose such reg- 
ulars as Joan Davis, Charlotte Green- 
wood, Carole Landis, Elena Verdugo, 
Jane Withers and Cobina Wright 
Jr., all of wh6m can switeh to tune- 
fllms without trouble, and wiU prob- 
ably be in the biUing of 'Weekend 
In Havana,' 'Cadet Girl,' 'Song of Vae 
Islands,' 'Bowery Nightingale,' 'Right 
to the Heart,' 'Song and Dance Man,' 
'Man Alive' and 'My Gal Sal,' along 
with such musical regulars as Betty. 
Grable, AUce Faye, Don Ameche, 
Carmen Miranda, Jack Oakie, Milton 
Berle, Stanley Clements, Jack Haley, 
John Payne and Nicholas Bros. 

Vnlvernl, 'WB Husloals 

Universal has Bud Abbott and Lou 
Costello as its top comedy stars, 
slated for «t least three musical 
comedies during the coming season. 
Studio's contract list gives It ample 
choice for a selection of names to ap- 
pear both with the comedy team and 
in other tuneful productions on its 
program: The Andrews Sisters, 
Merry Macs, Carol Bruce, Jane 
Frazee, Gloria Jean and Buteh and 



LAW OP THE TROPICS, formerly KING BUBBEB, 

drama (41-42); asso. prod., Ben Stoloff; dir., Ray En- 

Marls, Regis Toomey, Roland Drew, Hobart Bosworth, 
Frank Puglla. 



NINE LIVES ABE NOT ENOUGH, meller; (41-42); 
asso. prod., William Jacobs; dir., A. Edward Suther- 
land; screenplay, Fred Niblo, Jr.; camera, Ted McCord. 
C^: Ronald Regan, Joan Perry, Howard da Silva, 
Peter Whitney, Faye Emerson, Charles Drake, James 
Gleason, Edward Brophy, Cliff Clark, Billy Dawson, 
Tom Stevenson, Vera Lewis, Walter Soderling, Ben 
Weldon, Paul Phillips. Howard Hickman, Olaf Hytten, 
Eddie (Chandler, John MaxweU. , 

Warner Pictures In Frodnction 
THE MALTESE FALCON (41-42), drama; asso. prod., 
Henry Blanke; dir., John Huston; screenplay by John 
Huston; camera, Arthur Edeson. Cast: Humphrey 
Bogart Mary Astor, Gladys George, Peter Lorre, Lee 
Patrick, Barton MacLane* Ward Bond, Sidney Gransted, 
Jerome Cowan, 'James Burke. 

NEW ORLEANS BLUES (41-42), musical-drama; 
asso. prod., Henrv Blanke; dir., Anatole Litvak; screen- 
play, Edwin Gilbert, Robert Rossen, Harold Arlen, 
I Johnny Mercer; play by Edwin Gilbert; camera, Ernest 
Heller. Cast: PrIscUla Lane, Richard Wh'ort Betty 
Field, Lloyd Nolan, Jack Carson, Peter Whitney, Wally 
Ford, Billy Halop, Ella Razita, Joyce Compton, George 
Lloyd, Charles Wilson, Herbert Hayworth, WiUlam 
Gillisple, Matt McHugh, Ann Edmunds. 

ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN (41-42), drama; asso. prod., 
Robert Lord; dir., Irving Rapper; screenplay, Casey 
Robinson, Abem Finkel, Harry Chandlee, Ralph Block; 
camera, Charles Rosher. Cast: Fredric March, Martha 
Scott Elisabeth Eraser, Carlotta Jelm, Frankie Thomas, 
Casey Johnson, Ernest Cossart Elizabeth Risdpn, 
Roscoe Ates, Fred Kelsey, Hobart Bosworth, Olln 
HOwland, L«ah Balrd, Gene Lockhart, Paula Tfueman, 
CWA' Blanditki;"-' ' ' ' I . • ' '•• ■ ' ■ '" [ " 



particular type oi: romantic musicals 
and Irene Dunne is adaptable for 
either drama or musical. 

Warners claims two film new- 
comers, Diana Jeanne, six years old, 
and Gloria Warren, 15, both of whom 
are slated for special treatment to be 
built into musical names. Among its 
featured players are a goodly sprink- 
ling of the ^musically-talented to fit 
handily into such pictures as 'Carni- 
val in Rio,' 'Navy Blues,' 'Young and 
Beautiful,' 'New Orleans Blues,' and 
'Courage' (seml-muslcal). These in- 
clude Herbert Anderson, Willie Best, 
Mary Erode], Julie Bishop, (Georgia 
Carroll, Jack Carson, Charles Drake, 
Jackie Gleason, WlUiam Orr. In the 
star brackets are James Cagney, Ann 
Sheridan, PrlscIUa Lane, Deimla 
Morgan, all adaptable to such assign* 
ments. 

Combing of night clubs, radio and 
other fields where such talent might 
be found Is continuing strong as the 
studios seek more versatility in 
players before handing out term 
contracts. 



- Faith Bacon doing a week at Don- 
ovan's Club, Sacramento, Cal:, after 
a mild sesh at Joe MerUo's Club 

Mfldrt-ne. 'F*lsco; ' *-<"" < - * 
'I i; -iIi'i.M, v.'i.. I, -.-iK'i*!; 



Wednesday, July 2. 1941 




Thereafter, twice daily. 
The production will also 
play on a reserved seat, 
limited engagement 
policy in a number c 
carefully-selected rood 
show houses through 
out the country. 



IVarner Bros. 

■■■■A \ 



Pres^^piWbrlji 




- 1 ^-^.-^ 





SCREEN 



RADIO 




STAGE 



Pobllifaed Ws^fcly at 1(4 W«st 46th Street, New York, N, t„ by Variety, Inc. Annual aubacrlptlon, tlO. Single copies 35 eanta. 
Bnterad aa Sacond-claaa matter December 22,' 1>06, at the Post Office at New York, N T., under the act o( March I, tS79. 
COPTBIOnT, 1941, BX VABIETT, INC. AIX BIGHTS RESERVED 



yOL. 143 NO. 5 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1941 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



LOW COMICS UP FILM BIZ 



Bobby Crawford Iho Ran $2,000,000 
Into a Shoestring' Takes Bkptcy. Bath 



Bobby Crawford, the former music 
publisher who has been described by 
Broadway wags as the fellow who 
ran $2,000,000 down to a shoestring, 
last week filed a petition in banl<- 
ruptcy with the N. Y. federal court. 
The petition, which stated that Craw- 
ford was currently unemployed, gave 
his liabilities as $453,365 and assets, 
$250. Latter consisted of clothes, etc. 
For the past year Crawford has had 
a small interest in the Broadway 
production, 'Separate Rooms,' which?- 
he's billed as 'presenting.' 

In the latter 20's Crawford had 
•pectacular success In the music 
business. His firm, DeSylva, Brown 
& Henderson, accounted for one' 
smash song hit after another. In 1929 
he. Max Dreyfus and pthers or- 
ganized a syndicate of publishing 
firms, consisting of DeS, B & H, 
Remlck, Harms, Inc., T. B. Harms, 
Shubert Music Corp., Famous Music 
Corp. and New World Music Corp., 
which they sold to Warner Bros., 
lor alrhost $9,000,000. Crawford's 
•hare of the selling money was $1,250,- 
OOO. Besides that he had at the time 
around $800,000 in cash and securi- 
(Continued on page 55) 



Use M-G 'Ah WOderness' 
To Snbmit L Barrymore 
As DuPont Radio Idea 



B, B. D. & O. agency made use 
Monday (7) of a six-year-old Metro 
ploture to audition Lionel Barry- 
more In the role of the father 
In Eugene O'Neill's 'Ah Wilderness' 
before a Du Pont advertising group 
In Wilmington, Del. It the radio 
yaraion .pf 'Wilderness' gets the 
Du Pont-okay-it-WiB-go-lntj-fJie 
'American Cavalcade' spot on CBS 
Aug. 15, and on a 26-week guar- 
antee. 

For the agency to make a special 
recorded audition it would cost 
around $1,500. Some one in the 
agency recalled that Barrymore did 
a film version of the play for Metro 
In 1935, and the producer's 'New 
York distributing branch was found 
to have still on hand a print of the 
feature. 



POST-MORTEM HEADLINER 



Suicided Showgirl (1937) Billed at 
62d St. Bistro 



Fiftysecond street niteries, as well 
as other Broadway spots, have been 
frequently known to post photos out 
front of gal entertainers who are 
supposed to be working there but 
have never set foot in the joint, and 
who usually do not know their plx 
are being used. 

Bottom is currently being touched 
m bad taste on this kind of thing, 
however, with one 52d street spot 
^ing a glossy of Adelaide Hughes, 
Ziegfeld and Paradise showgal who 
committed suicide Aug. 20, 1937. 



Help Wanted-Wow! 



Singles, doubles, especially com- 
edy and novelty turns suitable for 
broadcasting, are sought by Nate 
Tufts of the RuthraufI & Ryan ad- 
vertising agency in New York. He's 
the booker for the Rinso-Spry 
vaudeville show on NBC Saturday 
mornings at 11:30- starting this week. 

It's the best offer the 'Palace beach' 
has heard this summer. 



PORTABLE SETS 
BANNED BY 
N.Y.YANKS 



Radio sets are now barred from 
the Yankee Stadium. New York 
Yankees management issued the ban 
Sunday (6) in the expressed belief 
that those who come to see the Yan- 
kee games don't want to be annoyed 
by the booming from a nearby radio 
set of the game which is being 
played at the same time by the 
Brooklyn Doijgers or some other 
team. Arrangements have been 
made for the checking of sets at the 
ballpark gates. 

No similar action has been taken 
by the N. Y. Giants management, but 
in the matter of public policies one 
team usually follows the other. 

Portables have been banned at 
college football games for two years. 



HBBOTT-COSTELLO 
SET NEW CYCLE 



Ticket - Buyers Taking to 
Broad, Physical Slapstick 
— Olsen-Johnson, Ragland, 
Skelton Poised for Assault 
on Risibilities 

ESCAPIST TONIC 



Hollywood, July 8. 

Hollywood has spun the wheel 
again and come up with a new-old 
cycle. This time its the re-glorifica- 
tion on celluloid of the prattfall, pie- 
throwing, blank-cartridge pistol 
shooting type of physical comedy to 
supplant the tiring era of sophisti- 
cated, drawing room didoes. And 
the film capital is hoping that the 
return to Mack Sennett days, when 
every type of personal accident was 
built up to a belly laugh, will be the 
panacea for boxoffice ailments. 

Two Bud Abbott-Lou Costello pic- 
tures for Universal, 'Buck Privates' 
and 'In the Navy,' are probably 
directly responsible for the new turn 
of story and talent" events at the 
studios. Now every film factory is 
eyeing again the possibilities of slap- 
stick comics, either singly or in pairs, 
(Continued on page 55) 



LaGnardia Airport's 
Great Showmanship 
A New 6.0. Headache 



It's Gobs of Fun for Gobs 
But Their Trained White 
Mice Panic the Theatres 



Halifax, N. S., July 8. 
White mice provide a new prob- 
lem for exhibs who are located at 
Atlantic ports — as if they didn't have 
enough to worry about, with the 
20% war tax. 

Merchant and naval sailors have 
found something original in amuse- 
(Continued on page 55) 



5 FILM STARS DONATE 
RADIO COIN TO CHINESE 



Hollywood, July 8. 

Fiv.e film stars, slated for appear- 
ances on the Lux radio show next 
fall, are donating their salaries, 
ranging from $2,000 to $4,000, to 
United China Relief. 

Players are Ginger Rogers, Rosa- 
lind Russell, Loretta Young; John 
Garfield and Pat O'Brien. 



By GEOBGE McCALL 

Surprising the amount of enter 

ouardia Airport, jN. X/ fernaps 
Broadway never gets over there but 
a lot of other people do. Some 
35,000 spend part of Sunday there. 

The airport is quite an attraction. 
One of the best buys in New York. 
They come by bus, on foot, by auto 
and in chauffeured livery. For a 
buck you can have quite a day of it 
with a little excitement tossed in and 
the added attraction of a suntan. 

There's a lot of showmanship 
about the place. \l you have an 
extra quarter or two, there are a 
flodt of places to drop them. For 
insrance if you're aviation-minded 
you will not leave the place without 
some ornament to adorn your lapel. 
When you get thirsty, there are sev- 
eral bars, prices to suit your purse. 
Same for food. 
If you don't mind a sharp glance 
(Continued on page 63) 



Estimates on Paderewsid s 40rYear 
Earnings From $3,500,000-$5,000,000 



OK for Vodka Again 



Philadelphia, July 8. 

Dick Mayer, manager of the StAi- 
dio, arty ' downtown fllmer^ has 
received scores of letters from pa- 
trons asking him to again show 
Soviet films, barred from the house 
since the Communazi pact. 

For the first time since the fateful 
summer of 1930, the night cliib sing- 
ers are giving out with 'Orchi Chor- 
nia,' 'Bublitchki' and other Riiss pop 
tunes. 



LASKY CLOSES 
MARK TWAIN 
FUMBIOG 



With 'Sergeant York,-' off to a big 
start at the Astor, N.' Y., on a two- 
a-day basis, Jesse L. Lasicy is re- 
turning to Hollywood tomorrow 
(Tiiurs,), having completed during 
his stay in New York final negotia- 
tions for all rights to film a story 
on the life of Mark Twain. 'It was 
through Lasky's tenacity over a pe 
riod of years that he finally per- 
suaded Sgt. Alvin C. York to sur- 
render to a commercial version of 
his World War exploits. Film was 
produced at the Warner Bros, studio 
(Continued on page 18) 



Clara Bow's Short Comeback 

Clara Bow makes her first film 
appearance in nine years soon in 
'Hedda Hopper's Hollywood,' short. 

Former 'it' girl has been leading a 
quiet married life in California since 
retiring shortly after the arrival of 
talking pictures. Her husband Is 
Rex Bell, former film player. 



Causes Stranding Of 
Troupe of 31 in A. C. 



Atlantic City, July 8. 
Frau Bridget Hitler, sister-in-law 
of the Nazi Fuehrer, walked out on 
a waiting audience Friday night (4) 
at Convention Hall and left a troupe 
of 31 girl musicians and singers 
stranded and sitting on their suit- 
cases outside the hall for six hours. 
Frau Hitler was billed for two-day 
(Continued on page 32) 



NIJINSKY, RECOVERED, 
NOW IN BUDAPEST 



Vaslav Nijinsky, fabled 'greatest 
dancer of all time,' has arrived In 
Budapest from Berne, Switzerland, 
accompanied by his wife, Romola. 
He was long in an insane asylum 
there, but reported now much bet- 
ter. 

They are staying with Mrs. Nijin- 
sky's mother, Emilia Markus, former 
actress. 



Death of. Ignace Jan Paderewski 
last week not only ended one of the . 
greatest 'artistic careers of all time, 
but brought to A close one of the ' 
most successful 'boxo&ice records 
ever known ip the concert or enter- 
tainment businesses. Besides his 
phenomenal popUlarify,_ the Polish 
pianist had one of the longest active 
careers in show business' history^ 
Universally recognized as the world's 
greatest tiianist Inf 1890, at the age of 
31, Paderewski sflU held *that posi- 
tion in the early 1930'!^, 6n unprece- 
dented span of 40 years' supremacy. 

Although estimates are admittedly 
difficult in his case, Paderewski is 
figured to have- earned somewhere 
between $3;50a,000 and $5,000,000 
from concerts during 35 active sea- 
sons spread Civer a span, of 50 years. 
Few artists in any line have ever 
earned so much. Possibly sUch 'in- 
ternational draws as Sir Harry 
Lauder, Sarah Bernhardt, John 
McCormack, Jenny Lind- or Lusia 
Tetrazzlni piled up.totals somewhere 
approximating that amount, but 
those are merely guesses. 

Of course latter-day Jolsons and 
Cantors, with partnerships in tjieir- 
stage productions, plus radio; and the 
Chaplin-Pickford-Fairbanks school of 
(Continued on page 22) 



Cantor's Career Set 
As B'way Legiter, 
Also May Be Fihned 



Hollywood, July 8. 
Eddie Cantor's long career in show 
business will be dramatized in 'Banjo 
Eyes,' a musical to be staged on 
Broadway in the fall and converted 



as star a'nd co-producer, with AI 
Lewis al^b in on the producing end. 

United Artists Is Interested in the 
filming and Gene Fowler is being 
sounded out by Cantor to put the ac- 
tor's career into dramatic form. Idea 
is to stage the play for six months, 
starting in October or November, 
and shift it to Hollywood for the 
spring shooting season. 



LOG ROLLERS FOR PARTY 



Odd Bequest By Detroit Nabob to 
WCCO Artists Bnreaa 



Minneapolis, July 8. 

Most unusual talent request ever 
received by WCCO Artists' bureau 
came last week from a Detroit motor 
magnate, who sought log rollers to 
furnish part of the entertainment at 
a party on his' estate. Apparently 
unable to line them up in his own 
state, he figured that there un- 
doubtedly were many lumberjacks 
in Minnesota who could fill the bill. 

Although not on the radio enter- 
tainment staff, WCCO was able to 
locate several expert lumbermen and 
log rollers at Stillwater, Minn., who- 
tnnk the booking. 



mscEULAinr 



Wednesday, July 9, -1941 



Monte Carlo Technique for A. C. 
Bingo; Trii 



Free and Lavish 



Atlantic City, July 8. 

Atlantic City's half-dozen Board- 
walk bingo parlors— which put two- 
bit gambling on an amazing big-time 
mass production basis that sent it 
soaring into the multi-million-doUar- 
a-year groove — suffered a haymaker 
last weekend. Estimates were that 
a last-minute shutdown order by the 
city, before a three-day holiday that 
because of the rain would undoubt- 
edly have been the biggest in bingo 
history, cost the proprietors of the 
streamlined lotto more than $500,000. 

Causing the clampdown, supposed- 
ly, were complaints by hundreds of 
husbands that their wives — patron- 
age was predominantly femme — 
were plunking down every last buck 
they were handed to buy baby's 
shoes and papa's vitUes. There were 
plenty of complaints, all right, but 
few oldtimers in this town of the 
back door payoil and the political 
finger were naive e:-.ough to believe 
that morality had much to do with 
the municipality's suddenly devel- 
oped padlock fever. 

Please the Gnests — Always 

Indications are that the owners of 
the joints will straighten things out, 
as they have done any number of 
times before, and shortly be doing 
business at the same old stands. Fi' 
nance Commissioner Dan Bader, un- 
der whose jurisdiction licensing of 
(Continued on page 18) 



SAM SCRIBNER IN COMA 

84-Tcar-Oid Ex-shownun Serlonsly 
Little Hope 

Sam Scribner, 84-year-old former 
showman, is reported in a coma at 
his home In Bronxville, N. Y. At 
the Actors Fund, to which he has 
devoted most of his time In recent 
years, it was stated that physicians 
have no hope that he will survive. 

Last fall fhe patient was operated 
on for a growth in his neck. Na- 
ture of the ailment was not disclosed 
and he was able to be about in sev- 
eral months. 



PJL FRANK MAYER NOW 
BALLYS M^I^. MAYOR 



Minneapolis, July 8, 
Marvin L. Kline, mayor-elect here, 
liai appointed Frank Mayer, a the- 
atrical press Agent, as his secretary, 
and the latter, right from the outset. 
Is keeping the chief executive prom 
inently in the qpotllght and grabbing 
«ft an unusual amount of .newspaper 
«P8c« for him with various stunts 
•nd innovations. 

Mayer has' been handling the Ly- 
ceum theatre Geglt roadshows) and 
the Minneapolis Symphony or- 
chestra. 



Lyon-Daniek Pic 
Into Production 
For British WB 



^ London, June 20. 

Gainsboro's 'Hi Gang' rolls next 
week at Islington. Picture is around 
radio series starring Ben Lyon, Bebe 
Daniels and Vic Oliver. Manning 
Sherwin and Val Guest are cleffing 
tunes for the film. 

RKO's 'Meet the Tiger,' now 
underway at Penham, has Paul Stein 
in the director chair. He's okayed 
recent casting of Jean Gillie in the 
femme spot opposite Hugh Sinclair, 
with Clifford Evans, Dennis Arun. 
dell, Charles Victor and Ben Wil- 
liams in support. Feature • is one 
in the 'Saint' series. 

Warners' 'So This Was Paris' fln 
ished at Teddington, in eight weeks 
of shooting. Ben Lyon stars along 
with Ann Dvorak, 

Par's 'Hatter's Castle' to Lance 
Comfort for direction. He's just 
finished 'Penn of Pennsylvania' for 
British NationaL. 



SENIOB EAima FOB JB. 

Hollywood, July iB, 
Hiram 8. Brown, Jr„ currently 
producing 'King of the Texas Han 
gers' at Republic, has .been boosted 
to a feature producer's berth. 

New job starts with completion of 
the clUThanger. 



Grace Moore, Lily Pons Talk Fihns 

One Based on Music Box History — Pons May Do 
Noel Coward's 'Conversation Piece' 



Grace Moore is pondering picture 
bids from 20th-Fox and RKO. . The 
first would call for the singer to ap- 
pear in 'Say It With Music,' a history 
of the Music Box Theatre, with the 
singer reviving somu of the old songs 
and having Irving Berlin write some 
new ones. This deal looks hot now 
since the death of Sam H. Harris. 

Second deal, with RKO, is to do a 

ently under consideration. Film 
would be. made after the first of the 
year, if either deal jells. • Singer 
works on salary plus a percentage, 
k Meantime Lily, Pons may do Noel 
5 Coward's 'Conversation Piece' orig- 
inally done by Yvonne Printemps. 
RKO would be the producer. 

It coloratura does make the flhn it 
will have to be next year,, since her 
concert and opera appearances will 
keep her busy till then. She is 
booked solid from Sept 2 at Toronto 
to the end of April. Singer also 
wants 'till the end of the war before 
making another film. 



SEEK OTA GYGI 



N. Y. TO L. A. 

, Teddy C?rr. 
Madeleine CarroIL 
Jesse Lasky. 
Max Milder. 
Harry M. Warner. 



SAILINGS 

July 4 (Los Angeles to Honolulu), 
Loretta Young, Tom Lewis (Mat- 
sonia). 

July S (New Yorl; to Buenos 
Aires)^ John Nathan (Yni^uay)^ ^ 

i| - -^^ -• i ll ^ 



Kin in D.WX and Germany Want to 
Loeata Lndwlg Felnland 



A brother, Alexander, In the 
Dutch West Indies, and his father in 
Germany,, wish to communicate with 
Ludwig Felnland whom they de 
scribe as 'Professor Ota Gygi,' vio 



Massey Un-Typed 

Hollywood, July 8. 

Paramount has decided to put 
a putty nose on Raymond Mas- 
sey for his role of a heavy in 
'Reap the Wild Wind.' 

Figured that his close resem- 
blance to Abe Lincoln might be 
resented by those who associate 
him with the Great Emancipa- 
tor. 



i; THE BERLE-EVG POINT i 

By Milton Berle 

Chicago, July 8. 



IIRST STRIPS 
HURLEY TO 
B.O. BASIS 



Philadelphia, July 8, 
Best town ;n the U.S. for burlesque 
is Union City, N.J., according to Izzy 
Hirst, operator of the largest \>\a\y 
wheel in the country. 

Oddly enough, ' worst hurley pa 
trons are New Yorkers, he says. This 
how he rates the burley circuit: 
Union City, Newark, Pittsburgh, 
Philadelphia, Bpston, St Louis, Chi- 
cago and New York. 

FIVE FROM rURCHASE' 
SET FOR FILM VERSION 



Hollywood, July 8. 

Five members of the Broadway 
cast of 'Louisiana Purchase' have 
been signed by Paramount for the 
picture version. 

Reenacting their roles on celluloid 
wiU be Victor Moore, Irene Bor 
doni. Vera Zorina, Lynda Grey and 
Charles La Torre. 



Gertie LawreDce Asain 
On Wax for Brit Forces 



Gertrude Lawrence, who Is sum- 
mering at Dennis, Mass., will spend 
Thursday and Friday (10-11) in New 
York to make another set of 'Broad- 
way Calling' recordings. Records 
will be sent to Basil Dean in Lon- 
don, there to be broadcast to men in 
the British army and navy. 

Last winter Miss Lawrence made 
the first recordings for that purpose 
at her own expense. New set are 
being made under the auspices of the 
British War RelierSociety. Several 
additional artists "are slated to be 
waxed with Miss Lav/rence. 

Star of "Lady in The Dark' will 
also complete arrangements for 
Hollywood to London broadcast via 
CBS to be made Sunday (13), Miss 
Lawrence to be the connecting link, 
speaking from pennis. Ronald Col- 
man will be m.c. on the Coast end, 
those going on with him not being 
named as yet From London par 
ticipating artists will include Jack 
Buchanan, Gracie Fields, Leslie 
Hensen and Evelyn Laye. 



Marj. Weaver's Parents 
Divorced in Louisville 

Louisville, July 8. 



Chicago, July 8. 

Opened at the Chez Pqree the Fourth of July. There was so much 
noise in. Chicago I thought Orson Welles was on the air again. 

What a reception I got from Mayor Kelly when I arrived. He pre- 
sented me with a key — off a can of salmon. My entire fan club met me 
at the depot— we walked to the hotel together. 

Jl&i very disappointed when I got Into Chicago. I looked all over the 
Great Lakes, but couldn't find Veronica. 

Broadway Department 
Ever since 'Honeychile' Wilder, the Dixie Belle, opened at the Hurri- 
cane, they have } new drink named after her, a 'Mint Julep Zombie' with 
a cotton-gin chaser. 

'Victor Mature wires that he knows a Park avenue dowager who owns 
a football player 'body and goal.''. tFrom the picture, 'The Forward Pass.') 

Holly woodiana ' 

Thei^'s an actor In filmland so ritzy he even has his car simonized with 
Max Factor's No. 7. 

Nick the Greek saw a sign on Hollywood Blvd., 'National Cleanup 
Week,' so he took a guy for $15,000. 

One of Bing Crosby's horses, who's In love with another horse, saves all 
of his girl friend's photo-finishes for. his picture album. 

The early women pioneers had nothing on the girls in Hollywood — 
they were both hounded by wolves. 

Mnslo Department 
Do you think BMI songs will bring back horsehair rings? 
The 'Hut Sut' song is such a big hit that the Merry Macs have added a 
parlor and bath to the hut. 

Two musicians were in Lindy's and one said to the other, 'Why don't 
you eat something?' His friend replied, 'Can't eat' The first note-crusher 
yelled, 'Well, why don't you fake it?' , 

There's a band on the air whos^ music is so savage the sponsor bought 
the leader a beast to soothe it. 

Heard a song -on the air the other day that was so bad my midget radio 
started to sing 'I Want My Mama!' 

There's No Truth to the Bomor 
That Cecil B. DeMille has discarded bathtub scenes in his pictures and 

has switched to showers That Broadway Rose had a mole tatooed on 

her face to make her look beautiful. .. .That Darryl Zanuck is thinking 
of making an all-midget picture by sub-dividing Laird Cregar. 

Hangnail Descriptions 
/oe Dl Magdio: A Hit and Run Driver . ■ . . Eorl Carroll: The Mer- 
chant of Venus . . . Billy Hoiisc; A Double-Malted . . . Broadway Rose: . 
Emily Pest . . . Peggy Hopkins Joyce — Tommy Manvtlte: Two for the 
money . . . Hank Greenberp; First Base to Army Base. 

Observation Department 
Jackie Beekman (no relation to the telephone number of the same 
name) knows a social director who goes to the Borscht (jlrcult every year. 
This year he didn't have to worry about his Fourth of July show— he did 
it at Camp Dix. 

Eavesdropped at Chez Paree; 'Just caught your act — have you got an 
insurance policy?' 

Eavesdropped at College Inn: 'His personality carried me away — and, 
rm glad of It,' 

Eavesdropped at 606 Club: 'He's so dissipated looking he has crutches 
holding up the bags under his eyes.' 

My brother (the one who's carrying a torch for a steady job) foimd a 
new way to get money— he asks me for it. 

Whatever Became ol — — — ? 
Shone Sc Squirfs 4 Manning Sisters 

Senna tc Dean Dave Kindler 

KeUy, Kelty & Crompton Wally Sharpies 

Afterpiece 

Everybody you meet wants to go back to nature. Doesn't anybody want 
to go forward? 



Gracie Fields Returns to England 
With $302,000 for War Relief Work 



CROUCH ADMITS HE'S 
SniL STAGE-STRUCK 



they opine he might be an American 
citizen. 

Ota Gygi — if this is the same one 
— was a. vaudeville violinist years 
ago and later affiliated with Ed 
Wynn in an abortive new 'third net- 
work' undertaking which cost Wynn, 
then popular on the radio as the 
Texaco Fire-Chief,' plenty of coin. 
Since then Gygi has apparently 
dropped out of show biz. 



L. A. TO N. Y. 

Rudy Abel. 
Hugh Anderson. 
Monty Banks. 
Peter Brilling. 
Pat Casey. 
Harry Cohn. 
Harry Parr Davies. 
Frank FarrelL 
Frank Fay. . 
Sheridan Glbney. 
Sheilah Graham. 
William L, Guthrie. 
Katherine Hepburn. 
Mary Mason'. 
John O'Hara. 
Phil Reisman. 
Nate Spingold. 



r ox arm pTa. 
town, obtained a divorce Thursday 
(3) In the Circuit Court. John T. 
Weaver, railroad clerk, charged 
abandonment, but Mrs. Weaver, 
Marjorle's mother, won the divorce 
on the counterclaim of cruelty. 
Weaver's suit charged his wife with 
abandonment while she visited Mar- 
jorie In Hollywood. 

Property rights were settled 
agreement. 



by 



VERY UN-BLITZY 



'T.tnk In R.A.F.' on 103-Day Shooting 
Sked at 20th 



..I .J 

• -.vf.f 



Hollywood, July 8. 

Ten days of new scenes have been 
added to the filming of -'A Yank in 
the R.A.F.' on the 20th-Fox lot, 
causing an added layout of $100,000 
to the original budget of $1,500,000. 

Picture has the longest shooting 
schedule ever experienced at the 
Westwood studio. It consists of 70 
days at home, directed by Henry 
King; 21 days on American location 
under piloting by Fred Sersen, and 
42 days of actual war shooting by 
Leslie Baker in . England, a total of 
JQ3 d^5«. • '■ • • ' • - ■ "•• 



San Francisco, July 8. 

CHiarles Crouch, president of Lucky 
Stores, grocery chain with affilia- 
tions all over Western America, is 
doing all right— but he still has a 
yen for the days when he was • a 
$150-week circus-and-carhival motor- 
drome rider and' parachute jumper. 

'I didn't eat as regular then as I 
do now, but it was more fun,' he 
comments. 

^ ^ ^S! 
profession, has turned his Interest to 
commercial value, however, and finds 
an outlet for his show-bi'z interest 
by staging tent-shows, vaudeville 
programs and revues every time one 
of his stores has an opening or an 
anniversary. During the past five 
years he has spent $60,000 in the 
Oakland territory alone for circus 
acts and recently sent an entire unit 
to Portland. 

Most ambitious show he has under- 
taken Is the tieup with NBC for a 
two-hour 10th Anniversary program 
In Oakland Civic Auditorium July 26. 
Away from his desk, the high-priced 
exec drops into the lingo of the big 
top to reminisce on days from Sells- 
Floto to Johnny Jtunp Shows, and 
still reads the trade press regularly 
to keep track of folks with whom 
he once trouped. 

His introduction of show-biz meth- 
ods into the grocery field has 
brought inquiries from other chains 
all over the U.S., which he plans 
to answer by making a complete 
16-mm record of his KGO-KPO tie- 
up. With transcriptions of the actual 
program as his sound accompani- 
ment, the film will be screened at a 
national grocery convention in Phil- 
adelphia .In. September. .. c'U,< I I : 
• ; ji. i-i;.' J 



By OEOBGE FBOST 

Singing a song and waving a fig- 
urative flag, Gracie Fields stepped 
from the American stage Saturday 
(5) via the Pan American Airways' 
Dixie Clipper to return to her native 
England. She had a wad of Yankee 
and Canadian coin big enough to 
choke all the field artillery horses 
recently retired from your Uncle's 
ranks to make way for the horseless 
carriages now towing the caissons. 
Gracie told the LaGuardia Field, ^ 
New York, news battalions that she 
had stockinged some $302,000 for 

anif 'tfiaV^shS^^§JSl^^?^SS^^^* 

more personals in a month and half 
to pick up what coin she overlooked 
here in the land of the save-and- 
give-it-free. 

Tickling a piano that had been 
pushed to the airport's marine ter- 
minal, by a publicity-conscious local 
restaurant. Miss Fields sang the 'Hut 
Sut Song' for the newsreels and 
then smiled prettily for the still 
cameras. The' English comedienne 
kissed Monty Banks, the film direc- 
tor, a wifely good-bye, and was off 
to the land of the Broad A, where 
she will entertain soldiers, factory 
workers and the homeless in bombed 
areas. 

Entire collection of folding money 
will be turned over to British War 
Relief agencies. The tour In Yankee- 
land, which began Dec. 4, 1940, 
bounced $170,000 worth of rebel 
money into the English coffers while 
the Canadians thought Miss Fields' 
entertainment was worth a $132,000 
contribution. 

An UnUmely Question 

A reporter, who doesn't care for 
tea and crumpets,, asked the come- 
dienne whether the Churchill gov- 
ernment asked Its actors to turn over 
,. 7 (Contlauedion >page-64> ' ' ' ' 
; .■{.•>'^'. vtfJsi. :'■) 'C r, ■), I. '">■.•.!' 



Wedarsday, July 9,1941 



MISCELLANY S 







Eric Maschwitz (Holt MarvellX in N.Y. 
On British Propaganda, Deprecates 
Our 'Overstuffed Luxury' as Dated 



Winged by the flying debris from 
a Nazi land mine in London 10 
weeks ago, Eric Maschwitz has been 
assigned by the British government 
to its Overseas News Service in New 
York. Author of the screenplays of 
'Goodbye Mr. Chips,* 'Balalaika,' 
The Gay Desperado' and numerous 
other pictures is grinding out fea- 
ture stories on England to be placed 
in South American newspapers by 
British consular press attaches. 

Writer, who has also provided 
lyrics for many tunes, including 'A 
Nightingale Sang in Berkeley 
Square,' clippered into New York 
quietly about two weeks ago and 
will remain for the rest of the sum- 
mer to regain his health. He suf- 
fered more from shock than the ac- 
tual wounds caused by flying glass 
imbedding itself in his back as he 
came into his Strand apartment from 
fire fighting duty in late April. 

Just before the start of the war, 
Maschwitz (who frequently uses the 
nom-de-plume. Holt Marvell), was 
In Paris to produce a show he had 
(Continued on page 55) 



BOB BURNS 
TO CAMPBELL'S 



Why, Miss Fwancis! 



Hollywood, July 8. 

Don Ameche's name " in 'Fe- 
male of the Species' has been 
changed from Roger to Bob. 

A few readings convinced 
20th-Fox ekecs that Kay Fran- 
cis, In the fcmme .lead, can't 
pronounce R's. . 



If. Jolson Radio 
Show Set, He'D 
Not Defer W 






Contrasts Sharply With 
NBC's Constricted Produc- 
tion Methods — Columbia, 
Not Yet Commercially Li- 
censed, Indicates Show- 
manship in Its Experimen- 
tal 



AD-LIBBING ACTS 



Hollywood, July 8. 

Campbell's soup has signed Bob 
Burns for a fall series based on his 
'Arkansas Traveler' character and 
elated to have both dramatic and 
comedy incidents. Comedian was 
given his release from his Kraft con- 
tract, which had six months to . go. 

Understood deal is for 26 weeks, 
at the same $5,000-a'-week figure 
Burns was paid by Kraft New se- 
ries starts Sept. 19, probably in the 
9:30 spot Friday nights on CBS, for- 
merly occupied by 'Campbell Play- 
house.' 

That seemingly indicates the 'Play- 
house' will not, as had previously 
been announced, return in the fall. 
If It does not, WaTd Wheelock ap- 
parently loses a sizable chunk of the 
Campbell soup account, as Huthrauff 
& Ryan is the agency on the Bob 
Burns deal. R. Si R, already handles 
the Lanny Rgss series. 

Harry Omerle, of the William 
Morris office, is representing Burns 
and was here for the contract-sign- 
ing. 



Hollywood, July 8. 
Young ti Rubicam has a sponsor 
for Al Jolson and is shopping for 
fadl network time acceptable to the 
bankrolled If the radio deal is set, 
Jolson will not pass up the tour of 
'Hold On to Your Hats,' which he 
announced would tour. It opens 
Aug. ?7 in Atlantic City, thence 
Sept. 1 to Boston for three weeks, 
Baltimore, Washington, Pittsburgh, 
as far West as Des Moines and south 
to Texas. Tour to embrace 30 
weeks. 

Jolson is reported none too pleased 
with principals 'of 'Hats' last season 
and is replacing Bert Gordon with 
Sam Hearn. Eunice . Healy of fhe 
original company will be in it, and 
Joan Davis, 20th-Fox player, may be 
principal comedienne in plaice of 
Martha Raye. 



By ROBERT J. LANDRY 

NBC, fully licensed to carry ad- 
vertising-sponsored television pro- 
grams,- went on the air last Tuesday, 
July 1, in New York with three sam- 
ple commercial programs (see re- 
views this issue), but CBS, not yet 
fully commercially licensed and lack- 
ing an audience because Channel 2 
is hot provided for on existing- re- 
ceivers, has merely stepped up its 
program experimentation. After 
viewing the NBC commercial^ and 
the CBS experimentals these show- 
manship observations seem justified: 

1. The commercials will be a head- 
ache, especially under the non-fluid, 
(Continued oh page 34) 



Mack Gordon Trail-Blazing to Get 
Fihnusical Scores Back on the Air 
Despite ASCAP; Argues It Hurts B.O. 



Up-to-Date 



Indian Neck, Conn., July 8. 

In the .revival of 'Broadway' 
at Montowese playhouse here, 
when the young hoofer is caught 
with a gun in his hand and the 
dick asks 'Haven't you ever 
heard of the Sullivan act?' the 
kid says: 

'You mean Ed Sullivan — 
Loew's State?' 



PERIODIC I'OLL 
OF FILM STARS 



REED, HOGAN LEAVING 
PAR; FORMER'S 15 YRS. 



Hollywood, July 8. 

Ted Reed and James Hogan, Par- 
amount directors, leave the lot next 
month when contracts expire. 

Reed got his start as a director 
there IS years ago and has been at 
Par ever since. 



Moved Out With Her 
Play, Charges in Suit 



Los Angeles, July 8. 
Piracy suit for $250,000 was filed 
here by Lissette Clymer, playwright. 



Capt Roosevelt's Fntnre 



Nationwide popularity ratings of 
flim players, determined by a Gal- 
lup poll technique, will be issued 
by Leo .Handel's Motion Picture Re- 
search Bureau, outfit which David 
O. Selznick retained some weeks ago 
to do advance fact-finding on his pii^ 
and stars. Handel's continuous pop- 
ularity ratings will be similar to 
those which Dr. George Gallup has 
been making of 200 players and di- 
rectors for more than a year for 
RKO, except that while Gallup's is 
exclusively for one studio, Handel's 
may be bought on a contract basis 
by anyone, producer, director, dis 
tributor, exhibitor, agent or actor 
himself. 

Handel's idea is to give every 
player a 'Crossley,' showing not only 
trends but the immediate worth of 
any actor. 



Jack Warner's Fancy Buys 



Many Showmen 
Now in $1-Year 
Service for U. S. 



Hollywood, July 8. 
Jack Warner went for a pair of 
large check buys. 

He bought Gej^rge Brent's yacht 
and ac'^ired' two homes adjoiniiVg 



Washington, July 8. 

Roster of $l-a-year men serving 
the Federal Government, mostly as 
consultants or advisors to the Office 
of Production Management, Includes 
several big names well known in 
the film and radio businesses, Sev- 
eral popped up for the first time re- 
cently when the House Appropria- 
tions Committee published a list of 
311 on the payroll at the nominal 
salary, and 1,291 others getting no 
compensation. 

Literati ranks also are pretty well 
ilppresented among the informal 
brain-trusters for the defense pro- 
gram. In addition to the scores of 
Kun-of-mine .desk men, reporters, 
publicity agents, and freelance 
writers serving various boards, bu- 
reaus and commissions, some partic- 
ularly prominent persons from the 
scribbling trade have emerged in 
high advisory capacities. 

Among the names gleaned from 
the list furnished the House are: 

Merlin H. Ayleswbrth, former 
president of NBC and one-time pub- 
lisher of the N. V. Wdrld-Telegram 
Aaron Copland, composer; Julian 
Street, Jr., producer of Theatre of 
the Air; Carlton Smith, Boston Her 
aid and Esquire music critic; Jock 
Whitney, Carl Van Doren, Jonathan 
Daniels, son of Ambassador Josephus 
Daniels and publisher of the Raleigh 
News and Observer; Floyd B. Od- 
ium, financier with numerous film 
interests; Paul A. Porter, counsel for 
Columbia Broadcasting,. a{id Hiram 
S. Krowri, former 'president of RKO 



Hollywood, July 8. 
Mack Clordon, 20th-Fox songwriter, 
is conferring with other ASCAP 
tunesmiths on some arrangement 
whereby their music, written for 
Alms, will be aired on the NBC and 
CBS networks. Gordon pointed out 
to his fellow-writers that they 
shouldn't be ■ interested in perform- 
ance rights alone, but that their main 
concern should be the exploitation 
of the picture and Its score on the 
webs. 

He said flimusicals are suffering 
financially from lack of air bally- 
hoo and argued that it is up to the 
writers to do their part to help rem- 
edy the Situation by arriving at 
some agreement to make their tunes 
available to bands on NBC and CBS. 
Declared that the picture studios 
could go to court to determine the 
release of their music, but he would 
prefer to have the songwriters work 
it out themselves. 

Gordon emphasized that both 
Alms and their music would benefit 
in prestige and revenue from a so- 
(Continued on page 43)-^. 



Gilbert Miller May 
Devote Half Tnne To 
Coast Producing Fix 

Hollywood, /uly 8. 
Gilbert Miller, currently vacation- 
ing in town, is huddling with Lester 
Cowan on fhe co-production of films 
and legit plays, with Hollywood as 
base of operations. 

Negotiations are going ahead for 
producing .and Releasing deals with 
Columbia and United Artists. Mean- 
while, Miller is studying a number of 
legit scripts to determine if they 
will click on the road as well as on 
Broadway. If the plan works out, 
he will spend six mpntAs of the year 
on the Coast. Miller, and Cowan re- 
cently completed 'Ladies in Retire- 
ment' for Columbia. 




Trado Marie ItoKlatered 
FOUNDED DT 8IMJ0 SII..VE)RMAN 
ruhlUlied Wcehly b7 VARIBTV. Inr. 

Rid firiverman.- rreHl<1«nl 
IS4 WeHt 4ilih Street, New York, N. T 



BUP.scniPiToN 










.C5 Ceniii 


\-ol. ]-t3 rij^Tl"* ' 


No. S 



Hollywood, July 8. 

Capt. James Roosevelt is resting 
at a Framingham, Mass., "farm on 
return from his flying 'jimket 
through the war zone as a special 
Government envoy. He's trying to 
pick up 12 pounds he lost during 
the hegira. 

Likely he'll remain In Washing- 
ton as an attache of the Marine 
Corps Intelligence when returning to 
duty, instead of returning to Holly- 
wood. 



Sally Blane-Norm Foster 
May Be 'Rufus and Wife' 

Film players Sally Blane and Nor- 
man Foster , may play the leads in 
Rufus and His Wife' when the play 
tries out at the County theatre, Suf- 
lern, N. Y., week 'of Aug. 11 and if 
and when it comes to Broadway 
later. 

Julius and Philip Epstein, Warner 
Bros, writers, who authored the new 
P}*y. are doing the negotiating on 
the Coast for the appearance of the 
film people in the cast. Sanford 
Meisner holds, the. qptioa lor. Broad- 
way presentation of the sh()w. 



story, 'Chinchinla,' which she claims 
was submitted lo the studio in 1937. 

Named as co-defendants are Vir- 
ginia Van Upp, Patterson McNutt, 
Edward Hogan and Clarence Brown. 



Selwyn, Sinclair East 
To Break in War Play 

Hollywood, July 8. 

Edgar Selwyn goes east this week- 
end to ready opening of the Fred- 
erick Hazlett Brennan play, 'We 
Fought at. Arques,' in Boston, Aug. 
25. Robert Sinclair, who directs, ac- 
companies Selwyn. Piece is slated 
for its Broadway run at the Plymouth 
starting Labor Day, Play has to do 
with the reactions of a Cockney fam- 
ily caught in the maelstrom of war. 

Only players cast so far are Ed- 
mund Gwenn and Heather Angel. 



Cal Franklin Improves 

Cal Franklin, vice-president of 
Columbia Concerts Corp. who has 
been ill for months, is on the road 
to recover. At Smithtown, Penn., to 
spend the summer. 

Franklin hopes to be back at his 
desk in the falL 



'Boodies for Bobos' Chiseling 

Worries Patriotic Theatres 



Detroit, July 8. 

'Boodles for Bobos' campaigns are 
springing up all over the midwest, 
chiefly as one-man benefits, accord- 
ing to the advices received by police 
here. As a result of the star- 
.spangled rackets, warnings not only 
have been given to the citizenry 
here, but are being broadcast to less 
urban centers to be wary of the flim- 
flam artists cashing in on the current 
wave of patriotism. 

With the USO campaign going 
over the top in a hurry i-n this area, 
with defense stamps and bonds get- 
ting weighty support, the gimme art- 
ists are out in force as a headache 
to legitimate enterprises, wrapping 
themselves up in the flag and mulct- 
ing the public of plenty of ready 
cash. Theatre men, who have had 
their organization names used in 
(Continued ob page 18) 



Colnmbia-Pemberton 
Deal Still in Abeyance 

Deal between Columbia Pictures 
and Brock Pemberton, whereby the 
film company is to flnance a number 
of tryouts, had not been signatured 
up to early this week, some delay on 
Ihi! Coast being the apparent reason. 
Pemberton is proceeding on his own 
with Two-Story House,' a comedy 
melodrama by Parker Fennelly, ac- 
tor, to be tried out at the Bass 
Rocks theatre, Gloucester, Mass. 

If the play clicks in the strawhat 
it will be brought to Broadway in 
August and may be one of the first 
new plays on the list. 



INDEX 



Chatter P3 

Concert 39 

Exploitation 8 

Film Booking Chart 16 

Film Reviews 14 

Film Trade Showirgs 19 

House Reviews 47 

Inside— Legit 50 

Inside — Orchestras 41 

Inside— RaJio 25 

International .Nevs..'. 12' 

Literati 52 

Legitimate 49 

Music 42 

New Acts 46 

Night Clubs 44 

Night Club Reviews 46 

Obituary 54 

Orchestras 40 

Pictures 4 

Radio 23 

Radio — International 32 

Radio, Markets 35 

Radio Reviews 26 

Unit Review 46 

Vaudeville 44 



l>AI1A VARIKTY 

(rubllalird l/i Hdllyu'ood 
Vally Variety, f.td.) 
tlO ■ Fear — tI2 (orelKn 



br 



4 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



Selznick-Capra Will Plrobably Sign 
HiIs Week With UA for 10 Years 



NO TIME OUT FROM 
COMEDY FOR iL&C 



Deal by which David O. Selznick 
end Frank Capra become member- 
owners of United Artists will prob- 
ably be inked shortly after his re- 
turn to the Coast. Selznick declared 
in New York yesterday cTuesday). 
He said he expects to plane out over 
the weekend. 

Huddles on the Coast between the 
UA legal staff aiid Daniel T. O'Shea, 
Selznick counsel, v.p. and secretary, 
have been virtually completed. Con- 
siderable number of changes have 
been made, in the original pact, it is 
understood, regarding selling charg- 
es. Production part of the contract 
is for 10 years. 

Selznick said he'd go over the 
papers jn their final form with 
O'Shea upon his return and, if noth- 
ing unforeseen develops, he'll be 
ready for the dotted line. In the 
meantime, the contracts are before 
owners Alexander Korda, Mary 
Picklord and Charles Chaplin lor 
their ratification. 

Although reluctant to discuss com- 
pany management until he actually 
becomes an owner, Selznick admit- 
ted that Harry M. Goetz had been 
discussed as possible UA prexy. 
However, a number of other men 
have likewise been suggested, Selz- 
nick declared, while there appears 
to be no hurry or great desire on 
the part of the owners to make a 
selection. He indicated that UA will 
probably continue to operate under 
v.p. Arthur W. Kelly's supervision 
for some time. 

Goetz, with long experience in 
production and distribution, is fa- 
vored in many quarters for' the top 
spot at UA. He is friendly with the 
other producers, particularly Ed- 
ward Small, with whom he was a 
former partner, and Walter Wanger. 



WARNERS' 37 
'NEW FACES' 



Strictly Grade A 



Hollywood, July 8. 

Five 'A' prpductions and no 
B's are before the cameras on 
the Universal lot for the first 
time in the studio's history. 

In work are 'Bad L.ands of 
Dakota,' 'Ride 'Em Cowboy,' 
'Hellzapoppin,' 'Almost An An- 
gel' and 'This Woman Is Mine.' 



WaUSlAlso 
Hears of BriL 
Coin Thawing 



. Hollywood, July 8. . 

Search for new Warner faces 
resulted in 37 contracts for featured 
players on the Warner lot since the 
first of the year, raising the total of 
pacted actors to 68. 

Signed since Jan. 1 are Mary Jo 
James, Michael Ames, William 
Travis, Julie Bishop, Audra Lindley, 
Joan Perry, Howard da Silva, Rol- 
and Drew, Peter Whitney, Leah 
Baird, Regis Toomey, Craig Stevens, 
Georgia Carroll, Alice Talton, Lor- 
raine Gettman, Jackie C. Gleason, 
Jane Randolph, Faye Emerson, 
Byron Barr, Jean Ames, Willie Best, 
Marguerite Chapman, Faith Dorn, 
Juanita Stark, Joan Winfleld, Gloria 
Warren, Richard Whorf, Elisabeth 
Fraser, ' Harry, Lewis, Diana Dill, 
Diana Jeanne,' Hobart Bosworth, 
Nancy Coleman, Fred Kelsey, Paula 
Francis, Eleanor^ Parker and Russell 
Arms. 



Wall Street took cognizance of the 
film industry's frozen money situa 
tion ii^ Great Britain this week, re- 
ports being circulated that negotia- 
tions are progressing in Washington 
by the Hays office to unfreeze some 
of the blocked funds. One report in 
the Street emphasized that presently 
the U.S. major film companies are 
unable to take more than a third of 
revenues out of the British Isles 
under the current year's frozen coin 
pact. 

Financial circles' interest in the 
situation is - natural because the 
loosening of these funds would go 
far in bolstej-ing sentiment for pic 
ture company shares. Wall Street 
stories stressed, too, the fact that 
British credit has been eased by the 
Lease-Lend law and that the film 
business should be given a break 
now just the same as other industries, 
with tobacco business mentioned as 
one that has been able to obtain pay 
ment from Britain. 

No comment is forthcoming on any 
new developments that might have 
arisen in, this money unfreezing sit 
uation at the Hays office. Recent ar 
rivals from Great Britain abo have 
been reticent about discussing the 
frozen coin setup while negotiations 
are in progress looking- towards get- 
ting part of about $40,000,000 re~ 
ported frozen presently on the Brit- 
ish Isles. 



BlOG CYCLE AGAIN? 



terest In Sucb Tarns 



Successful start of 'Sergeant York' 
at its first run in the Astor theatre, 
N.Y., has focussed attention of film 
company scenario departments to 
the biogr-aphical field. Generally re- 
garded as a source of tepid material, 
because of some recent disappoint- 
ments, fresh approach may bring a 
revival of biogs. 

One of the rnajor company eastern 
editors compiled a listing of biogs of 
the past 10 years. Prominent figures 
of past and present who have been 
reclaimed for the screen include 
Emil Zola, Pasteur, Parnell, Reuter, 
Juarez, Rembrandt, Queen Eliza- 
beth, Edith Cavell, Queen Victoria, 
Thomas A. Edison, Mary Queen of 
Scots, Miarco Polo, Stanley and Liv- 
ingstone, Lillian Russell, Knute 
Bockne and 'Diamond Jim' Brady. 



• Written by Britons 

Hollywood, July, 8. 

'A House of Peace' at 20th-Fox 
will- be a Brtish writing job from 
its inception to the shooting script 

Charles Morgan, a Briton, wrote 
tiie original, and Aldous Huxley, his 
countryman, js preparing it for the 
acreen. 



Breen Vice McDonough 
As Prod. Ass'n Director 



Hollywood, July 8. 

Universal ha& two more stories 
lined up for Abbott and Costello, 
following completion of their current 
comedy, 'Ride 'Em Cowboy.' 

In the writing mill are an untitled 
aviation yarn and a daffy detective 
mystery, 'Who Done It.' 



Coslow WiD Prodoce 
208 Three-Min. Filins 
For MiOs Jukeboxes 



HoUyv^ood, July 8. 

Production of 206 three-minute 
teaturettes for' the Mills- slot ma- 
chines was announced by Sam Cos- 
low, recently appointed chief of pro- 
duction after a huddle with home- 
office officials in Chicago. Budget 
calls for an expenditure of $1,200,000. 

First of a batch of 20 rolls at the 
Fine Arts studios, headquarters of 
Minoco Productions, with a 30-day 
shooting schedule. "Talent sighed for 
the initial 20 includes Gale Page, 
Mary Healy, Cliff Nazarro, Martha 
Tilton, Johnny Downs, Slate Btos. 
Sterling HoUoway, Duncan Sisters, 
the orchestras of Buddy Rogers, 
Charles Judels, Dave Rose and Cindy 
Walker and the Kings Men. 



U. S. Bankrolling 2 Sets of Film 
Shorts to Woo Latm-Am. Goodwill 



Some Pun, Eh Kid? 



Hollywood, July 8. 

After pleading with Edward 
Small for a dialog director on 
'Corsican Brothers,' which he is 
directing, Gregory Ratoff finally 
won his point 

Small concluded the confab by 
remarking, 'What you want is a 
dialect director.' 



Jack Barry Top Man 

Chicago, July 8. 

Jack Barry, with Paramount Pic- 
tures the past 16 years In N. Y., 
heads the newly-formed Minoco 
Productions set up by Mills Novelty 
Co. here. 

Fred Waller in charge of N. Y. 
office, ' and Sam Coslow head the 
Hollywood branch. 



FLURRY OF FILM STOCK 
DEALS REPORTED IN MAY 



Hollywood, July 8. 

Producers Association, at its meet- 
ing Monday (7), elected Joe Breen, 
RKO production head, a director to 
succeed J. R. McDonough as repre- 
sentative of that studio. 

Will Hays spoke at this session on 
the international situation and the 
possibility of thawing out frozen 
funds abroad, although he failed to 
stir any optimism among hearers. 

Demands of 10 lATSE studio locals 
came In for discussion with agree- 
ment reached on many points. Fol- 
lowing the Producers' session the 
Labor Relations group, headed by 



reps 

conditions applying to singers 



Court Refuses to Reopen 
'Roman Scandals' Trial 

Clara Dellar lo'st her plea to re- 
open her suit against Sam Goldwyn, 
Eddie Cantor and United Artists 
when trial Judge Clarence G. Gal- 
ston in the N. Y. Federal court re- 
fused to accept the additional evi- 
dence she claimed she possessed. De- 
cision was reserved at the end of 
the trial on April 25, 1941. 

Plaintiff claimed her play 'Oh 
Shah' was used as the basis for 
Cantor's 'Roman Scandals.' and 
damages of $2,000,000 are asked. 



Washington, July 8. 
Flurry of film stock buying and 
selling-rwith most of the transac- 
tions of a rather . piddling character 
— was marked up by the Securities 
& Exchange Comnu'ssion which 
showed in Its monthly summary 
mild activities in Columbia Pix, 
Keith-Albee-Orpheum, RKO, Loew's 
Boston, Loew's, Inc., and Trans-Lux. 

Most sizable individual transac- 
tions were in K-A-O, when it came 
to light 'that — as part of the com- 
plicated refunding, reorganization 
plan— 2,000 shares of 7% cumulative 
preferred were dumped by Atlas 
Corp. and American Co., Floyd Od- 
ium's protege companies, during 
May. Atlas shucked off 1,000 tickets 
and American Co. a like amount- 
both disclaiming that they were 
beneficial owners of the papers. 

Continued acquisition of stock in 
Loew's Boston Theatres by the 
parent company, Loew's, Inc., of 
New York, was reflected by pur- 
chase of 250 shares of $25 par com- 
mon stock— bringing the New York 
outfits holdings to 118,330 shares of 
the $25 ducats by the end of May. 
J. Robert Rubin, v.p. of Loew's, Inc., 
dumped 1,100 shares of no par value 
common stock of his company dur- 
ing the same month, being left with 



WB Shoots Flying 
Pic in Canada As 
Friendly Gesture 



Hollywood, July 8. 
Warners Is going in for six weeks 
of Canadian location work on 'Cap- 
tains in,the Clouds,' with an expedi- 
tion leaving here Friday (11), both 
as a 'gesture of friendly reciprocity 
and a means of cashing, in on a pop- 
ular theme, the work of the Royal 
Canadian Air Force. Location com- 
pany includes James Cagney, cur- 
rently on vacation in Massachusetts, 
and George Brent and Dennis Mor- 
gan, who are shoving off from Hol- 
lywood. 

Most of the shooting will be done 
at the R.C.A.F. headquarters near 
Ottawa, where the government min- 
istry is cooperating with Warners, 
largely through a working agree- 
ment arranged here recently between 
Hal Wallis and Joseph Clark, pu'blic 
relations chief of the Canadian De- 
fense organization. 



flgureo in Radio-Keith-Orpheum 
transactions, the former buying up 
600 shares $1 par common to bring 
its nest-egg to 782,727 shares, plus 
327.812 warrants - for coinmon and 
39,481 shares of 6% convertible pre- 
ferred. American Co. was listed as 
holding 268,230 shares $1 par com- 
mon on the SEC's May books. 

Modest 100 shares of Columbia 
Pictures Corp. common no par value 
were picked up by Abraham Schnei- 
der, New York officer and director 
of the company, who recorded total 
holdings as 1,604 shares, plus 7,880 
options for common, Robert L. Gor- 
don, director of Trans-Lux Corp., 
reported ownership of 500 shares of 
the outfit's $1 par common— acquired 
May 2 as a gift 



Other News Pertaining to Pictures 

Coin from Nazi nations Page 12 

WB buys Maxwell theatre empire Page 12 

Winchell's newscast... Page 23 

Berle vice Kilgallen Page 24 

Radio Reviews; Burgess Meredith, 'Voice of Freedom' Page 26 

ASCAP Page 43 

Sam H. Harris Page 49 

Saroyan has theatre staff dizzy Page 49 

No. 1 top B'way legit Page 49 



3STRAWHATS 
APPEAL TO PK 



With the strawhat season just get- 
ting Into stride, ganderers for pic- 
ture company story departments 
have already put the finger on three 
possibilities for fllmizatlon among 
the tryout crop. 'Although no op- 
tions, as far as it is known, have 
been taken yet, it appears likely that 
the strong Hollywood demand for 
properties will see many of the 
barnyard experimentals purchased, 
even if they have but the germ of 
an idea. 

Metro Is particularly enthusiastic 
about "The Rift in the Lute,' a first 
play by Jackson Perry. It was pre- 
sented at the Summer Field theatre, 
Nutley, N. J., and directed by Rod- 
ney Hale. Its major defect is its 
similarity to 'Old Acquaintance.' 
Broadway legit success of the past 
season bought by Warner Bros. As 
in 'Acquaintance,' principal cnarac- 
ters are two women writers, al- 
though the theme is developed en- 
tirely differently. 

Another .one that has aroused gen- 
eral film interestr althoufeh ™id as 
yet is 'Village Green' by Carl Al- 
lensworth. It was presented at 
White Plains, N. Y., a couple weeks 
ago with Frank Craven in the prin- 
cipal role. Third one is 'Broadway— 
1941,' modernized version by Phil 
Dunning of his and George Abbott's 
■Broadway.' It was presented last 
week at Montowese Playhouse, 
Branford, Conm 'Broadway' was 
picturized in 1929 by Universal and 
it is believed that that company 
maintains the rights, which would 
have to be negotiated for should 
another studio decide to make the 
modernized version. [Review on 
'BroodtfO]/— 1941' oppeors in Lefliti 
Tmite department] 



Before the Headlines Cool 



Hollywood, July 8. 
20th-Fox is rushing the release of 
its espionage picture, 'Man at Large,' 
to cash in on the publicity surround- 
ing the recent spy arrests by Federal 
agents. 

Low-budget film, produced by 
Ralph Dietrich with Marjorie Wea 
ver and George Reeves • in the top 
spots, is being hustled through the 
cutting room for early distribution. 



Washington, July 8. 

Two sets of shorts for circulation 
in Latin America, part of the effort 
to promote the good neighbor spirit 
and rebuff Axis sirens, are being 
produced for the Office of Cultural 
Relations, set up last year by Presi- 
dent Roosevelt to improve U. S. ties 
with the 20 other Western Hemis- 
phere republics. With a fund of 
$600,000 cash and $300,000 in contract 
authority (credit) for celluloid ac- 
tivity, the O.C.H. win have 10 people 
in its picture division this year. Pay- 
roll totals, $37,560. 

Congress recently learned the out- 
fit has contracted with March of 
Time for 16 shorts and with Walt 
Disney for' \2, which are to be sent 
around the rhumba circuit. Special 
booking office is planned, and the 
costs will be assumed by Uncle Sam. 

The recent appropriation includes 
$125,000 for collecting non-theatrical 
films and $170,000 more for produc- 
ing special films of this type. They 
will typify American activities, eco- 
nomic and industrial, social and po- 
litical, and are intended to set good 
examples for our Latin-American 
neighbors. 

For 'financial assistance' to the 
American film Industry — specifically 
to encourage production of pictures 
depicting Latin-American life— the 
Cultural Relations unit got $250,000. 
Fund for assisting the U. S. industry 
to produce shorts is $45,000. An- 
other $10,000 is ear-marked for pro- 
jection equipment to go in American 
embassies and legations south of the 
border. 



'Disney's 6 Shorts In B.A. 

Hollywood, July 8. 
Labor trouble at bis studio is de- 
laying the departure of Walt Disney 
and a staff of 20 technicians, slated 
to turn out a -group of six shorts in 
Buenos Aires under a- financial ar- 
rangement with the 'Argentine gov- 
ernment. 

Original idea was to make the ar- 
rival of the Burbank troupe co- 
incide with the opening of 'Fan- 
tasia' in Buenos Aires. 



For U. S. Consumption 

Visit to New York last week of 
Antonio Diaz, with pictures which 
his Sucesos Argentinos newsreel 
company produced in South Amer- 
ica, revealed the other side of the 
goodwill building picture, this time 
with an Argentine producer showing 
the highlights of his country. Diaz, 
who has launched the first Latin- 
-American newsreel company and 
makes documentary (trayel) films, 
has presented President Roosevelt 
with a newsreel in which President 
Castillo of Argentina sends greetings 
to the U. S. chief executive. 

Newsreel scenes in which Vice- 
President Henry Wallace sends felici- 
tations to the Argentinians are being 
dispatched this week by plane so 
they can be incorporated into the 
latest edition of Sucesos Argentinos. 

HERNRIED'S HEROICS 

Now a Sympathetio Frenchmen— 
Formerly Cast as a , Heavy 



Hollywood, July 8. 
Paul Hemr'ed; Viennese- actor who 
attracted attention in the U. S. for' 
KiriJWtrayalsr- of -Nazis,- -maJves- a 
complete switch for his Hollywood 
debut He's cast as a French avi- 
ator, the romantic lead opposite 
Michele Morgan in 'Joan of Paris, 
going into production next week at 
RKO. 

Under his real name of Paul Von 
Hernrled, he first drew notice in the • 
U. S. as the Gestapo agent in the 
British-made film, 'Night Train.' 
Next he played a Nazi consul in El- 
mer Rices' 'Flight to the West' last 
season on Broadway. 



Sax, Wachsberger Remake 
French Picture for UA 

Hollywood, July 8. 
New production combination, 
formed by . Sam Sax, former studio 
head for Warners in England, and 
N. Wachsberger, Belgian theatre 
owner before the war, arranged a 
deal with United Artists for the re- 
lease of their American remake of 
'L'Immigrant,' first produced in 
France. 

Filming is slated for the Hal Roach 
lot, with Ilona Massey under nego- 
tiation as femme star and Tim 
Whelan as director. 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



B. 0. SPURT HEARTENS BIZ 



Loew Manager Going Direct To 
Defense Workers to Find Out 
Why They re Not Patronizing Pix 



Rochester, N. Y., July 8. 

Manager Lester Pollock, Loew's, Is 
conducting a survey In Rochester 
factories to find out why increased 
employment In defense industries 
hasn't meant improved theatre busi- 
ness. With Kodak, Bausch 4c Lomb, 
General Railway Signal, Consoli- 
dated Machine, Taylor Instrument 
and scores of smaller plants going 
at top speed with defense orders, 
film boxoftices have repeatedly hit 
new lows this summer. Everyone in 
the business has different ideas why, 
so Pollock Is trying to find out at 
the source. 

Survey is sold to plant officials on 
the ground theatres provide needed 
diversion and relaxation for hard- 
working employees. First he con- 
sults personnel directors to learn if 
working schedules conflict with the- 
atre hours to bar large numbers of 
workers and whether a weekly 'De- 
fense Workers Show' could hit a 
time more -convenient. Then he 
aims to reach a large number of 
workers In each plant to get personal 
reasons and reactions. 

'Outdoor' weather arrived nearly 
two months early this year, but the 
usual return to theatre entertain- 
ment after the first rush to the roads, 
parks and beaches has not developed 
In volume. There are repeated 
plaints that shows are too long for 
a fast-moving age and majority of 
pictures do not have that extra 
something to compete with other 
available forms of entertainment. 



Cue From 'Jolo* 



Teddy Carr, United Artists co- 
director in Great Britain, arrived 
in the U. S. last week with a 
message to Variety from Jolo 
(Joshua Lowe), head of the Lon- 
don bureau of this paper. 

Said Jolo, Tell them I've been 
bombed out of two hotels here, 
but I'm very happy going home 
before dark and weekending In 
the country. And ask the muggs 
to stop sending love and losses, 
but to send cigars instead, as I 
now have to limit myself to two- 
a-day/ 



'Dark Checking' 
Of Flat-Rental 
Pix Irks Exhibs 



WnilE BIQFF DENIED 
BILL OF PARTICULARS 



William BiofC lost a plea for a bill 
of particulars from the Government 
when Judge Edward A. Conger de- 
clined to grant the request of the 
labor leader last week In N. Y. 
federal court. Bioff Is charged with 
having coerced, through threats of a 
labor strike, a sum In excess of 
$550,000 from Loew's, Paramount, 
20th Century-Fox and Warner Bros. 

Bioff had asked, the court to force 
the Government to tell him the 
specific dates It charges the alleged 
crimes were committed, the places 
they were performed in, whether 
payment was made by check or cash, 
the time and places of the alleged 
threats, and the names of the of- 
ficials of the film companies who 
were coerced. Trial Is set for Aug. 
18. BiofI Is west coast representa- 
tive of the International Alliance of 
Theatrical Stage Employees. 



McDonoQgh Yields To 
Bre«n as RXO Director 



. Hollywood, July 8. 

J. R. McDonough checks out this 
week as v.p. and member of the 
board of directors of RKO-Radio 
Pictures. Berth on the board will be 
taken over as one of the duties of 
Joseph I. Breen, newly appointed 
executive vice-president. 

Post of assistant secretary of the 
company goes to Reggie Armour, 
former aid to George J. Schaefer. 



Harmon Back in N. Y. 



Francis Harmon, industry's na- 
tional defense co-ordinator and exec- 
utive assistant to' WiU Hays, returned 
yesterday (Tuesday) from an ex- 
tended stay on the Coast Much of 
his time was devoted to forwarding 
the U.S. defense films setup, but he 
also was occupied in working with 
the production code division of the 
Motion Picture Producers & Distri- 
butors Assn., of which he is eastern 
head. 

Harmon returned east Via New 
Orleans and other key cities where 
he huddled with distributors regard- 
ing the handUng of defense subjects. 

1.) 3) 'i > '1 1/ 1 »(■'/ ' 



Philadelphia, July 8, 
Latest beef among Philly exhibs 
is the alleged practice by some dis- 
tributors of 'dark checking' films 
that have been bought on a flat 
rental basis. 

According to the theatre op- 
erators, some of the distributors 
have been placing spotters near 
their houses to check the business 
done by their respective pictures, 
The stunt, the exhibs claim, is be 
ing used by the distributors as a 
basis for rentals for future prod- 
uct. 

The exhibitors complain that this 
method gives the distribs a 'dis 
torted' picture of the situation, es 
pecially if the sub-rosa-checklng Is 
being done on a picture that's a 
sleeper and happens to be doing 
business. 

They never check a turkey,' one 
exhib complained. 

Chief complaint seems to be that 
distribs are bent on jacking up 
prices on good product, but never 
make adjustments on the floppolas. 
Beefed one exhib: 

'If I play a picture on percent- 
age, ' I expect to be checked at the 
boxoffice. But when a film is bought 
outright, why should it be darfi 
checked. If the picture - happens 
to be a dark horse and click, why 
should this be used as a yardstick 
on my business, for future deals, 
Why doesn't the exchange cooperate 
when some of the fiat rentals flop 
at the boxoffice and I need adjust 
ment. Or why doesn't the dls 

of the highly touted percentage 
shows falls down?' 

Distribs, however, defend the 
'dark check' practice. It gives them 
a legitimate method on grossing 
power of product, they claim. It 
also gives them an opportunity of 
finding out average business of any 
giveif house, they say. 

Some exhibs have tried to get 
the cop on the beat to force the 
checker to vamoose. Others are 
talking about taking legal action to 
stop the practice. 

U Board Meets Thurs. 

Regular quarterly meeting of Uni- 
versal's board of directors is slated 
for tomorrow (Thursday) in New 
York. This is the session supposed 
to have been held, last week but 
postponed because a special direc- 
torate's meeting had been held the 
week before, and also because both 
J. Cheever Cowdin, chairman, and 
Nate Blumberg, president, were out 
of N. Y.' 

Cowdin went to the Coast the 
middle of last week, returning this 
week in time for the board session. 



THIS MAY BE 





T 



July 4th Weekend's Marked 
Upbeat in Film Business 
Proves Anew That Good 
Films Will Get Generous 
Support at Wickets 



OTHER CONCLUSIONS 



Barney Balaban Deprecates Recent 
Over-Emphasis on How Bad the Pix 
Biz Is; Terms It a "Vicious Circle' 



Balaban's Parable 



With the terrific grosses rung up 
by film houses throughout the na- 
tion over the holiday weekend, fol- 
lowing other more minor signs of 
an upturn during the past couple 
weeks, film men are hopeful that 
the turning point may have arrived 
in the slump which has bogged the 
industry since April 1. Mindful that 
much of the Friday-Saturday-Sun- 
day b.o. strength resulted directly 
from the rain which soaked down 
most of the country, distribs and 
exhibs, seeking any rift in the black 
clouds, are looking on the July 4tb 
weekend as a sign of better things 
to come. 

Whether of real significance or 
not, record-breaking crowds that 
filled every seat and stood behind 
ropes in hundreds of houses pro- 
vided the Industry with its first 
cheerful note in months. Following 
day after day of long faces and vy- 
ing by theatre men as to who did 
the worst biz the previous evening, 
exhib circles and distribs' home of- 
fices and branches took on a wel- 
come note of optimism on Monday 
(7) as reports came in and word 
seeped around that the long holiday 
weekend had been tremendous. 

After weeks of stabbing In the 
dark by the high and low of the 
industry, as well as by outsiders, 
on 'what's the matter with the busi- 
ness?,' it took a rnin.storm to prove: 

1. People have money and will 
spend it for pictures. 

2. People are not 'too tired,* 'too 
busy' or 'too preoccupied with world 
events' to attend a film. 

3. Pictures are no worse than 
they've ever been. 

4. No strange malady has over- 
taken the population to cause It to 
lose its Interest or desire to see 
pictures. 



RKO Suspends Mercury 
Theatre's Dot Comingore 



Hollywood, July 8. 
RKO slapped a suspension on Dor' 
othy Comingore for turning down 
the role in 'Weekend for Three,' the 
first on her new contract. 

She's the-'.rf<3r.ner M&fiMy - pi lyer 
"^ho jot a..mctur^ 
TVelles- In-'ClHzctrKune.' - 



Paramount prexy Barney Bala- 
ban, speaking of the consent de- 
cree last week, declared that 
it compares In soma ways with 
a foundling discovered on the 
doorstep. 'Yoiu' first reaction,' 
he explained, 'Is what the blank- 
ety is this blinkety doing here? 

Then you keep looking at it 
and the first thing you know you 
begin thinking: 'This Is a pretty 
cute kid'.' 



Production Code 
Now a Composite 
Administration 



Self-censorship of films, via the 
Hays office, .no longer is a one-man 
burden, as it developed under Jo- 
seph I. Breen, but now a composite 
problem of the Production Code Ad- 
ministration board. New procedure 
ia for all letters to producers from 
the PCA to bear the signature of the 
board, where formerly they were 
signed by Breen. 

Although Geoffrey Shurlock is 
serving as acting head of the PCA 
the Hays office apparently now 
favors the Idea that no one man 
should bear the brunt of complaints 
over crackdown rules. In this way, 
fewer wrangles are anticipated. Two 
board members will be assigned to 
cover each picture as it goes into 
production, but any edict or inter- 
pretation of PCA rules will be sig- 
natured by the PCA board. 



2D TRIAL IN WM. FOX 
BRIBERY ON JULY 28 



Philadelphia, July 8. 

U. S. Circuit Court Judge J. War- 
ren Davis and Morgan Kaufman 
Scranton attorney, charged with ob- 
taining bribes from film magnate 
•William Fox, will go on trial for a 
second time July 28. The first ended 
in a mistrial when the jury failed to 
agree on a verdict 

Davis is accused of getting $27,000 
from Fox to act favorably on litiga' 
tion in the Circuit Court In connec- 
tion with Fox's bankruptcy. Kauf- 
man is charged with being the go- 
between. 



Kane Changing Studios In 
ix)ndon for Three 20th Pix 

Hollywood, July 8. 

Robert T. Kane, producer of 20th- 
Fox pictures in England, who has 
been in Hollywood laying the 
groundwork for the American pro- 
duction of 'Law and Order' and 'My 
Gal Sal,' shoves off for London late 
in August to make three films at 
Shepherd's Bush, the new seat of op- 
erations for 20th-Fox on the isle. 

Pictures are 'Spitfire,' 'Uncensored' 
and 'Paddy the Next Best Thing.' 



Harry Cohn in N. Y. 

Hollywood, July 8. 

Harry Cohn planed east to pass 
two or three weeks working on sales 
campaigns for the nine new com- 
pleted Columbia pix, of which six 
are in the 'A' group. 

Nate Spingold, Col N. Y. exec, ac- 
companied. 



Although the film industry may 
rightfully be disappointed that it 
hasn't profited in ratio to other 
businesses from the nation's heavy 
defense spending, the b.o. record 
isn't half so black as it is currently 
being made to appear, Barney Bala- 
ban declared last week. Paramount 
prexy asserted that the to-do which 
has recently gone up about poor 
business has gotten back to the pub- 
lic, however, and made it think 
something is wrong with pictures, 
resulting in a vicious circle that has 
really hurt grosses. 

'Attendance at our theatres,' Par 
topper contended, 'has been higher 
than last year both for the period 
beginning Jan. 1 and the period be- 
ginning April 1, when the slump set 
in. And for the six weeks preceding 
April 1 we were really getting our 
share of the defense spending.' 

Despite the greater number of ad- 
missions, Balaban admitted receipts 
were less than a year ago. He at- 
tributed that In part to the effect 
that the $1.10 levy for 'Gone With 
the Wind' was having on totals in 
1940. Also, he said, as far as can 
be determined by Paramount's own 
scales, admission prices are down 
about l%c from a year ago as the 
result of the change which brought 
the tax base down from 40c to 20c. 

[A theatre exec of Lofew's declared 
that both receipts and admissions to 
his company's houses were below 
those of a year ago without taking 
into consideration 'GWTW,' which is 
always eliminated, as a freak, from 
such computations.] 

Beadjustment Period 

Floundering as much !as anyone 
else on a reason for the slide in 
business,' Balaban suggested that it 
is the result of a huge readjust- 
ment which is taking place in the 
United States.- 'With defense in full 
swing,' he explained, 'thousands of 
country people are moving to the 
cities, a million boys are being sent 
to camp and their families by the 
thousands are traveling to visit them. 
Soon, I hope, this readjustment pe- 
riod will be ov^r and film business 
will snap up.' 

Paramount prexy turned to the 
record to prove that it hasn't been 
poor pictures that has caused the de- 
cline in grosses. He produced a con- 
fidential analysis of all major prod- 
uct, especially prepared only for 
himself and Par theatre execs Leon- 
ard Goldenson and Sam Dembow, 
Jr. Comparison of film between this 
year and last showed virtually no 
differences. Quality of product dur- 
ing June was slightly below that of 
1940, but that for July and August 
promises to be slightly better than 
was dished up last summer. 

No Hope to End Duals Now 
. "rhe -end; of dual ■ bills might be 
part of the solution for increased 



Impersonating U.S. Officer 

Detroit, July 8. 

Because a professional discount is 
given by hotels to some Federal of- 
ficers, Jay Arnold, 45, • former film 
stunt pilot, was arrested here on a 
charge of impersonating an officer. 
He is accused of having masqueraded 
as a U. S. Army major In April and 
May to take advantage of those re- 
duced hotel rates. 

Arrested by the FBI he was haled 
before the U. S. Commissioner here 
on the Federal charge which carrfes 
a maximum penalty of three years' 
imprisonment and a $1,000 fine. Ar- 
nold said he was a stunt flyer who 
had worked in a score of pictures 
and presently was employed as a 
Civilian Aeronautics Board engineer. 



Taurog Directs Shirley 

Hollywood, July 8. 

Norman Taurog draws the director, 
assignment on 'Kathleen,' the Shirley 
Temple starrer, slated to go into pro- 
duction July 14 at Metro. 

George Haight Is producing. 



no 

drives for single features will meet 
with success. Asked if Paramount 
might take the lead in abolishing 
twin bills! he replied: 

'Double features appear to be 
something our patrons are against in 
theory but not in practice, for none 
of our experimental efforts to end 
them has been successful. The only 
way to make a real test would be 
to get every theatre in a territory to. 
abolish duals at one time. And with 
that, I have no doubt, the indepen- 
dent producers and distributors 
would immediately report us to the 
Department of Justice as conspira- 
tors, which we would be in a tech- 
nical sense. So it is an experiment 
we can't even try.' 

Only optimism Balaban expresses 
for possibl'ity of ending twin fea- 
tures lies in consent decree selling. 
He feels that exhibs, doing their 
buying onlv 'or the immediate fu- 
ture instead of having to use up two, 
three or fiu' companies' product, 
purchased in - 'v.-nce, may fall Into 
the practicr" c' l "-"king only one fea- 
ture v/hen t' — t'link that it is good 
enough, f^f' with a surplus of 
(Con'iP""'! on page 18) 



PICTUBES 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



Happy-Days-In-Dixie; They Expect 
Tiffany Soon to Open a Branch On 
Tobacco Road; Defense Booms Amus. 



Studio Contracts 



Spartanburg, S. C, July 8. 

Don't be surprised if Tiffany's 
opens a Tobacco Road branch! 

Down here they've tossed the last 
of the Confederate money away, 
6uh, and if you've got just a grand 
or two, don't expect much attention 
from the streamlined southerners, 
who are rolling in clover and expect 
to keep on doing so just as long as 
the damyankees pay their income 
and other taxes. 

Theatres are Jammed throughout 
the cotton belt Big name bands 
playing the lint and tobacco circuits 
have to handle their trombones ex- 
pertly—what with dancers crowding 
right up against the platform — and 
all the maestros of jive are angling 
for encore space and dates, regard- 
less of the fact tliat until a few 
. months ago only a few of 'hem both- 
ered to toot this side of the Mason- 
Dixon line, and then only in the 
winter time. Concert artists protect 
their local guarantees and waltz off 
rostrums with tidy sums; gal shows 
are working over time, and radio 
advertising volumes are listed at an 
all-time high. 

May roundup reported approxi- 
mately $80,000,000 in national (le- 
fense construction planned or under 
way in the Carolinas, Virginia and 
. Georgia. 

Gov. Burnet R. Maybank (S. C), 
approached for revised dope on the 
subject, said $80,000,000 would be 
spent on fall maneuvers between 
Fort Jackson, S. C, and Fort Bragg, 
N. S. 

Jeeps tor 'Jeeters' 

Augusta has forgotte.i its TobaC' 
CO Road' fuss — it's being streamlined, 

. and instead of 'Jeeters'.. the jeeps 
(high and fast army motor cars) will 
soon be rolling out that way. Hang- 
ars to house 75 warplanes are going 
up fast on the same far-famed thor- 
oughfare. Project is part of a new 
$27,300,000 defense project a-build' 
Ing in these parts. A $22,800,000 
army camp, on blueprints and sel 
for August dirt-breaking, is the fea- 
ture attraction. It will employ 10,' 
000 men six months. A 'little' $2,- 
000,000 project is also opening up at 
Augusta arsenal. New homes for 

■ air base workers are itemed at $311,' 
000. Annual payroll is figured at 
$15,000,000. ' 

Camp Croft, Spartanburg, recently 
completed $11,000,000, 18,000-man 
army camp. Is letting contracts 
again, the first lot running over 
$250,000. 

Augusta camp will house 35,000 
men. Payroll for^roft, with 18,000 
men, runs around $300,000 per dis- 
.tribution— with Augusta payoff fig- 
ured at twice that amount. Fort 
Jackson, S. C, is pouring out 
around $500,000 each payday. Fort 
Bragg, N. C, is much larger. 

tlalph Harston, Southern States 
manager of Dodge Reports-Service, 
turned in a $100,000,000 increase re- 
port on Dixie construction January- 
May, as compared with totals for the 
same 1940 period. 

Marketing bt $1,000,000 Spartan' 
burg county peach crop Is starting. 
Peak near end of month. State crop 
will run much higher with 2,400 cars 
a week at $500 a car starting out of 

•■(otiicco""sales'"aiso; 'Opening — np — iir 
Georgia, to be followed by Carolinas 
and Virginia auctions in a few weeks, 
bringing in around $15,000,000 more 
— and flue-cured fein't all — they sell 
burley tobacco around Christmas. 

Dr. W. P. Jacobs, executive vice' 
president. South Carolina Cotton 
Manufacturers Ass'n, and local tex 
tile executives report wag 3-hour 
law administration wage boosts, 
coming this month, will add $1,000, 
000 per year to pay envelopes of 
workers in this county's 30 large 
mills, with much larger amount in 
S. C, multiplied heavily in North 
Carolina and Georgia. This a(lds to 
a. $1,000,000 per year boost to Spar' 
. tanburg area textile wages, effective 
April 24. Figures just posted show 
last wage hike nets -$9,000,000 for 
South Carolina and Georgia — and 
the mill folks are great show fans. 



Good 'York' Campaign 

Warners' Charlie Elnfeld got 
plenty of space in the metropoli- 
tan dailies on the 'Sergeant 
York' opening at the Astor, 
N. Y. Apart from Its being a 
natural, according to trade 
analysis, the campaign embraces 
radio spot announcements (for 
which WB went to J. Walter 
Thompson agency, away from its 
own Blaine Thompson agency), 
outdoor billboards, daily ads, etc. 

By the time the "York* run Is 
over In New York, the ballyhoo 
(including cost of the Astor's 
new lights) will come to $80,000. 



TORK' PACING AS BIG 
AS 'GONE'; BIG ADVANCE 



Caught in the upsurge of Broad- 
way business over the holiday week- 
end, 'Sergeant York* (WB-Lasky) Is 
off to a flying boxofflce start at the 
Astor (N. Y.), Its premiere and solo 
engagement in the country. It has 
been a sellout since opening last 
Wednesday (2). 

With large sections of the orches- 
tra reserved for press and trade on 
the two opening days, film notwith- 
standing took In approximately $10,- 
000 through Monday. Playjpg regu- 
larly two-a-day, extri shows were 
given at 6 p.m. on Friday, Saturday 
and Sunday. 

Best barometer of the substantial 
take is that the picture has picked 
up befor^e the end of its first week 
an advance sale in excess of $6,000, 
a figure comparable to the advance 
at the same period of 'Gone with 
the Wind,' which played the Astor 
for nine months. It Is Broadway 
consensus that 'York' may prove 
generally the Industry's best money- 
getter since "Gone.' 

Warners Is not rushing plans for 
out-of-town openings. S. Charles 
Einfeld Is ganderlng Washington as 
a likely followup spot. If 'York' fits 
nationally Into Qxe roadshow groove, 
its general release Is likely to be 
withheld more than a year. 

S. Charles ElnfeM planed to Wash- 
ington last (Tuesday) night to tet up 
roadshowing of "York' there. Picture 
will go Into the Earle, and plan for 
putting fljm into a second house also 
is being mulled. 



Hollywood, July 8. 
Eleanor Parker drew player con- 
■ tract at Warners. 

I Sy Bartlett's writing pact renewed 

by Samuel Goldwyn. 
I Nell O'Day's player option lifted 

by Universal. 
Russell Arms inked actor deal at 

Warners. 

Elaine Brandes handed player 
ticket at Paramount 

Herbert Anderson's player option 
hoisted by Warners. 

Arthur Arent signed to scripting 
contract by Warners. 

Edmund Gwenn and Metro got to- 
gether on -new contract. 

Nancy Gates drew player deal at 
RKO. 

Frank Martinelli signed acting 
pact with RKO with permission to 
finish his final college semester next 
winter. 

Errol Flynn optioned for another 
hitch at Warners. 

Tony Gaudio, cameraman, had his 
contract renewed by Warners. 

Margaret Hayes handed new act- 
ing pact at Paramount. 

S. M. Behrman tagged to contract 
at Metrd. 

S. Sylvan Simon, director, re- 
newed by Metro. 

Marjorie Weaver's option picked 
up by 20th-Fox. 

Mary Anderson drew acting ticket 
at Paramount 

Lucien Ballard signed for year as 
cameraman at 20th-Fox. 

Inez Cooper inked player pact at 
Metro. 

Edwin Gilbert's writer option 
picked up by Warners. 

Louise LaPlanche drew acting 
ticket at Paramount 



PAR'S REGIONAL SALES 
MEETS; 1ST BATCH OF 5 



Announcement, of a series of Para' 
mount regional sales coqfafos to diS' 
cuss plans and policies on 1941-42 
product, starting July 18, was made 
yesterday (Tuesday) by Neil Agnew, 
company's sales manager. It also 
was announced that Par would hold 
trade screenings for exhibitors on 
the first jfive pictures, sold under the 
Consent Decree rules, July 28-30 in- 
clusive. These are 'Nothing But the 
Truth,' 'Hold Back the Dawn,' 'Buy 
Me That Town,' 'Henry Aldrich for 
President' and 'New York Town.' 

Agnew will talk at the sales meet- 
ings in New York and Boston, and 
also will preside at the Atlanta 
session. Charles Reagan, assistant 
sales manager, will preside at the 
Chicago, Dallas and Kansas City 
sessions. J. J. Unger, eastern divi- 
sion manager, will call meetings to 
order in Boston, Philadelphia, Cleve- 
land and N. Y., while George Smith, 
western division manager, will pre- 
side at the Los Angeles and Denver 
meetings. 



U.S. Red-Tape and Brasshats Have 
Newsreels Groggy on Defense Shots 



Censorship of shorts and newsreels 
Is gradually taking on the ^pe of 
a giant octopus, since the state of 



Canada's $l-a-Tearer 

Ottawa, July 8. 
David IT. Coplan, Columbia Plc- 
ttuus sales . excci in Canada, has 
been named by the Canadian gov- 
.emment to a $l-a-year post as an 
advisor to the National Film Board 
on. matters relating to distribution 
and exhibitlopu 



several weeks ago by President 
Roosevelt, with tentacles reaching 
out via direct military orders, or 
through the 'please don't use' 
method. Editors of the reels are now 
convinced that, the situation is grow- 
ing more muddled each week, with 
first the navy and now the army 
seeking legislation which would fur- 
ther hinder photographing of national 
defense objects by the newsreels. 

Latest crackdown is the report 
that the War Dept is seeking a 
statute to enforce any person photo- 
graphing anything showing soldiers 
to first get a permit from a dele- 
gated top army oillclal. Newsreel 
boys believe this would necessitate 
a 'permit' for any defense story 
since soldiers appear in nearly every 
one of them. 

Newsreels hope for a single con- 
.trolling body or official, with the 
film Industry cooperating and given 
special authorization to get vital 
stories, such as Canada haS just es- 
tablished. rCanadlan information, 
cinema, radio broadcasting and tour- 
ist services are now grouped under 
one head, with J. T. Thorson as min- 
ister of National War Services. 
James Gardiner, who has been Min- 
ister of War Services as well as 



that of Agriculture, will devote all 
his time to the latter from now on. 
Possibly the most vivid example 



Strained Interludes 

By Emeat Lehman 



Incentive to Banknlte 

Thank you, Don, and good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the .radio 
audience ... I don't have to tell you what Is taking place here tonight 
at the Carthay Circle . . . I'm sure Don has been bringing you all the 
glamor and heart-beat of this premiere in his usual grand stiyle . . . 
Naturally, Tm tremendously flattered to have the mike for these few 
moments ... I know that you'd all rather hear from the lovely star of 
this picture, Carole Montross, instead of the producer, but while I have 
this opportunity I would like to express my public acknowledgment of all 
the grand cooperation on the part of Miss Montross, her co-star, Romney 
D'Arcy, director George Barrett, John Glenby and William Gaylen, who 
wrote the script, and all the others in the cast and on the set . . . With- 
out their, superlative teamwork, 'Dawn's Early Light' would never have 
been possible . . . Whether or not my picture is a success, I want to say 
here and now that I have never worked with a finer group of people . . . 
Thank you, and goodnight' 

('Why did I even bother to look at the rushes ... I should ?uive 
just sneaked it into the cans and given my ulcers a rest until to- 
night . . . Zukor's still in the business after 30 years, and it looks like 
I'm out after three . Ruth always'said I should stick to a megaphone 
and to hell with a producer's desk . '. . I've lost my hair, my health, 
and after they see this one, my reputation and my Job . , . What have 
Zonucfc, WoUis ond Selznlck pot that I haven't pot? ... I know tuhat 
I got that they haven' got ... I got Carole Montross, who comes on 
the lot every morning through the courtejy of Gordon's Gin . . . 
Brandt never colled HER boxoffice poison . . . She's the emetic . . . 
I got D'Arcy, who cost me three weeks of retakes because Hays don't 
like what he does with his paws ... I pot Barrett, whose idea of 
getting movement into his scenes is to have his actors shift in their 
seats while pabbinp ... I pot Gaylen and Glenby. who when they're 
not picking their teeth are picking the horses, and when they're not 
doing that, write sct-eenplays like their mothers were /Tightened by 
Harold Bell Wripht . . . And I pot Ciannini with the light brown notes 
to remind me that I potta brinp the works in on time, whether or not 
^ontross is too blind to read the blackboard ... I wonder if Capra 
ever had to shoot around a hangover? ... If s not bad enouph that I 
gotta po in there and sit in on my own funeral . . . What am I poinp 
to say afterwards when the lights go up? . . . Td eat those screen 
credits if they'd let me . . . Fd swallow every foot of celluloid if I 
knew it would keep this niphtmare from the screen . . . Maybe it all 
doesn't serve me Hght? ... If I had let them tise the ripplinp water 
shot behind my name, it wouldn't have been lepibte.'') 

Nitcry NlfhUnxale 
Thank you! Thank you! . . . And now, ladies and gentlemen, the 
piece de resistance of our little show . . . She needs no introduction ... 
That glamorous, glorious star of radio, stage and screen . . . Her voice 
has thrilled the crowned heads of Europe . . She was the darUng of 
Paris and Rio, the sweetheart of London and Buenos Aires . . .It is my 
proud pleasure to present — direct from a triumphant tour of the capitals 
of South America and the 48 United States— that lovely singer of lovely 
songs . . . The Parisienne nightingale— Cherie Luval!!!' 

('Go on, clap, suckers . . '. And don't be fooled by her body . . . 
Waif II you hear what comes out of that mouth ... A nipht club emcee 
with my tTnagination don't belOTip in show business ... I ouphta . 
be drowinp 'Superman' or 'Buck Rog^s . . . I'm the H. G. Wells of 
Broadway . . . They oughta call this joint the Tall Story and Short 
Change Club ... I duntio how I keep a straight face when they turn 
all that candlepower on me and I start spilling that spiel . . . Either 
I've been playing too much poker or I'm dead and I don't know it . . . 
Yes, my fine Three-Feathered friends, by special re<ptest of her man- 
ager, I give you that off-key, off -color piece-dc-No-resisfance who has 
charmed and been paid off by men of radio, stage and screen . . . Her 
voice has nauseated two ex-kings . , .. She's heord the xazzberry from 
the Ri«iera to the Rockaways . . . Thieu think less of her in London 
than they do in Lindy's ... I stand here because I pot an ex-wife 
and kids and because Hollywood don't want beautiful men anymore 
and because I never bothered to learn short?iand and typing ... I 
stand here for a pittance and pi've you, for a mere $2 minimum and a 
nod from the headwaiter — direct from a flight from the capitals of 
Europe and an egg-playing expedition through 48 unfortunate States — 
that perfectly smelly singer of perfectly swell songs . . .The dame 
who was bom and bred in Brooklyn and the last time she saw Paris 
was in 1923— Vera Lipfcin.'.'.'') 



fense activity was the naval auth- 
ority's action in banning a News of 
Day yam for USO. Latter: made the 
clip to emphasize the urgent need 
for recreational spots for men on 
leave. Newsreel made pictures aof 
overcrowded conditions in the small 
YMCA hut and other spots at Nor- 
folk, Va., sailors being photographed 
while they slept on the floor, on bil- 
liard tables and in phone booths be- 
cause of lack of space. 

When navy brasshats saw the clip, 
they threw up their hands in horror 
and rejected the story. They claimed 
that no good sailor takes off his shoes 
to sleep and would not sleep on the 
floor anyway. The USO tried for 
several weeks to get the story re- 
leased through the navy's chief of 
operations, but finally received word 
that it had been inadvertently de- 
stroyed. 

Crackdown by the Maritime Com- 
mission was via the 'request' method, 
which further confuses the newsreels 
editors because not being too specific 
as to material or what will be the 
punishment if used. Details of the 
order are so sweeping that the reels 
fear it will bar them from photo- 
graphing any boat leaving U. S. 
shores. 



No Bodgera But All Bart 

'It ain't no Berlin, Kern or Porter, but when it goes In one ear, it 
comes outta the other leaving you with something to hum ... I wouldn't 
say. it's the best ditty I ever scribbled— but I ain't sayin' It's the worst . . . 
On sheets it's going like griddle-cakes, and if you been around the jukes 
I don't have to tell you what it's doing on wax ... On my wife and kids, 
Harry, when the Ink Spots heard it they said they don't care no morft 
.about 'If I Didden Care' . . . Dorsey took one lissen and says to me him- 
self personally he'll never smile again at 'I'll Neveiv^mile Again' . . . Look, 
I been on the Hit Parade before, so it ain't exactly a new sensation, but 
No. 1 six weeks running is something doesn't happen to you every week 
... I ain't no monarchist, but when I see them royalty checks, I — what's 
that? . . . Logan? ... Oh, he's just a kid outta N. Y. U. . . . He gimme 
a few ideas in the words department . . . He's a good kid, his old lady is 
poor, I figure all he needs is a little push to get started ... So I give him 
25 a week and credit for coUabing on the song . . . Yeah, he gimme a 

('Where's that waiter with the check? . . . Every time you •want one^ 
of those tray-toters they're in the kitchen, ond when you don't want 
them, they're breathifig dotvn your »tecfc ... I gotta get out of here 
fast ... I gotta pet uptown to the Bronx and get that kid outta 'bed 
and I gotta get his name on a contract but quick . . . His lyrics is what 
made this tune and it looks like I ain't kiddin' Tiobody about it— least of 
all myself . . . And when I Ton'f kid even myself anymore, I can't 
kid no one . . . I ain't no Rodgers, but that kid is plenty Hart, and 
soon as he gathers together enough moo to drop into Lindy's and do a 
little ear-bending, he's gonita hear words that don't go good with the 
song-and-dance I been giving him at 25 smackers a week ... I gotta 
get out of here . . . Where the hell is that woiter?') 



THIRD APPEALS CASE 
FILED SINCE DECREE 



Third appeals case under the con- 
sent decree was filed this week by 
the Westway, Baltimore, in its 
squawk agalivst 20th-Fox, Loew's 
and Warner Bros. Sefton Darr, ar- 
bitrator, had held that the clearance 
of the Edgewood theatre over l^e 
Westway house was reasonable. It 
is this decision which is being ap- 
pealed. 

It's the first appeals case involv- 
ing clearance, othec two being 'some 
run' beefs. 



Variety Clubs' Golferies 



Detroit, July 8. 
Planning its first All-Industry 
Outing, the Detroit-Variety Club has 
named John R. McPherson, National 
Screen Service manager, chairman 
in charge of the affair to be held in 
August The annual golf tournament 
has been set for July 21 under di- 
rection of John Howlrd, former na- 
tional Variety chairman. 



Bvfr Variety's Golf Tourney 

Buffalo, July 6. 
Buffalo Variety Club, Tent No. 7, 
stages its annual golf tournament 
and dinner dance Aug. 4 at Wilniont 
Country Club. 



WedneBday, July»9, 1941 



PICTURES 



PUT DUALS UP TO PUBLIC 



First Witness in Crescent Trial 
Testifies of Alleged Coercion 



Nashville, July 8. 

Dramatic start was given the anti- 
trust suit on trial here by the Gov- 
ernment with ita initial witness tes- 
tilying today (Tuesday) that the 
Crescent Amusement ' Co.' (Tony 
Sudekum chain) attempted to virtu- 
ally slug him Into selling e hall-in- 
terest in his house. Witness, Arthur 
Mitchell, indie exhib of Russellville, 
Ky., declared that a Crescent rep in 
1935 told him he'd have to part with 
a 50% interest in his property or 
the circuit would build in opposition 
to him in Russellville. 

On trial in the proceedings, which 
got under way yesterday (Monday) 
before federal district Judge Elmer 
Davies, are Columbia, United Art- 
ists, Universal and five exhibs. 
Crescent, Nu Strand, Lyric Amus. 
Co., Rockwood Amusements, Ken-, 
tucky Amus. Co. and Louis Rosen- 
baum Theatres. Suit, brought by 
the anti-trust division of the Depart- 
ment of Justice, is being heard with- 
out a jury, as it is felt that the tes- 
timony will be of such a technical 
nature that the 12 good men and 
true in the box would not be able to 
fully understand it. Motion filed 
Saturday (5) to have a Jury trial 
was withdrawn yesterday. 
. Judge Davies today overruled 
Crescent's motion to quash the Gov- 
ernment subpoena forcing Tony 
Sudekum, Crescent prez; R. E. 
Baulch, secretary-treasurer, and Ker- 
mit C. Stengel, ofticial of two af- 
filiated companies, to produce inter- 
office communications and memos 
covering the years 1934-40, inclusive. 

Among observers in the courtroom 
are J. Meyer Schine of Gloversville, 
N.Y., president of Schine Theatres, 
and former Judge Willard S. McKay, 
his counsel. Government has similar 
prosecution pending against Schine's 
circuit. 

Trial is expected tp last from four 
to eight weeks, with the Govern- 
ment taking two or three weeks, or 
maybe only 10 days' to present its 
case. Government announced that 
the 'Big Five,' which were released 
from the Crescent action when the 
consent decree was signed, and UA 
and U had complied with sulipoen'as 
to produce records, but that Col had 
not, although the records had been 
brought to Nashville. Judge rules 
that Col's books be maintained on 
file for Government inspection. 

Eighteen legal wizards are taking 
part in the battle, 11 for the de- 
fendants and seven lor the Govern- 
ment. 

Heading the Government's counsel 
is Allen A. Dobey of the antitrust 
division of the Depprtmeirt of Jus- 
tide. Aiding him are trust-buster; 
Robert L. Wright, Seymour Simon, 
John F. Clagett, Frank Cunningham, 
Albert Bogess and Assistant U.S. 
District Attorney Owen W. Hughes 
of Nashville. 

George H. Armlstead, Jr., heads 
Crescent and allied companies de- 

Herman Finklestein from New York 
to head its defense; Universal is rep- 
resented by Edward C. Haftery and 
Adolph Schlmel of N.Y. Arthur 
Driscoll and Benjamin Pepper of 
N.Y., head United Artist legal staff. 



Hot-Seat for Tots 



Atlantic City, July 8. 
This modern age is too much 
for the tiny tots at the Embassy 
theatre here. House, which just 
moved into a remodeled bank 
building, has installed new-type 
seats with springs to make 'em 
go up when not in use. 

Springs, however, are appar- 
ently too strong for th« four- 
and-five-year-olds. They are 
constantly being doubled up as 
an untoward shifting of weight 
cause the seat to fold.. 



Directors Nearing 
Deal With Indies, 
Majors on Wages 



Hollywood, July 8, 
Agreement on a minimum scale 
for directors is expected to be 
reached this week, with both indies 
and majors agreed on all but a few 
minor points. Ihdies meet tomor- 
row (9) to vote acceptance of the 
Screen - Directors Guild proposal. 

Under provisions of the indie pact, 
minimum would start at $300 weekly 
for directors working on pictures 
costing $15,000 or less, with a guar- 
antee of two weeks' work. Pictures 
budgeted up to $29,000 would call 
for a minimum of $400, and those 
costing in excess of $29,000 would 
pay directors $490 weekly, with three 
weeks' guaranteed employment. 

Minimum for major company ac- 
tion pictures would be $350 weekly, 
with three weeks' guarantee. Mini- 
mum on major features would ,be 
pegged at $1,500, with work guaran- 
teed for four and a half weeks. 
Minimum scale for shorts in the in- 
die field has been dropped from con- 
sideration. 

Producers, through Y. Frank Free- 
man, announced that since their de- 
liberations with SDG had leaked out, 
no publicity on the proposed rates 
woidd be given out until contracts 
have either been signed or the deal 
chilled, 



SEARS EXPECTS 300 
FOR WB CHI CONFAB 



Twickenham and Kandel 
Settling Their Pix Suit 

A suit by Twickenham Film Stu- 
dios, Ltd., and RoddUon Douglas 
Brewis, as receiver, against Olympic 
Pictures Corp., Feature Distribu- 
tors, Inc., and Morris J. Kandel, 
president of both defendant corpora- 
tions, -is in process of settlement. 
Action claims breach of contract and 
seeks an' accounting. 

It is claimed that on Feb. 6, 1935, 
plaintiff turned over some 15 fea- 
tures to Kandel to be distributed in 
the U. S., including 'The Wandering 
Jew. It is alleged that after the 
flve-year period had ended in 1940, 
aefendant refused to return the 
prints and accessories, and refused 
to account for monies received. Ap- 
pointment of a receiver for the de- 
fendant corporations and an injunc- 
tion are being asked. 



tendance of about 300 for tlie five- 
day convention which general tales 
manager Grad Sears has set for July 
28-Aug. 1 in Chicago. Sears, who 
will preside, will precede the main 
delegation to CHicago by a week to 
complete arrangements there for 
roadshowing of 'Sergeant York.' 

Canadian salesmen will be called 
in for a regional huddle next Tues- 
day and Wednesday (19-16) in Mont- 
real, as consent decree-selling does 
not apply there. Wolfe Cohen, dis- 
trict manager, will head up the con- 
vention. 



Pix Cos/ Own Wardens 



Film companies, such as Warners, 
20th-Fox and Paramount, which 
have home-offices in their own 
buildings In • N.Y. City, have been 
asked to qualify company employees 
as air raid wardens by Police Com- 
missioner Valentine. 

These watchers would serve dur- 
ing any emergency or temporary 
blackouts. 



2 Gills LEAVE 
II TO CHI FANS 



Schoenstadt and Essaness 
Groups Switch to Singles 
^This Week, Experiment- 
ally, Now That the' Illinois 
Anti-Dual Bill Was Killed 



B. & K. PLANS VAGUE 



Chica'go, July 8. 

With the anti-double feature bill 
defeated in the State Legislature 
when the Senate failed to okay the 
measure, the indie exhibs in Chicago 
are going back to another try at 
single features through a direct ap- 
peal to the public to make its choice. 
Two circuits this week switch to 
single bills in their key houses on a 
trial basis. 

In placing single features in these 
houses, the circuits are advertising 
the fact direct to the public that it 
will .be up to the customers whether 
singles stay or go. 

Two circuits experiihenting with 
the singles are the Schoenstadt and 
Essaness groups. Former circuit has 
put singles into its big southside key- 
stone, the Piccadilly, while the 
Essaness single-biller is the modern- 
Lamar, located in the Oak Park 
westside suburb. The Lamar was 
built by Loew's three years ago when 
there was a boycott on among local 
exhibs against Metro product and 
Loew's started to build its own 
houses, The Lamar was the only 
house erected though Loew's had op- 
tions on several sites. Boycott was 
dropped and Loew's turned the 
house over to Essaness. 

Balaban & Katz. the circuit held 
responsible by the India exhibitors 
for the continuation of the double 
feature policy in Chicago, has made 
no plans for reverting to single fea- 
tures in the nabea. 



FOX WISCONSIN 
FINDS SOLO 
PIXOK 



Milwaukee, July 8. 
Making another effort to restore 
the policy of single features, the Fox 
Wisconsin Amus. Corp. is adopting 
this plan in many of its houses 
throughout the state Independently 
of other theatres. Patrons who had 
accepted the dual policy in the win- 
ter months complained in such num- 

sit through in tne summertime that 
circuit execs concluded this might be 
a potent reason for the present drop 
in business, hence the reversion to a 
solo policy. 

An A feature with a selected pro- 
gram of shorts is clicking in some 
spots and the same policy is grad- 
ually being extended to other towns. 
Wherever profitable it will be made 
the permanent policy, with the man- 
agers hoping it will pave the way for 
general resumption of the former 
solo policy. 

The present time was considered 
propitious for the statewide experi- 
ment because' business is so bad now 
that it cannot possibly be any worse; 
the solo policy may improve it, and 
anyway it makes operating econo- 
mies possible that may mean the dif- 
ference between profit and loss. 



Distribs Clearing Decks of '40-41 
Shorts in Anticipation of Really 
Merchandizing the Briefies in SepL 



O-J's Gags Into Print 



Hollywood, July 8. 
Gag file running into more 
than 500,000 items and represent- 
ing 20 years of search and cprn-., 
pilation is to b-; put between 
book covers in four volumes by 
Ole Olsen and Chick Johnson. 



Service Men To 
Get Amus. Tax 
Shaved Also 



Temper of Treasury Department 
and Congress appears to make it 
certain that chain and indie exhibs 
will be granted their request of last 
week to be allowed to eliminate or 
shave tlm tax^ion Cut-rate "admissions 
for men in uniform. Legislative ac- 
tion is hoped for shortly which will 
remove the levy altogether for 
soldiers, sailors and marines. 

As it stands now. Treasury rules 
require that tax be paid on the full, 
established price of tickets. Which 
means that while Joe Recruit is pay- 
ing perhaps 2Sc for a 99c ticket, he 
must pay 9c tax on it Although the 
reductions to soldiers and sailors 
vary In different territories, rule 
generallylselng applied by the chains 
is that tickets priced up to 40c are 
cut to 20c and those above 40c are 
cut to 25c. 

Move instituted in Washington 
aims at entire elimination of the tax 
but, failing in that, at least permis- 
sion to charge the boys a tax only 
on the cut price of the ticket. C. C. 
Moskowitz, Loew theatre topper, 
pointed out that the tax on the full 
price of admish also embarrasses the 
theatre because, despite endless ex 
planatlons, the theatre is blamed for 
the high tax and is suspected by 
some of the uniformed men to be 
chiseling. 

60% LebUng 

Philadelphia, July 8, 
Beginning yesterday (Mon). all 
service men in uniform will be 
granted reduced admission prices in 
all houses operated by the Stanley- 
Warner chain in the Philly area. The 
reductions, which apply both to de- 
luxers and nabes, will range as high 
as 60% of the regular admissions. 



, ABBOWS WILL ZINO 

Hollywood, July 8. 

Ford Beebe was assigned to crack 
the directorial whip on 'Overland 
Trail,' the next pioneer serial at 
Universal.. 

Henry McRae is producer. Picture 
slated to start in August, 



H-CAR SPECIAL TO U 
FOR 20TH-FOX CONV. 



Special 14-car train pulls out of 
New York Friday (11) night carry- 
ing the 20th-Fox homeoftice con- 
tingent and eastern salesmen for the 
annual convention in Los Angeles 
which opens July 16, and runs for 
four days at the Ambassador hotel. 
Will pick up other salesmen and 
reps en route at Chicago, Omaha and 
Salt Lake City. 

More than 275 are expected to at- 
tend the sales meeting. 



Wants More Car Space 



Chicago, July 8. 

With business capacity at all times, 
the northside Drive-ln theatre, owned 
by N. S. Berger of the loop Rlalto 
and associates, will shortly build ad- 
ditional space. 

Added acreage will increase ca- 
pacity from 1,160 to 1,500 cars. 



Major distributors are cleaning up 
final short feature releases on the 

1940- 41 calendar in order to have the 
decks cleared to go out In the field 
with new 1941-42 wares. Just now 
several companies are understood to 
have .part of. their Sales- force-con- • 
centrating on short sales with bulk 
of current season features out of the 
way, and Consent Decree selling not 
ready to start until later this month. 

Quality of shorts product recently 
placed on the market, and the 
promise for additional improvement 
on next season's short films, indi- 
cates ah apparent desire on the part 
of most companies to have shorts of 
such calibre they will stand on their 
own, and with no link to feature ' 
sales deals. 

This" apparent desire on the part 
of five major companies (operating 
under the Consent Decree) to carry 
out the spirit as well as the letter 
of the decree reportedly is forcing 
other companies distributing shorts 
to bolster their one and two-reel 
programs. Universal announced sev- 
eral weeks ago that its shorts lineup 
was being streamlined and realigned 
to stack up favorably with its fea- 
ture product. - ' - 

Consent Decree Proviso 

Idea of selling shorts on their 
.merit, and not tossed in with fea- 
tures as an inducement or leverage 
to swing deals for features, is in- 
corporated as a basic principle in- 
the Consent Decree. Salesmen of 
all five major companies have been 
warned not to juggle deals so that 
shorts are held out as bait to swing 
an exhibitor in line, directly or in- 
directly. Idea of reducing the price 
for a batch of shorts in order to per- 
suade an exhib on a feature product 
deal, suggested as a means of evad- 
ing the letter of the decree. Is- rated 
by majors as containing too much 
subsequent crackdown dynamite to 
warrant attempting. While such a 
proposition might not violate the let- 
ter of the decree, the flareback in 
case an exhibitor later squawked is 
rated too dangerous a risk. 

Unless a different Interpretation 
arises under the Consent Decree, 

1941- 42 is expected to see shorts 
standing on their merit for the first 
time in years. 



Good Neighbor Policy 
In Reverse; Latin 
Films in Detroit 



Detroit, July 8. 
Insisting that the Good Neighbor 
policy works both way.s — not just as 
a means of selling Hollywood prod- 
uct in South America — the Cinema 



mer, reopened for the season with ■ 
policy of Spanish-speaking films. 

Pointing out that it is just as Im- 
portant — maybe, more so — that North 
Americans understand their neigh- 
bors south of the border, Frank Arc* 
and G. G. Lopez and their Pan- 
American Guild will operate the 
house on Friday, Saturday and Sun> 
day presenting a Mexican or South 
American film coupled with a Holly- 
wood feature. 

The program was inaugurated with 
'Odio' ('Hate'), of the Azteca Dis- 
tributing Co., and will be followed 
next week-end by the Mexican musi- 
cal 'Asi es mi Tierra* ('My County I* 
Like That'). Previously, Spanish 
films were rarely presented in De- 
troit. 



Deanna a Sobbie 

Hollywood, July 8. 
Deanna Durbin plays a femma 
newspaper reporter in her next pic- 
ture, 'They Lived Alone,' «t Uni- 
versal. 

Bruce Manning producw tlie story, 
written by Sonya Levien. 



EXPLOITATION 



Wedqetfday, July 9, 1941 



Eastmi Distrib and Pub-Ad Execs 
Agree on Move to Curb Coast Reviews 



Previewing of films by Hollywood 
newspaper correspoadents and radio 
commentators will be rigidly re- 
stricted by major film companies, 
limiting publication or voicing of 
criticisms to release dates In local 
theatres. After several weeks of 
general discussion of the newspaper 
preview "problem/ which has cre- 
ated widespread exhibitor protest, 
Bales n^nagers and publicity execu- 
tives of the distributors agreed oa 
Monday (7) upon a formula, which 
Coast newspapermen and women are 
urged to accept. 

In effect, the formula takes out 
of the hands of the studios the whole 
question of advance showings of 
films for press comment and places 
the responsibilities in the New York 
home offices of the film companies. 
The statement says, 'It was decided 
that previewing of pictures for ex- 
hibitors, trade press or lay press, is 
etrictly a function for distribution.' 

Hinge upon which the new regula- 
tions turned is the new requirement 
of distribution operations under the 
terms of the U. S. Consent Decree, 
which becomes effective in exhibi- 
tor-distributor sales relations with 
the pictures set for release after 
Sept. 1. It is mentioned in the 
statement outlining changes thj^t the 
legal staSs of the film companies 
participated in discussions. 

Limitations outlined for newspa- 
per and radio coverage will not af- 
fect the indusUy's trade press. The 
covering provisions follow: 

1. That the trade press attend and 
review films at the tradeshowings 
for exhibitors in various parts of the 
U. S., since the primary function of 
the trade press is the dissemination 
of information for the trade itself 
and serves as a guide to exhibitors; 

2. That advance showings be ar- 
ranged for magazines and weekly 
publications of general circulation, 
in such cases where deadlines make 
such advance Rowings necessary; 

3. That, as the result of discus- 
lions with syndicate beads and news- 
paper publishers throughout the 
country, it was found tliat the con- 
sensus of their opinions was that 
the lay press and radio commenta- 
tors be shown the pictures for re- 
view when they open for public ex- 
hibition in their local theatres. 
Therefore, this has been adopted as 
the practice. > 

Those participating in the discus- 
sions were: William F. Rodgers and 
Howard Dietz, of Metro; GradweU L. 
Sears and S. Charles Einfeld, of War- 
ner Bros.; Neil F. Agnew and Rob- 
ert M. GiUham, Paramount; Herman 
Wobber and Charles E. McCarthy, 
Mth'-Century-Foxfand Ned E. Dep- 
inet and S. Barret McCormick,.BKO. 



Who Said War Is H—? 



Detroit, July 8. 
Using a peep-show taetic, the 
Michigan here garnered plenty of 
advance chuckles for 'Caught in the 
Draft.' The theatre had pitched a 
tent in its lobby. The gag was based 
on 'Bob Hope's idea of army life.' 
The patrons lifted the flap of the 
tent to discover a purported dummy 
of Hope lolling on a cot surrounded 
by such luxury as a well-stocked 
refrigerator, electric fans, $100 golf 
sets, etc. 

The laugh came on the fact that 
the tent also contained Dorothy La- 
mour (in effigy) taking a bubble 
bath. 



MPLS. TOUGHENS UP 
ON SEX PIC BALLYHOO 



Minneapolis, July 8, 
Local newspapers and police au- 
thorities are getting tough on sex 
films. Sheets refused to accept the 
Esquire theatre ad copy in its orig- 
inal form for 'Race Suicide' and 
*Sally Rand's Nude Ranch.' Among 
other things, newspapers required 



Stuck! 

FbUadelphia, July 8. 

A dozen Stanley - Wam«r 
nabes made a tieup last week 
with a bubbl* gum outfit to glv« 
•ach moppet who attended th« 
■pecial matinee a slice of tha 
■tuff. But the letup had to be 
changed almost Immediately. 

Ushers found the seats all 
ituck up with the goo after tha 
first showing. Thereafter tha 
kids were given a certificate to 
cash In for gum at the nearest 
candy store after the matinee. 



KEEP THE KIDS 
COOL' AIDS B.O. 



PUB-ADMEN BALLOT 
TODAY (WED.) ON SPG 



Publicity and advertising men In 
h.o.'s of major companies ballot to- 
day (Wednesday) on whether or 
not they want the Screen Pub 
licists Guifd to represent them as 
collective bargaining agent. Election 
is being held under the auspices of 
the National Labor Relations Board, 
with 'creative workers' on salary in 
the domestic pub-ad departments 
eligible to cast ballots. NLRB rep 
will take the box from one office to 
the other at various times of the day 
and votes will be counted to supply 
an' answer probably by next Mon- 
day (14). 

Distributors' concession that the 
vote would be .favorable to the SPG 
was seen by its officers in the arrival 
In the east over the weekend of Pat 
Casey, labor contact for the pro- 
ducers. Hell handle the negotia- 
tions for a contract which the Guild 
will demand immediately if balloting 
goes in its favor. 

NLRB decision of a couple weeks 
ago eliminating foreign department 
p.a.'s from voting has been followed 
by SPG filing petition for a separate 
election for them. They will have 
their choice as to whether they want 
the Guild to represent them. It they 
do, they will constitute a separate 
unit but demands fpr pay and work- 
ing conditions will be uniform with 
those of domestic employes. 



Tested Campaigns Aim 
Of Par's Press-Books 



Philadelphia, July 8. 

"Kiddies vacation matinees' has 
been Inaugurated by Stanley- 
Warner nabes with the "blessing of 
the moppets' mothers', according to 
the chain's publicists. 

The show Is three hours long with 
added serials and cartoon features. 
Idea is that it brings tl)e sprouts off 
the sun-baked streets into a nice air- 
cooled theatre. 



Incorporation within the press- 
books of the new season's feature 
releases of actual reproductions of 
advertising and publicity campaigns 
used in first-run engagements is be- 
ing worked out by the Paramount 
press department. Heretofore, the 
exploitation manual prepared for 
each release -by Alec Moss has been 
made a supplement to the press- 
book. The two are to be consoli- 
dated for the purpose of placing in 
the hands of .exhibitors campaigns 
that have been . tested at the box- 
office. 

With its numerous affiliated the- 
atre outlets. Paramount is in a po 



Invisible Billboard' 
New Radio Gimmick 
To Ballyhoo Fdms 

Washington, July 8. 
Latest idea of the boys whose 
business it is to sell pictures to the 
public, and one which ought to win 
approval in certain quarters, is the 
invisible billboard.' Without cutting 
off a bit of the view along a high- 
way, it gets its message across to 
every motorist who has a radio. 

Device made its debut here last 
week and is being tried out in con- 
nection with showing of. 'Kiss Boys 
Goodbye' at the Earle. The oral 
sheet is set up to attract the at- 
tention of motorists traveling toward 
Washington along the Mt. Vernon 
Highway, about three miles below 
Alexandria, Va. First the driver of 
a car sees a sign, with pictxire of 
Mary Martin, advising him to tune 
his car radio to certain wave- 
length. He does, theoretically, and 
into his ears comes Miss Martin's 
southern drawl, advising him she is 
going to be terribly disappointed if 
he doesn't drive immediately to the 
Earle to see 'Kiss the Boys.' 

The device Is patterned after that 
demonstrated recently to New York 
police as aid In handling traffic at 
conftising highway intersections. It 
consists of recording machine con- 
nected to low-power transmitter, 
which broadcasts the advertising 
message to . passing motorists. The 
F.C.C. has authorized Paramount 
locally to broadcast on the assigned 
wave-length within a 300-foot area. 

'Invisible billboard' is a brainchild 
of Jim Moran, the fellow who found 
a needle In a haystack, sold an ice- 
box to an Eskimo, etc., who now is 
on Paramount'! publicity staff In 
this territi)ry. 



Police authorities made Esquire 
management remove pornographic 
pictures and advertising matter 
showing nude women from In front 
of theatre. 



Metro s IVomoticMis, 20th-Fox s Field 
Exploiteers; Other Exchange Briefs 



Metro announced 33 promotions 
among its field staff, all from within 
the ranks. Four office managers ad- 
vanced to salesmen: Fred Rlppingale, 
Washington; Tom Lucy, Atlanta; 
Tony' Philbin, Dallas; Eldon Briwa, 
New Orleans. Succeeding these as 
office managers are, respectively: 
Joseph Kronman, formerly cashier- 
Ansley Padgett, formerly second 
booker; Wilton W. Spruce, formerly 
cashier, and H. A. Arata, formerly 
first booker. 

Also promoted to salesmen are 
three bookers and two checking 
supervisors. At Charlotte super- 
visor David H. Williams and former 
Washington booker Pete Prince as- 
signed to sales duties. At Atlanta 
new salesmen are Marvin Gaddis, 
formerly third booker, and Clarence 
Deaver, formerly fourth booker, and 
at Dallas, Vernon L. Smith, formerly 
checking supervisor. L. R. GlUand, 
formerly chief booker at Charlotte, 
has bee.-i made office manager at 
that exchange. 

Other promotions: At Washington, 
Paul Wall, fourth booker to uiird 
booker; Victor Wallace, student 
booker t» fourth booker; Anna 
Rldgely, assistant cashier to cashier; 
Jack Hurwitz, clerk to bookkeeper. 

At Charlotte: Max Holder, second 
booker to head booker'; Vincent 
Thompson, student booker to second 
booker; Ashby Bell, assistant shipper 
to third booker. 

At.Atlanta: James Stanton, Jr., 
fifth booker to third booker; Harris 
B. Wynn, checking supervisor to 
fourth booker; Fred Hull, Jr., stu- 
dent booker to fifth booker. 

At Dallas: Carl, Swenson, fourth 
booker to cashier; Charles Kelley, 
fifth booker to fourth booker; John 
Porter, Jr., student iDooker to fifth 
booker. 

At New Orleans: Herbert Schlesin- 

§er, second booker to chief booker; 
amu^l Wright, third booker to sec- 
ond booker; John G. Simpson, check- 
ing supervisor to third booker. 
To fill the positions left open by 

gromotion of checking supervisors 
le following checkers were named: 
Dallas, Sterling Lord; Atlanta, James 
A. Tomlin; New Orleans, H. F. Mos- 
ley. 

ZOih-Fox'B Exploiteers 

Charles E. McCarthy's new field 
promotion department ' for 20th- 
Fox under Rodney Bush com- 
prises George Gomperts for At- 
lantic district, - headquartering in 
Philadelphia; Joe Shea, Boston dis- 
trict; Ward Farrar, Cleveland head- 
quarters, mid-east district; Tommy 
'Thompson, Kansas City headquar- 
ters, ' midwest district; Spencer 
Pierce, Atlanta* Richard Owens, 
Dallas; Gabe Yorke, Los Angeles 
headquarters, West Coast; Eddie Sol- 
omon, Chicago; Clifford Gill, Minne- 
apolis. All promotion men go to 
the 20th-FQx saies confab in Los 
Angeles July 16-19, and then go di- 
rect to their assigned spots. 



the Producers Releasing Corp. and 
the Price Premium house. 

Dave Molliver taking over man- 
agement of Regis, formerly part of 
the chain operated by Charles 
Stlefel. 

Thomas F. Monroe now operating 
the Forepaugh's in the spot vacated 
by the death of his father, John 
Monroe. 

Editors, publishers, radio news 
analysts, columnists and editorial 
wjriters have been invited to a spe- 
cial showing of 'Underground' to- 
morrow night (Wed.) at the Warner 
screening rooms. 

Len Warsaw is new ■ addition to 
the sales staff of Quality Premium, 
replacing MUt Hyman, now in the 
Army. 

Elarle Swelgert, Paramount district 
manager, will attend the Virginia 
MPTO meeting at Old Point Com- 
fort, Va.. July 14. 

Barney Fellman replaced Ted 
Minsky as S-W out-of-town booker. 
Minsky has donned khaki. 



Doc Howe in Seattle 



SeatUe, July 8. 

M. D. (Doc) Howe, former man- 
ager of Metropolitan theatre, Is back 
here as RKO publicity director for 
the Pacific northwest and British 
Columbia. Fred Ford, his predeces- 
lor, has been transferred to Memphis. 

Lloyd Lamb has just been appoint- 
ed road manager for 'Citizen Kane.' 



Longo Back to Hub 

Cleveland, July 8. 

Joseph Longo Is going back to 
Boston to become publicity director 
for tiOew's State and Orpbeum, 
where he was formerly assistant 
p.a.. within a fortnight. James Har- 
ris, from St. Louis, is taking over 
Loew's bally post here. 

Cniarles Burris, former theatre 
promotion man who bad ad agency 
of his own in Chicago, appointed 
manager of the Telenew;. 



the country. The most practical and 
proven material. It Is Moss* Inten- 
tion, will be adapted for more gen- 
eral use. There will be clearly out- 
lined for Initial and subsequent run 
engagements different types of ad- 
vertising layouts, lobby display sug- 
gestions and exploitation stunts. 



National Anthem Sung 
Daily in 4 St L. Houses 

St. Louis, July 8. 

Audience singing of the national 
anthem at every performance In four 
Fanchon and Marco houses here was 
Inaugurated Friday (4) by order of 
Harry C. Arthur, who said that 'II 
ever there was a time when pride 
of citizenship in our democracy was 
needed, now Is the time.' 

The houses in which the audience 
singing started are the Fox, Missouri,- 
St Louis and Ambassador. 



lOOG 'Aloma' Ad Budget 

Paramount has set aside a special 
advertising appropriation of $100,000 
to pre-sell 'Aloma of the South Seas.' 

Technicolor film will get colored 
magazine advertising which is being 
outlined .for Look, Life and others. 



— Bnoey to Wlohlta 

Wichita, July 8. 
Howard Busey, formerly with 
Times, Jacksonville, IlL, named 
manager of Fox-Palace, by Ralph Q. 
Bartlett city manager. Replaces 
Fred Glass, resigned. 



GUIesple to Dallas 

Atlanta, July 8. 
Jimmie Gillespie, United Artists' 
special publicity representative for 
the Atlanta territory, has dropped 
down to Dallas where he will join 
up with UA's sales force. 



New Cat. ITO Directors 

Hollywood, July 8. 
Ned Calvl, Murray Hawkins and 
Max Sinift were named new direc- 
tors at annual meeting of Independ- 
ent Theatre Owners of Southern 
California and Arizona. Reelected 
as directors without opposition were 
Albert Galston, R. D. Whitson, Jenne 
Dodge and Hugh Bruen. 



Assooiatcd's Iris 

Detroit, July 8. 
Making its first appearance on De- 
troit's east side. Associated Theatres 
has acquired the Iris theatre from 
Al Ruttenberg. The purchase also 
marked the retirement of Rutten- 
berg, former operator of a small cir- 
cuit here, from direct ownership of 
theatres. 

Director of public relations for the 
Co-Operative Theatres of Michigan, 
Tom McGuire has resigned to take 
a government post 



WB Conn, Aoqaisllion 

Long-term lease has been obtained 
on the Alhambra, Torrington, Conn., 
by Warner Bros. Property is owned 
by Emphrem Smith of Torrington. 
Theatre seating' 1,250, has a fu)ly 
equipped stage, and recently was 
renovated and modernized. Deal 
handled through Berk & Krumgold, 
N. Y., theatre realtors. 

' Menzles' Spot 

Rochester, N. Y., July 8. 
John K. Menzles, Syracuse Uni- 
versity graduate and former mana- 
ger of. the university's Civic theatre, 
becomes assistant manager of the 
RKO Palace here, replacing Frank 
Placerean, switched to the RKO 
Temple several weeks ago. Marshall 
Walker moves in from Syracuse as 
student assistant manager of Loew's 
theatre. 



NSS Case Oat of Court 



Herman Robbios, head of National 
Screen Service Corp., National 
Screen Accessories, Inc., and Adver- 
tising Accessories, Inc., and Charles 
I^ C^sanave, last week jointly an- 
nounced that all litigation between 
them ixtd their associates had been 
satisfactorily settled out of court 
This statement was made to. cover 
the suit of National Screen, et al., 
against Casanave and countersult by 
,the latter. Rulings by the courts In 
advance of actual settlement of the 
suit had favored National, but no 
mention was made of this or actual 
money Involved, If any, In settlement 
statement by the parties Involved. 

All of Charles L. C^sanave's stock 
In NSA and Advertising. Acces- 
sories was purchased by NSSC as 
part of the amicable settlement 
Also Casanave has resigned as vice- 
president, director and general man- 
ager of National and Advertising, it 
was revealed. Another portion of 
the settlement Is the acquisition by 
Casanave of exclusive non-theatri- 
cal commercial rights for exploita- 
tion, sale and distribution of a new 
Neon sign effect from NSA. 



Frlieo'i Silent Policy 

San Francisco, July 8. 
'O .JlPQ.t'lsrk Green Street theatre, 

' has been reopened as Frisco's first 
silent film house under tal> of Cine- 
mat Operators are semi-pro cou- 
ple, Stanford E. Moses, Jr. and Dur. 
sley Baldwin Moses. Weekly-change 
basis at 35c is plan. Initial bUl 
'Charley's Aunt' (Syd ChapUn- 
Christie version) and 'Tillie's Ptmc- 
tiu'ed- Romance' (Charles Chaplin- 
Marie Dressier). 

David J. Bolton, Oakland division 
manager for Golden State, has upped 
George Yost from managership of 
the Dhnond ' tb the Palace, with 
Frank Hayward stepping into the 
Dimond.' Same circuit will open Its 
new Del Mar, San Leandro, Calif., 
about July 10, at which time the 
Palace there will darken. New 
house Is about 1,000 seats. 

Fred Curtice upped to house man- 
ager at Golden State's Uptown, 
under J. C. Richards, In charge of 
the district 



Lleat John von Herberg 

Seattle, July 8. 

Now it is Lieut John von Herberg. 
He's the son of the pioneer showman, 
of Jensen-von Herberg. The lad 
graduated recently from University 
of Washington, and left for Fort 
Lewis for army duty. He become 
second looey because of his work 
with RX).T.C. at the U. 

Ron Kelly, 'manager of Music -Box 
(Hamrlck-Evegreen), who worked 
his way up from doorman, is now in 
the navy on his way up to admiral. 
In the naval reserve, he was called 
for active duty to report at Bremer- 
ton, where he'll be 'storekeeper, 3d 
class.' 

John Berg, for mer assistant to 



Baztng New Palace, Phllly 

Philadelphia, July 8. 

The New Palace, Stanley-Warner 
South Phllly nabe, will be torn down 
to make way for a modern theatre. 
Being refurbished is S-Ws 60th 
street Imperial. 

Ruth Berger, Milton Young and 
Al Zimballst, aU of the S-W ex- 
ploitation staff, vacationing. 

A fire In an alr-conditlonuig house 
on Vine street last Thursday (3) 
caused damage to the exchange of 



new mgr. afM. B. Fax Duncan, as- 
sistant to Dan Redden at Para- 
mount, moves to Berg's spot and 
Jack Hamaker is promoted from the 
door at Paramount to assistant mgr. 
there. 

The State (Evergreen) announced 
double-feature policy for summer. 
It has been the only single feature 
house in Spokane. 

Willard (Buck) Seale, manager of 
the Orpheum, back after a month's 
layoff od account of Illness. 

Fred Hooper, assistant manager of 
the Fox, resigned his former posi- 
tion to be fUled by Mel Haberman, 
assistant at Orpheum. Warren Butz. 
doorman at Orpheum, will be upped 
to asst. manager. 

Bobert PorUe t« N. H. 

Worcester, July 8. 
Robert Portle, who managed Loew- 
PoU Plaza uhtU house closed here 
last week, transferred to manage- 
ment of Loew-Poll College, New 
Haven. Frank Manente, hTs assist- 
ant here, accompanies him. 

Swap Deal 

Spokane, July 8. 
O. C. Paisley of Hamilton, Mont., 
has purchased 50% In the Roxy, in 
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, from Floyd 
Bailey. Bailey in turn takes over 
the theatre formerly operated by 
Paisley In Hamilton. 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



PICTURE GROSSES 



Chi aOi; Happy; Gable Neat $19,(10(11 
Phil Harris-Draft'M Big $35,000. 
'Baby,' IIG, Cooing, KaneV Fmal 9G 



Chicago, July 8. 

With plenty of holiday and an in- 
flux of out-of-towners to make up 
lor the exiting Chicagoans, the loop 
had nothing to complain about oyer 
the weekend and the general totals 
for the current session will be 
largely satisfactory. .. , ^ 

Phil Harris' orch unit came into 
the Chicago with the holdover of 



The results at the wicket are excel- 
lent. Across the street in the State- 
Lake is Harry Richman combined 
with 'Wagons Roll at Night,' combo 
meaning a satisfactory session^ 

Clark Gable took over the United 
Artists over the weekend with They 
Met in Bombay' and that takes care 
of the business for that house. Will 
have nothing to worry about for 
three or four weeks. Roosevelt is 
doing well enough with 'Million Dol- 
lar Baby,! but the Garrlck hasn't 
much in 'Reaching for the Sun.' 

Palace today switehes to 'Reluct- 
ant Dragon' as topper for double bill 
replacing smash run of 'In the Navy' 
and 'Tight Shoes.' 

Estimates for This Week 

Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65-75) 
—•Billy Kid' (M-G). Moved here 
from the Roosevelt and looks for 
okay $5,500 currently. Last week, 
'Affectionately Yours" (M-G), good 
$6,100. 

Chicago (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— 
'Caught Draff (Par) (2d wk) and 
Phil Harris orch unit on stage. Sec- 
ond week for the picture and with 
advent of the Harris band the money 
total will again be bright at $35,000, 
following bang-up $39,500 last week. 

Garrlok (B&K) (900; 35-55-75) — 
"Reaching Sun' (Par). Not much 
this week at $3,500. Last week, 'Doe' 
(WB) was good in second loop ses- 
sion at $4,600. 

Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-44) 
— 'Hamilton Woman' UA) and 'Great 
Broadcast' (20th). Combination do- 
ing well and will garner $8,0()b, fine. 
Last week. 'Great Lie' (WB) and 
'Night Rio' (20th), drew femmes for 
neat $7,300. 

Palace (RKO) (2,500; 33-44-66) — 
•Reluctant Dragon' (RKO) and 
'Hurry Charlie' (RKO). Combina- 
tion opens today (Tuesday). Last 
week, 'In Navy' (U) and "Tight 
Shoes' (U), finished powerful four- 
week gallop to fine $10,500. 

BooseTClt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 
75)— 'Dollar Baby' (WB). Will come 
home with happy $11,000. Last 
week, 'Billy Kid' (M-G), finished 
fortnight sUy in this spot to $6,600,< 
good. 

State-Lake (B-K) (2,700; 28-44) — 
TVagons Roll' (Par) and vaude. 
Harry Richman heads the show. 
Healthy $19,000 In sight Last week, 
Teople Kildare' (M-G) plus Billy 
Gilbert on stage and Joe Sanders 
orch, fine $16,800. 

, Artists (B&K-M-G) (1,700; 

35-55-65-75)— 'Bombay' (M-G). This 
J?e is going to be a fat winner for 
this house and will hit $19,000 at 
least on initial session. Last week, 
•Love Crazy' (M-G), slumped sharply 
on poor word-of-mouth, winding up 
with $11,100. 

(Essaness) (1,200; 50-75- 
$1.10-$1.65) — 'Kaiie' (RKO) (9th- 
flnalweek). Ran along well enough, 
never hitting near capacity but held 
up by cut-rates. Finishing currently 
i?Jn<"cated $9,000, following okay 
$7,400 last week. 



'Love Crazy* Dual Good 
$14,500 in Healthy J. C. 

Jersey City, July 8. 

Rain and cool weather over Ibe 
July 4th weekend more than com- 
pensated local theatres for the finan- 
cially depressing heat of a week be- 
fore. Attendance unusually high. 
EsUmatea for This We«k 

Loew's (Loew's) (3,205; 28-33-50) 
— Love Crazy* (M-G) and 'Missing 
10 Days' (Col). SweU $14,500 an- 
ticipated. Last week, 'Penny Sere- 
nade'. (C>>1) and 'Queen's Penthouse* 
(Col) (2d wk), fair $7,400. 

SUnley (WB) (4,500; 28-33-50)— 
'Out of Fog* (WB) and "Time 
Rhythm' (Col). Nice $12,000 ex- 
pected. Last week, 'Navy* (U) and 
'Angels Wings' (Rep), great $15,000. 

State (Skouras) (2,150; 28-33-50)— 
'Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Sunny* 
(RKO). Big $9,900. Last week, 
'Night Lisbon* (Par) and Tight 
Shoes' (U), dull $7,200. 

HOPE, $15,000, 
CLEVE.CUCK 



'Bombay,' $10,000, Booms 



Cleveland, July 8. 

'Caught , in Draft' li soaring hUh- 
er than the thermometer, which 
dropped to a j;(>ciler level that kept 
large percentage of natives home 
over the holiday. Every stand did 
terrific biz as a result on the Fourth. 
Estimates (or This Week 

AUuimbra (Printz) (1,200: 10-20 
35)— 'First Beau' (20th) and 'Black 
Cat.' Okay holiday trade, Jtl.SOO for 
four days. Last week, 'Knockout' 
(WB) and "Flame New Orleans' (U) 
(2d run), nice $2,800 for full stanxa. 

Allen (RKO) (3,000; 30-35-42-55)— 
'Man Hunt '(20th). Moveover from 
Palace chasing very good $4,000. 
Last week, 'In Navy* (U) sailed 
through fourth chapter with fine 
$3,100. 

Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 30-35-42- 
55)— 'Bride C.O.D.' (WB). Davis- 
Cagney team hot here. Looks like 
fine $13,500 with possi ble stayover^ 
Last week, 'Out Fog* (WB), almost 
obliterated by poor ^,400. 

Palace (RKO) (3,700 ;30-35-42-55) 
— 'Tight Shoes* (U). Welcome 
change to house*g string of heavy 
melodramas and, although light in 
names, got off satisfactorily enough 
to gamer around $6,800. Last week, 
'Man Hunt" (20th), exceptionally 
sturdy $8,500. 

State (Loew's) (3,450; 30-35-42-35) 
—'Caught Draft* (Par). Former 
Clevelander Bob Hope making this 
one dynamic, in line for excellent 
$15,000. May cop another round. 
Last week, 'Met Bombay' (M-G), 
sweet $14 700. 

Stillmao (Loew's) (1,972; 30-35-42 
55)— 'Met Bombay* (M-G). Bang-up 
$7,500 for moveover from State. Last 
week, 'Uncertain Feeling* (UA), mild 
$3,300. 



Ley and PoweU Torrid 
W in Cooler Monti 




First Rons on Broadway 

(Suhjeet to Change) 

Week of Inly 10 

Astor— 'Sergeant York' (WB) 
(ad wk). 

Broadway — 'Fantasia' (Disney) 
(SSth wk). 

C^ltol— They Met in Bom- 
bay' (M-G) (2d wk). 

Criterion— 'In the Navy' (U) 
(6th wk). 

Globe — "Underground' (WB ) 
(4th wk). 

Mnslo Hall — 'Blossoms in the 
Dust' (M-G) (3d wk). 

Palace — "Jungle Cavalcade' 
(RKO) (2d wk). 

Paramonnt — 'Caught In the 
Draft' (Par) (3d wk). 

Bialt<^TimeOut for Rhythm* 
(Col) (9). 

(RetHeu>ed In VxniErr May 28) 

Boxy — 'Moon Over Miami' 
(20th) (2d wk). 

Strand— 'Manpower' (WB) (2d 
wk). 

Week of July 17 

Astor— 'Sergeant York' (WB) 
(3d wk). 

Broadway — 'Fantasia' (Disney) 
(36th wk). 

Capitol— 'Barnacle Bill* (M-G). 

Criterion— 'Stars Ixjok Down' 
(M-G). 

(Reuieuied in Vabxetv Jan. 3, 1940) 

Globe — 'Navy Blue and Gold* 
(M-G) (10). 

Mnslo Hall— Tom, Dick and 
Harry' (RKO). 

Palace — 'Jungle Cavalcade' 
(RKO) (3d wk): 

Paramonnt — "Caught In the 
Draft* (Par) (4th wk). 

Boxy — 'Moon Over Miami* 
(20th) (3d wk). 

Strand—Manpower* (WB) (3d 
wk). 



WASH.B.0.HI(31; 
TAYLOR-VAUDE 
BIG $23,000 



Washington, July 8, 
Rain kept up spasmodically 
throughout the long July 4 weekend, 
dampened ardor for beaches and 
sent theatre grosses sailing. Capitol 
broke a house record Friday and is 
soaring into lead -with 'Billy the Kid.' 
Estimates for This Week 
Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 28-39-44-60) 
—'Billy Kid' (M-G) and vaude. Rob- 
ert Taylor booming along in the lead 
with excellent $23,000. Last week. 
'Big Store' (M-G) and vaude, sad 
$14,000. 



B way Pix Bloom in 4th Rain; Tork' 
Big n in 6 Days, Calloway Ups 
'Manpower/ 46G, IHiami'-Ams, 48G 



Broadway theatre manager* could 
not have ordered better weather 
than the rainy spell beginning late 
Thursday (3). Result was thiat there 
were . not enough seats in Times 
Square to handle the July Fourth 
holiday weekend crowds. Every 
house benefited, enjoying the best 
boxoffice in many weeks. 

'Caught in the Draft' at the Para- 
mount again topped the street, hit- 
ting an astoni^ing $70,000 on the 
second week after record-breaking 
summer biz of $72,000 in Initial ses- 
sion. July 4th biz was the best the 
theatre ever enjoyed and it was the 
biggest July 4th weekend in the 
house's history. Will Bradley's band 
and stage show helped, especially 
with visitors who like live entertain- 
ment. Picture, is. set to stay four 
weeks, with fifth stanza to be defi- 
nitely settled this week. 
' Of the new entries, "Sergeant 
York,* at the Astor on two-a-day; 
'Met in Bombay,* at Capitol; 'Man- 
power,' at Strand, and 'Moon Over 
Miami,' at the Roxy, shaped up best. 
'York' got $18,900 in the first six 
days despite a large guest list 
the first few playdates,-, The Clark 
Gable comedy at the Cap looks like 
a nifty $30,000, best biz here in a 
number of weelcs. 'Manpower* is 
getting a tremendous assist from Cab 
Calloway's band and supporting 
revue, with socko $46,000 m i>ros- 
pect, far above recent Strand tekings. 
Major Bowes' 1941 Star Parade is 
figured helping 'Moon Over Miami' at 
the Roxy to fine $48,000. 

'Blossoms in Dust' is topping its 
opening week at the Music Hall with 
hefty $93,000 and holds a third ses- 
sion. State's business is going to 
$30,00(>, aided by the holiday crowd, 
with (jarmen Amaya, Cardini, and 
Smith and Dale on stage helping 
'Penny Serenade,* which had been 
mUked plenty at the Music Hall. 
EstlmAtes for This Week 
Astor (UA) ' (1,012; 75-85-$1.10- 
$1.65-$2.20) — 'Sgt York' (WB) 
Finished off its first full week last 
(Tuesday) night. Polished off trim 
$18,900 in six-day period. 

Broadway (Disney) (1,895; 55-75 
$1.10-$1.65-$2.20) — "Fantasia* (Dis- 
ney) (3Sth wk). Continues to roll 
along with little change in totels, 
In fact, 35th week saw it climbing to 
$10,800, as compared with $9,50() in 
previous stanza. No closing In sight 
at these figures, 

Capitol (Loew*E) (4,520; 35-55-85- 
$1.10-$155) — 'Met Bombay' (M-G) 
Headed for $30,000 or thereabouts, 



(20th) and stage show, good $26,000. 

State (Loew*s) (3,400; 28-44-55-75- 
90-$1.10)— 'Penny Serenade' (Col) 
(2d run) and vaude topped by Car- 
men Amaya, Cardini, Smith and 
Dale. Real holiday biz, $30,000, swell 
takings and best here in weeks. Last 
week. "Wings' (Par) (2d run) and 
Bill Robinson, Bert Wheeler, others, 
nice $20,000. 

Strand (WB) (2.767; 35-55-75-85- 
99)— 'Manpower' (WB) and Cab Cal- 
loway orch unit on stege. Picture 
not liked by critics, but Calloway 
aggregation is helping to nifty $46,- 
000, or thereabouts. Last week, 'Out 
of Fog' (WB) and Guy Lombardo 
(2d week), $18,000, so-so. 



Colambia (L6ew) (1,234; 28-44) - ^,v**^"v ^ " °* 



"Blood and Sand' (20th) (2d run). 
Despite critics' pummeling, holding 
up to nice $5,0b0. Last week, 'Wit^gs' 
(Par) (2d run), fair enough $4,500. 

Esrie (WB) (2,216; 28-39-44-66) — 
'Kiss Boys' (Par) and Sybil Bowan 
heading vaude. Notices were short 
of sensational, but it's doing nicely 
enough at $19,000. Last week, 'Ad- 
venture Washington' (Col), owed to 
Rochester's personal it's swell $20,500. 

Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 39-55)— 'In 
Navy' (U) (2d wk). Holding up to 
good $8,000. Last week, fine $11,500, 
better than expected in class house. 

Metropolitan (WB) (1,600; 28-44)— 
'Underground' (WB). Topping any- 
thing at spot in past year and may 
stay on after socko $8,000. Last 
week, 'Time Rhythm' (Col), way off 
at $3,500. 



*<: * - .-- : ^ralt; which went 
2^?' ">«.top in its first week, is still 
doing a land-office biz for the Para- 
mount. Two good openvs are 'They 
Broadway, and 
Bride Came C.OJJ.', at Orpheum. 
Estimates for This Week 
Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 35-40- 
Met in Bombay' (M-G). Pull- 
J??„K^«Jt *10,000. Last week, "Billy 
^'''-"SL^"** 'Washington Melo- 
closed second stanza 
lifeyfab^ $6,800 and moved to the 

■inS^V/^'iT ^ (Parker-Evergreen) (1,- 
'wJi?:*°,-^°i7-?'">' (M-G) and 
«?t^n*!j°° Melodrama' (M-G). Fair 

W'nm," .H^if.*^'?- 'That Hamilton 
Louis-Conn fight, 
closed fourth week for better than 
average $4,000; 

f ,^£P'>enni (Hamrick - Evergreen ) 
(MOO; 30-40-50) - 'BriJe C.O.D.' 
r^S? Vi^ 'Cowboy Blonde' (20th). 

"'<=e $7,500. Last week, 
•rw?^ DoUar Baby' (WB) and 
^^^u ^WB) fell oft in second 

week, six days, to $3,500. 

(Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(3,000; 35-40-50 )-'Caught in Draft' 

and 'Melody iSiree' (RKO) 
nnr„*V-.,?*'°"e »7,600. First week, 
colossal $13,800. 

Artlsti (Parker) (1,000; 35- 
40-50)— 'Mata Hari' (M-G) and 'Get- 

.i¥-<2>- «3,000. Last 

S^ffS'v^'^Ye Crazy* (M-G), second 
week, big $5,500. 



hypoing the grosses in the balance 
of the houses. 



Estimates for This Week 

Palace (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 
'Moon Miami' (20th). Nice $6,000 in 
sight. Last week 'Billy Kid' (M-G), 
weak $4,000. 

Capitol (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 
'Caught Draft* (Par) and 'Point 
Widow' (Par) (2d wk). Good $4,000, 
after snappy $6,000 last week. 

Loew's (CT) (2.800; 35-53-67)— 
'Love Crazy (M-G). Loy-Powell 
pacing for good $6,500. Last week 
'Blood and Sand' (20tb), disappoint- 
ing $5,000. 

Princess (CT) (2,300; 30-40-53)— 
'Sis Hopkins' (Rep) and 'Black Cat' 
(U). Sighting weak $2,500. Last 
week 'Singapore Woman' (WB) and 
'Beauty's Sake' (WB), poor $2,200. 

Orpbenm (Ind) (1,100; 30-40-60)— 
•Dictator' (UA) (3d wk). Slipping 
to $2^500, fair, after fair $3,000 last 
week. 

Clnemia de Paris (France-Film) 
(600; 30-60)— 'Feu de PaiUe.' Pick 
up at ' this house to good enough 
$1,000. Last week, third repeat of 
'Circonstances Attenai>tes' flop at 
$400. 

St. Denis (France - Film) (2,300; 
30-40) — 'Maison du Mystere' and 
'J'aime toutes les Femmes.' Fair 
$3,000. Last week 'Le Bonheur* and 
'Cavalerie Iiegere,' better than hoped 
for, $2,800. 



Palace (Loew) (2^42; 28-55) — 

J but word-of-mouth ia boosting it ing up robust $li 
toward topnotch $20,000. Last week, 
'Love Crazy* (M-G), good enough 
second week figure, $12,000. 



May/ $11,500, Solid 
In Indpk.; Draft' H.O. OK 



Indianapolis, July 8. 

Clark Gable and Rosalind Russell 
are a winning combo, drawing a nice 
chunk of biz to Loew's, where 'They 
Met in Bombay' is dualled with 'Ad- 
venture in Washington.' Circle is 
holding over "Caught in the. Draff 
coupled with 'Scattergood Pulls the 
Strings' and riding nicely. 

Estimates for This Week 

Circle (Katz-DoUe) (2,600; 25-30- 
40)— 'Caught Draft' (Par) and 'Scat- 
tergood' (RKO) (2nd wk). C^ood $7,- 
000. Last week, very good $10,900. 

Loew's (Loew's) (2,400; 25-30-40) 
—'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 'Adven- 
ture Washington' (Col). Socko $11,- 
500. Last week 'Knew Answers' 
(Col) and 'Time Rhythm' (Col), 
weak $6,800. 

Lyric (Lyric) (1,900; 30-40-50)— 
'Puddin' Head' fRep) and vaude 
headed by BlUy Gilbert. Okay $9,- 
500. Last weeK 'Singapore Woman' 
(WB) and yaude, weak $8,000. 



Clark Gable's comedy holds over at 
these totals despite mild reviews. 
"Big Store' (M-G) only so-so $16,000 
in previous week. 

Criterion (Loew's) (1,662; 35-44- 
55.75)_'In Navy' (U) (5th wk) 
With the Abbott-Costello comedy 
making healthy profit for. this house 
at $17,000 in fourth week concluded 
last night (Tuesday), picture holds 
a fifth and possibly- sixth. However, 
Universal wants to get the. film out 
into other theatres, 

Globe (Brandt) (1,180; 28-35-55)— 
'Underground' (WB) (3d wk). Melo- 
drama is holding up in third session 
at around $9,000, only slightly oft 
the pace of the second week's $10,500. 
Set to stay a fourth. 

Palace (RKO) (1,700; 28-35^4-55 
65-75)- 'Junple Cavalcade' ' 
Frank Buck 



DRAFT,' $17,000, 
SMASH IN CINCY 



Cincinnati, July 8. 

Fourth of July's weekend boom 
zoomed cinema center's general take 
for a gain ef several notehes over 
last week. Cool weather, after 12- 
day heat wave, was a help. 

Current pull is paced by "Caught 
in Draft' at the Albee. 

Estimates tor This Week 

Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— 
'Caught Draft' (Par). Bob Hope 
socko $17,000 for burg's loudest b.o. 
salvo in months. Last week "Met 
Bombay' (M-G), great $15,000. 

Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 33-40-50)— 
'Met Bombay' (M-G). Moveover, 
okay $5,000. Last week 'BUly Kid' 
(M-G) (2d run), mild $3,500. 

Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-28)— 
'Pirates Horseback' (Par) and 'Emer- 
gency Landing' (PRC), split with 
'Lady Louisiana' (R-p) and 'Nurse's 
Secret' (WB). Nice $1,900. Last 
week "Scattergood Haines PuUs 
Strings' (RKO) and "Law of Range* 
(U), divided with 'Power Dive* 
(Par) and "Tumble Down Ranch' 
(Mono), average $1,800. 

Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33^-50)— 
'Big Store* (M-G). Transferred from 
Palace for second week. All right 
$4,500. Last week "John Doe' (WB), 
third week on front line, poor $2,500. 

Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 33-40-50) 
—'Time Rhythm' (Col). Will be 
Jerked after fifth day. Pitiful $1,500. 
Last week, "Out Fog' (WB), gloomy 
$3,000. 

Lyrlo (RKO) (1,400; 33-40-50)— 
'Billy Kid' (M-G). Third week on 
main stem fair $3,000. Last week 'In 
Navy' (U) (3d run;, light $2,500. 

Palace (RKO) (2,600; 33-40-50)— 
'Moon Miami' (20th). Satisfactory 
$10,000. Last week 'Big Store' (M- 
G), fairly good $9,000. 



All Baho Pix OK; 'Bombay/ 
^ride C.0J)/ Each 17G 



Baltimore, July 8. 
Shift to rain and cold over entire 
holiday weekend, plus potent prod- 
uct lineup, Is pointing this town to 
one of the biggest all around tekes 
^ „ in years. Bang-up doings from the 
w (RKO). very blowoif, July 4, built dver 
epic compiled from Saturday and Sunday to lockout 



C," and IWAy 
stays'fwo more weeks despite two- 
week booking. 'Kane' (RKO) col- 
lected less than $10,000 on final six 
days, in ahead. 

Paramount (Par) (3,664; 35-55-85- 
99)— 'Caught Draft' (Par) plus WiU 
Bradley band, Jane Froman, Danny 
Kaye on stage (3d week). This is 
hottest combo on the street, with 
Bob Hope's picture credited with the 
bulk of sensational $70,000. All the 
more remarkable considering $72,000 
opening week. 

Badio City Moslc Ball (Rockefel- 
lers) (5,980; 44 -55"- 85 -99 -$1.65)— 
'Blossoms Dust' (M-G) and stage 
show (2d week). . Theatre felt full 
impact of out-of-town holiday visit- 
ors to top opening week with hearty 
$93,000. Initial session failed to hit 
(anticipated figure, winding up with 
$88,000. Sticks for third. 

Blalto (Mayer) (750; 28-44-55)— 
'Hit the Road' (U). Neat $6,000.. nice 
profit. 'Time Tor Rhythm' (Col) due 
for preview tonight (Wednesc)ay). 
Tight Shoes' (U), in ahead, nice 
$5,000 on second week, aided by 
Louis-Conn fight films. 

Boxy (20th) (5,835; 35-55-65-75-85) 
— Moon Over Miami' (20th) and 
Major Bowes' '1941 Star Parade' on 
stage. Bowes' amateurs helping to 
boost the musical to slick $48,000, 
and combo holds for second stanza. 
Previous week, third of 'Man Hunt' 



•tKeSm" wIlIT^SuglSfinBr^^ ■ 
topped its all-time high for a three- 
day weekend, indicating a new rec- 
ord for the house. Equally socko 
are "The Bride Came C.O.D.,' at the 
Stanley, and They Met in Bombay,' 
at Loew's Century. 

Hipp is currentljr closed, for three- 
week period of remodeling and 
renovation. 

Estimates for This Week 
Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 
28-44)— 'Met Bombay' (M-G). Ring- 
ing the bell in resounding fashion 
for big $17,000; one of the biggest 
figures registered here in moons. 
Last week, 'Big Store' (M-G), solid 
$10,600. 

Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406; 15- 
28-39-44) — 'Caught Draft' (Par). 
Socko weekend pointing to $16,000 
and a new record for this house for 
straight films. Last week. Tight 
Shoes' (U), pleasing $8,800. 

New (Mechanic) (1,581; 15-28-35- 
44)— 'Man Hunt" (20th) (3d wk.). 
Surprising action. Adding steady 
$5,000 to alright total of $9,300 
g^nered for previous brace; good 
figures for limited capacity here. 

Stanley (WB) (3,280; 15-28-39-44- 
55)— 'Bride C.O.D.' (WB). Extra 
solid on the weekend and set to 
chalk up resounding $17,000 for the 
session. Last week, 'Out of Fog' 
(WB), just fair at $6,300. 



10 



PIGTUBE GROSSES 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



Hope Big $12,1 
hMpk; Taylor 
Only Fair $5,000 



Minneapolis, July 8. 

It's being demonstrated again that 
Bob Hope is far and away boxolfice 
tops here. His 'Caught in the Draft 
la giving the State the biggest week 
that any film has had here in many 
months. It will remain a second 
week, and then probably move to 
the Century for an extension of its 
loop first-run. 

The only other important new- 
comer, 'Billy the Kid,' is doing only 
lair at the Orpheum. 

Paul Whiteman and his band and 
additional acts come into the Or- 
pheum Friday (11) as the first and, 
perhaps, only stage show of the sum- 
mer. It's a special attraction in 
connection with the local Aquaten- 
nial celebration. 

Estimates for This Week 

AsUr (Par-Singer) (900; 28)— 
•Round Up' (Par) and 'Free and 
Easy' (M-G), dual first-runs, spUt 
with 'Sainta Vacation' (RKO) and 
'Bride Wore Crutches' (20th), also 
dual first-runs. En route to okay 
$1,800. Last week 'Monster' (U) and 
'Horror Island' (U), dual first-runs, 
split with 'Men Timberland' (U) and 
'Under Age' (Col), nice $2,000 in 
eight days. 

Century (Par-Singer) (1,600; 28- 
39.44)_'Blood and Sand' (20th) (2d 
wk). Moved here from State after 
mild week there. Still limping and 
will do well to reach Ught $2,000. 
Last week 'Penny Serenade' (Col) 
(2d wk), satisfactory $4,200. 
• Esqnire (Berger) (290; 15-28)— 
•Race Suicide' (Indie) and 'Saljy 
Rand's Nude' (Indie). Going beserk 
on sex and cashing in on It. Looks 
like good $1,500. Last week 'Met 
Murderer' (Indie), $500, very bad. 

Gopher (Par-Singer) (998; 28)— 
'Power Dive' (Par). Nicely spotted 
here and climbing toward nice $2,- 
600. Last week 'Girl Gob' (RKO), 
good $3,000. 

Orphenm (P-S) (28,39-44)— 'BiUy 
the Kid' (M-G). Robert Taylor 
starrer not getting women, so only 
fair at $5,000. ' Last week 'Dictator' 
(UA) (2d wk), finished strong and 
chalked up good $5,000 for six days 
after big $10,200 first week. 

State (P-S) (2,30(); 28-39-44)— 
•Caught Draft' (Par). Bob Hope pic- 
tures never fail to click in big way 
here and this is among the strong- 
est. Zooming toward tremendous 
$12,000. Last week 'Blood and Sand' 
(20th), light $5,500. 

Uptown (Par) (1^00; 28-39)— 
•Love Crazy' (M-G). First nabe 
showing and traveling fast toward 
big $3,000. Last week 'Men Boys 
Town' (M-G), fair $2,300. 

World (Par-Steffes) (350; 28-39-44- 
65)— 'Dictator' (UA) (3d wk). Hold- 
ing up well after having been moved 
here from Orpheum. Good $2,500 
Indicated. Last week 'Eternal Gift' 
(Indie) (2d wk), light $900, after 
profitable first canto at Century. 

RAIN HELPS PROV. BIZ; 
mSV GREAT {11,000 

Providence, July 8. 
It was tough on shore resorta 
amusement parks, but the cold, 
rainy Fourth was a bonanza for 
theatres. 

Majestic reopened nicely with 



NATIONAL B. O. SUMMARY 

Record July 4 Holiday Biz Cheers Exhibs — 'Draft' and If ombay' 
Sturdy Grossers — 'Bride' and 'Miami' Look Promising 



With the first of the tradeshowings of new product 
for exhibitors set in key spots starting next week, 
branch managers and salesmen are all smiles as result 
of record-smashing, midsummer boxoffice receipts of 
current releases. Aided and abetted not a little by 
intermittent rain, which fell over the entire eastern 
half of the country during the long weekend holiday, 
attendance figures hit new marks in many cities. 
While seashore and country resorta suffered, every- 
thing broke In favor of theatres. 

It was 'showman's luck' that four of the newer and 
most popular films were booked generally in first runs. 
Listed in the order of their grosses, they are 'Caught 
in the Draft' (Par), which Is soaring to unpredicted 
figures and carrying Bob Hope into the select circle 
of top marquee stars; 'They Met in Bombay' (M-G), 
with the potent Gable-Rosalind Russell combination; 
The Bride Came C. O. D.' (WB), co-starring Bette 
Davis and James Cagney, and 'Moon Over Miami' 
(20th), which is playing In fewer spota than the others 
but scoring nicely ai the wickets. 'Man Hunt' (20th) 
is moving into general exhibition and showing 
strength. Too early to classify 'Manpower' (WB) and 
'Blossoms in the Dust' (M-G), showing in Broadway 
pre-release at the Strand and Music Hall, respectively. 

Although chief trade Interest always is centered on 
the initial showings, as the true Index of a feature's 
strength or weakness, the bonanza break of damp holi- 
day weather helped subsequent runs in the aggregate 
tremendously because there, too, were strong attrac- 
tions. Notably in the secondary theatres are 'In tha 
Navy' (U), 'Love Crazy' (M-G), 'Woman's Face' (M-G), 
'BiUy the Kidte(M-G) and 'I Wanted Wings',.(Par). 

It Is a close race between 'Draft' end 'Bombay' for 
current boxofTice leadership but the former is out In 
front generally. Take on the two seems limited only 
to the capacities of the respective theatres In which 
they play. 



Quick scan of the figures reported by Varigtt cor- 
respondenta on this and adjacent pages put 'Draft' In 
the astronomical class. On Broadway, second week at 
the Paramount was $70,000, lUghtly under opening 
stanza, and set for five weeks; In Chicago, 2d wk, 
$35,000, following $39,000 opening; Los Angeles, $21,500 
on the. heels of $25,000, first; and the same ratio at all 
holdovers. Others, 'Frisco, 3di $9,000; Detroit, smash 
$25,000; Philadelphia, tremendous $26,000; Cincinnati, 
$17,000; Minneapolis, $12,000; LouUvUIe, 2d, $7,500; 
Providence, $11,000; Indianapolis, 3d, $7,000; Seattle, 
great $10,500; Denver, 4th wk, $7,000. 

'Bombay' Is a shade under. Chicago, $19,000, which 
Is terrific at the smaller UA theatre; - Kansas City, 
good $11,000; PorUand, big $10,000; Providence, $13,500 
and held over; and good 2d weeks in Frisco, Pltta- 
burgh, Cleveland, Seattle, Philadelphia and Memphis. 
Baltimore, a crashing $17,000, end close to house 
record. 

'Bride, C. O. D.' leads 'Frisco with $19,000, and is 
big in Pittaburgh at $17,000. 

Other new releases, showing sparsely, are doing 
only average or less. Exception la 'Shepherd of the 
Hills' (Par). First return anywhere, from Memphis, 
Is big $7,500. Bears watching. "They Knew All the 
Answers' (Col) Is spotty; ''West Point Widow* (Par), 
strictly a dual support. Ditto, "Tight Shoes' (U) and 
'Reaching for the Sun' (Par). 'B' product generally 
Is showing poorly both In draw and comment. 

Conclusion to be drawn from the week's reporta 
is that -exhibitors' fears, lately expressed, that film 
business was on the skids are erroneous. 

Public goes for the good pictures, but shies from 
the weakies. 

Patronage is on a selective basis. Something for 
the trade to keep In mind with the new season's antl- 
blockbooking. Appears that exhibitors must know their 
product more Intimately than ever. 



Lack of Suppfies Hampers Dixie 
llieatre Bldg.; S.F.s Newsreelers 



Spartanburg, S. C, July 8. 

Add to Dixie exhibitors' biz boom 
one headache — construction difficul- 
ties. Wilby-Kincey's new Palmetto 
here, announced for June opening, 
delayed, announced for July open- 
ing, now scheduled for August de- 
but. Reason— difficulty of obtain- 
ing steel and other materials, due 
to huge national defense construction 
demands. Problem la hitting other 
new construction and modernization 
projects in south, causing substantial 
losses, especially In areas where 
thousands of soldiers and civilian de- 
fense workers are unable to gain ad- 
mission, except by standing in line. 
Several new houses will have fall 
openings, as result. 

Carolina's price hike here also 
scoots night prices from 30c to 35c, 
plus tax. Matinees up a nickle after 
2 p.m. No other local increases so 
far. 

Fourth new house at Camp Croft 
here set for fall opening. Work 
starts soon. Camp Wheeler, Macon, 
Ga., also to have three houses by end 
of summer. Welfare officers report 
theatre packed, despite heat in which 
soldiers drill around eight hours a 
day. 



general overhauling. Other 
top-nptehers are 'Caught In the 
Draft* which seems slated for a hold- 
pv« week at Strand, and 'They Met 
In Bombay,' at Loew's State,' 
Estimates for This Week 
Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 28-39- 
BO)— 'Knew Answers' (Col) and 
T-ime Rhythm' (Col) (2d run). Big 
boLday, but tapejring off for so-so 

??V°9?; 'Bie Stores' 

(M-G) and 'Get Away' (M-G) (2d 
run), good $2,500. 

Pay's (Indie) (2,000; 10-25-35)— 
•Hit Road' (U) and 'Saddlemates' 
PI<xWing along to fairish 
$2,000. Last Week, 'Nevada City' 
(Rep) and 'Young Lady' (20th), 
oKeh $2,200. J ^ 

Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 28-39-50)— 
•Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Cowboy 
Blonde* (20th). Nifty $10,000 in the 
Offing. Last week dark, 
^ State (Loew) (3,200; 28-39-50)— 
TMet Bombay' (M-G) and 'Adven- 
ture Washington' (Col). Looks like 
crowd-pleaser and paced at neat 
$13,500. Last week, 'Knew Answer' 
(Col) and "Time for Rhythm* (Col), 
weak $9,000. 

'itrand (Indie) (2,000; 28-40-50)— 
•C Jght Draft' (Par) and 'Meet Bos- 
tcii Blackie' (Col). House hitting 
jackpot and e sure bet for holdover. 
Grand $11,000. Last week, 'Point 
Widow* (Par) and 'Voice Night' 
(Col), fair $5,000. . 



owned by the company. It would 
seat 1,142 and cost about $10,000, 
with two amall stores flanking the 
lobby. Schlne now leases the An- 
drews on same street, owned by Max 
Andrews of Olean. Is sixth time In 
recent years that Schlne officials 
have asked for bids on theatre 



Interstate's Additions 

Houston, July 8, 
Interstate Circuit, Inc., owner of 



Bash •! Newsreelers 

San Francisco, ' July 8, 
Rash of newsreel houses breaking 
out in Oakland. . 

Franklin, former Blumenfeld 
house, becomes the Telenews, opea 
ing July 18. Ellis Levey, who will 
continue as manager pf the Frisco 
Telenews, has a 25% Interest In the 
new spot, which he is mastermind 
ing. Already has lined up three 
radio affiliations— NBC, which will 
broadcast the opening; KFRC, which 
will originate ita Pop The Question 
show on the stage and KLX, Oak- 
(Continued on pagie 11) 

'Draft,' $10,500, 'Bride; 
7G, Both Fine in Seattle 

ScatOe, July 8. 
The national holiday didn't bring 
out much new top fare and sweU 
outdoor weather hurt business. 
Estimates for This Week 
Bine Monse (Hamrick-Everereen) 
(850; 30-40-50)— "Big Store' ' 



(3,039; 30-40-50) — 'Caught Draft' 
(Par) and 'Monster and Gifl' (t>ar). 
Creat $10,500. Last week, 'Big Store' 
(M-G) and 'Dr. Kildare' (M-G), 
$5,200, good. 

Booscvelt (Sterling) (800; 21-35)— 
'Miss Jones' (RKO) and 'Model Wife' 
(U) (2d run). Expect $2,200, okay. 
Last week, 'Nice Girl* (U) and 'Pen- 
alty* (M-G) (2d run), big $2,400. 

Winter Oarden (Sterling) (800; 18- 
30)— 'Great Ue' (WB) and 'You're 
One' (Par) (2d run). Look for $2,300, 
good. Last week, 'John Doe' (WB) 
and 'District Attorney' (Rep) (2d 
run), $2,500, big. 



Han Hnnt'-'Shoes' Best 
In B'klyn With $18,000 



Brooklyn, July 8. 

Strongest show this stanza Is 'Man 
Hunt* and 'Ti^t Kioes' at RKO 
Albee. Fabian Paramount runnerup 
with 'One Night In . Lisbon' and 
'Strange Alibi.* 

EstlmateB for This Week 

Albe^e (MCO) (3,274; 26-35-50)— 
'Man Hunt' (20th) and Tight Shoes' 
(U). Neat $18,0i«) In vfew. Last 
week, 'Sunny' (RK<J) and 'Bride 
Wore Crutches' (20), mUd $12,000. 

Fox (Fabian) (4,023; $-35-50)— 
'Power Dive' (Par) and TCnew All 
Answers' (Col). Upping to good 
$15,000. Last week, 'Out Fog' (WB) 
and 'Naval Academy' (Col), duU 
$13,000. 

Met (Loew's) (3,618; 25-35-50)— 
'Love Crazy' (M-G) and 'Black Cat' 
(U) (2d wk). Okay $15,000. Last 
week, good $16,000. 
Paramount (Fabian) (4,12e;- 25-35- 



50)— 'One Night in Lisbon' (Par) and 
'Strange Alibi' (WB). Satisfactory 
$16,000. Last week, 'Penny Serenade' 
(Col) and 'Magic Music' (Par) (2d 



potential theatre sites tor a total of 
$22,850. Both pieces of property are 
in territories not served by Inter- 
state. ■ 



East Hartford's 1,000-Seater 

Hartfoi-d, July 8. 
Permit Issued by building com- 
missioner of nearby East Hartford 
for construction of 1,000-seat theatre 
and store buUding there. Permit 
taken out by the Sycamore Corp. 
Policy of house not set. Construc- 
tion already underway. 



Detroit's Newsrecler 

Detroit, July 8. 

First of its kind attempted here in 
10 years and first new house in the 
downtown area in 15 years, the 
Telenews, a 500-seat newsreeler, will 
go into construction on Sept. 1. The 
house Is expected to be ready for 
operation early in February. 

Telenews will be operated by the 
Michigan News Reel Co. 



Another Sohlner 

Jamestown, N. Y,, July 8. 
Schine chain is again asking bids 
for a theatre building in nearby 
Salamanca, the property now being 



Good $2,500. Last week 'Face' "with 
'I'll Wait' (M-G), nice $2,200. 

Collsenm (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(1.900; 21-35)— 'Wanted Wings' (Par) 
and 'Bad Man' (M-G) (2d run). 
Headed for fair $2,600. Last week 
;Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G) and 'Shot iil 

«400 ^^^^ ^^"^ 

Fifth Avenne (Hamrlck-Ever- 
green) (2,349; 30-40-50) — 'Met In 
Bombay* (M-G) and 'West Point 
Widow' (Par) (2d wk.). Indicated 
okay $4,600. Last week, swell 8,700. 

Liberty (J-vH) (1,650; 21-30-40)— 
'Adventure Washington' (Col) and 
'Blondie Society* (Col). Expect good 
$4,800. Last week, 'Time Rhythm* 
(Col) and 'Missing 10 Days* (Col). 
$2,900, terrible. 

Mnsio Box (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(850; 30-40-50) — 'Billy Kid* (M-G) 
and 'Blonde Insniratlon* (M-G) (3d 
wk.). Slow $1,600 In six days. Last 
week, $3,100, good. 

Orphenm (Hamrick - Efvergreen) 
(2,600; 30-40-50) — 'Bride C. O. D.' 
(WB) and 'Beauty's Sake' (20th). 
Campaign helping some; anticipated 
big $7,000. Last week, 'Flame New 
Orleans' (U) and 'Las Vegas' (Par) 
very cool $2.fl00 in five days, yanked. 

Palomar (STerlinK) (1,350; 21-40)— 
'Reaching Sun* (Par) and vaude. 
Fair $4,000. Last week, 'Nurse's 
Secret'. (WB) anri 'Mutinv ArcUc' 
(U), plus vaude, $4,700, good. 

Pf>rpmnnnt (Hamrlck-Evergreen) 



Mutiny Arctic' (tj) and 'Back 
Saddle^ (Rep). Weak $3,500. ' Last 
week, 'Voice Nlghf (Col) and 'Great 
Swindle' (Col), ditto, 



'Bombay,' $12,000, Dandy 
In K. C; 'Miami' $7,000 

Kansas City, July 8. 
Independence- Day found ideal 
weather and weekend totals are up 
in accordance, despite plenty of dis- 
tractions from other amusement 
fronts. 

Out In front Is 'They Met In Bom- 
bay,' at Midland, as top half of a 
dual with 'Adventure in Washing- 
ton.' 

Estimates (or This Week 
Esgolre and Uptown (Fox Mid- 
.west) (820 and 2,043; 10-28-44)— 
'Moon Over Miami* (20th), day and 
date in both spots. (Setting a steady 
play and week should total around 
$7,000, good. Last week, 'Sunny* 
(RKO) and 'DevU Dogs Air* (WB), 
mild $5,600. 

MIdUnd (Loew*s) (4,101; 10-28-44) 
— Met In Bombay* (M-G) and 'Ad- 
venture Washington' (Col). Pair 
has heavy drag and will bring biggest 
week recently, $12,000. Last week, 
'Knew All Answers' (Col) and Time 
Rhythm* (Col), average $8,200. 

Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10- 
28-44)— 'Caught Draft* (Par) (3d 
wk) with' Louis-Conn fight pictures. 



Pitt Biz Terrific; 
Andrews-Krupa 

UpTog;$23,i 



Pittaburgh, July 8. 

The gods that watch over the ex- 
hibitors in this area were right on 
the job for the Fourth weekend and 
spread out a feast for the boys in 
the form of cool, ' rainy weather. 
Takes were of record proportions 
and business is continuing good. 

The Stanley, with the Andrews 
Sisters and Gene Krupa on stage, is 
In for a big week, as Is the Penn 
with 'Bride Came C.O.D.* 

Estimates for !Ihls Week 

Fallon (Shea) (1,700; 25-40)— 
'Miami* (20th). Good enough at $5,- 
200 to return a second week. House 
will close after engagement until 
mid-August. Last week 'Manhunt* 
(20th), under par, $2,800. 

Penn (Loew-UA) (3,300: 25-35-50) 
—'Bride C.O.D.* (WB). Sailingalong 
on momentum of tremendous Fourth 
of July take. Should be good for 
bang-up $17,000. Last -week 'Met 
Bombay* (M-G), excellent $16,000. 

Bltz (WB) (800; 25-35-50)— 'Bring- 
ing Baby' (RKO) (revival) and 'Met 
Argentine* (RKO). Natives not rush- 
ing in. Fair $2,500 in prospect. Last 
week 'Big Store' (M-G) and Louis- 
C^nn fight, nice $3,000. 

Senator (Harris) (1,750: 25-35-50) 
— 'Blood and Sand* (20th). Sweep- 
ing along to the best take here m 
some months; solid $8,500. Good for 
another week. Last week 'Black 
Cat' (U) and 'Devil's Island' (Col), 
marked time at $2,800. 

Stanley (WB) (3,800; 25-40-60)— 
'Out of Fog' (WB) and Andrews Sis- 
ters and Gene Krupa orch on stage. 
Andrews Sisters back here for sec- 
ond time in four months, main con- 
tributors to an excellent week's 
business. Krupa band and picture 
also help round out sock holiday bill 
for big $23,000. Last week 'Sunny* 
(RKO) and 'Crazy with Heat' unit 
on stage. $11,000, very poor. 

Warner (WB) (2.000; 26-40)— 'Met 
Bombay' (M-G). Moveover zooming 
along for big $8,500 and probable 
moveover to Ritz for third week. 
Last week 'Devil Dogs' (WB) and 
'Wait for You' (M-G), sad $3,000., 



mv kid; $39i)oo. 

GREAT IN 2 HUB SPOTS 



Boston, July 8. 



'Billy the Kid' is shooting for top 
gross here this week, at the two 
Aiew houses, with . 'Moon Over 
Miami' taking second money. 'Knew 
All the Answers' is trailing in third 
place. 'Man Hunt* Is staunch at the 
Paramount end Fenway. 

Estimates for This Week 

Boston (RKO) (3,200; 28-39-44-55) 
—'In Navy' (U) (4th wk. in town) 
and 'San Antonio Rose' (U) (1st 
wk). Heading for zippy $11,500. Last 
week 'The Terror' (Alliance) and 
'Mystery Room 13' (Alliance), with 
"Third Dimensional Murder' (M-G) 
(short), billed a 'triple thriU show,* 
bagged pallid $5,200. 

Fenway (M&P) (1,373; 28-30-44- 
55)— 'Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Thieves 
Fall Out' (Par). Aiming at okay $6,- 
000. Last week 'MiUion Dollar Baby' 
(WB) and 'Round Up' (Par), fair 
$4,000. 

Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 28- 
39-44-55)— 'All Answers' (Col) and 
'Bachelor Daddy' (U). Flirting with 
Insipid $13,000. Last week 'In Navy' 
(U) and 'Young Lady' (20th) (3rd 
wk), $12,800, okay. 

Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 28-39- 

alt for You' (M-CS). Betier-tnah- 
average gait, around $16,000. Last 
week 'Out Fog' (WB) and 'West 
Point Widow' (Par), $14,000, fair. 

Orphenm (Loew) (2,900; 28-39-44- 
55)— 'Billy Kid' (M-G) and 'Adven- 
ture Washington' (Col). Stood 'em 
up over the weekend and socko $22,» 
000 in sight. Last week 'Big Store' 
(M-G) and 'Dare Not Love^ (Col), 
skidded to $14,000. 

Paramount (M&P) (1,797; 28-39- 
44-55)— 'Man Hunt' (20th) and 
Thieves Fall' (Par). Strong $8,000 
pace. Last week 'Million Dollar 
Baby' (WB) and 'Round Up' (Par), 
$5,500, fair. 

State (Loew) (3,600; 28-39-44-55)— 
'Billy Kid' (M-G) and 'Adventure 
Washington* (C!ol). Very good $17,- 
OOa indicated. Last week 'Big Store* 
(M-G) and 'Dare Not Love' (Col), 
dual, $9,000. 

Translnx (Translux) (900; 15-25- 
44)— 'Prisoner Devil's Island' (Col) 
and 'Never Say Die' (Par) (revival). 
Aiming at medium $2,500. Last week 
'Under Age' (Col) and 'U-Boat 29' 
(Col) (reissue), $2,000. 



Third week at $6,300 will be very 
good, and follows nicely second 
week's strong $7,300. Best here ia 
many months. 

Tower (Joffee) (2,110; 10-30) — 
Tuddin' Head' (Rep) with vaude. 
Take will be around $6,500. Last 
week, 'Affectionately Yours' (WB) 
and vaude, got $6,000. 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



PICTURE GROSSES 11 



New Yr.'s Eve in PluOy; Draft' Hefty 
I; Rochester - U' Big $24,000 



Philadelphia, Julv 8. 
The rain which started on Friday 
/4) and continued over the long 
Pourlh ot July weekend was a 
golden shower to PhUly exhibs Fri- 
day night looked like New Year's 
Eve downtown, with several houses 
esUblishing all-Ume records for at- 

**Biz" tapered off a bit Saturday, 
When it cleared up iot a short spell, 
but it zoomed again Sunday when an 
all-day downpour brought back holi- 
day celebrants in a hurry from the 
shore resorts and the mountains. 

Chalking up phenomenal patron- 
age is 'Caught in the Draff at the 
Fo«. Also grossing heavily Is the 
Karle, with Rochester's stage unit 
and 'Lady from Louisiana,' 

Estimates for This Week 

Arcadia (Sablosky) <600; 35-46-57) 
—'Night Lisbon' (Par) (2d run). 
Okay $3,200. Last week's split week 
brought fair $2,000 for 'Love Crazy' 
(JI-G) (2d wk) (4 days), and 'Reach- 
ing for Sun' (Par) (2d nm) (3 days). 

Boyd (WB) (2,560; 35-46-57-68)— 
•Met Bombay'.(M-G) (2d wk). T'ick- 
Ing off satisfactory $12,000. Opener 
husky $12,000. ^ 

Earle (WB) (2,768; 35-46-57-68-75) 

— 'Lady Louisiana' (Hep) with 
Rochester's unit on staee. Playing to 
packed houses and heading for happy 
$24,000. Last week. 'West. Pomt 
Widow' (Par) with in-peisoh . show 
headed by Andrews Sisters and Joe 
Venuti's orch, okay' $19,000. 

Fox (WB) (2,423; 35-48-57-68)— 
'CaugRt Draft' (Par). Best news in 
many moons with sensational $26,000 
and 'headed for a long stay down- 
town. Last week, 'Man Hunt' (20th) 
sad $11,500. 

Karlton (WB) (1,066; 35-46-57-68) 
—'Man Hunt' (20th) (2d run). Get- 
ting holiday overflow and set for 
cheer V $4,500. Last week, $2,500, 
sour for initial showing of 'Man I<ost 
Himself (U). 

.Keith's (WB) (2,220; 35-4S-57-6B) 
—'In Navy' (U) (2d run). Moveover 
hasn't hurt any and rollicking along 
for grand $7,000, a cinch to h.o. Last 
week, 'Woman's Face' (M-G), fair 
$4,000 for second week of second nm. 

Studey (WB) (2,916; 35-46-57-08) 

— Moon Miami' (20th). Prosperity is 

Easslng this, one by with sad $13,000. 
ast week, 'In Navy* (U), snagged 
heavy $10,500 for third jaunt 

SUnton (WB) (1.457; 35-46-57)— 
Tight Shoes' (U). Looks like satis- 
factory $4,800. Last week, 'Billy Kid' 
(M-G) slightly higher $5,000 for 
second, run ride. 



GOOD PIX CURE BUFF.; 
'BOMBAr HOT $12,000 

Buffalo, July 8. 

In spite of a sweltering summer 
session,, majority of nuln stem 
wickets are demonstrating that 
there's nothing the matter with the 
pix biz that good plx won't cure. * 
ErtUnatcg for TUa Week 

BoOalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55)— 
•Caught Draft' (Par) and 'Accent 
Love' (20th) (2d wk.). StUl drum- 
«ning up bumper trade lor probably 
over $10,000. Last week, great 
$14,300. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-55) 
—'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 'West 
Point Widow' (Par). Indicates sweet 
$12,000. Last week, 'Out Fog* (WB) 
and 'Uncertain Feeling' (UA), (6 
days), fair $7,500. 

Hipp (Shea) (2,100: 30-45)— 'Un- 
ojjfround' (WB) and 'Kide Vaquero' 
(20th). House pace continues under 
par. May get meagre ^,000. Last 
week, 'Man-Made Monster' (U) and 
Horror Island' (U) (0 days), poor 



—Tight Shoes' (U) and 'Model Wife' 
i.L^ H'Shly disappointing, around 
$4,000 Last we*, 'Adventure 
Washington' (Col) and- Time Out 
Rhythm' (Col), eke $6,000. 
,-^?;«n«eth Century (Dlpson) 
<ip0O; 30-55 )-"rhieves FaU Out' 
(WB) and 'Crazy with Heat' on 
V?^L^ Should ring up satisfactory 
$10,000. Last week, (30-44) 'Affec- 
tionately Yours' (WB) and "Repent 
leisure' (RKO), lean $5.00 0. 

'Dragon' Draggy $3,000 
In Lincoln; TWiami' $3>20O 

_ Lincoln, Neb., July 8. 

"Jown after last 
"''^»ch got completely 
f« tu' 'J?"^ tlie Stuart's 'Caught 
wfll l,:?^?** running to a super ter- 
rific $5,500 for eight days, and They 
Met in Bombay' clicking soUdly at 
'Moon Over Miami' Is 
.■J^ week's best bet at the Lincoln 
f"?f„ a fine holiday kickofl. 'Re- 
wMi "i- ^rason' and 'Barnacle BiU' 
V^L?^""^. remaining coin at 
varsity and Stuart. 

- , Estimates for This Week 
f7sn. in'Vc > <Monroe.Noble-Federer) 
and •'M'^-^^^i'*"*«* Springs' (Col) 
with Spitfire' (RKO), split 

Citv. ^"^^ 21' (Col) and 'Nevada 
^Ridpr^^l^'^- FJ!'' woo. Last week, 
«>der Rio- (PRC) and -Military 



Academy' (Col), split with 'Secret 
Seven' (Col) and 'North Lone Star' 
(Col), okay $1,000. 

Lincoln (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,503; 
10-25-40)— 'Moon Miami' (20th). Fa- 
vorable comment around town 
should mean'$3,200, nice. I^ist week, 
'Met Bombay' (M-G), slick $3,600. 

Nebraska (J. H. Cooper-Par) 
(1,236; 10-20-25)— 'Border VigUantes" 
(Par) and 'Shot Dark' (WB). Suf- 
fering from opposition, offkey $1,400. 
Last week, 'West Point Widow' (Pat) 
and 'Wait You' (M-G), $1,400. 

Stnart (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1.884; 
10-25-40) — 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G). 
Late opening indicates short run but 
should manage somewhere around 
$3,000. Good. Last week, 'Caught 
Draff (Par), - season's best with 
$5,500 in eight days. 

Varsity (Noble-Federer) (1,100:10-' 
25-40) — 'Reluctant Dragon' (RKO). 
Slow opening in midweek points to 
$3,000, disappointing. Last week, 
'Time Rhythm' (Col), very poor 
$1,800. Worst week for this house 
since last year's drouth. 

ABBOn-COSTELLO PACE 
OMAHA, SWELL }13,500 

Omaha, July, 8. 

No picture depression in Omaha 
right now, with 'In the Navy* and 
'The Round Up' headed for a big 
week at the Orpheum; 'The Reluc- 
tant Dragon' and 'Her First Beau' 
okay at the Brandeis, and 'One Night 
in Lisbon' and The Long Voyage 
Home' pretty good at the Omaha. 
Estimates for This Week 

Orphenm (Tristates) (3.000; 10-30- 
40), 'In Navy' (U) and "Round Up' 
(Par). Abbott-Costello starrer_set 
for one ot the biggest straight-pic- 
ture, regular price grosses in a long 
time. Will do grand $13,500. Last 
week (10-40-55), Phil Harris and 
stage revue . plus 'Lady Cheyenne' 
wound up with socko $21,000. 

Brandeis (Mort Singer) (1.500: 10- 
25-35-40)— 'RelucUnt Draffon' (RKO) 
and 'First Beau' (Col). Fine $6,000. 
Last w«ek 'Adventure Washington' 
(Col) and Time Rhythm' (Col), fair 
$5 000. 

bmahs (Tristates) (2.000: 10-30-40) 
'Night Lisbori* (Par) and 'Long Voy- 
age' (UA). Nice $8,500. Last week 
•Caught Draft (Par) (2d wk) plus 
new second feature, 'Cowboy Blonde' 
(20th), light $7,200. 

State (Goldberg) (900; 10-20-25)— 
'Sea Wolf' (WB), 'Lady Louisiana* 
(Rep) and Louis-Conn fight (RKO), 
spilt with "Uncertain Feeling' (UA) 
and 'Invisible Woman' (U). Neat 
$1,000. Last week 'Zanzibar' (Par) 
and 'Penny Serenade' (Col), split 
with 'Pot Gold' (UA), 'Forbidden 
Passaae' (M-G), 'Wagons Roll' (WB), 
nice $900. 

Town (Ck>Idbere) (1,500: 10-20-25) 
—'Back Saddle' (Rep), 'Met Argen- 
tina' (RKO), 'Road Zanzibar' (Par), 
triple solit with 'Women Names' 
(Par), 'Father Prince' (WB) and 
Two Gun Law' (Col). -Wagons Roll 
Night' (WB), 'Penny Serenade' (Col). 
Fair $1,000. Last week 'Law Range' 
(U), -Mail Train' (WB) and 'Tobacco 
Road' (20th). triole split with 'Hao- 
pened West' (Cap), 'Ride Kelly' 
(20th) and 'Western Stars' (Par), 
'Rockne' (WB). 'Adams Sons' (Col), 
plus Louis-Conn fight (RKO), ac- 
ceotable $900. 

Avenme-MIIKary-DDndce (Gold- 
berg) (960: 600; 300; 25)— 'Lady 
Louisiana' (Rep), 'Ssa Wolf (WB) 
and Louis-Conn fight (HKO), solit 
with 'Invisible Woman' (U). Top- 
per Returns' (UA), 'Pot of Gold' 
(UA). Neat $1,000. Last week 'Zan- 
aihailiPac) jtjit'Wwns Roll Night' 

(RKO) and 'Wild Man Borneo' 
(M-G) olus Louis-Conn fight (RKO), 
better th an average $1,100. 

'Bombay,' $12,500, Good, 
Denver; 'Draft' Big H O. 

Denver, July 8. 

"They Met In Bombay' is a hot shot 
here and big enough to hold at the 
Orpheum. taught in the Draft' is 
okay in Its fourth week at the 
DerOiam. 

Estimates for TUIs Week 

AUddln (Fox) * (1.400: 25-40)— 
'Million Dollar Baby' (WB) and 'Af- 
fectionately Yours' (WB), alter week 
at Denver. Fair $3,800. X.ast week, 
'In Navy' (U), good $4,000 after 
week at Denver. 

Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 25-35-40) 
-^'Reluctant Dragon' (RKO) and 
'Scattergood Baines' (RKO). after 
week at Orpheum. Fair $2,500. Last 
week, 'Sunny' (RKO) and 'Dr. Kil- 
dare' (M-G), after week at Orpheum, 
fair $2,5a0. 

Denhsm (Cockrill) (1,750: 25-35- 
40)— 'Caught Draff (Par) (4th wk.) 
and 'West Point Widow' (Par). Good 
$7,000. Last week; with 'Parson 
Panaminf (Par), ditto. 

Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-40)— 
'Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Hello 
Sucker' (U). Good $9500. Last 
week, 'Million Dollar Baby' (WB) 



Upbe; 



and 'Affectionately Yours' (WB), 
ditto, 

Orpheum (RKO)' (2,600; 25-35-40) 
—'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 'Hurry, 
CharUe" (RKO). Fine $12,500. Last 
week, 'Reluctant Dragon' (RKO) and 
'Scattergood' (RKO), fairish $7,400. 

Faramount (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)— 
'Tight Shoes' (U) and 'Hit Road' 
(U). Good $5,500. Last week, 'Devil 
Dogs' (WB) and 'Singapore' (WB), 
good $6,500. 

Rlalto (Fox) (878; 25-40) — 'In 
Navy' (U), after week at each the 
Denver and Aladdin, and 'Fargo Kid' 
(RKO). Good $2,000. Last week, 
'Hamilton Woman' (UA), after week 
at each Denver and Aladdin, and 
'Zombies' (Mono), good $2,000. 

Del Confiniies 
at; Draft' 
Hefty $25,000 



. Detroit, July 8. 

Despite the prolonged heat ^ell 
and three-day holiday weekend— 
which took hundreds of thousands 
of mechanics out of town on the 
only vacation they'll get this sum- 
mer in the defense industries — De- 
troit's upbeat seems sustained. 

Biz, which went underground 
after Easter, continues to show re- 
newed strength and has revived talk 
of that long-heralded 'boom.' 
Estimates (or This Week 

Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40-55) 
—'In Nav/ .(XT) and Tight Shoes' 
(U). Moverovers, after two weeks 
at Fox, look for strong $7,000. Last 
week 'Hit Road' (U) and 'Devil's 
Island' (Col), o.k. $6,000. 

Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40- 
55)— 'Man Hunf (20th) and 'San An- 
tonio Rose' (U). Hefty $20,000. Last 
week 'In Navy' (U) (2d wk) and 
Tight Shoes' (U), nifty $16,000, giv- 
ing it an approximate $40,0(K) for the 
two wrecks 

Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 
30-40-55)— 'Caught Draft' (Par) and 
'Affectionately Yours' (WB). Socko 
$25,000. Last week 'Met Bombay' 
(M-G) and 'Magic Music' (Par), nice 
$15,000. 

Falms-StaU (United Detroit) (3,- 
QOO; 30-40-55)— 'John Doe' (WB) and 
'Million DoUar Baby' (WB) (3d wk). 
Pair originally moved from Michi- 
gan seem good for another healthy 
$7,000, after hefty $8,000 last week. 



WHERD HDJ^' GOOD 
%im IN MEMPHIS 



Memphis, July 8. 

Siock boxoffice pix have cured the 
film slump in Dixie. Three of four 
first-runs are doing better than 
average biz this week and the fourth 
is chortling over surprise trade ac- 
cordM Its h.o. offering. 

Eatlmatea (or This Week 

Warner (WB) (2,000: 10-33-44)— 
'Bride C^ame' (WB). Cagney-Davis 
comedy appeal very high to mebbe 
$7,500. I^ast week, 'Out of Fog' 
(WB), $3,700, about as expected. 

Palace (Loew) (2,200; 10-33-44)— 



Tourists Offset LA. Holiday Exodus; 
Pickets Hurt Dragon/ U^y^G, 'Bride 
Robust $23,500/Draft'H.O. Big 21G 



'Moon Miami' (20th). Grable chassis 
vehicling nice score to likely $6,000. 
Last week, 'Reluctant Dragon' 
(RKO-Disney), $2,300, terribly dis- 
appointing. 

New Maico (Lightman) (2,800; 10- 
33-44) — 'Shepherd HiUs' (Par). 
Rave reviews over color and old- 
sters' interest in Harold Bell Wright 
contributing factors to $7,500. I^st 
week, 'Caught Draff (Par), h.o. 
(our days, and 'Adventure Washing- 
ton' (Col), four days, $3,1)00, fairish. 

State (Loew) (2,600; 10-33-44)— 
'Met Bombay' (M-G) (2d wk). Good 
$3,700. Last week, $8,600, wham. 

Strand (Lightman) (10-22-33)— 
'Wanted Wings' (Par) (2d run) and 
'Naval Academy' (Col), split. Head- 
ed for customary $1,500. Last week, 
'Pot Gold' (UA) (2d run), three 
days: That Uncertain Feeling' (U), 
two days: 'Singing Hills' (Rep), two 
days, $1,400, slightly off. 



RAIN HELPS LWLE BIZ; 
'BOMBAY' HEFTY (11,000 



t«uisville, July 8. 

Three-day holiday started out with' 
a hard rain and remained cool over 
the Fourth. The setup was perfect 
for the exhibs on the main stem, 
with a raft of people held in town 
and nowhere to go but to the film 
houses. 

Estimates (or Tbls' Week 

Brown (Loew''s-Fourth Avenue) 
(1,400; 15-30-40)— 'Billy the Kid' 
(M-G) and 'Broadway Limited' 
(UA) (3d wk). Holding up fine and 
should cop excellent $3,2()0 on cur- 
rent stanza. Last week same duo 
came through for oke $2,400. 

Kentucky (Swltow) (1,200; 15-25) 
—'Night Rio' (20th) and 'Blondie 
Latin' (Col), Sharing In the general 
prosperity along the main stem and 
pacing for good $1,500. Last week, 
'Zanzibar' (Par) and 'Man Lost Him- 
self (U), good $1,400. 

Loew's State (Loew's) (3,300; 15- 
30-40)— 'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 
'Adventure Washington' ((3ol). Trav- 
eling at nice rate and should ring 
the bell for swell $11,000. Last 
week, 'Knew Answers' (Col) and 
'Time Rhythm' (Col), fair $6,500. 

Mary Anderson (Libson) . (1,000; 
15-30-40)— 'Bride C.O.D.' (WB). In- 
dications are for alright $4,000. 
Last week, 'Underground' (WB), 
nice $3,100. ^ > 

Bblto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 
15-30-40)— 'Caught In Draff (Par) 
and 'San Antonio Rose' (U) (2d wk.). 
Headed for nice $7,500, after terrific 
first week's $12,000.' 

Strand (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 
15-30-40)— Tight Shoes' (U) and 
'Voice Nlghf (U). Sharing in the 
general upsurge In biz and should 
gather $3,000. Last week, 'Man 
Hunt' (20th) and 'Scattergood 
Strings' (RKO), satisfactory $3,000. 



Frisco Bhie With H.O,s 



'Bride C.O.D.,' $19,000, Only New Film Click; Earl 
Carroll Unit Weak $17,000 



I iwii [ M>) ; w «> <BI» gte»'a»W»> >'jfoa»jfe 

'Where the Memorial Day holiday 
brought a flock of new pix to Mar- 
ket street, the Fourth sees holdovers 
or weak product predominating, save 
for splash debut of 'Bride Came 
C.O.D.' at the Fox. Business consid- 
erably off all around, with, even 
Oakland, Sacramento and other out- 
lying spots seemingly in healthier 
condition than Frisco at the mo- 
ment. 

Gate has Earl Carroll's new revue 
on the stage, but it isn't pulling as it 
should. The Bob Hope comedy, 
'Caught in the Draft,' being milked 
over the holiday in its third period 
at the Paramount. 

Estimates (or This Week 

Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-40-50)— 
'Bride C.O.D.' (WB) and 'Singapore 
Woman' (WB). Looks like the 
street's best entry, and may hit $19,- 
000. Last week 'Met Bombay' (M- 
G) and 'Shot Dark' (WB), fine 
$18,^00. 

Geary (Curran) (1,286: 55-75-$1.10- 
$1.05)— 'Citizen Kane' (RKO) (6th 
wk). Closed last night after a suc- 
cessful run, final stanza taking $5,- 
000. House will darken until 'Reluc- 
tant Dragon' (RKO) is out of the 
way at the Gate, where it opens (9), 
then will relight with the Disney 
Festival Revue. 

Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 39-44- 
55)— 'Hurry, Charlie' (RKO) and 
Earl Carroll revue on stage. Unit 
is the major magnet, but not strong 



Lasf weeK ^^Mr^^^^^u.fonO 
and 'Funzaflre' unit fell off to poor 
$13,000, natives turning thumbs 
down on the nut show. 

Orpheam (Blumenfeld) (2,440; 35- 
40-50)— 'Model Wife' (U) and 
'Sweetheart Campus' (Col). This 
situation is taking a real beating in 
the struggle for product. With only 
$5,300 in view, it s brutal going. Last 
week scraped bottom when Time 
Rhythm' (Col) and 'Adventure 
Washington' (Col) got heartbreaking 
$5,000. 

Faramonnt (F-WC) (2,470; 35-40- 
50)— 'Caught Draff. (Par) and 'West 
Point Widow' (Par) (3rd wk). Looks 
like sweU $11,000. Last (2nd> week 
finished with $12,000, very good. 

St, Francis (F-WC) (1,475; 35-40- 
50)— 'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 'Shot 
Dark' (WB) (moveover). (Solng 
good here for possible $6,000, and 
will make up for last week's poor 
$4,000 on 'B;g Store' (M-G) and 
Strange AJibi'^ (WB), which was 
even worse than expected. 

United Artists (Cohen) (1,200; 35- 
40-50)— 'Pot o'Gold' (UA) (2nd wk). 
This one turned to lead and bows 
out tonight with disappointing $5,- 
000. First week poor $8,000. 

Warfleld (F-WC) (2,650; 35-40-50) 
— 'Moon Over Miami' (20th) and 
'For Beauty's Sake'- (20th) (2d wk). 
Holiday helping to hold this one up 
to $8,500 level. First week, aveinge 
$12,000. 



Los Angeles. July 8. 

Biz over the holiday weekend held 
exceptionally strong, despite perfect 
weather which caused usual exodus 
to beaches and mountain resorts. 
Town was overrun with tourists, 
which helped swell takes all around, 
with most houses having their best 
week in many months. 

Towns' leader is 'Caught in the 
Draft,' which, with Will Osborne's 
orc^, pulled $21,000 in second week 
at Paramount and holds for third. 
'Bride Came C.O.D.' rolling up 
robust $23,500 at both Warners sites 
•and holds over. 

'Reluctant Dragon' at Pantages 
and Hillstreet is affected by striking 
cartoonists parading out front, but 
will come through with satisfactory 
though disappointing $17,500 at two 
houses. Strikers are also picketing 
Carthay Circle, where F-antasia in 
23d week picked up another $6,500. 
Estimates for This Week 

Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1,615; 83- 
$1.10-$1.65)— 'Fantasia' (Disney) 
(23rd wk.). Holiday weekend with 
kids out of school helped for another 
$6,500 after 22d week finished with 
okay $5,500, a little below expecta- 
tions. 

ChUese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,034; 
30-44-55-75)— 'Man Hunf (20th) and 
'Accent on Love' (20th). Opened 
strong and should grind out satis- 
factory $11,500. Last week, 'Met 
Bombay' (M-G) and 'BeStuty's Sake' 
(20th), very good $13,000. 

Downtown (WB) (1.800; 30-44-55) 
—'Bride Came C.O.D.' (WB). Robust 
$11,000. Last week, "Underground' 
(WB), five-day second week. Sagged 
heavily on holdover ahd slim $3,300 
best that could be attracted. 

Fonr Star (UA-F-WC) (9O0; 30-44- 
55)— 'Rage Heaven' (M-G) (5th 
wk.). Pretty good $1,700. Fourth 
week up just a trifle over early pre- 
dictions and at $2,000 still In the 
money. 

Hollywood (WB) (2.756; 30-44-55) 
—'Bride Came C.O.D.' (WB). Ex- 
cellent $12,500. Last week, 'Under- 
ground' (WB) on five-day holdover, 
failed to come up to expectations at 
$3,700. 

Orpheum (B'way) (2,200; 30-44-59) 
—'Men of Timberland' (U) (first 
nm) and 'Her First Beau' (20th) and 
vaude. Not so good $7,200. Last 
week, 'Shadows on Stairs' (WB)' 
(1st run) and 'Singapore Woman' 
(Par) and vaude, topped $10,500. 

Pantages (Pan) (2^12; 30-44-55)— 
'Reluctant Dragon' (RKO) and 'Scat- 
tergood Pulls Strings' (RKO). 
Pickets hurting b.o. here, but dis- 
appointing $9,000, still profltable. 
Last week, 'In Navy' (U) (3d wk.) 
and 'Repent Leisure' (RKO), satis- 
factory $5,300. 

Faramonnt (Par) 3.5S5: 30-44-55- 
75)— 'Caught Draff (Par) and WIU 
Osborne orch, (2d wk.). Holdover 
with holiday biz will bring fins 
$21,500, after first week came up to 
expectations with nearly $25,500. 

BKO (RKO) (2,872; 30-44-55)— 
'Reluctant Dragon' (RKO) &nd 
'Scattergood Strings (RKO). Pickets 
parading here also. Nice $8,500 n6t 
up to expectations. Last wedc. 'In 
Navy' (U) (3rd wk.) and 'Dreaming 
Loud' (RKO), very good $7,300. 

State (Loew-F-WC) (2,404; 30-44- 
55-75)— 'Man Hunf (20th) and 'Ac- 
cent on Love' (20th). Good $13,500. 
Last week, 'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 
'Beauty's Sake' (20th), very good 
$15,600. 

United Artists (UA-F-WC) (2,100; 
30-44-55)— 'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 
'Beauty's Sake' (20th), moveover. 
Good enough $4,200, Last week, 

a^^-i«'A-«-_ " 



Wllihire (F-WC) (2,208; 30-44-55) 
—'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 'Beauty's 
Sake' (20th). Fine $7,500. Last 
week, 'Woman's Face' (M-G) and 
'Walt You' (M-G), okay $6^00. 



New Theatres 



; Continued tram page 10; 



land Tribune station, which will air 
six newscasts daily from the house. • 
Situation seats 850, large for a news- 
reeler. 

Second newspic enterprise is that 
%f Aaron Goldberg (operator of the 
Newsreel in Frisco), who is com- 
pletely remodeling the old Regent 
and changing name to NewsreeL 
Opening here is skedded for Aug. 8 
if the steel shortage doesn't hold up 
deliveries. Plans call for lots ot 
leg-room between seats, cutting ca- 
pacity to 287 payees. Bucky Wil- 
liams, manager ot the Newsreel 
here, will also manage the new one. 



New Air Base Theatre 

Springfield, Mass, July 6. 
The Northeast air base, Westover 
field at nearby Chlcopee, will have 
its own theatre In about 10 weeks, 
a eoo-seater. 



12 



IMTERMATIOMAL 



■ M. Ibrtla'a FImc. Trafalsar Sqaara 



WB Buys John Maxwell Theatre 
Empire; N. L Nathanson Reported 
Enfistmg Beaverhrook to Set Deal 



Lonaon, July 8. 

The oft-reported sale of the John 
MaxwcU theatre empire of Great 
Britain, Associated British Cinemas, 
Ltd., is finally reported to have been 
made this week, with Warner Bros, 
the purchaser. Widow of the theatre 
magnate Is said to have completed 
the sale with WB at nine shillings 
per share, which would be above the 
market price. 

There have been a number of 
bidders lor the Maxwell interests. 

Reports that N. L. Nathanson, 
principal exhibitor and distributor 
In Canada, has joined Warners In 
the purchase of the Maxwell theatre 
interests is taken here to mean that 
the former Famous Players-Canadian 
chief was able to help put 
through the deal through his long 
friendship with Lord Beaverbrook, 
the London publisher, who's been 
interested in film exhibition, finan- 
cially, in both England and Canada. 
Nathanson and the peer were 
formerly assocISted in Canadian 
theatre operations. 

Lord Beaverbrook some time ago 
wanted to buy. in on the theatre cir- 
cuit. No mention is made of his as- 
sociation with' the latest takeover. 
His vast influence is believed to have 
been the only means of putting 
through the ' deal due to opposition 
against the purchase by American 
interests by such British circuit own- 
ers as Charles M. Woolf and Arthur 
Rank. 

Understanding Is that the asking 
price for virtual, but not complete, 
- control is 1,000,000 pouijds (about 
$4,000,000), but that the British gov- 
ernment would not let it be paid oil 
in Warners' money frozen here. The 
government Is said to insist that, the 
purchase be paid off in a dollar 
amount equal to the frozen assets. 



WB in N. T. Not Notified 

Warncrs'rNew York home office 
- claims to have received no notifica- 
tion of the company's takeover ' of 
■ the Maxwell shares in the Associ- 
ated British Cinemas, Ltd. 



Black, Taylor Fend 
Exceeds IWjnor' Stage 

London, June 20. 
. Dolinofl and Haya Sisters, im- 
portant adjunct to the George Black 
show,^ 'Apple Sauce,' at London Pal- 
ladium, have to quit this week to 
open -at South Pier theatre, Black- 
pool, for Jack Taylor. 

Taylor and Black have been life- 
long friends, but recently there's 
been a rift, with Black staging the 
annual summer show at the Opera 
^ llouse, Bladcpool, whic*-, wit h the 

been a Taylor meal .ticket for years. 
Despite Val Parnell's two trips to 
Blackpool to try and persuade Tay- 
lor to release this act, so as not to 
disrupt the Palladium show, Taylor 
was adamant In his refusal. 

The withdrawal of D. & R. Sisters 
also means the two scenes in which 
they were featured, and which were 
staged by Daniel Dolinoff, have to 
come out. Upshot of it all Is that it 
first appeared to be a minor tussle 



Seidelman Genl Mgr. 
In Argentina for UA 

Sam Seidelman was named general 
manager in Argentina for United 
Artists this week by Walter Gould, 
company's foreign chief. He will 
also act' as supervisor for I,atin- 
America. Seidelman has represented 
UA in Mexico, Central America and 
as special homeoflice sales rep for 
the last nine years. He is a brother 
of Joseph Seidelman, Universal for- 
eign chief. 

He succeeds Guy P. Morgan, re- 
signed. 

tOODIEINMEX 
THEATRE 
PANIC 



Mexico Cit;, July 8. 

One hundred persons were killed 
and 250 Injured when lightning and 
rainstorm struck the Cine Monies in 
Guadalajara, Mexico's second larg- 
est city, last night. Forty won\en 
and 21 children among the fatali- 
ties. 'Eighteen of the injured are 
expected to die. 

Most of the deaths were attributed 
to panic of patrons and others who 
took haven in theatre after a bolt 
ripped open the roof, dousing lights 
and admitting downpour. - Theatre 
attaches, police and firemen were 
powerless to stem the mob. Police 
had to hold back hundreds of mad- 
dened relatives vigilancing all night 
iii effort to search theatre for bodies 
of kin. Ten mothers were hospital- 
ized at sight of their dead children. 



Reciprocal Protection 
Of Royalties Planned 
By Mexico and U. S. 



Hot B.O. m Iceland 



Theatre business and, consequently, 
that of American distributors is 
healthy In Iceland despite its small 
population. Fact that a unit of some 
50,000 British-Canadian troops were 
garrisoned in the principal commu- 
nities is held Responsible for' the up- 
swing in cinema trade. 

There are 10 or, 12 film theatres 
In Iceland at the present tlhie, all 
enjoying above normal business. 
Several U. S. major coinpanies re- 
cently concluded product deals with 
the principal theatre outfits in the 
Island country. 



Mexico City, July 8. 

Excellent prdgress is being made 
toward bringing about a reciprocal 
pact between Mexico and the United 
States for the guaranteeing of the 
payment of 'adequate' royalties for 
the use in. both republics of show 
business 'artistic' productions. 

In this pact, Mexico particularly 
wants protection, in the form of 
proper royalty payments,- for the 
works of Mexican composers that 
are reproduced mechanically in the 
U. S. Mexico has assured the Amer- 
ican State Department that she will 
zealously protect the royalty ' inter- 
ests of American compositions used 
in this country. Excepting in a few 
cases, Mexican composers do not re- 
ceive adequate protection nor com- 

U. S., the blate Uepanmeni has been 
told. 



B. A. Goes Haysian 



Buenos Aires, July 1. 

Increasingly sharp eye for ob- 
jectionable films being used by 
Buenos Aires authorities has brought 
indications that national regulations 
may soon be adopted setting official 
standards. 

Municipality recently ruled that 
Universal's 'Back Street,' 'while ex- 
cellent melodrama, is not for chil- 
dren,' and warned theatre owners 
that anyone admitting youngsters 
was subject to license revocation. 



Cowards 'Spirit' 
London Play, Is 
Blithe Indeed 



London, July 8. 
. Londoners who. fancied that Noel 
Coward's .war work and the grave 
times would influence the writing of 
his latest play, 'Blithe Spirit,' were 
somewhat disappointed at the pre- 
miere last week. In fact, Britain's 
foremost actor-playwright- has 
dipped into comedy, with not the 
faintest trace of the times Included 
in his theme. 

The London premiere at the Pic- 
cadilly on Wednesday (2) was en- 
thusiastically received and indica- 
tions are for a moderate boxoflice 
success. 

Story revolves around the spirits 
of two dead wives of a novelist who 
return to heckle him -unmercifully. 
The widower is able to see and hear 
them, but others cannot, all of which 
tends to create many hilarious mo- 
ments. 

The libraries (ticket agencies) 
liked the play immensely, but are 
not making any deals in view of the 
uncertain times. 

Emlyn Williams' "The Light of 
Heart' returned to London, at the. 
Globe, recently, with the author ap- 
pearing in the role created by God- 
frey Tearle. The story was slightly 
altered to .make the lead a brother 
of the heroine, instead of the father. 
This threw the tale slightly out of 
gear, and some of the critics made 
invidious comparison between Tearle 
and Williams' reading of the lines 
from 'King Lear.' 

William Saroyan's Pulitzer prize- 
winning Time Of Your Life' preemed 
this side at the Princes, Bradford, re- 
cently for a provincial, tryout and a 
generally favorable press. 

Some idea of the situation with 
regard to shows for the legitimate 
houses in the West End may be 
gleaned from the statement that the- 
atres are offering attiractions as 
high as 90%' of the gross. 



BEEF TO BBC ON 
SOLDIER SHOWS 



London, June 20. 
■Vauders particularly and per 
formers in ..^general^ are massed 



'Gotta Fight 'Em,' Buenos Aires 
Warns in Urging U. S. Battle Pic 
Bans, Nazi OK's in Latin America 



Film Quota in India 
Limits Imports to 50% 

New import quota, restricting the 
amount of film product to 50.% of the 
total shipped in during the previous 
year, has been adopted by India and 
win be placed in effect next Sept. 1. 
Major film companies in N. Y. are 
framing a protest to be handled 
through the U. S. state department 

India placed a 75% import quota 
on American films more than a year 
ago. 



STHl GET COIN 
FROM NAZI 
NATIONS 



Continuing source of surprise to 
execs of foreign departments of 
major U.S. film companies is that 
they are still getting remittances 
from at least half-a-dozen Euro^an 
countries which haVe come under the 
complete domination of Hitler. Ger- 
many itself, of course, has long since 
prohibited entrance of American 
films, let alone remitting income. 

Drafts have been received in the 
last few weeks from Rumania, Bul- 
garia, Hungary, Greece, Norway and 
Denmark. Coin coming from two 
last-named countries is for old pix. 
Receipts coming to this country are 
automatically blocked by the U. S. 
government, but can be de-blocked 
in a couple weeks, when forms are 
filled out proving that it's not being 
used for financing Nazi propaganda 
or for other devious purposes. 



McConville Reaffirms 
Colnmbia's Interest In 
Spanish Languagers 



Asserting that Columbia Pictures 
always was in°the market for Span- 
fsh-made productions if they were 
deemed strong enough for world- 
wide distribution, Joseph A. McCon- 
viUe, Columbia's foreign chief, ex- 
plained last week that the primary 
purpose of his recent six-week trip 
through the Latin Americas was to 
hold sales conventions in Brazil and 
Argentine. He arrived in N. Y. early 
last week. 

' However, McConville said no deal 
had been set with Lumiton, one of 
the large Argentine producing com- 
panies, and that he had talked with 
other producers, although his trip 
through the Latin-American terri- 
tory was not primarily on produc- 
tion deals. Lumiton and Columbia 



Associated TaOdng, UA 
In Empire Distrib Pact 

Syd Greshapi. Aussie rep of As- 
sociated Talking Pictures, Ltd., an- 
nouncs that ATP and United 
Artists will contract for full distri- 
bution of the former's product in the 
United Kingdom and U. S. Deal 
takes in George Formby's 'It's 
Turned Out Nice Again,' 'Fleet Air 
Arm,' with Clive Brook, plus the 
Tommy Trinder and WUl Hay plx. 

New setup excludes Australia and 
New Zealand, where the A.T.P. 
product is handled by British Em- 
pire -Films, a unit of Greater Union 
Theatres; with contract carrying on 
until 1B43. " 



Different Kind pf P.A. 

Vichy, July 8. 
Vincent Brechlgnac, former United 
Artists publicity man in Paris, now 
has a job with th^ Vichy govern- 
ment 

He Is a film and theatrical censor 
in the Ministry of Information. 



—4.^-: i_ "Y'^""" ulsiriD aeai. jhe comuanies are Snocni 



wires into camp entertainments 
where pro talent, now soldiering, 
does its stuff. Shows would be re- 
layed over normal air outlets. 

Mifl is against the underselling 
that nixes hiring of acts who'd or- 
dinarily play the air-time. Soldier 
talent is made free to BBC. 



KASTNER MAY JOIN 
-UA'S LONDON STAFF 

Lacy W. Kastner, European man- 
ager for United Artists, who has 
been, in the U,S. about a month, may 
become part of the company's Lon- 
don staff when he ' goes abroad 
again. UA is considering dropping 
Kastner's post in Lisbon, as it has 
been found that contact can be main- 
tained with European branches 
equally, efficiently and more econ- 
omically from New York. 

Kastner will leave. New York for 
the Coast In about" two weeks. He'll 
remain there a couple weeks before 
dippering abroad again. 



The 50 features which Argentina 
will produce this year, he said, rep- 
resent an inorease over recent years. 
He indicated that the development 
of its own stars in Argentina repre- 
sented a larger outlay In production 
costs for each native feature, and 
that a rather apparent need was for 
more adequate distribution. Whether 
Columbia or other American dis- 
tributors could make deals to dis- 
tribute these native pictures de- 
pended largely on the strength of the 
product, he said^ 

British Give U^. July 4th 
Celebration Big Play 

London, July 8. ' 

Britain, in the form of attendees at 
Oscar Deutsch's British cinema cir- 
cuit, went big for its participation 
in the celebration of American In- 
dependence Day, July 4. 

Special screen musical presenta- 
tion was splendidly received at all 
the Deutsch theatres. Paramount 
filmed the event and Is clippering 
the reels to the U.S. 



Buenos Aires, July 1. 

Adoption of stronger aiid more 
realistic attitude by Washington on 
the question of pro-Democracy films 
in Latin America Is being urged here 
as' a result of oHicial banning of 
Charlie Chaplin's 'Great Dictator' 
and approval of the Nazi film, 'Sieg 
im Westen.' 

'Dictator,' od(Jly enough, got an 
Argentine kayo after members of 
B. A.'s City Council took Mayor 
Carlos A. Pueyrredon over the coals 
for having previously nixed the film 
and ordered him to permit showing. 
Before the mayor was even officially 
advised of the order, an official min- 
istry decree banned the film 
throughout the country instead of in 
Buenos Aires alone. 

A day later it was announced that 
'Sieg* had been ok'd. 'Furthiermore, 
It was rated 'Para Familias' ' ('For 
Families'), which means it can be 
advertised as 'Suitable for Children.' 
A good many U. S. films of late have 
run into trouble on this score, the 
adult-only provision cutting strongly 
into b.o. returns. 

Backstage moves that led to the 
approval of th( totalitarian propa- 
ganda film and the 10-count for the 
anti-Axis pic are not yet 'entirely 
clear, but enough of the factors have 
been disclosed to cause plenty of 
worrying among those here who 
have the best interests of Uncle Sam 
and his Good Neighbors at heart. 
Axis Presanre 

Throughout the complicated his- 
tory affecting the Chaplin film, the 
Germans and Italians have<been ac- 
tive, using every trick in their pos- 
session — including the power of the 
embassies — to fight for their side. 
Yet during all this, it is pointed out, 
the U. S. Embassy here has remained ' 
silent, apparently on orders of Wash- 
ington. Point made is that while in 
the past it's been all very well for 
the U. S. to say that questions of this 
sort are none of America's biz, the 
times now demand sonriething strong- 
er. If the Axis takes it on itself to 
stop pro-Democracy films, by pro- 
tests, etc., certainly it's time that tlie 
U. S, threw, its weight in and did a 
little protesting, it's argued. 

Fact that showing of Chaplin's film, 
previously approved by 15 Latin- 
American nations, was halted by Ar- 
gentina is not necessarily as much an 
indication that the government is 
more fascist than demdcracy-minded, 
it's argued. Feeling is that the gov- 
ernment officially committed to a 
policy of strict neutrality, clings to 
a hope of staying on the fence. De- 
sire to please all sides means that 
when the Axis powers protest and 
the democracies say nothing, the 
Axis gets its way since there isn't 
even any opposish to face. 



Japs Okay 13 Firms 

To Produce Pictures 

Tokyo, June 8. 
The Japanese government has 
purged motion pic companies by 
granting official permission to pro- 
duce films hereafter to only 13 mo- 



The companies ' are ""SFocmStP*'' 
Toho, Nikkatsu and Daito motion 
picture companies, the movie depart- 
ment of the Rtken concern, the Ju- 
jlya Cultural Film Manufacturing 
Co., the Tpa Talkie Production, the 
Yokohama Cinema Co., Asahi and 
Yomiurl Publishing Co., the Japan 
Telegram News Agency and the As- 
ahi Movie Co, 



John Nathein to B. A. 

John ' Nathan, Paramount's man- 
ager in Argentina, sailed for Buenos 
Air^s from New York last Thursday 
(3). He had been in the U. S. for 
about six weeks. 

While here, Nathan was named on 
the small-industry committee which 
conferred with the State Department 
in Washington on Argentine and 
Uruguay trade treaties now being 
negotiated between U. S. and those 
countries. 



AUSSIE BANS FAA'S Fib 

Sydney, June 20. 

Australia's board of censors li.is 
banned 'Monster and the Girl,' Paror 
mount horror feature. 

No explanation given. 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



13 



A TRIBUTE TO A HERO 

Ais a Warner Bros, alumnus, it 
makes me proud to pledge this salvo 
to a truly great motion picture, ^Ser- 
geant York/' as produced by Jesse L. 
Usl^andHalB.Wallis. 

This affords me the opportunity 
to pay tribute to its Americanism^ 
its cast, its direction, its writers, its 
photography, its musical score— 
and to a truly great American, Alvin 
C. York. 

It's a great theme that merits the 
heartfelt support of every American. 



14 



FILM BEVIEWS 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



MANPOWER 

(ONE SONG) 

Hollywood, July 4. 

Wiini«r Bros. r«I«e8« o£ Mnrk Hclllnscr 
vroilurtlon. Slurs Edward O. Robln«on, 
Marlene Dl«lrlch, G«orsr« Rati. Directed 
by Rnoul Walah. Original acreenplay, 
Richard Macaulay and Jerry Weld; cam- 
era. Ernie Halter: editor, Ralph Dawson; 
■pedal eftectB, Byron Haskln . and H. P. 
Kocnekamp; Asst. director, Buss Saunders; 
dlnloK director, Hugh' CummlnRa; sonss. 
Frank Ix>e8.ier and Frederick Hollander. 
Previewed at Warners Beverly, July 8, "41. 
Runnlnn time, lOS MIN8. 
. Hank McHenry. . , 

Fay Duval 

Johnny Marshall. 

Jumbo Wells 

Omaha 

'Dolly „ „ , 

Smiley Quinn.. ...... ......Barton MacLnne 

Eddie Adorns Ward Bond 

Sidney Whipple Waller Catlelt 

Scarlett Joyce Compton 

Flo .lAicIa Canoll 

Pop Duval Bgon Brecher 

Cully CUB Clark 

Sweeney Joseph Crchnn 

Al Hurst Ben Weldrn 

Polly ; Barbara Pepper 

Wllma Dorothy Appleby 



Edward G. Bohlnson 

.Marlene Dietrich 

Oeorge Bart 

, Alan Hale 

, Frank McHugh 

Eve Arden 



There's plenty of rough and rowdy 
action and dialog in this melodrama, 
premised on the triangle formula. 
Geared at a fast pace for the flrst 
half, it tapers off slightly in the mid- 
dle to come with a rush into the 
home stretch. Edward G. Robinson, 
Marlene Dietrich and George Raft on 
the marquee, combined with the ac- 
tionful content of the picture, insures 
good grosses in the regular runs as 
top or solo attraction. Picture will 
unwind above par b.o., however, in 
the subsequents and nabes. • 

Zestful direction of Raoul Walsh 
cannot be disaounted here. He keeps 
things moving at a fast clip and dis- 
plays the individual talents of Rob- 
inson, Miss Dietrich and Raft to ut- 
most advantage. Many of the lines 
are close to the boriSer, especially on 
second thought. Story tells of the 
adventures of a construction and 
maintenance crew for power lines. 
Baft and Robinson are ljuddies in 
the outfit, and when Robinson is 
burned by a high tension wire he's 
made foreman of the gang. Miss 
Dietrich is the daughter of crew- 
member Egon Brecher, getting pa- 
role from a year's stretch, in prison. 
She works in a cUp Joint, and enacts 
the role to perfection. Raft tabs her 
immediately,' but Robinson falls in 
love with her for quick marriage. 
Raft stands by, and finds the gal in 
love with him and ready to walk out 
on Robinson. Raft takes command, 
brings' Miss Dietrich to the dam lo- 
cation for 'a reconciliation,, but the 
wife tells Robinson 6t her infatua- 
tion for his buddy. In a fight on a 
power tower, R6binson falls to his 
death— and Dicitrlch into the arms of 

First third of the picture displays 
racy action and spicy dialog for maxr 
Imum attention, and then drifts into' 
formula triangle draittatics. Robin- 
son delivers a vivid portrayal as the 
foreman-lineman who manhandles 
the gals too fast until he meets Miss' 
Dtetricb. Latter provides a stereo- 
typed perfors[iance as the clip-joint 
Inmate, and sings one song chorus 
throatily. Raft puts his teeth into 
the part assigned, while Alan Hale 
and Frank MbHugh provide several 
cOmedy moments of nxore or less 
hilarity. . 

Picture Is mounted to conform 
vilQi the rough and ready back- 
' ground, with stojrm-driven torrents 

Srbvlding settings for the linsmen 
> work ^in. Photogi^phy by Ernie 
Haller Is above par throughout, 

Wolt 



ber of sinister fellow-conspirators, 
plus several sarcastic Scotland Yard 
officials. • ■ ' . 

Although the story creates an au- 
thentic atmosphere of tension, par- 
ticularly in the final sequences, the 
script could have been greatly com- 
pressed. It lacks the compact drive 
that made 'Night Train' so propul- 
sive. It dawdles for minor scenes, 
which, although they add color and 
flavor to the yarn, could be con- 
densed and thus also add movement 
to the story. And while some of the 
comedy is effective, other sequences 
are obvious and strained. 

Except for these dull intervals* the 
direction is workmanlike. Musical 
score is uhusually helpful, notably m 
the comedy moments. Gordon 
Barker and AlasUir Sim, given star 
billing in the 20th-Fox pressbook, 
but doubtless due to. be lowered by 
U.S. exhibs, are satisfactory leads, 
though hardly likely to draw wide- 
spread popularity with American 
fllmgoers. Phyllis 'Calvert is a 
looker, but others in the cast are 
pretty much standard. Production 
is adequate. Currently running 87 
minutes, the picture might profitably 
be cut for dualling, where it's, ob 
viously headed. Hooe. 



JUNGLE CAVALCADE 

BKO producUon and release. Directed 
by Frank Buck, Clyde Elliott, Armand 
Denis. Narration by Frank Buck; dialog, 
Phil Relsman, Jr. :' music, Nathaniel Shll- 
kret; supervision, W. C. Ament. At Pal- 
ace, N. Y.. starting July 3, "41. Running 
time, ia .MIN8. 



Miniatore Reviews 



<Manpowcr* (WB). OK Rob- 
Inson-Dletrlch-Raft In action 
drama with comedy trimmings. 
Good for regular runs as. solo. 

<M»I1 Train' (20th), British' 
tnade spy thriller' apparently 
patterned after 'Night Train,' 
but only a dualer.for U. S.,, 

•Jnngle Cavalcade' (RKO). 
Streamlined version of Frank 
Buck's previous three Jungle 
thrillers; excellent. 

'Hnrry, Charlie, Harry' 
(RKO). Inane farce comedy 
with Leon Errol; geared for 
mild returns on twinners. 

•Hit the Boad' (U). Dead End 
Kids in the same old stuff. Low- 
grade B. 

'Forced LandiDi' (Par). Rich- 
ard Arlen in air"meller ai^ned 
for general audience appeal. 
Good programmer. 

'Once a Crook' (20th-Brltish ). 
Okay crime meller for the duals. 

•The Son of Davy Crockett'. 
(Col). Actionless Bill Elliott 
western. 

'Pimpernel Smith' (Anglo). 
Leslie Howard starrer, British- 
made, looks like okay b.o. 



MAIL^TRAIN 

(BBmSH-BIADE) 

20th Century-Fox release of Edward 
Black (Maurice Oatnsr) productloik Stars 
Cordon Harker. Alastalr Sim; feature 
' Phyllis Calvert, Edwaril Chapman. Directed 
fey Walter Forde, Story, S^nk Launder 
(based on Inspector Homleigh character 
created by Hans V. Prtwin); screenplay, 
J. O. C. Orton and Val Oueat; camera, 
' Jaok'Cox; mtasio^ I^onls I>evy; editor, R. E. 
Scaring. At New Tork theatre, N." T., 
July 1, '41: dual. Running Ume, ST MIM8. 

Inspector Homleigh Gordon JCarker 

BeiSMnt Bingbajn Alastalr .Sim 

Wilkinson., Phyllis Calvert 



Frank Buck's jungle pictures are 
rated 'daddy of 'enr all.' Conse- 
quently, this ingenious compilation 
of outstanding sequences from 'Bring 
'Em Back Alive,^ 'Wild Cargo' and 
•Fang and Claw,' plus a little new 
material, new narration and musical 
backgrounding, stacks up as top' 
flight jungle adventure fare. 'Jungle 
Cavalcade' is entertaining and tops 
for this type of fllm. If given the 
circusy sort of bally employed for 
this Broadway engagement, picture 
looms as a -first-rate grosser cur- 
rently, especially if the distributor 
picks his spots. 

Exhibitors who found the first 
three Buck thrillers successful at 
the wickets will be pleasantly suT' 
prised by the compact vehicle the 
RKO-Pathe News production staS 
has moulded from' the best sequences 
of these older pictures. Bulk of story 
concerns Buck's efforts to - capture 
rare jungle creatures although oc- 
casionally he uses his riflie'and pis- 
tol when It's a question of his life 
or the animal's. 

The capture of an - ourang-outang, 
trapping of a 30-foot python and 
the death struggle between a python 
%nd. leopard are spotlighted. Actual 
trapping of a tiger in a pit, odd res- 
cue of a baby elephant from another 
jungle cat, and a breathless duel be- 
tween another monstrous reptile and 
snarling tiger are other exciting' mo- 
ments. Then, of course, there s the 
familiar sequence in which Frank 
Buck tangles with one of these 
pythons which has sneaked up near 
one of his animal cages — and is 
forced to fire a round of ammunition 
at the reptile. , 

Editing job, credited to 'W. C. 
Ament, keeps events moving at a 
nice clip, with humorous episodes 
neatly spaced with 'Oie more grim 
or gruesome. Phil Iteisman, Jr., has 
streamlined the dialog for'^1941 alidi- 
ences. And the autl^enticity of the 
action is heightened by Frank Buck's 
pointed, running narration. 

Clyde Elliott, wfao 'directed 'Bring 
'Em Back Alive'; Armand DcqIs, who 
was at .the helm on 'Wild Cargo,' and 
Buck, who's listed' aS' director of 
Tang and Claw,'- still rate laurels for 
their collaboration in the original 
pictures 'from which , this was -con' 
structed. Nathaniel Sbilkret's musl 
cal background enhances the action 
ful scenes. 

Whole picture has been re-re- 
corded, taken from \the original 
clear-cut negatives, hence it's as up- 



the nation's capital with the vice- 
president, but neglects to say it is 
Washington, Okla. 

■When the worried father returns 
home he finds he is a town hero. 
And wh?n three Indian pals from 
the Oklahoma reservation show up, 
tlie 'plot becomes more involved. 
Funniest part of the film is when 
three different members .of the cast; 
including Errol, make up to repre- 
sent the v.-p. and 'then learn that 
the real vice-presldeilt actually has 
shown up. It's all extremely im» 
plausible and handled with a hokey 
touch even for broad farce. 

Paul .' (Gerard Smith is_credited 
with the screenplay. It Is one' of his 
lesser efforts. Script that may have 
looked good on paper but failed to 
jell. 

Errol works hard with little re- 
sult as the -banker who wants his 
daughter happily married. Cecil 
Cunningham, the socially-minded 
mother, has been seen to better ad- 
vantage. Mildred Coles, feature;d, 
has little totdo as the daughter, but 
looks pretty. Kenneth Howell -and 
George Watts head the support,. 

. Wexit. 



FORCED LANDING 

■ Hollywood, July 1. 

Paramount release ot William H. Flne- 
'Wllllam C. Thomas production; aaaoclat* 
producer, John W. Rogers. Stars Rich- 
ard Arlen: features Eva Gabor, J. Carroll 
Nolsb, Nils Asther, Evelyn Brent. Directed 
by Gordon Wiles. Screenplay by Maxwell 
Snane, Edward Churchill: camera, John 
Alton; special effects, Fred J^ckman, Jr.; 
editor, Robert C^randall. Previewed In stu- 
dio projection room, June 30, '41. Running 
time, 68 MINa 

Dan Kendall Richard Arlen 

Johanna Van Deuren Eva Gabor 

Andros Banshek J. Carroll Naish 

Colonel Jan Golas.-. Nils Asther 

Doctor's Housekeeper ' Evelyn Brent 

Christmas Mikhail Rasuhiny 

Hendrick Van Deuren Victor Varconl 

General Valdane John MlUnn 

Zomar Frank Taconelil 

Petohnlkoft Harold Goodwin 

Fsllg Thornton Edwards 

Nando Bobby Dillon 

Major Xanders John Gallaudet 

Doctor Vldalek.....; Harry Worth 



Mn — 

..<..llc.WwktoffiftM.u«j---S5?'«rd chapnian -to-date looking a5 the latest news- 



■-— _ _ _ . , 

Dr. Xerblshley Raymond Huntley 

r Inspector Blow Percy Walsh 

Commissioner • David Home 

Colonel Peter Qawthome 

BergcoAt Major Wnlly Patch 

Palsy. .' . .- '. . .Betty Jardlne 

FrotesMr Mackenzie O, B. Clarence 

.Ur. Tomboy John Salew 



HIT THE ROAD 

Universal release ot Ken Goldsmith pro- 
duction. .Stars Gladys George, Barton 
MacLane. Dead End Kids, Little Tough 
Guys, Directed by Joe May. Screenplay 
b^ Robert Lee Johnson and Brenda Wels— 
berg, from original story by Johnson; 
camera, Jerome Ash; editor, Bernard W. 
Burton.. At Rinlto, N. Y.. starting Jiily 2, 
'41. Running time: «1 MINS. 

Molly Ryan Gladys' George 

James J. Ryan Barton MacLane 

Tom Billy Halop 

Pig Htintz Hall 

String Gabriel Doll 

Ape Bernard Punsley 

Pesty Bobs Wat^n 

Patience Ryan Evelyn Ankers 

Paul Smith Charles Lang 

Dingbat Sllemp Howard 

Colonel Smith Walter KIngsford 

Cathy Crookshank Elly Malyon 

'6plke .' Edward Fawley 

Creeiwr. ... v^ .--. .T.-^^V.^^John Harmon 



This Is the second of three avia- 
tion mellers being turned out by the 
William Pine-William Thomas outfit 
for Paramount release. A moderate 
budgeter, 'Forced Landing' takes ad- 
vantage of current public interest in 
aviation and displays plenty of ac- 
tion and excitement in its unreeling. 
Picture Is an above-par program- 
mier for general audience interest; 
needs support if spotted as a top 
dualer, but is a strong secondary at- 
traction, 

SU^ry stresses its 'melodramatic 
content, and does not stand up too 
well under critical scrutiny. Epi- 
sodes achieve purpose of the tale in 
providing a fast-action air yam for 
general audience consumption. Rich- 
ard Arlen Is. a former airline pilot 
who joins the army of an islanci re- 
public. A brush with Nils Asther, 
air corps head, over affections of 
Eva Gabor,' gives him choice of fac- 
ing a firing squad or transfering to 
the civil .air line. In latter service, 
Arlen Is faced witK problem of get- 
ting payroll through to a mine in 
the interior, although -two previous 
pilots were lost due to political con- 
niving of Asther and latter's cohorts. 
Forced landing of .plane with Arlen 
and Miss Gabot aboard puts them 
into hands of J. Carroll Naish, out- 
law leader. Pilot ^ saves the out- 
law's son with quick flight to a doc- 
tor; takes off to the mine with pay- 
roll gold; and has an air dogfleht 
with Asther in 'which the latter 
crashes. The adventure tosses out 
the political racketeers and results 
In the eventual clinch. 

In order to sidestep any complaints 
from 'revenue-producing countries, 
producers have utilized pigeon-Latin 
for foreign dialog, and fumbled set- 
tings through' injection of Chinese- 
lettered banners In backgrounds. 

Arlen provides a good perform- 
ance as the happy-go-lucky flyer 
whose quick thinking gets him out 
of trouble. Miss Gabor shows prom- 
ise in her flrst film appearance, while 
major support honors go to Naish 
as the tough rebel bent on tossing 
out the traitors to his people. Mik- 
hail Rasumny also catches attention 
as Arlen's native mechanic. 

Gordon Wiles, former art director, 
pilots the picture at a fast pace, 
while editing displays several epi- 
sodes of neat selection of background 
plates for process photography; The 
air shots and battle at the fini.sh are 
expertly staged. Walt. 



Kin^, as the kid's sweetheart, con> 
tlnuing to Impress. Standout is 
CarlB -Lehmann playing- the gang- 
ster's molL She s svelte, talented 
and yelling for smart handling. 
Right now she looms as -one of Bri- 
taln's'best picture bets. 



The Son of Davy Crockett 

Hollywood, July 4. 
Columbia release of I.eon' Barsha pro- 
duction. Stars Bill Elliott, Direction and 
original screenplay by Lambert Hiilyer. 
Camera, Benjamin Cllne; ' editor, Mel 
nioraen; Afst, director, Milton Carter. Pre- 
viewed in studio projection room, July S, 
'41. Running time, SO MINS. 

Dave Crockett Bill Elliott 

Doris Mathews Iris Meredith 

Cannonball '. . Dub 'Taylor 

King Canfleld Kenneth MacDonald 

Jesse Gordon , Richard. Flske 

Gmndpa Mathews Eddy Waller 

Jaok RInge Don Curtis 

SSeke .'-. ....Paul Scordon 

Lance.. Edmund Cobb 

Curly,... Rteve Clark 

President Grant. .. .. .'.Harrison Greene 



'Whether or not it- was Intended as 
a foUowup to cash In on the rep of 
Wight Train,'. from the same British 
studio last year, 'Mall Train' will in- 
.evitably be compared to its Maurice 

: Ostrer-produced predecessor. That's 
unfortunate, for judged pu%ely on its 
own merits, 'Mall Traln'^ is an effec- 
tive thriller, but compared to 'Night 
Train' it's a pale Imitation. Although 
It Will suffer from the unfavorable 
comparison as well as from its total 
lack of U.S.-khown marquee names, 
"Mall Train* should do fair business 

- on the strength of reviews and 
word-of-mouth, ' 

Picture has a basically good story 
of the sort the English seem uniquely 
gifted- for handling. It's one of 
those slow-gatherint! thriller-mys- 
teries, with touches of comedy and 
given subtle emphasis by Understate- 
ment Deals -with the rimning pre- 

. dicaments of a couple pf Scotland 
■yard operatives who stumble on and 
finally uncover an espionage ring. 
One of them is a reasonably capable. 
If not -"Particularly, inspired sleuth, 
while his assistant is a thick-skulled, 
though amiable blunderer. There's 
-> a beautiful femme spy, with a num- 



Hurry, Charlie, Hurry 

RKO release o< Howard Benedict pro- 
duction. 3tars Leon Errol; features Mil- 
dred Coles. Directed by Cbarles E. Rob- 
erts. Screenplay by Paul Gerard Smith 
from story by Luke Short; camera, Nicho- 
las Mtisuraca; editor, George Hlvely. Pre- 
viewed In Projection Room, N. T., July 7. 
'-tl. Running time, 68 HINS.- 

Danlel Boone Leon Errol 

Beatrice Boone Mildred Coles 

Jerry Grant Kenneth Howell 

Mrs. Boone Cecil Cunningham 

Horace Morris George Watts 

Wagon Track. Eddie Conrad 

Poison Arrow , Noble Johnson 

Michael Prescott Douglas Walton 

Josephine Whitley Renee Haal 

Mu. Whitley Georgia Calne 

Frozen Foot Loio Enclnas 



Trite little farce-comedy designed 
for minor dual setups where it won't 
create much stir. Xeon Errol, sole 
star of picture, is not in his element 
in the silly comic situations handed 
him. He's called on to do outlandish 
things, and gets meager support 
from surrounding talent. 

Familiar thesis of the father who 
wants his daughter to wed for love 
rather than' for social position veers 
off at a tangent after the Irate moth- 
er of said girl thwarts one attempt 
of papa to engineer an elopement of 
daughter with a bakery store youth. 
Father ducks a , trip to a socialite 
mountain resort 'to go fishing. He 
pretends It's Important business at 



'Answer to that frequently-put 
query, 'What's wrong with the pic- 
ture industry?', might well be that 
the. Dead End Kids are out 'of the 
reformatory again. "They seem per- 
petually to have just been released 
from cells, and each time some 
hard-pressed studio ups and' cele- 
brates the event by making a 
picture .about them. Formula is 
always the same, and 'Hit the Road' 
is no exception. It's a less-than- 
mlld supporter for the duals. 

This time, as has been done be- 
fore, remnants of the Dead Enders 
have been parlayed with, a couple 
JMa.l\ft'9m a. rlvay.reijp.,.jaej<l.ttle, 
Tough — Gv^. The -cc-nblnaUon, 
aside from I0-> ear-old Bobs Watson, 
provides as unpalatable a cast as a 
film can ha' e. Add to that the con- 
fused and preposterous story and 
the lack of b.o. appeal becomes ob- 
vious. 

Robert Lee Johnson's and Brenda 
Weisberg's screen play from John- 
son's original again finds the kids 
right out of reform school. A -re- 
formed gangster is trying to 
straighten them out. As usual, they 
can't be straightened until the flash 
finale, when they revear themselves 
as having hearts of gold. Why they 
always land back in reform school 
before the next picture after they 
prove such splendid citizens at the 
end of the previous one is one of 
those Hollywood mysteries. 

Barton MacLane, Gladys George 
and Evelyn Ankers head the sur- 
rounding company. Little Bobs 
Watson, however, is the only out- 
!:tanding contributor to the fllm and 
deserves a better break. . Herb. 



Long on dialog and short on ac- 
tion of the riding and gunfire type, 
this one will serve as a minor league 
filler for the Saturday matinee trade 
with the juves. It's a quickie gal- 
loper from a major studio— without 
the hoof-beats. 

Story, in order , to give Bill Elliott 
proper - age as the son 'of Davy 
Crockett, delves back Into the post- 
Civil War period, when U. S. Grant 
was president. ' Young Davy is dele- 
gated to handle the favorable votin'g 
of a strip north of Texas for in- 
clusion in the Union — even though 
the territory" is ruled by Kenneth 
MacDonald and his outla^r ' gang. 
Davy wades into the problem, lays 
plans that make him appear for a 
time as against the harra^ed ranch- 
ers, but he comes through at the 
finish to dispose of MacDonald and 
save the strip for the: Union. 

Although there are a couple ot 
gun-flghts and flst-slinglngs, picture 
eliminates the fast riding and gen- 
eral furious action associated with 
westerns, and substitutes long pas- 
sages of dialog. Switch will not be 
acceptable to those looking for -ac- 
tion in the houses this one will have 
to depend on for bookings. Walt. 



PIMPERNEL SMITH 

(BRinSH-MAD^) 

London, June 19. 

Anglo-American Fllm Corp. release ot 
British National production. Stars Leslie 
Howaid; features Mary Morris, Francis L. 
Sullivan. Hugh Mncderm'ott. Directed by 
I.,e'slle Howard. Screenplay by Anatole de 
Orunwaid, based on original stOry by A. O. 
Macdonell, Wolfgang Wllheim; scenario, 
Anatole de Grunwald, Roland Pertwee; 
music. John Greenwood; music direction, ' 
Mulr Matbieson; camera. Mutz Greenbaum, 
Jack Hlldyard. At Phoenix theatre, Xion- 
don. Running lime: ItO MINS. 

Professor Smith .I.,rslle Howard 

Von Graum Francis L. Sullivan 

Ludmllln Mary Morris 

David Maxwell Hugh Mncdermott 

Kofllowskl Peter Gawthorne 

Student Raymond. Huntley 



REVIEWED FROM LONDON 
'The Stars Look Down,' Brit- 
ish-made, to be released in the 
U. S. by Metro on July 18, was 
reviewed ' from London in 
'Vambtt of Jan. 3, 1940. Strong 
American grosses were predicted 
for it. 



ONCE A CROOK 

(BRITISH-MADE) 

London, June IS. 
20th-Fox production and release. Stars 
Gordon Harker, Sydney Howard. Directed 
by Herbert Mason. Screenplay by Roger 
Burford, from stage play by. Evadne Price 
and Ken Attlwlll; camera. Arthur Crab- 
tree. Reviewed at 20lh Century private 
theatre, London. Running time: 78 MIM8. 

Charlie Hopkins .Gordon Harker 

Hallelujah Harry Sydney Homani 

Auntie '...Kathleen Harrison 

Estelle Carta Lehmann 

The Duke ...Bernard Lee 

Bill Hopkins.... Cyril Cusnck 

Bessie Diana King 

Inspector Marsh Joss Ambler 

Joseph Charles t.amb 

Prison Governor Raymond Huntley 

King's Counsel Felix Aylmor 

Solicitor John Salew- 

Warder Wally Patch 

The Captain Frank Fettingell 

Admixture of crime arid drollery 
screens as typical British meller, 
with rough spots keeping it out of 
the really engaging class, though a 
production polish and excellent play- 
ing Int it above the usual quota 
type, guaranteeing good support in 
its homeland.: It's satisfactory' dual 
fare for overseas. 

Gordon' Harker is the - onetime 
safe-cracker whose sidekick was 
sent up for a stretch, on their last 
job, for gunning a cop. 'The Duke' 
flgures Harker was the, giveaway, 
and plans to fix him once out of the 
pen. He does it through the young 
son ot the now reformed safe- 
cracker; the kid, all unbeknown, has 
the hereditary development of his pa 
and Is cut In on' the mugg's game. 
Hypoed purposely by the Duke's' 
girl, the youngster lifts a diamond; 
there's a mass of Intrigue, with the 
girl ratting on her man so. as to 
straighten things out. All this is 
carried In lightish vein. 
V Dialog replaces action in the main, 
a scripting fault, and direction of 
Herbert Mason is generally sound. 
Harker handles the Cockney role in 
customary style; Sydney Howard 
turns in some good mugging as a 
tippling barkeep -in the saloon run 
by Harker. Joss Ambler, as the un- 
derstanding Inspector March, makes 
the Scotland Yard dignitary solidly 
appealing. Picture Is strong on the 
femme side, with youngster Diana 



Leslie Howard's triple-threat mel- 
ler skids but once from the well- 
oiled track of the tinle-trled in pic- 
ture making. In unfolding yam' of 
a 20th Century gallant operating 
now in Naziland as rescuer of the 
oppressed, picture has a distinct 
propaganda coating. But the sermon 
can be cut — there s plenty of room 
in the ^ootege. 

Actor stars, produces and directs. 
He's customarily suave as the vague 
Britisher- with a courage streak a 
mile wide. He's turned out a dressy 
job with a neat eye to mounting. 
For direction, seemingly anxious not 
to be dubbed arty In his flrst job of 
guiding. Howard has recalled all 
the bits ot technique that came his 
way while camera-acting. Neverthe- 
less, It's topllne entertainment 
^ Wolfgang Wilhelm turned In a 
sound original, alfng with A. G. 
Macdonell, for A. de Gninwald's 
screenplaylng. Story of the dull uni- 
versity professor operating an arch- 
eological expedition, as a cover to 
his 'Anti-G«stapo' Activities,' travels 
with tew gap's. Acting Is high every- 

livan'.* as Von Giraum, chief Geste'i^o: 
Avolrdupoised thesp makes a grand 
character study ot the flabby, candy- 
eating Nazi, giving it just that es- 
sential touch of lightness and with- 
out which the role could've ruined 
pic's good graces. 

Mary Morris, as romance for How- 
ard, has a tough assignment. There's 
only a couple ot other femme speak- 
ing parts— a couple, of lines — so 
she's left to carry the load. She 
does It soundly, but sans help from 
an unflattering camera. 

Harold Huth lent capable support 
as associate producer. Photography 
of ^utz Greenbaum Is satisfactory. 

TITLE CHANGES 

Hollywood, July 8, 

Tassage to Bordeaux' became 
'Passag» From Bordeaux' at RKO. 

'Burma Convoy' is new tag on 
'Halfway to Shanghai' at -Universal. 

'Dangerous But Passable* is re- 
lease handle on 'Detour to Love' at 
20th-Fox. 

Unlversal's 'Never Give a Sucker 
An Even Break' goes out as 'The 
Great Mani 

'Here Comes Mr. Jordan' release 
tag on 'Mr. Jordan Comes to Town' 
at Columbia. 

"The Man From Montana' at Mono- 
gram is now 'Riding the Sunset 
Trail.' 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



15 



9f 




^irst 3 day 3 ^t- 
eatre, 




Oscar r scares %f. ''."Anient ■°'^'ff.inai "Mv 

*''e~S?Sj-^??Mi2tter anrf i.- ^ show,- ^'"gs a co„„ 






MARY 






Allen • Roymond Walburn 



...... *• 




16 PICTURES 



Wcaaesdaj, July 9, 1941 



TRADE SHOWINGS 

(Week of Julj 14-19) 

(Alp?uibeticaUv arranged according to Exchange Citv. and chrotuAotHeaUv 
sequenced accordinir to calendar date and hour o/ screening*. A reodv 
reference Jot alt exhibitors, embractnii ALL the ytre major distrUnitors 
under one table. This unll be brought ixp to date each week, listing the 
schedule oj releaaes jor the ensuing 10 days /rom VABiEry's date oj publica- 
tion. Legend: T. lor Theatre; P. R. for Projection Room.) 



ALBANY 

MON., JUI.Y 14 (11 a-m.), 'Lady Be C;ood' (M-G), Paramount T. 
TDES., JVLT 15 (10 a.m.), 'Parachute Battalion' (BKO). Far. T. 
TUES, XDLT 15 (11:30 ajn.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Par. T. 
WED., JULT IS (11 ajn.), 'Devil Si Dan'l Webster' (BKO), Par. T. 
•taxms^ JXJI.Y 17 (11 ajn.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Paramount T. 
FBL, JOLT 18 (11 am.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Paramount T. 

ATLANTA 

MON., JULT 14 (10 ajn.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (BKO), RKO PJB. 
MO^vJOLT 14 (11 a.ni.), 'Lady' (M-G>, San Marco T., Jacksonville, Fla, 
MOn., JVVS 14 (11:30 aJn.), 'Parachute BattaUon' (RKO), BKO PJB. ' 
TUES., JULT IS (11 a.m.), 'Devii & panl Webster* (RKO), RKO FA. 
WED., JULT 16 (U a.m.), 'Lady' (M-G), Rhodes Center. 
THUBS., JULT 17 (11 ajn.), 'Citizen Kane* (RKO). RKO PJL 
FBL, JULT 18 (11 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), RKO FJl. 
FBI, JULT 18 (2 p.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Belmont T, NashvUIe. 

BOSTON 

MON., JULT 14 (11 a.m.), 'Parachute BattaUon* (RKO), Uptown T. 
MON., JULT 14 (11 a.m.), 'Lady' (M-G), X:apitol T., Augusta, Me. 
TUES, JULT IS (2 p.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Exeter Strc^ T. 
FBI., JULT 18 (11 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), BKO PJL 

BUFFALO 

MON., JULT 14 (U a.m.), 'Parachute BattaUon* (RKO), Bailey T. 
MON, JULT 14 (2:30 p.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Elmwood T. 
TUBS, JULT 15 (11 a.m.), 'Devil & Dan'l Webster* (RKO), BaUey T.' 
WED., JULT 16 (11 ajn.), 'Father Takes a Wife* (RKO), Bafley T. 
THUBS., JULT 17 (11 a-m ), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Bailey T. 
THUBS, JULT 17 (11 a.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Regent T., Syracuse. 
FBI, JULT 18 (11 am.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), BaUey T. 

CHARLOTTE 

MON., JULT 14 (i0:30 a.m.), 'Lady Be Good* (M-G), Dilworth T. 
TUES, JULT 15 (10 ajn.),^arachute Battalion" (RKO), VisuUte T. 
TUBS, JULT 15 (10:30 a.m.), 'Lady' (M-G), Five Points, Columbia. 
TUES, JULT 15 (11:30 'a.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife* (RKO), Visulite T. 
WED, JULT 1« (10:30 ajn.), 'Lady Be Good* (M-G), State T., Aaheville. 
WED, JULT IS (10:30 am.), 'Lady' (M-G), Wayne T, CSoldsboro. 
WED, JULT 16 (1030 a.m.), 'Devil & Dan'l Webstet* (BKO), VUiflite T. 
THUBS, JULT 17 (10:30 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane* (RKO), Visulite T. 
FBL, JULT 18 (10:30 ajn.), 'Lady Scarface* (RKO), Visulite T. 

CHICAGO 

HON, JULT 14 (10:45 ajn.), Tarachute Battalion' (RKO), Studio T. 
TUES, JULT 15 (10:30 a.m.), T^ady Be Good* (M-G), Studio T. 
TUES, JULT 15 (10:30 ajn.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Madison T, Peoila. 
XUES, JUXT 15 (10:30 am.), 'Lady* (M-G), Orpheum T.. Springfield. 
WED, JULT 16 (10:45 am.), 'Devil & Dan'l Webster* (RKO), Studio T, 
THUBS.i JULT 17 (10:45 ajn.), 'Father- Takes a Wife* (RKO), Studio T. 
FBI, JULT 18 (10:45 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Studio T 
SAT, JULT 19 (10:45 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Studio T. 



CINCINNATI 



HON, JULT 14 (U ajn.), 'Parachute Battalion' (RKO), Mayfair. T. 
MON, JULT 14 (2 pjn.). 'Lady Be' Good* (M-G), Orpheum T. 
TUES, JULT 15 (2 pjn,), 'Devil &. Dan'l Webster* (RKO), Mayfajr "T. 
WED, JOLT IC (10 ajn.), 'Lady' (M-G), Capitol T.. Charleston, W. Va 
\reD, JULT IS (2 pjn.O, 'Father Takes a Wife' (BKO), Mayfair T. 
TPUBS, JULT 17 (2 pjn.), 'Citizen Kane* (RKO), Mayfair T. 
FBI, JULT 18 (2 p.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Mayfair T. 



CLEVELAND 



MON., JULT 14 (11 a.m.), 'Parachute BattaUon* (RKO), Lake T. . 
TUES, JULT -15 (11 a.m.), 'Devil & Dani Webster* (RKO), Lake T 
TUES, JULT 15 (2 p.m.), "Lady Be Good* (M-G), Metropolitan T. • 
WED., JULT 16 ai am.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Lake T. 
THUBS, JULT 17 (11 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Lake T. 
THUBS, JULT 17 (2 p.m.), 'Lady* (M-G), Uptown T., Youngstovm. 
THUBS, JULT 17 (2 p.m.), Xady Be Good* (M-G), Ohio T, Toledo, 
FBI, JULT IS (U am.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Lake T. 

DALLAS 

MON, JULT 14 (10:30 a.m.), 'Parachute Battalion* (RKO), Texas T. 
MON, JULT 14 (2:30 pjn.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Roswln T, 
TUES, JULT IS (10:30 a.m.), 'Devil & Dani Webster' (RKO), Texas T 
WED, JULT 16 (9:30 a.m.), 'Lady* .(M-G), Texas T., San Antonio. 
WED, JULT 16 (10:30 am.), "Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Texas T. 
THUBS, JULT 17 (10:30 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Texas T 

DENVER 

MON, JULT 14 (2 pjn.), 'Paradiute BattaUon' (RKO), Santa Fe T 
TOTS, JULT 15 (10:30 am.), 'DevU & Dani Webster* (RKO), Santa FeT 
TDES, JULY 15 (130 p.m.), 'Lady ^ Good* (M-<J), Santa Fe T 
WED, JULT IS (2 p.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife* (RKO), Santa Fe T 
THUBS, JULT 17 (2 pjn.), 'Citizen Kane* (RKO). Santa Fe T. 
FBL, JULT 18 (2 pjnl), 'Lady Scarface* (RKO). Santa Fe T. 



DES MOINES 



MON, JULT 14 (II ajn.), 'Parachute BattaUon* (RKO), Forest T 
MON, JULT 14 (2 p.m.)/ 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Forest T 
TOTS, JULT 15 (2 p.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Forest T 
TTOD, JULT 16 (2 p.m.), 'Devil Si Dan'l Webster* (RKO), Forest T 
THUBS, JULT 17 (11 a.m.), 'Citizen. Kane* (RKO), Forest T. ' 
FBI, JULT 18 (2 pjn.), 'Lady Scarface* (RKO), Forest T. 

DETROIT 

MON, JULT I^ (11 ajn,), 'Parachute Battalion* (RKO), MalesUc T 
J^JKJL' " P-^-^* '^"^y ^ Good' (M-G), Majestic T. ' 

il^f' ZS^^ "^^'^ * Webster* (RKO), MajesUc T. 

jmES, JULT 15 (1:30 p.m.). -Lady* (M-G), Michigan T, Saginaw. 
WED, JULT 16 (11 am.). 'Father Takes a Wife* (RKO), Malestic T 
™J5l2o"'l£** P-*"-^' 'I^dy' <M-G). Eastown T, Grand Rapids. 
THUBS, JTO.T 17 (II ajn.), 'Citizen Kane" (RKO). Majestic T 
FBI, JULT 18 (11 am,). 'Lady Scarface* (RKO), MajesUc T. 



Par Wrapping Two Biggies 
In Its Bondles of Fires 



Hollywood, Juij 8. 

First package of five plctarcs to 
be sold under the consent 'decree by 
Paramount includes two big-budget- 
ers. Hold BacK the Dawn' and 
'Nothing But the Truth.' Second 
block Is led off with two more' high- 
bracket productions, 'Sb^IarkT and 
'Birth of the Blues.* 

Studio's idea In wrapping up. two 
hi^-priced films with each pack- 
age is to take care of tbe Paramount 
theatres, which are regulated to ab- 
sorb a pair of top features per 
month. Studio has built up a back-' 
log of 'A* and 'B' pictures to be 
ready for ogling by exhibitors under 
the consent decree. 



CoL Utiiiziiig 
Philly Ms 
Ads for Biz Hypo 



Conviction that the Philadelphia 
BuUetin's 'Movie Vacation' promo-' 
tional ads can provide an extremely 
valuable hypo at the b.o. has led Abe 
Montague, Columbia salies manager, 
to; send copies to every exhib in the 
country.: Two letters urging exhibs 
to promote use. of the ads in their 
hometown papers have already been 
sent out, Montague said, a|id he will 
continue to mail out pieces every 
two weeks or so to prod tbe op- 
erators. 

CoL exec disclosed tiiat he had 
received a terrific' response from all 
oyer the country and produced a 
flock of letters from exhibs giving 
names of a long Ust of papers which 
are now using the copy.' A circu- 
lation-advertising builder fqr the 
amusement page, idea is for exhibs 
to convince then: Iqcal publishers 
that it would be to the paper's 
benefit to use the ads. ' 

'Had we such an idea ' as this a 
couple of years ago when the film 
industry cooperated in Tlfe Great- 
est Year' campaign,* Montague said, 
'we would have probably gotten 
much' more out of the $1,000,000 we 
spent. . This isn't going to lead to' 
Utopia' and certainly won't' outsell 
bad piotures, hut it should be very 
helpful .In promoting business for 
everyone/ 



FILM 'BOOKING CHART 



(Tor lafonaation ej theatre end fitm caxftmiF* tookert VsMm iracnti 
• c*Rvl*l« chart of Jtatm* rtUattr of Vit Amtrlcm dtstributhm com- 
fmOts for tht ettrrmt quarUrlv period. ITotc of revUws as oivcn in 
'ViUDEiT and the running t(m« of ptfnU arc indudtd.) ■ 
coimem; um. bx viuuErT. tsc aix ajBBm atstKtm 
lUu to Typ* AVbrenfatkm: U-^MeltXtramt; C— Coniedv; CD— Comedy 
Drama; V— Wexfenv D—itrama; RIt—Bonumiie Drama; HD— Musical. 
ttgure* herewith indicate date of Vmmsbi's review and nandng time. 



WEEK. OF. BELEASE— 5/23/41. 



Hxnl AcaOevy (Coi> 5/2S l> 

Lave Omy (M-O) 5/14 C 

BcOeaa (MoB*> C 

Hntes on Hoisekack (Par) S/21 W 

Seattct(M4 Pons the StriBgs (RKO) 5/14 C 
AnsdsWlthBiokcmWlDCstKep) •/4 D 

BadAenutes (Bcp> W 

Great Cemoisuidmcnt (2Mh) D 

Too Many DldWHi (U> S/21 C 

Xke Mane's Secret tWB> S/ll D 



» r. BattMlmHrw^, Lydtm 

m ■■ w. powcn-H. Ijot 

O W. BvyO-B. BayOen 
O G, KIkkce>D. Tiont 
7Z e. BoIanO*!!. Baines 
SMesanttccn 
J. Beal-K. HMCovfeh 
W B. VaOec-H, Panish 
M L. Patrtck-B. To 



WEttl or RELEASE— 6/M/tt 



BENNY 20TH TOPPER IN 
FDIST BUNDLE OF FIVE 



Hollywood^ July 8. 
20th-Fox leads off with Jack Benny 
in 'Charley's Aunt' in the Consent 
Decree tournament. In the semi- 
windup are Gene Tierney and Ran- 
dolph Scott in 'Belle Starr.' In the 
preliminiary, bouts are 'Private 
Nurse,' 'Dressed to Kill' and a 
"Michael Shayne' mystery yarn fea- 
turing Lloyd Nolan. 

Second of the bunch of fives Is 
topped by two high-budget pictures. 
'A Yank In the R.A.F.' co-s tars TV- 

'WUd Geese Calling" calls for Henry 
Fonda and Joan Bennett, with three 
other films still to be selected. 



INDIANAPOLIS 



MON, JULT 14 (II ajA.), 'Parachute Battalion' (KKO), St ClaIr f , 
MON, JULT 14 (UO p.m.), 'Lady Be Good* (M-(3X Xalbott t 

(Continued on page 18) 



'Kane' BKO*s Bellwether 

Hollywood, July 8. 

'Citizen Kane* is the ace-in-the- 
hole of RKO's first package under 
the Consent Decree, effective July 
14. 'Kane* takes the place of 'Be- 
fore the Fact,* originaUy slated as 
the leader of the first RKO btmdle 
of five. Alfred Hitchcock's produc- 
tion is due for further editing be- 
fore it hits the screen. 

Four other pictures to be shown 
to the trade, July 14-18, are 'Para- 
chute BattaUon,' "The Devil and 
Daniel Webster,' "Father Takes a 
Wife' and 'Lady Scarface.' 



Mono's Baddle From Bodle 

Hollywood. July 8. 

Second of the buckaroo series co- 
starring Buck Jones and Tim Mc- 
Coy for Monogram release is "Bad 
Man From Bodie,' based on a shoot- 
ing story by Jess Bowers. Series is- 
being produced by Scott R. Dunlap. 

Raymond Hatton > plays the top 
character role, as he did in the 
opener, 'Arizona Bound.* 



Adveataie In Washingtan (COI) 1> 

Bmy the KM (M-C) 5/2S W 

aUrer Stanton (Hon«) C/U W 

I Wantea Wlnfi (Par} 3/24 D 

Sonny (BKO) S/21 - HU 

Blood and San4 UMh) S/21 D 
Akkott-Costello in the Vttvy (U) •/4 C 

BUnion Dollar Baby (WB) $/2* CD 



M V. Bmce-H. IHaiiliall 

M B. TaylvBl Donlevy 

I* D, Sbupe,J. WaUo 

m K.HIIIand-V.I.ake 

» A.Ncacle-B.B«Iser 

123 L. DaraeU-T: Power 

tS Akkott-Cottdlo 

1*2 P. Lane-J. Lynn. 



WEEK OF RELEASE— «/e/4I 



Mate Bart (M-G> D 

Wianclcr's Booit (Mono) 8/23 W ST 

Saint's Vacation (BKO) 4/18 MR 

For Beauty's Sake (Ztlh)' S/2S CD W 

Men of tk» Tlmkcilands (U) M 

DevU Dogs of the Air (WB) 2/12/35 D M 

Shlnlns Vlctoiy (WB) S/2S D 7S 



6. Garbo-R. NovaiTO 
B. Corrigan-J.Klnc 
S. Gny-B. Stnelalr 
M. Wexver-N. Sporla 
JU AiIcB-A Devlne ' 
J. Cacney-P. O'Brien 
i. Stephenson^, ritsgeiald 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 6/13/41 



Tbe Gct-Away (H-G) .8/11 D 8S 

Blchest nan In Town (Col) S/I2 CD 78 

OanCs All Here (Mono) 8/25. C SI 

One NlEht In Lisbon <Par) 5/14 D 98 

Cyclone on Honeback (BKO) 8/U W SS 

BiUe Wore Cnitcbes (2«Ui) 7/24/40 CD 54 

tight Shoes (U) 6/11 C R 

Broadway Umltcd (UA) 6/18 D 7S 

Ont of tbs Fog (WB) 6/U D SS 



B. SterUng-D. Adams 

F, Ciavcn-J. Todd 

F. Darro-M. Morcbnd 

H. CarroU-F. HaeMnrtay 

T. Holt-B. Whitley 

L. Boberts-T. North 

jr. Boward-B. Barnes 

'V. HcLaglcn-BL Woodworth 

J, Oarfleld-L Lnpino 



WEEK OF UlfASE— «/2«/41 



Time Ont for Khythq^ ICol) 5/2S MU 74 

Bands Aeioss the Bocfcles (Col) W 

The Big Store (M-(}) S/ll- C .M 

West Point Widow (Par) 6/11 CD SI 

Relactant Dragon (BKO) 6/11 73 

Nevada City (Rep) W 

Man Bnnt (20th) 6/11 D 100 

San Antonio Bose (U) 8/2S HU 82 

Passage from Bongkong (WB) D 



R. ValIee>B. Lan* 
BlU ElUot-M. Dally 
Marx Bros.-T. Martin 

A. Shfrley-B. Cailson 
Disney Cartoon 

B. Rogers-G. Bayes 

J. Bennett-W. Pldgeon 

B. Palge-J. Frazee 

K. Denglas^L. Fairbanks 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 6/27/41 



Sweetheart o( the Campos (Col) C/2S HC 84' 

Medico or Painted Springs (Col) </2S W SS 

Wanderen of the West (Mono) - W 

They Met in Bombay (M-G) 6/25 D »2 

The Parson ot Panamlnt (Far) 8/2$ W 84 

Jnngle Ca'valcade (RKO) 7/8 M 78 

A Very Tonng Lady (ZOth) 4/36/41 . CD S« 

Poison Pen (Rep) 7/2 . J> tt 

Pnddin' BeM (Rep) 7/2 C 10 

Kansas Cyclone (Ren) w 

■Hit the Road (li) 7/9 D --112 

Underground (WB) 6/2S ' D - 9S 



B. Kecler-O. Nelson 

C. Starrett-T. Walker 
T. Keene-B. Miles 

C. Gable-B. Rnssell 

E. Drew-C. Bnggles 

F. Bnck 

J,Withen-N. KeUy 
P.Bobaon-R. Newton 
J. CanovB-F. Lederer 

D. Bany-L. Merrick 

G. George-B. SlaeLana 
3, Lynn-K. Verne 



WEEK OF -RELEASE— 7/4/41 



I Was a Prisoner on Devil's Island (Col> D 

Barnacle BUI (M-G) 7/2 ' CD 

Murder by Invitation (Mono) D 

Caught in the Draft (Par) S/28 C 

Tom, Dick and Barry (BKO) c 

Moon Over Miami (20tb) 6/ld MU 

Bachelor Daddy (U) 7/2 c 

Kisses for Breakfast (WB) c 



70 
9» 



82 



92 
6 



D. Woods-S. Ellers 
W, Beery-v. Weldler 
W. F«rd-M. Marsh 
B. Hope-D. Lamour 
G. Rogers-G, Murphy 
D. Ameche-B. Grable 
Baby Sandy-E. E. Barton 
D. Mor(an-jr. Wyatt 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 7/11/41 



Two to a Taxi (Col) jj 62 

Navy Bine and Gold (M-G) (relssne) D 9S 

Father Stops Out (Mono) D 

Forced Landing (Par) 7/9 . M 63 

■niey Meet Again (RKO) S 

Gangs of Sonora (Res) yI 

Mountain Moonlight (Rep) CD 

Accent on Loye (20th) d 61 

BeUo, Sucker (U) 7/2 c to 

Bride Came CCD. (WB) 7/2 CD M 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 7/18/41 
i J g*tf>''^^'^f*!' ' ' -* »' ' ? y ** '' ) ii <i '...»r <i * »mt \ Mun no i. v 111 I 111 I 
Uiondle in Society (Col) 7/2 
Son of Davy Crockett (Col) J/9 
Stars I^ook Down (M-G) 1/3/40 
Arizona Bound (Mono) 
Shepherd of the Bills (Par) 6/18 
Bnrrlcane Smith (Rep) 
Snnsct in Wyoming (Bcp) ' 
Dance Ball (ZOth) 
Raiders of the Desert (C) 
Ballets for O'Hara (WB) 



A. Loulse-R. Hayden 
R. Young-J. Stewart 

F. Albertson-L. Gkey 
R. Arleta-E. Gabor 
J. Hersholt-D. Lovett 
3 Mesqnitoers 
Weaver Bros. Elvtry 

G. Montgomery-o. Massen 

H. Herbert-T. Brown 

B. Davis-J . Cagnyy 



.7* I 

C 77 
W S» 

D 104 
W 

D U 

D 

W 

D 72 

W 

D 



»llB>iV»l>< 



P. siilglretSh-A, Lake 
B. ElUott-I. Meredith 
M. BedgTave*M. Lockwood 
B. Jones-T: McCoy ' 
J. Wayne-B. Field 

B. Mlddlcton-J. Wyatt 
G. Antiy-S. Bnmette 

C. Bomero-C. Landls 
B. Ailen-A. Devlne 
J. Perry-B. Pryor 



'WEEK OF BELEASE— 7/2S/41 



The Officer and the Lady (Col) D 

Ringside Maisle (M-G) ' ' ^ 

The Deadly Gatne (Mono) d 

Hurry, Charlie, Horry (RKO) 7/9 c 

Jen Nights in a Bar Room (Rep) M 

This Woman Is Mine (U) ^ " n 

Bad Men of Hlssonrt (WB) 'd 



B. HndsOD-B. Piyor 

A. Sothetn-G. Murphy 
t. Lang-C. Farrell 

L. ErroO-K. Bowell 

B. Armstrong-L. Bayes 
P. Tone-C. Bruce 

J. Wyman-D. Morgan 



WEEK OF BELEASE— S/1/4I 



Thunder Over the Prairie (Col) W 

Life Begins for Andy Hardy (M-G) C 

Bowety BWzkrleg (Mono) D 

Fugitive Valloy (Mono) w 

Kiss the Boys Goodbye (Par) CD 

My Life With Caroline (RKO) C 

Rags to Riches (Rep) H 

Cracked Nuts (V) ' c 

Three Sons o* Guns (WB) CD 



. C. Starrett-E. (yneaxn 
M. Booney-A. Ratherford 
W, Hnll-L. Gorcey 
B. Corrlgan-M. Tcrhnno 
BI. Hartbi-D. Ameche 
B. Colman-A Lee 
A. Baxter-M. CarUsto 
M. Auer-n. Merkel 
W. Morris-T. Brown 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 8/8/41 



Mary Names the Day (M-G) 
Dynamite Canyon (Mono) 
Wide Open Town (Par) 
Six Gtw..aoI4 (BKO) 
Hold That GUost (U) 



-> D 
W 

W - 
W 

C 



L. Ayrcs-L. Bairymore 
T, Keene-B. Finley 
W. Boyd-R. Hayden 
T. Holt-L. White 
AbboU-Cottello 



18 PICTURES 



Wednesday, July ^, 1941 



Trade Showings 



sContJnned from page 16; 



T«ES., JULY J5 (11 a.m.), 'Devil & Dan'l Webster' (RKO), St. Clair T. 
TUBS., JULY 15 (1:30 p.m.), 'Lady' (M-G), Crescent T., Louisville. 
WED^ JULY 16 (11 a.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (HKO), St. Clair T. 
THURS., JULY 17 Ul a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), St. Clair T. 
FBI., JULY 18 (11 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), St. Clair T. 

KANSAS CITY 

MON, JULY 14 (10:30 a.m.), 'Parachute Battalion' (RKO), Vogue T. 
MON., JULY 14 (1 p.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Vogue T. 
TUBS., JULY 15 (1 p.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Uptown T., WichlU. 
TOES., JULY 15 (2:15 p.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Vogue T. 
WED., JULY 16 (2:15 p.m.), 'Devil fit Dan'l Webster' (RKO), Vogue T. 
THURS., JULY 17 (2:15 p.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Vogue T. 
FRL, JULY 18 (2:15 p.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Vogue T. ' 

LOS ANGELES 

MON., JULY 14 (10 a.m.), 'Lady' (M-G), Strand T., Phoenix, Ariz. 
MON., JULY 14 (10:30 a.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Victoria T. 
MON., JULY 14 (2:15 p.m.), 'Parachute BatUlion' (RKO), Victoria T. 
TUBS, JULY 15 (2:15 p.m.), 'Devil & Dan'l Webster' (RKO), Victoria T. 
WED., JULY 16 (2:15 p.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Victoria T. 
THURS., JULY 17 (2:15 p.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Victoria T. 
FRL, JULY 18 (2:15 p.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Victoria T. 

MEMPHIS 

MON., JULY 14 (9:30 a.m.), 'Lady Be (3ood' (M-G), Pala:« T. 
MON., JULY 14 (2:30 p.m.), 'Parachute Battalion' (RKO), Ritz T. • 
TUBS., JULY 15 (10:30 a.m.), 'Devil & Dan'l Webster' (RKO), Ritz T. 
TUBS, JULY IS (11 a.m.), 'Lady' (M-G), Prospect T., Little Rock. 
WED, JULY 16 (lOtSO a.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Rita T. 
THURS., JULY 17 (10:30 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Ritz T. 
FBI., JULY 18 (10:30 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Rita T. 

MILWAUKEE 

MON., JULY 14 (2:15 p.m.), 'Parachute Battalion' (RKO), Tower T. 
TUEa, JULY 15 (10:30>a.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Varsity T. 
TUBS., JULY 15 (2:15 p.m.), 'Devil & Dan'l Webster' (RKO), Tower T. 
WED., JULY 16 (2:15 p.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO). Tower T. 
THURS., JULY 17 (2:15 p.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Tower T. 
FBL, JULY 18 (2:15 p.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Tower T. » 



MINNEAPOLIS 

MON, JULY 14 (1:30 p.m.), 'Parachute' (RKO), St. Louis Park T. 
TUBS, JULY 15 (1 p.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Pillar T., VaUey City. 
TUBS, JULY 15 (1 pjn.), 'Lady Be Good' <M-G), West T., Duluth. 
TUBS, JULY 15 (1:30 pjn.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Park T. 
WED, JULY 16 (1:30 pjn.), 'DevU & Dan'l* (RKO), St. Louis Park T. 
THURS., JULY 17 (1:30 p.m.), 'Father Takes' (RKO), St. Louis Park T. 
FRL, JULY 18 (1:30 p.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), St. Louis. Park T. 
SAT, JULY 19 (10 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), St. Louis Park T. 

NEW HAVEN 

MON, JULY 14 (11 a.m.), "Parachute Battalion' (RKO), Whalley T. 
TUBS, JULY 15 (11 a.m.),, 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), WhaUey T. 
WED, JULY 16 (11 a.m.), 'Devil & Danl Webster' (RKO), WhaUey T. 
THURS, JULY 17 (11 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Whalley T. 
FRI, JULY 18 (11 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), WhaUey T. 

NEW ORLEANS 

MON, JBLY 14 (10 a.m.), 'Parachute Battalion' (RKO), Coliseum T. 
MON, JULY 14 (2 p.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Clabon T. 
TUBS, JULY 15 (10 aJn.), 'DevU & Dan'l Webster' (RKO), CoUaeum T. 
WED, JULY 16 (10 a.m.), "Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Coliseum T. 
THURS,' JULY 17 (10 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Coliseum T. 
FRL, JUIT 18 (10 ajn.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), CoUseum T. 

NEW YORK CITY 

MON, JULY 14 (10:45 a.m.), 'Parachute Battalion' (RKO), Broadway T. 
TUBS, JULY 15 (10:45 a.m.), 'Devil & Dan'l Webster* (RKO), B'way T. 
WED, JULY 16 (10:45 a.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Astor T. 
THURS, JULY 17 (10:45 a.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), B'way T. 
FRI, JULY 18 (10:45 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Broadway T. 
SAT, JULY 19 (10:45 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Broadway T. 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

MON, JULY 14 (10:30 a.m.), "Lady Be Good' (M-G), Uptown T. 
TUBS, JULY IS (10 a.m.), 'Parachute Battalion' (RKO), Uptown T. 
TUBS, JULY 16 (11:15 a.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Uptown T. 
WED, JULY 16 (9:30 a.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Majestic T., Tulsa. 
WED, JULY 16 (10:30 a.m.), 'DevU & Dan'l Webster* (RKO), Uptown T. 
THURS, JULY 17 (10:30 ajn.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Uptown T. 
FBI, JULY 18 (10:30 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Uptovni T. 

OMAHA 

MON, JULY 14 (10:30 a.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Dundee T. 
MON., JULY 14 (2 pjn.), 'Parachute Battalion' (RKO), Avenue T. 
TUBS, JULY 15 « p.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Dundee T 
WED, JULY 16 (2 p.m.), 'Devil & Dan'l Webster* (RKO), Dundee T. 

FRI, JULY IS (2 p.m.>, 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Dundee T. 

PHILADELPHIA 

MON., JULY 14 (11 a.m.), 'Parachute Battalion' (RKO), Aldine T. 
MON, JULY 14 (2:30 pjn.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Aldine T 
TUBS, JULY 15 (11 a.m.), 'Devil & Dan'l Webster' (RKO), Aldine T. 
WED, JULY 16 (11 ajn.), 'Father Takes a Wife* (RKO), Aldine T 
THURS, JULY 17 (U a.m.). 'Citizen Kane* (RKO), Aldine T. 
FRI, JULY 18 (11 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Aldine T. 



TUBS, JULY 15 (2:15 p.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife* (RKO), S'Renco PJt 
WED, JULY 16 (2:15 p.m.), 'DevU & Dan'l Webster' (RKO), S'Renco FJL 
THURS, JCI.Y 17 (2:15 p.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), S'Renco P.R. 
FBL, JULY 18 (2:15 p.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO),' S'Renco PJl. 

SAN FRANCISCO 

MON, JULY 14 (1:30 p.m.), 'Parachute BattAllon' (RKO), Alhambra T. 
TUBS, JULY 15 (11 a.m.), 'DevU It Dan'l Webster' (RKO), AUiambra T. 
TUBS, JULY 15 (2 p.m.). 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Alhambra T. ~ 
WED, JULY 16 (1:30 pjn.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO). Allfambra T. 
THURS, JVLY 17 (1:30 p.m.). 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Alhambra T. 
FRI, JULY 18 (1:30 p.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), AUiambra T. 

SEATTLE 

MON, JULY 14 (11 a.m.), 'Parachute Battalion' (RKO), Jewel Box. 
TUBS., JULY 15 (11 a.m.), 'Devil tt Dan'l Webster' (RKO), Jewel Box. 
TUES, JULY IS (2:30 p.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Greenlake T. 
WED, JULY 16 (11 ajn.). 'Father Takes a Wife' ((RKO), Jewel Box. 
THURS, JULY 17 (11 a.m.). 'Citizen Kane' (RKO). Jewel Box Prev. T. 
FRI, JULY 18 (11 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Jewel Box Prev. T. 



Balaban 

; Contiaaed from pace I; 



SIOUX FALLS, S. D. 



lOtb. 



MON., JULY 14 (10:45 a.m.). 'Parachute' (RKO). Amer. P.R.. W. 
TUES, JULY IS (10:30 a.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), SUte T. 
TUES, JULY IS (2 pjn.), 'Devil & Dan'l Webster' (RKO), American P.R. 
WED, JULY 16 (10:45 a.m.)i. 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), American PJL 
THURS, JULY 17 (10:45 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), America-. PJl. 
FRI, JULY 18 (10:45 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface* (RKO), American P.R. 

WASHINGTON 

WED, JULY 16 (10 a.m.), Xady Be Good' (M-G), Park T., Roanoke. 

WED, JULY 16 (10:30 a.m.), 'DevU & Danl Webster' (RKO), 'Circle T. 

WED., JULY 16 (1 p.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Circle T. 

THURS, JULY 17 (10:15 a.m.), 'Lady Be (3ood* (M-G), Rlalto T., Bait. 

THURS, JULY 17 (11 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Circle T. 

FRI, JUL* 18 (11 ajn.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Capitol T., Richmond. 

FRL, JULY 18 (11 a.m.), 'Parachute Battalion' (RKO), Circle T. 

FRI., JULY IB (12:15 p.m.). 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO). Circle T. 

SAT, JULY 19 (9:30 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO). Circle T. 



A.C. Monte Carlo 



sContlnaed from page Zs 



PITTSBURGH 



MON, JULY 14 (11 a.m.), 'Parachute Battalion' (RKO), Rialto T. 
MON, JULY 14 (2 p.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Rialto T. 
TUES, JULY 15 (11 a.m.), 'Devil & Dan'l Webster' (RKO), Rialto T 
WED, JULY 16 (11 a.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Rialto T 
.WED, JULY 16 (11 a.m.), 'Lady' (M-G), Morgan T., Morgantow'n. 

'i"^^^ <M-°>' Academy T, MeadviUe. 

™J?,;:/*"'' " ^•'"•^' ^^^y go*"*' <M.G), RIvoU T., Altoona. 
THURS, JULY 17 (11 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Rialto T. 
FBL, JULY 18 (11 ajn.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Rialto T. 



PORTLAND, ORE. 



MON, JULY 14 (2:15 pjn.), 'Parachute Battellon' (RKO), Esouire T ' 
TUBS, JULY 16 (2:15 p.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Esquire T 
.WED, JULY 16 (;i0:30 a.m.), 'Devil & Dan'l Webster' (RKO), Esquire T 
WED, JULY 16 (1:30 p.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Esquire 'T 
THURS, JULY 17 (9:30 a.m.). 'Lady' (M-G), State T., Spokani. • 
THURS., JULY 17 (2:15 p.m.), 'Citizen Kane* (RKO), Esquire T 
FRL, JULY 18 (2:15 p,m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Esquire T.~ 



ST. LOUIS 



° '"-^' 'Parachute BattaUon' (RKO), S'Renco P.R. 
MONVJULY 14 (1:30 p.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Norsidi T.- 



this form of sucker-bait falls, gave 
an indication of things to come when 
he declared: 'Many people 'feel that 
the bingo parlors are quite an at- 
traction for visitors.' And Atlantic 
City has never been known not to 
give its guests what they want. 

Astounding to the casual stopper- 
in at the game, which kids used to 
play with beans at grandma's knee 
Is the adaptation its proprietors have 
made of major circuit Monte Carlo 
technique. The old gals with fist- 
fulls of commuting hubby*s hard- 
earned dbin, who come rushing down 
first thing in the morning to bite on 
a free-card, early-bird gag, do so not 
in trolleys or buses or jitneys. No 
sir! Nor do they go home that way 
after they have sat up until 2 a.m. 
getting rid of the last dime. Nothing 
but the best for them — they travel 
in cabs. And the-, parlor foots the 
bill. Owners of the games are re- 
ported even to offer. excursion train 
tickets down from Philly (SO miles 
away) to regular customers. 

Some Service! 
And the gals don't go out to eat. 
either. . Or to buy ciggies. Or cokes. 
Everything's on the house. Femme 
who can't bear to miss a game while 
she runs out for a sandwich just 
calls the nearest attendant, gives him 
her order for - anything at all and, 
presto, in a couple minutes it's In 
front of her. Same with soft drinks, 
and as often as you like. And cig- 
arettes are scattered in profusion on 
the tables. 

Nick starts at three cards for 10c, 
with gradations including cards at 
10c each or three for '2Sc and others 
at three for 50c. More expensive 
cards, of course, gel higher winning 
prices. Payoffs range from $5 to 
J2v -enerally, although they some- 
"^tm .i..,.?ci ..higKef . ■ H6w""'mu'elf'~eac'll" 
type card may win is announced be- 
fore every game. Determination, is 
arbitrary, depending on how well 
the joint is holding the crowd and 
how many are playing. 

There are all sorts of gimmicks 
to tempt the mob — bait that a dead 
mackerel would shy from. One to 
hold players \yho decide mebbe, they 
ought to. have a look at the ocean, 
after all, is an announcement that- 
'after four more games there will 
be a $25 game.' Another is a 'Jumbo 
Card,' which pays an extra $5 if you 
win on it and which you get free if 
you buy six regular cards. 

Some- a.k. dames get so groggy 
they can't stagger into a cab when 
they get up after playing as many 
as IS cards at once. It takes a 
combo electric eye-lightning calcu- 
lator to foUow that many numbers, 
although there are plenty of at- 
tendants on hand to lend assistance 
at waching the calls. 

Another stunt is the 'Jackpot.' It's 
a door prize awarded every morn- 
ing to holder of the lucky number 
for the previous day. The winner, 
of course, has to be on hand when 
the number Is puUed or it's no soap. 

Shutdown of the Joints last week 
was on the city's refusal to renew 



the mercantile Ucenses, which ex- 
pired June 30. Town got about $20,- 
000 in taxes out of the places, ^charge 
being $3,000 minimum, for 75*chairs. 
and $75 per chair over that Big- 
gest of the nests paid more than $5,- 
000 a year. 



Twain Biog 

Continued from page 1; 



with Lasky as co-producer with Hal 
B. Wallis, and Howard Hawks di- 
recting. 

For more than five years Lasky 
has b^en assembling from various 
sources the exclusive rights to the 
Mark Twain saga. He says he has 
had j;onfidence in the material eqiial 
to his enthusiasm for the Sgtr York 
biog. Final clinched that he was on 
the right 'hunch.' Lasky declares, is 
the results of a national survey by 
the Audience Research Institute 
(Gallup), which showed overwhelm- 
ing public interest in the contem- 
plated Mark Twain flliin. 

Included in the answers to the 
survey was the suggested title for 
the new film, 'The Adventures of 
Mark Twain,' a paraphrase, of course, 
on the author's own Tom Sa^iryer.' 

Publication, dramatic and film 
rights to the Twain lite and works 
have been jealously guarded by the 
estate's executives. In the course of 
the long negotiations the estate has 
been represented by Charles % Lark, 
New "Ifork lawyer. The literary and 
biographical material included in the 
sale comprises Mark Twain's Auto- 
biography, the Alfred Bigelow Paine 
biography, in four volumes; Mark 
Twain's Note-books and Letters, ed- 
ited by Paine; two motion' picture 
films produced by the Edison Co. in 
1906-7, containing shots of Twain, 
and a new book to be published in 
^ber^fttt by. Harpers --antitJed,- 'Mark 
Twain in Eruption.' 

Separately from the estate Lasky 
has purchasei^ the dramatic and 
film rights to a play,- 'Mark Twain,' 
by Harold Sherman, which was in 
preparation for stage production by 
the late Harry Moses. 

Lasky says he will discuss prelim- 
inaries for his new production with 
Jack L. Warner Immediately on his 
arrival at the coast. 

'The period of American life from 
1850 through to 1910 Is the glori- 
ous era,' says Lasky. 'It is too early_ 
to give any details of what we have 
in mind that is distinct from other 
film biographies, but th^ Mark 
Twain story offers unlimited oppor- 
tunities to translate to the screen 
th( 



lie significance of today's popular 
iVase, The American way of life.' 
Such correspondence as I have had 
in the course of the negotiations with 
men and women in all walks of life 
indicates a keen Interest in the sub- 
ject 

'Films must look always for sub- 
jects which within themselves pos- 
sess wide general appeal. It is a 
fact, sustained from figures of Amer- 
ican public libraries, that Mark 
Twain continues year after year to 
lead all other writers of flcUon in 
reading popularity.' 



films on hand, Balaban pointed out, 
exhibs' feel a pressure to use up 
pictures, which they do by double- 
bUUng and shortening playing time. 

Longer playing time, in fact, plus 
greater exhib showmanship and ex- 
ploitation wlU provide the means for 
narrowing the gap between need of 
producers for higher rentals, as a 
result of foreign market losses, and 
more coin expended on. pictures and 
the' demands of exhibs for lower 
terms because of poor business, Bal- 
aban maintained. 

With pressure on him from both 
sides of the fence .at once — as a pro- 
ducer on one hand i and a theatre 
operator on the other — Par boss as- 
serted It might be consent decree 
buying that provides the answer. 
Benials 

'We anticipate higher rentals,' he 
said, 'because the exhibitor will have 
an incentive to hold a picture five 
or six or seven days instead of two 
or three days as now. He has chosen 
that picture after seeing it and his 
reputation — with his employers or 
associates and friends in the busi- 
ness; as well as with his own con- 
science — will depend on the success 
it has at his house. He'll therefore 
try to hold it as long as possible and 
put some exploitation effort behind 
it to make it worth holding. One of 
the effects of the decree is to take 
all the burden off the shoulders of 
the distributors and put some on the 
exhibitor.' 

Added cost of operation under the 
decree, Balaban said, hasn't been de- 
termined yet and probably will 
never be accurately known because 
of the number of angles involved. 
For example, he pointed out the in- 
creased prices being paid for story 
properties because of increased de- 
mand, every studio trying to make 
the best possible pictures. 

No set number of films will b« 
made by Par for 1941-42, chieftain 
disclosed, because it hasn't been de- 
termined how many will be needed. 
Blocks-of-five won't be released on 
regular schedule,, he said, but as it is 
found they are required to keep 
theatres operating. If it is possible 
to get extra-long playing time out 
of one group, the next one will be 
held untU the earlier one has been 
played. ' 

'We will no longer merely toss a 
picture ihto release to get our money 
back as quickly as possible,' he said, 
'but see that it is released to get 
maximum returns. We wiU have to 
do that because of the increased cost 
of the pictures.' 



'Boodles for Bobos' 



^jjContlnned from page 

vain, radio stations which have 
urged the public to contribute to so- 
licitors for worth'y charities, all are 
beefing to the authorities that the 
chlselers are scurrying about cutting 
in on the worthy causes. 

The Michigan Association of Po- 
lice Chiefs at its annual convention 
in Traverse City decided to form 
special squads to take care of the 
growing perversion of flag-waving 
campaigns which is paring down the 
banlcrolls of the citizens for thou- 
sands of bucks daily. The chief fear 
is not alone on the racketeers feath- 
ering their nests, but that the patrio- 
tic citizenry is going to get burned 
up on being defrauded and cease 
kicking in for the worthy collection 
campaigns. 

• There-has-bteen -plenty, of -switch 
on the names of such things as the 
United Service Organization, which 
was widely supported by the thea- 
tres and radio stations. The self- 
helpers rushed out on the heels of 
broadcast and screen announcements 
that collectors would visit homes to 
represent themselves as from the 
'United . Servicemen's Organization' 
which they also called the USO. 

Many campaigns which were 
launched la. good faith also have 
fallen in bad hands, the police chiefs 
were advised, and authorities were 
asked to watch for a wave of further 
fake drives which will spring up 
during the national emergency. A 
large number of fakeroos have been 
going around in soldier's uniforms 
with forged credentials from theatre 
men's and radio defense drives on 
their personal 'Boodles for Bobos' 
campaigns. 

Both theatres and radio stations 
here are contemplating a curtailment 
in their patriotic activities under the 
feeling that nobody but the flim- 
flammers are benefiting, from a por- 
tion of their efforts. They probably 
will confine themselves to nothing 
but direct coUectlons, either at the 
'theatres or through mail sent direct- 
ly to the stations, rather than bally- 
hoo for the fake coUectors. 



Wednesdaj, July 9, 1941 



19 



"MOON OVER MIAMI " 



BIGGEST OPENING 

DAY IN ROXY 

HISTORY I 

IIIWlUlll I RAGllNiE BAND" I 




20 PICTUBES 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



NW Allied Frankly Questions 
Equity of 'Consent' Arbitrations 



Minneapolis, July 8. 
Northwest Allied leaders charge 
that arbitration luider the consent 
decree Is' almost valueless as far as 
bringing relief from unfair trade 
practices for Independent exhibitors 
Is concerned. They say the entire 
setup must be changed if it is to ac- 
complish its supposed pxirpose and 
be of any aid to the Indies. 

The reason that Independent ex- 
hibitors aren't instituting more ac- 
tions for arbitration isn't because 
they're satisfied and haven't com- 
plaints, but because they lack faith 
and confidence in arbitration and 
realize that 'a fast one was pulled' 
and 'something put over' that wasn't 
meant to benefit them, according to 
these Northwest Allied leaders. 

In view of the decision of the ap- 
peal board in the cases already tried, 
the independent exhibitors realize 
they haven't a Chinaman's chance to 
get anywhere,' so, consequently, 
they're just ignoring arbitration, it's 
declared. 

Clearance, Mostly 

Most independent exhibitors' griev- 
ances concern the matter of clear- 
ance in relation to the afCiliated cir- 
cuits, such as the Minnesota Amus. 
Co. (Paramount), for example. North- 
west points out But it's now estab 
lished by an appeal board decision 
that arbitration is powerless to rec- 
tify or even act upon any alleged In- 
justices in this connection, the or- 
ganization points out 

'For example, the Minnesota Amus. 
Co. house at Virginiii, Minn., has re- 
duced its admission from '40c to 25c,' 
Northwest Allied points out. 'The 
independent exhibitor at Eveleth, 
Minn., three miles away, also charges 
25c and now wants to play- day-and- 
date with the 'Virginia theatre, but 
the distributors 'insist on giving the 
affiliated circuit house the advantage 
and refuse, to change the clearance. 

Under the appeal board decision, 
there's no tise for the Eveleth ex- 
hibitor ity resort to arbitration and 
he just has to take his bitter medi- 
cine. It has Been established that 
the arbitration board would have no 
jurisdiction in this' matter of runs 
because the complainant never at 
any time bad an earlier or simulta- 
neous rtm with reference to ti>e 'Vir- 
ginia theatre.' 



Loew's SL Louis Stickap 
Foiled on a Phoned Tip 



St Louis, July 8. 

An anonymous telephone tip that 
Loew's was to be held up last week 
received by Chester Vickery, treas- 
urer, enabled cops to foil the plot 
and jug three locaUties, aU of whom 
are facing felony charges for toting 
concealed weapons. When Vickery 
received the call, cops were planted 
in the theatre. 

Paul E. Wallace, 23, a former 
usher, was nailed with a loaded gun. 
He admitted the holdup plot but 
said it was cancelled because he got 
cold feet when he was recognized by 
another usher. On his statement 
gendarmes rufhed to a point in the 
west end and nabbed Wallace's ac- 
complices as they were alighting 
from an auto in which another load- 
ed revolver was seized. 



The Kids' Big Break 



Hollywood, July 8. 

There are 100 kids on the East 
Side of New York who don't 
know that their harmonica play- 
ing may lead them Into a Holly- 
wood picture studio. 

Warners Is planning to use 
the mouth organ virtuosos In 
'Rhythm Girls.' 



Fort Wayne Bialto Cracked 
Fort Wayne, Ind., July 8. 
tliree youths who cracked the safe 
of the Rlalto at 4 a.m. July 4 and 
■tole between $300 and $400 In cash 
were surprised by a caretaker in the 
lobby e« Ui«r were brealdng open 
a candy-maralne, but escaped with 
their loot Poljpe lald the youths 
had apparently entered through a 
large ventilation pipe leading Into 
the opwrator*! booth on the second 
floor. 



CANADA EASES 
ITS TAXES 
SUGHTLY 



Des^e Anti-Deo'ee Law, Par, RKO 
And WB Resume '4IM1 Selling in Minn. 



CanwB, Detroit, Gels 
Grees Ught to Reofien 



Detroit, July 8, 

Originally shuttered for four 
years, the Carmen here finally has 
been given the green light. Circuit 
Judge James- E. Chenot following a 
ruling of the Michigan supreme 
court, dissolved an injunction against 
Philip Gorelick, E. Marshall and the 
Greater Detroit Theatres permitting 
the large Dearbonl house, completet 
nearly a year ago, to finally go into 
operation. 

The dismissal was granted after 
proof was submitted, in accordance 
with the supreme court's rulings, 
that the firm had disassociated itself 
from any connection with Joseph 
Miskinls, who as one of the original 
backers of the theatre had brought 
dO'Arn the ban. The present opera' 
tors even' had to" cancel the lease by 
Mrs. Mary Misldnis of property to 
be used as a parking lot 

Trouble all stemmed from a ver- 
bal agreement between Miskinis and 
Joseph Stoia in which the former 
was to build no houses in the vi- 
cinity of the letter's theatres for' five 
years. Stoia had gone to court first 
contending that Miskinis was one of 
the builders of the new house and 
later was upheld on his contention 
that another setup was to disguise 
his former partner's interest The 
courts held with the verbal agree 
ment but cleared the way ' to the 
house's opening after it was demon 
strated Miskinis was out 
Knuuer Case 

Reversing its stay of execution 
order of three weeks ago, flie Fed- 
eral Circuit Court of Appeals has 
cancelled the bond of - the firm of 
Cohn' & Shevlin, present occupants 
of the Kramer theatre^ here. The 
action is In line with that of the dis- 
trict federal court which had sus- 
tained Hermah Kramer in his rights 
to recover the house and which had 
awarded him damages. 

The newest decision permits Her- 
man and Iiucille Kramer to petition 
for the appointment oi a receiver 
imtU they obtain possession. 



American distributors will receive 
some relief from additional tax bur- 
dens in Canada as result of the re- 
duction In Income taxes there, ac- 
cording to word received in N. Y. 
The Minister of Finance has an- 
nounced the change to the Canadian 
house, which Is the equivalent of 
placing the new tax change in effect. 
Understanding with major company 
officials Is that the new income tax 
is about 10%, being based on 15% 
of 66%% instead of the.straight 15% 
originally set up. Canadian officials 
felt that the full tax as first estab- 
lished was too severe. 

U. S. distributors pay this tax be- 
fore they are able to get their reve- 
nue coin from the CJinadian market 
Because American distribs already 
lose 10% when they ship their rental 
money Into this country from Can- 
ada because of coin exchange differ- 
ential, this is viewed as virtually a 
20% levy on distributors for doing 
business in Canada. 

These taxes do not in any way 
disturb the provincial tax in effect 
in nearly all provinces, nor the Ca- 
nadian federal taxation on admis- 
sions. These two are carried by the 
exhibitor, but distributors regard 
the heavy taxation as hurting them 
indirectly t>ecause too heavy tax at 
the boxofflce naturally curbs theatre 
attendance and results In diminished 
revenue return for the distrib. 



Majors Reverse Plan, 
WiU Not Sell Canada 
Under Consent Decree 

Instead of selling Canada in pack- 
ages of five, or as they will be made 
up for the domestic market up to 
that maximum, which was under 
consideration among the* five dis- 
tributor signers of the consent de- 
cree, at least four have now decided 
against that policy and the fifth, 
Metro, will probably follow suit 

Until a week ago the consenting 
distribs were giving thought ty the 
merchandising of film above the 
border the same as it will be sold in 
the states so that different selling 
systems would not be in operation. 
Warner Bros., taking the lead, is 
understood to have been ready to 
officially announce that policy when 
It changed Its mind. RKO, 20th-Fox 
and Paramount have since also de- 
cided against applying decree selling 
to Canada. While no official de- 
cision has been' reached, it Is be- 
lieved Metro will also fall In line. 

As a consequence, all of the Big 
Five will offer their full line to 
Canadian accounts, listing pictures 
and their number so far as they are 
able in line with production plans 
tho,ugh latter are much more flexible 
now and there is not the same neces- 
sity for sitting down to plot out a 
given program for a whole season. 

It's understood there was no pres- 
sure from the other side of' the line 
following reports distribs might offer 
only flve pictures at a time, possibly 
also not screening them In advance 
since this would not be mandatory. 
Among other .things, It is now 
pointed out that the problem of sell 
ing Canada separately probably will 
not be so difficult because there are 
only a little over 1,200 accounts in 
the entire Dominion, while so-called 
possibilities for each of the distribs 
are less. 

Paramount has already held a dis- 
trict sales meeting in Toronto and 
others are expected to follow suit 



F-WC's New Pacts With 
Boothmen, Stagehands 

Los Angeles, July 8. 

New two-year and three-year con- 
tracts, respectively, have' been nego- 
tiated by Fox-West Coast Theatres 
with Projectionists local 150 and 
Stagehands local 33, International 
Alliance of Theatrical Stage em- 
ployees. New pacts were worked out 
after months of negotiations. 

Boothmen get a pay tilt of ap- 
proximately 6c. per hour under the 
new deal, while stagehands will 
draw $3.25 per week more durkig 
first year of the three-year deal and 
an additional $326 for the second and 
third years. 

Stumbling block In the negotia- 
tions with the projectionists was de- 
mand of the boothmen that they be 
given a two weeks' vacation with 
pay, but this was finally ruled out 
by Charles P. Skouras, F-WC prexy, 
who handled the negotiations for his 
company. 



MDLI^-BERKSON'S PRC 
FRANCHISE; 42 NEXT YR. 

Producers Releasing Corp. franch- 
ise for Albany and Buffalo terri- 
tories awarded to Bernard H. Mills 
and Jack Berkson. At the same time, 
O. Henry Brlggs, PRC prez, an 
nounced to the board members at the 
New York meeting that the company 
will show a profit for Its first year 
of operation, the period ending June 
30. 

PRC promised 38 pix for 1940-41 
and wlir deliver every one, Briggs 
said, the first time tiiat any new 
comi>any In the field has fulfilled its. 
complete schedule. Sig Neufeld, 
supervisor of production of westerns, 
presented the 1941-42 program, with 
24 features and 18 hoss oprys prom- 
ised. Budget increases will amount 
to about 20%, he said. 



UA SALES BUNCH IN UL 
FROM S J4 FISH RESIGNS 



Hollywood, July 8. 

Group of United Artists execs, 
headed by Arthur W. Kelly, operat- 
ing head, planed in from Frisco fol- 
lowing the division sales meet, over 
the weekend. Kelly hauls east 
Wednesday (0) with HaskeU Mas- 
ters, western sales manager. 

Latter's aide, Seymour Poe, sticks 
around for two weelcs to clean up 
the Fox-West Coast buy here and in 
the "Frisco area. 

Monroe Greenthal, advertising- 
publicity head, remains the rest of 
this week here conferring with UA 
producers on campaigns for immi- 
nent releases. 



ARMY CINEMAS 
PLAY PIX 
0N% 



Fort Sam Houston, Tex., July 8. 

According to W. E. Crist of Dallas, 
district manager of the U. S. Army 
Motion Picture Service, all houses 
are playing the pictures on a' per- 
centage basis. Prior to the. call to 
national defense all army theatres 
played the films on a flat rental 
basis. 

Bookings for 43 houses, 22 in 
Texas, tiiree in Oklahoma and 16 out 
of Los Angeles, are made through 
the Dallas office. Most motion pic- 
tures are supplied by exchanges 
nearest the camps. 

A total of 967 programs per 
month are booked at the present 
time. With many new houses being 
built the number of bookings is ex- 
pected to reach 1,200. 

New camp theatres under con 
struction include two houses at 
Camp Sheppard, Wichita Falls, Tex., 
each to seat 1,038. One at Midland, 
Tex., to seat 602. Camp Barkley will 
soon have another house now under 
construction seating 2,075. ^A new 
364-seater is being built at Har- 
llngen. One l,03B-seat house is com- 
pleted here and another is under 
construction. 



Minneapolis, July 8. 

With at least one of the companies 
defying the new state law which 
outlaws the consent decree's groups- 
of-flve sales' plan by requiring deals 
for the entire product, three of the 
major distributors here that come 
under tlie decree finally have re- 
sumed selling in Minnesota, after 
having laid off for 10 weeks follow- 
ing the measure's enactment. 

The companies are Warner Bros., 
Paramount and RKO, and they're 
selling 1940-41 product to accounts 
that previously hadn't bought and 
are in need of film. RKO has made 
the same sort of deals as before the 
new law went on the statute bbolcs, 
and the trade believes that it's invit- 
ing prosecution in order to pave the 
way for an attack on the law's con- 
stitutionality. 

Metro and 20th-Fox still are refus- 
ing to sell, and It's imderstood in 
local trade circles that they'll start 
an equity action in the state courts 
here this week to test the law's con- 
stitutionality. In connection with the 
suit, they'll seek a temporary injunc- 
tion restraining enforcement of the 
law imtil Its validity is finally de- 
termined, thus permitting them to 
sdl under the consent decree. Un- 
less It can sell under the decree, 
M-G Is not likely to do any selling 
whatever in Minnesota, according to 
the general belief here. Under a 
franchise with the Minnesota Amus. 
Co., ity most Important account by 
far, however, It still could service 
this large Paramount chain. 



Ben Fish Seslens 

San Francisco, July 8. 

Ben Fish has resigned as western 
district manager for UA. Fish, who 
has been with the company about 
■12 years, announced his decision to 
Arthur Kelly, here just prior to 
opening Wednesday (3) of two-day 
western sales convention. Fish said 
his plans were 'indefinite.' He is a 
brother of Samuel Goldwyn, until 
recently a UA owner-producer. 

Kelly said parting was amicable 
and that a successor would be an- 
nounced later. 



McNatt's AddiUoB 

Maud, Texas, July 8. 

Construction under way for new 
house, the Rio, here by W. W. Mc- 
Natt, seating 400. McNatt is owner 
of Inez, Nables, Texas, and others in 
this area. Although peculation is 
only 700, heavy trade is expected 
from the Government shell-loading 
plant two miles from here; 

The Patio, new drive-in opened in 
La Feria, Texas, by R, I. Condron 
last weelc. Condron also owner of 
Alto there. 



Test Snlt Beady This Week 

Hitches on technical details, which 
In no way alter the basic. grounds on 
which the law will be contested, has 
delayed actual filing of the major 
company action contesting the Min- 
nesota anti-consent decree law. It 
had been hoped by attorneys of the 
five Consent Decree distributors that 
the final draft would be ready early 
this. week. Because several angles 
have to be Ironed out, it likely will 
not be until the end of this week 
before the suit contesting the law 
on the grounds that It Is unconstitu- 
tional wiU be ready for . filing . in 
Minneapolis. 

Paramount, Warner Bros., 20th- 
Fox, RKO 'and Metro will seek a 
temporary -restraining order, it is 
understood, so that they may operate 
tmder the Consent Decree in Minne- 
sota the same as other states. United 
Artists may join In filing at a later 
date. 



Heavy Proi Snags 

Stndio Labor Cals 



Hollywood, July 8. 

Because of heavy production 
schedule, many film unions are find- 
ing it difficult to fill studio calls; 
Most of the unions are refusing to 
open their ranks to new members, 
with some of them worldng double 
shifts, and others calling in men 
from the ,outside for temporary em- 
ployment on work permits. 

Electricians, plasterers, laborers, 
carpenters, etc., are working double 
shifts, and demanding time and a 
half for the second shift. Herbert 
Sorrell, business representative of 
Moving Picture Painters Local 644, 
twice this week has had to call paint- 
ers from outside unions. About 30 
men were called one day and 25 an- 
other, 

Fred Pelton, producer labor con- 
tact, said work in the . studios is 
terrific' The situation is expected 
to become more acute qs new De- 
fense Program projects get started 
this month. While the pay on these 
projects is slightly less than in the 
film Industry, tiie work Is more 
steady, with the results that annual 
earnings are higher. 



Sadler's' New Oae 
Weatherf ord, Texas, July 8. 
'Willard Sadler constructing new 
house here, ready about July 20, 
seating 450. Sadler owns and oper- 
ates the Palace and Princess here 
also. City has one other house, the 
Ritz, which was opened several 
months ago here by C. H. Jones. 



Par Agrees to Supply Pix 

Troy, N. Y., July 8. 

A stipulation providing for the 
performance by Paramount of a con- 
tract for Par product to Smalley 
Theatres, Inc., operating the Smalley 
at Fort Plain, brought about a settle- 
ment and discontinuance of a ac- 
tion returnable before Supreme Jus- 
tice Pierce H. RusselL 

Smalley had asked a show-cause 
order for Injunction compelling Par- 
amount to carry out terms of the 
contract. Plaintiff alleged Far did 
not license the latter's features ac- 
cording to the contract and that the 
producer-distributor was giving 
Schine's Little Falls theatre prefer- 
ence. 



PACENT SETTLES ITS 
AJ.&T. SUIT FOR 150G 



Suit of Pacent Electfic Co., through 
Stanley K. Oldden, its assignee, 
against American Telephone & Tele- 
graph, Western Electric and Elec- 
trical Research Products, Inc., was 
settled yesterday (Tuesday) for 
$150,000. Action had been b;:ought 
originally in N. Y. federal court but 
was transferred to the supreme 
court. 

Suit had asked damages of $6,000,- 
000, claiming that Pacent was put 
out of' business by monopolistic acts 
on the part of the defendants from 
1929-33, in preventing it from selling 
sound reproducing equipment to the- 
atres. Justice Benjamin Schreiber 
in N. Y. supreme court approved the 
settlement. 



Haltom aty's OOO-Scater 

Fort worth, July 8. 
Haltom City, a community seven 
miles east of here, is to get its first 
nabe theatre, which .will seat 1,000. 
G. W. Haltom, Fort Worth Jewelry 
merchant, builder of the theatre is 
yet to lease it 



THE PROOF OF THE 
PUDDING IS AT THE 

BOX-OFFICEI 




3rd week at Radio City Music Hall in the summer 
for M^G^M's Technicolor hit "BLOSSOMS IN 
THE DUST^* (Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon). 

2nd week, Capitol, N.Y. and hold-overs every- 
where for "THEY MET IN BOMBAY" 

(Clark Gable, Rosalind Russell in Clarence Browns 
production). 

Everybody's talking about M-G-M's policy: 
"HOLDING BACK? NO/ HOLDING OVER? YES! " 

These first two hold-over hits are just a sample 
of what The Friendly Company will serve you 
with all summer long! 



22 PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



U.S. Labor Condliator Steps in 
To Hasten Dbney-Cartoon Peace 



Hollywood, July 8. 

The U.S. Government Intervened 
In the Walt Disney strike by dis- 
patching Stanley White, Labor Dept 
counciUator here, to affect a settie- 
ment He talked over the situaUon 
•with leaders in the Screen Cartoonist 
Guild strike and will arrange a par- 
ley this week with principals of both 
factions in an attempt to washup the 
month-old Ueup of the DUney car- 
toon plant. 

Understood Washington is with- 
holding approval on Disney's plan to 
personally supervise six to nine pic- 
tures in South America unUl receipt 
of White's report on the factors hold- 
ing up the settlement. 

It's also reported the International 
may take over aU lATSE studio 
locals on pretense of cleaning out 
Commies and curb any CIO muscle- 
In attempt on" the industry. 
Fielitliic It Oat In Type 

Battle between the Screen Car- 
toonists Guild and the Walt Disney 
studio developed into a typographi- 
cal argument in two ads printed in 
Daily VAanrY, each side explaining 
its position. First by Disney said in 
part: 

'I believe that you have been 
misled and misinformed about 
the real issues underlying the 
strike at the studio. I am posi- 
tively convinced that Commu- 
nistic agitation, leadership and 
activities have brought about 
this strike, and has persuaded 
you to reject this fair and equi- 
table settlement I address you 
in this manner because I have 
no ot)ier means of reaching you.' 
Strikijjg employees answered Dis- 
ney in this wise: 
'Dear Walt: , 

•'Willie Bioff is not our leader. 
■Present your terms to OUR 
elected leaders, so that they may 
be submitted to .ua and there 
should be no- difficulty In 
quickly settling our differences.' 

Disney Plctiircs Picketed 
Meanwhile lATSE pickets, deny- 
ing allegiance to Willie Bloff, are 
carrying banners on Hollywood 
Blvd, parading in front of the-Pan- 
tages theatre, while others are do- 
ing the same thing downtown at the 
RKO-HUlstreet where the Disney 
cartoon, "The Reluctant Dragon,' is 
having its first public showings. 
Other pickets are marching at the 
Carthay Circle where 'Fantasia' is 
screening. 

While the picketing was going on, 
leaders of the Congress of Indus-; 
trial Organization offered to' throw 
moral and financial support behind 
the Screen Cartoonists Guild, but 
Herbert Sorrell, strike business man- 
ager and representative of studio 
painters, is reported to have refused 



the offer. SorreU said the SCG Is a 
local of the American Federation of 
Labor and It would not be proper to 
accept support from the CIO at this 
time. 

From other sources it was learned 
that CIO conUcts had been made 
with certain locals in the lATSE 
with the idea of affiliating in a body 
if the AFL weakened in its support 
and Bioff continued to muscle into 
the picture. 

Possibility is that the Federal gov- 
ernment, which Is eyeing the situa- 
tion closely, may take a hand m 
speeding a settlement 

DIXIE DROUGHT 
CRISIS EASES 



Spartanburg, S. C, July 8. 

Prexy L V., Sutton of Carolina 
Power & Light Co. reports ample 
power supply now for vast Caro- 
llnas territory served by system. Re- 
cently, officials of company urged 
curtailment Rains eased situation, 
Sutton said. Few theatres were al- 
•fected, but many exhibitors became 
alarmed when extended dry season 
threatened to curtail schedules. 

Similarly the drought crisis In 
Georgia has been eased by heavy 
rains, giving more power lor Dixie 
cooling plants. 

REQUEST EXHIBS HOLD 
OFF ALUMINUM DRIVE 



II Paderewski J 

I^^^Contlnaed from pace 1i I 

Hollywood stars are In the same 
brackets. But Paderewski, as • iolo 
concert artist had no such large cor- 
porate auspices. 

Although he appeared on th» con- 
cert stage professionally when a mere 
child, Paderewski achieved real 
recognition comparatively late. It 
was on the conUnent, In 1890, that 
both critics and audiences first be- 
gan raving about him. He gave a 
series of three concerts in London 
in 1890, with the gross jumping from 
90 pounds on the first to about 900 
pounds on the third. When he toured 
■Uie U.S. for the first time In 1891, he 
played 90 dates, an unheard-ol num- 
ber for a first visit 

His Last Tour 
Paderewski gave up his concert 
career In 1913 to serve Poland, later 
becoming premier and representing 
his country at Versailles. He re- 
turned In 1922, played five seasons 
and, with occasional years off, con- 
tinued until his last tour of the U.S. 
in the spring of 1939, when he finally 
collapsed In Madison Square Garden, 
N.y., after making about $70,000 on 
20 concerts,, an almost unbelievable 
record for a man of his age. 

Besides his artistic brilliance, 
Paderewski had remarkable per- 
sonal qualities. In addition, his 
unique appearance and some of his 
personal characteristics made him 
one of the most interesting figures 
in the concert field. In which idlo- 
syncracies are frequently a fetish. 
Yet Paderewski was never consid- 
ered either by the public or his 
friends as in the slightest degree a 
poseur. He. was generally regarded 
as one of the most generous artists 
ever known in the matter of giving 



20tIi-Fox May Back Broadway Legit 
Version Fnrst of Its 'Above AH' Buy 



Exhibitors this week were asked 
to cease 'Aluminum Admission' per- 
formances until after the National 
Aluminum Collection Drive starts 
July 21. Robert W. Horton, director 
of the information office for the 
Emergency Management, directed 
this request to the Industry's com- 
mittee cooperating on national de- 
fense. ^ 

No specific reason was given for 
the request other than that active 
participation by exhibitors In the 
July 21 campaign would be a big 
factor In collecting aluminum scrap 
Horton said exhibitors would be 
given places of responsibility on the 
altmiinum collection committees, and 
that exhibs are requested to consult 
officials named on the drive before 
starting such collections. 



New York Theatres 



8t Roach Streamliner 
With 'Dragon' for B'way 

Hal Roach's new 'streamliners' may 
make their debut shortly when one 
opens as the supplementary film 
with Walt Disney's 'The Reluctant 
Dragon' at the Broadway theatre, 
N. Y. Negotiations are now In prog- 
ress between Roach and l^lsney to 
play Tanks a Million' or 'Niagara 
Falls' with 'Dragon.' 

Disney combined cartoon and Uve 
action feature, top-billing Robert 
Benchley, runs only a little more 
than an hour. Roach product Is 
slated for about SO minutes, so the 
pair would just about fill out a two- 
hour bUl. If it Is definitely decided 
to put the two pix in the house fol- 
lowing Tantasla,' Its current occu- 
pant, it would probably be on a con- 
tinuous run, standard-price basis. 

Roach Is pushing production on the 
short features, with Tails' having 
been completed on Thursday (3) and 
Tanks' set to wind up Friday (11). 
Meantime, 'All-Anierlcan Co-ed' 
went before the cameras on Mon- 
day (7). 'Fiesta,' In Technicolor, 
hits the lenses Aug. 1. 



TOUGH ANTI-SIINCHING 
STATUTE IN MISSOURI 



encores. 

As an Instance of the latter, he 
played a matinee recital several 
years ago at the Academy of Music, 
PhUadelphia. Regular program was 
concluded about 4:30 in the after 
noon, but Paderewski kept on play 
ing encores, finally not even retiring 
to the wings between selections, but 
merely bowing from the bench 
With nearly three-quarters of the 
audience still present, the concert at 
last came to an end about 6:4S p.m., 
as stagehands wheeled the piano Into 
the wings so the stage could be set 
for that night's PhUadelphia Orches- 
tra concert Paderewski appeared 
willing to continue, even t&en, but 
of course was imable to do so with' 
out a piano. 

Polish virtuoso was probably the 
subject of as many anecdotes and 
legends as any concert flgur« of the 
last century. 



INDUSTRY'S USO 
DRIVE STARTS 



tUD WEEK 

EDW. G. ROBINSON 
MABIENE DIETRICH 
GEORGE RAFT 

in a New Warner Broe* Hit 

"MAN POWER" 

peb'I'on cab CALLOWAY 
STRAND B'way & 47 St. 



On BtMM 
Ctnu» AMAVA 
SMITH & DALE 



M Lut TImM Wed. 

■ Ireea dry 

I <^ 

■ 8M 



Stirti Thur. July 10 
Wllllw Mine 
POWELL • LOV 
•LOVE 

On 6UC« . 
Elle LOSAN 
8«mr WENCEB 
BERRY BROS. 
aEORSES 4 
JALNA 



NOW P.LAYINQ 

GARY COOPER 

'SERGEANT YORK' 

A NEW WABNEB BROS. HIT 
AC,^g\0 BROADWAY 
I VII and 46TH ST. 

AIR-CONDITIONED 



They're Held Over 

Fer • 
and Bia WEEKI 
Clark 
GABLE • 



Alr-Coeled. -t 



Boealind 
BVSSEIX 



I They Met in Bombay* 

A Ustro-CMdwrn-lbrm Hctan 




MUSIC HALL 

HELD OVER 

mOSSOMS'IN THE 
DUST" 

Spectacular Stage Produetiona 



HELD OTEB 



WILLJRADiir 



HOPE • lAMOUR 

PARAMOUNT Csl.^ 



Intensive drive for funds from the 
film todustry lor the United Service 
Organization Is being furthered this 
week for completion of quota to be 
reached by July 17, 

In a letter to Warner Bros, v.p, 
Joseph H. Hazen, Industry chairman, 
tribute was paid by New York's dis 
trict attorney, Thomas E. Dewey, 
national chairman, to the patriotic 
spirit which has marked all similar 
efforti among show people. Dewey 
writes: 'The industry always has 
contributed generously of Its talent, 
time and funds for worthy causes 
Here Is the opportunity again for It 
to demonstrate Its fine patriotic 
spirit.' 

Contributions may be sent dkect 
to any committee member. List 
serving with Hazen include Austin 
C.- Keough, W. C. Michel, Abe 
Schneider, Harry Buckley, Samuel 
Rinzler, George Skouras, Richard C 
Patterson, Jr., Oscar A. Doob, Matty 
Fox, B, S, Moss, Harry Brandt and 
SI Fabian. 



Midelitit 

Future 
Nlihtly 



THBEE TO EILL 

Hollywood, July 8. 

Anne Shirley and Bay Bolger team 
up In the co-starring spots In 'Four 
Jacks and a Queen' at RKO. 

Jack Hlvely directs the story, ^Ivrit- 
ten and produced by John Twist 



Chi Setup 

Chicago, July .8. 

Amusement Division of the local 
United Service Organization has 
been formed, with Jack Kirsch, 
president of Allied Theatres of Illl 
nois, chairman. Co-chairman are 
John Balaban (Balaban St Katz), 
Edwin Silverman (Essaness), and 
Clyde Eckhardt, manager here for 
20th Century-Fox. 

First special meeting of the com- 
mittee to formulate plans to raise 
funds and orientate Its activities be^ 
Ing held today (Tuesday). 



— St. Louis, July 8. 

Missouri's House of Representa- 
tives last week passed a bill that 
raises the penalty of convicted 
stench-bombers from a misdemeanor, 
punishable by a fine and a work- 
house sentence, to a felony, the min- 
imum punishment of which Is two 
years In the big house. 

Three St. iLouIs County nabes, the 
Ozark, Osage and KIrkwood, have 
suffered stenchlngs during the past 
year while members of lATSE, Lo- 
cal No. 143, have picketed the 
houses because the operators re- 
fused to hire two \mlon projection- 
ists, as la current In St. Louis flicker 
houses. The three St Louis County 
theatres are using non-union opera- 
tors. The bill must hurdle the Sen- 
ate and get the o.k. of Gov. Forrest 
Donnell to become effective, but 
there Is a strong likelihood that these 
will be accomplished. 



This Above All,' Eric Knight novel 
currently among the best-sellers, 
has been purchased lor pictures by 
20th-Fox. Although Fox has the 
film rights, its deal is not settled yet 
as It Is attempting to arrange for 
dramatic rights. Should they be 
acquired, company would back a 
Broadway Version of the book be- 
fore lenslng It. 

Price understood to have been 
agreed upon for the film privileges, 
although subject to changes because 
of the pending deal for dramatic 
rights. Is between $30,000 and $35,000. 
Despite the fact that the novel has 
been among the best-sellers for a 
number of weeks, Its many difficul- 
ties as a film subject had made stu- 
dlos slow to bid on It 

Aside from some sex angles. In 
some ,ways resembling those of 
Ernest Hemingway's "For Whom the 
Bell Tolls,' book Is British propa- 
ganda In reverse. It's about a soldier 
who has been through Dunkirk and 
becomes a pacifist after getting dis- 
illusioned about the English army 
and navy. -It also has a tragic 
finale. 

Phenomenal sale (5,000 copies a 
day)' currently being achieved on 
'Berlin Diary,' by William Shirer, 
former radio correspondent in the 
Reich, has film companies figuring 
angles on picturizing It. Although 
generally staying away from such 
autobiographical material, which 
completely lacks a story line, big 
sale plus the fact It Is a Book-of-the- 
Month Club selecUon (150,000 
copies) makes It compelling. 

Autobiog of Emile Gauvreau, for- 
mer editor of the N. Y. Graphic and 
Mirror, tabbed 'My Last Million 
Readers,' also attracting film Inter- 
est. Hasn't been published yet 
Studios are fearful of It, however, 
from libel angle, as it mentions 
many names, most of them uncom- 
plimentarlly. 

Other Boys • 

Hollywood, July 8. 

Republic purchased 'Bugle Call 
Blues,' by M. Douglas Joseph. 

NewUn B. Wildes' magazine yarn, 
'Sure Money Talks, But,' was bought 
by Republic. 

Joel Malone, radio scrlpter, sold 
'Raiders of the El Dorado' to Re- 
public. 



Inside Stuff-Pictures 



Twentieth Century-Fox, filing answer to plagiarism charges against 
It by Allan W. WeUs In N. Y. federal court declares that Wells knew of 
the 'plagiarism' three years ago, but 'wilfully refrained from bringing 
action.' 20th-Fox asks a dismissal. A formal denial of plagiarism charges 
Is also made. 

Wells says he has a syndicated newspaper column called 'Cavalcade of 
Hollywood' and made a film with that title. ° 20th-Fox is accused of plagiar- 
ising the title In Its film 'Hollywood Cavalcade,' preventing plaintiff from 
releasing his picture. An Injunction, accounting of profits and damages 
are asked. 

Evidence that the public still has something to say In the matter of star 
billings was reflected when the Michigan*theatre, Detroit gave headline 
notice to Heimo Haitto, the young Finnish violinist In 'Magic In Music' 
Interest had been whetted in the picture since its. locale was the Inter- 
national Music Camp at Interlochen, Mich. Detroit also has a large Finnish 
colony which let the theatre management know that It wanted Its boy to 
get the proper emphasis. His name was right up there, on top. In lights 
and advertising. Picture did all right 



Press previews in dally newspapers, far in advance of the release of a 
picture, are nothing to bother about, according to a survey made by one of 
the major studios, which disclosed that only one paper in 15 In important 
cities carries film previews. Only a small fraction of the Hollywood corre- 
spondents' copy, the survey showed, is devoted to critiques on forthcom- 
ing films. Another point is that a preview, months before the release 
date, offers no publicity value to a film. 



Evelyn Hoch, of the clerical staff of Paramount's eastern story depart- 
ment, has authored an original story — her first — which the studio now has 
under consideration after seeing a short synopsis. She collaborated on It 
with Blanche Somers, former secretary at Par, United Artists and other 
film companies. Yarn Is labeled 'Front Page Baby' and requires seveh- 
month-old Inlant In the cast. 



When Stuart Heisler was taken 111 on the set of 'The Remarkable 
Andrew' at Paramount and had to be removed to his home, producer Dick 
Blumenthal pitched in and took over direction of the picture to avoid 
delay in production and mounting costs. Marked one of the few times 
that an associate producer doubled as a director to keep the cameras 
grinding. ^ 



Between pictures for several years, a femme star was given an oppor- 
tunity to come back in an Important story property. Yarn was stream- 
lined to fit the star's capabilities, but she dernanded so many script changes 
that the producer had to call It off. Chief objection by the actress, who 
has never been a glamor girl, was that the role called , for a mature 
type of woman. 



Harold Lloyd has been huddling with Geo'rge J. Schaeter and Joseph 
I. Breen over a proposition to return to the screen as an actor as well as a 
producer. RKO Is understood to have a story made to order for 'Lloyd's 
brand of comedy and is willing to furnish the financial backing as well as 
th6 yarn. 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



RADIO 23 



'COMPROMISE' SAYS WHEEIM 



IF HSKED, FLY 




Washington,- July 8, 
Search for the face-saving formula 
by which the monopoly row can be 
compromised with everybody yield- 
ing something has been launched but 
little progress has beea made so far. 
With less than a month In which to 
reach an understanding, industry 
people still are banking on the hope 
the FCC will suspend application of 
the shalt-nots, providing more time 
for a meeting of minds. 

Modification . of the hotly de 
nounced commandments hinges upon 
a willingness of the industry to cou' 
cede that some of its business prac- 
tices may be ill-advised. If the net- 
works can get together on some 'vol- 
untary' changes in established 
methods, there is a faint chance the 
Comntish crack-down majority will 
call ofl some of its dogs. So far, 
though, no overtures have been made 
by the hardboiled regulators, who 
still seem convinced they have the 
legal power to force the chains to 
give up exclusive contracts, option 
time, and dual outlets. 
The outlook remains highly uncer- 
' (Continued on page 52) 



SEEDS AGENCY 
INVADES N.Y. 
AREA 



Chicago, July 8. 
Russel M. Seeds agency has the 
men's products division of the Men- 
nen company and ,is opening a New 
York office to service the account. 
President Freeman Keyes Is send" 
ing H. J. Richardson east as account 
$xec. 

Initial programs for Mennen will 
originate in Hollywood and will be 
handled through the Seeds office on 
the Coast. 

With Mennen in the bag it is likely 
that Seeds will utilize its new east- 
em connections for a real drive for 
seaboard business connections. 



WincheH Newcast May 
Move to Mutual Web; 
Columbia Won't Take It 



The Mutual Network has sub- 
mitted to the Lennen ii Mitchell 
agency a hookup and cast presenta- 
tion for the Walter. Winchell pro- 
gram (Jergens). The bid provides 
for a 9 o'clock spot Sunday nights. 

NBC-Blue expects to lose the 
stanza this fall, while William S. 
Paley has declared CBS will not take 
Winchell even though the L & M 
agency has approached that network 
for a spot NBC had also been asked 
to furnish a period on the Red link. 
The Parker Family' (Woodbury) 
wiU probably move along with Win- 
chell. 



EX-BABY ROSE MARIE 
BACK ON NBC SEPT. 15 



An Optical lUiuion 



MllwaukM, July 8. 

Breaking up Iti le&gtiiy early 
morning record programs into 
installments, WTMJ is not only 
giving its listeners the Impres- 
sion of more programs, but also 
providing through the breaks a 
better timetable or schedule for 
the guidance of worken and 
householders listening in. Thus 
the <Tt)p o' the Morning' show 
from 6 a. m. to 8 a. m. weelcdayi 
is now 'The Sunrise Special,' *The 
Morning Serenade,' 'Wake Up 
and Live' and "The Home 
Stretch.' 

'Masters of Rhythm' Sunday 
morning show has been split 
into four acts called .'Reveille 
Revue,' 'Paper Parade,' 'Mid- 
Morning Stretch' and 'Kitchen 
Kapers.' 



RED-BLUE 
DISCOUNT OUT 



NBC drops its practice, as of Aug. 
1, of combining biUings of the Red 
and Blue networks for discount pur- 
poses. Every current account using 
the joint webs which up to that date 
renews without lapse will receive 
protection for a year up to Aug. 2, 
1942. 

Niles Trammell, NBC prez, had 
indicated that this move was In 
prospect during hi« testimony re- 
cently before the Senate Interstate 
Commerce Committee on the subject 
of the White Resolution. 



Mutual Count Now 180 



station WCHM, Charlottesville, 
Va., joins the Mutilal network Sept 
1, bringing the number of affiliates 
to 180. 

Outlet operates on 1450 kc, with 
250 watts power. 



FCCWANTSLOGS 
ONWAR TALKS 



Washington, July 8. 

The Federal Communications Com- 
mission has demanded of all broad- 
casters a report on their talks pro 
and con on the war situation. This 
is' in response to charges made re- 
cently during the Senate's interstate 
commerce committee hearings by the 
anti-administration, anti-British aid 
Wheeler of Montana, Tobey of New 
Hampshire, and Clark of Idaho. 

Even the most dissatisfied America 
Firsters have publicly praised the 
webs, confining their squawks to 
affiliates who have turned down net- 
work talks by advocates of the non- 
intervention attitude. 

Though there have been demurrers 
that such a course might result in 
back-door censorship, the Commish 
Is asking the names of speakers — in- 
cluding chain commentators and 
sponsored news analysts — whose 
views have been aired, along with 
the date and time of such broadcasts. 
The Commish is expected to com- 
pare the reports of the affiliates with 
the network data on sustaining fea- 
tures offered, to see whether there is 
basis for unfair treatment charges. 
Wheeler thinks the webs should be 
in a position to force their outlets to 
give both sides equal opportunities 
and identical coverage. 

Object of the unprecedented sur- 
vey, according to the regulators' an- 
nouncement is to find out whether 
the industry has 'presented well- 
rounded raUier than one-sided dis- 
cussions regarding the role of this 
country with respect to the war 
abroad.' Information must cover the 
five-month period from Jan. 1 to 
June 1, witii deadline for reports- 
July 21. 



Cal Kohl takes over production on 
the Kraft Show this week replacing 
Bob Brewster who will join i'ommy 
Riggs. 



Doubts It Very Much 



Washington, July 8. 

Bedeviled complaint depart- 
ment of the Federal Communica- 
tions Commission 'is sorry to 
learn' ot the illness of a Cali- 
fornia woman who attributes 
her ailments 'to, television and 
other radio signals which per- 
meate her home and person.' 
Never has observed, however, 
that 'either television or broad- 
cast signals received at a dis- 
. tance from transmission have 
any physical effect on humans.' 

'Many tests have been made,' 
Commish - pontiAcated, 'and it 
has been found that these emis- 
sions are so weak ^nd insignifi- 
cant that they are incapable of 
harming anyone. Since it would 
appear that the woman's illness 
must be due to some other cause, 
it recommends that she consult 
a physician.' 



EBBETS BOUTS 
ON BLUE WEB 



NBC-Blue has tied up. the broad- 
cast rights of fights staged at Ebbets 
Field, Brooklyn, this season in be- 
half of Adams Hats. There will be 
six bouts in all. 

If any of the flghtu are considered 
only of local importance they will 
be aired over WHN, N. Y.-, exclusive- 
ly. Sam Taub and Bill Stem will 
man the mikes for these events.- 



Kraft Renews Show 

Chicago, July 8. 

Kraft Music Hall program will 
continue for still another year, ef- 
fective July 24, on renewal deal sig- 
natured last week here by the Kraft 
Cheese firm. 

Set through the J. Walter Thomp- 
son agency, program will encompass 
88 stations on the NBC-Red web 
Thursdays from 8 to 9 p.m. CDST. 



FREE SPEECH AND BORES 



Rose Marie, formerly "Baby Rose 
Marie,' is slated to return to NBC 
for Tastyeast about Sept. 15 along 
with a band whose identity has not 
been announced as yet. 

Singer is currently filling a four- 
week engagement at the Pleasure 
Beach Club near Baltimore. 



WMBI's Added Time 

Chicago, July 8. 
Non-commerdal station WMBI will 
broadcast pn a full daytime schedule 
on final okays received from the 
Federal Radio Commission. 
• Station is owned by the Moody 
Bible Institute. 



Some members of Congress have for a long 
time privately resented the fact that radio sta- 
tions outside their constituencies so often re- 
fuse to carry their speeches when these are 
offered to them (the stations) by the networks. 
It now looks as if this issue of whether radio 
stations have a right to refuse Congressional 
talks simply as a matter of Judgment or some- 
times on the grounds they are dull, unlisten- 
able, bad showmanship and probably a guar- 
anteed audience-chaser will come to a head. 
But in a roundabout manner. The Con- 
gressional peeve may express itself in the all- 
inclusive charge that broadcasters who con- 
sider most political talks boresome are making 
exceptions in favor of speakers favorable to 
Administration oplicics. -■ 



us are not fantastic: namely that anti-demo- 
crats will, if permitted, use the privilege of 
free speech to destroy the possibility of free 
speech. The most typical trick of our present 
day professional pressure experts is their use 
of soft, intriguing, flattering captions to de- 
scribe themselves. As has been said before, 
there isn't a pro-German in sight. 



The blunt fact about many members of Con 
gress is that they have nothing to say to 
people in general ; their appeal is to their own 
local corner of the republic. To set up any 
kind of a system of implied penalties is to take 
away from broadcasters just so much of their 
ability to operate their stations in the pubhc 



The question of fairness or unfairness in 
radio talks policy is, of course, very vital to 
democracy. The whole issue -of who is getting 
what is going to be in need of intermittent in- 
vestigation as long as we have a radio system 
that is in the public interest. So there can be 
no quarrel with the FCC's latest fact-finding. 
But, since the issue has been brought up, 
there are little-mentioned aspects of talks 
policy and free time dispensal that might per- 
haps be considered. 

First of all, the pressure for free radio time 
is terrific, the tact required of broadcasters 
something appalling to ordinary human nature. 
It needs to be said that politicians, pressure 
groups, cranks, bigots and hysterics are more 
and more resorting to attempted bulldozing of 
the broadcasters. Although they frequently 
raise the cry of 'unfairness,' they themselves 
are not always fair. Although they charge 
'bias,' they themselves are a concentrated dose 
of bias. 



Spartanburg, S. C, July 8. 
Five members of Purple Sage 
_: * i. J"-.. ■ .1 i .• r Cowboys, WMRC, Greenville, S. C, 

-int«;rest and tcrgrtre-the r£prestittattt'es-ofraay>^Tga nj mt!,' ^m t'iam 
backward right, the right to occupy radio 



BUT MUTUAL IS 
IRY UF RIVALS 



Attempts by NBC and CBS to get 
the Mutual Network to agree to a 
set of compromises on the rules of 
the Federal Communications Com- 
mission pertaining to network-affili- 
ated station relations are reported to 
have failed to make any appreciable 
headway. The three webs have been 
conferring with a view of working 
out .something that might be ac- 
cepted by the FCCI Reputed to be 
the spark plug for these huddles is 
Senator Burton K. Wheeler, chair- 
man of the Senate Interstate Com- 
merce Committee, which recently 
held hearings on the White Resolu- 
tion which seeks to . stay enforce- 
ment of the rule pending Congres- 
sional action.. 

In the two meetings held by of- 
ficials of the three networks, accord- 
ing to reports, Mutual has not seen 
eye to eye with any of the recom- 
mendations advanced jointly by 
NBC and Columbia. On the ques- 
tion of the elimination of exclusivity 
CBS, for instance, has urged that all 
webs agree that a network's right to 
hold station optioned time for sale 
(Continued on page 52) 



COPYWRITER 
OVERLOOKED 
IN RADIO 



Santa Barbara, Cal., July 8. 

Too much' -oin is wasted in the 
wrong places on con-merdal radio 
programs, Raymond R. Morgan, Hol- 
lywood agency exec, told members 
of Pacific Advertising Clubs Ass'n 
in convention here last week. Money 
is lavished on Lig names, big writers 
and big orchestras, but the most im- 
portant guy — ^the commercial copy 
writer— gets little of the gravy, he 
declared. 

Morgan, whose firm specializes in 
giveaways on most of its air shows,- 
said this Is the most effective means 
of merchandising. He believes that 
the commercial writer will come into 
his own once advertisers co'me to the 
realization of his prime Importance 
in moving merchandise. 



WMRC, Greenville; Act 
h Automobile Crash; 
Carol Rogers Badly Hurt 



a 

time in more advanced sections of the country 
when that time could be more advantageously 
dedicated to public interest. There is also the 
nice question of those unresourceful Congress- 
men and bureaucrats and propagandists who 
have only ope speech, yet want to deliver it 
nationally again and again and again. 



■ Any policy that would subtract from the 
broadcaster's right — and responsibility — to be 
the editor of what goes on his station is not in 
keeping with the law, with common sense, 
with fixing responsibility or with democracy. 
And it would be a sorry perversion of democ- 
racy if in a fight between pro-British and anti- 
British factions at this time broadcasters be- 
come the chief victims. 



Secondly we need to take note of one pos- 
sibility which events in- Europe should teach 



Finally this moot question — are individual 
Congressmen with radio axes to grind the best 
judges of radio's public interest? Is 'not their 
public interest criticism of radio exclusively 
identified with personal interest? Are they 
concerned, or do they protest, in terms outside 
their partisanship? 



seriously, when their car crashed 
near Asheville, N. C. Victims were 
Carol Rogers, seriously hurt; Thomas 
Solesbee, James Carson, Thomas Mil- 
ler and Broadus Beeks, all hos- 
pitalized at AshevUle. Roy Whit- 
lowe and Larry Huffman escaped 
with bruises. 

Unit was returning from appear- 
ance on 'National Barn Dance radio 
show' at NashviUe, Tenn. 



CLffTON UTLEY'S TRIAL 
AS SKELLY 'CASTER 



Chicago, July 8. 
Clillon Utley, head of Chicago 
Council of Foreign Relations, takei 
over this week as commentator du- 
ties on Skelly Oil show over NBC- 
Red for three weeks. Donald Mcr 
Gibney has finished trial of thre* 
weeks, and sponsors are to ch°o^* 
between the two for the permanent 
spot. 

Both Utley and McGlbney are rep- 
resented by Biggie Levin oflictt, 
Skelly account handled by Henri 
Hurst and McDonald Agency. 



24 



BADIO 



Agency Holds Production Control 
Will Pick Stooges, Routine 
Bums and Allen for Swan 



Young & Rubicam is still dicker- 
ing with CBS for a night time spot 
In which to put the forthcoming 
Burns and Allen-Paul Whiteman 
show. It is reported that Lever 
Bros.' deal with the comedy team 
calls for a guarantee of $6,500 a 
week plus a premium for every 
point they get over a certain C.A.B. 
rating level. (Cantor has a C.A.B. 
adjustment arrangement with Bris- 
tol-Myers.) . . . 

Y & R"s deal with B & A, it is 
Baid, gives the agency control over 
the selection of writers and stooges. 
The Swan Soap series will be so 
routined as to probably constitute a 
new comedy working formula for 
Bums . and Allen, a fresh growth 
stemming from its past character- 
istics. 

Esse Glass Bank Honse 
U.S. Treasury Bamoms' 
New Idea to Sell Bonds 



'MARTHA WEBSTER' OFF 

Transamerlca's 'Man I Married' 
Will Beplace Serial 



Campbell's soup folds the 'Martha 
Webster' serial with the July 18 
program and replaces it starting 
July 21 with 'The Man 1 Married,' 
which, until going off several 
months ago was sponsored by Proc- 
ter & Gamble. Transamerican pro- 
duces 'Married.' Ward Wheelock is 
the agency. 

Time will remain the same — 11:15 
a.m. on CBS, with a repeat at 3 
p.m. Oliver Barbour will direct the 
replacement show, which will be 
scripted by Carl Bixby and Don 
Becker, as before. Ethel Owen, Bud 
Collier and Ray Johnson are set to 
do the same parts they previously 
had, but Dorothy Lowell Is uncer- 
tain because of a near-conflict 

Diana Bourbon directs 'Webster' 
and Bess^Flynn scripts. 



SMOOTHIES, JESTERS SET 

Dorothy Lamonr First Goert on 
Holland Stove Program 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



Washington, July 8. 
Making hay while the' sun shines 
(temperature on Washington streets 
rose to 114 degrees one day last 
week), WRC and the NBC Red Net- 
work have been participating In the 
Defense Stamps and Bonds drive In 
downtown Washington. 

Dedication addresses by Vice 
President Wallace and Undersecre- 
tary of Treasury Bell were carried 
on July 1, when "Treasury House' — 
a structure made of glass blocks 
where uniformed hostesses sell the 
stamps — was opened, and hourly 
news broadcasts are aired daily by 
NBC. A 15-ininute 'Man in the 
Street' program Is broadcast each 
afternoon by WRC. 

Location is Ideal for publicity re- 
sults, as the War Department has 
donated latest-model tanks,' guns, 
etc., for the display and thousands 
of Washlngtonians and sight-seers 
stop to gawk. 

Some snickers have been caused 
by the fact that the glass house — 
which. Incidentally, resembles a 
small patriotically decorated filling 
station — was donated to the Treas' 
ury Department by the Standard Oil 
of New Jersey and is 'constructed 
entirely of Esso glass bemks.' Banks 
can be obtained by citizens for the 
purpose of saving coins which later 
are turned in for the defense 
sta.mps. 



GEO.BURBACH 
100% TO KSD 



Chicago, July 8. 

Holland Stove Co. program, which 
opens on the NBC-Red July 17 with 
Benny Goodman as the regular band, 
will have the Smoothies and the 
King's Jester for the first four weeks 
and the Andrews Sisters for the final 
four programs. Dorothy Lamour 
will be the Initial guestee. 

Ruthraufl & Ryan agency of Chi- 
cago is in charge. 

Yokels Can't Crash Pix 
Studios, So Hollywood 
Radio Gets 'Em in Droves 

Hollywood, July 8. 
Happy hunting grounds of the 
tourist have been shifted from the 
sprocket factories on the Coast to 
the radio plants. Balked at the 
cinema gates since the advent of 
sound, the out-of-towners, pouring 
by the thousands, are plaguing 
the networks for free passage to the 
more popular programs. They come 
with letters from newspapers, local 
stations and civic big shots to back 
up their persistent demands for du 
cats. To the networkers the situa 
tlon is more acute than in previous 
years as many of the shows are anx- 
ious to accommodate the soldiery. 

Hardest hit Is NBC with studio 
space limited to less than 400 sit- 
ters. Few shows go on the air with- 
out a hundred or more sitting on 
the stage. What the yokelry doesn't 
know is that the ad agencies grab off 
most of the pasteboards, leaving the 



St. Louis, July 8. 
George M. Burbach, who doubled 
in brass as genertd manager of KSD 
and advertising manager of the St. 
Louis Post-Dispatch, which owns the 
station, will henceforth devote his 
entire time to the station. The move 
is interpreted in local radio circles 
as a drive by the local NBC red for 
more, local biz. 

Burbach, who has been connected 
with the Post-Dispatch for 27 years, 
will continue as secretary of the 
Pulitzer Publishing Co., and remain 
on the board of directors. He had 
been succeeded as advertising maU' 
agec by Stu^ M. Chambers. 

DAVID ROSENBLUM 
LEAVES N. Y. POST 



RAY SHANNON, WLW, 
ALLEGES KFRC LffT 



Cincinnati, July 8. 
Ray Shannon, conductor of WLW's 
Scramby Amby ."weekly show for 
Walter H. Johnson candy, is taking 
legal steps to halt 'Pop the Ques- 
tion' program on KFRC, San Fran' 
Cisco, for the California Retail Gro- 
cers. Coast stint is handled by Mark 
Goodson. 

claiming that he holds copyright for 
the title end construction of the 'Pop 
the Question' show which he audi- 
tioned on WLW last February for a 
national account, with the deal still 
pending. 

Shannon read a review of KFRC's 
*Pop the Question' show in a recent 
Issue of VAHnrrT. 



David Roseablum, g.m. and treas 
urer of the New York Post has re 
signed from the sheet. He's going 
back to marketing and management 
counseling, which he was in until 
1934 as exec v.p, of Trade- Ways, Inc. 
He was v.p. and treasurer of NBC 
before joining the Post in February, 
1040. 

Harry Nason, m.e. of the PosV, has 
also been reported as^ resigning. 



New York City.— Arthur Perles as 
signed to handle publicity for all 
CBS short-wave. Robin Kinkead, 
formerly of the magazine publicity 
division, succeeds him on the newS' 
special events assignment, 



Deadline (July 12) Approaches With 
Little Progress in WKRC Talks; 
AFRA Strike of Mutual Pends 



WOKO, ALBANY, FILES 
F0R«40 m) CHANNEL 



Albany, July 8. 

WOKO, Albany, has undertaken to 
break down 640 kc as a clear chan- 
nel by petitioning the Federal Com- 
munications Commission for a fran- 
chise on Its 9,000 watts, unlimited 
time. WOKO is now on 1460 kc and 
operates at 1,000 watts. 

Albany outlet contends that a sta' 
tlon in upper N. Y. State would not 
Interfere with the 50,000 waiter, 
KFI, Los Angeles, which dominates 
the wavelength, nor with WGAN, 
Portland, which releases 500 watts 
on the same wavelength. WOKO 
also argues that its increased power 
would hike its potential audience 
from 600,000 to 900,000 radio sets 
and allow for greater emphasis on 
farm programs. 



N.Y. AFRA NOMINEES 

They Are Adams, Bunee, Graner, 
MoKee, Seymour, Sharbntt, Wever 

New York local nominees for the 
American Federation of Radio Art- 
ists national board, to be elected at 
the Union's annual convention Aug. 
14-17 in Detroit, are William P. 
Adams, Alan Bunce, Ben -Grauer, 
Alex McKee, Anne Seymour, Del 
Sharbutt and Ned Wever. They 
were chosen at the recent quarterly 
election of the New York local. 

Delegate^ of the New York local, 
elected at the same meeting and to 
represent the chapter at the con- 
vention are William P. Adams, 
Peggy Allenby, John Brown, Charles 
Cantor, Clayton CoUyer, Ted de Cor- 
sia, Eric Dressier, Helen Dumas 
Carl Eastman, Anne Elstner, Arlene 
Francis, Carl Frank, Betty Garde, 
Richard Gordon, House Jameson, Ed 
Jerome, Ray Johnson, William John- 
stone, Jay Jostyn, Walter Kinsella, 
Adelaide Klein, Fjank Lovejoy, Wil- 
fred Lytell, Jack Bryde, Jerry Macy, 
John McGovern and John Mclntyre, 
all actors. 

Other actor delegates will be San- 
tos Ortega, Alan Reed, Selena Royle, 
Anne Seymour, Everett Sloane, Mark 
Smith, Paul Stewart, Ezra Stone, 
Karl Swenson, James Van Dyk, Luis 
Van Rooten, Lucille Wall, Dwight 
Weist, Ned Wever and Carlton 
Young. 

Announcer delegates will be 
George Ansbro, Nelson Case, James 
Fleming, Frank Gallop, Ben Grauer, 
Ken Robert, Dan . Seymour, Del 
Sharbutt, Tom Shirley and Revert 
Waldr^. Singer representatives 
will ba Ruth Gordon Brassil, Ever- 
ett Clark, Carol Deis, Phil Duey, Peg 
La Centra, Alex McKee, Walter 
Preston, Margaret Speaks and Law- 
rence Tlbbett. Ray Kremer is sound 
effects man delegate. 



KMOX Talent Raises Coin 
For Injured HillbiUy 

St. Louis, July 8 
Several hundred dollars ivere re- 
alized last week at a benefit given 
by. members of the KMOX hUlbUly 
galaxy for Johnny Buffington, ban- 
joist with the troupe, who is in a lo 
cal hospital suffering from a spinal 
injury suffered In an auto accident 
last February. 

The surprise of the benefit was 
when Harry 'Pappy* Cheshire, maes- 
tro of the hillbillies, sang 'Mexicali 
Rose,' as no one suspected he would 
warble a note. 



Arch Oboler Doing Playlets 
For Ui. Treasury Show; 
Concert Names Lmed Up 



Montee, ID, Must Rest; 
WRUL to Radio City? 



Hobart Montee, former Washing- 
ton newspaperman who has been 
with WRUL, Boston for some time, 
has gone to California under doctor's 
orders following a heart attack re- 
cently in the office of Stanley Rich- 
ardson, the shortwave radio co- 
ordinator. Meantime the shortwaver 
has gotten its funds from the U.S. 
Government to finance an ambitious 
expansion of its Latin seirvice. Walter 
IiG-nimon operates the station. 

It is understood NBC has made an 
exception to Its rule against having 
broadcasters in the building and 
Lemmon may establish his New York 
offices and studio in Radio City. 



FCC Displays Pleased Interest h 
Anti- Advertising Petition of Muzak 



Hollywood, July 8. 
Arch Oboler will write and pro- 
duce the Hollywood sketch end of 
the remaining 'Millions for Defense' 
shows over CBS for the Treasury 
Department, succeeding Charles 
Vanda, who directed the first one. 
His initial stint tomorrow (Wednes- 
day) night will have Walter Huston 
in Oboler's own 'Bright World.' 
< Set for future broadcasts are Bette 
Davis, July 30, and Joan Crawford, 
Aug. 12. Others set for undated ap- 
pearances are Martha Scott and Ray- 
mond Massey. Latter will do the 
only revival of the series, Oboler's 
'This Precious Freedom.' 

Eiglit concert and operatic artists 
have been set to appear on the pro 
gram for the promotion of the sale 
^f defense bonds. Treasury Depart- 
ment is backing the appearances of 
the singers and instrumentalists who 

on Wednesday 

being 'Dorothy Maynor, July 9; Lily 
Pons, July 16; Albert Spalding, July 
23; Robert Weede, July 30; John 
Charles Thomas, August 6; Bidu 
Sayao, August 13, and Vivian Delia 
Chiesa, August 22. 



American Federation of Radio 
Artists' strike deadline of Saturday 
(12) against Mutual commercial pro« 
grams remained tentatively in force 
as the network stockholder-affiliates 
m^t in Chicago yesterday (Tuesday) 
to consider the situation officially. 
In a last-minute effort to prevent 
AFRA's local strike against WKRC, 
Cincinnati, from spreading to tho 
whole network, representatives ol 
the union, held a preliminary con- 
ference Monday (7) in Chicago with 
Hulbert Taft, Jr., president-owner 
of WKRC, but no progress was 
made. 

Letter addressed by Taft last week 
to his fellow-afliliates in Mutual 
reiterated the arguments he had 
made before privately to AFRA and 
publicly to the trade. He added this 
stinger: 

'Such arbitrary and illegal ac- 
tlon as AFRA now threatens 
corries with it serious implica- 
tions which will involve «ach 
station affiliated with the Mu' 
tual Broadcastins System, or 
any other network. Should 
AFRA succeed through its 
threatened action in compelling 
WKRC to occept unreasonable 
and prejudicial terwis which i* 
hos dictated, then every affili- 
ote of every broadcasting net» 
work in the country will be 
obliged to bow to the will of 
-the AFRA organizers, no mat- 
ter how unreasonable or unfair 
that will be. The organizers 
would be equipped with the 
means of imposing harsh and 
burdensome contracts upon each 
and every affiliate by simplv 
threatening strikes against pro- 
grams produced bv advertising 
ogencies and sent out over the 
network. The romi/ications of 
this threat should be of particu- 
lar interest to man« Mutual a/» 
filiates which do not at the pres- 
ent time have AFRA contracts, 
but which must look forward 
to the negotiation of such con- 
tracts in the near future, 

'It is the sincere belief of the 
management of stofion WKRC 
that the efforts of AFRA above 
outlined should now be vigor- 
ously opposed lest your own 
station be similarly threotened 
in the future. We would oppre- 
ciale o word from you prior to 
the Mutual boord meeting on 
Julv .8 as to whether or not you 
agree.' 

Cincinnati strike, in effect sinca 
June 20, was called by AFRA when 
many months of . negotiations witft 
Taft failed to bring about an agree- 
ment as to AFRA-shop, minimums 
for staff, artists and various regula- 
tions covering working conditions. 
Both the union and the management 
make conflicting allegations regard- 
ing the negotiations and the present 
status of the dispute. 

Emily Holt, AFRA national execu- 
tive secretary; George Heller, associ- 
ate executive secretary, Henry Jaffe, 
AFRA attorney, remained In Chi- 
cago yesterday pending a decisiort 
by the Mutual meeting. 



Washington, July 8. 

The Federal Communications 
Commission last week gave Muzak 
Corp. of New York an experimental 
FM license to furnish 'musical pro- 
grams without advertising to hotels, 
restaurants and home subscribers on 
a contract basis' by means of radio. 
Outfit has been peddling wired pro- 
grams of this sort for some years. 

Seemingly pleased by the idea, 
Commish d^lared that it was 
'unique in the annals of radio broad- 
casting in this country' and 'worthy 
of investigation in the public inter- 
est'. 

Muzak Corp. based Its argument 
on the fact that 'there' is no basic or 
inherent reason why the American 
public should be compelled to pay 
for its radio programs by submitting 
to .advertising announcements. De- 
clared that It would broadcast no 



commercially sponsored programs 
and stated that 'No advertising con- 
tinuity whatever' would be used. 
A great volume of transcribed pro- 
gram material Is 'available for use 
in connection with the expefiment,' 
Muzak clainied; engineers from 
Associated Music Publishers, Inc., 
and Wired Radio, Inc., are stand 
ing by to launch the new idea and 
news wiU be furnished by United 
Press. 

Plans of anti-advertising outfit 
call for a transmitter to be located 
at 11 West 42d Street. The 117,650 
kc. frequency was requested — 'on an 
experimental basis only, and upon 
the express condition that this 
authorization is subject to change or 
cancellation by the Commission at 
any time, without' advance notice or 
hearing, if, in the Commission's dis- 
cretion, the need for such action 
arises.' Power of 1 kw. was asked. 



^esda^ (3)rwith"o'thers"'°set TrWldlC ASSUTOS AfRA 



Ike Levy's Stock Gift 



Washington, July 8. 

Gift to charity of 870 shares of 
$2.50 par Class.-A common stock of 
Columbia Broadcajsting System was 
listed in the Securities & Exchange 
Commission's summary of slock 
transactions for May. Charitable 
agency— which was. not identified— 
received the. substantial contribution 
from Ike Levy, Philadelphia direc- 
tor, who retained 59,276 shares of 
the same class stock, plus 22,819 
shares of $2.50 par Class-B common 

Only other radio transaction was 
sale of 400 shares of Class-A CBS 
common by Iiawrence W. liOwman, 
New York officer of the company. 
Lowman, who disclaimed any ad- 
mission'that he was beneficial owner 
of the securities, held 3,000 shares 
of $2.50 'Class-A at month's end. 



Grand Rapids, July 8. 
Efforts are being made to settle a 
dispute between local station WOOD- 
WASH and the American Federation 
of Radio Artists over the status of an 
announcer. George V. Trendle, presi- 
dent of the station, and Vic Connors, 
AFRA organizer, are negotiating th* 
case. 

Trendle disputes AFRA's conten- 
tion that the spieler was fired foF 
union activity, asserting that he has 
every Intention of recognizing AFRA 
as bargaining agent at the outlet 

BERLE SUBBING 

will Preside Over Dorothy KllgalUn 
Show, During Her Conflnement 



Milton Berle wlU pinch-hit for 
Dorothy Kilgallen in her Johnson 
& Johnson CBS Saturday a.m. spot 
while she is having her baby. . He's 
set for the July 19 program and, 11 
necessary, he'll also do tho follow- 
ing week's broadcast. From Chi- 
cago. 

Berle did a guest bit with the col- 
umnist six weeks ago. 



Vcdncsdny, July 9, 1941 



RADIO 



2S 



RADIO'S GOVERNMENT COIN 



Broken Blossoms 



station sales representatives are frequently called upon to perform 
odd and rather personal services lor their clients. Perhaps one of the 
oddest services was attempted in New York last week when two reps 
called upon the ex-frlend of their big New England client. The ex- 
friend lives on Riverside Drive. The newer friend lives in the fifties. 
The ex-friend has a legal turn of mind and as part of her demanded 
heartbalm she wants some stock in the New Englander's radio station. 

'But you can't/ expostulated one of the reps, 'ask that of him.' 

•And why can't 1?' the femme wanted to know. 

'Because your ownership of the stock would have to be sho.wn In 
the data filed with the Federal Communications Commission.* 

'Oh, that's nothing tf> worry abouC she retorted, 'I've got lots of 
paper that's on file with the SEC. What's good with the SEC should 
be all right with the FCC 



Inside Stuff-Radio 



Recent death of Miguel Lerdo de Tejada, composer and conductor of the 
Mexican Tipca orchestra, recalled to local radioites the story of how he 
came to discover a singer who rose to much broadcasting fame. The 
talenf find was Luis G. Roldan. 

It was while the maestro was having his car repaired in a Mexican^arage 
that he heard an apprentice mechanic singing one of de Tejada's own 
songs, 'Perjura' CLady Perjurer'). De Tejada expressed his admiration to 
the youth and suggested that he get into radio. The maestro ioUowed 
through by bringing the discovery to the attention of XEW, Mexico City. 
Today Roldan rates as one of Mexico's top radio vocalists. 



Expectation that film studios would descend on Don Lee headquarters 
in Hollywood once the new contract with American Society of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers was signed hasn't come to pass. Nor have there 
been any overtures from the celluloid plants, either for bought or borrowed 
time. Studios were figured ripe for a few commercial shots on filmusicals 
fnasmuch as some picture execs have blamed the low grosses on tune&lms 
to the lack of ethered exploitation. 



Epic are the stories of the ingenuity of actors trying to get an inside 
track for radio jobs. Yet .John Gibbs, producer of 'Against the Storm' 
and 'Ijone Journey,* thinks he ran into the topper recently. 

He was interviewing applicants for the job as his secretary and had 
Just about decided on one. They were talking salary, when she inquired 
casually if it would be all right for her to take time off for her 'Light 
of the World' broadcasts. 



Maurice G. Randall, who died recently at his home outside Troy, had 
one or two 'firsts' to his credit. He was the first male actor to appear in 
a televised play. This was J. Hartley Manners' "The Queen's Messenger' 
which General Electric televised from Proctor's theatre, Schenectady, Sept. 
11, 1926, before an audience which included a delegation of New York 
newspapermen. Izetta Jewell Miller appeared with Randall. 



Strict new regulations . which govern comings and goings at the War 
end Navy departments left Frank E. Mason, of NBC, with, a helpless blush 
not long ago. Although he is working as a $l-a-year man at the Navy 
Department — advising Uncle Sam on radio matters->-Mason forgot that no 
one (not even Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox) can get by tht guards 
at the door without a special badge. 



Walt Disney and Universal have approached Norman Corwin for the 
film rights to "The Odessy of Runyon Jones,' a dog story done recently 
on '26 by Corwin* on CBS. Nothing is definite on it, however. Meantime 
station in Johannesburg has written Corwin for the South African right 
to do his radio fantasy, 'My Client Curley.' Offered two guineas (about 
$9) lor the one-time broadcast. 



CJertrude Lawrence has been approached to play the lead in the radio 
version of 'Mr. and Mrs. North* but there's little likelihood she would 
•ccept. Lyons & Lyons office, which holds the radio rights to the comedy 
mystery, is reported to have a prospect for the fall in Campbell Soup. 

The actress returns to the Broadway production, 'Lady in the Dark,* in 
the falL 



Welcome Lewis has written the lyrics and Milton Shaw the music of 
"Fall In Behind Your President,' which BMI Is publishing, but network 
advertising and other programs are -not performing because of the still- 
iticking neutrality precautions of radio. 

'100 Non-Royalty Plays,' edited by William Koslenko, Is the lates. ... 
the expanding literature of broadcasting. It has just been published at 
$4.25 by Greenberg, New York, Plays are only non-royalty to amateurs, 
« caution empliasizes, '' 




G[T CASHAID 



Some Confusion in Industry 
As to Who Gets What Out 
of $1,300,000 in Various 
Sums Just Voted By Con 
gress 



MONITORING FUND 



Gaetano Merola, Impresario of the San Francisco and Los Angeles 
Opera "Companies, has been engaged for the seventh successive year as 
conductor of the Standard Oil Symphony Orchestra on NBC Pacific loop. 



Washington, July 8. 
Federal appropriation bill for the 
(fiscal year 1941-42, passed by Con- 
gress last week, contains a number 
of items for dispensation by the 
Rockefeller Committee on South 
American Relations. Purpose lhat 
several of the large sums listed ^re 
to be put to are extremely vague as 
set down In the budget. Officers of 
the Rockefeller group and the State 
Department's radio section of its 
Cultural Relations Division were 
unable at press time to shed any 
light on them. 

Largest Item is $325,000 presumr 
ably to reimburse NBC and CBS for 
'local longwave rebroadcasts' in the 
other western hemisphere republics. 
Assumption is that money Is to be 
p^id for 'point-to-point* transmission 
by RCA and IT&T of the programs 
to South America via their direct 
facilities. Programs are then sent 
by land lines from the RCA and 
rr&T S.A. headquarters to the Latin 
stations for broadcasting by long 
wave. 

For WRUL, Boston 

Second sum of $300,000 is to pay 
for 'preparing • programs and pur- 
chasing time for short wave pro- 
grams to South America.' It is sup- 
posed this sum includes the $200,000 
which is known to be going to 
WRUL, Boston, ghort waver, for a 
guaranteed number of hours beamed 
to the south during the year. 
Whether the remaining $100,000 indi- 
cates other short-wavers might get 
government subsidization, too, is im- 
possible to leam at this. time. 

Another item is for $5k),000 to print 
up and transport south by air 
weekly pamphlets in Spanish and 
Portuguese of U. S. short wave pro- 
gram schedules. Commerce Depart- 
ment for a number of years has 
been making up and sending out 
such skeds, but they were boat- 
jnailed and unsatisfactory inasmuch 
as they had to be prepared seven 
weeks in advance. So many pro- 
gram changes took place in the in- 
terim the schedules became almost 
useless. 

Still another item approved by 
Congress was $25,000 for inserting 
ads in Latin-American papers an- 
nouncing' times of U. S. news broad- 
casts. There are more than 25 such 
programs daily. 

Astronomical figures are needed to 
^(J' cribe the eavesdropping jcb new 

■ C monitoring unit will do. Con- 
gress recently gave the Commish a 
$600,000 deficiency fund to expand 
the listening to foreign propaganda 
broadcasts and permit hiring of 
scads more translators, clerks, and 
technicians. 



Marcella Burke, Hollywood writer,- is in N. Y. with a radio script called 
•Woman's Exchange,' written to sUr ^zu Pitts. 



WESTERN CAN. 
HOLDS CONFAB 



WLW Salesmen Confer 



Harrison Hot Sp's, Can., July 8. 

Western Association of Broadcast- 
ers will open their convention at the 
Harrison hotel Monday (14). The 
meeting will be for two days. 

Because of the- considerable trav- 
eling distance involved Canadian 
broadcasters habitually hold two 
conventions a year, one western and 
the other, national. 



Cincinnati, July 8. 

Meaning of the anti-monopoly or- 
ders to sales will be discussed by 
WLW's eastern and midwestem 
salesmen at a semi-annual confer- 
ence here over the coming weekend. 
Development of new programs for 
sales, merchandising activities and 
plans, and trade relations in the 
drug and grocery fields also will be 
discussed. 

Robert E. Dunville, general sales 
manager, will preside at the three- 
day hypo session, at which James 
D. Shouse; general manager of Cros- 
ley's broadcasting division, will be 
a speaker. 



Peach and Cibms Budgets 



Spartanburg, S. C, July 8. 

Juicy dialing— South Carolina's 
$2,000,000 peach crop, scheduled for 
late July, early August marketing, 
mainly in north and east — is set for 
heavy radio spots when season starts. 

Florida Citrus Commission an- 
nounces ether buys signatured or 
planned for 50 stations, accom- 
panied by heavy national newspa- 
per display campaign. Starts with 
next season. L. W. Marvin is com- 
mission's advertising manager. 



Kansas City. — Edwin Browne now 
director of special events and public 
features. Succeeds Gene Dennis, 
now on broadcasts in the Interest of 
national defense. 



Radio May Have to Pull Switch On 
Occasion If U. S. Gets hto War 



Washington, July 3. 

Every consideration will be given 
to broadcasting but national defense 
requirements may nevertheless in- 
convenience the radio industry. Fed- 
eral authorities, though aware of the 
value of microphoned propaganda 
and entertainment, are up ftgainst 
the necessity of putting various 
crimps in the broadcasting business. 

This attitude was reflected Monday 
(7) by FCC Chairman James L. Fly 
during an hour-long lecture to news- 
papermen about worries and accom- 
plishments of the Defense Communi- 
cations Board. Most of his talk dealt 
with other types of communications, 
He did get around to broadcasting, 
however, when questioned about the 
commercial radio industry's place in 
the communications picutre. 

In the 10 months of its existence, 
the DCB has made encouraging 
headway toward surveying the situa- 
tion, imagining problems, and finding 
ways for their solution. Fly ex 
plained. Committees have done com- 
mendable jobs, but much remains to 
be accomplished before the United 
States Is in a position to announce 
that , the communications industry — 
broadcasting, point-to-point, radio, 
telephone, cables, and telegraph — is 
all set for any trouble. Headaches 
now are mostly a matter of detail, 
though. 

The Commish chairman, -who heads 
the DCB, showed clearly that there 
is no disposition to clamp down on 
commercial broadcasting.. Neverthe 
less thought is b«ing given to the 
question of blacking out domestit: 
transmitters in event of air raids, 
this angle has tbeen debated with 
Mayor La Guardia, the head of the 
civilian defense imit. Fly said, add- 
ing there always is the . possibility 
that standard stations will be used as 
directional aides by enemy aircraft. 
Without saying it in so many words' 
Fly indicated the U.S. will follow the 
British and German example, throw- 
ing the switch In case hostile fliers 
head toward this country, if, as, and 
when we get Into the tiff. Army Air 
Corps would have authority to gag 
the plants. 

Maintenance of broadcasting serv- 
ice Is of major importance, accord- 
ing to Fly. Because it upholds the 
morale and . is the best means of 
mass communication. The FCC 
chairman called a spade by Its right 
name, acknowledging that radio is 
highly desirable because it can con^ 
vey 'propaganda' as well as 'enter- 
tainment and news. ' 
_ M&rked reductions in the output 
of receivers .Is 'inevitable, because of 
the greater need for materials in 
other industries, . Fly conceded. 
Transmitter makers may have to de- 
vote themselves to turning out 
equipment for other types of sta- 
tions, though no figures are avail- 
able, and it is possible that chan- 
nels and land lines now used for 
commercial broadcasting may be di- 
verted. 

- Fly said- .... •■- will be a sharp 
cut in operations of the set manu- 
facturing Industry in the fall unless 
some way is found to increase the 
aluminum supply. Even though the 
Radio Manufacturers Association 
has devised substitutes to the point 
where the aluminum consumption 
has been cut from 2,000 tons in 1940 
to about 15 tons per month (180 
tons yearly). He clearly believes 
there . will be no new models after 
this fall and implied that manufac- 
turing of portable and automobile 
sets will be cut out entirely in a 
short time. , 

The U. S. receiver manufacturers 
are running at a faster pace than in 
1940, a record year, according to the 
FCC , chairman. This is chiefly In 
anticipation of restrictions and 
priorities on raw materials. Just 
like housewives laying in supplies 
of canned goods, the- whole equip- 
ment industry is readying for hard 
times. 

Production of frequency modula- 
tion sets is going ahead on a grand 
scale, but not so much because of 
the market but because of the pros- 
pect that production will be termi- 
nated in tlie near future. 

In anticipating trouble and mak- 
ing plans for meeting !t, the DCB Is 



surveying alternative means of 
maintaining cominunication. Fly said. 
This may result in snatching chan- 
nels now earmarked for commercial 
broadcasting and land lines linking 
transmitters. Fly doesn't think there 
is any immediate danger, however. 
He said so far it hadn't been nec- 
essary to 'poach' on the preserves of 
Frequency Modulation and television 
and hopes the time never will come 
when these upper bracket stripes 
will be turned over to the Army, 
Navy, or other communications. By 
implication, he feels the same way 
about the land lines. 



CATHOLICS IN 
WLWO DEAL 



Rochester, N. Y, July 8. 

Series of youth programs aimed to 
promote hemispheric goodwill Is 
planned for next fall by the Cath- 
olic Students Mission Crusade, it was 
revealed at the organization's 12th 
annual convention here last week. 
Programs will be broadcast to South 
America by WLWO, Cincinnati 
short-waver, and to the U, S. and 
Canada by its companion Cincy sta- . 
tlonsi WLW and WSAI. 

Broadcasts will also be carried by 
23 stations affiliated with Cadena 
Radio Inter- Americana, the Cros- 
sley Latin-American network, James 
Cassldy, WLWO director of special 
events, told the convention. Pro- 
grams will be of a 'get-together* na- 
ture, Cassidy said. 



Stockbridge fbeatre 
Is Part of Series On 
WOKO, Albany, N. Y. 



Albany,, N. Y, July 8. 

WOKO, Albany> is airing on Thurs- 
day nights from Berkshire Play- 
bouse, Stockbridge, Mass., a 15-min- 
ute serial, 'Berkshire Broadway.' 
Sponsor Is Harry P. Oelsen & Co, 
insurance. William E. Barry, of the 
Playhouse promotion staff. Is writing 
and directing the serial. 

Stoi7 evolves around a fictional 
character making her way Into the 
theatrical business, meeting and re- 
ceiving advice from guest stars and 
resident members, who play them- 
selves. Ruth Chatterton and General 
Director William Miles were among 
those scripted into the flrst install- 
ment. Dalls Lee Franklin plays the 
newcomer. Forrest Willis, of WOKO, 
announces. 



LOOkiNG Ut^ THE RUlES 



Chinese Minister'*- Request of XE.Q, 
Mexico City, Unprecedented 



Mexico City, July 8. ■ 
XEQ production manager Carlos 
RiveroU del Prado has an odd re- 
quest. The Chinese minister to 
Mexico wants to buy 30 minutes to 
make a speech in Chinese. 

He explained that the Chinese col- 
ony in Mexico are ardent radio fans, 
but his talk would have more point 
if addressed in their own language. 
XEQ's officials are looking up the 
rules. 



John Royal Starts Trip 



John Royal, NBC v.p. for inter- 
national operations] leaves this Sun- 
day (14) for a seven week flying 
junket to South America. 

He will hit Porto Rico, Trinidad 
and Venezuela first. 



0;' E, Stsudlnger has l^een named 
executive vice-president of th* 
Sherman K. Ellis agency. 



26 RADIO REVIEWS 



Wednesda7, July 9, 19il 



•MILLIONS FOB DEFENSE' 
With Fred Allen; Grace Moore, 
Mlokey Rooney, Jndy Gwiand, 
Charles Lanehton, 'Inlormatlon 
Flease' (ClIfloD Fadlman, Oscar 
Levant, John Klernan, F. P. 
Adams), Barry Wood, Bay Block 
choral E'oap, Al Goodman, Larry 
EllloU 
Variety 
60 Mlns. 
TEXACO 
Wednesday, 9 p.m. 
WABC-CBS, New Tork 
(Buchanan) 
. First instalment of this U.S. Treas- 
ury Bond series, with Texaco paying 
the bill for the time, the band and 
the chorus, turned out to be a case 
of mass production in names but not 
£0 forte in production. There was 
a lack of fitting the right script to 
the star once he had been recruited, 
or rouUning the component parts so 
they would have a fluid, correlated 
compactness. 

In a few interpolated words Henry 
Morgenthau, Jr., Secretary of the 
Treasury, promised that this series 
•would be the 'finest programs that 
radio can provide.' As one accus- 
tomed to dealing in billions the 
secretary may be granted his in- 
dulgence in high optimism. Ol 
course, the names may get big audi- 
ences. Second week (tonight) 
offers Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and 
Dorothy Lamour. 

The stars give their services gratis 
and a Treasury's 'citation for per- 
formance.' Of the luminaries that 
appeared on last Wednesday's event 
Charles Laughton was deserving of 
an extra special award for his 
'Gettysburg Address.' Although he 
has done it several times liefore on 
the air, in this instance his delivery 
not only packed a brilliant blend of 
emotion and inspiration, but it 
proved the most effective piece of 
selling for the article at hand. De- 
fense Bonds. The handling of the 
plug copy as such on the show was 
pretty flaccid. 

. To Fred Allen fell the lot of em 
ceelng the opening program in ad. 
dition to giving out with a crossfire 
rouUne. On the feeding end of the 
!gag Indulgence was Larry Elliott, 
Vfho reads the announcements, on 
Allen's ■ regular Texaco- connection. 
■It took Elliott a little \Mhile before 
he could time his lines so that he 
wouldn't be treadiug on the laughs, 
but once he got into the- right gear 
things moved smoothly for the 
• comic. Allen kidded his relations 
•with the Treasury . department and 
made joke fare of the hot weather 
and vacations and drew a substan- 
tial quota of laughter. 

Later on Allen again got himself 
tripped up with a mike vis-a-vls: 
His partner , on the second occasion 
.was Grace Moore. Her reading as- 
signment, had to do with explaining 
What an important part the house- 
wife can play in providing the 
wherewithal for the buying. Of bonds 
and it was up- to Allen to fill in with 
questions.,' It wasn't long before they 
got their' lines crossed. Allen cor- 
rected the opera singer and a mo- 
ment later she corrected him_ And 
'so it : went, making, hash of a not 
^badly phrased bit of blurb writing. 

B^ore she got around to doubling 
as., a plug .spinner Miss Moore did 
'One Fine Day' from Puccini's 
'Madame Butterfly.' Miss Moore was 
.lii sterling voice and the pick-up 
was perfect, with the result that the 
interlude was a treat. Remaining 
star act that originated from New 
York was the 'Information, Please' 
crew. It was fairly diverting while 
it lasted. It was ' announced that 
contributors of imanswerable ques' 
lions would receive a $50 defense 
bond as a premium. The act's 
bright boys obviously passed up a 
comparatively easy one so that at 
least one of these bonds would be 
given away. 
Mickey Rooney and Judy Gar 
■ land were cut in from Hollywood. 

The talk stuff allotted them was not 
' radio and until they got going with 
'Strike Up the Band' it was a stage 
•wait. ASCAP Was given credit on 
the program for the use of the lat- 
ter' tune and others, such as 'Any 
Bonds Today?', the Irving Berlin 
number which served not only as the 
theme song but the pivot for a bright 
musical sauce in which Barry Wood, 
Ray Block's chorus and Al Good 
man's orchestra all participated. 

Odec. 



20 Winks 



The big problem among the 
New York late hour conferen- 
ciers (2 a.m. to coma) — which is 
more important, their own voice 
(personality) or the records? 
What a struggle! So we took a 
poll. The records won but the 
voting was close, 82,000 to 1... 
WHOM has quit the taps-to- 
reveille turmoil. This takes 
McCoy (The Real) and Kreuger 
from the scramble. . .Charlie 
Teagarden has a neat jump tune 
in Tea at Charlie's Tavern,* but 
the arrangement falls apart 
when it leaves the brass section 
...Lil' Martha Tilton needs Lil' 
Ben Gage again to help her over 
those dialog hurdles. . .Bill 'Gee 
Whiz' Stem ought to istay 
away from track meets. It' only 
reminds that one of the regrets 
of radio sports reporting is that 
illness prevented. Huslng cover- 
ing the last Olympics. Husing 
announces a meet better than 
any Manhattan daily writes it 
Abramson, of the Herald Trib- 
une, leads the papers. Husing is 
much better at track than foot- 
ball. Honest. 

Shudders of the week: War- 
ing's femme vocal squad, espe- 
dially doing Three Blind Mice' 
...Those Sonny Dunham mati- 
nees from Meadowbrook •with 
their shrieking trumpets and 
screaming kids. 



'CAB CALLOWAY'S QUIZZICAL' 
30 Mlns. 

Sunday, 9:30 p.ra. 
WOE, New York 

This musical quiz with Cab Callo- 
way, •^his orchestra and a studio of 
Negro contestants and spectators is 
such an instantaneous natural that 
it's a wonder nobody thought of it 
before. It's Douglas Storer's idea 
and production and It's one of the 
most spontaneous and infectious quiz 
shows on the air. Far from being any 
drawback, the racial angle gives it 
an extra boost, at least m perform' 
ance. 

Program is sub-billed as 'Harlem's 
own idea of what a musical quiz 
should be.' Except for George Ho 
I ian's introductory announcement, 
t's aU Negro, with Calloway and his 
boys, a lineup of .contestants demon- 
strating bow- much more diverting 
uninhibited colored amateurs can be. 
Unlike the whites, they're not self? 
conscious and tongue-tied when 
faced with the mike, but are natural 
comics, with a sense of fun and a 
bubbling good-humor. . , 

With one of the boys from the or. 
chestra, a frog-voiced guy they call 
Brother Treadway. playing handy- 
man and stooge, Calloway has the 
contestants roll dice to determine 
from which of a row of baskets 
they'll take a slip bearing a question 
Most, though not all, of the posers are 
about music and, according to an ar- 
bitrary system of his own, Calloway 
rates the answers as worth anywhere 
up to $5 each. Persons submitting 
the questions get $10. There's an 
opening query session, then an 'ex- 
pert department' (purely a courtesy 
gesture) and finally a 'Three-Star 
Special for Cab Calloway's Can of 
Cash.' Latter- is a kind of jackpot 
for all previous competitors. 

Besides adding atmosphere en 
thuslasm for the quiz intervals, the 
colored mob in the studio whoops it 
up . for the Calloway band's thr§.e 
numbers — particularly,., on Sunday 
(6) night's initial stanza, for 'Minnie 
the'Moocher.' Efforts are being made 
to extend the show from WOR to the 
Mutual network and, of course, to 
get a sponsor, possibly on a local 
participating basis. Only limitation 
would appear to be a sectional one 
becayse of the racial twist on the 
show. Hard to predict how such an 
intangible will work out but there' 
no logical reason why the program 
shouldn't go nationally and commer- 
cially, possibly even In the south. 

Kobe. 



ADVENTUBE9 OF THE ■ THIN 
MAN' 

With Lester Damon, Claudia Morgan 

30 Mlns. 

WOODBURY PRODUCTS 
Wednesday, 8 p.m. 
WEAF-NBC, New York 

(Lennen and Mitchell) 
Aftsr much effort at finding a 
sponsor Dashiell Hammett's wedded 
characters of the whodunit realm, 
Nick and Nora Charles, are on the 
air. They're there to hejp sell cos- 
metics. What's closer akin to cos- 
metics than sex? This series ap- 
parently has set out to render the 
answer with pronounced conviction. 

In the introductory program (2) 
the alarums of death and threatened 
death ran but a poor second in dia- 
logic and productional treatment to 
wisecraclcs about the amateur de- 
tective's lothariol past and a nlghtle- 
hight scene . in the couple's bedroom. 
The lush overtones that the actress 
playing Nora put into the closing 
line, "Go away, Asta; go away' must 
have caused more than one affiliated 
broadcaster to lift his brows in spec- 
ulative surprise. 

The production itself is cut strictly 
to stock pattern. . The acting is uni- 
formly good, with the Nick and Nora 
of the radio doing a fairly good fac- 
simile of their screen' progenitors, 
William Powell and Myrna Loy. The 
crossfire/between them is Invariably 
crisp and diverting. Even though the 
direction has something wantingP 
Woodbury should find the series a 
magnet for week-by-week attention. 

'The ad copy shuttles from face 
powder to cold cream. In either -in- 
stance the emphasis is on glamour, 
allure and the effect on the 'eyes of 
the man who means everything to 
you.' Also Sprinkled throughout the 
plugs are names of Hollywood lumi- 
naries. Woodbury's 'exciting' face- 
lowder, otherwise referred to as 
glamour dust' is 'scientifically keyed 
to type,'' while the use of the cleans- 
ing cream is described as a 'Holly- 
wood ritual.' Odec. 



•BALLADS FROM THE BIG TIM 
BER> 

Ceremonial 

15 mlns. — ^Loeal 

Sustaining 

Sunday, 3:16 p.m. 

KIBO; SeatUe 

'Ballads From the Big Timber' was 
put on by KIRO to signalize the for- 
mal opening of the station on. 50.000 
watts power. Gave a condensed his- 
tory in song and story of the found- 
ing of what out here they call an 
empire. Program reflected credit on 
all departments of KIRO, notably 
Tommy Thomas, program director. 
Script and' musical arrangements by 
Paul Ashford, Ivar Haglund handled 
the solos in good voice, ably singing 
'For Jefferson and Lil>erty,* 'Boule 
Roulant,' and 'Sweet Betsy from 
Pike* among the tunes which Ash- 
ford wove into his tale of liisty pio- 
neering. 

Burton W. James of the Repertory 
Playhouse was narrator, getting a 
lot out of script and Jack Klnzel 
struck the right note throughout In 
his announcing. Reed. ' 



JACK COFFEY ORCHESTRA 
With Beverley Blayne, Dick Kapa, 

Three Smart GIrU' 
30 Mlns. 
F. W. FITCH 
Sundays, 7:30 p.m. 
WEAF-NBC, New York 
(Ramsey) 

Both Coffey and his band exhibit, 
ed sufficient talent in this, their 
first coast-to-coast hook-up, to indi- 
cate they are on the way, but pro 
gram was smeared by too frequent 
repeats of b^nd leader's appreciation 
cf chance Fitch was giving him, and 
Fitch's own incessant plugs for prod 
uct Copy smacked of earlier days 
of radio history. 

Band handles Itself well,^ and 
Coffey, outside of slight nervous- 
ness, exhibited good mike technique. 
■Vocalist Beverley Blayne did credit- 
able job of The Things I Lotre,' and 
Dick Kaps' not quite so well on 'I 
Went Out of My Way.* Girl trio did 
nicely.. 

Several references were made to 
aid given band by Kay Kyser. There 
was a wire wishing Coffey success. 
All this might give impression that 
Coffey Is npt sure of band or him- 
self, which Should not be, as both 
he and his men are equal to respon- 
sibilities. 



YOU'RE THE EXPERT* 
With Fred UtUl 
15 Mlns. 

CAMPBELL SOUP ' 
Dally, 2:30 p.m. 
WABC-CBS. New York 

Ward WheelocW 
This advice-to-the-lovelom style 
of audience quiz is so slim that un- 
less it's drastically revised it will 
have tough going even to get 
through the required four weeks un 
til Fletcher Wiley returns from his 
annual lay-off. About the only 
thing to recommend- 'You're the Ex- 
pert is its obviously modest budget. 
Otherwise it's an oops. 

Show has Fred Uttal doing yeo 
man work, but unable to keep the 
mike alive with any semblance of 
entertainment. • He has six guest 
'experts' in the studio for each show 
to compete for cash prizes of $25, 
$10 and $5 (and gifts of Campbell's 
soup) by trying to give the best 
answer to such questions as 'Should 
you tell your best friend if her hus- 
band is getting involved with an- 
other woman?' and 'If your hus- 
band's father dies, should you con- 
sent to have his mother come to live 
with you?' Those were the stump- 
ers on Monday (7) afternoon's debut 
program, and they had the entrants 
either inarticulate with confusion or 
long-winded and inconclusive. It 
was brutal going for the listener 
the whole way. 

Each session is to have a guest 
'judge' to decide on the winners for 
the cash prizes. On the initial 
stanza it was Adelaide Hawley, who 
conducts a 'Woman's Page - of the 
Air* via CBS. She did her best to 
unearth some s^nse from the various 
lanswers.' Del Sharbutt reads the 
Campbell's plugs in his familiar and 
distinctive style. This time he was 
plugging 'that delicious chicken 



i FoSow-Up Comment :; 



♦♦♦ » ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦» . ♦»♦♦♦♦< 

Raymond Gram Swing went tA 
London for White Owl cigars to 
speak .Monday (7) of smoked sal- 
mon and strawberries and who in 
Britain could afford them. It was 
a strange discourse to come over- 
seas from BBC to Mutual, and a 
strange subject to bring up, because 
unfortunately the net effect of the 
talk was that the more Swing in- 
sisted upon the fairness of rationing 
the more he kept reminding Ameri- 
cans of the British upper classes, the 
old school tie and fashionable Lon- 
don restaurants. 

It w-as neither very timely as spot 
news, nor a contribution to the 
cause. This reading of items off the 
menus has been done before, and 
when Swing spoke of the food sup- 
ply authorities being 'hard put' it 
aroused the speculation if he was not 
'hard put' for material. For a man 
who has done such . incisive com- 
mentation since the early Munich 
crisis, this transoceanic was some- 
thing an embassy counsellor's wife 
might have done much better. It 
was an astonishing lapse from 
Swing's customary emphasis upon' 
first things first and at 3,000 miles a 
distinct disappointment 



Bnrress Meredith, debuting as em- 
cee of 'We, TJie People' last week, 
turned in attractive jolj. Flexible 
and vibrant- voiced, he finished the 
stint with a splendid reading of 
'punch lines' from the Declaration of 
Independence. Meredith fits into the 
emcee role on such a program, hav- 
ing handled similar assignments on 
some of The Free Company's broad- 
casts. One of the guests on 'We, The 
People' was Edgar Fairchild, orches- 
tra leader of Eddie Cantor's air show, 
who offered amusing piano 'doodles.' 

John Gunther and Walter Puranty, 
guest-experting on 'Information, 
Please,' last Friday (4) night were 
called on by Clifton Fadiman as au- 
thorities at one point in the show to 
give capsule expressions of their 
opinions on the current Nazi-Soviet 
warfare. Gunther was. inclined to be 
bearish, which is not to say he looks 
for a Russian victory. Duranty, 
more articulate and having more 
definite opinions, was definitely op- 
timistic. It was an unusual and a 
distinctly showmanly twist for the 
show. 



Upton Sinclair spoke', from Cali- 
fornia, about his latest two novels, 
'End of the World' and 'Between 
Worlds,' after Professor Alpheus 
Smith, of Northwestern University, 
had discussed them, on 'Men and 
Books,' in Columbia's Chicago studio. 
Sinclair spoke clearly and forcibly 
but withal mildly, especially in one 
of his crusading reputation. Pro- 
fessor Smith, substituting during an 
eight-week vacation of • John T. 
Frederick, professor of journalism at 
Northwestern, is, for a teacher, quite 
a dynamic broadcaster. On his first 
three salvos, he has talked about 
books which touch upon the inter- 
national situation.. 'While so doing, 
he has made slashing attacks on 
Nazism and fascism. In one case, 
when William L. Shirer was guest- 
ing for a discussion of 'Berlin 
Diary,' the Northwestern University 
professor lashed at American news- 
papers and publishers for their han- 
dling of the war news and its back- 
ground. Professor Smith seems to 
give the half-hour a wider appeal 
than Professor Frederick usually 
does. 



noodle soup.' 



. Kobe. 



'WHAT'S MY NAME7' *- 
With Arlene Francis, John Reed 

King 
30 Mlns. 

ROYAL GELATINE 
Sunday, 8 p.m. 
WEAF-NBC, New York 

(Sherman K. EMU) 
This audience quiz, written and 
produced by Ed Byron and Joe 
Cross, is virtually the same as when 
it was sponsored by Philip Morris 
and Ipana-Sal Hepatica. It still of- 
fers a sliding scale of cash prizes 
($10 to $5) for contestants guessing 
the identity of current historical or 
literary figures, Arlene Francis is 
again the femme m.c. and John Reed 
King now has the male portion of 
the same assignment, in place of 
Budd Hulick and Fred Uttal, who 
formerly had it. Show Is sponsored 
by Standard Brands, holding the 8- 
8:30 spot Sunday nights on NBC-Red 
(WEAF) during Edgar Bergan's lay- 
off. Product is now Royal (^elatlne 
and the agency Sherman K. Ellis, in 
.stead of Chase & Sanborn and J. 
Walter Thompson, respectively. 

Nothing much to be- said for the 
program that hasn't been said be- 
fore. It's plausible low-price sum- 
mer entertainment. 

Opening commercial on the stanza 
a dramatized bit about a Hollywood 
yes-man named Bemie Blink, was 
pretty coy. And of course the prod< 
uct gets a mention on every give- 
awey. Hobe. 



Ray Collins turned In a spiffy job 
Sunday night (6) as narrator of 'Be- 
tween Americans,' the 10th in the 
'26 by Corwin' series for 'Columbia 
Workshop.* It was more than a skill- 
full performance by an expert actor;, 
it was also sincere, warm, vibrant 
and stiri'lng:~C0illri5-t(Tis-heipsd: o^ 
course, by the part, which offered 
unusual scope in mood and flavor. 
Program itself was just an 'informal 
essay for informal listeners,' & dis- 
cussion about America and a few of 
the things, mostly little things, that 
make it unique and great. It's al- 
ways hard to define the qualities that 
make simple expressions eloquent 
Instead of banal Yet something in 
this 'Between Americans* often 
touched an inspiring note. Incident- 
ally, Alexander Semmler's musical 
score was pliantly exoressive, but his 
overture. 'Columbia Workshop on a 
Quiet Night* without any reflection 
on own^ merits as a composition, 
seemed unrelated to the rest of the 
show. 



'Listen to the People,' by Stephen 
Vincent Benet Is the second of that 
poet's recent stuka-pieces for de- 
mocracy. As a Fourth of July of- 
fering, with Henry Hull, Otto 
Preminger. Robert Gray, Kathryn 
Emer.v, Richard Gordon. Harold 
Vermilywa and others, it was a 
fairly vivid re-telling in terms of 
radio montage and symbolism- of the 
basic humanity of democracy. DU^ 
attention was paid the appeasers, 
the sunny-weather idealists. It 
sounded somewhat like - other long 
free verse spectacles of recent years. 
Which is not a criticism, but a recog- 
nition of the gradual growth of a 



'CLAUDIA AND DAVID' 

With PstrleU Ryan, Richard Kou. 

. mar, Jane Seymour, Irene Hqb- 

bard, Charlei Stark, Peter Van 

Sleeden oreh - - 
30 MSns. 

GENERAL FOODS 
Friday, 8 p.m. 
WABC-CBS, New York 

(■young. & Aubicam; 

After a four-week breiik-in as a 
15-mlnute dramatic spot on the K.ite 
Smith program, this Hose Franken 
and William Brown Meloney radio 
adaptation of the former's Red Book 
mag stories took over last week the 
first half-hour of the same Friday 
night time. General Foods is con- 
tinuing to plug Grape Nuts, but will 
presumably use program for another 
product when Miss Smith returns to 
the spot in the fall. 

Meantime, the show is now titled 
'Claudia and David,* to differentiate 
it from Miss Franken*s John Golden- 
produced stage play, 'Claudia,' at the - 
Booth theatre, N. Y. And as added 
precaution, the program has a spe- 
cial disclaimer at the sisn-off, that it 
and the play are not the same and' 
that the events used in the program 
'occur prior to and are entirely dif- 
ferent from those in the play.' That's 
apporently in response to Golden's 
squawk that the radio series was in- 
juring tfie legit show. Co-authors 
Franken and Meloney are billed at 
the close of the program, while Pa- 
tricia Ryan and Richard Kollmar get 
air -mention at the opening as Uie 
title players. 

In, its half-hour length, 'Claudia 
and David' remains a commercial 
radio natural, probably even more 
so than in 15-minute form. It's in- 
clined to be overly sentimental — or 
at least Its- sentimental passages tend 
to be a trifle mawkish — but the char- 
acters, particularly the two leads, are 
well defined, the comedy is amusing 
and the story has continuing move- 
ment 

Miss Ryan must have been cast 
and sounds as if she were being di- 
rected with an ear to Dorothy Mc- 
Guire, who plays Claudia in the 
stage play. Her voice is surprisingly 
like Miss McGuire's, and frequently 
her intonation and inflection further 
the similarity. Nevertheless, she oc- 
casionally sounds slightly young for 
the part, even considering Claudia's 
chlltuike quality. Kollmar is ma- 
ture, even robust, as David. Jane 
Seymour, as Mrs. Brown, Claudia's 
mother, sounds quite like Frances 
Starr, who has the same part in (he 

?ilay. That's creditable enough, 
rene Hubbard 'suffered on Friday 
night's (4) chapter because of a too- 
rapid character transition in the part 
of Mrs. Norton, David's mother. 
Smaller parts of a maid and a doctor 
were satisfactory. 

Sam Fuller's direction skillfully 
accents the character contrasts and 
mood changes, also getting expres- 
sive pace. Peter Van Sleeden's mu- 
sical cues are helpful. Charles Stark 
reads the blurbs and intros accept- 
ably. Incidentally, an introductory 
announcement that 'Claudia and 
David' have been broupht to the air 
'because you asked for them' is 
super-corn. Hobe. 



'VOICE OF FREEDOM* 
With Wendell Willkie, Burgess Mere- 
dith, Lyie Talbot, Myron MeCor- 
mlok, Richard Waring, Boyd 
Crawford, Bernard Zanvllle, Santos 
Ortega, Floyd Buckley, Tom Holer, 
Stephan Sohnabel, Vincent Dono- 
hne, Carol Peterson, Patsy 0*Shes 
30 Mlns. 
Sustaining 
Thursday, 8 p.m. 
WJZ-NBC, New York 

This single-shot sustainer on NBC- 
Blue (WJZ) last Thursday (3) night 
must have been promising on paper, 
but it remained strangely unmoving 
via the air. Reason wasn't readily 
deflnable. The theme (freedom) and 
the occasion (eve of July 4) were 
naturals, but the broadcast somehow 
refused to ignite. Perhaps the fault 
lay in the script which seemed too 
Inclusive, too rambling, chopped up 
into too many different scenes to 
-perm3.t,the creation or maintenance 
of a mood or emotional feeling. 

After an introductory spiel by 
Wendell Willkie (it, too, was curi- 
ously tame), the dramatic portion of 
the show consisted of excerpts from 
historical quotations ^nd poems, all 
more or less a contrnst to an opening 
and closing background of a typical- 
ly ranting Hitler oration. (Iricident- 
ally, the latter device was eloquently 
used by Archibald MacLeish for a 
'Free Company' program last win- 
ter.) 

• The dramatic bits were more di- 
vided than bridged by- chor.il music 
cues. Burgess Meredith was sincere 
and 'vigorous as narrator, while such 
recognizable voices as Myron Mc- 
McCormick, Richard Waring and 
Boyd Crawford were expressive ns 
various historical figures, in several 
cases doubling. Waring, surprisingly 
enough, revealed traces of the Welsh 
accent he uses in the legit play "Corn 
Is Green,' while whoever read the 
Gettysburg address dawdled over it. 
Arthur Hanna's direction wa." cap- 
able, but hardly Inspired. Hobe. 



new kind of democratic literature 
written for broadcasting. Taken 
with other activities it stressed anew 
that the Council of Democracy (this 
was on the NBC Blue) has displ.iyed 
aggressive showmanship ol a firsl- 
rate professionalism. 



W«dBe8d«y, July 9, 1941 



ttADIO 27 



HOW TO DIAGNOSE YOUR RADIO 
COMMERCIALS AND PROGRAM! 

By HORACE SCHWERIN 

RESEARCH DIRECTOR, RAYMOND SPECTOR CO., INC. 



AUTHOR'S PREFACE 



A fundamental change has swept the advertising industry. 

The change continues to make progress. The trend is away 
froni 'wining-dining* and 'diamond stick-pin' salesmanship. 

Guessing is being reduced as Research gains greater ac- 
ceptance and use. 

At this moment Research is attacking the problem of in- 
fluencing masses from many angles. At the Raymond Spector 
Agency studies on magazine and newspaper circulation are 
being made. Story and ad readership is regularly checked. 
Political attitudes and opinions are accurately polled.*' 

Noteworthy success has been obtained in the field of pre- 
testing various types of publication advertising, and many 
agencies include this type of research as a regular service 
to their clients. 

But one field has be^ largely neglected — the field of radio. 
While the size of any program's audience can be measured, 
liftle or nothing has been done to determine how and why 
the public reacts to radio in the manner it does. The pre-, 
testing of radio programs and commercials is still in the 
infant stages. 

'Radio requires showmanship' is the oft repeated cry. Per- 
haps' this self-evident truth has been a taboo forbidding in- 
vestigation. But since the success or failure of showmanship 
is predicated on how people react, the subject is just as vul-" 
nerable to research as any other problem that hinges on 
mass behavior. 

Therefore, our research efforts at the Raymond Spector 
Agency have been dedicated to finding out more about 'show- 
manship', so that radio advertising and programs may be 
made more effective. Time and effort proved that new re- 
search tools have to be developed for this job. 

The Spector Agency's years of work on this cannot be com- 
pressed into reasonably short space, so all that we can hope ' 
to do is to present the highlights of what we have found, and 
to give an idea of the basic theories which seem to underline 
all broadcast material (whether' advertising or entertaining) . 

Certain of our findings, moreover, are confidential to the 
clients of the agency, and therefore cannot be released. 

In this report we will show: 

1. How the public reacts while listening to various 
types of radio programs. 

2. How to increase the number of people who listen 
to your commercials. 

3. Hovt> to gain tnore Yegular listeners to your program. 

4. How to determine in advance what material should 
he stressed and what omitted in your program. 

5. Where to place commercial announcements so that 
they will be most effective. 

6. How to evaluate the propaganda effect of your 
program. 

7. How to edit news. 

S. How to make your programs and commercials sell 
more merchandise. >■ 

The purpose of this series is to help you to carry out 
the showman's, goal: 'Give the public more of what it likes; 
less of that which it didikes.' 

•Fer « comp(«lieB*lT« '•arv«7 ct the »copo and direcllon of Resoarcb, ate Dr. 
Pull FWUx LaunfeM's ^Stadia In PhUosopliy and iiuclal Science.' 



Who Listois to Your Program? 



THE PROGRAM ANALYZER 



How the Audience's Reaction Is Recorded 

The methods which we use to measure and analyze the audience's re- 
action while listening to a program we term the Audience Reaction Test. 

Much of the information for the Audience Reaction Test is obtained with 
a mechanical recording instrument known as the 'Program Analyzer.'* 
This device makes a continuous record of a listener's reactions wbila 
listening to a radio program. 

The machine, itself, is simple. Subjects are given two buttons; one for 
each hand. One of these buttons is green; the other red. When the sub« 




ject is favorably impressed by the program, he presses the green button. 
When his reaction Is unfavorable, he presses the red. Should his or her 
feelings tend to be neutral, no button is pressed. Henc^ie there are three 
types of reactions obtained — favorable — unfavorable — and neutral. 

Whenever a button Is pressed down or released, that fact Is recorded 
on a moving tape. By synchronizing the tape with the program, we ob- 
tain an unbroken record of the subject's reactions to every part of the 
.jprogram. 

• A mechanical device developed by Dr. Paul Felix lArantM of the OBIce of Rodlo 
Reeearch, Columbia University, and Dr. Frank eunton. Director at Renearch, Colombia, 
Broadcaetlng Syatem, who have made It exclualvely available to the flpector acency. 



Who listens to your program? 
Not HOW MANY people listen, but 
WHAT PEOPLE. Th«t Is tte flirt 
question to answer if yoni would im- 
prove your radio entertainment and 
commercials. It is the starting point 
of showmanship. 

Obviously all people are not the 
same. Some of their differences can 
be categorized and the population 
broken down into groups. There are 
men and women, young people and 
older ones, rich and poor, white and 
Negro, city dwellers and rural, sick 
and healthy, to name just a few. It 
is apparent that these different 
groups do not all like and dislike the 
same things — nor are they favor- 
ably or adversely affected by the 
nine thingf 

Most men, for example, would not 
'be intercfted in ■ program ot 
kitchen recipes: few inhabitants ot 
Mahhitfan would listen to directions 
on how to raise a bumper crop ot 
corn. 



And so we find that just as For- 
tune Magazine has an entirely dif- 
ferent type ot reader than True 
Story, and just as the type of reader 
for all magazines and newspapers is 
predicated on the publication's basic 
appeal and availability, so the na- 
ture of a radio program determines 
who of the available audience will 
be most apt to listen to it. 

Whether or not a group listens 
regularly to your program depends 
chiefly on how much that group 
wants to hear what you present. A 
program of health talks which we 
have investigated, for example, at- 
tracted a large number of sick list- 
eners. Why these people were in- 
terested in health is apparent. Of- 
ten, however, the reasons are more 
complex and more dlAicult to And. 
But for any program, it can be defi- 
nitely stated that there exist certain 
groups who are most likely to listen 
regularly. 

Those people who are most apt to 



listen to any given program we term 
that program's primary audience. 

It should be noted here that we. 
are speaking only of the REGULAR 
audience, the people who tune in 
the program more or less regularly. 
At this time, ,we are not concerned 
with the large transient audience 
which may 'happen' to tune in on 
a program occasionally. 

j AUDIENCE €HABACTERISnCS! 

' "IJie -eharacteristics. of a program's 
primary audience can be discovered 
and described on a number of dif- 
ferent levels: 

a. Physical — including age, sex, in- 

come, height, genetics, marital 
state, family, weight. 

b. Psychological — including oTegari- 

ousness, vocation, self-asser- 
tion,' sex-desire, curiosity, hob- 
hies. 

c. Envibonmental — including race, 

location, . religion, cultural 
background, upbringing, local 
■ cuttom. 
By way of example, the primary 
audience for a program of old-time 
song favorites was found to be: 

1. Women. 

2. Sentimentally (not romantic- 
ally) inclined. 

3. Over 40 years of age. - 

4. From middle income irroops. 

Since every program selects a 
definite and definable audience of its 
own, a study of listener reactions 
can| only be valid if it is carried out 
on ^e program's primary audience. 

If, in other words, your program 
is listened to primarily by middle- 
aged housewives, then your subjects 
for testing the program must be 
chosen from that group. Or if the 
program appeals primarily to farm- 
ers there is no value to finding out 
what the reactions of city dwellers 
are. 

The practical value of knowing 
not only how many, but who listens 
to your program is self-evident. 

A program which appeals to men 
cannot' be exi)ected to sell lipstick. 

A children's program won't sell 
razors. 

Insufficient analysis of these fun- 
damentals of broadcasting has re- 
sulted in many costly fiascos. 

A TYPICAL TEST 

To understand how the Program 
Analyzer is used, let us follow a 
typical test. 

Our subjects are gathered in one 
of WOR's studios. For the past 45 
minutes they have been relaxed and 
talking about themselves 'and their 
ideas. The people about them are no 
longer strangers, for they have been 
introduced and have indicated where 
they live. The disctiaslon has been 
informal and seems to have moved 
without plan over the general field 
of radio. 

This preliminary period Is de- 
signed to establish rapport, to make 
our subject 'feel at home.' That it 
does just that was, proven ^when 17% 
of our audience actually on hearing 
a sentimental memories program 
were observed to have tears in their 
eyes. 

Now the test Is introduced and 
the subjects are each given a pair 
of buttons, one to hold in each hand 
and instructions on when to press 
either button. A short practice pe- 
riod to take away any feelings ot 
strangeness, and we are ready to 
present the program. This has been 
recorded and is played by a ma- 
chine, invisible to the audience, 
thus giving the same general con- 
ditions as obtained when listen- 
ing to a broadcast at home. 

The program completed — in this 
case, a 15-minute newscast — the 
resultant tape is brought to the re- 
search man in charge of the meet- 
ing. 

He notices, for example, a defi- 
nite fall in interest at a point about 
14 minutes after the program's be- 
ginning. That portion of ^ the pro- 
gram is played again to recall it to 
the subjects. In our example, it 
turns out to be news ot the stock 
mitrket 

"Why,' he asks, turning to one of 
the subjects, 'did you press the red 
button at this point?* 
I ' *I don't have any stock, so I'm 



not interested in that sort of thing,' 
the subject answers. 

Another says, 'A news program 
is no place to be bothered by 
monotonous stuff like that. I have 
stock, but I'm not that interested.' 

But here is a man who pressed 
the green button, indicating a 
strong interest. 'Yes,' he says, 
Tm interested In what the stock 
market does because I think it 
shows what's going to happen in 
business.' 

The prime purpose of such in- 



terviewing is to find out WHY our 
k-ubjects have reacted as they have. 
Sometimes, it is necessary tor such 
questioning to be done io private, 
one subject at a time. For other 
topics, we have found public in- 
terviewing gives us the same an- 
swers. 

How does a listener respond — 
intellectually and emotionally — to • 
radio program? 

Each listener evidences a series 
of varying reactions during th« 
' (Continued on page 37) 



Research and Showmanship 



Horace Schwerin, as author, and Variety, as the publi- 
cation involved, associate themselves in one emphasized 
warning: radio research is not, and cannot be, a substi- 
tute for imagination or creative ability. No conclusions 
of research can supplant those skills and talents of writ- 
ing, directing and interpreting that which is the essence 
of what Variety has long urged upon the broadcast-ad- 
vertising trade, namely, showmanship, 

'Do's' and 'Don'ts,' warnings and recommendations are 
legitimate fruit of radio research. As such they may 
invaluably supplement creative ability. It would be a 
lamentable misunderstanding of 'Doc' Schwerin's data to 
believe it constituted any panacea for showmanship prob- 
lems or a shortcut, with eyes closed, to guaranteed popu? 
larity ratings. Call it instead an error-spotter. 



28 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



THE 'NEWS' IS HARDLY BEIEVABLE, BUT 
OTHERWISE FRENCH RADIO IS SNAPPIER 



Nepotism and Favoritism Eliminated With Better 
Entertainment,. Resulting — French Still Tune In 
England and U.S.A. for Their Facts 



(This report /rom Vichi; should 
be^read in the light of other re- 
ports' thot thi NaTM want an oiit- 
luard shou) 0/ some of the tcell- 
knotcn 'French gaietv' — EdJ 



Vichy, June 13. 
One year to the day since the col- 
lapse of France at least one aspect 
of French life is improved. French 
broadcasting is, on the whole, con- 
siderably better with the exception 
of the newscasts, which are, of 
course, Nazi 'interpretations' from 
start to finish. Frenchmen neither 
believe nor much concern them- 
selves with the Nazi-colored news 
but they do And the radio programs 
of an entertainment character con- 
siderably brightened in variety and 
quality compared to pre-war condi- 
tions. This is less surprising when 
it is recalled that France was, in a 
radio sense, definitely a backward 
nation and its broadcasting was 
marred by nepotism, favoritism, 
Gallic carelessness and general dis- 
interest. 

The first thing the Germans did 
after the Armistice was to silence 
all French stations. In September, 
however, the Nazi Armistice Cora^ 
mission permitted the French sta- 
tions to broadcast musical and en 
tertainment programs again. The 
French argued for news and finally 
got the Germans to relax somewhat 
and permit news under German 
censors. 

Tlxier Vignoncour, placed in 
charge of French radio, and Jean 
Antoine of the news broadcasts, 
These and other subord°.n?.tes col- 
laborated In a sincere- effort to im- 
prove the quality of the orograms. 
They . succeeded in all fields except 
news, wher^ deterioration continued. 

Frenchmen disgustedly turn oft 
the • radio when the French - an 
nouncer begins to give the Nazi 
news of the day. . A fe^ listen so as 
to compare it with' the foreign news 
broadcasts. Although frowned upon, 
most Frenchmen with fairly good 
sets daily listen /to London and to 
America, French in North Afriqa 
especially tune to NBC, New York; 
WCEO, Schenectady, and WRUC, 
Boston, to hear America's interpre- 
tation of the news. •'' 

Today Vignancour is out as £ re,- 
sult ai the constant Vichy reshut 
flings and Jean Antoine is in charge 
He has an ambitious program to im' 
prove the .programs even more.' His 
air is to make the government-con' 
trolled stations more popular and 
palatable to Frenchmen than the 
private broadcasters of prewar days. 
He; and' others admit that before the 
war the private stations were far 
more popular than the politically 
ridden national stations where red 
tape, graft and other abuses were 
fampant. 

Antoine haa Pierre Jaboune and 
Paul Gilson for news. Emanuel 
Bondevllle heads musical programs; 
Pierre Sabatier, theatre; Paul Has 
tine, lyrical programs, with Maitre 
Paul Paray directing the symphonic 
orchestras. There/ are orchestras in 
Vichy, Lyons, Marseilles and Tou 
louse under the respective batons of 
Reynaldo Hayn,. Henri Tomasi, Jean 
Clergue and Alfred Cortot, who is 
also counsellor to Admiral Darlan 
for French radio. 

It is now planned to give, broad 
casts where the public will be ad 
mitted for variety, music and other 
types of entertainment broadcasts. 
AU admissions will ga to Red Cross 
and War Prisoners' funds. 

Theatre premieres in Paris' are 
being broadcast. Jean Cocteau. 
•Machine a AcWere* was the latest 
legit opening to be sent over a spe- 
cial hookup for radio audiences all 
over France. 



O'Daniel to Senate 

Austin, Texas, July 8. 
Governor 'W. Lee O'Daniel, who 
three years ago was a salesman 
plugging with hillbilly music and 
songs of his own compositiAn, was 
the victor in the race for a succes- 
sor to fill the U.S. senate seat va- 
cated by the death of Morris Shep- 
pard. His original election as gov- 
ernor astounded the politicians. 

During the last two weeks of the 
senatorial campaign O'Daniel used 
radio extensively, his talks being 
aired by direct line each day over 
10 Texas stations, one in Mexico find 
one in Shreveport, Louisiana. 



Fernando Wagner's Actors 
In English Over XEQ 

Mexico City, July 8. 

Latin American .radio hour of 
the local municipal government 
shifted from XEB to larger XEQ so 
that a wider audience can be 
reached. XEQ, the civic government 
figured, is conditioned to reach 
many more Americans, the audience 
at which this program is aimed. 

Music and newscasting, in English, 
have been added to the program 
which includes excerpts from Amer- 
ican and English plays, adapted to 
the air, by members . of Fernando 
Wagner's Pan-American Theatre, 
headed by Miss Anrelies" Morgan 
and Rickey Austin. 

Austin Is doing the radio adapta- 
tions. 



PayroO Traffic 



' Aiutln, Texas — KNOW has Jerry 
Fisher for newscasts and he will de- 
vote portion of his time as a sales- 
man; ( 

New manager of KNOW is Cliff 
Tatom from KCMC, Texarkana. 



Lawrence, Mass. — WLAW has 
made a few additions and ■ changes 
In its personnel:,* Blllie Noble, staff 
organist, is in charge of publicity; 
Howard Enyard, transferred from 
transmitter In Andover to control 
room; Don Lee assigned to remote 
pick-ups; Ernest Pfelfler, from re- 
motes to control room. 



Boston-^ohn P. KeUey, WEEI 
control engineer, left for training 
service at Camp Devens, Ayer, Mass. 



Spartanborr, S. C— Thad Horton, 
formerly with WSPA-WORD com- 
mercial department here, has joined 
WMRC, Greenville, S. C, in adver- 
tising capacity. 



New York City — Arthur Duram, 



formerly sports announcer and 
salesman at WOC, Davenport, and a 
salesman at WCBS, Springfield, 
Mass., has joined the sales force o't~ 
WHN, New York. He's a brother of 
George Duram, of the Kastor agency 
Chicago. 

Walter Payne, Leslie Learned, • 
William Stahl and James Garigin 
have joined the engineering staff of 
WOR, New York. Payne was for- 
merly with f)on Bestor's orchestra. 
Learned and Stahl were with 
WNYC, New York, and Garigin was 
at WHI, Greenfield, Mass. 



Clnoinnati.— Ann La Hay, woman's 
commentator and home economist, 
on KLZ, Denver, for the past four 
years, has joined WCKY and is do- 
ing two 30-mlnute programs daily. 
Slje supplants Helen Rees, who has 
been assigned to. special promotion 
work. 

Neal K. Searles, announcer, lately 
with WJBK, Detroit, has .joined ' 
WLW, succeeding Bill Frost, who 
entered military service. 



EOMAGUEaiA TUENS PEOF 

Cincinnati, July 8. 

Oscar H. ^Romaguera, director of 
publicity for WLWO, Crosley's short- 
waver, has been appointed professor 
of Spanish of the night division of 
Xavier University, Cincy. 

He's a Cuban, • 



Bobert Weede, Met baritone, set 
for the Coca-Cola hour on July 20. 






Tllr 




Wednesdajr, July 9, 1941 



RADIO 



29 



Pall Mall Radio Now a Gag 



Not since the days of Lucky Strike's 'Be kind to your throat' have 
stage comics got as big a laugh response as they do now' to mention 
of Pall Mall's radio slogan, 'Modern Design,* and its attendant sound 
effects. Hie recorded spot announcements, which are dinned by in- 
dividual stations as many as 12 times a day,- have at least had one 
effect, as far as theatre audiences are concerned. They have become 
proficient in imitating the sound effects, of airplane ' motors, high- 
speed marine motors, sirens and machinegun firing. So comedians 
have found out when cracking about 'Modern Design.' 

Among the comedy acts using the Pall Mall slogan for topical gags 
in their stage routines are Danny Kaye and The Revuers. 



FILM STAR PROGRAM 
FROM MEXICO CITY? 



Hollywood, July -8. 
Alejandro Buelna, head of the 
Mexican Government Tourist Bu- 
reau, says that at an inter-American 
conference in Mexico City in Sep- 
tember a radio show covering U. S. 
and South America may be framed 
with Hollywood film leaders and 
stars participating. Program would 
be from Mexico City, with pickups 



from Hollywood and New York. He 
knows nothing of National Railways'" 
participation, but naturally will co- 
operate with the Government. 

Despite Jock Whitney's announced 
tabu on further picture junkets to 
Latin-American countries, Buelna 
is hopeful of getting a handful of 
stars for September conference and 
possible radio spread. Buelna is 
here to express Government's grati- 
•tude for the junket by film stars to 
Me](ico City last April and pass 
around a few gifts to those who 
made the trip. 



SOCIAL IMPUCATIONS OF NEWSPAPER 
OWNERSHIP, NOT COIN, CONCEWIS FCC 



FOLLOW THE CARDINALS 



Special Trek t« Chicago Financed by 
Hyde Park Snda Firm 



St. Loiiis, July 8. 
Because of the fever heat among 
St. Louis fans for the Cardinals who 
are making a bid for the pennant, 
Ruthrauff & Ryan, for Hyde Park 
Breweries,' sent its three-man base- 
ball combo to Chicago last week to 
air the double-header between the 
Cards and Cubs on the Fourth. 
France Laux, borrowed from KMOX, 
Cy Casper, KXOK sportscaster, and 
Gabby Street, analyst, were the trio 
who made the trek. Line charges 
and the expenses of the trip were 
about $500. 

Additionally a ticker report of the 
Browns-Indians double bill in Cleve- 
land was sandwiched in between in- 
nings of the Chicago fracas. 



Hearings Set for July 23 Will Delve Into Joint 
(Newspaper-Radio) Control of Information As 
Democratic Danger 



No More Time Abroad, Inc. 

Time, Inc., and the' Brinckerhoff 
Studios have settled their .negoti- 
ations over the cMiUiiued use of the 
name Time Abroad, Inc., as a 
Brinckerhoff subsid. 

Tag, Time Abroad, has been elim- 
inated and the subsidiary will be 
known «s General Sound Corp. 



Spokane. — John Bryson, recent ad- 
dition to station KFPY announcing 
staff, from KGDM, Stockton. 





Just how marked the "Move to Mutual'* really is, was strikingly demonstrated by the signing 
this June of an additional 10 quarter-hours a week of immediate business by Blackett- 
$ample-Hummert. The accounts, covering virtually all periods of the day, now stand: 

ft quartir-lMurs for lUp«rtaM (noon time) 
5 qiMrter-koun for ibiMin (early aftenmon) 
5 VMrter-hMira for OvaltiM (Ute afternoon) 
3 half-hours for Com Kix (evening time) 

It's significant that the largest placers of radio time are drum-majoring the shift to Mutual. 



Washington, July 8. 
Social aspects of the newspaper- 
radio issue are uppermost in the 
minds of the FCC and due for great- 
est attention at the forthcoming 
hearings to obtain data which will 
be used in revaluating the present 
off-and-on-again regulatory policy. 
Notice of issues, for the inquiry 
scheduled for July 23 places prin- 
cipal emphasis on such matters as 
free speech, editorial bias, and domi- 
nation of various methods of purvey- 
ing information. 

The Commish last week announced 
that persons wanting to participate 
in the. hearings must file notice of 
appearance by July 18 and outline 
the type of evidence they will pro- 
duce. On its own account, the FCC 
reserved the right to 'call witnesses 
n its discretion to present various 
sides of the problem,' adding it will 
offer statistical and documentary 
evidence it considers pertinent and 
will 'invite' other participants to 
provide similar data 'as o6ca£ion 
requires.' 

In outlining the' topics it wants to 
explore, the Commish set forth Ave 
which are purely social in nature 
and two that are both social and 
ebonomic. Altogether 10 items will 
be taken up, including the factual 
proposition of the degree of news- 
paper Influence and the factors 
causing persons Interested in pub- 
lishing to dabble in radio. 

Though the incentive for the hearr 
ing was the Commission's desire to 
lay down a Arm policy which will 
prevent any tmdesirable develop- 
ments in the frequency modulation 
field, the data will be used also in 
deciding what attitude to take In the 
future toward standard broadcast 
stations that now are owned by or 
tied up with the journalistic fra- 
ternity and toward publishers want- 
ing to buy or build outlets in the 
standard band. ^ 

Concerned 
The regulators evinced great con- 
cern about the possibility newspaper 
interests have acquired radio sta- 
tions in order to' strengthen their 
position as guides of public think- 
ing. Though they have taken the 
stand that radio stations cannot have 
editorial policies, the kllopycle cops 
reflected feeling that press Owner- 
ship of radio, stations Is. contrary to 
public welfare because it curtails 
debate or distorts reporting. 

In the social 'category (>'-» "he fol- 
lowing . matters on which the 
Commish particularly wanis infor- 
mation: 

1. Whether- joint association of 
newspapers 'and transmitters 'tends 
or m'ay tend to prejudice' the free 
and fair presentation of tftiblic issues 
and information over the air or to. 
cause editorial bias or distortion or 
to inject editorial policy or ittltude 
into the public service of licensees. 

2. Whether there Is or may be 
either restriction or distortion in 
broadcasting of news, if sources of 
news are"Diidul}rllmttEd," or retatlons 
between newsgathering services and 
bCillets are affected adversely. 

3. Whether newspaper ownership 
'has or may have any effect upon 
freedom of access to the radio forum 
for the discu^ion of public Issues.' 

4. If there Is or may be 'an -undue 
concentration Of control over the 
principal media for public com- 
munication.' 

The regulators indirectly acknowl- 
edged there is something to be said 
in behalf of newspaper interest in 
the radio business. One of the items 
on the agenda is the question 
whether radio programs are im- 
proved because newspapers can sup- 
ply better facilities and more skilled 
personnel to obtain and pour out in- 
formation and opinion. 

On the economic side, the regula- 
tors want to know whether close re- 
lations restrict competition between 
stations, lead to monopoly of radio 
facilities, or give more stability to 
outlets by assuring .the support of 
the press owners. The general mo- 
nopoly question also was injected, 
with the Commish asking for facts 
about the effect of affiliation on 
'concentration of control over broad- 
cast facilities or the use thereof.' 



Oiif Statiori ■ operated Heiwsrk 



90 RADIO 



ITednesday, July 9, 1941 



WOR congratulates 




on its exclusive series of articles, beginning in 
this issue, describing the Listeners Conference 
experiments conducted in the studios of WOR, 
in New York. 

NOTE; Watch WOR for other important audi- 
ence activity reports to be released very shortly. 



that power-full station 




TELEVISION'S PIONEER SPONSORS 



At of last Xuesdav D. It was legol to have advertising aporworship 

0/ UXenision programs in America. Because -it was legal NBC solicited its 
radio adwertiseri to tru the new medium and three sponsors accepted. 
Thus NBC had some comrnercials to start off commercial television. This 
■uioj Tvesdav. ■ On Wednesday and thereafter NBC television schedules 
were^^about where they have been since 1939 — Jllling In time. 

Afteed into the premiere niflht of commercial television tuas a Soldier 
Show (revictoed belotii) and ceremonies in celebration of the successful 
culmination of the recent 111,000,000 fund drive for the United Service Or- 
ganizations which toill hereafter operate canteens, etc., at or near our 
Army camps. The ceremonies televised the faces of such personages as * 
Thomas E. Dewey, Walter Hovino, Admirol Andrews, Col. Lord, Mrs. Win- 
throp Aldrich and Mrs. Ogden L. Mills. There was nothing to say about the 
ceremonies except that the' two ladies had a startled where-am-I look when 
they got the cue to talk. and the scripts of all the spealtxrs were written in 
that, dull, loproUing monotone characteristic of organization officers con- 
gratulating each other. 

More detailed comment on commercial television's first night /olloius; 

VNCLE JIM'S QUESTION BEE^ ■ " 

wooded Hollywood. • Not only does 
this actress look (wearing specs), 
dress (bungalow aprons, etc.) and 
appear (affable, energetic, work- 
man-like) like the incarnate copy- 
writer's concept of aU American 
toiler.s-over-hot-stoves, but she is 
able to read lines 100% in charac- 
ter. She's a clinical study in beau- 
tllul- £ood-selling hokum. 

But Aunt Jenny, the next time she 
cuts a' chocolate layer cake over 
television, will have to remember 
not to lick the cake-knife with her 
mouth and then offer to cut het 
guests another, slice with the same 
knife. 

The program was panned on and 
off commercially by a closeup of 
Dan Seymour, a nute silly-feeling, 
holding a can of the shortening 
grease made by Levers. Seymour 
televises attractively as does Uncle 
Jim. 



With BlU Slater, Edith Spencer, Dan 

Seylnoar 
Audlenoe PartioipsUon 
SFBT (Levers) 
Onoe-Only, Jnly 1, 1941 
WNBT (NBC), New York 
<Rufhrauff <fe Ryan) 

Uncle Jim's (Bill Slater) Question 
Bee, one ^f the innumerable audi- 
ence participation programs on the 
radio and neither worse nor better, 
entertainment-wise, than its ' con- 
temporaries, was fortified by another 
sponsored personality of the same 
sponsor. Aunt Jenny (Edith 
Spencer), for this one-time experi- 
ment by Ruthraufl & Ryan in tele- 
vision production. Uncle Jim's was 
able to call itself the first advertis- 
ing-sponsored television quiz pro- 
gram in history. It was first by 
about one hour, Ralph Edwards' 
Truth and Consequences' being a 
later offering of the premiere eve- 
ning. 

Probably typical of television's 
booking difliculties, the guests who 
I had been announced, Lionel Stander 
and Gloria Stuart, did not show up. 
Instead Allen Prescott, an experi- 
enced radio program emcee, and an 
artist's model chosen apparently at 
the last minute for her photogenic 
features rather than any probable 
ability to help along a quiz, were 
substituted. There was also an 'out- 
sider' couple. 

The effect of television upon an 
audience participation show may be 
said to be twofold: (1) the contest- 
ants acquire a visual 'personality,' 
offsetting the fact tl),ey seldom seem 
to have any microphone personality 
unless they're plants; and (2) the 
child-like nature of quizzes is made 
doubly evident. It might be fair to 
deduce that television would en- 
hance the appeal of this sort of thing 
to those already interested ar^d 
drive away everybody else. But 
television does have an 'eavesdrop- 
ping' quality like a party-line tele- 
phone and homo sapiens usually dote 
upran listening in on other people's 
conversations. So there you have a 
confused picture, a politician's yes- 
but-on-the-other-hand-no kind of re- 
port. Which is probably the story 
of television as of its 'commercial' 
beginning, July 1; 1941. 

It was pretty artificial and self- 
conscious striving when the wHole 
group gathered around Aunt Jenny's 
table where a Spry-made chocolate 
layer cake was cut. Uncle Jim, an- 
nouncer Dan Seymour, the artist's 
model, AUen Prescott and the visit- 
ing couple all awkwardly nibbled at 
the cake as Aunt Jenny, without a 
hint of self-consciousness, kept tak- 
ing bows for her prowess as a cook. 

Aunt Jenny (Edith Spencer) is 
okay for television. This is not sur- 
prising as she was undoubtedly 
picked in the first place because she 
shows up in magazme layouts as the 
perfect prototype of the kitchen- 
proud American homekeeper. As a 
case of t3i)e-castihg the advertising 
world has in Aunt Jenny out-HoUy- 



LOWELL THOMAS 

Newspast 

15 MIns. 

SUNOCO 

Once only, July 1 

WNBT (NBC), New York 

(Roche, WilH«7ns, Cunni/nphom) 

The regular Sunoco newscast at 
6:45 P.M. was doubled for television. 
In other words, while he was giving 
his digest of the news tickers, 
Thomas was also under the fire of 
the iconoscope. 'Television presented 
a picture of him broadcasting.' 

Added for television fore and aft 
were closetips of cans of Sunoco oil. 
There is nothing very glamorous 
about these cans or about men read- 
ing either news digests or commer- 
cials from scripts. But the value of 
news to television as to radio-^and 
other media— cannot be questioned. 
It is a standard commodity of human 
interest. 

Thomas has appeared before the 
tele cameras before and was at 
home. He 'photographs' okay, 
mustache and eyebrows and abun- 
dant hair framing a clear picture for 
black and white. 



'TRUTH OR. CONSEQUENCES' 
With Ralph Edwards 
IVORY SOAP 
Once Only, Jnly I, 1941 
WBNT (NBC), New York 
(Compfon) 

This was a second question-asking 
program in an evening of dullish, 
slow-paced, unedited, time-ignoring 
telecasts. By the time the Ralph 
Edwards session began along about 
10:30 p.m. the viewers must have . 
been pretty blah from it all. (It was 
a beastly hot night to make it worse 
and 525-line television doesn't get 
ideal results on 441-line sets.) 

There were the same kind of 
camera closeups of Ivory Soap as of 
Sunoco and Spry containers earlier. 
There . was a staged bit of hoke 
about what beautiful hands one gal 
(Continued on page 34) 





Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



^ SI 



WITHIN 

TlieCdl 



DAYS 



Col. "Jim" Healey 



Albany, N. 
June 27, 1341 



JIM healey; 



dis- 

ACE NEWS COMMENTAT^jJlpi! 

•nd Poet-Philo»oph«r ^i'jj 
***** 
LOOK AT THE 

RECORD! 

. TOBACCO CO. -a >•<■""• 

•?«o .ven.n. cuar.cr-hour, P.r | 

, _„j. ,u nsoN COM. co.-i 

,er-hour per week. WTIC. 

- FORT ORANCE CMEMIC.%1. CO. 
• 1 ve.r Three d.ytlm. QU"- 
-\o". per «ecK. WTRV 

Sl'llINO CO 



Lorillard Buys Healey 

Schenectady, June 24. 
P. Lorillard Co. will sponsor Jim 
Healey on a thrice weekly quarter- 
hour of commentafy, poetry and 
philosophy over WGY, Schenectady, 
for Union Leader, starting July 7, at 
7 a.m. 

Lennen & Mitchell is the agency. 



Twenty-Three Yean' Major I 
Newspaper Experience 

REPORTER 

EDITOR 
COLUMNIST 

^******* 

Continuously Sponsored on | 
One or More Stations 
1933-1941 

RATES Are RIGHT I 

K,r r..ll Vuftl.ul..r. Write: 

COL. IIM HEALEY 
5 TURNER PLACE 
ALBANY. NEW YORK 



^gJ^wSl 46tli Street, 
Hew York City 

Gentlement 

♦w T uaed tlie colunma of your 



for VARIBW. . 
l^een Imodin to you* 



Very cordially. 



Naturally, advertisements are EXPECTED to produce results. That's the 
idea. 

It's a two-v^ay operation — ^what the advertiser has to say, and the me- 
dium which he uses to say it. 

Leighton & Nelson, of Schenectady, N. Y., prepared the copy. They 
write: 'We, of course, are not surprised that ^Variety' pulled such splendid 
response for this radio artist.' 



• NEW^yORK 
154 W. 46th SL 



CHICAGO 
54 W. Randolph SL 



HOLLYWOOD 
1708 No. Vine SL 



LONDON 
8 SL Martin's Place 



S2 mTERMATIONAL RADIO 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



Much U.S. Talk, litde Action in BA 



Argentinians Hardly More Aware of Yankee Short- 
wave Activities Than a Year Ago 



London Calling | 



Buenos Aires, July 1. 

Despite flood of talk, all sorts of 
personal inspection jaunts by top- 
ranking officials and announcement 
of extensive plans for every kind of 
radio Pan-Americanizing, from re- 
vival meetings to jive sessions, U. S. 
international short-waving to South 
America has shown no great im- 
provement in the last 10 months 
and is still ? long way off the mark 
in the opinion of a majority of com- 
petent observers here. 

Constructive criticism falls into 
these divisions: 

1. While many improvements have 
been made both in power and pro- 
gramming, of DX transmitters aim- 
ing at South America, the average 
dialer — even in Buenos Aires, largest 
and richest of the Latin capitals- 
has a hard time tuning in. To get 
the States, requires a set that's be- 
yond the budget of the ordinary 
listener and even with a fairly strong 
receiver, being sure of getting a pro- 
gram is difficult, often Impossible. 

2. Although joint advertising by 
U. S. broadcasters in the South 
American press was announced 
months ago, U. S. DX programs are 
still rarely advertised here. Eliza- 
beth Arden, Kolynos toothpaste and 
Bepublic Steel are among the few 
who have done anything in this line. 
These firms have carried display ad- 
vertising in quite a number of B. A. 
papers which was punchy and could 
be seen. Kolynos, in particular, with 
a series of ads describing DX pro- 
grams with Jean Sablon, who is pop- 
ular "throughout Latlndom, drew 
much favorable attention. In B. A. 
and most other places short-wave 
programs — even standard wave list- 
ings — are not carried in the d^ily 
press. Without ads, there's no way 
to find out what's on from the States 
except through one or two radio fan 
magazines ,of comparatively small 
circulation and none too great re- 
liability. 

3. Although everyone who lias 
looked over the situash has agreed 
that for building a sizeable audience 
the most important requirement is 
re-transmission of U. S. programs 
over S. A. stations, few such have 
appeared. - Questioning of Argentine 
listeners by advertising agencies, lo- 
c stations, Elmbassy OSlclals, and 
by Varutt, has disclosed no notice- 



able increase in listeners to U. S. 
shortwave. 

4. Many U. S. stations, it is 
claimed, feel thai if they receive a 
fairly large quantity of mail from 
short-wave listeners they have man- 
aged to click. What's forgotten, ob- 
servers here insist, is that current' 
listening audiences represent only a 
very small part of what's available. 
And that most listeners now tuning 
the States are already generally pro- 
Yanqui in sentiment. The group 
that must be reached, especially if 
radio is to play a more important 
part in Pan-American Solidarity, is 
the group that is relatively passive, 
willing to listen to both sides. 

5. Broadcasting important speeches 
by Roosevelt and other high officials 
is o.k. as far as it goes, but it's not 
enough. Such speeches as President 
Roosevelt's recent proclamation of a 
state of national emergency (carried 
over a tremendous Latin hookup) 
have in themselves a tremendous in- 
terest for South American listeners, 
in which radio helps but in which 
it acts only as another information 
disseminating agency. Where radio 
can do a better Pan-American job 
and one that no one else can do, is 
using its drawing power to get across 
to Latins with the sort of talk that 
wouldn't be heard otherwise. ^ 

6. What's needed, it's stated here, 
is firstly, more direct contact with 
South America through the estab- 
lishment of local offices and, sec- 
ondly, more action and less talk. Ob- 
servers point out that no other ma- 
jor industry doing any business in 
South America attempts to carry on 
its business by remote control as 
does radio. 

One Example " 

' The one regular U. S. DX re- 
transmission now being heard in 
Argentina is a 15-ihimite news 
broadcast which goes on nightly at 
11 on Radio Mitre (LR '6) and 
the Primera Cadena de Broadcast- 
ing chain of 11 interior stations. 
Local sponsor is the U. S. Chamber 
of Commerce in the Argentine Re- 
public, made up of some 165 North 
American. firms doing biz here.^ U. S. 
owned Union Telefonica-r-the Bell 
system of Argentina — also shares the 
billing. 

Program has won much favorable 
attention and is cited as an example 
of what the X5. S. must do to 'win 



listeners. Facts are given without 
comment, but carefully compiled. 
Emphasis, originally on the war, has 
been shifted to a concentration on 
the U. S. since listeners here feel 
they already have an abundance of 
war news primarily through Amer- 
ican news agencies and want more 
Yank talk from the Yanks, 

News is culled from leading 
agency dispatches, edited in New 
York so as to make a running story 
insofar as possible, a great improve- 
ment over the flash bulletin style of 
newscasting customary here. An- 
nouncer is a real Argentine with the 
kind of accent which local tuners 
enjoy. Chief fault registered so far 
against the program is that it has 
not been advertised. Apparently be- 
cause at first there was some fear 
that permission for the re-transmish 
might be denied because of govern- 
mental maximums on time allowed 
for re-broadcasts of news events. 
Until this is done, however, ob- 
servers believe the program will 
never attract any great audience, es- 
pecially since it competes with 
seven news broadcasts being offered 
at the same hour and since the sta- 
tion used is admittedly not one of 
the biggest or best. . 

Chamber of Commerce programs 
and a three-minute . NBC nightly 
news cast — included in an early eve- 
ning world roundup on Radio 
Splendid — (LR 4) are the only regu- 
larly skedded retransmissions from 
the States to be carried in B. A. 
Checkup of programs handled oh all 
18 B. A. stations during the past 10 
months shows that aside from the 
Republic Steel series, several prize 
fights, blow-by-blow, • with com- 
mentary in Spanish, and a few odds 
and ends such as the two-way Rotary 
Club broadcast, several NBC Satur- 
day night retransmissions on Radio 
Mitre, and a special program to 
carry a speech by the Argentine 
Minister of Finance, there has been 
nothing else. 

A four times weekly. Standard Oil 
sponsored program of day-late 
scripts of Raymond Gram Swing 
translated into Spanish is carried on 
Radio Kspectador, Montevideo— 
easily tuned by short-wave but 
hard to get in Argentina by standard 
wave programs is also carried on 
Radio Cannelo located just across 
the River Plate, about 65 miles 
above B. A. 

On both retransmissions and 
direct DX, both London and Ber- 
lin have done far better than the 
States in advertising, publicity and 
signal strength. Not only in Argen- 
tina but all South America. Largest 
clipping service for all of South 
America during a recent month re- 
vealed steady advertising for Ger- 
man broadcasts especially in Chile, 
Peru, and other west coast coun- 
tries. There was also small but 
regular use of newspaper space to 
advertise English DX regulars and 
news' stories on special broadcasts, 
but practically nothing about U. S. 
radio broadcasting except some pub- 
licity handout from General Electric 
and boiler plate supplied by N.E.A., 
U. S. news feature syndicate. 



Hitler's Kin 

issssContlnned from page l^^ss^ 

engagement to tell all about her 
Nazi brother-in-law and was accom- 
panied by members of t6e musical' 
revue to provide background, while 
she told of his habits, characteristics 
and alleged sex Ufe. 

Frank Robertson, of New York, 
manager of 'The Singing Sweet- 
hearts,' one of the musical units, ac- 
companied the girls to City Hall to 
explain their plight to police. He 
showed a contract signed in New 
York by a Mr. Jackson, manager of 
Mrs. Hitler, and said they were 
brought here from New York by bus 
and left stranded. The detective bu- 
reau told the girls that since no 
criminal violation was involved they 
were powerless to act However, 
they were referred to Magistrate 
Aaron London, who reluctantly gave 
the same verdict. 

Two newspapermen'started a tour 
of the resort and raised enough from 
night clubs to pay for a bus to take 
the stranded company back to New 
York. 

A. C. amusement operators, while 
expressing sympathy for the troupe, 
stated that it showed signs of pros- 
perity for show biz, as it is only in 
'good times' that road companies are 
stranded. Added this is the first 
time It has happened In this amuse- 
ment Center si^ice 1929. 



Carroll Gibbons gets leave from 
the Savoy hotel and Firth Shep- 
herd's show 'Up and Doing' to do 
two weelcs for BBC and" four weeks 
for General Theatres. 



London, June 20. 
Comedian Tommy Handley to head 
a new variety show. He clicked 
with his previous vaude gang 'It's 
That Man Again.* 



Gene Gcrrard making a radio bow 
in a new musical play. 



John Glelpod will bolster his 
hrother Val's BBC Radio Dept with 
three mike appearances during sum- 
mer months. Actor will air Shakes- 
peare and one straight play. 



Vic Ollver-Sarah Chorohlll airer 
is tagged 'Happy Days.' Comedian 
relaxed from 'Hi Gang* when show 
folded for the summer. New series 
will go out fortnightly, six half- 
hour sessions. 



'Let's Face The Facts,* a series of 
the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., 
published here in book form. Includ- 
ing the Dorothy Thompson and 
Alexander Woollcott scripts. 

'hT Gang' threw party to mark 
shutdown after a straight year's run 
of the air. Bebe Daniels and Ben 



Lyon gathered all the talent who've 
guested' on the Sunday night show, 
to come along and cheer. Event is 
airing. 



Athene Seyler doing another revue 
job for BBC' Vehicle tagged 'Never 
Be Surprised.* 



Reginald Foort, onetime staff BBC 
organist who went on the road with 
his own show, and a special set of 
mechanical pipes, brought the in- 
strument back to- BBC when Corp- 
oration's own organ was bombed. He 
aired for the initlaler. 



Klmberly snd Page, playing a 
cabaret In the- North, picked up by 
BBC when radio ran a line into the 
night spot 



Kenway and Tonng, radio-made 
comics, are entering vaude, teeing 
off at Coventry; Paif will vacate 
their air 'Howdy Folks' unless sesh 
can be waxed ahead of schedule. 



Jack Bacluuuii will head a new 
musical, set for eight weeks. Show 
replaces 'Piccadlxle.' • 



SOjOOO w(dts 

WJR 



9niUe 
Intermountalii Marktt 

people preferthe lively 



RBC 

■ ED 
RCTWOIN 



Phyllis Nellson-Terry pacted by 
BBC for two more radio dates. 'Will 
do Trilby' and 'Love' Passes By,' 
stage vehicles which have served her 
previously. 



George Graves will head the. cast 
for 'Baron Munchausen,' scripted by 
Henrik Ege with music by Henry. 
Reed, around the notorious fibber. 



Gerry WHmott'a 'Sunday Matinee,* 
upped to night spotting. Takes over 
the 'Hi Gang' time. 



Clifford and Marlon to guest with 
Sunday night 'Happldxome.' yaude 
pair make it their first radio date in 
a long time, road occupying them in 
between. 



Beatrice Llllle in- London again and 
being lined up for radio dates. 
Comedienne has just finished an- 
other tour of the troop camps. 

Death of Al Bowlly, crooner, in a 
recent air-raid, rees many requests 
xoming into Broadcasting House for 
a special memorial program. He was 
credited with being the Number One 
vocalist here, operating with top 
batoners Lew Stone and Roy Fox, as 
well as a session with Ray Noble. 
Transcription Dept. of BBC may 
comply, checking their stocks for 
shows including the crooner. 



'Belter Shelter* returns to the air 
for the summer, same cast plus 
Bertha Wilmott warbler. Musical 
show centers a mythical air-raid 
shelter — if that's not something to 
try and make popular. . 



FIrtta Shepherd's 'Up and Doing* 
9irs an excerpt for BBC. Radio will 
run a line into revue's current West 
End location, the Saville theatre. 



Heoord Time' will run a year and 
th^n fold for the summer. Clearing 
house for messages to soldiers from 
sweethearts and wives. 



Lllll Palmer drew the bid from 
'Close Up.' Actress is currently with 
'Np Time For Comedy* in West End, 
and admits to plenty trouble making 
sure English comedy doesn't get a 
Viennese accent. 



Adele Dixon airing in a specially 
written radio musical. 



Noel Coward has missed being 
heard in his last three radio- book- 
ings since returning this side. Tech- 
nical trouble took out his Saturday 
afternoon biographical piece. 



Extended hour of daylight has 
BBC on the air till 11:15 p.m. with 
its popular net, a quarter-hour later 
than hitherto. Other band remains 
afr its midnight shutdown. 



Dorothy Hyson, daughter of 
Dorothy Dickson, guesting on 'Close 
Up' and speaking of her 100% Amer- 
ican strain. Actress was born in 
Chicago, but popular conception of 
her is as the typical British girL 



E. Phillips Oppenhelm, in an in- 
terview on his 72d birthday, revealed 
having received a postcard from 
P. G. Wodehouse, now a captive in 
Germany, and Indicating humorist 
has just finished another book. 'I'm 
comfy and well, loolced after* said 
Wodehouse. Sez the Nazis, sez 
Oppenhelm. 



Bill Down, over here on war as- 
signment, got a call from Carroll 
Gibbons to fill a spot on batoner's 
'Saturday Diversion.'- Show has a 
quiz session — Down was given 
Varibtt headline 'Stix Nix Hix Pix' 
to translate. 



Wallace Dooglas, radio and film 
actor till going into the Army, Is an- 
nounced as prisoner of war, seized 
at Calais after fall of France. He's 
now running entertainments for fel- 
low prisoners. - Wallace is brother 
of Robert Douglas who quit the stage 
at war outbreak for a pair of Navy 
wings. 



Jack LIvesey heads the new serial 
'On the Run,' scripted by Howard 
Agg, It's his third serial in a row. 



'Jessie Matthews in for two radio 
guestlngs recently, 'Monday at Eight' 
and Town Hall.' 



Wednesdaj, July 9, 1941 



93 




DO rOURMJTWOI^ 

mopjWGUAidjr/ 




Sunday to Saturday — Winter and Summer'^ 
Any Time U Good Time on NBC RED! 

Come heat, humidity or plain high water . . . now is the 
time for all good advertising men to come to the aid of 
their Summer, Fall and Winter sales curves — with a liberal 
dose of advertising strategy a la NBC RED I Here's whyi 

The NBC RED All-County Census proves that, nightly, 
4 1 .7% more radio families "listen most" to NBC RED than to 
any other network. By day, 36.9% more families "listen most" 
to NBC RED than to any other network. Listener loyalty like 
that helps a lot to push most any campaign over the goal llnel 

So-o ... if you're lucky enough to be on NBC RED 
right how, you need only give your contracts a quick once- 
over, then run along td your golfing, your swimming or 
your butterfly-netting. If you're not now on "the network 
most people listen to most" cheer up I It's no trick at all to 
enter the charmed circle. Just reach for your phone and 
relax in the breeze of your fan while we tell you about 
the tested sales-producing opportunities we have in stock. 



From all Indications, NBC RED is heading into its 14th 
consecutive summer of network leadership, with a grand 
parade of programs. Hop on the band-wagon today, and 
take it easy the rest of the summer. For, now as ever, the 
password to worry-free advertising isi 

"ANY TIME IS GOOD TIME ON NBC RED!" 

NATIONAL Broadcasting Company 
A Radio Corporation of America Service 




S4 RADIO 



Wednesdaj, Julj 9, 1941 



Equity, AFRA, Screen Gu3d AD Are 
Concerned With Tekvision Jurisdiction 



Now that American television has 
th« legal right to sell time to spon- 
sors, il sponsors will buy any at this 
stage (which remains dubious), ne- 
gotiations have been resumed be- 
tween the medium and actor union 
groups concerning minimum work- 
ing pay and conditions. Telecasters 
are reminding the unions that its all 
outlay with skimpy prospects of any 
revenue. In the past NBC deficits 
for television have reportedly gone 
as high as $700,000 in a year. RCA- 
NBC were reported to be $10,000,000 
in the bag over the longpull of lab- 
oratory experiment when commer- 
cialism became legal July 1. 

As Indicated last season a three- 
way board will serve for the talent. 
Equity, American Federation of 
Radio Artists and Screen Actors 
Guild representatives making up a 
committee. Equity will claim Juris- 
diction on the ground that its people 
are essential in the televising of 
plays, a stand th^t may eventually 
lead to an inter-union scrap. 

Combination committee on tele- 
vision went as far as limiting hours 
of rehearsal for telecasts some years 
' ago, then stopped at the request of 
AFRA, which was then negotiating 
■ basic agreement with the radio 
chains. Radio union felt that fur- 
ther palavering might impair its 
progress in securing the pact. Soon 
afterwards Washington stepped in 
and television all but stopped. 
Equity's View 

Equity concedes that AFRA 
ghoi^d figure in the television field, 
also that SAO belongs, because mi- 
crophones are used in television and 
that the Iconoscope Is akin to the 
motion picture camera, AFRA fur- 
' ther Is important in the new art be- 
cause its system covers radio studios 
and the staff is well qualified to 
check up on possible violations of 
the rules. Equity has no such con- 
tact with the broadcasting plants. 

Matter of revenue is a factor in 
th« situation. While Equity is the 
most solid financially of the talent 
unions it feels it should retain tele- 
vision and whatever dues it will 
bring, after having turned over Jur- 
isdiction to radio and pictures, ' then 
helped each of the then new unions 
to become organized. 



Take-It-Easy Tele 



; Continued from page 3^ 



KARM, Fresno, Sets Rep 

Chicago, July 8. 
Free Sc Peters has been appointed 
national reps for KARM, Fresno, 
Cal. 

Appointment made by Clyde 
Coombs of station which has Just 
been granted okay'^to boost power to 
5,000 watU. 



tape-measured, narrow space pro- 
duction methods of NBC. 

2. The experimental at Columbia 
seem to have a basically more prom- 
ising approach to programming in 
terms of showmanship. 

The difference, invidious or not, 
between , NBC and CBS television 
production seems to be that NBC is 
formal and CBS is informal, highly 
so. NBC skypictures give the im- 
pression that the engineer runs the 
works, CBS already suggests that 
CBS runs the engineers. This is the 
difference between treating telelvi- 
sion as a science only and treating 
it as an art exploiting a science. 

The informality at CBS, which oc- 
cupies hugh auditorium-like quar- 
ters in Grand Central Terminal, is 
exemplified in numerous small ways, 
but especially in the general atti- 
tude, which represents conscious 
company policy. For example, one 
iconoscope has taken a picture of 
its mate rolling into position for the 
next shot, a close-up. Vaudevillians 
who put on their acts are allowed to 
ad lib and there is a take-it-easy 
quality in everything. The results 
are psychologically beneficial. True, 
CBS has not yet .televized anything 
requiring actors to memorize lines, 
or stick to a set dramatic plot. Here, 
perhaps, is where the comparison Is 
unfair to NBC, which has faced 
these hardships with time, money, 
staff and other limitations. 

CBS' ContribaUon 
CBS greatest production contri- 
bution to television after this in- 
formality technique (or escape- 
trom-technique?) is the bank of 
hanging flour^scent lights which 
form a shell above the floor. These, 
plus mercury vapors developed by 
General 'Electric, provide a big and 
ample throw of light over a large 
area in which the dollies can freely 
move and the actors are not roasted 
as under ordinary lighting. (NBO 
has also made considerable progress 
in improved lighting.) 

The control panel at CBS makes a 
provocative spectacle of the modus 
operandi of television. There are 
several images of what the icono 
scopes are giving to the transmitter 
(Chrysler tower three blocks away) 
and the directing crew wear head' 
phones. Left to right looking out- 
ward down at the lighted floor there 
is (1) a girl secretary keeping the 
log for the FCC, (2) audio engineer 
with headphones (Dick Fay) who 
communicates with the microphone 
boon-operator, etc., (3) assistant 
director Carl Beyer, (4) Director 
Worthington Minor, (5) switcher 



Bemie Brink, who control! th« tral- 
flc of the mobile cameras operated 
by Messrs, Bretz and Benedick, and 
(6) the shader, Albert Harcher, who 
checks the light. 

Exeo Bead! 

In and about the production floor 
are the executive heads of CBS tele- 
vision, Adrian Murphy, Peter Gold- 
mark, Leonard Hole, Gilbert Seldes. 
And as a final touch of Informality 
there is Dick Coogan who is roving 
master of ceremonies. Ha may pop 
into the picture at any time to com- 
ment, kibitz with the performers, 
make suggestions, So far as most of 
the items that CBS puts out are 
concerned, the rehearsal and the 
performance are merged, co-exist- 
ing, improvised and synchronized; 

These comments should not be 
taken to imply that CBS has a new 
revolutionary technique, but sim- 
ply to report that it has something 
and its fresh perspective, purposely 
freed of other company tradition, 
may be an excellent, invigorating 
influence on all television. This 
seems true — the basic approach is 
showmanly, not engineering. 




Technicians Unions Continae Active 

C.I.O. Creates On* Big Local for East— ACA Has 
Contract With CBS Covering Television 



BALABAN-KATZ 
IN TELEVISION 



Chicago, July 8. 

Various' stage names appearing at 
the two downtown Balaban & Katz 
theatres which present live talent 
(Chicago and State^Lake) have made 
appearances on the B. & K. tele- 
vision station, W9XBK. Among 
these were Pat O'Brien, WilUe 
Shore, Gil Lamb and Blackstone the 
Magician. 

Station set-up is in final stages of 
completion and when 'finished will 
carry full 15-hour-a-week schedule 
of television programs. A staff of 
eight people headed by William C. 
Eddy, is at the station and have been 
responsible for the actual building 
of much of the equipment. 

A 200 ft. steel tower has been 
erected on the roof of- the State- 
Lake Bldg., and a portable broad- 
casting automotive unit has been 
built Two large studios and one 
small 'personality' studio are ready. 



Technicians unions of both th« 
AFL and CIO hava recently inten- 
sified their organizing activities In 
the radio industry. Both have al- 
tered their organizational' setup to 
some extent and both are carrying on 
intensive drives for new station con- 
tracts. 

Broadcast department of the 
American Communications Assn. 
(CIO) has merged its five eastern 
branches in New York, Philadelphia, 
Baltimore, Washington and Buffalo 
into a single unit, known as Local 
No. 1, with headquarters in New 
York and jurisdiction east of the 
Mississippi. Graham Dolan, for- 
merly ^of the Newspaper Guild in 
Chicago, has beeii appointed organi- 
zer in charge of the new local. 

Union, which takes in all station 
workers in accordance with usual 
CIO practice of a vertical setup, has 
recently signed contracts with 
WNBF, Binghamton, N. Y. (adding 
announcers to the technicians al- 
ready covered in a previous deal); 
WARM, Scranton, Pa. (entire staff, 
including announcers, technicians 
and non-production employees); 
WBAX, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (techni- 
cians), and is negotiating .with 
WORC, Worcester, Mass. 

ACA is still pushing lU NLRB 
case against WOV, New York, but in 
the meantime has obtained other 
jobs for all but one of the techni- 
cians fired by th,e Bulova station, al- 
legedly for union activity. Single 
exception Is an Italian-language an- 
nouncer, whom the imion is continu- 
ing to carry on its own relief rolls. 
I>onard Ohl, former ACA organi- 



GE's Tele Goln^ Commersb 

SchenecUdy, N. Y., July 8, 
When^ork on General Electric's 
new television studio, claimed to be 
the largest of its kind in the United 
States, is completed within a few 
weeks, GE plans to enter the com 
mercial telecasting field with the 
FCC minimum of 15 hours per week, 
I^ast December, the company discon- 
tinued the broadcasting of local tele- 
vision programs over W2XB, SchC' 
nectady, after 18 months of experl' 
mentation. 

Equipment to include two cameras 
on movable doUles, one stationary 
camera, a microphone extension 
boom allowing complete control of 
position and angle of the mike from 
off-set, etc. A 128-foot steel tower, 
on which are mounted relay an' 
tennas to carry the programs to the 
transmitting station in the Helder' 
bergs, is near a rear corner of the 
structure. To protect the antennas 
from the elements, they are enclosed 
by a wooden box which can be 
electrically heated. 



zer in New York, Is now employed 
as a technician at WHOM, Jersey 
City. , ^ 

Local 1212, the New York chapter 
of the Associated Broadcast Techni- 
cians unit, of the International 
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 
(AFL) has just signed a new tele- 
vision technician contract with CBS. 
Union already has contracts for tech^ 
niclans of regulation broadcasting at 
WABC, WQXR, WEVD, WINS, all in 
New York, and WPAT, new station 
at Paterson, N. J. It is dickering for 
a contract at WB'YN, new outlet in 
Brooklyn. It also has deals with the 
recording companies in New York. 

Lester N. Hatfield was last week 
elected president of Local 1212. 
Other officers named at the same 
time are Robert Elliott, vice-presi- 
dent; Fred Jessee, recording secre- 
tary; Al Moore, treasurer, and T. 
MacLeod, financial secretary. 



Television Reviews 



^Continued from page 



lews 



IOWA RADIO STUDENTS 
GET STATION TRIALS 



Iowa City, July 8. 
Some 11 University of Iowa radio 
students and staff members at 
WSUI, the institution's radio station, 
joined commercial radio organiza- 
tions as beginners last month, . They 
included Marjorie Lester and 
Georgia Bowman, to WLW, Cincin- 
nati; Ray Abel, to NBC, Chicago; 
Lois Ann Russell, NBC, New York; 
Frederick Keller, WASH-WOOD, 
Grand Rapids; Claire Henderlider, 
WMT, Cedar Rapids; Marold Glas- 
pey, KFNF, Shenandoah, la.; George 
Moon, KHMO, Hannibal, Mo.; Hugh 
Harper, KSCJ, Sioux City, and 
Marianne Prugh, to the George 
Weber advertising service, Des 
Moines. 

Beverly Barnes received a WLW 
scholarship award. And Fred Conger 
has returned to . WBAA, Purdue 
University station, after a year's 
leave to study. 



George Grim, Minneapolis Star 
Journal vadio .director, was forced 
to cancel his radio shows on WCCO 
for four-day rest to shake off flu. 



has and vice versa on another gal. 
And the reason? 

It was pretty hard to believe that 
the contestants were not paid 
stooges. This radio program u a 
broadcast version of the old parlor 
game of forfeits. The horseplay un- 
questionably is responsible for the 
program's high radio, popularity rat- 
ing. 

Television was able to offer all 
who were mechanically equipped to 
see the strange spectacle of an adult 
citizen told to perform a hula-hula 
dance. The production staff wrapped 
him in a grass skirt a&d he carried 
through with that willingness to play 
the fool which sometimes passes as 
being a good sport It makes a 
very impretty picture — If anybody 
cares — of American citizenship in 
1941. But there were more and more 
incredible consequences to come. 
There was, for example, another fat 
gent who was told he was a child. 
He was to prepare to bawl while 
seated on the lap of a middle-aged 
woman, ostensibly a complete 
stranger to him. The instructions 
were the cue for the prop boys to 
rush a length of cloth between the 
fat gent's legs and tie him up in a 
diaper. All good clean radio fun, 
but it helped to begin television un- 
der commercial sponsorship on a 
pretty low level. 

May destiny preserve this nation 
from the terrible example of smart- 
alekism which, with the aid of tele- 
vision if ever organized nationally, 
this kind of drunk-while-sober be- 
havior represents! hand. 




'JACK AND THE BEANSTALK' 
With Lydia Ferera, Ann Franols, 

John Rnpe 
Story with Cartoons 
Afternoon, 3:2S 
WCBW (CBS) New York 

Here is an imaginative experiment. 
Using the two television cameras on 
mobile dollies, the story of 'Jack and 
the Beanstalk' was begun as a serial. 
Lydia Perera Is the story-teller; Ann 
Francis the blonde daughter who 
kneels down by mommy's chair. 
John Rupe is the animator who 
draws to suit the narrative as the 
story unfolds. It was a pleasant, 
nostalgic reminder in simple — beau- 
tifully simple — terms and it provided 
a first rate sample of fluid, unfet- 
tered approach to the production 
problems of television. 

It was amusing and significant how 
often the cartooning of Rupe, as ex- 
ecuted before the viewer's eyes, 
drew warm chuckles. The Icono- 
scopes trained on and off mother, i 
mother and daughter, child,. the ex- 
panding panel of cartoons. Espe- 
cially amusing was Rupe's sugges- 
tion of what his home and mother 
looked like to Jack iii the beanstalk 
once he had climbed up to tlie land 
of make-believe. 

Phillip Booth both writes and di- 
rects this series, and an intelligent 
job he does in both. Land, 



Picture 
This 



WMMN 

RECEIVED 

955 

orders for photograph 
enlargements for a 
Grand Rapids, Mich.. 
cUent IN ONE WEEK. 
That's really an ex- 
pansive approach to 
the enlarging busi- 
ness, and we con do 
the same for you — 
whether you sell pho- 
tographs or phono- 
graphs, noodles or 
needles. 

Ask thai old "fotog" 
John Blair 




Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



RADIO MARKETS 8S 



G.E. Kitchen Give-Away Highlights 
NBC-Lucky Stores Anni Shindig 



San Francisco, July 8. 

NBC's tie-up with Lucky Stores 
chain tor a 10th anniversary cele- 
bration In Oakland Civic Auditorium 
Is snowballing to point where It ap- 
pears auditorium's 11,500-seat capac- 
ity will be Inadequate. First 'an- 
nouncement of show brought 2,000 
ticket requests and alTalr Is still 
three weeks oft. 

latest hypo is $1,500 G. E. electric 
kitchen which will be given away at 
the show. Blowups of the Five 
Edw«rds, NBC dramatic family, ex- 
amining kitchen have been spotted 
in all Lucky stores, which also are 
festooned with 3,000 banners and 
pennants bearing KPO-KGO call 
letters. Stores are displaying total 
of 6B0 pictures bf NBC stars, Post- 
Enquirer is carrying art and stories 
daily, while all Lucky Stores ads are 
banner-lined and include KPO-KGO 
bowing mikes. 

Speed record of some sort was set 
by KYA this week when Darrell 
Darnell's flve-a-week news quarter 
was sold to a new sponsor 20 min- 
utes after becoming available. Long 
used by J. E. Grench, auto distrib, 
the period was finally dropped as a 
•result of the shrinkage In new-car 
output. Twenty minutes after de- 
cision was made, Ink was drying on 
a new contract tieing Sable Bay 
Furs to the strip. 

Art Kemp, CBS Coast sales chief, 
haj secured a 52-week renewal of 
the Mennen Co.'s 'Bob Garret Re- 
porting' news slot at 7:30 p.m. Mon- 
day, Wednesday and Friday via H. M, 
Kiesewetter agency, N. Y., efifective 
(14). 

New on KROW Is a 16-week 
schedule of 36 transcribed spots 
weekly for Pepsi-Cola, set by 
Newell-Emmett Direct, the indie 
also snagged Del Monte Cleaners, 
Oakland, for .a weekly quarter, 
'Smooth Sailing,* plus a series of 
spots. 

Jack Campbell, KGO-KPO sales 
promoter, has come up with a new 
batch of figures on early morning 
listener habits. In 6,461 requests for 
a free somple plugged on one KFO 



Musical Clock newscast, at 7:45 a.m., 
were postmarks from Washington, 
Nevada, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and 
Utah, as well as almost all California 
counties. 

A second test, consisting of a sim- 
ple promise to salute aU counties re- 
sponding, brought, in one week, re- 
plies from all California counties 
(58), plus 27 In Washington, 26 in 
Idaho, 24 In Oregon, 16 in Montana, 
13 In Nevada, 10 In Arizona, 9 in 
Wyoming, 6 in Colorado, 5 in Utah 
and one in New Mexico, Ratio gives 
a pretty fair picture of local cov 
erage conditions, outlets booming 
into the north and northeast but bC' 
Ing heard only spottily in the Arl 
zona-New Mexico desert areas to the 
southwest. 

Gospel Broadcasting Assn.'s Sun' 
day night 'Revival Hour' is now be- 
ing piped to KFBK, Sacramento, via 
an odd roundabout route. Originat- 
ing at KHJ in Los Angeles at 5 p.m 
it is picked oft KFRC here by Photo 
& Sound recording studio, then at 
9:35 p.m. played back to KSAN 
which feeds it to Sacramento Via the 
California Radio System. Takes four 
stations, two networks and a tran' 
scrlptlon lab to service the valley 
outlet. 

KPO: Cook Products Corp. (salad 
dressing), through Rufus Rhoades, 
one five-minute transcribed program 
weekly, 13 weeks, 'Hollywood Head- 
lines'; Southern Pacific Co. (rail- 
road), through Lord & Thomas, 23 
spots, four weekly; Moores, Ltd; 
(men's clothing), through Brisacher, 
Davis, 13 Sunday spots; I. Magnin 
& Co. (women's clothing), through 
Erwin, Wasey, three spots. 



DES MOINES REVERSES 



Local Swings from '^.9 to +6% 
Others Dp SIlKhUy . 



Des Moines, July, 8. 
After plunging to a low of minus 
8.9% the previous week, local biz 
made a flashy comeback here with a 
count of plus 6.1%. Spot and net- 
work also gained several points, but 
not enough to lift the total out of the 
red. 



Comparative Unit Connt 



Network .. 7,175 

Local 3,284 

Nat'l Spot.. 3,160 
Total .. 13,619 



July 5. Jane 28. Change. 



7,50a — 4J 

3,09S -1-6.1 

3,190 —0.9 

13,786 —12 



(Included: KRNT, KSO, WHO) 



CONSOUDATED 
DRUGONWBBM 



Tour Neighbor' Series on KNX 
For Dr. Lyon s; Roma Wine to KHJ 



SALT LAKE LOCAL UP 



Connt 



Rises 10J% — Dept. 
Campaign on KDTL 



Store 



Comparative 1'nlt Connt 



% of 

July 5, Jane 28. Change. 
Network . . . 9,005 9^253 - — 2 J> 

Local 3,924 3,S66 -|-10.« 

Nat'l Spot.. 1,619 1,453 -1-11.3 

Total 14,548 14,272 -f- 1.9 

(Included: KFRC, KGO, KJBS, 
KPO, KSFO) 



Chicago, July 8. 

Consolidated Drug' Trade products 
continues as one of the biggest radio 
time buyers in the field. They buy 
pretty cheap, picking up the early 
morning hours for the lowest price 
classification, but they are healthy 
chunks of time the stations find use- 
ful for a.m. getaways. 

Consolidated has just signatured 
for 30 minutes Monday thf ough Sat- 
urday on WBBM, riding between 
6:25 a.m. and 6:5S a.m., set through 
Benson & Dall. Program will plug 
two products, Kolorback and Yeast 
Foam. 

WBBM came up with two other 
commercials last week. Peter Hand 
Brewery, weekly half-hour sponsor- 
ship of the syndicated 'Barrel of Fun,' 
through Mitchell-Faust; Great West- 
ern Laundry, five minutes three 
times weekly, through the Salem 
Baskin agency. ' 



ComparaUve Unit Count 



of 

Julys. Jane 28. Change. 

-fO.7 
-M>.8 
— OJ 



Network. .. 9,376 

Local 6,368 

Nat'l Spot.. 11,320 

Total 27.063 

(Included: WBBM, WENR, WGN, 
WIND, WJJD, WLS, WMAR> 



9,310 
6,420 
11,357 
27,087 



Salt Lake City, July 8. 

The Paris Company, local depart- 
ment store, has signed for sponsor- 
ship of the 'Picture Man' to start in 
August over KYDL. The store has 
been a consistent user of announce- 
ments, but this is the first time in 
several years It has placed regular 
stanzas on the station. 

KDYL: Anderson Jewelry Co., 
sponsorship of 'I Am an American,' 
starting the middle of July; Kellogg 
Co. (Pep), through Kenyon & Eck- 
hardt, renewal. 

KUTA: Carter Products, through 
Spot Broadcasting, three announce- 
ments per week, 52 weeks; Black 
Rock Beach, direct,' 72 announce- 
ments; Edwards Ladies' Apparel, 
direct, 72 announcements; Verd & 
Wald Awning Co., direct, 72 an- 
nouncements; Success Pharmacy, 
direct, 72 announcements; Barnett & 
Weiss (jewelers), direct, quarter- 
hour news, six months; Ex-Celcis 
Beauty Salon, through Gillham Adv., 
13 five-minute programs; Allen Oil 
Co., through Ad-Craftsman, 26 10- 
minute programs. 



Comparative Unit Couot 



July 5. 
.Network .. 6,467 

Local 2,410 

Natl Spot.. 1,287 
Total 10,164 



June 28. Change, 
6,962 — 7.2 
2,174 +10.8 
1,225 .-f- 6.0 
10,361 —1.9 



(Included: KDYL, KSL, KUTA) 



Universal Mills on KGKO 

Fort Worth, July 8. 
Universal Mills (Gold Chain Flour) 
win sponsor five weekly quarter 
hour programs on KGKO. Ernest 
Tubb, cowboy balladeer, is enter- 
tainment. Ray K. Glenn Agency 
handled. 

KGKO also has United Aircraft 
Institute Sundays for 'Behind the 
Battlefronts' analysis by Norton 
McGiflin. 



Hollywood, July 8. 

Increases were the rule on all 
fronts, but not enough to excite the 
tfade. Of the new business signed, 
KNX made most to-do about the 
Lyon's tooth powder account, which 
bought time for flve-a-week airings 
of 'Your Neighbor.' Marks the first 
time in years the dentrifrice outfit 
has bought spot time on the Coast, 
and considered unusual that such a 
product should start a sales drive In 
the summer months. 

KFI: McMahan furniture, 156 
quarter-hour broadcasts of Fleet- 
wood Lawton, commentator, and 39 
quarter-hour broadcasts of 'The 
News Crier,' through Ad Carpenter; 
Rancho soup, 52 one-minute trans- 
scriptions, through Lord & Thomas; 
Smart & Final (food products), 39 
quarter-hour broadcasts of 'Johnny 
Murray Talks It Over,' through 
Heintz-Pickering; Forest Lawn Me- 
morial Park, 52 participations In Art 
Baker's 'Notebook,' through Dan 
Miner. 

KECA: Southern furniture, 13 
quarter-hour broadcasts of 'A Lay- 
man's Views of the News,' through 
Alvin Wilder; Kelley Kar, 78 10- 
minute broadcasts of 'Sports Round- 
up,' through '^Milton Weinberg. 

KHJ: Roma wine, 156 quarter- 
hour periods, tjjirough Cesana & As- 
sociates. 



Comparative Unit Count 



I 



% of 

July 5, June 28. Change. 
Network .. 11,827 11,734 -f-0.7 

Local 4,361 4,328 +0.7 

Nat'l Spot. . 1,744 1,726 +1.0 

Total 17,932 17,788 +0.7 

(Included: KECA, KFI, KHJ, KNX) 



Victor Van der Linde To 
Handle Gimbels Radio 

Victor van der Linde agency has 
been named to handle radio adver- 
tising for Glmbel Bros, department 
store, N. Y. 

Campaign using six half-hours on 
WMCA, New York, will be used. 



WBT has 2,1SSM0 program directors 

♦ 




Run a finger down the list of local WBT programs punching 
hardest for their sponsors and you'll find that the WBT audience, 
itself, has had a big hand in building them. Talent for talent and 
feature for feature, these sales producers are what the audience 
has asked for— and listens to. 

Farm Editor Grady Cole... Sports Editor Russ Hodges... and 
many another WBT star can turn a neat sales trick for an adver- 
tiser simply because they are the people's choice. Simply because 
.WBT's listeners have built them into the personalities— 
salesmen— thsit they are today. 

There's a file of success stories here to prove what kind of sell- 
ing stuff these WBT-Audience-Requested-Programs are made o£ 
Which is why WBT clients take WBT program department 
recommendations so seriously. 

Your nearest Radio Sales representative has an interesting list 
of WBT talent and program availabilities, with testimonials and 
case histories that are worth your reading. 



WBT 



50,000 WATTS • CHARLOTTE 

"THE STATION AN AUDIENCE BUILT" 
Owned and operated by the -Gjlumbia Broadcasting System. 
Represented nationally by Radio Sales: New York, 
Chicago, Detroit, St. Loiiis, Los Angeles, San Francisco 




86 RADIO MARKETS 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



Gimbel Bros.' Air Debut on WMCA; 
RXWlams Buys WNEW New! 



For the first time in Its history, 
Gimbel Bros, department store will 
use radio as an advertising mellurh, 
aiming copy to move specific mer- 
chandise. Half-hour program, con- 
tents of which have not been deter- 
mined, was placed by Victor Vander- 
linde, Inc., and will be heard via 
WMCA six times weekly starting 
August 4. 

S. B. Thomas, Inc., has renewed 
for another 13 weeks the Don God- 
^ard newscasts aired by WEAF on 
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 



Radio 

Specialist 

Seelcs 

Connection ! 

Entered radio in 1926. 

With advent of commercial radio 
specialized in creating, writing 
and producing tailor-made shows 
that clicked I 

Sold 18 Different Ideas ! 

Have sold 16 different program 
ideas to sponsors for local, 
regional and network broadcast- 
ing. 

Over $1,000,000 of 
Radio Jime Bought! 

Over a period of eleven years my 
sponsored programs have sold 
over $1,000,000 of radio time. 

Services Invaluable To: 
AGENCY seeking creative 
Writer-Producer 



STATION Facing Time-Sales 
Problem 



SEATTLE SHAKY 



Web and Spot OB to Total Off 0.3% 
— Competitors Greet KIRO 



SODITD MERCEAIIDISING 
EXPERIENCE 

(WITH PROOF OF rUBCBASE) 



Afore Interested in Right 
Connection Than Pro- 
hibitive Salary, 

LOCATION IMMATERIAL 

WRITE OR WIRE 
BOX 357, VARIETY, 

154 W. 46th St, New York 



7:30 to 7:45 a.m. Program is in be- 
half of Protein Bread and English 
Muffins. Merrill Anderson Co. is the 
agency. 

WMCA: Eastern Steamship Lines, 
through N. W. Ayer, six announce- 
ments weekly, 2C-weeks contract; I. 
J. Fox (furs) through Lew Kasuck 
agency, 70 announcements weekly, 
24-week contract. 

WNEW: R. C. Williams (Royal 
Scarlet ColTee), through Alley & 
Richards, John B. Kennedy, WNEW's 
news analyst three times a week, 
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 
from 7:30 to 7:45 p.m., nine weeks; 
Joseph Hensler Brewing Co., 'Make 
Believe Ballroom,' through E. T. 
Howard Co., 26-weeks, three times a 
week; I. J. Fox Co., 60 announce- 
ments weekly on the 'Milkman's 
Matinee,' 24 weeks; William Wrigley, 
Jr., through Vanderlie & Rubens, 52- 
week renewal, 38 announcements 
weekly. 

WOR: J. L. Prescott, through 
Monroe F. Dreher, renewal, one- 
minute announcements, four times 
weekly; Warner Bros. ('Sergeant 
York') through J. Walter Thompson, 
35-word announcements for two 
weeks; Florida Citrus Commission, 
through Arthur Kudner, announce- 
ments, Monday through Friday, 13- 
week contract; Marlin Firearms 
(razor blades), through Craven & 
Hedrick, announcements, 13-weeks 
Sudbury Laboratory, through Mason 
L. Ham, announcements during 
Farmer's Digest, two-week contract; 
Jos. Martinson & Co., through Neff- 
Rogow, quarter-hour AP news with 
Alois Havrilla, three times weekly, 
52 weeks; Sussex County Boosters 
Conference, through United Service, 
renewal of announcements, two 
weeks; Serutan. Co., through Ray- 
mond Spector, 'Beyond the News 
with Jay Sims,' quarter-hour weekly, 
52 weeks; I. J. Fox (furs), direct, 
nine participations daily in 'Moon 
light Saving Time,' 52 weeks; Hecker 
Products, through Maxon, Inc., 'Judy 
and Jane,' quarter-hour five times 
weekly, 52 weeks; Lee & Perrins, 
through George Bijur, participations 
in the Bessie Beatty program, Mon 
day through Friday, 13. weeks. 

WQXR: Browning King & Co., 
(men's clothes), through Morton 
Freund, renewal for 13 weeks, five- 
minute AP news, three times weekly; 
Eastern Steamship Lines, through N. 
W. Ayer, 21 announcements weekly 
for 20 weeks; Reader's Digest, two- 
week extension of test campaign, 



Seattle, July 8. 

Radio business here oft slightly 
this week, with several stations get- 
ting programs lined up so that next 
month or so should show much ac- 
tivity. KIRO's opening (29) on 50,- 
000 watts, garnered lots of space Ih 
the dailies, the P. I. running a six- 
page section, and weeklies in nearby 
towns giving It a big play. As a 
gesture of friendliness, KOMO-KJR 
ran an ad in the P. I.'s section, sa- 
luting the new power of KIRO, 

KOL signed Wm. O. McKay, Ford 
dealers, for another four months of 
five-a-week Fulton Lewis, Jr., news- 
casts. KRSC still loaded with base- 
ball broadcasts bringing attention to 
the station. 



Comparative Unit . Count | 



% ot 

July 5. June 28. Change. 
Network .. 7,360 7,367 —0.1 

Local 6,782 6,748 4-0.5 

Nat'l Spot. . 730 705 —8.1 

Total 14,872 14,800 —0.3 

(Included: KIRO, KRSC, KOL) 



ALL CATEGORIES 
NOSE DIVE IN 
SAN ANTON 




1 McGillvra Rejp! for 13 
Of North Central Web 

Chicago, July 8. 
Joseph Hershey McGillvra has 
been appointed national representa- 
tive for North Central Broadcasting 
System, regional hookup of 13 Mu- 
tual stations in Minnesota, Wiscon- 
sin and the Dakotas. Network stu- 
dios are in St. Paul. 

McGillvra has offices here and in 
New York, San Francisco and Los 
Angeles. 




San Antonio, July 8. 
All units sheered off sharply the 
past week, with the end of political 
broadcasts accounting for much of 
the drop in network and local bill- 
ings. 

KABC: Liberty Mills, through 
Coulter-Muller-Gritnstead, ■ ■ 10 ' an- 
nouncements per 'day; Interstate 
Theatres, one quarter-hour and 10 
spot announcements for 'Caught in 
the Draft'; Dr. Montgomery, op- 
tometrist, six,- spots per day; 'Doc 
Sellers Stories' for Sea Foam Laun- 
dry, quarter-hour transcribed pro- 
gram three times per week; George 
Jones Motors, one quarter-hour 
newscast per week, 52 weeks; Palm 
Courts Mo-Tel,' five-minute news- 
cast six times per week; Playland, 
10 spot announcements per day. 

KOMO: Winter Garden Beverage 
Co., spot announcements, direct; 
Buck-a-Roo Dude Ranch, spot an- 
nouncements concerning 4th of July 
celebration; $2 Dress Shop, partici- 
pating announcements; Charles A. 
James and Wright Sporting Goods, 
participating announcements. 

WOAI: Three , half -hour programs 
per week over the Texas Quality 
Network from the Baker Hotel, Dal- 
las; one additional half-hour per 
week from the Anacacho Room, St. 
Anthony Hotel; San Antonio Build- 
ing Sc Loan Association, through 
Wyatt agency, one announcement 
per week; renewal of spot announce- 
ments, Texas Builders Exchange, di- 
rect; Globe Laboratories, through Ray 
E. (^lenn, four announcements per 
week on 'News at Dawn'; Thomp- 
son's Tavern, six announcements 
from July 4 to 7, direct; renewal of 
'Mr. District Attorney' for Vitalis 
(Bristol-Myers), half -hour weekly 
through NBC network. 



SOOW. Night 
C P. 

10.000 Watts 
JULLTIME 

Wews-Senhnec 



WNOX IM MIDST OF 

Bfta SEASON TOt^ 
SIVKE SPONSOR! 

— wdh Lo\Nell IBIdncharc/, 

ds best hss^hd/ <3nnouncer in^ 
Sotrihem league! 





A Scripps -Howard 
"Radio Station 

^epResENTeo w1«E BRANHAW COMPANY 



Comparative Unit Connt 



% of 

Julys. June 28. Chanire. 
Network .. 6,602 7,803 —16.6 

Local 10,037 17,727 —.6.4 

Nai'l Spot. . 2,180 2,380 — 8.3 

ToUl 18,819 20,910 —10.0 

(Included: KONO, KMA<j, KTSA, 
KABC, WOAI) 



P.&G. (OXYDOL, DUZ) 
BUYS ON WCAO, WFBR 



Baltimore, July 8. 

Pal)st Beer bought all around here, 
utilizing all stations for current spot 
campaign. Some major renewals 
also helped to stave off summertime 
blues in all classifications. WFBR 
stepped up its night-time power to 
5,000 watts,' equalizing its daytime 
strength. Formerly operated on 1,000 
watts after dark. 

WCAO: Stephen Seth Co. (Bendix 
washers), through Young & Rubi- 
cam, 40 daytime announcements; 
Procter & Gamble (Oxydol), 
through Blackett-Sample-Hummert, 
cut-in announcements; Gittings Auto 
Service, via Jos. Katz, 200 a.m. 
clock announcements; California 
Fruit Growers Exchange, through 
Lord & Thomas, 52 daytime spots to 
be used five a week; Hausewald's 
Bakery, through Paul Brown, re- 
newed 200 announcements; Globe 
Brewery, through Jos. Katz, renewed 
four daily five-minute newscasts, 
one year; American Chicle Co., via 
Badger & Browning, renewed 78 
a.m. clock announcements; Carter 
Products (liver pills), through Spot 
Broadcasting, renewed. 260 one-min- 
ute announcements. 

WBAL: Royal Farms Dairy, 
through Paul Brown, .26 announce- 
ments; Gardner Nursery, through 
Northwest Radio, six five-minute 
programs; Pabst Beer, through Lord 
& Thomas, 16 spots; Tru-Ade Bot- 
tling Co., through Beaumont 4c Hoh- 
man, 78 announcements. 

WCBM: Past Beer, through Lord 
& Thomas, 80 spots to be used 10 a 
week; Free State Brewery, through 
Harry J. Patz, five quarter-hour air- 
ingsa week. 

WFBR: American Oil Co., through 
Jos. Katz, renewed participations on 
'Club 1300'; High's Ice Cream, 
through Courtland Ferguson, spots; 
Florida Citrus Growers, through 
Arthur Kudner, one-minute spots 
daily; Pabst Beer, through Lord & 
Thomas, night-time spots; Procter 
Sc Gamble (Duz), via Compton 
Agency, night-time spots. 



Comparative Unit CottAt 



% ot 

July 5. June 28. Change. 
Network .. 8,210 8,180 + O.S 

Looal 4,732 4,621 -|- 2.4 

Nat'l Spot.. 2,210 2,485 —11.0 

Total 15,152 15,286 — 0.8 

(Included: WBAL, WCAO, WCBM, 
WFBR) 



HUGH BOICE WITH WMBD; 
CALEY ADDS A TIHE 



Foreman Repping KFJM 

Chicago, July 6. 

Foreman company, station rep out- 
fit, has been appointed exclusive na- 
tional biz-getter for station KFJM, 
Grand Forks (N. D.). 

Effective immediately, with deal 
made by Ed Foreman. 



SANDWICH HUT 
BUYS ON m 



Detroit, July 8 
Hamburgers 180 miles away n( 
are being sold via CKLW, Winds 
Ont 

Larry Gentile, pilot of the s 
tlon's 'Dawn Patrol' (midnight tt 
a.m.), received a telephone call fn 
Cleveland, Ohio, 180 miles away, I 
other morning. 'This is Diney 
Diney's Drive-In speaking,' a vo 
announced. 'All my customers pa: 
ed outside are listening in to y 
Looks like it might be o.k. for : 
to advertise over your show.' 

The deal was made over the te 
phone and now Gentile, in Cana 
is plugging Diney's hamburg 
'over on 117th street in Cleveland 

Business amdng the six Detr 
.area stations remained spotty 1 
managed to preserve a margin 
about 2,500 units above the comp 
able week a year ago. While seve 
cholked up gains, losses in otl 
stations pulled down the level. 

Reflective of its continued str( 
position, local business accounted 
2,300 units of those gained over It 

Most marked skid was in the fi 
ing oft of network time by bet 
than three per cent, compensated 
a slight gain in national spot buyi 



Comparative Unit Connt 



% 

July 5. June 28. Chai 
Network ... 7,934 8,219 

Local 12,976 12,980 

Nat'l Spot.. 4,661 4,501 H 
Total 25,491 25,700 



*No change. 



THE MOST INTl- , 
MATI AND EFFE^IVE 
SALES APPROACH TO 
AMERICA'S LARGEST 
MARKET. 



5000 WATTS V, , 

" ' OVfS MF'tOfO; 'AN ".fA "Pf 



Vlen-a bj 

John B, 
Hughei 

9 a. m. Monday Tlira FridaJ 
Sponogiwl by Aiipertitne 




Peoria, 111., July 8. 

Charles C. Caley, commercial man- 
ager of local station WMBD, in ad- 
dition becomes assistant station 
manager, effective Monday (14). He 
is a member of the National Sales 
Managers' convmittee for the broad- 
casting industry. 

Also In the WMBD commercial de- 
partment, Hugh Boice becomes na- 
tional sales manager and Russell 
Ehresman manager ot-merchandlsing 
and promotion. 



Beaumont, Texas.— Lawrence San- 
ders has been named chief engineer 
of KFDM, succeeding Leonard Saye, 
who goes to WBAP-KGKO, Fort 
Worth, 



'THE Q'N BILLS' 

By JANE WES-r ! 

now radio s most popular 
family brings you more 
Laughter Jears |-|eart-throbs 

Presen'eciov'vorySoao 99''.-.- rou-e 



I 



||CTCi|TWICE DAILY 

hMIErV^QQ Red Network, 12:15 to 12:30 P.M, COST 
In - WABC— 6:30-6:45 EDST— CBS 
^ • • COAST TO COAST 

Dir. COHFTON ADTEB'nSINa AOENCT 

MOT. EO WOLF— RKO BLDG, NEW YORK CITY 



^^edaesdaj, July 9, 1941 



BADIO 87 



HOW TO DIAGNOSE YOUR COMMERCIALS, PROGRAMS 



(Continued from page 27) 
course of a program. At one mo- 
ment he may like what he is 
hearing; at another he may be dis- 
pleased. His reactions may vary 
from very favorable to very un- 
favorable In the course of a whole 
program or even to that of a very 
small part of a program. 

We can begin, then, by stating 
that every radio program produces 



the listener's mind a series of 



reac tions. 

A reaction is caused by a stimulus. 
For every different reaction there 
must be a different stimulus. If a 
program produces many different 
reactions in a listener, then the pro 
gram itself must be composed of 
many different stimuli. 

A radio program, therefore, may 
be defined as a series of related 
stimuli producing a series of re- 
lated reactions. 

The graphs show how the audi 
ence's interest varied during the 
course of several programs. This 
variation is presented as prima 
facie evidence that a radio program 
Is a series of related stimuli. 

REACTION PAHERN 



We have seen that a radio program 
is a series of stimuli producing a se 
ries of reactions. However, when 
stimili are presented in a continuous 
form, an over-all reaction is pro- 
duced In the listener's mind. The 
nature of this reaction may differ 
from any one of the specific reac- 
tions of which it is constituted. 

This may be compared to half 
tones in printing. What seems to the 
reader of a newspaper to be a grace- 
fully shaded picture of a beautiful 
girl Is, in reality, a collection of 
black dots of varying sizes. Each 
of these dots alone is nothing but a 
spot of black or gray. When, how- 
ever, these dots are all put together, 
they produce the over-all effect of 
a picture, having many tones of 
shading. 

Likewise, when many separate 
end distinct reactions are placed to- 
gether, they too form an over-all 
pattern, distinct from the reactions 
themselves. 

Any program produces over-all 
reactions of two types: 

A. The first type may he 
termed 'channel of thought.' It is 
the stream of thought,' induced 
in the listener. It is the direction 
of the listener's thinking, as toell 
OS the associations brought up bv 
that line of thought. A study into 
the reactions of 50 subjects while 
exposed to two old song programs 
indicated that the progroms pro- 
duced spect/ic and personalized 
memories. This is an example of 
how a program establishes a 
"channel of thought* — In this case 
by bringing back memories. 

B. The second type of reaction 
mov be termed 'mood.' It is the 
cTnotional stole, induced in the 
listening. 

When the old song program was 
played "to groups of middle-aged 
people at WOR, about 17% of them 
publicly wept; this in spite of the 
fact that they must have had 
natural reticence against crying be- 
fore strangers. 

This Is an example of how a pro 
gram establishes a mood. 

Further evidence indicating that a 
program establishes both a channel 
of thought and a mood was given by 
a psychological investigation made 
In conjunction with the Program 
Analyzer. 

After listeners had recorded their 
reactions to this same program, por^ 
tions of the program for which they 
-had indicated a strong "like' or 'dis 
like' were p^yed back to them, and 
they were asked the reasons for their 
reaction. The fact that the program 
had created a mood and a channel 
of thought is evident from some 
typical remarks: 

'I had heard that song before and 
this made me remember it. I heard 
, It under pleasant circumstances.' 

'Nice and sentimental.' 

K is evident that In this cas? 
'mood' and 'channel of thought' are 
Interdependent. The channel of 
thought produces memories. The 
memories produce a mood and the 
mood. In turn, produces more memo- 
ries. 

F*r pnrposes of convenience In 
referring to this phenomenon 
tltfoacbout thU report, we wlU 
appropriate the closest psycho- 
lodoai label— ecstalt— and we will, 
henceforth, refer to it by this 
name, although academic psy- 
ohoIOKlsts may well feel that we 
are enlarging on the word's origi- 
nal meaning. 

'Gestalt' as here used will refer 



to the total reaction pattern of 
an audience, while listening to a 
speclflo program, 

CARRY-OVER EFFECT 

We have shown that a radio pro- 
gram is a series of related stimuli 
producing a series of related reac- 
tions. These reactions together form 
an over-all mood and -thought pat- 
tern which we call the listener's 
gestalt or, differently expressed, 're- 
action pattern'. 

It is obvious that each individual 
reaction has its effect in the forma- 
tion of the gestalt, or total pattern 
of the program. We now add that as 
each reaction influences the gestalt, 
or total pattern, so the gestalt ex- 
istent at any moment influences each 
subsequent individual reaction. 

A simple example may make this 
clearer. Many jokes require a 'build 
up' before they are funny. This 
'build up' Is simply a method of in- 
ducing in the mind of the listener 
a mood and a channel of thought 
which will prepare him for the cli- 
max, or 'punch line,' of the story. 
This mood and chanhel of thought 
we have called the gestalt. The 
same 'punch line' when delivered 
without a 'build up' will not be as 
effective as when the proper prepa- 
ration has been made. In other 



GESTALT'S SIGNfflCANCE 

We have «nid that every radio 
program induces in the mind of the 
listener an over-all pattern of mood 
and thought which we call the 
gestalt. But the practical radio man 
wants more than a theory. He wants 
to know ho\V he can apply this 
knowledge so as to make his radio 
programs more effective. 

Before showing how these facts 
can be applied to everyday problems 
we must note one of the well-known 
rules of advertising psychology — 
namely, that human beings are 
naturally inert 

This means that, all other things 
being equal, human beings tend to 
follow the lines of thought and ac- 
tion which are familiar to them, and 
in which they are currently engaged. 
Human beings resent change. New 
ideas meet instinctive resistance. 

It is not necessary to go into a 
detailed discussion of the psychologi- 
cal reasons for this tendency of hu- 
man beings to continue along ac- 
customed lines of thought°and action. 
A moment's reflection will remind 
the reader of many examples. 

One usually puts on the same shoe 
first. College students, entering a 
classroom for the second time, have 
been found almost invariably to 



A song to be 'popular cannot be 
basically different from its forerun- 
ners. It must fit a rigid standard 
pattern. A pattern which the masses 
are used to hearing. 

This human slavery to inertia 
holds true for all thoughts and ac- 
tions. The human mind wants to 
continue along the paths that it is 
traveling at, at any particular time. 

This truth may be applied to ra- 
dio programs. We have seen that 
the gestalt of a program is simply 
the mood and thought channel in- 
duced in the mind of the listener. 
He will tend to resist any attempt to 
change that gestalt. 



Actual Tests 



INTEEEUPTIONS 



This reaction may be compared to 
the annoyance which you have un- 
doubtedly felt when, In the midst of 
a busy conference, you have had to 
interrupt your chain of thought and 
answer the telephone. You resent 
this interruption to your gestalt. 

When your telephone rang, you 
may have indicated your annoyance 
by an exclamation or have been a 
little 'peevish,' or — as is more likely 
— you probably had to keep your ir- 
ritation to yourself. 

The radio listener is in a luckier 
position. There are no rules of eti 




THEY LIKE IT. THEY LIKE IT NOT— Actual Photograph of a test audience assembled 
in the studios of Station WOR, New York. Each person has a button for 'fqvorable' and 
another button for "unfavorable.' Whenever a button is pressed down or released that fact 
is recorded upon a moving tape. Synchronize the tape with the program content and 
there results a clear record of how "the public' reacts to every element in the program. 



words, the proper 'build up,' or 
gestalt, is an important element In 
determining the Intensity of the re- 
action to the 'punch line.' 

In view of this. It is not sur- 
prising that we have found a carry 
over effect In radio programs. This 
simply means that everything pre- 
sented In the course of a program 
has an effect upon that which fol- 
lows. If we are measuring the re- 
action of the audience to any par- 
ticular part of a program, we will 
find that the reaction will be more 
favorable if this part has been pre- 
ceded by a portion to which the 
audience reacted favorably, If the 
preceding portion produced an un- 
favorable response, then the part 
that we are measuring will also be 
affected adversely. 

The importance of the carry- 
over will be more fuUy explained 
later In this work. It has a pro- 
nounced effect on every program on 
the air today. It, to a large extent, 
determines whether or not a joke 
will be well received, it often de- 



stroys what would otherwise be ef- 



fective commercials. It affects every 



component part of a radio program. 

However, it is sufficient, for the 
moment, to Indicate that carry-over 
effect does exist, for later In this 
report we discuss Its effect in de- 
tail, and point out ways of using it 
to advantage. 



choose the same seat which they oc- 
cupied during the first visit to the 
room, though they are free to take 
any vacant seat. Executives develop 
a routine for handling office details 
which they follow without con- 
scious thought. 



'PROMISE' 



This resistance to new ideas should 
not be confused with the PROMISE 
of something new. As every adver- 
tising man knows, one of the most 
effective copy appeals is this prom- 
ise. - The public wants this prom- 
ise, but it does not want the result- 
ing product, if fulfillment of the 
promise means accepting a radical 
change. When a manufacturer ac- 
tually does bring out a new type of 
product or gives an old product an 
entirely new or unfamiliar appear- 
ance, he will usually find it diffi- 
cult to obtain public acceptance. 

Not many years ago a well-known 
auto manufacturer brought out a 
completely streamlined automobile 
which looked very different from 
any other models which had pre- 
ceded it. Here was a radical de- 
sign. The public was interested. 
They came to see the car, but actual 
sales were disappointingly small 
simply because the idea of having 
an automobile that looked like this 
one was unfamiliar to the public 
and was, therefore, resisted. 



quette which he must follow. When 
a program violates his gestalt, the 
radio listener does one of two things; 
either he tunes out the program or 
he turns psychologically deaf; that is, 
slops conscidusly listening. In any 
event, you have lost a portion of 
your audience. 

Our tests have indicated that 
whenever the gestalt, or total pat 
tern of a program is interrupted, au 
dience interest drops. As we men 
tioned before, in discussing the carry- 
over effect, this drop is not confined 
to the material which itself violates 
the gestalt, but also unfavorably -af 
feels all following material. We will 
discuss specific examples from pro- 
grams which we have tested. (We 
will describe the gestalt of these 
specific programs, the material in 
the program which produces and 
maintains that gestalt, and the ma 
terial which violates it. We will 
Shaw how these programs may *b 
improved In their effectiveness by 
giving the public more of those 
things which it wants and which are 
in the gestalt of the program, and 
less of those things which violate 
the gestalt and therefore cause an 
unfavorable reaction). 



• Abner Silver and Robert. Bruce. 'Ho 
to Write «n<1 SeH'a Sone Hlf: T. W 
Adomo. 'Stud 
Sdonco." 1011 



On Specific 
Radio Shows 



TESUNQ FROGBAMS 

Hotu does one find the gestalt, 
or total pattern, of a program? 

Since the gestalt is a pattern 
in the listener's mind, it is neces- 
sary to approach the listener if 
one is to onsuier this question. 
Let it be clearly stated here that 
it is exceedingly dangerous to 
attempt to guess at the gestalt of 
a program without evidence 
gained from a careful study of 
the reactions of regular listeners 
to that program. The total psy- 
chological pattern Is usually 
simple, but it is not a lways ob- 
vious. And it must be measured 
by a qualitative yardstick. 

1. old-time songs 

The ShoVr: A musical program 
featuring a single personality who 
plays the piano, sings, and talks in- 
formally. He not' only presents the 
entertainment portions of the pro- 
gram but also does the commercial 
announcements. 

The program Is built around the 
idea of memories. The songs ar? old 
ones. Most of them were favorites 
before 1920: Some even before 
1900. These songs are played either 
as piano solos or are whistled or 
sung. Because the program person- 
ality does not have an exceptionally 
good singing voice, he has a tendency 
to 'talk' many of the songs. In ad- 
dition, he provides Informal com- 
ments; some of them jokingly, others 
designed to build a word picture 
around the song. 

If, for example, he were present- 
ing 'Silver Threads Among the 
Gold,' he might have a brief inter- 
lude in which he would speak of the 
beauty of mother 16ve and the no- 
bility of growing old. 

The Audience: The primary audi- 
ence for this program are women, 
old enough to remember when some 
of the songs presented were popular. 
This requires that they be 40 years 
or more. They tend to come from 
economic groups B and C. Usually 
they are housewives, and sentiment- 
ally, not romantically inclined. 

The Audience's B«a<;tIon: When 
this program was tested, the' audi- 
ence Indicated that it was primarily 
interested in the music. The per- 
sonality's talks were their second 
choice. Last, as might be expected, 
were the commercials. (See graph 
'AA'). 

The music was further subdivided 
Into types of presentation. The au- 
dience liked best the simple piano 
solos, with or without whistling as 
an accompaniment. The second 
choice was the singing of songs. 

Certain songs were preferred . to 
others. It was found that senti- 
mental ones such as 'Beautiful Gar- 
den of Roses' and 'Silver .Tlireada 
Among the Gold' were the best 
liked. These songs are not only old 
and sentimental, but have a certain 
nostalgic quality about them. The 
least-liked songs wfere of the frivo- 
lous, humorous, or flippant variety, 
such as 'I Wish I Had a Girl," 
'Waltz Me Around Again, Willie,' 
'Bye, Bye, Dearie,' and 'Ragtime 
Violin.' 

Between these two extremes, the 
other songs were roughly ranked in 
terms of the amount of seriousness 
which they possess. 

The audience definitely Indicated 
that they did not like to hear the 
personality 'talk' songs. They made 
such comments as, 

'Yes, I like the music but dislike 
the talking.' 

'Don't like so much talking on « 
so-called musical progrom.' 

'I tvould say I was mildly inter- 
ested. I don't like the talking of the 
songs— like the musical part of it all 
Tight.' 

'I object to anybody speoking • 
song. If.8 not his voice parttcitlarty, 
for I like' his speaking voice.' 

What was the gestalt of total pat- 
tern of this program? 

We find the gestalt by a careful 
inspection of the listener's reactions, 
her likes and dislikes and by a study 
(Continued on paee 38) 



88 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



RADIO DIAGNOSIS 



(Continued from page 37) 
ol her comments. The gestalt of 
this program is one ol highly per- 
sonal, serious, sentimental and al- 
most sacred memories. 

We know that memories were pro- 
duced because ol such comments as: 

'That song brinsfs back mejuorics 
0/ Florida, St. Petersburg— sometimes 
Afinmi, niid often in my own coun- 
try liomc li-hcre my family surrou7id 
me. Good old song that. With a 
punch, loo.' 

'Yes, I like that song because n 
brought back old memories.' 
' Furthermore, during tests of this 
program, approximately 17% of our 
audience wept publicly. When asked 
about this, they, responded with such 



GESTALT DEFINED 



Gestalt, a term of psychologists, 
is employed throughout these re- 
ports as indicating the total pat- 
tern of emotional and Intellec- 
tual reactions which the listener 
experiences while listening to a 
radio program, 



song was 'off-color' which made lis- 
teners so strongly resentful. It was 
rather the fact they were engrossed 
in pleasant, intimate, and sacred 
memories— a mood from which they 



'LIK^'AND 'D/SLIKE'Fll/CTUATION 
IN A PnO&RAM or OLD SONGS 




GRAPH 'A'— The tape reading has been tronsfonned into 
a chart picture. "Note that the 'commercial' portions of a 
15-minute program of old songs is white-on-blac^ for con- 
This study is stated another way in 



tradistinction. 
Graph 'AA.' 

phrases as: 'It brought back such 
tu)eet memories.' 

That these memories were highly 
personal is indicated by such com- 
ments as: 'Caroline is my second 
name and it is my favorite song be- 
cause of the association with that 
Tuime. Sounds os 1/ he were sing- 
ing to me.' I 



VIOLATES GiS&TiLT 



Just as the portions of a program 
which the audience particularly en- 
Joys are an indication of the nature 
of the program's gestalt, or total pat- 



were suddenly Jarred by the Inser 
tion of a foreign idearv^ 

Because these iriemories are pro 
duced by the son^. It is not sur- 
prising that the audience reacts un- 
favorably when the program person- 
ality attempts to 'talk' a number. 
'Talking' tends to obscure the mel 
ody and, since the memories are as- 
sociated with the melody as much 
as the lyrics, the listenif Is disturbed 
by the 'talking.' 



YOUNG REACT OTHERWISE 



The gestalt, or total pattern, that 



Hmmi 

1 100 



to 



VAmrioN or intirist 

IN A rnOSKAM COMPOSED Or 0U> SON&S 



40 



10 




MMIOKOOS 



(0 



60 



40 



20 



GRAPH *AA' — ^There is a clear showmanship spggestion 
conveyed here. The violation of the mood, or gestalt, of 
a program of sentimental songs produces sharp dips into 
'dislike.' Commercials fall off less than 'humorous remarks' 
which are even more interruptive of the listener's mood. 



tern, so the portions which are most 
Intensely disliked also provide clues 
as to what violates the gestalt, It Is 
from a study of the disliked por' 
tions ' that we And our evidence of 
the serious nature of the gestalt, or 
Reaction pattern' of this program. 

Invariably, the audience reacted 
unfavorably to frivolous songs, such 
as 'Waltz Me Around Again, Willie.' 
In one particular song, 'I Wish I Had 
B Girl,' the audience felt that the 
program personality had introduced 
certain flippant attitudes. They in- 
stantly recorded a strong adverse re- 
action. Som« of their comments on 
this portion were: 

'I am. not for that. Not '1 Wish I 
Had a Girl.' Not my taste.' 

'It was an awful song — an «nplcas- 
ont song — which didn't get into my 
HOME— not my kind of home. Cul- 
tured people don't sing those kind of 
BOngs.' 

It was not the 'thought that the 

i- ■ 1 iilin) / >.l 



we have described, applies to the 
program's primary audience. Young 
people, while not included In the 
selected sample, were studied for ex- 
perimental purposes. It was found 
that this program produced an un 
favorable gestalt in the minds 
young people, /or the obvious reason 
that the songs were not associated 
with memories, but were simply an 
tiquated tunes. 

Now that we have found the gestalt 
of this program, it will be clear to 
thte reader why he was warned 
earlier against attempting to guess 
the total gestalt of a program with 
out consulting the primary listening 
audience. 

The obvious gestalt of this pro 
gram was 'memories.' But to pro- 
ceed on that basis alone a number 
of serious mistakes could be made. 
Waltz Me Around Again, Willie,' 
and 'I Wish I Had a Girl' and other 
such songs were extremely popular 
in their day. It cannot be denied 



HORACE SCHWERIN'S 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 



^ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦» MM <♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 



This work, which has covered 
a period of years, has only been 
made possible by the Interest, 
the cooperation and the enthusi- 
asm of many individuals and 
organizations. 

Among those to whom a debt 
of sincere gratitude is owed are: 

Raymond Specter, President of 
the Raymond Spector Co., Inc., 
whose advice and financial sup- 
port made this work possible. 

Messrs. Ted Strelbert, Joseph 
Craemer and George Allen of 

Station WOR for providing us 
with the full facilities of that 
station, including staff help, stu- 
dio facilities, recording devices, 
etc. 

Dr. Paul Felix Lazarsfeld, Di- 
rector of the office of Radio_Re- 
search of Columbia University, 
for his constant counsel and for 
the 'Program Analyzer' which he 
made available to us. 

Dr. Frank Stanton, Director of 
Research of Columbia Broad- 
casting System, for his . advice 
and, as co-Inventor of the 'Pro- 
gram Analyzer,' for the use of 
the machine. 

The hundreds of women's fra- 
ternal and social organizations 
who made their club houses and 
groups available to us for tests. 

Bobert Ewart, Jim Lehman 
and Stanley Handelbaum, of the 

Raymond Spector Co., Inc., radio 
research staff, whose coopera- 
tion was invaluable. 

— Horace Schwerin. 



that the program audience probably 
had memories connected with these 
songs. But the memories connected 
with these songs are not the mem 
ories which this program's audience 
takes the greatest pleasure in re- 
calling. They prefer to remember, 



or imagine, the memories induced by 
more serious, more sentimental 
songs. 

It is interesting to note that the 
results of a mail survey supported 
this conclusion. 

135% as many respondents indi- 
cated a preference for more singing 
as wanted mor« talking. 

Further and more impressive evi- 
dence of the correctness of our diag- 
nosis of the program was presented 
in actual sales figures from four 
tests. In two markets the program 
was broadcast in its initial format; 
in the other two markets the pro- 
gram was revised according to re- 
search specifications. Although this 
type of analysis contained many 
variables, and is affected by extrane- 
ous factors, sales per advertising dol- 
lar w«re twice as great In the mar- 
kets using the revised program. 
(To be continued next tveek) 



WFIL's Ownership Change 

Philadelphia, July 8. 

The Federal Communications Com 
mission last week gave its approval 
to the deal whereby Lit Brothers 
Department Store acquired the haU 
interest in WFIL formerly owned by 
Strawbridge & Clothier, making 
Lit's the sole owner of the outlet. 

Samuel R. Rosenbaum continues 
as WFIL prewy. with Roger W 
Clipp still filling the general man- 
ager slot. George H. Johnson, Lit 
president, was named chairman of 
the WFIL board; Alfred Blasband 
secretary, and Anna T. Hild, con- 
tinues as treasurer. The new board 
consists of Johnson, Rosenbaum 
Clipp, Blasband, Walter T. Gross- 
cup and Joseph Gallagher. 



BRUCE BARRINGTON, U.«.A, 
St. Louis, July 8. 

Bruce Barrington, news editor and 
special events director at KXOK, 
the Star-Times station here, has re 
ceived orders to join the army ef 
f active Thursday (10). Barrington is 
a reserve officer in th> Coast Ar- 
tillery and reports for duty in Phil- 
adelphia. He was a member of the 
opening staff of KXOK which went 
on the air in Sept., 1938. 

Hatry Renfro Is Barrlngton's suc- 
cessor. 



From the Production Centres 



^♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ M >« «» .^ 

IN NEW YORK CITY ... 

Ted Lewis guests July 18 on the Ilka Chase 'Penthouse Party' Johnny 

Burke and the comedy pair. Nan Rae and Maude Davis, set for series of 
dates on the Kate Smith show in th« fall — Claude Lapham, pianist, 
joined Winston Ross and Suzanne Wilkins on 'British Brevities' over 

WWRL Gabriel Heatter originating his programs this summer from 

Lake Placid, .. .Erin O'Brien-Moore to be. written out of 'John's Other 
Wife' to play the lead in 'Little Foxes' the week of Aug. 5 at Newport 

(R.I.) Casino theatre Webb Tilton, once of the NBC guide staff, doing 

twice-weekly song series over WNAC, Boston, and the Yankee network 
...Reagan McCrary, N. Y. Mirror editorial writer, doing five-weekly 
commentator series on WMCA....Hal Algyer, of WWRL's 'Studio Players,* 

has been drafted 'The Avenger,' whodunit dramatic series, starts Fri'. 

day night (11) on WHN Lieut. Richard Bard, until recently publicity 

man for WNEW, transferred from publicity staff at Ft. Dix to War Depart- 
ment, Washington. .. .Laurette Taylor will guest tomorrow night (Thurs- 
day) on 'Sky Over Britain,' via WOR-Mutual — Martha Harrison, who 
handled several femme shows over WWRL, joined news department of 
British Press Service Doris Bienz new receptionist at WWRL, succeed- 
ing Peggy Juarnich, who recently maiTied — Starting with last week's 
Zivic-Davis bout, WOR is doing recorded repeats at 4:05' t'ne following 
morning, of Its fight broadcasts. 

Sunday (13) night's edition of '26 by Corwin' will be 'Ann Was an 
Ordinary Girl,' a play about Ann Rutledge, with John Mclntyre and Jea- 
nette Nolan (Mrs. Mclntyre) co-starred — Following week Charles Laugh- 
ton may plane from the Coast to do a drama about Job, the first of a 
Biblical trilogy. Possible, however, that if Laughton is tied up in a pic- 
ture, Corwin may go to the Coast to do the show. Following week's pro- 
gram wiU likely be 'Esther,' an opera about the Biblical character, with 
a score by Lyn Murray. 

Carlton Young set for title part on 'Ellery Queen' if and when it re- 
turns' to the air.... William Morris office set the deal In a split with 

Columbia Artists, which has the show George Zachary, who originally 

set up .the program with Fred Dannay and Manfred Lee, will probably 

direct it again, with Marian Shockley playing the femme lead Jack 

Smart favored for the Jiggs part in 'Bringing Up Father,' but may be held 
to his exclusive contract for 'Mr. Meek'. .. .Sylvia Lowy assisting Ed 
Byron with the production of 'Mr. District Attorney'.... Gordon Auchin- 
closs, director of 'Hit Parade,' working on a swing show idea with Mark 

Wamow Ezra Stone has passed his medical exam and expects to be 

drafted In about a month.... He may be stationed at Governor's Island 
and get off Thursday nights to continue the 'Aldrich Family' series.. . . . 
Lillian Hellman and Herman Shumlin guest on 'We, the People' next week 
..CBS has notified agencies and sponsors that spy or 'Fifth Column' 
stories are taboo on the network. .. .Paul Stewart, who recently closed in 
'Native Son,' playing Duke Mantee, the gangster, in 'Petrified Forest' next 
week at White Plains, N. Y. 



IN HOLLYWOOD ... 

Tom Lewis, manager of the radio department in Hollywood for Young 
& Rubicam, takes up headquarters on the Coast after a month's rest in 
Hawaii with his wife, Loretta Young. He relieves Joe Stauffer, who heads 

up radio department for Kenyon & Eckhardt in New York Tom 

McAvlty prowling his old haunts on respite from duties as Lord & Thomas 
radio head. ,. .Ralph Sedan wIU try his luck In eastern radio after 21 

years in films and air work here Carroll Tornroth, late of NBC artists, 

bossing the radio setup at Nat Goldstone agency. .. .Danny Danker resting 
in the mountains. .. .Deanna Durbin will be first guest star when Chase Sc 
Sanborn resumes Sept 7. Only changes in the Java setup will be a new 
music director to replace Robert Armbruster and a new male singer for 
Donald Dickson. , . .Martha Raye goes guesting on Rudy Vallee's Sealtester 
July 10.... Frank Forest here for a few weeks, having his vocals piped in 
on 'Double or Nothing'. . . .itadio crowd gave Joe Stauffer a farewell party 

and a wrist watch on tk« eve of his departure for New York Eddie 

Cantor will guest on Walter White's 'Nobody's Children' over Don Lee- 
Mutual Jtjly 13 Nancy Gottfried, publicist for Ted Bates agency, will 

be married to Julea Bundgus, Benton & Bowles Hollywood press agent, 
Sept. 7. 



fiV CHICAGO ... 

Igor Gorin guests on the Chicagoland Hour on WGN on Saturday (12) 
....Phll Bowman taking over production job on 'Stepmother' while Les 
Mltchel vacashes. . . .Bill Seymour doubling from announcer duties to 

some commercial photo Jobs Gladys Heen added to cast of 'Woman in 

WhUo' NBC program chief Sidney Strotz in for midwest confabs 

Annamae Domey is new secretary for NBC midwest press head. Bill Ray, 
succeeding Agnes Seward, who retired to housekeeping after 12 years on 
the staff. 



IN SAN FRANCISCO , . . 

Mark Goodson, KFRC m.c, and originator of 'Pop the Question,' off to 

greener pastures in New York Dave Drummond back in town after a 

hitch with KGW-KEX, Portland Bill Newell, radio editor of the Van- 
couver. Sun, renewing contacts here Jack Kirkwood, KFRC comic, 

recalling when Lou Costello was his second comic at the old Majestic in 
L. A., and both of 'em adlibbing all over the place.... Larry Keating, 

KPO-KGO m.c, doing a personal appearance in Watsonville Sego 

Milky Way, wax show with Mary Lee Taylor and Bennle Walker, marked 
its seventh year with the cutting of recording No. 728 at Photo & Sound 
this week.... Jack Edwards, Jr., of NBC's 'Five Edwards,' has composed 

a song called 'Are You An Angel' for BMI release Mel Nyman did the 

words and Floyd Wright, NBC organist, is the arranger. .. .Herb Caen, 
KPO gossiper who airs for Regal Pale Beer, got a fan letter this week 
accompanied by 72-bottle case of suds from the local distrib— of Pabst.... 
Caen's sponsor reportedly burning. 

To honor . veteran Frisco sportscaster a special Ernie Smith Day wai 
staged at Seal's Stadium here Sunday (6) and Gov. Olson made a presen- 
tation between games at the double-header Hal Burdick, oldest one- 
man sh«w in radio with the same sponsor,- gets his first vacation in six 
years when 'Night Editor' (Cardinet Candy Co.) takes a 13- week layoff 
starting July 20. . . .Nick Lucas now being peddled by Larry Allen of CRA, 
who has set the singer for four commercial shots on KPO starting July 80 
with Regal Pale Beer underwriting, .. .Charles Green of Consolidated 
Radio Artists, N. Y., a Frisco visitor. 



Washin^on.— Janet Campbell, sec- 
retary to WJSV sales manager Bill 
Murdock, has resigned to become 
amanuensis to a congressman from 
her native state, Thomas Rolph, Re- 
public of San Francisco. Bernice 
Long will rejglace 'Miss C^pb^ll. 



EVI'S 5EW PROGRAMS 

Tacoma, July 8. 

KVI has Inaugurated two new sus- 
talners, filling spot* left vacant as 
the result of the station going off 
Columbia net Programs include 
'The War Today,' twice daUy recap 
and analysis of war news, scripted 
by De Witt McKenzle of the Uni- 
versity of Washington, aired by Sa- 
lem Nours. 

Twice-weekly musical, 'Two 
Pianos and a Voice,' has Mar- 
gerie McKinnle, Jane Powers end 
Leonard Anders(jn t<|amed. ^ ^ . ,^ 



Lightning Ronts FMer 

Detroit, July 8. 
Lightning knocked Station W45D, 
the Detroit News new FM station, 
off the air here. Considerable dam- 
age. 

Length of time the station will be 
off the air not determined. 



Cumberland, Md.— WBTO here has 
Jim Lewis of WJHP, Jachisonvme, as 
announcer, . , 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



CONCERT 



S9 



S. AMERICAN CONCERT BOOM 



Rain Mars Lewisohn Concerts 



Much Persuasion Necessary When Mischa Elman 
Views Skimpy Audience of 4,000 



The Philharmonic Concerts at 
Lewlsotin Stadium closed out a mis- 
erable week financially Monday 
(7), as rain wiped out all but three 
ot the open air poncerts. On Tues- 
day (1), Mischa Elman appeareil as 
violinist with the orchestra in a per- 
formance of Tschaikowsky's Con- 
certo in D Major. The soloist al- 
most did not appear, as he viewed 
the small crowd of 4,000 with dis- 
tain, and desired to postpone his ap- 
pearance. It took something near 
physical force to get Elman to play, 
but play he did, as only he can, with 
amazing runs, trills, and cadenzas. 
The too-meagre crowd dragged him 
back for encores. 

Making his Stadium debut at the 
same time, was the English-bom 
conductor of the Cincinnati Sym- 
phony, Eugene Goossens. The con- 
ductor clicked big. He conducts 
simply, with no waste motions, and 
has his orchestra under fine control. 
Bad weather gross was about $2,200. 

Wednesday- (2), a Spanish-French 
program ot De Grignon, Albeniz, 
Turina, Debussy, and Ravel, was 
given with 2,500 in attendance and 
a gross ot $1,100. - Thursday (3) and 
Friday (4) were rained out, as was 
Sunday -^5), and Monday (G). On 
Saturday, Bach, Hanson, Saint-Saens, 
and Tschaikowsky orchestral works 
were presented to 5,000 people who 
paid about $2,400. 

For the first' time in its 26-year 
history, the Philharmonic will leave 
the Stadium on July 26 to open the 
Flushing Meadow Park, seating 
8,000 people, 4t the spot where 
stood the Acquacade. Joan Field 
will be violinist soloist with Efrem 
Kurtz at the helm. Tomorrow 
(Thursday), Edward Mathews will 
replace Todd Duncan as baritone 
soloist in the annual GersKwin pro- 
gram. 



LUCY MONROE TOURS 



BCA Patriotic Junket for Singer— 
To Do Anthems, Folk Mnsie 



Lucy Monroe will make a tour ot 
th^ country singing American folk 
and patriotic songs under the spon- 
sorship of RCA. She's been given 
the title of Director ot Patriotic and 
American Music. * 

Purpose of the tour, as described 
by George K. Throckmorton, RCA 
Manufacturing Co. prez, is to boom 
national morale by stimulating an in- 
terest in folk and patriotic music. 



RICHD CROOKS' 
82 CONCERTS 
A STRAIN 



HATFIELD ON UPBEAT 



Boss-Baritone In Spnrt of Varied 
Prosperity 



Lansing Hatfield, bass-baritone, 
and Met audition winner, has sky- 
rocketed to national prominence in 
a few months. Hatfield is sold out 
on 56 concert dates which get under 
way Nov. 5 in Taunton, Pa. 

The singer will appear at the Met 
from Dec. 14-March 14, and is now 
readying a halt dozen roles. He 
makes a screen test tor Metro later 
this month. 



Name Concert Dates 

Uulv 9-19) 

John Charles Thomas — (with Los 
Angeles Philharmonic) Hollywood 
Bowl (10); (with Summer Sym- 
phony) Milwaukee (12); Chautau- 
qua, O. (17). 

Bruno Waller — (conducting Los 
Angeles Philharmonic) Hollywood 
Bowl (11, 18). 

Jessica Dragonette— (with National 
Symphony, Antonio Brico conduct- 
ing) Washington (10). , 

Benny Goodman— (with Philadel- 
phia Orchestra, Edwin McArthur 
conducting) Robin Hood Dell, Phila. 
(10); (with New York Philharmonic, 
Reginald Stewart conducting) Sta- 
dium, N. Y. (14). 

Margaret Speaks — (with Cleve- 
land Symphony) Cleveland (9). 

Artur Rubinstein — (with Los An- 
geles Philharmonic) Hollywood Bowl 
(17). 

Tito Schlpa — Teatro Municipal, 
Rio de Janeiro (18). 

Tehndi Menuhin — Port ot Spain, 
Trinidad (9); (with Philadelphia 
Orchestra, with Jose Iturbi conduct- 
ing) Robin Hood Dell, Phila. (15). 

Morlel Dickson-Jobn Dudley — 
(with Philadelphia Orchestra, Jose 
Iturbi conducting) Robin Hood Dell, 
Phila. (17J. 

Oicar Levant— (with New York 
Philharmonic, Alexander Smallens 
conducting) Stadium, N. Y. (10). 



Richard Crooks, having finished 
his most extensive concert tour, 82 
appearances, will be booked for only 
50 recitals this coming season. The 
tenor feels the strain ot grind was 
too much. 

He is vacationing in Maine and 
opens Oct. 22 at Layfette, Louisiana. 
He and Tibbett were Columbia's big- 
gest draws last season. 



ZINO FRANCESCATTI'S 
50 FOR COLUMBIA 



Zino Francescatti, French violin- 
ist, does 50 concerts for Columbia in 
1941-42. Opens Oct. 29 in St. Paul, 
and closes April 30. 

He is booked as soloist with the 
N. Y. Philharmonic, Chicago, Cin- 
cinnati, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Cleve- 
land, Toledo, Tri-City, and San 
Francisco symphonies. 



Toscanini Pace Slowed 



By BAT JOSEPHS 

Buenos Aires, July 8. 

Arturo Toscanini liere alone with- 
out the NBC Symphony is getting a 
let-down reaction from the giddy 
fervor of his reception and boxofflce 
success a year ago. Municipally- 
owned Teatro Colon is reported 
somewhat worried and definitely 
disappointed. They did not expect 
Argentinians to so quickly return to 
normal temperature. Ticket sale, 
while good, is nothing to compare 
with the smash of last year. 

Colon went to great lengths to get 
Toscanini, fiyinij its director-general 
Florio N. Ugarte to New York to 
signature the maestro, putting up 
guarantees and travelling expenses 
and rounding up the cream of S. A. 
musical talent in order to provide a 
suitable orchestra for him. Man- 
agement was counting on a repeti- 
tion of the tremendous fervor which 
Toscanini's last year trip with the 
NBC caused. Reception at that time 
was front-page news throughout 
South America and a top feature 
in public interest. 

Toscanini inve a brief interview 
on his arrival here by plane, declar- 
ing his son-in-law pianist, Vladimir 
Horowitz, might come to B. A. for 
a series of piano and orchestra con- 
certs. He has given no interviews 
since. Toscanini, who expects to re- 
main about three months, plans to 
bring Friedelind Wagner, great niece 
of Richard Wagner, back to the 
States v/ith him. Toscanini was in- 
strumental in obtaining permission 
for her to leave England and come 
here. 



Antonia Brico, woman conductor, 
has been re-engaged as conductor of 
the National Symphony Orchestra, 
Washington, on July 10. 




LONGER COM[ 



Virtuosi From United States 
Numerously Booked for 
Winter Season Which 
Happily Is Reverse of Ours 
— Considered Best of Good- 
Willers Since Based on 
Artistic Appreciation Only 



BIGGER IN 19427 



By EDWABD SMITH 

South America has now become 
the greatest source of income and 
engagements for classic artists out- 
side of the U. S. Luckily for sing- 
ers and instrumentalists, the sum- 
mer or dead season in the U. S., 
is the winter season south of the 
border, and dozens of American and 
European artists making their homes 
in the U. S. are traveling to the 
southern hemisphere this year.- 

So great is the exodus, and so 
popular are the artists appearing, 
that it is felt in some quarters that 
all the good will broadcasts in the 
world, all the film stars and propa- 
ganda pictures which are^ being 
shipped by Hollywood to Latin 
America, .cannot begin to compete 
with the good will being established 
by the singers and instrumentalists 
who speak to their South American 
neighbors through an international 
medium, music. 

$15 Tops— and Sell Oat 

Last season's tours of Arturo Tos- 
canini and Leopold Stokowski, sold 
out at $15 tops, are well known. 
Now Toscanini is in South America 
for a repeat. NBC artists who are 
filling engagements in South Amer- 
ica this summer are Judith Hellwig, 
Josephine Tuminia, Arthur .Carron, 
Herbert Janssen, Nathan Milstein, 
Joseph Szigeti, Claudio Arrau and 
Alexander Brailowsky. Columbia 
Concerts Corp. has booked Yehudi 
Menuhin, Charles Kullman, Anthony 
Marlowe, Helen Olheim, Karl Rei- 
del, Gennarb Papi, . Frederick Ja- 
gel, Bruna Castagna, Rene Maison, 
Raoul Jobin, Lily Djanel, Alexander 
Sved, Grace Moore, Robert Casa- 
desius, Eyvin Lahohm, Kurt Baum, 
and Salvatore Baccalini. 

Contracts were offered Rudolf 
Serkin, Adolph Busch, and Gregor 
Piatigorsky, who were forced to de- 
cline, but who wiir accept for next 
season. ' 

Only drawbacks are certain money 
restrictions, and the dirterence in 
the rate of exchange, but most of 
these artists are receiving American 
dollars under arrangements made 
with their managers. In previous 
years. South America depended on 
European artists who are no longer 
available, but from the rapidity of 
the growth of the field, and the 
World War, Americans by next sum- 
mer may find the country as lucra- 
tive as their appearances in the U. S. 



WESTCHESTER COUNTY'S 6 



Trenton Opera Chorus Experiment 
May Be Widely Emulated in U. S.; 
ideal With Local Symphonies 



GIVE SWISS CONCERTS 



Jacquci Thibald and Pablo Casals 
Reported In Bernt 



Sets Crooks, Ballet, RacbmanlnolT, 
Oscar Levant, Eodzloskl 



The Westchester County Center 
has booked seven attractions for the 
coming season starting with Richard 
Crooks on Oct. 31, and ending March 
20 with the Ballet Russe de Monte 
Carlo. Prices for the series run 
from $6.60-$16.S0. 

Other artists will be Serge Rach- 
maninoff, General Platofl's Don Cos- 
.'^acks, Salvatore Bassaloni and Ma- 
rion Tallcy in joint recital, the 
Cleveland Orchestra with Oscar Le- 
vant and Artur Rodzin.ski as con- 
ductor, and Jascha Heifetz. 



FERDE GBOFE FRISCO DEAL 

San Francisco, July 8. 

Ferde Grofe is skedded to conduct 
the Frisco symph in three Standard 
Oil broadcasts in November. 

Deal is set by Larry Allen of Con- 
solidated Radio Artists. 



Berne, June 28. 

Jacques Thibald, French violinist, 
and Pablo Casals, 'cellist, are con- 
certizing here. Both these artists 
are well known in America. 

They are among the very few well 
known artists still appearing in 
Europe. 



TEXACO OKAYS 
MET OPERA 
FOR '41 



Texas Co. last week signatured a 
contract with the NBC-Blue for the 
Metropolitan Opera broadcasts this 
coming season. The oil refiner gave 
the network an oral okay several 
weeks ago but there was some doubt 
whether it would go through with 
the additional radio expense because 
of the oil priorities question that 
had meanwhile been raised by Sec- 
retary of the Interior Harold Ickes. 
Texaco took the position that re- 
gardless of what the future may 
hold for the gasoline business the 
Met broadcasts at $250,000 for the 
seasonal package was cheap at the 
price. 

The pickups from the Met at Sat- 
urday matinee performance start the 
first week in December. 



Beatimont, Texas, 50,000, 
Programs Six Topliners 

Beaumont, Texas, July 8. 
This city of 50,000 has booked its 
most ambitious program for the 
194^-42 season. Six first string ar- 
tists will be presented in a concert 
series. 

Artists are Lawrence Tibbett, 
Jascha Heifetz, Richard Crooks, the 
Trapp Family Singers, Rise Stevens 
and Vronsky and Babin. 



A promotional project under way 
at .the present time may result In 
the formation of a locally trained 
chorus In each city in the U. S. 
which has a symphony orchestrac 
This would mean approximately 200 
cities throughout the country, with 
the chorus members being trained 
both in the field of grand opera end 
for orchestral works requiring 
choral backgrounds. 

Back of the project is the work 
accomplished last season by the 
Trenton Opera Association which 
put on a series of three operas with 
a locally trained group in conjunc- 
tion with Its orchestra. Prices 
charged ran to a top ot $5 for the 
three operas, with sold out houses 
at each, and a net profit at the end 
of the season. The cost ot trans- 
porting 50 or more chorus members 
from city to city has always been 
prohibitive for opera, but in this in- 
stance, Trenton was given Metro- 
politan top flight singers at prices 
not possible in N. Y. The experi- 
ment was watched with interest by 
other groups, and will be carried 
much further next season. Trenton, 
continuing . on its own, has booked 
Ave operas for the 1041-42 season, 
with star studded casts. . 

Responsible for the Trenton suc- 
cess are James Kerney, president of 
the Opera Association; John K 
Curry, executive manager; Michael 
Kuttner, musical director, and 
Michael De Pace, artistic manager, 
and casting director. 



RETHBERG AS PIANIST? 

It Was a Eumor Only — But Singer 
Is Versatile Enough 



Rumors that Elisabeth Rethberg, 
Met lyric soprano for the past score 
of years, might appear as pianist 
soloist with Alfred Wallenstein's 
WOR orchestra during her 10 weeks 
of appearances as vocal soloist start- 
ing July 11. were denied by the 
WOR maestro, Thursday (3). Ru- 
mor had grown out of the knowledge 
that Rethberg, besides being; one of 
the world's greatest vocalists, is also 
an expert pianist. 

Should the singer appear as pian- 
ist with the orchestra, it would mark 
the first recital of that nature by a 
renowned artist since Marcella Sem- 
brich wowed 'em in the 1880's with 
her appearance as violinist besides 
singing as a coloratura. 



Helen TraubeFs Schedule 



Helen Traubel has been sold for 
55 concerts for the 1941-42 season. 
Off Oct. 1 in Scranton. 

She is alloting a half season to the 
Met, leaving to resume concerts at 
the end ot February, through the 
middle ot May. 



Marian Anderson sings ' her only 
summer date Aug. 0 in the 7,000- 
seat Ocean Grove auditorium, As- 
bury Park, N. J. 



Joe Dyer-Curran Swindt 
Form Frisco Management 
Partnership; Ballet Next 

San Francisco, July 8. 

Joseph Dyer, head of the Munici- 
pal Art Commission, and~ Curran 
Swindt, press rep tor the Opera as- 
sociation, have formed Metropolitan 
Manilgement on the side to handle 
concert attractions which come their 
way. Second bookfhg undertaken by 
the pair is the Ballet Russe, which 
they'll present for six performances 
Aug. 5-9. 

First Met Management date wag 
the Stokowski concert in Civic Au- 
ditorium (27) which, Swindt reports, 
drew 5,000 people but just broke 
even. 

Stoki cut no capers here, working 
hard and putting on an okay con- 
cert. Introduced- a technique which 
won professional approval here by 
scheduling a short program and 
then granting a fiock of encores, 

JUILLIARD GRADS TOUR 



Eight to Present 'Figaro' Under 
Colnmbia Banner 



Mozart's 'Nozze di Figaro,' with a 
group of eight JuiUiard School grad- 
uates has been booked on a 16-week 
tour ot the U, S. by Columbia. 7Ve 
company will give 70 performances 
ot the opera in English and ih mod- 
ern dress. 

Opening is at State Teachers Col- 
lege, with 'Cosi Fan Tuttl' being 
prepared for next season. 



Robert Weede Cashing In 



Robert Weede, erstwhile Music 
Hall baritone, whose success at the 
Met last season skyrocketed him to 
prominence, has been sold out now 
on 28 concerts for the fall season 
which gets under way for him Oct. 
6 in Bozeman, Montana, and will 
be booked tor 60 before the year is 
out. The baritone is also scheduled 
for six performances . with the San 
Francisco Opera Cq. 

Fortune Gallo has signed him for 
the Chicago Co. season, prior to his 
return to the Met. He is also booked 
In Havana and Santiago, Cuba, from 
November 17-21. 



40 ORCHE8TBA GROSSES 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



Krupa-Andrews, Ktt, Fine $23j 
Rochester the Magnet With Stabile 
In PhiUy, Big 24G; Harris, Chi 35G 



(.Estimates for This Week) 
Win Bradley, New York — (Para- 
mount: 3,664; 35-55-85-99). 'Caught 
In Draft' (Par) plus strong support 
.on stage including Jane Froman and 
Danny Kaye is credited for great 
part of sensational $70,000 garnered 
on second week, after $72,000 record 
summer gross here on initial session. 
Biz on July 4 weekend tabbed best 
for this period Par has enjoyed, with 
best matinee gross registered oji 
Fourth, 

Cab Calloway, New York— (Strand; 
2,767; 35-55-75-85-99). 'Manpower' 
(WB), picture attraction, not rated 
as being so big because given brush- 
off by many critics but strong sup- 
port to Calloway's slick aggregation 
Is accounting for $46,000 or there- 
abouts, nifty takings and tops here 
In many weeks. 

Phil Harris, Chicago — (Chicago; 
4,000; 35-55-75) with 'Caught in the 
Draft' (Par) (2d wk). Holdover 
- week • for film,- but first week f pi- 
Harris heading toward bright $35,000. 
Three factors getting credit for okay 
biz, the holiday, the Bob Hope 
starrer and Harris' crew and radio 
rep. 

Gene Krapa, Pittsburgh— (Stanley; 
3,800; 25-40-60) with Andrews Sisters 
and 'Out of the Fog' (WB). An- 
drews Sisters getting the kudoes for 
the very big $23,000 in sight, though 
some measure of support is ac- 
credited Krupa and the film. Sisters 
are back for second time in four 
months. 

Will Osborne, Los Angeles— (Par- 
amount; 3.595; 30-44-55-75) with 
'Caught in the Draft' (Par) for sec- 
ond week. Turnstiles clicking for 
hefty $21,000 on holdover, but most 
of credit going to the Bob Hope pic- 
ture. 

DIok SUbllc, Philadelphia— (Earle; 
2,768; 35-16-57-68-75). 'Lady from 
Louisiana' (Rep) on screen, with 
heavy supporting stage bill headed 
by. Rochester, Gracie Barrie, et al. 
Rochester obviously the magnet for 
the husky $24,000 in the tUls. 



On the Upbeat 



Mack Davis (CBS) will continue 
booking the Hotel St. Regis, N. Y., 
where he spotted Hal Saunders and 
Gus Martel, when MCA takes over 
CBS Artists. 



Dick Rogers, currently at Hamid's 
Million Dollar Pier, Atlantic City, 
is the 'band of the week' for the 
Sunday nights July 6 and 13, at the 
Hotel New Yorker, N. Y., relieving 
Johnny Long. 



Happy Felton Donates 
His Library to Upton 



Happy Felton, who until he joined 
•Hellzapoppin,' was a maestro, has 
decided to give his music library to 
the government. It consists of al- 
most 300 special arrangements and 
unusual scorings, the product of 10 
years collecting. 

Capt. Maurice King, of the 98th 
Division, who is in charge of the 
music department at Camp, Upton, 
N. Y.. will receive the library after 
"Hellzapoppin's' matinee today (9). 

Felton was prompted to make this 
contribution after hearing of Capt. 
King's need through a trombone- 
player who left the 'Hellzapoppin' 
orchestra for this year of military 
service. The trombone-player, inci- 
dentally, is Herbert Plattner, com- 
poser of the song 'Madame Will Drop 
Her Shawl.' 



Bands at Hotel B.O.'s 



NEW YORK 

(Presented herewith, as a weeklj/ tabulation, is th'f estimated cover 
charge business beina done by name bands in various New York hotels. 
Dinner business (7-10 P.M.) not rated. Ftpures after name of hotel give 
room capocitv and cover charge. Larger amount destonates uieekend and 
holiday price.) 



Maria Karson instrumental and vo- 
cal quartet, at Luthers hotel. Sara- 
toga Lake, N. Y. 



Ken Brader's orch playing nightly 
sessions at Clyde's, Buck Hill Forks, 
Mountainhome, Pa. 



Mike ^helby, formerly with Mai 
Hallett. featuring Mary Murphy, 
Howard Miller and Johnny Fedor 
with his orch at the Mt. Pocono 
Grill, Mt, Pocono, Pa. 



are meeting the Music Publi.sher's 
outfit at New Rochelle, N. Y., field 
today JtWed.). 



Bob Crosby and his band will take 
a two weeks and three days vacation 
starting Friday "(6), their first fur- 
lough in three years. Band opens at 
Catalina Island on Aug. 9. 



Ray Noble switched from the Wil- 
liam Morris agency to Music Corp., 
and Abe Lyman went over to the 
Morris office from General Amuse- 
ment. 



Stan Norrls at Sister Lake, Michi- 
gan resort. 



Meyer Balsom combo current at 
Charlie Monroe's Mayfair outside 
Buffalo. 



Richard Avonde band followed 
Morgan Thomas crew at ballroom, 
Crystal Beach, Ont. 



Band Bookings 



Newt Lane's new crew into Colvin 
Gables near Buffalo, following Ralph 
Prieur outfit. 



ftggf Price has joined Paul Spor's 
band at the Villa, near Toledo.' as 
vocalist. 



Herble Ka^ succeeds Ada Leonard 
and her AU-American Girls at the 
Cascades Room in Hotel Pick-Ohio, 
Youngstown.' 



Matty Malneck into the St. Fran- 
cis, San Francisco, July 24. 



Benny Qoodman, July 12-13. Steel 
Pier, AUantic City, N. J; 

Lea Bile, July 8-20, Lake Lawn 
hotel, Delavan, Wis.; 21, Auditorium 
St Paul; 22, Cobblestone B., Storm 
Lake, la.; 26 to Aug. 8. Yankee Lake, 
Brookfleld. '0!; -Aug. 9. Lake Breeze 
Pier, Buckeye I<ake, O. 

Maxinc Sallivan-Benny Carter, 
July 18, Palmetto Park, Augusta, 
Ga.; 19, Beach Pier, Jacksonville, 
Fla.; 21, Auditorium, Macon, Ga.; 22, 
Two Spot Night Club, Jacksonville, 
Fla.; 24, City Aud, Atlanta, Ga.; 25, 
City Aud, Birmingharn, Ala.; Harlem 
Sq. Club, Miami, ' Fla.; 30, Temple 
Root Garden, Baton Rouge, La.; 31 
City Aud, Houston, Tex. 



Johnny Mcasner's softball team, 
popularly known as champs of the 
orchestra league, soon will take on 
Mel Marvin's boys who drubbed 
Charlie Spivak's nine last week and 



Ella Fitzgerald and her musical 
crew moved into the Trianon today 
(Tues.), for two weeks, succeeding 
Leighton Noble. 



Johnny Cbttfcin is the new bass 
player with Benny Resh orchestra at 
the Bowery, Detroit. 



Roy George orchestra shifted from 
the Cote Loyale, N. Y., to the Holly 
wood Hotel, West End, N. J. 



Itaa Ray Button, who's currently 
on one-nighters, waxes for Okeh 
July 14. 



Four Inkspots have been inked for 
a four-week stint at the Club Bali, 
Philly, beginning September 23. 



IVMk* 

. R:io(1 Hotel Plarod 

Bobby Byrne Pennsylvania (500; 75c-$l) 4 

XavierCugat Waldorf (375: $1-$1..')0) 12 

Tommy Dorsey. .. Astor (1,000; 75c-$l) 7 

Ray Heatherton. .Biltmore (300: $1-$1.50).. 4 

Ray Kinney* Lexington (300: 75c-$1.50) 12 

Johnny Long* .New Yorker (400; 75c-$1.50) '. .. 4 

Hal Saunders ... St. Regis (400; $1-$1.50) 7 



CoTcrt 
rait 
tVMh 

1,800 

2,150 

3,900 

400 
1,375 
1,225 

350 



Total 
Covers. 
Ob Onto 

5,730 
25,19(S' 
33,770 

1,050 
16,100 

5,090 

2,975 



'Asterisks indicate a supporting floor show, althoiigh the band is the 
major draw. 



CHICAGO 

■* 

Paul Whiteman* (Chez Pavee;.500, $2.50-$3.50 min). Closing week for 
the Whiteman band proved good witli 2,500 customers up until Friday. 
Boyd Raeburn orch. opened Friday (4) with Milton Berle heading the 
floor show to a strong week-end of 1,900 people. 

Sklnnay Ennis* (Empire Room, Palmer House; 600; $3-$3.S0 dinner mIn.; 
$2. -$2.50 supper min.). Ennis temporarily fronting local Lew Diamond 
band due to automobile accident involving some of his own men neverthe- 
less turned in a good week of 2,500 patrons. Ennis has proven to be a 
draw locally and should have a good money stay here. 

Jimmy Dorsey (Panther Room, Sherman Hotel; 700; $l-$2 min.). Dorsey 
continues to be one of the best draws in this area. A smash week, play- 
ing to 3,600 people. 

Jimmy Joy* (Walnut Room, Bismarck Hotel; 300; $l-$2 min.). Business 
building steadily under Joy who is developing a nice following for himself 
here. Second week shows an increase up to 2,400 customers which is 
unusual for this room. 



LOS ANGELES 

Abe Lyman (Palladium; 6,000; 55c-$1.10). Lyman surprising with best 
pull in months. In second week drew around 14,500 admissions. Sticks 
around for two weeks more and then Woody Herman comes in tor six 
weeks. 

Harry Owens (Aquatic Room, Hotel Miramar, Santa Monica; 500; 50c- 
$1). Nitery on ocean front opened Thursday (3) and Owens' Royal Hawai* 
ians picked off 1,240 covers. First time spot has had name band in years. 

Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1-$1.50). Despite summer weather, 
Martin drew around 3,500 covers, aided by heavy influx of out-of-towners. 



Bob Chester replaces Bill McCune 
at the Chatterbox. Mountainside 
N. J., for a four week stay starting 
July 17. Former, who's been on a 
long tour of the Atlantic seaboard, 
will have four shots a week on NBC 
blue through WJZ, N. Y. 



Mrl Marvin, now at the Pelham 
Heath Inn, N. Y., loses his first trum- 
pet man, Wayne Engle, to Art 
Mooney's outfit on July IS. 



I 



RAYMOND 

scon 

^ AND HIS ORCHESTRA 

Jaat Releaiicd 
"Iff A SDBWAY FAB FROM 
IBELAND"' 
"MEXICAN JCHriMO BEAN" 
ColanbU B««ord Ko. 36211 
MU8I0 CORP. OF AMERICA 



HARRY 
JAMES 

AMD BIS 

I Music Makers Orchestra 

NBC— Columbia Records 
CarrcBtlr 

HOTEL LINCOLN 
NEW YORK 
Dir. : — Matlo Corp. ot AmeHca 



10 Best Sellers on Coin-Machines 



(Records below are grabbing most ■niclccis this week in jukeboxes 
throughout the country, as reported by operators to Variety. Names 
of more than one bond or iincolist after the title indicotes, in order of 
poputaritv, whose recordtnes are being- i5lai/ed. Figures and names in 
parenthesis indicate the number of weeks each song has been in the listings 
and respecttue publishers.) 



1. Daddy (5) Republic. 



I Sammy Kaye.' Victor 

[Andrews Sisters Decca 

lntermez.0 (8) Schuberth j S^^/ G^oXan.V.Coiumb" 

My Sister and I (6) BMI & San^'.CoiS 

Aurora (4) Robbins. . . . j Se^wf s7Jers. ! ! ! i iS^cc^ 

Hut Sut song (3) Schumann } ^S^^^sl^^^!:;;: JSd 

Maria Elena (2) Southern t Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

I Tony Pastor. Bluebird 

Green Eyes (2) Southern Jimmy Dorsay Decca 

Beacon * Alvino R'ey Bluebird 

(Bobby Byrne Decca 

Amapola (16) Marks Jimmy Dorsey... Decca 

(Bing Crosby Decca 

(Tommy Dorsey Victor 



Nighty Night (4) 



10. Dolores (13) Paramount. 



DISKS GAINING FAVOR 

(These records are directly below the first 10 in popularity, but growing 
in de7nand on the coin Tnachtnes.) 

v„,,,, (■vr.-L-c'i ( Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

Yours (Marks) | Vaughn Monroe Bluebird 

Goodbye Dear. Be Back in Year (C. to C). { g?^ Ro"e-lon.\\-''."'D^^^^^^ 
Rose and a Prayer (BVC) ./:. Jimmy Dorsey Decca 



DO I Worryr (Melody Cane) j Horsey 

Don't Cry Cherie (Shapiro) CUenn Miller Bluebird 

Yes, Indeed (Embassy). Tommy -Dorsey Victor 

When the sun Comes Out (BVC).......;. {SlL Sr^S 

Kiss' the Boys Goodbye (Famous) Tommy Dorsey .Victor 

Goodbye, Darling, Goodbye. . . , . .■. ....... \ ^'"^ ^rosby Decca 

' (Gene Autry Okeh 



Ina Ray Button Crowds in 2>200 Hoofers 
At Taunton; Monroe Zingy at Celoron 



(Estimates) 

Larry Clinton (Totem Pole B., Auburndale, Mass., June 30-2). After 
packing in 7,300 hoofers over the previous weekend, during record heat 
days, Clinton continued good business in spite of persistent high temp 
with 1,000 Monday, 1,400 Tuesday, and 1,800 Wednesday. Good gross of 
$2,339 at $1.35 couple. 

Al Donahue (Eastwood Gardens, Detroit, July 4). Despite evacuation 
ot city on holiday, Donahue pulled a nice 2,900 payees at 55c for $1,595 on 
Fourth, bettered on succeeding weekend nights. At Lakeside, July 3, a 
fair 1,000 were herded at 75c. 

Jimmy Dorsey (Summitt Beach Park B., Akron, O., June 25). Good 
2,100 admissions, although considerably under his last .year record here. 
$1 advance,- $1.25 at door. 

Ina Bay flotton (Roseland B'., Taunton, Mass., July 4). On her first 
engagement here, gal lured 2,200 dancers at $1.10 per head for terrific 
gross of $2,420, which was $500 above the previous record set by Charlie 
Barnet. The following night (5) at Kimball's Starlight B., South Lynnfield, 
Mass., 2,000 paid 65c for big gross of $1,300. 

Inkspots (Memorial Auditorium, Sayton, O., July 1). A fair total of 
1,000 pulled $850 at 85c. 

Glenn Miller (Forum, Wichita, Kan.^ -July 5). Top ranking attendance 
here reaping $5,640; 2,800 hoofers paid $1.95 each; 800 spectators, $1.11. 
Ted Weems was in competition at Blue Moon which couldn't accommodate 
crowd. (Turnpike Casino, Lincoln, Neb., June 30). Terrific 2,920 
dancers paid $3,853 at $1.15, $1.45 and $1.65 to smash all record.s, both 
coin and hoppers, formerly held by Paul Whiteman and Herbie Kay re- 
spectively. Colossal for this spot. 

Vanghn Monroe (Celoron Park, Jamestown, July 8). Teirinc business 
here in opening 'name' band session; 1,460 dancing at $2 advance and $2.50 
at door per couple culled a gr^ss topping all 1940 figures excepting the 
Glenn Miller record. 

Alvino Rey (Saylor's Lake Pavilion, Saylorsburg, Pa., July 5). First 
name band in the Poconos drew biggest crowd in county's history; 2,600 
at 85c reaped $2,200; great. 

Pinky Tomlin (State B., East Grand Forks, Minn., July 31). Attendance 
of 576 grossed a total $416. Tabs al $1 and at 50c. 

Orrin Tucker (Totem Pole B., Auburndale, Miss., July 3-5). Tucker 
set a record for the weekend with 11,000 paying $1.35 per couple for ter- 
rific gross ef $7,425. He drew 4,300 Thursday, 3,200 Friday, 3,500 Saturday. 

Herby Woods (Hunt's Ocean Pier, Wildwood, N. J., July 4), Drew Ca- 
pacity biz at 75c evening and 55c" matinee, topping Jimmy Dorsey's for- 
mer Labor Day record. 

Louis Armsiront (Greyslone B., Detroit, Mich., July 3). Dancers turned 
out 6,000 strong at 75c.; excellent. 

Lionel HamptoiT (City Auditorium, Atlanta, Ga., July 3). Hampton's 
jive pulled some 5,3()0 hoofers at 75c; okay. 

Woody Herman (White City Park, Herrin, 111., July 3). Solid 1,600 at 
75c; At D.unbar Cave, Clarksville, Tenn., following day outfit drew 1,640 
dancers at $1.25' advance and $1.50 at gate, breaking Kay Kyser's long- 
standing record. On Saturday (5) Herman pulled a capacity 1,500 at 
Castle Farms, Cincinnati, with 500 hoofers turned away at the gate. 



Bob Astor's newly formed band 
which opened at Budd Lake, N. J., 
last week, has a spot on the Fitch 
Bandwagon next Sunday (13). Out- 
fit's backed by Perry Stein, former 
Jersey exhibitor. 



Dave Mann, pianist with Charlie 
Spivak, has returned to the band at 
the Glen Island Casino, N. Y., after 
a week's illness. Arranger Sonny 
Burke subbed while Mann was 
away. H. A. Tennyson recently suc- 
ceeded* Jimmy "ISaiiBs oVthVciafiliSt; ' 



Wednesday, July. 9, 1941 



ORCHESTBAS 



41 



Inside Stuff-Orchestras 



Last night (Tues.) was the occasion of the formal 'turning over' by 
George Hall of hU band to Dolly Dawn, heretofore his featured vocalist, 
'who will now Join the Ina Ray Hutton-Rlta Rio school of femme dance 
maestros. Hall wiU continue managing it and. Incidentally, has Just signed, 
the Dawn band to an RCA Bluebird recording contract, minimum of four 
sides a month for a year. 

After setting an attendance record at Meadowbrook, Cedar Grove, N. J., 
a few weeks ago Sammy Kaye's orchestra cracked another high water 
mark at the Essex House hotel. New York,- for the four weeks ending 
June -29. Essex House has no cover or minimum. It has been In opera- 
tion six years. Leader was presented with a gold watch on leaving. 

Cab Calloway's 10th anniversary as a bandleader will be celebrated 
Thursday (10) with appropriate ceremonies in New York. 



VENUn GESTURE 
COLLIDES WITH 
CONTRACT 



Philadelphia, July 8. 

Bandleader Joe Venuti had a 
tussle with the management of the 
Stanley-Warner Earle over the ques- 
tion of making an outside personal 
appearance with his band during his 
stay at the Earle last week. . Venuti's 
nephew, Jimmy Venuti, Is leader of 
a band at the Hopkins' Rathskeller 
in North Philly. To give the kid a 
buildup, Joe promised to "bring his 
band and a flock of the surrounding 
acts to the Rathskeller last Wednes- 
day night (2). Bill Hopkins, opera- 
tor of the spot, advertised In the 
newspapers that 'the entire Earle 
show' would make an appearance. 

Since the show included the An- 
drews Sisters, Hopkins expected a 
big night. However, Hal Selden- 
berg, .manager of the Earle, spotted 
the ad and stormed into Venuti's 
dressing room asking 'what was the 
big idea.' 

Venuti explained that he was 
merely' doing his relative 'a favor' 
and didn't see any harm In bring- 
' ing along the rest of the gang. Seld- 
enberg pointed out that the contract 
forbade any outside appearances aiid 
threatned' to take action if Venuti or 
any of the others went to the Raths- 
keller for the advertised show. 
Venuti finally gave In and the big 
'in person' bill at Hopkins' spot 
dwindled down to an announcement 
by the m.'c. tha^ the Earle acts could 
not appear througli circumstances 
beyond' our' control.' 



Phil Spitahy Girls 
At Chautaaqna Instead 
Of Pad Whiteman Orch. 



Jamestown, N. Y., July 8. 

Despite the fact that officials have 
made no announcement of the 
change, Phil Spitalny's all-girl 'Hour 
of Charm' orchestra will replace 
Paul Whiteman at Chautauqua In- 
stitution this week-end. Oddity of 
failure to report change, after much 
advance publicity on Whiteman con- 
cert to open season, is unexplained, 
although it would have been simple 
enough to announce it's due to the 
sudden death of his three-year-old 
son, Richard. 

Whiteman played to huge throng 
two years ago at Chautauqua. 



PHU ABT STUDIOS BKFT. 

An Involuntary bankruptcy was 
filed In N. Y. federal court against 
Philip and Arthur Zynet, doing busi- 
ness as Phil Art Music Studios, which 
sells musical instruments. 

N. Y. Bank & Instrument Co. Is 
owed $141, and Gretsch & Brenner 
Is owed $86, while the charge is that 
other creditors were preferred while 
Phil Art was bankrupt. 



/tw\ 



COUNT BASIE 

and His Orchestra 

CnrrcBtly 

RITZ-CARLTON 
BOSTON 

Columbia Records 



WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY, INC. 



CAUGHT IN AFTER-DRAFT 

will Bradley Booking ABeoted by 
Long Ban Show at Par, N. T. 



Because of the five-week run of 
'Caught in the Draft' at the Broad- 
way Paramount, which will inter- 
fere with Will Bradley's schedule 
when he opens at the Hotel Astor 
roof, N. Y., Ina Ray Hutton will be 
the alternating band. Bradley comes 
in July 15, succeeding Tommy Dor- 
sey. 

Latter goes on one-nighters, wind- 
ing up at Atlantic City's Steel Pier 
and thence into the Cavalier, Vir- 
ginia Beach. 



POCONO AREA 
CLICKS WITH 
NAMES 



Lombardo Has to Cancel 



Detroit, July 8. 
Because of radio commitments in 
the East, Guy Lombardo's orcliestra 
was forced tos cancel Aug. 29 week 
engagement at Eastwood Gardens 
here. While offering to come in 
for five days, the band would have 
been unable to All on the Important 
Saturday and Sunday dates which 
brought about the complete cancela- 
tion. 

Lombardo was to foUow in Jan 
Savltt. 



Stroudsburg, Pa., July 8. 

Ina Ray Hutton brings her orch. 
to Baylor's Laic* Pavilion at near- 
by Saylorsburg on Saturday (12). 
Lou Breese's Jiand follows the next 
week (19) with the Frankie Mas- 
ters combo negotiating a definite 
date. Jimmy. Dorsey's booking is in 
the offing, and a Paul 'Whiteman 
Sunday afternoon concert is being 
planned. Dancing is not allowed 
here on the Sabbath. 

Alvino Rey and the Four King 
Sisters opened the name band pro- 
cession in the Poconos and drew an 
excellent crowd last Saturday (6). 
Sammy Kaye followed last night 
(8) and did sensational, turn-away 
business. 

Credit for the successful venture 
goes to veteran promoter A. J. 
Perry, owner-operator of the popu- 
lar Empire Ballroom, at AUentown, 
Pa. He leases the dance fioor from 
F. F. Barthold, owner-manager of 
the resort, who continues the down- 
stairs tavern which uses nightly 
Hammond ' organ entertainment. 
With the Empire for the winter sea- 
son and Saylor's Lake in the sum- 
mer, Perry will feature name bands 
the year around. 



Auto Shows Go 
On Per Always; 
Book Bands, Acts 



Detroit, July 8. 

With the entire automobile indus- 
try tied up with defense work it 
would seem that new car showings 
would be sadly neglected this year. 
However, the industry is going.right 
ahead with its annual conventions 
as usual, which means that orches- 
tras can count on the usual amount 
of work throughout July, August and 
i September. 

Del Delbridge and Ray Gorrell and 
their orchestra are starting the sea- 
son off with three weeks for Gen- 
eral Motors. Using a 12-piece band, 
plus vocalists Juliana and Paul 
Davis, their first show is in Saginaw, 
Mich., starting yesterday (8) for four 
days. Then they have five days at 
the Masonic Temple, Detroit, and 
five days in Flint, which takes them 
through the 25th. With the orches- 
tra Is a show consisting of Gregory 
and Raymond and' Faith Hope and 
Zingo. 

Besides GM, the Delbridge-Gorrell 
orchestra has three other auto shows 
pending. 



BERNIE BERLE PENANCE 
OVER, FORMING BAND 



Philiidelphia, July -8. 

Bernie Berle, suspended and fined 
by Local 77, American Federation of 
Musicians, last year for allegedly 
forcing members of his band to kick- 
back parts of their salary, was re- 
instated last week and is beginning 
formation of a ..ew band, 

Berle's fine of $5,000 was reduced 
to $1,000 and he was given the right 
to pay it off in instalments. His 
suspension of five years was cut 
down to one year, which expired last 
Friday (4). 



Jay Brewer's 3D 

Attempt at Suicide 

San Francisco, July 8. 

Jay Brower, orch le.ader recently 
at Club Lido and Embassy theatre, 
recovering from wrist-slashing which 
he inflicted on himself (1). It's the 
musico's third suicide try. 

Despondency over financial troubles 
blamed. 



FHOM PIT TO THE LOBBY 

/ Worcester, July 8. 
Nate Goldberg, former leader of 
pit band in' Plymouth, named man- 
ager of Family theatre here. 



Tolice ADowed Vice Which Scared 
Elderly Cfientele/ BaUroom Owner 
Now Is Suing Detroit Officials 



ACCUSE JIMMY GRJER 



Orchestra Leader Charged With 
Holding Out Jobless Insurance Coin 

Los Angeles, July 8. 

Jimmy Grier, orchestra leader, 
currently appearing in Salt Lake 
City, was accused by Los Angeles 
city attorney's office of holding out 
$4,000 in California Unemployment 
Insurance taxes, asserted to have 
been collected from his musicians 
since Jan. 1, 1940. 

Complaint was made by former 
members of the Grier band, who ap- 
plied for jobless benefits and found 
no coin on the books. 



LABOR TAXES 
NOT LEADER'S 
BURDEN 



SKINNAYENNIS 
MEN IN CRASH 



Chicago, July 8. 
Five members of Skinnay Ennls* 
orchestra, current at the Empire 
Room of the Palmer House, were in- 
jured so seriously last week In an 
auto accident In Gary, Ind., when re- 
turning from a one-nighter that they 
were sent to hospital. Those held in 
the hospital are trombonist Babe 
Brown, broken nose; bass violinist 
George White, both legs broken; 
trumpeter Ralph Liscom, gashed ab- 
domen; trumpeter Louis Mitchell, 
fractured nose and shoulder, and 
Frank Peters, fractured kneecap. All 
are recovering and due to leave 
shortly. 

Ennis was riding in another car. 
Trumpeter Clayton Cash had. five 
stitches taken in a head wound and 
he was released from the hospital, 
while pianist Martin was dicharged 
after treatment of his back. 

Orch continues in the Empire 
Room, with the injured replaced by 
four substitute musicians. 



Philadelphia, July 8. 
The State Unemployment Com 
pensatlon Board last week ruled that 
none of the local bandleaders came 
under the 'name' category and there^ 
fore they were exempt from paying 
unemployment compensation taxes. 
Wand-wavers wjio have already 
paid the levy for their men will 'get 
refund9f Exemption of the band- 
leaders makes the operators of the- 
atres and niteries responsible for 
the tax, and the board 'is getting set 
for a drive to make the ops kick in. 

Musicians were advised to keep 
wage credits for the Jobs they 
worked in order that their un- 
employment compensation records 
may be kept straight Investigators 
for the compensation board found 
that very few night club owners 
kept books, and this made it diffi- 
cult to get accurate" wage records for 
musicians, performers and other em- 
ployees. 

'nie ruling by the Unemplojrment 
Compensation Board upset a plea by 
Frank Palumbo, in behalf of the 
Pennsylvania Cafe Owners Associ- 
ation, to place the responsibility of 
paying the tax on bandleaders and 
not cabaret operators. Palumbo 
claimed that musicians were bought 
'on contract' and were not regular 
employees of his spots. 

Under the board's interpretation a 
'name band' is one in which the mu- 
sicians get regular salaries whether 
they work or not. 



Raymond Paige Completes 
Selection of 45 All^Yank 
Musicians for League 



After spending some weeks in pre- 
liminary auditions Raymond Paige 
has selected 45 musicians for his 
Orchestra of Young Americans. 
They will hold their first full re- 
hearsal this week. 

This group backed by the League 
of Young Americans, inc., limited 
candidates to ages 21-29 and Ameri- 
can-born. The actual age average Is 
under 21. Of the 45, four violinists, a 
flutist and a harpist are girls. 

Paige recruited youngsters from 
varied sources. There are Curtis and 
Julliard graduates, a janitor, a sode- 
jerker and others. 



Boy Allen, plani.st with Ina Ray 
Hutton, expects to be called for 
Selective Service In two weeks. No 
replacement as yet. Miss Hutton fol- 
lows Will Bradley into the Hotel 
Astor, New York City, in' three 
weeks. 



WARN DANCEMEN ON 
ARREARAGE DATES 



Philadelphia, July 8. 

Bandleaders were notified by the 
Musicians Union last week that they 
were forbidden to play in any spot 
which was in arrears on wages for 
more than one week. 

If the arrearage tops the one sem- 
ester period, they were told they 
may not come to the union for aid 
in collecting in the future. In the 
past the Musicians Union had been 
forced to take drastic measures, in- 
cluding court action and blacklisting, 
against spots which had owed back 
salaries to musicians for as high as 
six months. 



3-Year-Old Son Of 

Pad Whiteman Dies 



Richard Whiteman, three-year-old 
son of Paul Whiteman, died July 2 
in Mercer Hospital, Trenton, N. J., 
while the orchestra leader was mak- 
ing a vain effort to reach the child's 
bedside in time by plane from Chi- 
cago. Mrs. Whiteman, the forrher 
silent film player, Margaret Living- 
ston, had brought the child to the 
hospital from the Whiteman estate in 
nearby Stockton, N. J., the preceding 
day. He had suffered from ne- 
phrosis for two years. 

The Whitemans have a 10-year-old 
daughter, Marjp.,.,,,,^, gn...'. 



Detroit, July 8. 

Suit for $100,000 damages was 
filed here against six former Detroit 
officials who are accused by 'Whit- 
field F. Jackson with responsibility 
for the ruin of his dance hall busi- 
ness. Headed by former Mayor 
Richard Reading , the defendants in- 
clude the former prosecutor, sheriff 
and police superintendent, all of 
whom ^yere indicted by the grand 
jury on charges of conspiracy to 
protect vice and gambling. 

The action is based on a little 
known portion of the law that if 
public officials neglect or refuse to 
protect a citizen and he sustains any 
injury because of such neglect he 
can sue the lax officials. Jackson's 
claim is that the officials were de- 
structive through laxness of his 
dancery business which would have 
netted him $100,000. 

His contention is that in 1936 he 
spent $7,000 remodeling a downtown 
dance hall on the premise that old- 
time dancing was due tor a revival. 
He claims he was on the right path 
sincb within 15 months his profits 
were $1,200 a month and his busi- 
ness, mostly middle-aged and elderly 
customers, was growing. 

In 1938, with the election of Read- 
ing, he claims that gambling became 
wide-open. A bookie moved in on 
the same floor, gamblers started to 
loiter around the entrances and the 
police occasionally barged in. The 
gamblers and the police raids, he 
contends, frightened off his elderly 
clientele. 



Pancho Villa's Daughter 
Sings With Caballeros 

Detroit, July 8. 

Arturo and his Gay Caballeros, 
with Celia 'Villa, Mexican vocalist 
and daughter of the famed Mexican 
revolutionary, Pancho 'Villa, closed a 
14- week run Saturday (5) at the 
Hotel Commodore Perry (El Dorado 
room), Toledo, and shifted into the 
Washington hotel's Sapphire Room, 
Indianapolis, this week. Indianap- 
olis stay is for fou^ weeks. 

Arturo's combo is now up to eight 
men, exclusive of the songstress. 
Delbridge-Gorrell manage it. 



NOW 




and Hi* Orchestra 

AT 

COLLEGE INN 

BHEBMAN ROTEI/, CHICAOO 
Over NBC Every Nite 



MflNACCME^T 

GENERAL AMUSEMENT CORP. 




MANACEMCWT 

GENERAL AMUSEMENT CORP, 



DUKE 
DALY 

and his band 

PLAYLAND CASINO 
KYU BEACH, N£«V YORK 
WOK - Mutual 



MANACEMCWT 

GENERAL AMUSEMENT CORP. 



42 



ORCHESTBAS-MUSIC 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



15 Best Sheet Musk Sellers 



(Week ending July 5, 1941) 



Hut Sut Song Schumann 

Intermezzo Schuberth 

Things 1 Love... Campbell 

Maria Elena Southern 

Daddy Republic 

My Sister and I BMI 

South ot North Carolina Porgle 

You and I WiUson 

•Dolores ('Las Vegas Nights') Paramount 

ru Be with You in Apple Blossom Time Broadway 

Until Tomorrow Republic 

You Are My Sunshine Southern 

Amapola Marks 

I Understand .: Feist 

'Till Reveille Melody Lan« 

*Fttinusical. 



Corn-Catching Records-and Others 



will Bradley 'Mlsnnderstood'-Toa and I Were Tonne, Mafgle' (Col. 36182) 
Bradley Anally seems to be out of his boogie-woogie groove. 'Misunder- 
stood,' a quiet, listenable melody, gets smart treatment. Side carries lot 
of leader's trombone soloing and Terry Allen vocal. Backing is tasty. 
'Maggie' side writes a page in band's history. Driving, solidly played cut- 
ting goes over with ease. It's a clean arrangement. 



Glenn MUler 'Don't Cry, Cherle'-'Sweeter Than Sweetheart' (B-1118S) 

Miller hasn't made too many pops lately. These sides are grooved with 
material arranged the way that made him last year's coin king. 'Qierie' 
■ top tune, is still better because ot the way it's done. Ray Eberle's vocal 
falters occasionally, but is okay. Backing can earn wide machine use. 
It packs a smooth wallop in way it's played and sung by Paula Kelly and 
Modernaires. Lyric is cute. 



Vanghn Monroe 'Love Me As I Am'— 'Tattle Tale' (Bluebird 11173) 

Monroe and Marilyn Duke combine on vocal of first side, a good tune 
under their treatment. Side stacks up as one that should sell. It's a good 
showcase for Monroe's- voice at easy tempo. Coupling is all Monroe at 
ballad speed, backed by a nice arrangement. Tune isn't equal to first, 
however. 



Sammy Kaye 'Reloetant Dragon' — ^"Sleepy Serenade' (Victor 27449) 
From the Walt Disney Aim of the same name Kaye comes up .with 
another salable novelty. Side uses George Gingell, band's road manager, 
on straight vocal and Maury Cross for nance portion. It's a silly tune on 
records, but it's probably commercial. Reverse is nicely played crack at a 
good tune that so far hasn't gotten started. 



Franble Masters 'Daddy'-'WllI Ton Still Be Mine?' (Okeh 6232) 
Masters might get far more response to the material he records if he'd 
ease up on the tlirottle. Almost all his sides are too fast for best results. 
•Daddy' is a nice enough cutting, but it trails versions turned in by other 
bands and singers because it loses the punch of the rhythmic tune in ac- 
celerated tempo. Swingmasters vocal. . 'Will You Still Be Mine?' is an 
Inconsequential item. 



Benny Goodman 'Time On My Hands'-'Scareorow* (Columbia 36186) 
Nothing on these sides. In the arranger's efforts to pretty up the stand- 
ard, a great deal ot the melody's natural pull is sidetracked.' It's over- 
arranged. Too, the band sounds listless. . For some reason its usual push 
and enthusiasm is absent. Reverse is a dud. An original, it sounds like a 
1938 rideout bit cut .without rhyme or reason. 



Tommy Dorsey 'Kiss Boys Goodbye'-'Never Let Day Pass' (Victor 27461) 
Two good times from film 'Kiss, the Boys Goodbye.' Dorsey checks in 
with what ought to beccftne coin gatherers, especially the first side, a rhyth' 
mic melody easily sung by Connie Haines and solidly played by the bandt 
It'll get plenty play. Frank' Sibatra handles the reverse lyric, a ballad that 
rates as a possibility. 



Art JarreU 'Ton Started Somethln;'— 'Loveliness and ^eve! (Victor 27474) 

Not a very auspicious debut for Art Jarret's band, built on Hal Kemp's 
style and arrangements. First of these two Aim tunes has the Kemp style, 
but unfortunately it's also sown with a distasteful Smoothies vocal. Vocal 
group turns in a style ot harmonizing that jars. Reverse isn't much better. 
Jarret sings the tune and he grooved a vocal that's poor. Kemp's style 
won't sustain a band that doesn't sustain its level ot performance. It was a 
mistake for Victor to debut the outfit on these two sides. 



Tommy Tnoker's (Okeh 6245) versions of both tunes are better, though 
the best pairing of the tunes are by Eddy Duchin. Tucker's are played 
well in tasty dance tempo, with good vocals by Don Brown on 'Some' 
thing' and Amy Arnell the reverse. 

Tommy Tnoker's disking (Okeh 6236) is better .from that angle. His is 
more rhythmic and it sits better.- Don Brown's vocal is freer. It's backed 
by a version of 'Where the Mountains Meet the Moon' that sizes up as a 
machine bet. It's nicely arranged and played and dressed with vocals by 
Brown and Amy Arnell, with chorus backing. 



Jack MiOs Circmnyeflts 
Canadian Border Taxes; 
Big Retail Differential 

Jack Mills, ot Mills Music, Inc., Is 
the latest American publisher to ar- 
range for the publication of a Cana- 
dian edition ot his works. Mills' deal 
is with Canadian Music Salei and 
calls for the printing in the domin- 
ion of 10 tunes as a start. Hereto- 
fore Mills shipped his music to 
Canada, with the result that various 
Dominion ' taxes made It necessary 
that dealers retail his piano copies 
at SO-SSc as compared to the 30-35c 
level prevailing in the States. 

Other major American publishers 
have in recent years operated on a 
royalty basis with their Canadian 
distributors preferring to let tha 
latter do the printing. 

JUKEBOXES AND 
SHEET SALES 
FAR APART 



Jack Bobbins points to 'Auroi;a*as 
refutation ot a pet Tin Pan Alley 
theory that the coin-machines can 
'make' a song hit Jack Kapp, prez 
of Decca, recorded this Brazilian 
'carnival' song eight different ways, 
and guarantees Bobbins 1,000,000 
platters on Decca alone. It's also 
been widely waxed elsewhere. 

But it has only sold a meagre 12,- 
000 copies so far. 

In contrast, 'Hut-Sut Song,' from 
a small Coast publisher, but with 
an advantageous radio plug, will see 
200,000 copies sold. 



W.CHANDY'SAUTOBIOG 
A SAGA OF THE Um 

Bevlewed By JOE LAURIE, JB. 



Mutual Network Hugs 



ni« foUouHng tabulation of ti«ttporJc popular music per/omuinces is con- 
fined to WOR, If«w York rtleaa* for Mutual firoadcostini; System 
Th« compilation herewith coven the week beginning June 30 (Mondav)' 
and ending July 0 d^unday) , from 6 a.m. tO' 2 a.m., and based on' daili; 
recapitulation* furnished by Accurate Reportinir Service, 

TITLE PUBLISHER TOTAL* 

Daddy Republlo 13 

Aurora '. '....Robbing n 

I Understand Feist ix 

I Found a Million boilar Baby— 'Million Dollar BabyRemick n 

Harbor of Dreams . , Miller 10 

Amapola « Marks ] g 

Hut Sut Song Schumann 9 

Beau Night In Hotchklsi Corneri..., Berlin g 



Intermezzo , .Schuberth 

Maria Elena Southern 

Memory of a Rosa Shapiro 

Dolores — *Las Vegas Night* Paramount . . 

Ma I Miss Your Appla Pie ., , Loeb-Lissauer 

You're Dangerous — *Road to Zanzibar Santly 

I Guess I'll Have to Dream the Rest. Block ; g 

Kiss the Boys Goodbye — *KIss the Boys Goodbye.... Famous g 

As If You Didn't Know -, Mills 5 

Love Me a LltOe Littia Mayfalr 5 

Tale of Two Cities..... Harms 5 

Begin the Beguine Harms .-, 4 

I Can't Change My Heart Chappell .-. 4 

I Don't Want to Sat the World on Fire BVC 4 

If It's You— 'Big Store Feist 4 

Jenny — tLady in the Dark Chappell 4 

South of North Carolina.. Porgie 4 

There Goes That Song Again ABC 4 

Things I Love" Campbell ........ 4 

• Filmustcal excerpt, t Production number. " 



NBC-CBS Plugs 



Orrln Tucker 'Drink Barrel Dry'— 'Tou Betcha My Life' (Columbia 36192) 
Though it's far short of the punch contained in 'Beer Barrel Polka,' the 
first tune is out of the same mold and could have been almost as good 
machine fare. It's okay as is, but there's too little ot the lyric the Body- 
guards haniye. Coupling is a swing at a pop, vocalled by Bonnie Baker. 
'It's average. 



Dinah SMore 'Honeysuckle'— 'Do Tou Care' (Bluebird 11191) 

Standard and pop make exceptionally good fare for the saleable singer. 
•Rose' is done at easy, Rhythmic tempo, stamped with all the vocal quali- 
ties that have shot Miss Shore upward. <3ood machine bet. Coupling, a 
ballad and a good tune, rates same comment Background music follows 
with sureness. 



Johnny Long 'Bine Skies'— 'Bean Night Hot4;hklss Cdrners' (Deoca 2823) 

Long has a penchant for arranging . standards with original lyrics 
chorused by the band. 'Shantytown' was his best; 'Blue Skies' also satis- 
fies, carrying a strong Bob Houston straight vocal at the outset and wind- 
ing up with the glee club style. Side has a smooth kick. Reserve is a 
•oUdly arranged and played shot at a better Jump tune. Helen Young 
vocals witb Ensemble backing. 



Sammy Kaye 'Don't Cry Cherle'— 'Sand In My Shoea' (Victor 27476) 

Hit and miss. First tune, a worthy one, is tastefully Interpreted In the 
Kaye style, with Marty McKenna vocal. Tune hasn't really gotten started 
in machines, but It figures to get good play. Kaye's version, in dance 
tempo, will fit easily. 'Sand' is nicely done, but it's a sub-par melody and 
won't get far. Tommy Ryan Vtfcatsi' >• < v ' •• i . n ~. • i j 



Here's an autobiography of Wil- 
liam C. Handy, the son of slave 
parents, who has made the world a 
slave to his music. For It was this 
grand old trouper and musician who 
mixed all the original colors of 'The 
Blues.' 

In his 'Father of the Blues' (Mac- 
millan; $3) he takes the reader from 
his home town of Florence, Ala., 
where his preacher-father put him 
I>ehind a plow, hitched to a mule, 
and said, 'Hope you won't have to 
do this for a living; but the work 
won't hurt you.' He drove that plow 
to the top scale of Muslcland. 

Bill Handy tells his story In a 
straight-forward, sincere and humor- 
ous way, because he's a straight- 
forward, sincere,- humorous guy. He 
doesn't pull his punches, says \^hat 
he wants to say in the way he can 
say it. 

Here is a volume packed with 
show stories of the old Mahara's 
Minstrel Troupe with which he 
started playing an old Conn & Du- 
pont cornet tor $6 ai}d 'cakes.' He 
tells about the great troupers of 
those days, real colored minstrels, 
the originators of minstrelsy; tells 
about great artists like Dicky Lewis 
and William Burton, George Mox- 
ley, Billy Young, Dan Avery (and 
Hart). He takes you trouping with 
his 'hot band' to weddings, funerals, 
flsh-trys and political meetings. 

He shows you the inside of the 
publishing business. Tells you how 
Sophie Tucker put over 'A Good 
Man's Hard to Find.' Tells you about 
the phonograph business. About 
Cole and Johnson, Bill Vodery, Ford 
Dabney, Eubie Blake, Bill Robinson, 
Bert Williams and Jim Europe. Men- 
tions all the aristocrats of the white 
and colored show business. Tells 
about spirituals, jazz, boogie-woogie, 
ragtime, 'jowdowns' and blues. 

His 'Memphis Blues' was sold for 
half a C-note. His songs were sung 
all over the Avorld.' Tells about all 
the Guilds, Gene Buck and ASCAP, 
Ziggy; he tells it all in this very 
interesting, entertaining and his- 
torical biography. He finishes with 
his Mother's prayerj 'Lord, I thank 
Thee that we are living In a Chris- 
tian land and a Bible country.' To 
this, all of show business should add 
thanks for giving ua William C. 
'Handy.' - 1 1 ex i - 1 



FoIIotuing compilation of. plugs on NBC ond Columbia's New York out- 
lets covers the week beginning June 30 (Monday) and ending July 6 
(Sunday) , from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., and is based on daily recapitulations fur- 
nished by the Office of Research-Radio Diuision of the College of the City 
of New York. 

PUB- 
TITLE LISHEB TOTAL 

Hut Sut Song Schumann ....... 44 

Things I Love Campbell '.. 38 

Intermezzo Schuberth 37 

Maria Elena Southern 33 

South of North Carolina Porgie 33 

Green Eyes ..Southern 28 

Til Reveille ' Melody Lane. .. . 28 

Do I Worry? Melody Lane.... 27 

Daddy Republic 25 

It's So Peaceful in the Country Regent 24 

Yours ; Marks 23 

My Sister and I BMI 22 

Let's Get Away from It All Embassy 19 

Lament to Love Roe-Krippene ... 18 

Amapola Marks ." 17 

Do You Care? Campbell 17 

Two Hearts That Pass In the Night Marks 16 

Everything Happens to Me , . Embassy 45 

Romantic Guy, -I Nationwide ..... 15 

I Went Out of My Way BMI 13 

For Want ot a Star Marks 13 ^ 

With a Twist ot the Wrist BMI 13 

Booglie Wooglie Piggy Mutual 12 

Until Tomorrow Republic 12 

Nice Dreamin' Baby Embassy U 

Walkin' by the River BMI 11 

What Word Is Sweeter Than Sweetheart? Rels-Taylor 10 




BOB STRONG ORCH. (14) 
Villa Hoderne, Chicago 

Bob Strong orchestra, with a radio 
background, sticks to the conserva- 
tive stuR during the dinner sessions, 
giving them Viennese waltzes and 
soft ballads, but does a neat turn- 
about later in the evening to swing 
out with hotter tempo to satisfy the 
strictly dancing mob. 

Six brass, split bHween trumpets 
and trombones, three rhythm, and 
tour saxophones, with Strong occa- 
sionally picking up one of his many 
reed instruments to give a total of 
14 people. The band plays well as 
an ensemble, displaying good intona- 
tion and musicianship, and anrange* 
nients are well suited to the group. 
Strong himself makes attractive 
showing in front of the band, with 
an easy, likeable personality and 
some very listenable solo work on 
alto sax, English horn and oboe. 
Other instrumentalists in the outfit 
are Ray McKinstty, clarinet and 
tenor; Herman Kapp, drums, and 
Joe Bejcek, trombone. 

Novelties come easy to' the Strong 
bunch with a college medley one of 
high spots ot the evening. Long a 
feature of the orchestra on the 
'Uncle Walter's Dod.ouse' program, 
and the 'College Humor' program, 
the medley of requested college 
tunes is received enthusiastically. 
Vocalists Sonny Seivert and Sid Reid 
doing the ballads,- and Ray Mcintosh 
the jive stuff are good, and add 
plenty of color to the band. A quar- 
tet from the group is more than 
adequate, and serve up some fine 
choral background. 

However, Strong himselt Is still 
the main attraction, and with his 
start as a radio musical director this 
bunch should do okay. Gold. 



Cy Feuer doing the score for 
'Hurries Stnitb' at Republici 



ASCAP BAUOTS 
DUE IN MAILS 



Ballots for the election ' of new 
members to tha board of directors 
of the American Society of Compos- 
ers, Authors and Publishers are 
slated to go out to the ASCAP mem- 
bers within tha week. The publish- 
ers nominating committee got its 
slate in -first, with six candidates 
each posted on the. popular and 
standard publisher lists. 

The candidates for the three pop 
publisher vacancies on the board 
will be Buddy Morris, Lester Sant- 
ley and Dick Murray, together with 
the incumbents whose terms are ex- 
piring, namely, Jack Bregman, Jack 
Bobbins and WiU Von Tilzer. These 
bidding for the three standard pub 
spots will b% Carl T. Fischer, John 
Drain, W. Dean Preston, Jr., GusUv 
Schirmer, Walter Fischer and Wal- 
ter Kramer. 



Music Notes 



Roger Edena directing the music 
on 'Babes On Broadway' at Metro. 

David Raskin assigned to the score 
for Columbia's "The Man in Her 
Life.' 

Johnny Mercer and Victor Schert- 
zinger are doing tunes and lyrics 
for Paramount's 'The Fleet's In.' 

Sam Cahn and Saul Chaplin clefT- 
ing eight songs for 'Go West, Young 
Lady' at Columbia. 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



MUSIC 43 



BMI Publishers Form Own Group To 
Check Up on BMI Performance Fees 



Smaller publishers affiliated with 
Broadcast Music, Inc., will meet 
within the coming week to signature 
membership cards In the newly 
formed Independent Music Publish- 
ers Association and ratify the con- 
stitution and by-lawB which was 
adopted yesterday afternoon (Tues- 
day) by an organizational committee 
headed by Peter Doraine, of the 
Doraine Music Co. The forthcoming 
meeting of the association will also 
elect officers. 

It is the intent of the association 
to demand that it be permitted to 
police and audit the performance 
logging reports of BMI, that BMI 
grant it a standard form of contract 
and that every precaution be talcen 
by BMI to avoid repetition of the 
accounting mistakes made in the ac- 
countings given the publishers for 
the initial quarter of 1941. BMI last 
week sent out additional checks to 
the publishers. In some cases the 
amounts were five times what they 
had been in the original payment 
for the same quarter. BMI had ac- 
counted for the short royalty pay- 
mShts to its affiliated "with publish- 
ers with the explanation that its au- 
diting department had overlooked 
the' inclusion of network perform- 
ances. 

BMI reported that It had distrib- 
uted $150,000 among publishers and 
writers for the quarter Involved, but 
the affiliated pubs at a meeting held 
last Thursday (3) voiced the opinion 
that this still wasn't much when 
compared to the huge .payments the 
broadcasters used to make to ASCAP. 
Leaders of the affiliated pjib group 
estimate that 70% of performances 
cleared through BMI Is from their 
source, the balance from other 
sources. 



WB TRANSFERS 
ITS DECCA 
H6U)INGS 



Washington, July 8. 

Warner Bros, acquired In its own 
name last May a direct interest in 
Decca Records, the Securities & Ex- 
change Commission revealed last 
week, while Samuel H. Vallance of 
New York unloaded all of his Decca 
stock held through Vallance & Co. 

The S.E.C. report on insiders' op- 
erations showed Brunswick Radio of 
New York— a WB subsid — cleaning 
its portfolio of Decca paper. Com- 
pany said it 'distributes as dividend' 
38,759 shares' of Decca's $1 common, 
while Warner Bros, announced the 
same amount had been 'acquired in 
distribution.' At the end' of May, 
Brunswick had no ringer in the 
Decca pie. 

The same report showed Vallance, 
(till holding 100 ^ares in his own 
name, had peddled 550 shares in 
seven separate transactions. This 
was his proportionate interest in the 
Decca stock held by Vallance ti Co. 
Biggest batch totaled 150 shares sold 
on May 20. 



British Performing Rights 
Society Got $2,476,300 
In 1940 From Licensees 



London, June 20. 

Annual report of the Performing 
Rights Society shows a gross income 
for 1940 of $2,476,300. Of this 
amount British Broadcasting Corp. 
contributed $1,149,488 in radio fees. 
Decline in general income was off- 
set to a great extent by reduction 
in operating expenses. PRS lists a 
membership currently of 1,894. 

Report blamed war conditions as 
responsible for drop in fees. 



TIN PUN IlLLEy 

(EatabllsltMl 1037) 

MUSIC PUBLISHERS 

1011 Chestnut St., Phila., Pa. 

FRANK CAPANO, President 



Mack Gordon 



sContlnacd from page I; 



lution of the situation. He pleaded 
with writers for suggestions to over- 
come the problem so studios can 
continue making musicals and keep 
the composers working. 

Gordon is under contract to Breg- 
man, Vocco & Conn and has a deal 
with 20th-Fox running until next 
May. Many writers are said to be 
sympathetic to Gordon's ideas and it 
is figured likely that some means 
may be contrived to .get their tunes 
on the networks if the present 
ASCAP-broadcaster impasse should 
continue unbroken. 



ASCAP's BrushoCr 

ASCAP officials yesterday (Tues- 
day) declined to take seriously the 
stratagem suggested by Mack Gor- 
don for getting the score of fllmusi- 
cals plugged on NBC and Columbia. 
The impression in ASCAP was that 
Gordon was 'just going through a 
lot of palaver' and that nothing 
would come of it. 

It was pointed out at ASCAP that, 
whereas the consent decree, as sig- 
natured with the U.S. Government, 
does permit members to license di- 
rectly, the move must be in 'collab- 
oration' between writer and pub- 
lisher and, in any event, subject to 
ASCAP's approval. Where the rub 
lies is that the consent decree, ac- 
cording to ASCAP's Interpretation, 
gives that organization, despite the 
'reasonable' - proviso in the clatise 
relating to such direct licensing, the 
final word on whether the license 
application is proper and is in con- 
formance with the terms of the de- 
cree. 

Over five weeks have passed since 
the decree went Into effect, but to 
date the only notices of direct licens- 
ing that have reached ASCAP are 
from Andy Razaf and J. Russel] 
Robinson through Broadcast Music, 
Inc. BMI notified ASCAP that it 
will publish two songs involving 
these two ASCAP memlsers and that 
the writers propose to radio sources 
not licensed by ASCAP to perform 
the tunes without compensation. 
Under t}ie consent decree, an ASCAP 
member Is barred from licensing 
perforining rights through BMI, or 
'any firm, or corporation' outside of 
ASCAP, and the question has been 
raised within ASCAP whether under 
this provision NBC or Columbia 
would have the right to accept a li- 
cense from an, ASCAP member and 
to reassign this license to affiliated 
stations. 

The Razaf-Robinson notices have 
been turned over to ASCAP counsel 
for consideration. It was stated at 
the Society yesterday that If these 
are found. In counsel's opinion, to be 
in violation of the consent decree, 
all concerned will be immediately 
summoned before the N.Y. federal 
court. 



Would-Be War Songs 



BMI SETS UP 
RADIOTUNES CO. 



First of the subsidiary publish- 
ing firms which Broadcast Music, 
Inc., is setting up will be known as 
Radiotunes, Inc. Its initial publica- 
tion will be 'I'll Be a Soldier, Too,' 
and 'We'd Rather Die On Our Feet' 
The first number is by Andy Razaf 
and J. Russell Robinson, members of 
the American Society of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers, and the 
other is by Robinson, Henry A. Mur- 
phy and Lewis Fuchs. Eddie De- 
Lange, another ASCAP member, has 
negotiated a contract for some num- 
ber with BMI, but up to Monday 
(7) it was on a desk at BMI await- 
ing his signature. 

BMI officials last week Inter- 
viewed seven unemployed song plug- 
gers for spots in the proposed subsid 
firms but none was hired. 



Radiotunes, Inc., Files 

Albany, July 8. 
Radiotunes, Inc., has been char- 
tered' to condu(;t,.a business in mu- 
sical and dramatic works of all 
kinds. 

Rosenberg, Goldmark & Colin 
were the filing attorneys. 



Music publishers are being 
deluged with ditties written 
around conscription and life in 
the Army. 

Some of the numbers circu- 
lating, accepted or refused for 
publication, are titled: 

'Goodbye Dear, I'll Be Bock in 
a Year: 

'They Put tie in the Army, 
But I Don't Look Good' in 
Broum.' 

'Gone With the Dra/t.' 

'She's Got a Great Big Army 
■> of Friends: 

'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy: 

'He's a Rookie jrom the 
Rockies: 

'Twenty-one Dollars a Day — 
Once a Month: 

'Over the Waves Through 
Flotsam and Jetsam: 

'He's 1-A in the Army and A-1 
in My Heart: 

'Is It Love or Is It Conscrip- 
tion: 

One of the funnier ones was 
recently recorded by jivester 
Wlngie Mannone, titled 'Stop 
That War, Those Cats are Kill- 
ing Themselves.' 



Alfred Newman doing an original 
score for 'Wild Geese Calling' at 
20th-Fox. 



VOCCOGROUP 
LIAISON TO 
MUTUAL 



Rocco Vocco, as chairman, last 
week appointed the committee of 
contactmen affiliated with ASCAP 
publishing firms that will work in 
close co-operation with the Mutual 
Network in solving problems per- 
taining to music on dance band 
broadcasts. The Idea of the com- 
mittee came out of a luncheon which 
the network staged for the music 
men earlier in the week. 

The underlying purpose of the 
accord between the network and the 
contactmen is to so frame the net- 
work's current music programs that 
they will not only be more attractive 
to listeners but help the ASCAPites 
develop more song hits. It has al- 
ready been arranged that the con- 
tactmen obtain Jn ample advance the 
network's band pickup schedules so 
that they can spot their plugs more 
effectively. Also the names of bands 
that are to be cleared over the net- 
work but not with a New York out- 
let Included so that publishers' out- 
of-New York reps can do the con- 
tacting in time. 

Committee members, in addition to 
Rocco, consists of Harry Link, Joe 
Santly, Lester Santly, Jonie Taps, 
Eddie Wolpin, Murray Baker and 
Irving Tanz. 

Leith Stevens Conducting the mu- 
sic on untitled picture to be pro- 
duced for RKO by, WiUiam Dieterle. 



PodeD Addresses ASCAP Board 
On Anti-Trust Tactical Move; 
Paine Pessimistic to Trannnefl 



Controversy between NBC-CBS 
and the American Society of Compo- 
sers, Authors and Publishers ap- 
peared yesterday (Tuesday) headed 
for the Federal courts again, this 
time on .. anti-trust . proceedings. 
From information that has seeped 
out from both New York and Wash- 
ington quarters the action may in- 
volve not only a triple damage suit 
but possible criminal procedure 
under the conspiracy and restraint 
of trade statutes. Meanwhile the 
ASCAP Iraard of 'directors has put 
on ice the proposal for a new li- 
censing agreement received from 
NBC June 27. 

There was a meeting between 
John G. Paine, ASCAP general 
manager, and Nlles Trammel! 
and Mark Woods, NBC prci and- 
v. p., respectively, at the net- 
work's offices Monday (7) but 
Palne's errand was merely to 
check up on some data that NBC 
had submitted along with Its of- 
fer, Paine wanted to find ODt on 
what the network had based Its 
estimate that ASCAP wonid de- 
rive $3,300,000 from all broad- 
casting ahnnally if it accfpted 
NBC's proposition. It turnied out 
that NBC bad been nsing the 
FCC^s latest flgnrea while Paine 
had based his calonlatlons on 
what the Society had taken In 
from radio In 1940: 

While with Trammell and 
Woods the ASCAP g. m. Indi- 
cated that hii board was ananl- 
monsly cold to the network's 
proposition and he. In inrn, wiu 
informed that the terms of the 
submitted offer was as far as. 
NBC oonid to.' ■ 
ASCAP board did meet last Thurs- 
day (3) but practically all the time 
was devoted to listening to David 
Podell, special counsel retained for 
the anti-trust case, outline the vari- 
ous facets of the conspiracy-restraint 
of trade laws and how the facts at 
hand apply. Podell expressed him- 
self as confident that ASCAP had a 
powerful case, but he cautioned the 
directors from discussirig it outside 
the iMardroom. 

At ASCAP yesterday (Tuesday) it 
was said that the board had gone 
over NBC's offer but that the di- 
rectorate would not hold any meet- 
ing to acluiowledge or reject It until 
it had received PodeU's recommen- 
dations. NBC had offered to pay 
2Vi% on network business and 2% 
on local station business, as com- 
pared to the 3% now being :paid by 
Mutual and its affiliated outlets. 
Those BMI Cheeks 
Aside from Podill's assurances the 
feeling of optimism prevailing at 
ASCAP derives from the bad reac- 
tion that Broadcast Music, Inc., re- 
ceived last week from the perform- 



ance royalty distribution that the ra- 
dio-owned organization made among 
writers and publishers. It is be> 
lieved within ASCAP that the pres- 
sure from BMI writer and affiliated 
publisher sources for more perform- 
ance income will continue and that 
before long the broadcasters will 
find out that they wUl have to spend 
a lot more than they had expected 
for non-ASCAP music and for A 
comparatively much limited catalog. 
The breaks, contend ASCAP lead- 
ers, are at long last beginning to go 
ASCAP's way. 

ASCAP in a publicity release last' 
week asked BMI to disclose how 
much money it had received for 
performing rights during the pbst 
year, how much of this it paid to 
composers, what relief provisions It 
has made for them during sicliness 
and distress and what provision It 
has made to 'insure continued pay- 
ments through the years to come to 
composers who write hit songs now 
but whose output may dwindle or 
cease in a few' years?' 



DUFFY KAYOES 
THEME SONG 
SUIT 



Milwaukee, July 8. , 
Federal Judge Ryan Duffy, im- 
placable foe of the American So- 
ciety of Composers, Authors and 
Publishers, last, week tossed out an . 
infringement suit brought by a 
writer, Eric Karll who is not af- 
filiated with ASCAP, and the case is 
being apiMaled to the U. S. circuit ' 
coiui of appeals. Robert A. Hess, 
Wisconsin ' c<>uhsel .for ASCAP, ap- 
peared as Karll's lawyer. 

As coinposer of the 'Go, You. 
Packers, Go,' the theme- song for the 
Green Bay Packers professional 
football team, Karll had filed .an 
action for $5,000 against the Satur- 
day Evening Post^or using the lyrics 
without permission in a story, 'And 
a Little Town Shall Lead Them,' by 
Russ Davis. Article de^rlbed the 
rise of the team to national promi- 
nence. 

Courtroom sidellners gathered the 
impression that the Judge went put 
of his way to find against Karll, hot 
only ruling that the latter had not 
sustained damages but that use of 
the song by the mag was Incidental 
to the main article and that a 'fair 
use' had been nKide of the song. 



Billy Stoneham and Lou Comito join with me in .a most sin- 
cere expression of our gratitude to the many friends who made 
possible the success of 

NO. 10 LULLABY LANE 

It is with the greatest pleasure and pride that we present to 
you the newest addition to our household at No. 10— 

CITY CALLED HEAVEN 

(POPULATION OF TWO) 

Sincerely, 

BOB WARREN. 



WARREN PUBLICATIONS 

349 E. 49TH ST., NEW YORK 



Sole Selling Agent: MUSIC DEALERS SERVICE, INC. 

799 SEVENTH AVE, NEW YORK 



44 



VAUDETILLB 



Wednesdaj, July 9, 1941 



4c Per Show Gets $100,000 for Mpk 
In Admission Sales for 'Aquatennial' 



Minneapolis, July 8. 

By being able to sell 25 big enter- 
tainments for 4c apiece and still 
make a sizeable profit, civic sponsors 
of the city's annual 'Aquj^tennial' 
celebration, amateurs in the amuse- 
ment game, are demonstrating a 
showmanship brand that's believed 
to give cards and spades, to the lead- 
ing professional entrepeneurs. 

They've disposed of approximately 
100,000 buttons at $1 each, good for 
•free' admission to all 25 show events 
comprising the current Aquatennial, 
which corresponds to the New Or- 
leans' Mardi Gras, etc. For the lo- 
cal public it's the biggest entertain- 
ment bargain by far it's ever had. 
But the $100,000, plus the added 
revenue accruing from reserved 
seat sales, program advertising, etc., 
not only. will finance the celebration, 
which attracts tbqusands of visitors 
and is a big plug for the city, but 
also will net a goodly sum for 
charity. 

The manner of financing the cele- 
bration through the sale of 'buttons' 
Is believed to be unique. Every 
employer in the city, and even the 
municipality itself. Is brought into 
line to put pressure on employees 
to buy the buttons. Moreover, the 
Idea is hammered home over the 
radio, in wholesale gratis news- 
paper publicity and by the bosses 
themselves that the person who 
doesn't buy and wear an 'Aquaten- 
nial' button is remiss in bis or her 
civic duty. But the 'sal^ talk* also 
emphasizes the fact that the button 
purchaser does himself a favor_ by 
buying in this way a 'tremendous' 
amount of entertainment — 'more for 
the money' than ever has been given 
before.' 

25 Aqdatennlal Shows 

The 25 'Aquatennial' shows are a 
championship rodeo featuring 75 
leading cowboys, an elaborate stage 
show in the Auditorium, a national 
rowing regatta on the Mississippi 
river, a four-day horse race meet 
at the State Fair grounds, the 'Aqua- 
Cavalcade* on Lake . Calhoun with a 
brilliantly illuminated parade end' 
ing with spectacular fireworkSr^hree 
huge street parades, a Northwest 
band contest,- a singing, regatta, an 
outdoor motOE meet, a regatta for 
boys and girls under 16, religious 
services outdoors, a street dance in 
the. loop, a dnun major and . major- 
ette contest, the 'Aqua Follies'' with 
Morton Downey A emcee, a three' 
day swinuning meet, trapshooting 
and goU tournaments, a raspberry 
festival, Rubin & Cherry noidway 
shows, a kennel show, a showboat 
from SL Louis presenting an old' 
time meller, a river parade of 
cruisers, a 'queen of the lakes* 
beauty contest and a children's 
pageant 

During the' 'Aquatennial,* which 
starts Friday (11) and ends July 19, 
the Orpheum has Paul Wbiteman 
and a stage show for a special at- 
traction, the local boxing club has 
Joe Louis here for an exhibition 
bout with Jim Robinson and the 
Minneapolis baseball club will be 



host to the American Association all- 
star game. 

Although It pointed out that the- 
atres will suffer greatly from the 
opposition, Northwest Allied, com- 
prising independent exhibitors, has 
come out with an endorsement of 
the 'Aquatennial' and a promise to 
cooperate. As a matter of fact, the 
local exhibitors even are' selling the 
celebration buttons to their em- 
ployees. 



LEVIN BIDS FOR 
NRC ARTISTS 
SERVICE 



Chicago, July 9. 

W. Biggie Levin, Chicago leading 
independent radio talent booker, is 
now in New York to negotiate with 
NBC for the possible purchase of Its 
Artists Service Bureau. 

Levin was once engaged by Niles 
Trammell to work in the Artists 
Service, but due to Illness never re- 
ported for work. Upon his recovery 
he opened his own office Instead. 

In his endeavor to acquire the 
Artists Bureau, Levin is being bank- 
rolled by a Chicago syndicate, and 
if successful will enl^ge his present 
set-up to include offices in the major 
cities, with Chicago. New York, and 
Hollywood the focal points. 

Talent currently under the Levin 
banner include Edgar A. Guest, "Eddy 
Howard, Tony Wons, and Don Pedro 
and his orch. He is also handling 
the SkeDy Oil account, with com' 
mentators Donald McGibeny and 
Clifton Vteiy, and all bookings for 
the Holeproof Hosiery program 
Also, this past year Levin booked ell 
talent for association of American 
Banks, with attractions - such as 
Leopold Stokowski and the Philadel- 
phia Orch. 

Horrb, MCA BU« 

NBC expects to get bids from the 
Music Corp. of America and the Wil- 
liam Morris office for the purchase 
of the network's artists bureau with' 
in the next few days. Each of the 
booking organizations has been fur- 
nished with detailed information on 
what the sale would involve. 

J. C. Stein, of MCA, arrived in 
New York Monday (7) ^nd NBC un- 
derstood yesterday (Tuesday) that he 
had ready a proposition for submis- 
sion. 



Saranac Lake 

Br .Bappy Benway 



Bouche's Chi Fire 

Chicago, July 8. 

Villa Venice, big roadhouse with 
a French floor show, operated by Al- 
bert Bouche, was considerably dam 
aged last week by fire. 

Outdoor nitery is to continue In 
the portion not damaged by fire. 




Saranac, N. Y., July 8.- 
Mrs. Florence Bordley, in this 
colony for so long and also an ex- 
N.V.A.-ite, is vacasbing with her 
folks in Michigan. 

Jack Frazer, formerly of Weber, 
Beck and Frazer, who vacashed here, 
is back as house detective at the 
Hotel Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y. 

Earl Gentry, who did a Popeye act 
and once ozoned here, now confines 
himself on Upper Saranac lake to 
fishing; 

Arthur Sheldon, ex-critic of th( 
Baltimore. Sun, left the Trudeau 
sanatorium and is now ozoning in a 
private cottage on the Old Military 
Road estate. He's doing O.K. 

Bernard Brewster, formerly of 
Brewster and Sullivan,- vacashing- 
here for two weeks. 
. The holiday jammed the Will 
Rogers with oglers and sight-seeing 
folks. Opinions as usual rated the 
Institution tops. 

Marion Green, who recuped at the 
N.V.A.-Will Rogers sanatorium, 
packing a mess of good reports as 
one able to go downtown. 

The Tommy (Lamt>s Club) Thom- 
sons, ogled this colony and mitted 
Earle Larrimore, legit actor, who's 
doing nicely at 2 Sheppard avenue. 

Patrick J. Rogers, Avho trouped 
with this writer on the Guy Bros. 
Minstrels in IBIO, U here advance- 
billing the Russell Bros, circus. He 
arranged open house at the tent 
show for the ailing gang of the col- 
ony. 

(Write «• Uina who are III). 



SEEAGVA,AI1 
PHULY ACCORD 



Philadelphia, July 8. 

Chances for a cooperating ^agree- 
ment (letween the American' Guild 
of Variety Artists and Local 77, 
American Federation of Musicians, 
brightened a bit over the weekend 
when AGVA announced it was pull- 
ing its acts from the Park Casino, 
now on the musicians union black- 
list for non-payment of salaries. 

Although no formal' agreement 
was entered Into, Dick Mayo, AGVA 
business agent, said, he 'would be 
glad' to work with the Musicians 
Union whenever the situation called 
for it Rex Riccardi, Local 77 sec- 
retary, said his union would co- 
operate 'informally* with the actors 
group during labor disputes at night 
clubs. The musicians have been 
hesitant in entering into any formal 
agreement with AGVA because of 
the fights between the different fac- 
tions of the actors union. "Until the 
tmion is settled on an even keel, 
the musicians can hardly tie them- 
selves up in any formal alignment, 
a union spokesman, said. 

Meanwhile, the new booking li- 
cense bill, shelved by the legisla- 
ture fn Its rush* to adjourn, was 
taken out of the pigeonhole for pos- 
sible action by the senate. The 
bill's revival followed a lobbying 
and telegram campaign by Pitts- 
burgh and Philly AGVA members. 

The bill has the backing of both 
the actors union and the Entertain' 
ment Managers Association (book- 
ers). Under the measure unlicensed 
or ont-of-state agent may not book 
acts In Pennsylvania under the 
threat of severe penalties. There 
are also safeguards for performers 
in the matter of payment -and mini- 
mum rates. 



Two Held in Buffalo 

On Rodeo Wrangle 

Buffalo, July 8. 

Difficulties continue to pile up for 
the Wild West Rodeo and America 
Pageant, due to show here June 17, 
but which didn't On the basis of 
the story that he had paid $12.50 for 
five tickets and had gone to the Mu- 
nicipal Auditorium only to find 
there was no show, Burton Manley 
swore out a warrant charging petit 
larceny against the promoters. 

Dick Ryan, 29, manager, and io, 
seph Demarest, 29, stunt man. Were 
arrested at Rochester and returned 
here by Buffalo police on the 
strength of Manley*s complaint 

Rndd's, roadhouse on the Albany- 
Schenectady road, is now presenting 
a show, 'Parisian Divorcees," In 
which Don Romero, tap dancer ad- 
vertised as the brother of filmster 
Cesar Romero, has tap billing. 



■ttttt**f*"fft'tttfft*.fttfrffttMttttt.t ill 

The Good Old Days 



**************** * **fttttHtMMM 

Herewith appears a Variety revtevo oj a N. T. Palace bill o} 20 years 
ago. The intention Is to reprint these weekly using the relative week of 
1921 with the current date of issue. No special reason in reviving these 
reviews other than the interest they may have in recalling the acts which 
were playing at that time, the manner of putting together a big time show 
(booking), which radio stations may find pertinent, and as a resume of the 
style of vaudeville reviewing of that day. 

(Reprinted from Vawett of July 8, 1921) 

PALACE, N. Y. 



The show is unnecessarily long, ringing down past 11:30 Tuesday night 
even after some eliminations. Just why acts confuse a long stay with a 
strong welcome Is one of those little cryptic puzzles of mortal psychology. 
Solly Ward and Co., Blossom Seeley and Co., Blackface Eddie Ross and 
Arman Kaliz and Co., every one a hit act ran longer than seemed rea- 
sonable, and every one would have .been a better act if pruned down. 

Ross more than merely stretched out his routine. At 11:10 o'clock, with 
the L« Fevres still to come, he took his exit and remained off fully a 
minute and a halt without a bow or a return; the olio went up for the 
closer, bi)t Ross' applause continued,- the audience being as obstinate as 
the performer. When the Le Fevre set was revealed and May Le Fevre 
had entered, Ross made his reappearance from the wings, the drop was 
let down on the embarrassed and dumbfounded girl, and Ross went into 
his whistling encore. 

It wasn't Ross* fault that the house applauded. Ross is the best black- 
face monologlst of the Charlie Case type on the boards. He is the only 
free-hand banjo player except Bill Bailey - left in the big-time spotlight. 
He has personality and commands recognition. These are all the more 
reasons why he should be punctiliously professional and tactfully ethical, 
and not kill any chances that a' closing act, already sorely handicapped, 
may encounter. 

Blossom Seeley came back in more ways than one. She has not been 
here tor some time, and when she last was here she was not Blossom 
Seeley. She was a stranger, with prima donna affectations and 'dignity.* 
Now she is no longer Miss Seeley; she is Blossom, the Blossom of old, the 
finger-snapping, skirt-raising, short-dressed, rag-dancing, eye-tossing 
Blossom. She has taken the quip of the day — "Be yourself* — seriously. 
And she was hugged and loved and applauded to the echoes by an audi- 
ence not noteworthy for its enthusiasm. Out west Miss Seeley had been 
getting great receptions and mild returns; here she got an affable but not 
fervid come-on, and worked It up to a rousing walloping triumph. 

The encore bit good for laughs, might be trimmed some. The serious 
moments, which are gag-feeders, but nevertheless are drama while they 
last might be whittled considerably. The audience wlU then get the 
effect that Miss Seeley can do something J>eyond cavorting and capering, 
yet it will not have time to wonder whether she is beginning to believe it 
herself or not There is so much in suggestion that is lost in execution. 
Miss Seeley's program is great now and can be improved only by some 
discreet cutting. She has found herself and is a. superb little artist, and, 
what Is much more important to vaudeville and the public, she is a superb 
little entertainer. But just a trifle less of the heorics. 

Bennle Fields, In her suppoi*,, probably never worked before with all 
the punch that he packs to the Palace crowd. Always a powerful songster 
and surprising dancer, as well as a rare combination oi high and low 
comedian and polished straight man, he has not yet played enough in 
New York to have been rated at his full value. This Palace engagement, 
with everything in his favor, should make him secure for the future in the 
apportionment of standing and the establishing of a-^ame. 

Solly Ward, with Marion Murray and Jeanne Eliot, two peSect aides to 
this nervous and naive little character joker, whanged laughs against the 
ceiling until It shook. Wow after wow reverberated, some due to the 
bull's-eye material and all due to his way of juggling it. But here again 
was a sign of regret over too much' of a good thing. The effort to work 
up pathos toward the end Isn't bad, though it Isn't in keeping and doesn't 
either help the act or even hold up to the pace it has already set. But if 
it must be In for one of those incomprehensible Teasons that cause vaude- 
villlans to yearn for incongruous things. It should be skeletonized and 
reached quickly, sharply, in fact, abruptly. Its only value can lie in the 
surprise of a minor note in a topical tune, but a whole etude hardly fits. 
Nothing can spoil this act Three minutes taken out of the last six would 
improve it inuneasurably, though. As it was it went for a panic. 

Arman Kaliz, in a return with his skillfully staged allegory. Tempta- 
tion,' closed the first portion to an Impressive demonstration. There is a 
European smack to the whole offering which Is In keeping with the star's 
method and reaction, and it whizzes along, except for one dt two spots, 
with speed unusual to art offerings. The company la large and gifted; the 
wardrobe and settings are gorgeous; the lighting la uncannily hypnotic, 
and the shadings are broad and never boresome. This Is a knockout head- 
line act and could stand only some minor pulling together to be beyond 
criticism. 

Cordon's Circus opened, the smoothest- animal turn that could be per- 
fected, Scanlon, Denno Brothers and Scanlon were nicely taken In dances 
and reflections of past days, executed with showmanship and good sense. 
Franklyn and Charles, hitting with a rough-and-tumble burlesque apache 
dance, came back for their astounding athletics and band-to-band miracles 
« *ifL !L"'"'**'" '"^ O'Donnell went unsteadily here, In contrast 

to the biff-bang-from-the-start returns they usually win. Connie O'Donnell 
seemed a little under the weather and did not fully extend himself. But 
the crowd knew the boys, and everybody like them anywhere, so it got 
across all right The Le Fevres, in one of the handsomest variety acts lit 
the catalogue, never bad a chance after the Eddie Ross Ue-up, and worked 
to the Great Retreat 

The orangeade counter got a great play in the intermission. This sys- 
tem of handmg out refreshments gratis reflects the Palace atmosphere of 
everything for the guest There are no restrictions— take as often as you 
please and welcome, and no Ups allowed. It's a smaU thing when the bill 
Ju""* ,. i! ?°'? ^''^ " is a big idea In hospitality, 

that all-vltal strain in popularizing a playhouse, and, above alL a vaude- 
ville playhouse which depends on. recurrent patronage. Lait. 



8,000-Seat Indoor Arena 
Planned for Mex City 

Mexico City, July 8. 

What win be the largest indoor 
amusement arena in Mexico, seat- 
ing 8,000, Is being readied for here 
by two of this republic's leading box- 
ing-wrestling promoters, Louis James 
(Jimmy) Fitten, of Oakland, Cal., 
who has been -in the game here for- 
some 20 years, and Manolo Fernan- 
dez. Promoters recently merged 
their interests and consolidated cards 
of their respective halb, concentrat- 
ing this biz in Fittwi's arena.. 

The projeicted arena is to accom- 
modate boxing and wresting matches 
as well as circuses and other spec- 
tacle^ A tentative, site has been se- 
lected in the downtown belt. Work 
is scheduled to start In late summer. 



AGVA AIDE FINED FOR 
STAGING AM SHOW 



San Francisco, July 8. 

Don Santos, member of the Amer- 
ican Guild Variety Artists board 
here, was fined $50 by AGVA for 
staging an amateur show in the Em- 
bassy theatre here last week without 
obtaining clearance. 

Guild has now okayed ams with 
proviso theatre also use four acts of 
pro vaude. Present pltuts call for 
neophytes on Tuesday and vaude on 
Thursday, starting (15). 



BiUy Blann (Yacht Club Boys) is 
operating Sherman's nitery at Del 
Mar, CaL 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



VAUDEVILLE 



45 



lOOO CROWD 
A.C.FORSOa 
SHOWBIZ 



Embarrassed With 6.0. 



'Atlantic City, July 8. 

Atlantic City's amusement and 
' hotel business did smash biz when 
500,000 persons crowded this resort 
for the July 4 weekend. Long 
weekend brought in more money 
.than at any time since the boom 
days. Every hotel and rooming 
house was crowded, with people by 
hundreds trying side avenue homes 
asking for rooms. 

Friday, a stormy day, saw every 
picture house have standing room 
only for all performances and both 
Boardwalk and Atlantic avenue 
houses put on midnight shows for 
waiting crowds. 

Nlteries turned away hundreds of 
prospective patrons. Hotels, which 
had expected cancellations, when- 
storm came Thursday, had not a 
room to spare and all restaurants 
had waiting lines. 

Mayor Tom Taggart put all police 
on 12-hour shifts to handle crowds. 

Hamld's Million Dollar Pier drew 
42,000 persons on Friday (July 4) 
and 50,000 Saturday— the largest 
crowd on pier to date. Admission is 
75c per person exceptioi) half fare 
for military and navy men. 

Four extra shows were put on Sat- 
urday in Hippodrome, making a 
total of eight for the day. Victor 
McLaglen, Sally Rand, Tony Pastor's 
band, circus, and outdoor . sports 
headed attractions. 

Steel Pier officials announced that 
175,000 passed through the turnstiles 
during the three days of the holiday 
weekend, which marked ond of the 
biggest in the history of the amuse- 
ment pier. Admission was 75 cents 
per person. 

Dancers' Weakening. 
Of Floor Forces Cops 
To Shut Cleve. Nitery 

■ Cleveland, July 8. 

Too much rhumba-kicking and 
conga stomping nearly wrecked 
Tony Ellis' La Conga Club, which 
the police temporarily closed be- 
cause it was in danger of collapsing. 

Pancers had weakened the dance 
floor so much that Ellis was ordered 
to build a new one, with stronger 
girders and supporting beams. As 
a gag warning to hoofers when the 
spot reopens, owner is :ianging this 
sign over the bandstand: 'Save your 
kicks for Hitler and spare our new 
floor, please!' 



Atlantic City, July 8. 

Terrific weekend attendance rec- 
ords being chalked up here by Steel 
Pier have led manager Frank P. 
Gravatt and his publicity depart- 
ment to put the reverse English on 
the usual process of inflating patron- 
age flgurcs to prove potential payees 
how popular a joint is. 

Gravatt's technique is to hold the 
flgures down. He fears that if pa- 
trons on the outside really know 
how mobbed the pier is they'll be 
scared away. 



Philly Niteries 
Pay Fines in Rum 
Board Citations 



Philadelphia. July 8. 
Sam Silber, operator of the Em- 
bassy, local nitery paid over $900 to 
the State Liquor Board yesterday 
(Monday) in lieu of a 90-day 
suspension of his liquor license, 
which would have forced the spot to 
shutter for that length of time. The 
Embassy had been found guilty by 
the Board of selling liquor after 
hours and allowing dancing and en- 
tertainment after the Sabbath cur- 
few. It was the fourth citation for 
the spot. 

A fine of $50 or a 45-day sus- 
pension was paid by the Club Bali, 
also convicted of ■ similar violations 
by the board. 

The Board's examiner, Sidney 
Schwartz, meanwhile, was dieliberat- 
ing a demand by board ag«nts that 
the liquor lii.ense of Carroll's, cen- 
tral-city burlesk nitery, be lifted on 
charges of selling after-hours, per- 
mitting immoral shows and insuf- 
ficient lighting. 

At a hearing last Wednesday (2), 
agents testified that they heard a 
sepia entertainer, Jackie Mabley, 
sing 'lewd and smutty ballads.' Coun- 
sel for Carroll's asserted that Miss 
Mabley had 'once song before Mrs. 
Roosevelt.' Walter R. Wilson, chief 
agent, remarked 'it didn't matter if 
she sang in a Sunday School choir, 
she certainly was way off base when 
we were there.' 

To. refute claims his place was 'ill- 
lighted,' Stanley Carroll, operator of 
the spot,;subrnitted his electric light- 
ing bills as 'evidence.' Decision was 
reserved. 



7,000 PAYEES RIOT AT DEBT-PLAGUED 
SUNBROCK 'WAR' CIRCUS IN DETROIT 



Iturricane, B'way Nitery, 
In Provisional Payoffs 

The recently reopened Hurricane, 
Broadway nitery, is being forced by 
the American Guild of Variety Art- 
ists to pay off the principals every 
other night, instead of once-weekly. 
As for the chorus girls, the spot 
had to post a cash bond ensuring 
salaries. 

AGVA is still trying to collect 
from Albert Johnson the more than 
$3,000 owed the cast of his defunct 
ice show at Luna Park, Coney 
tsland. ' Last promise from Johnson 
was that he'd meet the obligations 
this week. 



120 Cops, 4 Fire Companies Called Out to Stem 
Mob When Creditors Force Halt of Performance 
and AGVA Demands Performer Pay 



SNAGS BESET RINaiNG 
CIRCUS IN BRIDGEPORT 



Rtngling circus played Bridgeport, 
Conn, last Wednesday (2) after un- 
expected difficulty. Matinee did not 
finale until 7 p.m. Although the show 
only moved in from New Haven, 18 
miles away and the shortest jump of 
the tour, railroad yards were so 
crowded that the Big Top was in- 
tricately routed and actually trav- 
eled nearly 100 miles before unload- 
ing in Bridgeport. .. . 

Circus was further handicapped 
when a number of razorbacks de- 
serted to take jobs in defense plants. 
It's claimed that the complement was 
not. more than o dozen men short, 
but there was trouble getting the 
canvas up. That was promptly reme- 
died when a hurry call to New York 
•brought 30 more men to the outfit. 
While the main tent was being raised 
part of the audience was directed to 
the menagerie. There, because of in- 
tense heat, a number of women 
fainted before the performance got 
under way. 



CRA Builds Troupe 

For Oregon State Fair 

San Francisco, July 8. 

Oregon State Fair, Salem, Ore., 
has commissioned Consolidated Ra- 
dio Artists office here to build a unit 
for the annual shindig Sept. 1 to 7. 

Already set are Leon Mojica's orch 
(13), 18 Peggy O'Neill dancers, 'Red 
Dust' and Bob Williams, dog act; 
Pansy Sanborn, xylophonist; Walter 
Dare Wahl & Co., comedy team; 
Johnny O'Brien, harmonica; Ches- 
ney and Worth, singers; Jackson and 
Blackwell, dance team and Lou 
Ashe, m.c. 



Spokane Loses Vaude 

Spokane, July 8. 

Post St. theatre which used vaude- 
ville three days a week for the last 
year, and two months ago tried it for 
a seven-day run weekly, has discon- 
tinued both vaudeville and first run 
pictures. 

Continues as/ a grind. 



AGVA. 4A'S IN 
AGREEMENT 
ON TAX 



The American Guild of Variety 
Artists reached a settlement last 
week with the Associated Actors 
and Artistes of America on the per 
capita tax it owed the parent or- 
ganization. Amount due the Four 
A's was $2,900; settlement figure was 
$500. 

Four A's evidenced that it was 
accepting a fraction of the coin in 
an effort to help AGVA completely 
straighten out its finances. AGVA 
indicates that it will be able to pay 
the full per capita tax in the future. 

Variety performers' union now has 
over $8,500 cash balance in the bank, 
which is sharp contrast to the $1.76 
on hand about a year ago. 



Detroit, July 8. i 

Even 'A Preview of Modern War' 
can involve the civilian populace. 

A thrill circus of that title, staged 
here by Larry Sunbrock, ended Sun- 
day night (6) with 7,000 spectators. 
120 policemen and four fire com- 
panies tangled in a riot in the Uni- 
versity of Detroit stadium after 
AGVA, numerous creditors such as 
the General Publicity Service and 
the Essex Broadcasting Co. (Station 
CKLW, Windsor, Ont.) and even the 
federal government staged an attack 
on the boxolTices. 

On the verge of trouble for three 
nights, the brawl broke loose on the 
final night of the spectacle after Les 
Golden, representing AGVA, refused 
to let the performers go on until 
they ' were paid. This produced a 
series of sorties on the boxoffices by 
the numerous creditors of the widely 
ballyhooed spectacle, while the 7,000 
spectators waited, first patiently, in 
the stands for more, than'two hours 
before breaking out in the riot which 
resulted In four riot calls, a triple 
fire alarm and the final burning of 
three automobiles and other equip- 
ment of the thrill circus. 

None of the spectators got a refund 
because of the quick grabbing of cash 
by the sundry creditors although the 
crowd stormed the boxoffices, too, 
and finally burned two. 

Vnable to Pay rerformer* 

Fiasco started to stem from the 
fact that the General Publicity Serv- 
ice and the Essex Broadcasting Co 
obtained assignments and placed 
their own agents in the boxoffices 
to collect on the advertising bills. 
As a result of this Sunbrock claimed 
he was unable to pay the performers 
per Golden's request. This produced 



'Grand Ole Opry' Nabs 
Fine $4,800 in Ga. Stand 

Nashville, July 8. 

The 'Grand Ole Opry's' road show 
exceeded all expectations on its 
Opening week in Georgia with 15,364 
customers paying approximately $4,- 
800 to see the WSM hillbilly stars. 

Honey Wiles, road manager, said 
that about 400 persons had to be 
turned away each night. An en- 
largement in the tent will be made 
within the next week so that about 
3,700 patrons can be seated. 

Scale is 35c for adults, 20c for 
children with box seats costing an 
additional 15c. 



Coast Army Camp Troupe Reafly 
Suffers for Uncle Sam's Soldiers 



San Francisco, July 8. 
Coast's ■ first touring army camp 
show from Hollywood is really suf- 
fering for Uncle Sam. By time gang 
reached the Presido here it had 
faced heat prostration in Riverside, 
dust and wind that nearly blew 
them oft the stage at San Luis Obis- 
po, hours in buses and a week's loss 
of sleep. 

Parading under banner of the 
Hollywood Division, Motion Picture 
Committee Cooperating with Na- 
tional Defense, u"?iit included Kay 
Kyser, Ginny Sinuns, et al, Marlene 
Dietrich, Linda Darnell, Lucille Ball, 
Desi Arnaz, Jerry Adier (brother 
of Larry), Georgia Carroll, Kay Aid- 
rich and Phil Regan. Troupe broke 
in at Camp Callan, near San Diego, 
and worked its way up through 
Riverside, Camp Roberts at San Luis 
Obispo (where La Dietrich mounted 
a chair in the hospital and sang 
songs) Hamilton Field and the Pre- 
sido here. At local stop, Kyser origi- 
nated his network show in the 1,100- 
seot post theatre, doing a total of 
three shows so that the boys could 
see it in relays. 

Before they'd gone 600 miles, how- 
ever, Dietrich, Simms, Ball and Dar- 



nell had been Inducted as honorary 
lieutenants. Guy who earned the 
orchids, however, is Kyser, who 
never worked harder in his life and 
made a terrific hit with service 
units, all of whom wanted distinc- 
tion of making him an honorary 
captain. Kyser m.c.'d shows before 
audiences of up to 25,000 men. 
■ From Frisco,' tour swung to Mof- 
fett Field, with dates beyond that 
point indefinite. 

Committee in charge Includes Y. 
Frank Freeman, Paramount; Edward 
Arnold and Charles Feldman. Pro- 
duction is by Max Bercutt of Feld- 
man's office. Even publicity donated, 
Eddie Rubin of RKO and Charles 
Cochard of M-G accompanying as 
planters. 

Helene Hughes dancers and Emer- 
ald Sisters, aero act, currently at the 
Bal Tabarin here, donated service 
locally, driving 50 miles to partici- 
pate in Hamilton Field show. 



Indefinite Extension 

War Department execs are so 
pleased with results on mobile vaude 
shows now touring camps that they 
put in an emergency call yesterday 
(Continued on page 52) 



the impasse that left the crowd with 
only a balloon ascension for the 
evening's thrills until they staged 
their own show. 

The scramble for the cash pro- 
duced some odd affects, with Uncle 
Sam evidently the eventual winner. 
After the ad agencies glommed the 
cash, federal agents sent their scouts 
in pursuit of these collectors, claim- 
ing Uncle Sam had a prior claim on 
$660 for admission taxes. 

Once the riot started, in which 
scores were injured, it took until 
midnight to dear the stadium of the 
impromptu thrill circus liut on by 
the crowd. Golden, who intended 
to press his claims against Sunbrock, 
was balked of further, action here 
when the promoter checked out of 
his hotel a few hours after the ript 
broke out. 

Sunbrock has had other hon-payofi 
trouble in the past, ' wherein he's 
been forced to scram, town without 
shelling out 



Frisco Stairway Dropping 
Names Doe to Poor Biz 



San Francisco, July 8. 

With biz only fair, Stairway to the 
Stars is dropping names following 
three-week engagement of Gypsy 
Rose Lee, just concluded. Replacing 
her is Prof. L. Cota, zany xylophon- 
ist, and Lee Bartel, singer, both set 
by MCA. 

Holding over are Gary Leon and 
Tut Mace, dance team booked in by 
Bert Levey. Guy Rennie, m.c, and 
Boris Petroffs Hollywood Sweater 
Girls also stay on. 



Bnrnett and Lnellle opened at the 
It Cafe In Hollywood. 




HERMANOS WILLIAMS 
TRIO 

mw APPEARim 

3RD WEEK 
RADIO CITY 
MUSIC HALL 

NEW YORK 

and 

ISIGHTLY AT THE 

WALDORF-ASTORIA 
STARLIGHT ROOF 

All Summer Season 

Many Thanks to SONNY WERBLIN 
Management 
MUSIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA 



46 MIGHT CLUB BEVIEWS 



Wednesday, Julj 9, 1941 



HOTEL NEW YORKER 

(TERRACE ROOM, N. T.) 

Don Arden's Ice Revue, Belita. Jo 
Ann Dean, Gene Berg, Peter Killam, 
Anne Haroldson, Phil Hiser, Ice Bal- 
let (6), Ross MacLean emcee; 
Johnny Long Orchestra (16) feotur- 
ing Helen Young, Bob Houston; $2 
dinner 7nini»num, 75c. and |1 cover. 



This is the fifth year for ice re- 
vues at the Hotel New Yorker, pio- 
neered by the late Ralph Hitz. The 
successor prez of this hostelry, Frank 
L. Andrews, and his entertainment 
director, Carl Snyder, must be forced 
to the conclusion that the Arctic at- 
mosphere type of floor show is the 
best b.o.i especially for the summer, 
Judging by recent grosses. The Ter- 
race Room's divertissement was in- 
terrupted, along with its name 
bands, by a union squabble, and 
while the preceding Monte Proser 
'Copacabana Revue' was a good stop- 
gap, what really makes maltre dTiotel 
Max Engelhardt beam at the door 
are the revues on Ice. 

Belita, premier British Ice baller- 
ina, who toured with 'Icecapades' 
for John H. Harris, and also just 
completed its fllmizatlon for Repub- 
lic (with the HoUl St. Regis, N. Y, 
ballerina, Dorothy Lewis, as co-at- 
traction in the celluloid version) is 
back at the helm of this snappy, Don 
Arden-produced revue. The rest of 
the support is 100% new faces, so 
far as the New Yorker is concerned. 

Belita, a tall blonde of arresting 
personality, nifty gams and an ice 
ballerina manner of distinction, 
makes her entrance from the audi- 
ence and more than stistalns her solo 
opportunities. Peter Killam, Cana- 
dian, is the juve lead with rhythmic 
type skating. He heads up the 
Southern Belles (6) in ante-bellum 
getup for the opener in a Dixie rou- 
tine. Costumes are gay, colorful and 
authentic in the Scarlett O'Hara 
manner. 

Gene Berg, another Juve, who 
later pairs with Jo Ann Dean, de- 
livers with a free-sWle skating ex- 
hibition. Thence Phil Hiser in 'gay 
blade' Gay '90's getup, with intricate 
legmania on the runners, including 
some nifty prattfalls and the' like. 
OK comedy contrast. Berg and Miss 
Dean return - for a samba opener, 
as part of a Pan-American costume 
interlude, but finale their duet with 
a rhythmic routine to 'Daddy.' 

Belita, furthering the change-of- 
pace motif of the revue, solos in a 
'Song of India* specialty. She also 
flashes an arrestlngly cut costume 
that is novel and borders on the dar- 
ing without being in Ul taste. Peter 
Killam again does Top Hat'— a 
white-tie and cane nimiber — a fetch- 
ing riiytomic specialty. Anne Har- 
oldson, a looker, leads the finale, a 
Parisian mldinette conceit. 

'Thus, the gamut is variegated, 
ranging from Dixie to samba to can- 
- can, yet it's not disjointed nor does 
it give an awkward impression of 
JiJst being bit-and-number, as the 
sequence might indicate. 

Johnny Long, the left-handed fid- 
dling maestro who reminds of Hal 
Kemp in personality and dance style, 
holds over, and is making much of 
his big league opportunity at the 
Hotel New Yorker. Long's post-grad 
combo of 16 — six brass, six reeds, 
four rhythm— is another of those re- 
cently out-of-college bands, with the f^nt 
nucleus of the team still Intact, and 
more than delivers for the hoot Vo- 
cals by Helen Young and Bob Hous- 
ton ok. Ross MacLean, not of the 
band, does the emcee mike an- 
. nouncements. Abet 



of various dance bands, such as 
Wayne King, Henry Busse and even 
John Philip Sousa. Act could stand 
a little speeding. 

Carlos Ramirez, young South 
American baritone, is impressive in 
three well selected numbers. Open- 
ing with 'Amapola,' he goes directly 
to the classics, singing an aria from 
'Pagliacci.' For a closer he does a 
Spanish selection, 'Granada,' which 
introduces the Abbott Girls once 
again, this time in a Spanish Gypsy 
dance. Ramirez has excellent range 
and quality and shows great promise. 

Rosai'io and Antonio, fresh from 
pictures, are on for two typical Span- 
ish gypsy dances that display fire and 
novel presentation. They are at 
home in this setup, the big floor af- 
fording plenty of room and an ex- 
cellent show case for their individual 
artistry. All and all a fitting climax 
to a well prodiiced and nicely bal- 
anced show. Loop. 



RAINBOW ROOM, N. Y. 



Barry Winfon Orchestra (13) tuith 
Sigrid Lassen, Julian and- Marjort, 
Ruth Hughes Aarons and Sandor 
Glancz, Russell Swann, Clemenfe's 
Rhumba Orch with Mayla; $2.50 din- 
ner minimum, $1 and |2 cower. 



This is a nice light summer revue, 
consistent with the season, although 
holding more or less proved talent 
Three of the four acts might be 
called Rockefeller nitery veterans, 
Barry Winton's enlarged band hav- 
ing just shifted over from the in 
formal Rainbow Grill, as have Julian 
and Marjori, while Ruth Hughes 
Aarons and Sandor Glancz, the table 
tennisers, mark their third or fourth 
return here. 

Don Julian and Marjori previously 
conducted the champagne hour and 
ballroomed in the Grill; now they're 
the highlight dance pair in the tonier 
Rainbow Room, sans the dance con- 
test. Their tango, toreador and 
Viennese waltz routine, on the sup- 
per show caught, clicked. 

Miss 'Aarons and Glancz are always 
surefire. For one thing, their ping- 
ponging is no child's play; she's the 
Temme champ and he's former 
world's title-holder when attached to 
the Hungarian team. (Incidentally, 
another ex -Hungarian, Vicki Barna, 
who formerly vis-a-vised Miss 
Hughes, has been, in England the past 
year or so giving table-tennis ex- 
hibitions in the London bomb shel- 
ters.) 

First-time-here is Russell Swann, 
vet comedy magico, whose audience- 
familiarity is 'offset by an engaging 
style. There are times when, in 
less deft hands, his intime tj^pe of 
performance might skirt on the dan- 
gerous, but he gets away with it. The 
magic, thus, becomes incidental to 
his comedy flair and hence he takes 
on extra values. When he essays 
something really .difficult he observes 
I the hell with it; it would be a good 
one if I could do It,* and stuff like 
that. 

Winton's new band has smoothed 
its rough edges since opening and is 
now in th« RR tradition of sprightly 
yet suave dansapatlon. Sigrid Las 
sen continues as vocal assist. 
Clemente's Rhumba is a nifty sextet 
headed up by the personable Mayla 
with the claves and a fetching brunet 

Abel. 



BLUE ROOM, N. O. 

(HOTEL ROOSEVELT, N.O.) 

New Orleans, July 5. 
Joe Reichimin Orch, Sammy Walsh, 
Yola Colli, Shayne and Armstrong, 
Larry O'Neill. 

With other night spots either dark 
or biz way off, this top nitery is still 
getting the cream. Show is a swell 
dish and rendezvous was packed 
opening night despite heavy down- 
pour all evening. 

Joe Reichman, making first ap- 
pearance here, fits in nicely and he 
and crew kept the dance floor well- 
filled. Band ranks with the best that 
have played the Blue Room and 
leader-pianist proves to be more 
than just a baton wielder. He con- 
tributes several specialties of his 
own at the keyboard which show 
mastery of technique, particularly 
his interpretation of 'Smoke Gets in 
Your Eyes. Relchman's neat sense 
of harmony is apparent throughout 
the time he presides at the instru- 
ment. 

Band does sweet and swing with 
equal ease, with a waltz or two 
thrown in for good measure much to 
the delight of the oldsters. Floor 
show, although modest in quantity is 
rich in entertainment, and moves at 
nice pace. 

Sammy Walsh, emcee, shows he's 
been around. His comedy, songs and 
imitations earned him a nice reception 
and his offering is standout part of 
floor entertainment. Although he 
bows on the various turns on the bill, 
Walsh works alone towards the close. 
He appeared in this city last time 
some 10 years ago at old Suburban 
Gardens. 

Yola Galli, lAtin and American 
Chanteuse,' contributes several songs 
of better ^pe such as "Blue Danube' 
and 'Donkey Serenade,' and grabs 
her share of the applause. Reichman 
and boys provide effective assistance 
to Miss Galli in her act, especially 
during rendition of 'Nightingale 
Sang in Berkeley Square,' which she 
does as an encore. 

Shayne and Armstrong make 
nice appearance . and are a smooth 
and graceful dance team, sweeping 
through a series of routines in which 
they mix rhumba, waltz and comedy 
steps, and dizzy whirls for fine re 
suits. 

Larry O'Neill, Reichman's vocalist, 
rates bows for his swell vocalizing 
and hot trumpet tooting, especially 
for the way he does 'Sweet Chariot.' 

While the show is well paced and 
high in entertainment the important 
thing is that preceding and follow- 
ing it, and wrapped all around it, is 
the music of Reichman. Liuzza 



debuts with the band here this week. 
Jimmy Rushing was grabbing flat- 
tering applause for his vocals when 
caught; and a special nod to Joe 
Jones, for his expert, light drum- 
ming background for Miss Scott's 
piano. The Count handles his brief 
m.c. assignment here with the right, 
restrained touch. 

Ruby Newman's string group, play- 
ing between the Basie sets, keeps a 
comfortably-sized dance crowd oi^ 
the floor, getting a good response to 
waltzes, currently favored by a size- 
able minority of Bostonians. FoX. 

CHEZ PAREE, CHI 



885 CLUB, CHI 



I 



Chicago, -Jul]/ 3. 
Jerry Bergen lotth Allegra Varron, 
Rogert and Morrii. Fifi de Villerie, 
Julio Corcio Orch (5). 

Here in what was formerly just 
smart eating spot with incidental 
entertainment, there now is an at- 
mosphere of unrestrained comedy of 
the rowdy variety. Joe Miller, op- 
erator of the 885, has wisely allowed 
the acts to take over the place, and 
as a result the show is genuinely 
funny. 

. ..Show gets under way with a long, 
drawn-out series of opening an 
nouncements that involve the bus- 
boys, a Cuban from the orchestra, 
the girl singer, three different comics 
and even the boy from the men'i 
room. Following this, Fifl de Vil 
lerie, attractive brunet with fair 
pipes, takes over for three Latin 
songs. She seemed rather nervous, 
but overwise okay.- 

Rogers and Morris, slightly daffy 
comics with a flair for impersona- 
tion, are on for a solid half hour, 
with several changes of makeup anc; 
costume, and some pretty funny 
chatter. Material is a little shop- 
Show opens with Merriel Abbott | worn, but presentation is good and 
Dancers in a novel number, The .An- 1 the customers liked them. With 
gel and the Devil,' based on one of I some new material these boys might 
the tunes Ennis is identifled with, | go far. 



EMPIRE ROOM, CHI 

(PAUCER HOUSE) 

Chicago, July !• 
RosaHo and Antonio, Johnny Macfc, 
Three Pitchmen, Corlos Ramirez, 
Merriel Abbott Doncers (12), Sfcin- 
wiy Ennis Orch (15), Lou Diamond 
Orch; $3-3.50 dinner minimum; $2- 
2.50 supper. 

One of the most colorful revuK 
staged in this smart room in some 
time, show looks to possess not only 
business pulling value but real en- 
tertainment sock as well. 

Skinnay Ennis, in his first appear- 
ance here since the organization of 
his own band, appears to be well 
enough known due to his shots on 
the Bob Hope radio show to serye as 
lin excellent draw. At show caught 
Ennis m.c.'s but relief band IjOU 
Diamond played show music, due to 
some of Ennis' band being tem- 
porarily incapacitated on account of 
automobile accident, 



Tve Got a Date with an Angel.* 
Numl>er features half of the girls as 
angels and half as devils, and offers 
some unusual and distinctive costum- 
ing. 

Johnny Mack, youthful tap 
dancer, is on for some polished and 
effective work, of which the most 
outstanding is a bit done without the 
aid of music. He has good possibili- 
ties. 

Trio of unusual comedians. The 
Three Pitchmen, - offer some novel 
musical results ' with the aid of 
mouthpiece gadgets. One of the trio 
plays the piano throughout the act, 
with the o^er two gi^g ImitationB 



Jerry Bergen, diminutive comic, 
who works almost entirely in panto 
mime, had the audience with him 
from his first appearance, and laughs 
came fast and often. His impression 
of a concert violinist is a great piece 
of business, and followed by his in- 
troduction of Allegra Varron, 200 
pounds of soprano brunet, who 
works to great advantage with Ber- 
gen, it proves the topper to the 
sho\v. The combination of Bergen 
with Rogers and Morris on the same 
bill is surefire. 

Julio Garcia Orch (5) plays well 
for the show and dancing. Business 
terrific. Loop. 



RITZ ROOF, BOSTON 

(RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL) 

Boston, July 3. 
Count Basie Orch (16) with 
Jimmy Rushing and Eorl Warren; 
Hazel Scott; Rw>y Newman String 
Ensemble (4) ; fl cover. 



Unh Review 



Earl Carroll Re;vue 

(GOLDEN GATE , FRISCO) 

5an Francisco, July 8. 
SIat« Bros. (3), Buster Shaver with 
Oliue and George, Fay Carroll, 
Jeanne Devereaux, Anna Lee, Lois 
Morressy, Beverly Carroll, Dorothy 
Byton Dancers (6), Wiere Brothers 
(2), Al Norman, Corroll Girls (18), 
Irving Aaronson Orch (13); 'Hurry, 
Charlie, Hurry" (RKO). 



Opening a three-week engagemei)t 
at one of the top class spots of New 
England, Count Basie and Hazel 
Scott jammed the'>oof of the Ritz 
Carlton on the night before- the 
Fourth. With , a terriflc heat wave 
just ending about a week's run and 
the three-day weekend just opening, 
it might have been a logical alibi had 
the trade been off. 

This is Basle's second date here In 
two years, but Miss Scott's first, and 
also the first time she has plkyed a 
club with the Basie band, having 
worked with them only in theatres. 
The Count Is a known quantity here, 
and Miss Scott comes in with a 
smasho buildup from her past sea- 
son at Cafe Society in N. Y. Among 
the hep crowd who had not caught 
her act in New York, tremendous in-^ 
terest and anticipation was attached 
to the preem appearance here of the 
pianist-singer. At the late show, 
opening night, Miss Scott took two 
encores. 

Opening with 'Daddy,*. Miss. Scott, 
dished out a good sample of her 
vocal and piano stuff, but unfor- 
tunately she offset a good first im- 
pression by following with an am- 
bitious endeavor that she had not, 
apparently, rehearsed adequately, a 
tear-away, boogie-woogie assault on 
Liszt's 'Second Hungarian Rhap- 
sody.' 

This was a costly error, for it cre- 
ated a let-down in audience excite- 
ment that never quite recovered. 
Nothing quite like Miss Scott has 
been seen around here before. Her 
personality projects enough to bring 
'em in off tne sidewialk, and she is 
a natural show-woman. She Is the 
kind of performer that will make 
'em talk, and when she gets her rep- 
ertoire set for this special atmos- 
phere, which often bafHes a new- 
comer, she'll have to play more than 
five numbers she does here td sat- 
isfy the customers. 

Unquestionably Basie is the main 
draw, and the minute his ace rhythm 
section starts easing it out, the danc- 
ers rush from the tables to the 
fioor as If they were responding to 
an air-raid warning. His only fea- 
tured band number opening night 
was 'Wiggle Woogie,' preceding Miss 
Scott's floor show. The three-week 
booking. Indicates the management's 
confidence In his drawing power. 
His two new trombonists, Ell Rob- 
inson and Robert Scott, made their 



Chicago, July 5. 
JVfilton Berle, Raquel ond Torriba, 
Ben Yost Vt-Kinoj (6), Corole 
Rhodes, The Janslpys (4), Chez 
Paree AdorabXes (16), Boyd Raebum 
Orch (14), Bobby RoTnos Orth (11); 
$2.50-$3.50 min. 

Back in the Chez Paree for the 
first time in three years, Milton 
Berle has established a precedent 
at the popular nitery in that he dic- 
tated who the supporting acts > were 
to be. 'It is obvious that the choice 
was for the most part a wise one, 
as the show is fast-moving atfd 
thoroughly entertaining, 

Berle has never been better, and 
working all the way through the 
show as he does, there are no let- 
downs, Chez Paree Adorables are 
nifties and add plenty of flash. An 
unbilled, male ballet-tap protege of 
Berle is on for some distinctive work 
with the line. 

Opening the show the girls do a 
pleasant rhythm precision number, 
backed by ' colorful costumes, The 
routine has some neat formation 
work, well suited to the big floor. 
Following this come the Jansleys 
with their standard vaudeville rlsley 
acrobatic turn. They went over well 
with the customers, who liked the 
typically circus balancing act. 

Raquel and Tarriba, Cuban danc- 
ers, are on for two flne numbers, 
with plenty of flash and color, em- 
phasized by castanets. Girl has good 
looks and excellent sales personality, 
which aids much in putting the act 
over. Numbers are interesting 
enough in themselves, and the turn 
had no difficulty in satisfying the 
patrons. Carol Rhodes is a blonde 
warbler who does well with her 
tunes. She seemed a bit skittish 
when caught but scored satisfactor- 
ily, using a good many standard 
rather than strictly pop tunes. 

Making a great appearance, the 
Yost Vi-Kings are among the high- 
lights. Doing the expected 'Vaga- 
bond King' score, with plenty of in- 
dividual solo work, they achieve ex- 
cellent results. Topper of the whol^ 
show, however, is Berle appearing as 
the misfit seventh meml>er of the 
act. Hokum all the way,- but the 
audience ate it up and kept applaud- 
ing for more. An outstanding piece 
of business. 

In his own spot Berle confines 
himself to the singing of a few paro- 
dies and his nonsensical clowning. 
He gets- laughs even when there 
aren't any. He Is at his best, how- 
ever, when mixing into everyone 
else's act. 

Boyd Raebum orch plays the show 
neatly and his dance sets are enjoy- 
able. Bobby Ramos orch produces 
excellent music In the Latin manner. 
Business terriflc. Gold. 



New Acts in Theatres 



OTTO EASON 
DancinB^on Skates 
e Mins. 
Strand, sr. Y. 



r\ Colored lad's novelty In this danc- 
ing turn lies in its performance on 
roller skates. All the buck-and-wing 
intricacies are done on the rollers, 
and the skates add to a novelty glid- 
ing effect in some respects, especially 
for the kingpin routine, that on the 
staircase. 

. .This employs - the -stsp-laddep- ee^- 
estal first Introduced by Bill Robin- 
son. (By the way, Bojangles prob- 
ably got tired of beefing about the 
copyists and just willed it to them). 
Anyway, Eason uses the prop in a 
different sort of a way, via the roll- 
ers, making for a dizzy and some- 
what hazardous routine. 

For cafes, where the youngster 
would qualify also, he'd have to use 
a mat, undoubtedly, in order not to 
ruin the dance fioor. He's an OK 
specialty for bandshow (stage) and 
nitery revues. Abel 



Earl Carroll is breaking in his hew 
revue here prior to touring. Cos- 
tumes are not as bad as last time and 
there's one neat novelty in Olive and 
George, midget dance team, but 
otherwise it's a hodge-podge, with 
Slate brothers' humor lifted almost 
entirely from the lower. levels of 
burlesque. It's a better show, how- 
ever, than Carroll's last effort al- 
tiiough not likely to win itself any 
repeat dates in present form. 

As usual with Carroll shows, off- 
stage- voice tells customers what a 
'treat' they're in for. Male line (7) 
bows on first (odd for a girl show), 
goes through few mild steps and a 
song, then fades as 18 girls, parade. 
Curtain parts revealing steps which 
gals climb, waving white and red 
flags. Colors are faded and general 
effect is sad. Slate brothers work in 
and out and are oh during most of 
the show. Start by tossing news- 
papers for audience to read. 

Al Norman next with 10 show- 
girls following him in tap routine. 
Lad is lightning quick and has some 
funny steps which land but repeats 
them too often. Solo tango misses 
although it has flashes of brilliance. 

Fay Carroll vocals passably while 
showgirls parade in bright-colored 
bits of sparkling costume, okay, fol- 
lowed by units of two joined across . 
shoulders and arms for a python ef- 
fect. So awkward and goofy that 
audience laughed out loud at this 
one. Jeanne Devereaux in pale green' 
skirt and bra toe-and-bubble dances 
in front of the line for okay results. 

First real interest shown by cus- 
tomers is accorded next turn, Olive 
and George, with Buster Shaver at 
the piano, doing a jazz minuet. El- 
bow-high' gal is as cute as they come 
and second routine, wherein Olive 
and full-size Shaver do an adagio 
is the only sock item in the whole 
show. Novelty got a terriflc ovation. 
Later in show she does a swell Car- 
men Miranda and ballroom with 
(George. 

Army camp set next. Slate 
brothers and Norman doing how-to- 
sleep end service gag stuff which is 
a blend of high school and hurley 
corn. Anna Lee, high-kicker, fol- 
lows for fa-ir returns. Slate brothers 
have one neat novelty, 'Buy Ameri- 
can,* wherein one is disrobed as 
others hunt for made-in-USA libels 
on his clothes. 

Between various girl routines 
(none of which is outstanding), other 
specialties include the Wiere Bros., 
only two this time (formerly three), 
but still one of the slickest comedy 
teams in these parts; Byton dancers, 
only girls in the show who know 
what they're doing, with a fast acro- 
batic routine and a novelty using 
faces on their knees; Miss Devereaux, 
who r,etums for a fast toe-spin 
routine which lands solidly, and a 
comedy routine between the hard- 
working Slate boys who substitute a 
dummy for a girl foil in an acrobatic 
dance number, a quick-change nov- 
elty, which will be okay when open- 
ing-day bugs are ironed out. 

Whole show has atmosphere of 
perspiration- rather - than inspiretitm, 
and general tone of humor, while 
okay tqf Hollywood and probably 
New York, won't endear Carroll to 
family audiences or Parent-Teacher 
groups. 

Biz fair at opening. Wem. 



CANADA LEE 

With Warden SaonderiL Rena Mit- 
chell 
Dramatie Skit 
10 Mlns. 
ApoUo, N. T. 

Considering that Canada Lee and 
other members from the original cast 
of 'Native Son,' Broadway's recently 
closed legiter, are not aided by any 
sets or special lighting used in the 
Orson Welles production, this 10- 
mlnute excerpt is clicklly executed. 
Despite the brevity, Lee manages to 
convey excellently the bullying 
character of Bigger Thomas, the Chi- 
cago Negro, involved with the law. 

(Jhoice of the scene used — typical 
Chi south-side street in front of a 
barroom, with Bigger planning a 
stlckup and rotmdlng up his brow- 



-Cafe -Man- Stack -Up— • 

Wichita, July 8. 

Fred Clemons, operator of Over- 
flow Club, night spot north of city, - 
reported to police that he was held 
up and robbed of $2,000 cash and 
an undetermined amount of jewelry 
at his home last week. 

Two men, armed with pistols, ap- 
proached him as he got out- of his 
car- at his home, forced him into 
the house where he was tied to 
chair while search was made of 
house. 



Four Tones moved into the Rhum- 
Boogie,' Hollywood, . with Cee-Pea 
Johnson and the Chocolateers hold- 
ing over. 



beaten pals to carry out the Job— Is 
excellent for the spot The pha-ie 
dealing with the murder of the white 
girl is not included. 

Besides Lee's flne portrayal, Rena 
Mitchell, as his sweetheart, and War- 
den Saunders, as his pal, provide the 
best support. Both are from the orig- 
inal St.. James theatre show. Manage- 
ment shrewdly has used Willie Bry- 
ant as m. c. on show here to bctlld 
up Lee as an unassuming thespian 
via an informal interview preceding 
the excerpt Wear. 



^P^ednesday, July 9, 1941 



HOUSE REVIEWS 47 



ROXY, N. Y. 

Mojor Boice** 'Star Parad« of 1941' 
u>ith 4 Mimicking Melodeers, Ihckey 
Ludurfff, Ross and West, Robert 
Shilton, Bertay Sisters, June Brady, 
Three Harmonica Bees, Paul Jones. 
Three RolHclcinp Rockets, MuiHet 
Ober. Arthur MelU: Gae Foster Girls 
(24). Paul Ash House Orchesfro; 
'Moon Over Miami' (20th) reviewed 
In Vabietv, Ju ne 18. 

The Roxy does well with Bowes 
units usuaUy, and as a rule Bowes am 
shows are surefire for any rostrum. 
There's no difference between the 
mrmpatheUc reactions of a Broadway 
flrst-runner and the patrons of the 
Idle Hour theatre in Wichita- 
especially if the amateur talent Is 
basically good. 

'Star Parade of 1S41' unit, as the 
billing suggests, Is a galaxy of top 
ams from Bowes' radio shows: and 
Paul Ash, batoning the Boxy house 
band onsUge this week, in a boat- 
deck setting, thus parades a mess of 
talent that ranges from basically 
good to professionally competent 

It spans 50 minutes and therein are 
packed U acts and two ensemble 
specialUes by the Gae Foster line 
(24). No encores because of shows 
length. Ash announced, but none the 
less Dickey Ludwig, one of the bke- 
liest semi-pros, tied it up with his 
ventriloquism. In view of the cur- 
tailed time limitations. New Act re- 
views are eschewed, but cafes and 
such, ever hungry lor modestly- 
budgeted specialties and new faces, 
could profit from an intensive o.o. of 
this week's show. In sequence: 

Three Harmonica Bees (a corny 
billing, by the bye) open with mouth- 
organ work, distinguished by a dif- 
ficult 'Csardas' and some comedy by 
the manipulation of the elongated 
instrument. All three boys work 
around a mike and over neatly. 

Arthur Melli does barnyard imita- 
tions; for 1941 purposes they're 
'sound effects.' All right too. 

Robert Shilton, in grand opera 
manner, barytones 'Figaro,' also to 
good returns. 

Three Rollicking Rockets, two 
boys and a girl, are whirlwind roUer- 
skaters and might be suspected ot 
being pro ringers. Ash explains that 
they hitch-hiked from Lincoln and 
naturally, sans television, couldn't do 
anything over the air, but they're 
effective for personals. They do 
their fast whirling on the rollers 
with eclat and display an essence of 
novelty showmanship with a neon- 
light effect. 

Muriel Ober, femme whistler, 
pleases with 'Glow Worm.' 

Ross and West, heralded as fresh 
out of City College, New York's 
own,' are professional timber. Their 
radio Imitations depart from the 
usual; they punctuate these with 
satire, wit and not a bit of shrewd 
comedy, under the aura of a 'tele- 
visioiT newsreel.' Will make a good 
cafe Interlude also. For recent col- 
lege alumni, one must have boned 
unduly hard judging by his remote 
hair-line and he woul'd be wise to in- 
vest in a Westmore for pro purposes. 

June Brady, soubret, with 'You're 
the One' a la.Garbo, Hepburn, Lew 
Lehr, Mae West, and signing off with 
a brisk vocalization of 'Hut-Sut,' also 
clicks. Here the 24 Fosterltes come 
on for their first line routine. 

Paul Jones' musical spoons and 
bones is 1941 Dockstader stuff. That 
end-man bit went out with Primrose 
and West minstrelsy but, considering 
that Bowes brought back Miner's 
amateurs under ultra-modern kilo- 
cycle auspices, why get (;aptious 
about a spoon-player? 

Bertay Sisters, acrobatic dancers, 
must have studied June and Cherry. 
Preisser before those kids broke up, 
and presumably they too were wait- 
ing for television to project them- 
selves over the air, but on sight 
they're all right. They should be— 
they suggest fugitives from the NVA. 

Four Mimicking Melodeers (an- 
other awkward handle) are a trum- 
pet- clarinet-string bass-«ccordion 
_ cprnjio. .jvhose billing tips off tiieiY 
specialty. They Imitate Clyde Mc- 
Coy, Tommy Dorsey, Wayne King, 
Goodman, etc. For the main, the 
horn man handles the major burden, 
also making the announcements. He's 
a personable lad. Combo has poten- 
tialities but must be extended with 
novelty; the 'impressions' gag Is now 
an oldie. 

Dickey Ludwig Is the cream of the 
crop with his voice-throwing. Ven- 
triloquists are a vogue now anyway 
and the youngster makes much of his 
opportunities with the traditional 
fresh' dummy perched on his knee, 
sassing his Svengali. Ash, the cus- 
tomers and making Wesh asides. The 
material Is always the barometer, 
since the pattern is no longer a nov- 
elty, and to Ludwlg's credit is a 
pretty good admixture of small-talk 
and difficult double-voicing. Main- 
stay is the buildup about 'Peter Piper 
picked a peck,' etc., and the not too 
subtle imparting to the audience that 
us considered Impossible' to project 
P 3 without moving the lips— where- 
upon young Ludwig proceeds to do 
the 'imnosiible.' Therfi'S also ?n ef- 
fective buildup with 'Sin to Tell Lie' 
for comedy vocal returns. 

A^ain the Gae Foster Girls with a 
patriotic finale, Irving Berlin's 'Any 
Bonds Today?' In turn, for the July 
4 occasion, from the screen came the 
National Anthem, with kaleidoscopic 
cinematic trimmings, while the audi- 
ence stood patrioUcally at attention 



On screen, 'Moon Over Miami' 
(20th), Technicolor filmuslcal, which 
should spell good b.o. for the Roxy. 
Aa managing 'director Irving Lesser 
observed on Friday (4), that day was 
the answer to the theatre manager's 
prayer, what with the rain keeping 
'em In town and chasing them in- 
doors. Abel. 



LYRIC, INDPLS. 



Indianapolis, Julv 4, 

Biltv Gilbert, Britt Wood, Helen 

Honan, Nelson Sisters, Doris DuPont, •^vf^-^^^'e, ..y ...-^....o, 

I>icfc Gordon; Raioh Raboid; 'Pud-|tne socko south-of-the-border type 

din' Head' (Rep). ' * — 



LOEWS STATE, N. Y. 

Pork and Clifford, Sara Ann Mc- 
Cabe, Cardtni, Smith and Dale, Car- 
men Amaya and Co.; 'Penny Sere- 
nade' (Col). 

Loew's State this week is offering 
Brazil's contribution to Pan-Ameri- 
cana, and the results that Carmen 
Amaya achieves in her spectacular, 
violent flamenco terping is a* tribute 
to the excellence .of her dancing in 
a family-time house sUch as the 
State. Rest of the bill is pleasant 
and appealing to the masses, but it's 



The management of the Lyric 
again has the pit orch on the stage 
with Dick Gordon in his second 
week of stickwaving. The boys in 
the orch give out a little extra when 
they're exposed to public view and 
serve to lend weight to a stage show 
built principally of acts that would 
ordinarily work In one. The band 
gets a chance to show off in its own 
spot by plugging 'Hot Town,' an 
original by Henry Watkins, trum- 
pet member.' Dick Gordon sings this 
week, lending a nice tenor to Maria 
Elena' and 'Little Bit of Heaven.' 

Holding down the top spot among 
the visitors Is Billy Gilbert, sneeze- 
master.- Gilbert works in plenty of 
the olfactory histrionics, but the 
main part of his act Is a chef's bit 
which he does with his wife. In his 
mixed-up way, familiar to screen 
audiehces, he tries to explain how 
to combine a couple of pies with a 
cake to get a new pastry. He works 
in chef's apron and cap. Gilbert 
comes back after a tap dance inter- 
lude by Doris DuPont, to sing 'Sheik 
of Araby,' 'You Say the Sweetest 
Things, Baby' and 'America, I Love 
You.' His turn got plenty of 
chuckles. 

Brltt Wood has played this house 
more times than feven he can re- 
member. The audience knows, and 
loves every line of his rube routine 
when he explains his trip to Chi- 
cago. His mouthing of the harmon- 
ica Is also solid. 

Helen Hbnan is another repeater 
and ranks tops among visiting 
mimics. She takes on Bonnie Baker,- 
torch singers, 'Goodwill Hour' peo- 
ple, sopranos, and winds up doing 
Bette Davis. The Nelson Sisters do 
acrobatics. 

Rajah Raboid has been held over 
for a second week to answer ques- 
tions asked by members of the audi- 
ence. He has his special spot In the 
schedule, being separated from the 
regular stage show. His mental 
prowess seems to ring true as he 
gives advice to those who want to 
know their own past and future. 

Bill hangs together well and biz 
was booming at third sho.w Friday 
(4), opening day. Kiley. 



STATE-LAKE, CHI 



date 



Chicago, July 5. 
Harry Richman, The Stadlers (2), 
Three Winter Sisters, Morris and 
Rooers, Carlton Emmy's Madwags; 
•Wagons Roll tit Night (WB). • 

Heavy activity at the b.o. marks 
any appearance Harry Richman 
makes in this locality, and this time 
is no exception. There Is a fair sur- 
rounding bill, but it is Richman they 
come to see, and he does not disap- 
point, . .- 

Opening are the Three Winter Sis- 
ters, who combine a few acrobatic 
tricks with a rather xmlmportant tap 
routine. Dispensing with the danc- 
ing altogether, -thei «o Into- straight- 
tumbling, at which they are much 
better. One of the girls specials 
with a couple of more difficult 
stunts and shows some fine control 
work. 

The Stadlers, dance team, boast 
good appearance and some fresh 
ideas. They combine comedy with 
.bellrnom- wDtlt without the u se of 
the hackneyed stuff. Their 'Around 
the World,' wherein they show the 
comical side of travel instead of the 
expected dance Interpretations of 
various countries. Is especially en- 
tertaining. 

Carlton Emmy's Mad wags, clever 
dog act, drew a lot of laughs and 
plenty of applause. Emmy works 
the dogs well, and finds plenty of 
humorous situations to tickle the 
funny-bones. Tricks are not unusual, 
but are well presented. 

Morris and Rogers, comics of the 
zany variety, come up with an act 
which Is good for a lot of good, solid 
laughs. One of the boys has a flair 
for impersonation used to good ad- 
vantage In several satirical impres- 
sions of popular radio programs. 
Old stuff, but these boys have their 
own style which adds new flavor to 
it. A dance on the table by the other 
boy is only fair, but at least breaks 
up the act so that there is not too 
much of the same sort of thing. With 
material, these boys should do well. 

Richman Is on for four songs, 
opening with 'You're a Lucky Fel- 
low, Mr. Smith* and following It up 
with 'No. 10 Lullaby Lane.' A dra- 
matic interpretation of 'My Sister 
and I,' however, is where Richman 
really finds himself, and he follows 
with a nostalgic rendition of 'That 
Old Gang of Mine.' Still a great per- 
former. 

Business fine at second show Sat- 
urday (5). Cold. 



of hoofing of Miss Amaya that gar- 
ners the major honors. The crowd, 
surprisingly, at this catching de- 
manded an encore, though they ap- 
parently constituted, to a consider- 
able extent, as they have wherever 
she's danced, many Latin followers. 

Senorlta Amaya by no means has 
an act worthy of a theatre tour right 
now, since there's plenty of rehearsal 
to be done if such Is the intention of 
Sol Hurok, who's presenting the 
senorita at Loew's State and in con- 
cert. But for the sheer artistry of 
her heel-and-toe stepping she re- 
mains the same sensational click of 
last winter when Monte Proser first 
introduced her to the Gothamites at 
his Broadway nitery, the Beach- 
comber. Senorita Amaya is accom- 
panied by a number of unbilled 
members of her family in her en- 
tourage, including two dancing sis- 
ters who serve merely as foils and 
background, along with several men 
guitarist-accompanists. One of the 
men fills in lulls during the dancer's 
costume changes with an instru- 
mental specialty, but it's strictly a 
breather. That factor, along with 
the fact that the background people 
are so much deadwood, practically, 
in their complete void in personality, 
Mnds to dissipate somewhat the gen- 
erally fine impression won by the 
headliner. 

The rest maintain the tradition of 
this all-variety house. Park and 
Clifford are the openers, hand-bal- 
ancers who start the show off neatly. 
Then there's Sara Ann McCabe with 
her sopranoing, one of the smash 
portions of the bill. Miss McCabe is 
a nifty looker, with plenty of stage 
presence and an- excellent choice of 
numbers that range from a spiritual- 
type opener through 'Chi Chi Cas- 
tenango' and a Rudolf Friml medley. 
Her encore, however, a flag-waving 
tune, could stand a substitute. 

CardinI is making one of his fre- 
quent returns to this house, (loing 
his expert sleight-of-hand work with 
the playing cards and cigarets. 
Smith and Dale occupy the fourth 
slot with their hokey, but still laugh- 
provoking comedy. 'Their stuff, how- 
ever, by this time demands some new 
material, particularly since the old 
Dr. Kronknite skit dates back years 
ago when the pair were part of the 
Avon Comedy Four. Two unbilled 
operatic-type male singers fill In the 
Smith and Dale lulls by warbling 
Italian arias. 

Biz just fair opening night (Thurs- 
day), the b.o. being divided by the 
recent playing at the nearby Music 
Hall of 'Penny Serenade,' the accom- 
panying picture this week. Naka. 



dance, and boy telling first 
goodnight in hallway. 

Four Co-eds, two redheaded and 
two blonde lookers in white suits, 
were appealing sights with rapid 
succession of tap and cartwheel dem- 
onstrations. Buddy Howe and Jean 
Carroll started with mike conversa- 
tion in which she got off smart line 
of localized gags, suggestive enough 
to please seashore mob. Then she 
sang, 'Lady Be Good,' with lively 
effect, finishing tune with trumpet 
imitation. Their big applause came 
with hot jitterbug finale. 

For 75c customers saw this show, 
Tony Pastor's orch in ballroom and 
circus acts on end of pier. Carter. 



20TH CENTURY, BUFF 



Buffalo July 4. 
'Crazy with the Heat' with Willie 
Hotoard, Sylvia Froos, Dacita, Betty 
Kean, Peggy and Moro; 'Thieves Fall 
Out' (WB). 



STRAND, N. Y, 



Cab Calloway and Orchestra (16) 
with Chu Berry and Cozy Cole, AvI* 
Andrews, Moke and Poke, Otto 
Eason, 12 Dizzy Feet; 'Manpower* 
(WB) reviewed in this Issue o/ 
Variety. 



HAMID'S PIER, A. C. 

(HIPPODROME) 

Atlantic City, July 6. 
Salty Rand, Adrian Rolttni Trio, 
An'dfew,~DewaU and Madeline, Jack 
McCoy, Buddy Howe and Jean Car- 
roll, Four Co-eds, Goldte's House 
Orch (10); 'Lady from Louisiana' 
(Rep), 



Willie Howard remains very much 
the No. 1 man with this show. What 
Ed Sullivan's tab version of his 
Broadway In-and-outer would be like 
without this veteran comic is some- 
thing. to think about With Howard 
it's easy enough to take, though it 
still remains a rather episodic, un- 
inspired offering. With a single 
shrug, Howard transplants the hoar- 
iest burley routines to a certain de- 
gree of politeness. 

Sylvia Froos is allotted the war- 
bling stints of the presentation, 
punching in handily with 'Twist of 
the Wrist' and bowing out with 'Set 
to Music' for the ensemble finale. In 
between, she scores with a pseudo 
South American medley, 'Time of 
My Life' (With Betty Kean spotted 
for a comedy interlude) and a topi- 
cal travesty on 'Chloe,' which serves 
as a swell vehicle for her standard 
mimicry. 

Daclta's terp assists are in the 
Latin genre while Peggy and Moro's 
svelte ballroomology qualifies them 
as genuine dance stylists and earned 
them a heavy reception. An abbre- 
viated boy and girl chorus ensemble 
is not too much In evidence. Cos- 
tuming seems underdone and produc- 
tion is noticeable chiefly by its ab- 
sence. 

Last show opening day (4) drew 
substantial and audibly appreciative 
crowd. Burton. 



APOLLO, N. Y. 



Both George Hamid's Milllon'Dol- 
lar Pier and the jam-pack crowd got 
its money's worth at first show Sun- 
day (6), but crowd was wholly In- 
different to Sally Rand's topbilled 
performance. Every act except hers 
got tremendous applause, but she 
brought only a ripple, even after . 

Howe, who emceed. 

Fan dancer had sufficient buildup 
from Howe. She entered wearing 
white chiffon gown and the usual 
two large ostrich fans. After step- 
ping about she discarded gown and 
continued her dance waving fans 
gracefully. If audience speculated 
whether she wore any covering, all 
doubt was removed when dancer 
raised her fans over head and light 
changed from blue to bright "The 
small applause appeared an act of 
charity. Miss Rand's bubble dance, 
which followed, while gracefully 
done, was pretty much fioppo. Howe 
trough her out in green robe for 
small speech, and by sheer force of 
suggestion forced some hand clap- 
ping. 

•• Adrian Rolllnl Trio, smartly 
dressed in several shades of brown 
and white, drew biggest hand of 
show with their fancy tricks on 
xylophone, guitar, and bass fiddle. 
At one stage they had audience 
clapping in rhyhtm, unsolicitated. 

Andrew and DeWalt, In white tie 
and tails, and Madeline, a plumpish 
shapely, started with tap routine to 
Latin tunes; then went into grace- 
ful acrobatics with medium ap- 
plause. They wound up with polite 
roughhouse acrobatics in which girl 
was slung all over the stage and 
crowd went into whistling and 
stomping session. 

Jack McCoy got good hand with 
Imitations of voiinff.eters at their flr";! 



Canada Lee & Co., BUiTtche Col 
loway Bond (12), Willie Bryant, Paul 
Robinson, Brown and Lee, O'Connor 
Bros. (2), Paul, Slim and Eddie; 
•Ride on Vaquero' (20th). 

Headei^ by Canada Lee (New 
Acts) and others from the original 
'Native Son' legit cast, plus Blanche 
Calloway's band, Apollo Is giving an 
extra helping of entertainment on 
the filial biU until house reopens 
next Aug. 29, Theatre shutters for 
summer July 10, Presence of Willie 
Bryant favorite here, as m.c, peps 
the surrounding show. It runs a 
little long but It's a' real b.o. mag- 
net, with house packed when caught 
Independence Day. 

Blanche Calloway, sister of Cab, 
stands on her own as a conductor 
and swing singer. She has a slick 
combination of four sax, three trum- 
pets, one trombone, drummer, bass 
fiddle and pianist. For the earlier 
portion of show, three brass instru- 
mentalists are added, with the pi- 
ianlst doubling as conductor and his 
place at the Ivories filled by another 
extra musician. 
Troy Brown, pudgy comic, teams 
—■■|-effectlve!-y-v.'ith- Baron Lee, ex-band 
reader, who sings and softshoes. 
Duo has a number of fags that are 
familiar and some indigo, but they 
go over nicely. Lee sings 'Blue 
Skies' to heavy returns and clicks 
with his agile stepping. 
' Donald O'Connor, aided by brother 
Jack, is from pictures. The whole 



His hi-de-ho-ness of jive is out-of- 
this-worlding at the Broadway 
Strand. Cab Calloway, the sepia 
sultan of scat and king of klUer- 
diUering, is a slight wow at this 
house, drawing out the kiddies in no 
small numbers. Combined with 
'Manpower' (Robinson-Dietrich- 
Raft) on the screen, it's a b.o. combo 
that should keep Zeb Epstin, et al. 
at this house running to the bank 
with the extra dividends. Inci- 
dentally, whoever staged the Cal- 
loway rostrum cocktail (presumably 
the new entrepreneur, Leo Morgan) 
should have his option lifted. 

It's a well-paced, skillfully blended 
assortment of° Harlemania, basically 
to Calloway's credit, particularly on 
its innate showmanship in giving all 
components fullest calciuming. 
There's no spotlight-hogging with 
this jazzbeau. When the supporting 
specialists are called on for their 
chores, he gives himself a blackout 
and lets everything -scintillate on its 
own. Calloway's consideration in 
that respect and as a sample of pres- 
entation showmanship, might be 
worthy of an o.o. by many of his 
ofay confreres. 

'Minnie the Moocher' appropriately 
enough opens the jazzique. His 
team of 15 (six brass, five reeds and 
four rhythm), with the peripatetic 
Galloway a tireless personality at the 
helm, never goes into blatant jam- 
session. If anything, perhaps in con- 
trast to the - white man's 52d street 
habit of getting 'dirty,' Cab does the 
reverse. 'Peaceful in the Country' 
sets that theme as the No, 2 offering 
and 'Hut Sut' heats It up, but 
melodically. 

Example of good show-pacing is 
that Calloway establishes himself 
solidly before parading the dessert 
He's not only the hors d'ouvres but 
the main dish; the rest are extras, 
and the blend is a full-course din- 
ner. 

. Thus he introduces Otto Eason 
(New Acts), a novelty dancer on 
roller skates. 'Geechy Joe' is Cal- 
loway's sequel to 'Smokey Joe,' sired 
by 'Minnie the Moocher' while kick- 
ing the gong around. Thence 'Daddy* 
before Avis .Andrews comes on for 
her vocal specialty. Miss Andrews is 
a polite prima — perhaps a shade too 
polite — with an as-you-Uke-It voice. 
'Everything Happens to Me" and 
'Garden in the Rain' are her 
burthens, the latter a bit better. 
They liked her here, however, 
despite a sometimes shrill soprano. 

'Au Reef is a new Harlemesque 
hot dish, again In sartorial display 
by Calloway, this time sporting a 
white dinner coat Calloway was 
always the one for an extensive 
wardrobe, but at the Strand he re- 
strains himself to but three' changes. 
It's here, that the 12 Dizzy Feet; 
yclept an ep"-lly '" '.'•dert sextet of 
boys and girls, come on for con- 
certed stepping. For one thing, the 
three girls are all almost paleface 
and very personable; ditto the 
Harlem blades, '-i •"•-t on 'sight' 
values they're exceptionally appeal- 
ing. They support that basically 
good impression by expert legmania 
and neat costuming, both In 'Au Reet^ 
prd in the Cuban flnrlc to 'Chili Con 
Conga.' 

In between, however, Cozy Cole, 
that gum-chewing alumnus of Stuff 
Smith and the Onyx Club, easily the 
Krupa carbon copy, whams 'em with 
his 'Rhapsody In Drums' specialty; 
while ace saxist Chu Berry through- 
out the proceedings has his reed 
riding in nigh. 

Moke and Poke are saved for the 
next-to-shut and they, in the tradi- 
tion of Buck and Bubbles, Stump and 
Stumpy and others of that brand of 
billing (as Calloway heralds it) go 
in for comedy break-a-legmanla that 



Small Fry,' song he used in a Bing 
Crosby feature; then dashes off a 
novelty dance. He makes the act 
although his brother vies well 
enough in some clowning and unison 
taps. 

Paul Robinson, Spanish virtuoso, 
is doing a solo harmonica act where 
a couple of years ago he headed 
Robinson's Harmonica Champs. His 
work as a single Is more effective 
than when he had his octet High- 
light is his playing a harmonica 
while smoking and drinking out of 
a glass via straw. Another bright 
spot is his solo with some eight dif- 
ferent-sized instruments In rapid 
succession. Well-groomed musician, 
act Is brief enough to get maximum 
results In cafe or theatre work. He 
and the O'Connors are the lone white 
acts on the bill, 

Paul, Slim and Eddie click nicely 
with their dancing and comedy. 
Grabbed big returns. They're suited 
for stage shows or band presenta- 
tions. 

Ropes up for last show Friday (4), 
Wear. 



J' BEIXE BiAKEE TO FEISCO 

Belle Baker is set for the Bal 
Tabarln, San Franciso, Aug. 26. 

She plays Hamid's Million Dollar 
Pier, Atlantic City, Aug. 10, and 
then heads west 



In the traditional Savoy Ballroom 
manner. 

Rostrum portion runs a iSnappy 
44 minutes and whether or not kept 
down for July 4 turnover purposes 
the opening day,' that's the ideal 
time-limit. It packs plenty of enter- 
tainment With the Independence 
Day downpour, biz was terrif, of 
course, but shouta keep up in view 
of the combo show's quality. Abet. 



STEEL PIER, A. C. 

(MUSIC HALL) 

Atlantic City, July 0. 
Dinah Shore, Four Inkspots, Three 
Sailors, The Juvelys (2), fronk and 
Jean Hubert, Goodrich ond Nelson, 
Gae Foster Ballet (18). Ben Yost 
Singers (8), Dick Dona, Pinkie Lee, 
Bobby Morris, Music Hall Orch (10) t 
■'The Flame of New Orleans' (U). 

This is an unusually big show, run- 
ning about 85 minutes, with plenty 
of excellent talent well presented and 
similarly received. When caught 
Sunday afternoon (6), the close of 
the biggest- weekend for several 
years, it was" necessary to take off 
feature film, 'The Flrme of New Or- 
leans,' in order to put on more vaude 
(Continued on p??*" 55) 



48 



Vedneaday, July 9, 1941 



WEEK JULY 11 



Numerals In oonnectlon with bills below Indicate opentnf day of 
■how, whether (nil or split week. 



LOS AVOELra 



Paramount 



NEW TOBK CITT 
PBramonnt (9) 

Will Bradley Or« 
Danny Kaye 
Jane Froman 
Virginia Auatln 
CHICAGO 
ChlraRo (II) 
Rochoater 
Dick Stabile Oro 
Grade Barrle 
Walton & O'Rourka 
Ruby Ring ' 



MIAMI 
Olympla (9-lt) 

George Prentice 

Gloria Blake 

Caryl & King 

Stone & I^e 

Barr & Estos 
MIMNEArOLIS 
Orphenin (11) 

Paul Whitetnan Ore 

Jack Gilford 

Roblneon 2 



Warner 



NEW YORK CITX 

Strand (11) 
Cab Calloway Ore 
Avla Andrewa 
Cotton Club Boys 
Moke & Poke 
Otto Eason 
ERIE 
Coliunbia (9-10) 
Ted Lewla Ore 
FHILADEIiPHIA 
Earle (11) 
Gene Kj-upa Oro 
Caaa Daley 
Bobby May 

» . 

Rochester 
Dick Stabile Oro 
Oracle Barrle 
Walton & O'Rourka 
Kitty Murray 
Ruby Ring 



PITTSBCROH 
Stanley (11) 
Sammy Kaye Ore 
Billy DeWolfa 
3 Smart Gla - 
(4) 

Gene Krupa Oro 
Andrewa Sla 
Pat Hennlng Co 
WASBTNOTON 
Earle (11) 
Roxyettea 
Weaaon Bros 
Isabel Jewell 
Martina 

(O 
Roxyettea 
Gloria Grant 
Nellie Arnaut Co 
Gil Lamb Co 
Sibyl Bowan 



Loew 



KEW TOBK cm 
Stale <M) 

Helen Reynolds Co 
Berry Bros 
Ella Logan 
Senor Wences 
Georgea ft Jalnm 



WABHINOTON 
Capitol (10) 
Rhythm Rocketa 
Bert Wheeler 
Betty Lou 
Relene Denlxon 
Ann Lester ' 



Independent 



NEW TOBK cm 

Hnale Hall (10) 
Rermanos Williama 
Gloria Gilbert 
Brlants 
June Forrest 
Earl Wrlghtson 
Hilda Bckler 
Jerome Andrewa 
Rockettes 
Corps de Ballet 
Glee Clab 

Brno Rape* Symph 

Bott (11) 
Major Bowes Co 
AKBON 
Maca (11-11) 
Andrews Sis 
Joe Venutl Oro 
Pat Hennlng Co 
Carol King 
AltLANTIC CITS 
Hamld'a Pier (18) 
Gray Gordon Oro 
Molly Picon 
Mardo ft Kay 
A ft M Havel 
Eddy Jack Co 
8 Novack Sis 
(12-13) 
Harry RIchman 

Steel Mor (U) 
Blmone Simon 
Ruthle Barnes 
Honey Fam 
Bill Bailey 
Gae Foster Ola 
Benny Goodman O 
Frankle Masters Ore 
West ft McGlnty 
Cbrlstlanl Tr • 
Sharkey 
Gautler Co 
Bobby Morris 
Richard Dana 
Pinky Lee 
Ryan ft Benson 
Bun Tost CO' 
BALTIMOBB 

Boy^ (11) 
Louis Prima Ore 



Apus ft Eatrelllta 
Bnmham, Harrla, S 

State (18-16) 
Sally. Jack ft M 
Pat Ryan 
Bryant, Rains ft T 

(10-18) 
Leonard ft Semon Co 
Roohelle ft Beebe 
* Macka 

CAMDEN 
Towers (12-13) 
Ray ft Arthur 
Art Carney - 
> Vocalettes 

FBBEPOBT 
n«eport (11) 
Anthony Martin' 
8 Waltons 
Francla Stevena 
(Two to flII) 
LONO ISLAND 
Jones Beaeh (18) 
Jana ft Carrol 
Arnaut Broa 
Roblna 8 
raJIAI)(iU>HIA 
Carman (10-17) 
Ray ft Arthnr 
4 Macka 
(Two to (111) 
(11-14) 
Mitchell Broa 
Morey ft Bntota 
(Two to nil) 
WSLLOW OBOTE 
Willow Grove Park 

(IS only) 
Leonard & Semon Co 
Mitchell Bros 
Roehelle ft Be^be 
Vox ft Denning 
i Hacks 

TOIINOSTOWN 
Palace (lS-17) 
Andrews Sis 
Joe VenutI Ore 
Pat Hennlng Co 
Carol King , 
(11-14) ' 
Ted Lewla Oro 



Cabaret BiHs 



HEW TOEK CITY 



Armando'* 

Geo Morris Oro 
Pedrlto Oro 
Julie. Holt 

Bill BertoIotU's 

Don Sylvlo Oro 
-Angelo Oro 
Frederlca 
Peggy Bills 
Bdltb Lambert 
Dorothy Allen 
Ginger Lane 
Bill's Ob; W» 

Cbarlea Strickland 
Lulu Bates 
Fred Bishop 
Spike Harrlaon 
Harold Wlllard 
Harry Donnelly 
Bemle Orauer 

Cafe Plerm 
Sob Knight Ore 
Patricia EUla 
Cafe Boclelj 
(HIdlown) 
Teddy Wilson Oro 
Eddie South Oro 
Linda Keene 
Bozel Scott 
Aaamons ft Johnson 
Jaoh Ollford 



Jamea Copp, III 
Cafe Sooletr 
(Village) 
Henry Allen Oro 
Kenneth Sijencer 
Meado Lux Lowls 
Art Tatum 
Helena Home 

Chateaa Modems 
Annette Ouerlain 
Covert ft Reed 
Luclle Jarrott 
Maurice Shaw Oro 
Gabriel 
Lou Splelman 

Olaremoot Jna 
Joe Rlcardel Oro 

Clob 18 . 
G Andrews Oro 
Peter Brent Ore 
Pat Harrington 
Jack White 
Roy Sedley 
Diana Fontaine 
Frankle Hyera 
Irene Barclay 
CoLohlta 
AnIU Dillon 
Ann Paige 
Hazel MoNulty 
VInce Curran 



Clob Oancbo 
Don Avendano Oro 
Currlto & Coral 
Luis Camache 
Jose Perez 
Rosa Rlu 
Harriet Carr 
Renee 

Cora & Irene's 
Joe Bills Ore 
Rlngo & Harrla 
Betty Frooa 
Marcella Clair 
Nick Leeds 
Diamond Uorseshoe 
Dr Rockwell 
Mae Murray 
Nlta Naldl 
Carlyte Blackwell 
Joe E Howard 
Ross Wyse, Jr 
June Mann 
Delia LInd 
Geo Fontana 
Llla Lee 
Gllda Gray 
Charles King 
Mangean Sis 
Clyde Hager 

El Cblco 
Don Alberto Oro 
Juan Martinez 
Gloria Belmonte 
Antonlta ' 
Maria Lopez 
Charro Gil 8 

Famons Door 
Sylvan Green Oro 
Val Irving 
Olive Fay 
Dixie Roberts 
Gibsons 
Bea Kalmua 
3 Heat Wavea 

Havana-Madrid 
Frollan Maya Ofo 
Juanlta Sanabria O 
Alberto Torrea 
Ramon ft Ldcinda 
Belen Ortega 
Alda Rodrlguex 
Fay Torrea 
Arturo Cortes 
Dslores DeLeon 

HIekoiT Hons* 
Bill Turner Ore 
Mercedes , 

Hotel Astor 
Tommy Dorsey Oro 
Ralph Rotgers Oro 
Connie Halnea 
Pled Pipers 
Frank Sinatra 
Buddy Rich 
ZIggy Blraan 
Hotel Belmoat 
PUia 
Arthur Ravel Ore 
Joe Patumy Oro 
Bea Perron 
Owen Gary 
Eleanor Bberlo 
John Hubert 
Belmont Balladeera 

Hotel BIKnore 
Ray Heatherton O 
Judy Clark 
Roily Rolls 
Plckert ft Rosa 
Hotel Booaert 
(Brooklyn) 
Bobby Parks Oro 
Imogen Carpenter 

Hotel Edison 
Blue Barron Ore 
Hotel Eaaes Honao 
Johnny Mesaner O 
Hotel LexIngtoa 
Ray Kinney Oro 
Meymo Holt 
Napua 
Lellanl laea 
Nam Todd 
Lahua Paulson 

Hotel Lincoln 
Harry Jamea Oro 
Hotel MoAIpla 
Arturo Arturoa Oro 
Wendy Bishop 
Hotel New Vorker 
Johnny Long Oro 
Helen Toung 
Bob Houston 
Paul Harmon 
Bellta 

Anne Haroldon 
Peter Klllam 
Phil HIser 
Jo Ann Dean 
Gene Berg 
Ice Ballet 

Hotel Park Central 

(Coooannt Orove) 
Buddy Clarke Oro 
Alfonso Ore 
Jack Waldron 
Blenore Wood 
HIbbert, Byrd Co 
WInton ft Diane 
Bunny Howard 
Ginger Dulo 
Wilson Lang 
Hotel Pennaylvanla 
Bobby Byrne Oro 
Dorothy Claire 
Stuart Wade 

Hotel Plaza 
Dick Gaaparre Ore 
Chlqulto Oro 
Paul Haakon 
Mazlne KIsor 
Hotel Savoy-PUa 
Howard Lally Oro 
Peggy Fears 
Hotel St. Georn 
(Brooklyn) 
Dare Martin Oro 
Dee Williams 
Tank Porter 
Dick Fulbrlgtat 
Bill Dlllard 

Hotel St. Moriti 

Ford Harrison Oro 
Cass Franklin 
Lolo ft Ramon 
Florence ft 'Alvarez 
Betty Black 
Jaye Martin 

Hotel St Begl* 
Hal Saundera Oro 
Gu* Martil Oro 
Hotel Tmtt 
Vincent Lopez Oro 
Ann Barrett 
Sonny Skyler 



Hotel Waldorf. 
• Aatorla 
(Starlight Boot) 

Xavler Cugat Oro 
Miguellto Valdea 
Llna Romay 
Frakaon 
Evelyn Tj'ner 
H Williams, 3 
Hnrrlcane 
Dick SatterAeld Ore 
Chlqulto Ore 
Karesn Cooper 
Billy Vine 
Honeychlle Wilder 
April Ames 

Iceland Bestanront 

Ted Eddy Oro 
i Co-Eds 
Jack Lans Co 
Nola Day 
Danny White 
Collette ft Deane 
Robblns Bros ft M 

Kelly's Stable 
Hot Lips Page Oro 
Blllle Holiday 



Bar o( Unala 

BUI Jordan 
George Kent 
Ann Harriett 
Tony Sharrabba 
Dick WInslow Ore 

Blltmore Bowl 
Ruth Days 
Jimmy Caatla 
Royal Guarda 
Dorothy Brandon 
Armand ft LIta 
3 Dee's 

Chuck Foster Oro 
Caaa Hanana 

Miller Bros ft Lois 
Jlmmle Luncetord O 

Cocoannt Orov* 
Mary Parker 
Billy Daniel 
Jimmy Brlerly 
Mitchell Leisen Rev 
Freddie Mai'tin Oro 

Earl Carroll 

Dr Rockwell 
B .Mlnnevltch Co 
Helen O'Hara 
Thlnk-D'k Holfman 
Gene Shelton 
Barney Grant 
Dorothy Ford 
Buster Shaver 
6 Debonairs 
Beryl Wallace 
Reyes* Rhumba Bd 
Bill Brady 
Manny Strand Ore 

Florentine Garden 

Lillian Tourv 
NTG Annlveraatr 
Joe Kirk 
Jerry Kruger 



Bob Murphr 

It' Cate 
Dave Forreeter Ore 
Maeambo Cafa 

Bdwardo Agullar O 
Phil Ohman'a Oro 
Palladlom 

Abo Lyman Oro 
Pari* Ina 

Kenny Henryaon 
MargTrlte ft M'rtlnaz 
Henry Monet 
Chief Eagle Feather 
Patsy Brittain 
Herman Lopes 
Fred ft Jerry 
Helen Miller 
Chuck Henry Ore 

Pirate* Den 

Art Wenzel 
Henry Grant 
Gaby La FItta 
Shadrack Boys 
Marjorle Raymond 
Chet Record 
Nick Cochran Oro 

Bhnmboosle 
Four Tones 
3 Chocolateer* 
Lovey Lane 
Lola Galloway 
Cee' Pee Johnson O 

Scbeherazade Cafe 

Richard Smart 
Tasclia BorowskI 
Russian Gypsy Ore 

Seven Sea* 
Lllla KlplHona 
Sybil Thomaa 
Benny KaUa 



Paul Srdell 
Evelyn Fam*7 
Bduard ft Diane 
Pan-^a Dane 
Don Pedro Or* 
Mllo Perea En* 
606 OInb 
Billy Carr 
Alyc* Cerf 
Cell von Dell 
Marlon Klngsle^ 
Cleopatra 
June March 
Diane Rowland 
Jean Mode 
Sparklet Gla 
Nannette Carmen 
Jimmy Ray 
Carrie Flnnell 



MIUU Wame 
Sol Lake Ore 

TripoU I 

SteTOB* Hotel 
(Coattaeatal Been) 

Del Courtney Oro 
Tina Modem 

Bob Strong Ore 
TlUa Tonlee 

Roslta Ortega . 
Poggl ft Igor 
Tana 
Vaneaaa ft Sandlno 
Jacqueline Mlgnao 
Ted Adair 
Buzzonnle 
RInaldl 
Aurette 91* 



Bob Rlpa 
Sloan ft Oarr 
Sorelll 

Sammy Watklna O 

Hotel sutler 
Jnles Duke Oro 

I« Conga Ctab 
Ramon Arlaa Oro 
Uadaay'* Sbybar 
Jaun Plorer 



Pearl de Lucca 
Monaco's Cafa 

Jimmy Hnrla Oro 

Begnl Clob 
Ducky Malvin Ore 

8700 CInb 
Art Weat 
Ruth Farranta 
Pat Jordan 
Don Walsh Ore 



OETBOIT 



PHUADEIPHIA 



, Clob BaU 

RamonI Rhumba Bd 
Alan ' Fielding Oro 
Ball-lovelles 
Vlvvlnla Ramos 
Nino ft Lanora 
Btlsse 
Roy Sedley 

Den Franblla 
Ralph Eastwood 
Leo Zollo Oro 
Leonora Sola 
Castalne ft Barrle 
Nirma Cordova ' 

Birmingham Inn 
(Pemberton* N. J.) 

Birmingham Oro 
Jean ft R Carney 
Ford Mason 
Jerry Gordon 
Gallagher ft Rush 
Ralph Drown 
Rekoma ft Loretta 
Joe Gordon 



BOOKING THE NATION'S LEADING INDEICNDENT 
VAUDEVILLE THEATRES 

EDWARD SHERMAN 



1619 BROADWAY 



NEW YORE 



COL S-OdiO 



Blliy Danlela 
Stuff Smith 
Klna-.Cole Trio 
^%Xa Conga 
Jack Harrla Oro 
Noro Morales Ore 
Beatrice & Capella 
Jay ft Lon Seller 
Lazara ft Castell'os 
Delia Nyrella 
La Martinique 
(We*t End, N. J.) 
Eddie Oliver Oro 
Herbert Curbello O 
Oeorgle Tappa 
Adrlenne 

Le Coq Bongo t 
Jos Smith Oro 
Belo BIzony 
Rudl TlmAeld 

1MB « Eddie** 
Lon Martin Oro 
Nerlda Ore 
Eddie Davla 
Jerry Blanchard 
Dance Players 
Clay Bryson 
Barbara Perry 
Sherry Brltton 
Shirley Lloyd . . 

Place Elegante 
Ernest Franz Oro 
Bill Farrell 
Vincent DeCesta 
Art Tubertlnl 

Qneen Mary 
Roy Stewart Oro 
Caroline Night 
Klml Toye 
Ginger "Wayne 

Balnbow GHO 
Rusa Smith Oro 
Ashbums 

Balnbow Boom 
Barry WInton Oro 
SIgrld Laasen 
Clements Oro 
Mayla 

Ruasell Swann 
Aaron ft Glancz 
Julian ft Marjorl 

Blvleia 
(Ft. Lee, N. J.) 

Pancho Ore 
Fausto Curbello O 
Helen Kane 
Oower ft Jeanne 
Whitson Bros 
Everett Marshall 
Chea Hale Gls 
Edith Boark's Clpb 
Joe White Oro 
Henry Marko 
Helen Fox 
Ruth Gallagher 
Russell Hlrd 
Tex Gantry 
Pat Bennett 
Edith Roark 
Boss Fenton Farm 
(Asbuty Pk, N. J.) 
M Bergere Ore 
Columbus & Carroll 
Carole ft Shared 
Sally Gay 

Rnban Rlen 
Edwin Matthews 
Vera Sane ft 

Bnaalan Kretchma 

NIcolaa Matthey O 
Peter Nemlroff Oro 
Olga Ivanova 
Nastla Pollakova - 
Marusia Save 
Adia Kuznetzofr 
Senia Raravaeff 
Michel Michon 
Mlshl TTzdanofr 
Arjslak Arafelova 

Splvy's Boof 

Spivy 

Haywood A Allen 
Bddla MayehoS 
Betty Bryant 

Stork Clnb 
Sonny Kendia Ore 
Ray Benson Ore 
Bmlle Hensel 

Tenallles 
N Brandwynne Oro 
Panohlto Ore 
Adelaide MolTett 

Tillage Bam 

Gene Atistln Oro 
Sherrlll Sis 
Zeb Carver 
Bud Sweeney 
Don ft Ruth Lane 
Pappy Below 
Roberta Welch 



Fred Scott 
Don Eddy 
Sugar Geiss 
David Marshall Ore 
Charlie Foy'* Clob 
Charlie Foy 
Leonard Sues 
Jerry Lester 
Lorraine Elliott 
Red Stanley Oro 
Grace Haye* Lodge 
Mary Hoaly 
Neville Fleeson ' 
Peter Llnd Hayes O 
Carlyle . 
Grace Hayes 
Mary Rellly 
Sylvia Fielding 
Mavis Mlms 
Inoclta 

House of Uorphy 

Frankle Gallagher 
Hal Chanslor Ore 
Rattone Sis ft Gay 
Jean Meunler 
Gordon Bishop *- 



Puananl Mathewa 
MIkl Wlkl 
Charlie Openul 
Bobby Mathews 
Johnle Bright Oro 

Slapsy Haxle* 

Ben Blue 
Cully RIcharda 
3Id Tomlck 
Rela Broa 
Benny Lossy 
PattI Moore 
Sam Lewis 
Pat Shaw 
Joe Oakle 
Al Bard Oro 

Somerael Hons* 

Harry RIngland 
Lou ?allee 

Swanne Inn 

Slim ft Slam 
Charlie Evana 

Trianon 
Ella Fitzgerald Ore 



CHICAGO 



Ambaasador Hqttd 
(Pomp Boom) 

Val Oman Ore 
Bismarck Hotel 
(Walnnt Boom)'- 

Jlmmy Joy Ore 

Betty Burns 

Maurice & Maryea 

Tune Tessera 

Hadloy Gla 

Art London 

(Tavern Boom) 

Dave Prltchard Ore 
Blackhawk 

Art Jarrett Oro 

Chris Croas 

Robinson Twins 

Blacksione Hotel 
(liollnes* Rro.) 

Eddie White Ore 
Drrvoort Hotel 
(Crystal Boom) 

3 NIbllcs 
Peggy Lester 
I'Ols LaChance 
Bob Billings 

Brondmoot 

Wally Rand 
LaVerne Dane 
Betty Coeda 
Anita Pace 
June Darling 
Gnen Baucher 
Charlotte Buckley 
Sally Bnrr 
Herb Rudolpha Ore 

Brown Derby 
Harriet Norrls 
Cecelia Blair 
Romona Hughea 
Pat Lordler 
Joe Franks 
Savage Trio 
Edith Mitchell 
Marsha Del^nd 
Joan O'Shea 
Mary Grant 
Ethel Brown 
Mickey Dunn 
Advocates 
Sammy Frisco Oro 
Capitol Lounge 

4 XIllls Bros 
Maurice Rocco 
Louis Jordan Oro 

Chez Pnreo 
Milton Berle 
Jansleys 

Raquel ft Tarrlba 
Den Tost Singers 
Boyd Raeburn Ore 
Bobby Ramos Ore 
iSvans RIs 

Coloalmoa 

Frank Quatrell Ore 
Gale 8 
Renee Villon 
Rose Perfect 
Tvette Dare 
Bobby Dander* 

Congress Hotel 
(Olam Hat Rm) 
(Peacock Rm) 
Joi Vera 

Del Shore 
Eddie Danders Ore 

Drake Hotel 
CamlUla Honao) 
Bob Grant Ore 
Hlldegarde 

Bdgewater Beach 
Hotel 



(Bench Walk) 
Rusa Morgan Oro 
Phyllss Lynn 
Martells 
MIgnon 

Walter Donohua 
Nlghthawka 
Dorben Ols 
Herb Foote 

888 Clob 
Rogers ft Mqrrla 
Jerry Bergen 
Joan Hope 
Raul ft Hose Marie 
Julio Garcia Oro 
Vraemere Hotel 
(Gla«a House Bm> 
Ding Bell Ore 
Thelma Mitchell 

HI Hat 
Fid D'Orsay 
Bmlle Boreo 
Dorla DuPont 
Andree Andrea 
Lonette Sla 
Vlrg Vaughan 
J Manzaneres Ore 
Younger Cils 
Eddie Fena Ore 

Ivonhoe 
Florence Schubert 
Al Trace Ore- 
Holly Swanson 
VIerra Hawallans 
Helen Sumner 
L'Algloa 
Splron Stnmos Ore 
FIfl do Vlllerle 
Gwendolyn Veausell 
Edna ^tellers 
Isobel de Marco 
Morrison Hotel 
(Boston Oyster 
lionw) 
Manfred Gottheir 

New Yorker 
Ruth Craven 
KlcKays 
Ray English . 
Payne ft Gilbert 
Ada Lynne 
Mary Camp 
Kretlow Gls 
Arne Barnett Oro 
Al Milton Ore 

Old Heidelberg 
Sally Sharratt 
Heidelberg Ena 
Louie ft Weasel 
Hans Klenzer 
Palmer House 
(Empire Room) 
Sklnnay Ennis Ore 
Rosarlo ft Antonio 
Carlos Ramirez 
8 Pitchmen 
Johnny Mack 
Inez Gonan 
Carmine Calhoun 
Pedro DeLeon Oro 
Abhiitt Dancers 
Shennnn Hotel 
(Coltle Cafe) 
Gene Kerwin Oro 
Jaros sis 

(Panther Room) 

Jimmy Dorsey Oro 
Byton Gls 
Carl Marx 

Bhnmba Casino 
Tito Oulzar 
Eddie LaBaron Oro 



Cadlllao Tavern 

Harry Dobbs Oro 
Cadillac Capereitea 
Sally Oaborns 
DImas ft Anita 
2 Dukes ft Duchess 
Lucille Rand 
-Henrique ft Adrl'ne 

Carroll's 

Charlie Gnlnest Ore 
Dixie Sullivan 
Jean Wade 
Al Farr 
Harry Rose 
Jean Lee 
Carrollettes 
Jack Shaw 
Wllma 

Cedarw'd Log Cabin 
(MuUga, N. J.) 

Ray O'Day 
Cynthia Evana 
Dorothy Lawrence 
Jean Graham 
Annie Oustie 
Carole Dale 
Patricia Lawrence 
Frances Wllllama 

Embassy 
Susan Lang 
Alllda ft Chloo 
Johnny Parrlsh 
Chlqulta 

Carlos lieyea Oro 
Evergreen Caalno 
Ann Whitney 
Jerl Withee 
Beth Chains 
Nitza ft Ravell 
Vivian Vance 
Pal Shevlin Uro 

15S3 Loenst 
Marian Proctor 
Evelyn Bradley 
Pola Montoya 
Blaine Black 
Bubbles Shelby 
Rose Feeney 
Kay Lavery ' 
King's Swing Ore 
(H Walton Roof) 
Glamour Gls 
Helen Heath 
Barle ft J Leach 
Mary Sawyer 
Adrlenne 
Vera Neva 
Michael Sundlna 
Rose Gallo 
Lou Morrison 
Nell Fontaine 
Chico ft Chlqulta 

Jam BesHlon 
Geo Verrechia 
Mickey Hbuse 
Billy Kretehmer 
IIophlns'Rathskeller 
Jimmy VenutI Oro 
Frank Lester 
Rose Jovlnelll 
Joe Compo 
Eustes Sis 
Young Sla (3) 
Myra Lee 
Bonnie Watora 
Mildred Kaye 
Agnoa Barry 

Lido Venice 
Jerry Marcelle 
Wally Vernon 
Darlene 
Elaine Ellis 
Slarge ft Carr 
Danny Versee Oro 
Little Rathskeller 
Bob ft Betty 
Marian Powera 
•Sally Keith 
Do Lloyd McKay 
Jackie Hill 
Leon Fields 
Victor Hugo's Ore 
1 Hanoa Inn 
Gene Tobin 



Dot Garcy 
Judy Lane 
Wade ft Wad* 
Caslmlere Gls 
Dot Qarcey 
Edytlie Ballade 
Frank' Cuneo Ore 
Nancy Newell 

Minstrel Tavern 
Marino ft De Volt 
Tony Callazo 
Ed McGoldrlck, Jr. 
Margie Roae March 
Sissy OInnle Loltus 
Bd McGoldrlck. Br 
Helen Marriott 

Nell Dlegban'e 
Leonard Cooka 
Lee Jaxon 
Chadwlcka 
Ruah ft Gallagher 
Havenalrea (4) 
Ray Hettinger Oro 
Tom Osborne 
Old Vnllt Taven 
Dewey Ray 
Billy Hayes* Oro 
Frankle Richardson 
Paulette Powera 
Jean Bernhardt 

Open Door Caf* 
Helen Wilson 
Warren Phllllpa 
Sunny Ray 
Don ft Doreose 
Irving Braslow Oro 

Park Casino 
Tommy Monroe 
Idols of Rhythm 
Peacock Onrdrns 
(KIng-of-I'mSHia, 
Pn.) 
Sid Long 
Gil Fitch Oro 
Margie George 
Artie Singer 
Balnbow Terrace 
(Stmlford, Pa.) 
Cecil Golly Ore 
Margie Kelly 
Gene Hymen 
Jimmy Engler 
Hal FKer 

Bed RUI Inn 
(Pennsauken, N. J.) 
NakI ft SakI 
Frank Murtha 
Pepper Garat 
Warren Phillips 
Murray Ann 

Roman Grille 
Jerry Gordon 
Carmen 
Martin Lee 
Rol Parker Oro 
Rendezvona 
(Hotel Senator) 
Loumelle-Morg'n (3) 

Showboat 
Lewis ft Clierle 
Ginger Harris 
Hammond Sis 
Edith Brown 
Harry O'Friel 
Billy Hamilton 
Harry Taylor 
Bob Week 

Silver Fleet Inn 
Phil Fletcher 
Rae ft Dale 
Chic Lauler 
Max Levin 
Joe Lenny 
Hnrry Small 
Joe Scatty 

Silver Lake Inn 
Jay Owens 
Geo Keed 
Eden Twins 
Allen Lucoy 
Frank Hesael Oro 

■Stamp's 
Margie Drummond 
7 Cappy Barra Boys 
Jack Grirrin 
Maury Sis 
Stamp Trio 
Joyettea 

Geo MarchcttI Oro 

80th Cenlary 
Mike Pedecln 
Men of Rhythm 
Kenny Shaffer Trio 
Weber's Hot Dmn 
Camden 
Pen Bannerman 
Jules .Flacco's Oro 
Marlon 

Prince Salandla 
Reglna 
Syd Golden 
Pumphandle Trio 
B Wells ft 4 Faya 
Al Ooldecker 
Bob King 
Harry Roch 
Jack Smith 
Signer Carmino 
Raths'r Eldnradlans 
Dave Piersoii 

Wllaop'* 
Joe Ijough 
Roberts & Lorraine 
Jess Altmlller 
Sally Anne 
Omar 

2 Lucky Bucks 
Goo Baquet Ore 



Book-Cadlllao Betel 

(Book Casino) 
Loren Parsons 
Banford Mandel 
Barry Wllklnaon 
(Motor Bar) 
Vlo Abbs 

BoweiT 
Gypsy Rose Lee 
3 Rio Bros 
Antonio de Cordoba 
Paddy CIIIT 
Arden Dane 
Johnny King 
Chaa Carlisle 
Benny Resh Oro 

Casanova 
Glamour Gls (6) 
Bemle Green 
Bob Rivers 
Virginia Rivers 
Lee Walter Oro 
Club Congo 
Betty St CInIro 
Gladys Madden 
Alice Lyons 
3 Buds 

Snowball ft Johnay 
3 Aristocrats 
8 Reedettea 
King Perry Oro 

Corktown Tovera 
Billy Meagher 
Dolly Stirling 
Beth Farrell 
Ellen Kaye 
Joe E Kerna 
Cole ft Corte 
6 Vestera 
Les Arquette Oro 

Hund'* 
3 Old TImera 
Manuel Lopez 
London Chop Honao 
Tenia ValentI 
Chet Everhart 
Frank Whitman O 

Clnb Mar-Jo 
Paul Regan 
June Carson 
Dancing Dletrlchs 
Merrltt Lamb Oro 

Morocco 
"Gay Nineties' Rev 
Buddy Duray 
Joe Foder Ore 
Madelon Baker 
Neblolo'a 
Both Farrell 
O'Donnel ft Loyce 
Dick Worthlngton 
Eutralllta 
Leonard Seel Oro 
Nortliwood Inn 
Anita JacobI 



. Woods ft Bray 
■■Harry Bchllllng 
Roshee & Lee 
Ray Carlln Oro 

Olde Wayne Clnb 
Melody Ambass'dor* 
Bernlce Bishop 
Hoffman Bros 

Palm Beaoh 
Morris ft Morris 
Margie Vail 
Kay Windsor 
Dave Barnum 
Ramon ft Louise 
Don Pablo Ore 

Hack's Bedford Ina 

Mad McQraw Oro 

Clnb Royalo 
Jean Travers 
Lime Trio 
Manning ft White 
Dorese MIdgely 
Pamela Brltton 
Don McGrane Oro 
Statler Hotel 
Sande Williama Ore 
Maxino Tappan 
San Diego 
George Presnell 
Al Alexander Ore 
Udell & Days 
Burns Bros 
Dolly Dawn 
Marja ft Martyn 
The Tropic* 
Betty Blair 
Jean Field 
Linda Bruce 
The Fr'lnra (8) 
Vincent Bragale Oro 

Verne's 

Miller ft Millard 
Dottle Jean 
Jack Buchanan 
Jenette Bennett 
Alto Fryer Ore 
Whltller Hotel 
(Gold Cub Room) 
Herman Fine 

Wonder Bar 

Consuella 
Hy Baron Ore 
Castrlllos Ore 

509 Club 

Dale Rhodes 
Dl Giovanni 
Marge Good 
Good ft Goody 
Verne Wilcox 
John ft Jessie Horn 
Olga Ray 
Horace Houck Ore 



BOSTON 



Beachcomber 

Harry Morrlssey. 
Sandro D'Arnez Oro 
Judy Ellington 
Van Gronaa 
Stanley Fisher 
li Beachies 
BuBter Kelm Rev 

Bllnstmb'a 
Karl Rohde Oro 
Boyd Heathen 
Allen Brown 
May Singer 
Claire ft Sonne Sla 

Caaa Manana 
Al Tory Ore 
David Ballentine 
Faye Thomas 
Virginia Melford 3 
Ccffii Manana Gls 

Clnb Mayfair 
Ranny Woeka Ore 
Bernle Benno^t O 
George Libby Rev 
Masters & Rollins 
Shirley ft Olsen 
Jimmy Leeds 
June WIetIng 

Club Tanlly Fair 
Kal NIra Ore 
.Stella Ray 
Fay Moore 
Anne Sweet 

Coconnnt Crore 
Mickey Alport Oro 
Don Rico Ore 
Wally Wanger Rev 
Hilly Pnlne 
Marianne Francla 
Mata ft Harl 
Ainapola Lope* 
Rose Morand 
Hassan. 2d 

(Melody Lounge) 
Marjorle Garretson 
Herb Lewis 

Crawford Ilnnse 

Ray Collins ore 
Miriam Johnson 
Crawfordettes 
Carole Hall 
Bill Mahoney 
Gypsy Nina 
Ralph James 



rox A noiiads 
Milton George Ore 

Hl-Unt 
Pete Herman Oro 
Lucille Grey 
Frank Petty 

Hotel Bradford 

(Circus Room) 
Florence Hallmnn 
Runkie ft Lambert 
Hotel Copley Plaza 

(Sheraton Roqm) 
Stuart Fra7,lor Oro 

Hotel Essex 
Ernest Murray Oro 
Billy Kelly 
Jack Manning 
Al Lewla 
Victor Donate 
Adele Corov 
Rita Henderaon 
Anne Gould 
Rosemary Starr 

Hotel iiardner 
Burt Shaw 
Evalyn Harvey 

Hotel Sheraton 
(Sky Garden) 
Don Dudley Oro 

Hotel Statler 
(Cafe Rouge) 
Saivy Cavlcchio Oro 
Hotel Westminster 

(Boof Oardeo) 
Jimmy McHale Ore 
Harry Drake Rev 
Roof Garden Gls 
Alice O'Leary 
Eddie O L Robert* 
Jack ft Lorraine 
Hotel Rita CorlctoB 

(Rita Bool) 
Count Basle Ore 
Hazel Spott 
International Casino 
Henri Jobert Ore 

Tlie Cave 
Ralph Porras Ore 
Jock Fisher 
Tamara Dorlva 
Doris Abbott 
Lawrence ft B Cook 
Brett ft Toung 



PinSBUBOE 



Anchorage 

Hugh Morton Ore 
Maynard Deane 

Arlington Lodge 
Phil Cavezza Ore - 

Bnlconade* 
John Fontaine Ore 



Yacht Clnb 

Gloria Mann 
Ed Gavin 
Audrey Joyce 
Pen Raymond 
Mary Nnvls 



CLEVELAND 



Alpine Village 

4 Sydneys 
Blondell Twins 
Gregory ft Raymond 
Uob Copfnr 
Carl Mueller 
Otto Thum Oro 
El Dnmpo 
Bob Manners Oro 
Sammy LIpman 
Antoinettes 

Freddle'a Cnfo 
Oayle Parker 
Ray Rogers 
Harriet Grant 
Paul ft ;rhelma 



Oonrmet Clnb 

Eddie Robinson Oro 
Hotel Allerton 

Joe Baldl Ore 

Hotel Carter 
Thixlon Sprenger 
Ambn?sadors- Ore 

Hotel Cleveland 
George Duffy pro 
Hotel Fenway Hall 
Johnny CowglU 
Grant Wilson 

Hotel Hollendea 
Glover ft LaMae 
Doralne ft Bllla 



Bill Green'a 

Don Bestor Ore 
Penny Lee 
Jerry Scott 
Bodgle-Woogle Clnb 
Boog Sherman 
Maxle Simon 
Harry Comorada 
Buddy Blaine 
Tubby Miller 
Reggie Dvorak 
Club Petite 
Piccolo Pete Oro 
Betty Smiley 
Sidney ft Amsa 
Bernard 

Cork and Bottle 

Lloyd Fox 

Eddie Peytoa'a 
Marty Oregor Oro 
Marlon Muller 
El Chlco 
Frank Andrlnl Ore 
Virginia Ramos 
Talavera Tr 

Hotel Fort Pitt 
Ken Bailey Oro 



Johnny Mitchell 
Jessica Wheatley 
Hbrry Walton 
Irma Guthrell 
Hotel Henry 
(SUver Orlll) 
Stan Rucker 4 
(Gay 90's) 
Dorothy Nesbltt 
X. Hotel 7tb A venae 
Bens Saunders 
Ida lola 
Bverett Haydn 
Betty Donano* 
Al Dsvin 

Evergreen Garden* 

Revelers 
Sam Swset 
Alice Bone 
Zelda 

Wicked Willies 
Hotel Boosevclt 



Johnny Kaalhue 
Royal Hawllana 



Hotel Schenley 
Billy Hinds Oro 
Rita Seaman 
Buzz Mayer 
Jack Calhoun 
Hotel Wm Penn 
(Continental Bur) 
Wanda 
Esonrta 

(Continued oij page 52) 



Wednesday, July 9. 1941 



LEGITIMATE 49 



Sam Harris' Rise, a Chronicle Of 
Success, RecaDed by His Death 



4. 



By JACK PULASKI 

Sam H. Harris' death last week 
brought deep sorrow along Broad- 
way. A prince of showmen, a lad 
from the lower East Side of New 
York, who rose to the purple of the- 
atricals, had passed at 69. 

It was Icnown that Harris was 
desperately ill. About a week be- 
fore he died, George M. Cohan, bis 
former managerial partner and life- 
long friend, visited the ailing man. 
Harris was then mentally alert and 
they chatted for an hour. He stead- 
ily grew weaker each day there- 
after, expiring shortly after dawn 
Wednesday (8) in his apartment at 
the Hitz Tower. 

When he was operated on at West 
Palm Beach early in March, Insidp 
reports were discouraging. Dr. Ro- 
land I. Grausman went to Florida to 
excise Harris' appendix, but when 
the incision was made a growth was 
disclosed.. He apparently recovered 
from the operation after rest- 
ing in his newly built home at the 
resort, came north in May. Later It 
was virtually certain that Harris was 
a cancer victim.. Such mention was 
studiously avoided and, even when 
news of his death was revealed, 
cause of demise was reported to be 
pneumonia. 

Three weeks before his death Har- 
ris visited Belmont track on the 
closing day of the spring meeting, 
racing being his favorite diversion. 
The showman was drawn there by 
the appearance of Whirlaway and he 
saw that wonder horse victorious. 
That was the last time he was seen 
in public. Showman looked wan and 
his complexion yellow. He had been 
told he had jaundice, the growth 
having reached the liver. 

Cohan & Harris 

Cohan and Harris did many things 
In pairs. After both were divorced 
early jn their careers, they mar- 
ried sisters, the. Nolans of Boston, 
who were on the stage and used the 
professional name of Merrill. They 
built mausoleums side by side in 
Woodlawn, where the second Mrs^ 
Harris, who died in 1930, was buried. 
In 1939 Harris wed Kathleen Nolan, 
who had previously divorced the late 
Victor Watson, one-time editor of the 
New York American. She is the 
sister of George Brent and no rela- 
tion to the second Mrs. Harris. 

Harris was one of the wealthiest 
managers, but like some others was 
caught In the Wall Street collapse 
of 1929. He and the late Flo Zieg- 
feld are said to have dropped 
$1,800,000 each. However, register- 
ing one success after another, he 
climbed to financial security again. 
His percentage of show failures was 
small. 

Small Coterie of Anthors' 

In recent seasons the hits pre- 
sented by Harris were closely asso- 
ciated with a small coterie of au- 
thors, whom he encouraged to par- 
ticipate in the productions. Lead- 
ing in that group are George S. 
Kaufman, Moss Hart and Edna Fer- 
ber. 

Kaufman collaborates with both 
Miss Ferber and Hart, and with the 
passing of Harris may assume the 
Harris toga. Kaufman is presently 
readying' 'Mr. Big,' in which/ Harris 
was to have participated, while the 
latter's first play next season was to 
have been a new Kaufman-Ferber 
play. Kaufman recently opened of- 
fice quarters in the Lyceum theatre, 
which he, Harris, Marcus Heiman, 
Hart and Max Gordon own. 

Kaufman and Hart started their 
association with 'Once In a Lifetime' 
and without doiibt that duo's big- 
gest sock comedy was 'You Can't 
Take It With You,' both authors be- 
ing in on the managerial end in ad- 
dition to their royalties. 'Can't' won 
the Pulitzer prize. Other Harris 
shows which were similarly rec- 
ognized were 'Icebound,' by Owen 
Davis, and 'Of Thee I Sing,' first 
musical comedy to get that award. 
Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind wrote 
the latter's book, with the score by 
■George and Ira Gershwin. Most re 
cent Kaufman and Hart show was 
'George Washington Slepl Here,' 
while Hart wrote tlie book of the 
sensationally successful 'Lady in the 
Dark,' Harris' last production, which 
is laying off and due to relight Sept 
1 at the Alvin. 

Plenty on Uie Ball 

Previously, however, Harris dem- 
onstrated his managerial sagacity by 
producing . any number of hits au- 
thored by a long list of writers. 
Cohan . well knew that Harris had 
plenty on the ball as a producer, and 
(Continued on page SO) 



Harris' Curtain, 'Lady* 



Last ;^ow produced by Sam H. 
Harris was 'Lady In the Dark,' 
Alvin, N. Y., last winter. After 
the premiere, when It was 
definitely rated a solid smash, 
Harris remarked to Al Lewis: 
'Nice show to go out on.' 

Two days later he started his 
final trip to Florida. 



Ask Mgrs. Join 
NewLegitCircuit 
Of Auditoriums 



San Antonio, July 8. 

San Antonio is being considered as 
one of the cities to be Included In a 
proposed midwest and southern legit 
circuit, with headquarters in Chicago 
according to Jean Wildenstein, man- 
ager of the Mtmicipal Auditorium 
here. Plans for the organization 
were outlined to Wildenstein in a 
letter from J. Charles Gilbert, man- 
aging director of the Civic theatre, 
Chicago. 

His letter, In part, stated: 

'I am directing this inquiry to 
members of the Auditorium Man- 
agers Assn., in order to ascertain 
their reaction to the formation of a 
theatrical producing organization in 
Chicago to serve the midwest and 
south. . For the first productions it 
is planned to offer musical comedy 
and operetta. Later we would 
branch out into the dramatic field. 
Occasionally, the organization would 
stage a new play prior to its New 
York opening.' , 

According to Gilbert, bookings in 
12 cities would t>e necessary to as- 
sure the formation of the circuit He 
further stated that the Civic Opera 
House in Chicago had scenic equip- 
ment, costumes and stage properties 
to provide for more than 200 pro 
ductions. 

On the heels of this letter an- 
other one was received here from 
Ralph D. Paonessa, of Hollywood, 
offering a performance of either 
'The Desert Song' or 'Rose Marie' 
with John Charles Thomas in the 
title roles. This, too, was to depend 
on the reaction of oUier members of 
the Auditorium Managers Assn. 



lOST COLONY' GEniNG 
DEMOCRACY INJECTIONS 



Charlotte, N. C„ July 8. 

"The Lost Colony' opened Thurs- 
day (3) at Manteo. Author Paul 
Green, in Manteo working with the 
cast, is giving it a few new lines. 
He is putting a greater emphasis on 
the new world as a land of oppor- 
tunity and making even more direct 
the appeal to the free spirit of Eng- 
lish speaking peoples. The changes 
will not be noticeable to the casual 
hearers, but there will be a trifle 
more democracy this year. 

The war has done little damage 
to the cast. The leading players, the 
narrator and most of the singers are 
back. 

The July 3 opening, which in- 
augurated the fifth summer season, 
was attended by a galaxy of nota- 
bles, writers and leaders from vari- 
ous states of the country. The gov 
ernors of three states — North Caro 
Una, Delaware and Maryland — were 
among those attending, as well as 
Representative Herbert Bonner, 
Australian Ambassador Ricliard G. 
Casey, Representative of New York 
Hamilton Fish, Jr., and Ben Prince, 
chairman of the State Highway 
Commission. A contingent from Fort 
Bragg was headed by Gen. Jacob I. 
Devers. 

Newspapermen and writers at- 
tending included Mr. and Mrs. Jona 
than Daniels and Frank Semthurst, 
of the Raleigh News and Observer; 
Ralph Pool of the Norfolk Virginian 
Pilot; Charles Day of the Norfolk 
Ledger-Dispatch; Brooks Atkinson 
of the New York Times; Mary Brag- 
giotti of the N. Y. Post, and James 
Boyd and Phillips Russell, novelists 



SIX CHARITIES BENEFIT 
IN SAM H. HARRIS' WILL 



Will of Sam H. Harris, who died 
In New York last Thursday (3), was 
filed for probata Tuesday (8). Be- 
quests are made to six charitable 
organizations and provision Is made 
for a number of relatives, with the 
residue to the 'widow, Katiileen No- 
Ian Harris. Harris had no children. 

It was the evident wish of the 
showman that the executors carry 
on his interests in productions, the 
Music Box and Lyceum theatres. He 
is the principal owner of the former 
house along with Irving Berlin, who 
is given preference in absorbing the 
Harris share if. be desires. If the 
theatres and shows are to be oper- 
ated by the executors, permission of 
the court must be' obtained. 

In addition to the widow, the ex- 
ecutors are George M. Cohan, Berlin 
and Dennis F. O'Brien, latter being a 
close friend and attorney (O'Brien, 
Driscoll & Raftery). Though he 
built a new home in West Palm 
Beach, a codicil stipulates that his 
legal residence was New York. Will 
was made out just one year ago. 

Actors Fund, Jewish Theatrical 
Guild, Catholic Actors Guild, He- 
brew National Orphan House, Ro- 
man Catholic Orphan Asylum and 
Orphan's Home Protestant Episcopal 
Church are bequeathed $2,500 each. 
Children of the late Pauline Kauf- 
man, a sister, are to receive $15,000 
each, similar amounts going to Ra- 
chel L. Jonas, sister, or her children, 
Millie Harris, sister-ln-la-w, and Gus- 
sie Harris, sister. 



Lease Theatre 
In Springfield 
For One-Niters 



Springfield, Mass., July 8. 

E. M. lioew, of Boston, and of 
ficials of the Springfield Playgoers 
League have come to an agreement 
for leasing of Court Square theatre 
here by the League for one-night 
legit stands through next fall and 
winter. Difficulties arising between 
the theatre management and 
League officials during the past sea 
son had held up negotiations until 
a recent conference in Boston be- 
•tween Loew, Daniel J. Maloney, ex- 
ecutive secretary of the League, and 
Alfred H. Chapin, a v.p. 

The Theatre Guild has offered the 
League its subscription series of six 
productions, and it is expected the 
League 'WiU make the deal in ad 
dition to its own bookings. Maloney, 
it is reported, has been offered the 
job of handling the Guild's subscrip 
tion series throughout the Northwest. 

The League, according to Malbney, 
will open its season either the last 
week in September or early in Octo- 
ber. Stars tentatively t>ooked for 
the season include Alfred Lunt and 
Lynn Fontanne, Katharine Cornell, 
Maurice Evans,^ Helen Hayes, Al 
Jolson, Ed Wyiin and Flora Robson, 
in a series of touring companies of 
the topflight Broadway shows. 



Hale Wins Point; Jolson 
To Be Examined Pre-Trial 

Al Jolson will be examined before 
trial July 11 in N. Y. supreme court 
in connection with a $105,000 suit 
against him by George Hale. Jus- 
tice Benjamin Sclireiber ordered the 
examination Saturday (5). 

Hale, suing for breach of contract, 
alleges Jolson and he were part- 
nered in the production of 'Hold On 
to Your Hats,' with Jolson to receive 
$2,500 weekly, and to appear for the 
run-of-the-play througlKiut the 1941 
theatrical season. It is alleged Jol- 
son closed the Broadway run Feb. 
6, 1941, claiming illness. Hale as- 
serts pictures he had made of Jol- 
son in Florida subsequent to the 
closing^, show the actor at race- 
tracks and in good health. 



New Savoyard Troupe 
A new Gilbert & Sullivan Opera 
Co. opens July 14 at the Paper Mill 
Playhouse, New Jersey, with 'Pina 
fore' and 'Trial by Jury' scheduled. 
Ck>mpany is aiming at legitimate and 
vaudeville markets. Charles N. 
Drake and Joseph Tushinsky head 
the unit. 

Helen Gleason, formerly of the 
Met, heads the cast of 30 singers. 



Shades of The Ladder -Philanthropic 
Saroyan Has Theatre Staff Dizzy 



-4- 



Optimistic Seattle 



SeatUe, July 8. 

With more coin in circulation 
hereabouts as the months go by and 
defense plants step up employment, 
outlook is that legit season will pick 
up this fall. Hugh Becket, manager 
of Metropolitan, reports penciling in 
a rather hefty though limited list 
for the coming season, Including the 
following shows with opening dates: 

•Tobacco Road,' Sept. 26; 'Hellza- 
poppin,' Oct 5; 'Boys and Girls To- 
gether,' Dec. 14; 'Life With Father,' 
March 9; 'My Sister Eileen,' June 7, 
1042. 



Kazan-Bob Lewis 
Head $l-Top Idea 
For Next Season 



Latest plan to establish a pop 
legit on Broadway is Icnown as The 
Dollar Top Theatre, directors of 
which are Ella Kazan and Robert 
Lewis. Former Is an actor and lat- 
ter a stager^^th having been with 
the Group 'theatre, now defunct. 
While the new project is an offshoot 
of the Group, it is not intended to 
use only.Groitp players. This is in- 
dicated by a list 'of 60 players who 
will be interviewed by invitation. 

Plans call for producing a iiew 
play, to be followed by a musical 
play, a children's production, plus a 
bill of one-act plays by new au- 
thors and the revival of a cOmedy 
classic. Outfit will also operate a 
drama school after the production 
end is established. A radio program 
is expected to be a regular activity, 
too. 

Newest group has been incorpo- 
rated and stock will be offered for 
sale, several backers already having 
promised to invest. In addition to 
Kazan and Lewis, the staff includes 
Molly Day Thacher, Victor Wolfson, 
Sylvia Regan, Zachary Metz and Wil 
Washcoe. Maurice J. Speiser is 
counsel for the new group. It Is 
hoped that through theatre parties 
audiences used to pop admissions 
can be drawn. Theatre of more than 
1,000 capacity la being sought for 
rental. 

Attempt to operate a dollar-top 
theatre at Radiant Center, formerly 
the Adelphi, was a fast flop. Show, 
called 'Four Girls on a Dime,' closed 
Saturday (S), playing a single week. 
It had an amateur cast, therefore 
not covered in the dailies. Venture 
was somewhat of a secret, for al- 
though a press agent was engaged 
there was no appropriation for ad- 
vertising. 

Radiant theatre, which is con- 
trolled by a cult of metaphysicians, 
was picketed throughout the week 
by stage hands and other unions. 
They contended that, as admission 
was charged, their members should 
have been employed. Equity did not 
protest because it is an all-amateur 
outfit. 



ALVIN, FORMER MPLS. 
LEGITER, IN 80G FIRE 



Minneapolis, July 8. 

Believed to have been caused by 
short circuit at rear of stage, fire 
destroyed the interior of the Alvin, 
one of city's most beautiful show- 
houses and one-time home of legit 
roadshows and dramatic stock. Dam- 
age is estimated at $80,000. 

House, owned by W. A. Steffes, 
has been dark since early May when 
Hirsch-Katz burlesque season termi- 
nated for summer. It was scheduled 
to reopen next month with Hirsch- 
Katz burlesque, but difficulty in ob- 
taining seats and other equipment is 
expected to delay remodeling job. 



'Yes, My Darling Daughter,' which 
opened Monday night (7), is the first 
of four plays being performed at the 
Pine Grove Playhouse, Cambridge 
Springs, Pa., during the next month 
...'Dark Tower', 'Strictly for Swee- 
ney' and 'Mr. and Mrs. North' are 
the others. 



"The Beautiful People' isn't getting 
much coin at the Lyceum, N. Y., but 
continues to excite controversy over 
whether it's a good show or not. 
William Saroyan, author-producer of 
'People,' who has a flair for getting 
press attention, pulled another 
strange stunt by advertising that all 
patrons who don't like the play can 
get their money back by merely pre- 
senting the ticket stubs at the box- 
office aifter the performance. 

Saroyan wired instructions to that 
effect from the Coast, with the result 
that the boxoffice staff went daffy. 
House management and Tom Dug- 
gan, Saroyan's representative, tried 
to get the author-producer to cancel 
the idea, but he insisted on going 
through with it. Saroyan only 
ordered the kick-back to those who 
think the play is screwy, but also to 
those who like it — so they can have 
fare home, or buy a drink, or some- 
thing. 

Audience reaction has been as 
humorous as the radical idea itself. 
Most of those who have asked for 
their money back sat in the gallery, 
admission there being 55c. On get- 
ting back the four bits they usually . 
giggle and think they put something 
over on the theatre. Ampunt of 
money refunded has varied from $2 
per performance up. Fourth of Jvdy, 
when there was a good house, 
amount given back was more than 
$30. Ads read that the money can ba 
gotten back: 'Just like that, no 
questions asked, positively no em- 
barrassment.' 

Didn't Believe It 

One male patron from the west 
wanted to know if the offer was on 
the level, cracking that it looked like 
'a New York trick.' When assured 
the offer was on the level, he said 
he didn't want his money back and 
thought, the show 'beautiful.' . Gross 
is down under $3,500, but Saroyan 
figures if it goes into the red this 
montli, the play may get a good 
share of visitors thereafter. 

In the lobby after each perform- 
.ance, women have remonstrated 
with persons asking for the kick- 
back. House avers they are not 
plants. One man, who saw 'People' 
four times, argued with friends who 
didn't like the play. On his fourth 
visit, he brought along 24 guests for 
whom he purchased tickets. Re- 
ported later there was an argument 
within the theatre party. 

One ot Saroyan's other stunts that 
had the theatre staff guessing con- 
cerned Dorothy Kllgallen's column 
in the N. Y. Journal-American, 
which panned 'People' and those 
critics who favored it. Author or- 
dered the article enlarged with the 
most caustic lines underscored, the 
blowup to be displayed in the lobby. 
Personalities 

Saroyan wrote an article for last 
Sunday's (6) N. Y. Times on per- 
sonalis, which he says makes good 
theatre, 'as it makes everything else 
. . . almost everybody is flat and dl- 
mensionless. The. few exceptions are 
so shocking to the rest that they 
seem to be crackpots , . . personality 
Is absent from the world of enter- 
tainment, including the field of act- 
ing, where it surely belongs. Almost 
none pf the financiers, producers, di- 
rectors, writers and hangers-on of 
the theatre, 'tlie movies and radio 
have personalities. Each of them 
might as well be the others, or no- 
body. Anytime there is good theatre 
you will discover that one person- 
ality is responsible for the whole 
thing. . . . "The amusing thing about 
moving pictures is the enormous 
number of nonentities who work 
together to make something any 
normal lialf-wit would prefer not to 
make in the first place.' Mixing up 
his people plenty, he wrote: 

'Who are the real personalities in 
America? Well, haphazardly these 
are IVanldin Delano Roosevelt, John 
Barrynvore, Orson Welles, Dizzy 
Dean, Max Baer,' Jimmy Durante, 
Walter Winchell, W. C. Fields, Oscar 
Levant, Fred Allen and, of course, 
William Saroyan.' He ended up by 
saying: 

'It would be a mistake to leave out 
one more thing. 'While this thing 
makes bad theatre more often than 
it makes good theatre. It is neverthe- 
less absolutely necessary: Moneyl' 



Town Hall Playhouse, Westboro, 
Mass., will, be dark next week, bw- 
ing to an ancient state law which 
decrees that the town hall can b» 
used only 'occasionally' for plays. 
. . . Hayden Rorke and Jus Addis, 
In Ann Corio company of 'Whit* 
Cargo' in Worcester a week ago, 
have Joined Town Hall company. 



so LEGITIMATE 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



Sam H. Harris Anecdota 



Harris the Hooter 

Public appearances of Sam H. Harris were infrequent and were general- 
ly for charitable purposes. Before and after his partnership with George 
M. Cohan was dissolved in 1920, they appeared in benefit shows as a song 
and dance team and Harris actually did some stepping, while Cohan, his 
coach in that department, teamed in the hoofing or quizzically smiled at 
Slim Sam's efforts. 



Clicks As After-Dinner Speaker 

As a public speaker Harris was much less in evidence, but he was an 
overnight sensation at a dinner given in honor of Cohan by the Jewish 
Theatrical Guild. When Harris was called on to say something by Gene 
Buck, the toastmaster, the diner.s exfreeled routine chatteTT-He statted 
telling about a gold mine he had a piece of out in California. Looked like 
the mine would be a financial life-saver after he went for a fortune in 
Wall Street. But suddenly he said: 

"Then the mill burned down,' referring to the shaft at the mine, and 
thereafter during the speech the 'mill burned down' was frequently men- 
tioned. Harris quickly discerned that he had struck a laugh line and his 
address was the highlight of the evening. After the dinner he was asked 
who wrote the speech but, although he never did tell, it was an office 
secret that during a trip to the Coa;;t Harris had gotten gags from a 
number of comics, including Groucho Marx, Bert Kalmar and Harry gujjy.. 
Speech had been carefully rehearsed. 

Harris hadn't mentioned the gold mine recently, but it is still operated. 
D. Walter Haggerly, former husband of Minerva Coverdale, was his prin- 
cipal partner in the property and has been in charge of the project. Hag- 
gerty is from Bridgieport, Conn., where he cleaned up a fortune in manu- 
facturing chain belts for machinery. He planed in from California for 
the funeral. 



'Shonld've Been a Tailor' 

Harris' pet gag always amused those close to him. He sprung It when 
things were wrong or there were difficult problems during rehearsals or 
production preparations. He'd say: 'It serves me right. Should have taken 
my father's advice and been a tailor.' 



Congrats to Cohan, Condolences to Mrs. Harris 

Day after Harris died was the Fourth of July, George M. Cohan's birth- 
day. Quite a number of people inied telegrams of congratulations to him 
and at the same time sent condolences to the widowed Mrs. Harris. 



Harris' Popaiarity and Start 

Harris was one of the most popular young men on the East Side, as 
shown when he was made president of the Hesper Club, on lower Second 
avenue, largest sporting organization of its kind in New York. Members 
were of all creeds, among them 'Big Tim' and Paddy Sullivan, A. H. 
Woods and others known in politics and show business. 

He entered show business when the firm of Sullivan, Harris and Woods 
was formed, with Freddie Block as general manager, trio specializing In 
melodramas and burlesque of that type of play. Their first play was 'The 
Bowery After Dark.' Before he turned manager, Harris' idol was Wil- 
liam A. Brady, and he said: "That's the kind of a man I want to be.' 



Terrible Terry' McOovern 

Harris also headquartered at the t,afayette Baths, on Lafayette street, 
where the sporting gentry congregated. It was there that he met and 
took over the management of Terry McGovem, whom he monickered 
Terrible Terry,' also managing the latter's brother, Phil, a jockey. Terry 
toured with the 'Bowery' show coast to coast. 

He never handled another fighter. His acumen as a fight manager was 
recognized and it was said that McGovem never entered the ring under 
Harris' management that the fighter did not have an edge in some manner, 
probably why the boy w;as champion' of his division. - .When he declined 
as a boxer, Terry went broke, Harris taking care of him until he died. 



Hay 1:00 Costly 

Harris had several racing stables, one before he came to Broadway, and 
the standout horse was named Saturday. Some years ago he bought a 
bunch of thoroughbreds, but the diversion was a bit too costly, even 
though he was. a leading producer. 

Last year at Empire track, after losing a ~f airly large wager, he turned 
to a friend and said: "This is no business for us to be in.' 



Inside Stuff- Legit 



Receipts for the Actors Fund outdoor benefit show at Manhattan Beach 
Sunday (29) last week were incorrectly estimated. Instead of fairly- good 
takings, the event was a disappointment and there is some doubt about 
making It an annual affair. Total amount received was placed at $2,060, 
with Joseph P. Day, who owns the resort, getting 50%, since dancing was 
cancelled for the evening. First reported that use of the beach was do- 
nated. Out of its share of the gate, Fund's end had to take care of 
expenses. 

Lee Baker is sitting in on the Fund's executive committee in place of 
Charles Dow Clark, who is away for the summer. Body at its weekly 
sessions passes on the list of applications for financial assistance. Baker 
Is among those who recently resigned from the Equity Council. 



Hopeless Job 



New Hope, Pa., July 8. 
New Hope's one-man, eve- 
nings-only police department is 
about to resign. Bucks County 
theatre, strawhatter now In its 
third season here, has created so 
much auto traffic it has the lone 
cop. Miles Delaney, all tuckered 
out. 

That tired feeling, he fears, 
will cause him to lose his' day- 
time job — and he's bad It for 34 
years, while he's only been town 
copper for 22. 



JOHN, DIANA 
IN 'CHILDREN? 



San Francisco, July 8. 
Henry Duffy is mulling a revival 
of John Barrymore's play of two 
years ago, 'My Dear Children,' with 
Diana Barrymore supporting her 
father as one of the stage daughters. 



Chapel's Early Start 
Guilford, Conn., July 8. 
Chapel playhouse got the jump on 
nearby strawhats with a Saturday 
(June 28) opening with Fay Wray 
in 'There's Always Juliet.' Current 
(7-12) is Anna Sten in 'Nancy's Pri- 
vate Affair,' with Henry Hull fol- 
lowing July 14 in 'Dear Brutus.' 
Balance .of season will see Georgia 
Southern in 'Burlesque'; Betty Fur- 
ness and Ralph Forbes in 'Man in 
possession'; Karen Morley in "The 
Circle'; Buster Keaton in "The Go- 
rilla'; Nancy Carroll in 'Mr. and Mrs. 
North.' Conrad Nagel Is signed for 
an unannounced play. 
' Spot is operated by Nate Beers 
and Olsen and Johnson. Comics 
plan to break in their new musical, 
'Crazy House,' late in season If they 
wash up Hollywood film chore in 
time. 



'Overtons' Tryout 

Stockbridge, Mass., July 8.' 

William Miles' Berkshire Play- 
house plans a tryout, sometime in 
August, of Vincent Lawrence's 'first 
play in 10 years, "The Overtons.' 
Piece is to be produced for William 
Harris, Jr. ' 

The Berkshire Playhouse had one 
of its biggest opening weeks with 
Ruth Chatterton in 'Tomorrow and 
Tomorrow.' 

Mary Wickps returned this week 
to play a lead in 'George Washing- 
ton Slept Here.' 



Farcagat's New Mgmt, 

Rye Beach, N. H., July 8. 
Farragut Playhouse opens today 
(Tuesday) utider new management, 
with presentation of 'Lady of Let- 
ters.' 

William R. Anderson is director 
and producer of .the playhouse this 
season. 



Manner of the death of Auriol Lee, who was killed in motor car acci- 
dent in Kansas last week, was surprising to those close to her. Miss Lee, 
who wore a monocle, had definitely poor vision, and why she was permitted 
to drive the car was not understood. 

With her was Frank M. Epperson, connected with the ranch of John 
Van Druten in California, where she had been visiting. He was asleep in 
the back of the car when it left the road, but survived. Miss Lee, about 
60, virtually, if not legally, adopted Van Druten when he was a young 
author in Engl^and, 

Thej:e are any number of strange spots where performances are played, 
but one' of the freakiest is in Worcester, Mass., where the little theatre 
has beeii booked with shows lined up as part of a New England rotary 
stock circuit. House is an adjunct of the 4,500-seat auditorium, but is 
built on a hill and the stage is 15 feet higher than that In the larger hall. 

The stages adjoin, but it is necessary to enlarge that in the little theatre. 
That was done recently by using platforms, with wabbly results, accord- 
ing to.plqyers who appeared there. Little theatre seats around 450 people 
capacity for a vfreek being around $3,000 at $1.65 top. 



Joseph L. Feiblemaij, prominent Newark realtor and banker who died 
last Saturday (5) at the age of 70, was the brother of the late Bert Feible- 
man, who was on the managerial staff of Cohan and Harris for many 
years and frequently made trips to Europe with George M. Cohan. 

Although Ills activities were mostly locaUed In New Jersey, Joseph 
Feibleraan was a first-nighter. He was a membei; of the Lambs, but did 
not figure in theatricals. 



Karen Morley in Tryout 

Gloucester, Mass., July 8. 
Karen Morley will star in 'Two 
Story House,' a play by Parker Fen- 
nelley to be tried out at the Bass 
Rocks theatre here July 14. Origi- 
nally Madge Evans was slated for 
the role, but illness has forced her 
to cancel the engagement. 
_ Tryout is being sponsored by 
Brock Pemberton. 



Phil Baker's 'Charley's Aunt' 

Atlantic City, July 8. 

Phillips Holmes in "The Male 
Animal' Is current at Garden Pier 
theatre beginning Monday (7). Ce- 
leste Holm also in cast. Next, week 
'Johnny Belinda' for one week, and 
after this comes Phil Baker in 'Char- 
ley's Aunt.' / 

Theatre is under lease to Ben 
Jacobson, with Rube Bernstein man- 
ager. 



Chautauqua Season 
Jamestown, N. Y., July 8. 

Strawhat season in Chautauqua 
Lake area opened last Wednesday 
(2) with 'The Male Animal' pre- 
sented by the Erie (Pa.) Playhouse 
group at Point Chautauqua Dock 
theatre. 'Animal,' first of nine plays 
for season. 

Cleveland Playhouse Players open 
12th season at Chautauqua July 16 
with same play. 



Cambridge Sked 

Cambridge, Mass., July 8. 
Cambridge Summer Theatre in 
Brattle Hall here opened its second 
season Monday (7) with Ellssi Landi 
starred in 'Lady Has a Heart.' Lee 
Falk and John Huntington are co- 



Sam H. Harris Dies at 69 



iContlnued from page 49b 



stated so shortly after they severed 
partnership. 

The erection of the Musio Box, 
where Harris maintained hii office 
in recent years, was one of the 
highlights of the theatre-building 
era on Broadway. It Is still re- 
garded as the top legit house and is 
largely responsible for the develop- 
ment of 45th street as the most 
populous block for theatres. 

Irving Berlin and Joseph Schenck 
were partners with Harris in build- 
ing the Music Box. The latter sold 
out his Interest some time ago, with 
the Shuberts absorbing Schenck's 
share. They retain the interest, but 
have no say in its management. 
Berlin also helped supply shows for 
the Music Box by writing the scores 
for the 'Music Box Revues' and 'As 
Thousands (^heer,' which had a book 
by Hart and was produced in 1933. 
It is likely that Berlin will become 
more active in keeping the popu- 
larity of the Music Box alive anb 
a revue of his making has been 
scheduled for some time. 

The Lyceum was acquired last 
year, Harris and associates taking 
over the bank-owned theatre, not 
only as a realty investment, but also 
to have a spot for straight plays of 
his production in addition to the 
Music Box, located . on the same 
street,* but on different sides of 
Broadway. 

It Is a coincidence that another 
Harris hit, the Kaufman and Hart 
play, 'The Man Who Came to Din- 
ner,' should have announced its 
closing at the Music Box on the 
eve of his death. Play, closing Sat- 
urday (12), has been running nearly 
two years, this being the 92nd week. 
Crowd at Foneral Services 

At the funeral services Sunday (6) 
at Campbell's chapel, the passing of 
Harris was spoken of as a calamfty 



Current Road Shows 

UuXy 9-19) 



'Accent On Youth' (Sylvia Sidney) 
—Windsor, Bronx, N. Y. (9-13); Flat- 
bush, Brooklyn (15-20). 

'Hellsapoppin' — Erlanger, Chicago 
(9-19). 

'Johnny Belinda' — Flatbush, 
Brooklyn (9-13). 

'Life With Father' (Dorothy Gish) 
Cass, Detroit (9-19). 

'Male Animal' (PhUIips Holmes)— 
Garden. Pier, Atlantic City (9-13). 

'My Sister Eileen'— Harris, Chi- 
cago (9-19). 

'Bain' (Lenore Vlrlc)— Windsor, 
Bronx, N. Y. (15-20). 

'Vinegar Tree'— El Capiten, Holly- 
wood (9-12). 



Summer Premieres 



(July 9-19) 



'Helen,' Negro swing musical 
based on A. P. Herbert's satire, with 
Herbert Kingsley arrangement of 
Offenbach's 'La Belle Helene' score, 
at Country playhouse, Westport, 
Conn. (9-12); at Clinton (Conn.) 
playhouse (14-19). 

'Seraphina,' by Benjamin Charles 
Martin, at Paper Mill playhouse, 
Millburn, N. J. (9-12). 

'Family Honeymoon,' farce by 
Owen Davis, based on Homer Croy's 
novel, at Lakewood theatre, Sko- 
whegan. Me. (14-19). 

'Two-Story hoase,' comedy-drama, 
by Parker Fennelly, at Bass Rocks 
theatre, Gloucester, Mass. (14-19). 

'Mr. Timpklns,' by David Carroll, 
at Theatre-in-the-Dale, New Milford, 
Conn. (16-19). 



Bert Brown Recuping 

A. b. (Bert) Brown, former Shep- 
herd of the Lambs, is at the Doc- 
tors hospital. New York, recovering 
from bronchial pneumonia. He has 
been under treatment for about two 
weeks. Expected that visitors will 
be permitted in a few days. 

Brown is chairman of the board of 
the Percy Williams Home and also 
active In the affairs of the Actors 
Fund. 



managers this year, with Wylie 
Adams as director. 

Next four plays scheduled: 'Slight 
Case of Murder,' with Lionel Sland- 
er; 'Philadelphia Story,' with Diana 
Barrymore; 'Smart Woman,' starring 
Anna Sten, and Ramon Novarro in 
'Command to Love.' 



to show business. That sentiment 
was expressed by managers,' actors, 
authors, stagehands, men of the 
sporting world, those interested in 
the track and boxing. 

Chapel was much too small for the 
number of persons who came to pay 
homage to the ace showman. The 
doors were closed 10 minutes before 
services started and the interior was 
so packed that the chapel was sti- 
fling. Those who attended consti- 
tuted a who's who In show business, 
not only within the funeral chapei 
but on the sidewalks of Madison 
avenue and 81st street. 

There were actually more people 
on the street than in the chapel. 
Among them were many oldtimers 
who echoed the opinion that Harris 
was the 'squarcst-shooter in show 
business.' Like Cohan, he had a 
pension list, oldtimers rtostly being 
aided. The honorary pall bearers, 
who lined both sides of the hearse 
when the bronze casket was brought - 
from the chapel were: 

Cohan, Arthur Hopkins, Max 
Gordon, Arthur Hammerstein, Gene 
Buck, Marcus Heiman, Irving Berlin, 
George S. Kaufman, Isaac Levy 
(Philadelphia), Dennis - F. O'Brien, 
Sam Forrest, Walter Haggerty, Cole- 
man (Coley) Madden, Arthur Dris- 
coll. Earl Rodney, Joseph Levins, 
Moss Hart. 

Arthur Hopkins' Eulogy 

Hopkins delivered the eulogy, say- 
ing: 'Sam Harris entered into the 
pattern of many lives and is a part 
of all of us here. To all of us who 
knew Sam, brotherhood is not a re- 
mote dream. He loved people— all 
kinds of people, and his love was 
rich and spontaneous. This was his 
shield and he never dropped it into 
the mire of selfishness, greed, envy, 
vanity or hatred . . . when he said 
that 'a play didn't add up,' lie meant 
that its human values were wrongly 
computed,' but the confusion of the 
outer world never entered his soul. 
The richness he brought to us will 
last as long as we live, and I believe 
long after . . . Sam was an honor to 
his profession, his people, his com- 
munity ... he acccepte(^ success and 
failure equally and blamed no one.' 

The Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Golden- 
son, a rabbi of Temple Emanu-El, 
Conducted the service, while Fred 
taring's choir vocalized. 

Originally the ceremony was 
slated for the Temple, but about a 
week before he died he expressed 
the wish that if anything happened 
to hJm, there should be a funeral 
without ostentation. However, the 
Jewish Theatrical Guild, of which 
he was a vice-president, plans a spe- 
cial memorial service later on, and 
the Actors Temple on West . 47th 
street -will hold a memorial service 
Friday (11) at 5:30 p.m. Organiza- 
tions represented at the funeral: Jew- 
ish Theatrical Guild, Catholic Actors 
Guild, Players, Lambs, American 
Society of Composers, Authors and 
Publl'shers, Negro Actors Guild, 
League of New York 'Rjeatres, 
Critics Circle. — .< 

Biggest Percentage of Hits 

As a producer Harris had as high 
a percentage of hits as any showman 
on Broadway, if not the highest. In- 
cluding: 

'Rain,' 'Six Cylinder Love,' 'The 
Nervous Wreck,' 'Cradle Snatchers,' 
"The Jazz Singer,' 'The Spider,' 
'Once in a Lifetime,' 'June Moon,' 
'Chicago,' 'Captain Applejack,' 'As 
Thousands Cheer,' 'The First Lady,' 
'I'd Rather Be Right,' 'Animal Crack- 
ers,' 'Night Must FaU' and fJubllee.'- 
Latter two were not in the hit class. 
He frequently had other managers 
associated with him, as for Instance 
in 'Jubilee' Gordon was interested, 
also Metro. ' Harris, Gordon and 
others produced the costly 'The 
American Way.' 

With Cohan there were 50 pro- 
ductions, mostly successes. Their 
first standout was. 'Little Johnnie 
Jones,' which brought them to 
Broadway. It was a musical which 
gained wide attention through 
Cohan's song, 'Give My Regards to 
Broadway.' Among the C. & H. 
shows: 'On Trial,' 'Seven Keys to 
Baldpate,' 'Fifty Miles from Boston,' 
"The Man Who Owns Broadway,' 
'The Royal Vagabond,' "The Yankee 
Prince,' 'The Little Millionaire,' 
'Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford,' 'Forty- 
Five Minutes from Broadway,' 'The 
Yankee Prince,' 'It Pays to Adver- 
tise,' 'George Washington, Jr.' 

Cohan & Harris theatre and build- 
ing was taken over by them, house 
being originally called the Candler. 
House is now In grind pictures and 
called the Sam H. Harris. The 
partnership lasted 19 years, team 
splitting after the actors strike of 
1919. 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



fEff 



UGITIMATE 81 



Modernized 'Broadway Seems Passe; 
'Helene in Swing, Other Strawhats 



BROADWAY, 1941 

(REVIVAL) 

Indian Neck, Conn., July 2. 
navlsed veralon of tbe Philip Dunnlng- 
Oeorge Abbott melodrama In three acts; 
directed by Noel Wanvlck; aettlng, Herman 
Tlkotaky; presented by American Actora 
Company at Montowese Flayhouae, Indian 
Neck, Conn., July 1, '41: »1.10 top. 

Nick Verdls Ronald Sherman 

Hoy I-ane Joaeph Anthony 

LIU Rice Patricia Coatca 

Horton Foote 

Xnzle smtib Gertrude Corey 

T^uby .■ .Loralno Stuart 

pjnrl Perry 'Wilson 

■BiUle' Moore. Bettlna Preacott 

Steve Crandoll Edward Raquello 

Bolph William Hare 

'Porky* Thompson John Lane 

■Scar" Edwards Joe Sullivan 

Dan McCoran John Hampshire 

In the pint-sized strawhat located 
on this picturesque Connecticut 
shoreline they've put out a feeler ior 
a possible revival of the 'Broadway' 
click of 15 years ago. Venture 
serves Its purpose from this angle, 
but as a finished offering it falls 
short on the basis of its opening- 
night presentation. Once a sensa- 
tion In the theatre, 'Broadway' has 
been made antiquated but the host 
of gangster shows and (especially) 
pictures that followed and improved 
on it 

Despite a number of fumbled lines 
and the absence of the staccato pace 
essential to this particular play, the 
present production gives evidence 
-that there stiU may be a punch 
wrapped up in this echo of the pro- 
hibition era. Whether or not it could 
stand up as a Broadway repeat 
'might depend largely on what the 
new season has to offer as competish 
in similar entertainment With a 
hand-picked cast and more elaborate 
staging. It might be worth a long- 
ahot gamble. 

Although plugged as a '1941 ver- 
sion,' . present edition differs little 
from the original. Basically, it's the 
'same thing — principal revision being 
•a shift from bootlegging to labor 
racketeering by the lead gangster. 
Chief racketeer is pictured as the 
Scalise type, with several references 
to that character. Another angle is 
that striving entertainers in the 
nite-club joint are struggling for a 
radio sponsor this time, instead of a 
top stage spot as originally. 

American Actors Company, re- 
sponsible for current presentation, 
are youthful troupers who have been 
around New York some four years, 
staging minor productions on their 
own and doing television work. 
Players are an energetic crew who 
give indication of better talent than 
' their somewhat ragged opening dis- 
closed. Bone. 



it better, and Miss Miller can prob- 
ably improve on this attempt her- 
self with more practice. 

'Answer* suffers primarily from a 
lack of any real novelty In story 
idea or development. It boils down 
to the familiar situation of a desir- 
able woman who has come to take 
her faithful, imexclting suitor for 
granted and who only awakens to 
his attractiveness when he starts 
flirting with somebody else. Add to 
this the fact that the suitor is fre- 
quently caricatured in the writing, 
becoming a wooden, comic type, and 
that tEe play opens with a series of 
choppy scenes. Also, although Miss 
Miller is handy with banter and tart 
rejoinders, she has a bad habit of 
letting whimsy get the upper hand. 

For the summer theatre 'Answer' 
is acceptable fare, and its presenta- 
tion at Woodstock turns up several 
interesting performances. As Con- 
stance, the actress heroine, Elizabeth 
Malloch seems indebted to Gertrude 
Lawrence for her crisp, nervous 
style in Act One, afterwards relax- 
ing into a less high-keyed interpre- 
tation. It's a generally entertaining 
portrayal. William Halstead makes 
Oliver, her lawyer and admirer, a 
likeable bloke within the limits im- 
posed by the author. As Constance's 
friends, the Walters, Philippa Bevans 
and Karl Maiden are an agreeable 
and amusing couple, while Phyllis 
Ellerman dextrously underscores the 
venom of Molly Claremont, Con- 
stance's lon^-tlme enemy, who tries 
to snatch Oliver away from her. In- 
cidentally, the play might be bol- 
stered u someoody were to tell 
Molly off in resounding terms at the 
end. Duane McKlnney and Ivan 
Trlesault, as a couple of boyis who 
are supposed to be laden with 
charm, manage to be convincing 
about It without getting In the audi- 
ence's hair. 

Robert 'Klwyn has directed pro- 
ficiently, and the three neat sets in- 
clude a pleasantly spacious living 
room and veijinda for the Walters' 
country house. Paul. 



FINAL ANSWER 

Woodstock, N. Y., July 6. 
Comedy In three acts (six scenes) by 
Llewellyn Miller; presented and staged by 
Robert Blwyn, at the Woodstock playhouse, 
Woodstock, N. T., J^ly B, '41. 

Oliver Prentice 'William Hnlstead 

Phyllis Walters Phlllppa nevans 

Constance Cole Serbo. .. .Eltznbeth Malloch 

Nicholas Serbo Ivan Trieaault 

Molly Claremont Phyllla Ellerman 

Joe Wallers Karl Maiden 

Patrick Moreno Duane McKlnney 

As editor of Screen Life mag, 
Llewellyn Miller has obviously had 
her eye on the films in writing 'Final 
Answer.' In type It's one those 
'When Ladies Meet' romantic come- 
dies, which, when expertly done, are 
usually good for a. picture sale. 

'Final Answer'; flits from Manhat- 
tan drawing roorn to penthouse ter- 
race and out to a weekend party in 
the country, with the heroine's emo- 
tional problem aired amid much 
smart banter. But while the present 
script indicates that the author has a 
. definite flair for that sort of thine. 
It seems unlikely to ring the TdcII 
either for further legit production 
or pix. Rachel Crothers can still do 



NORMAN 



HARRIS 



and 

SYLVIA 



SHORE 



OPENING fVVt 8 
BAL TABABIN 
SAM FBANCISCO 
Hanarcnacntt WM. KENT 

New Teirli 



Hanarcnaci 
1776 Broadnar 



band, Hubert This succeeds in be- 
ing amusing for one act at least. But 
by the second act the outcome has 
been subtly indicated and the action 
rapidly loses the sparkle that it had 
during the early moments. ThiJs, 
Broadway prospects are limited in 
the present form. 

Wife dominates husband; then hus- 
band dominates wife. It is an old 
story which, in the present instance, 
is neither sustaining nor significant 
entertainment, unless it be accepted 
as a satire on a famous newspaper- 
woman. 

The language is sophisticated and 
modern; there are some tolerable 
wisecracks, including several about 
Seraphina's inability to write correct 
English, and the play takes general- 
izations such as democracy for a 
windy ride. 

The acting runs from good to sat- 
isfactory. Ann Andrews and Bert 
Lytell, as wife and husband, click. 
Miss Andrews is provoking as the 
conceited journalist, but her acting 
loses in impressiveness as her po- 
sition as an egotist becomes increas- 
ingly uncertain. And Lytell is 
striking as the submissive spouse, 
but mediocre when he Incomes 
family boss. EUrida Derwent is 
convincing as the sturdy, self- 
respecting housekeeper. Equally 
able are Leona Powers, Margaret 
Bannerman, Gordon Nelson, Stiano 
Braggiotti, J. Colville Dimn and 
Neil Fitzgerald. 

However, they're limited by a plot 
that lacks freshness and finally sags 
lifelessly behind the final curtain. 

Kenneth Lloyd Mapes and Joseph 
De Luca are responsible for excel 
lent scenery and lighting. Jaff, 



LA BELLE HELENE 

Westport, Conn^ July 7. 

Demetrlos Vllan and Stewart Cbaney pre- 
sent Jacques Offenbach's operetta In three 
acta with libretto by A. P. Herbert; pre- 
sented by Lawrence Langner and Armlna 
Marshnll; musical arnnEement by Herbert 
KlngBley; - settings, Chaney; costumes. 
Karlneka: dance*. Felicia BoreL. and 
Vllan. Staged by Chaney; features Anne 
Brown and Ham tree Harrington. At the 
Countn' Playhouse, Weatport, Conn., open- 
ing July 7, '31. , 

Helen of Troy Anne Brown 

Paris Kelsey Pharr 

Menelaua Hamtree Harrington 

O Aates Avon Long 

Cnlchns Joe Attles 

Mercury Bobble Johnnon 

Juno Bruce Howard 

Minerva 'Wnldlne WlUlnma 

Venus Idelle Pemberton 

Achllle.i John Garth 

Agamemnon Lawrence Wlsonant 

Bacchls Rosetta I^e Noire 



Rain Helps B way Over 4th; Even 
'Hattie22G,'Fadier;i2i/2aMected 



'Father/ Hit by Heat, 
OK $12,500 in Detroit 



Detroit, July 8. 
Long holiday weekend and pro- 
longed heat spell slashed away at 
'Ijfe With Father' in its fifth week 
at the ' Cass here. However, con- 
sidering everything, the Dorothy 
Gish - Louis Calhern company 
emerged with nice, approximate 
$12,500. 

The play now nas rung up ap- 
proximately $90,000 in its five weeks 
at $2.75 top. 



•ACCENT FOLDS. 
2 SHOWS IN CHI 



SAMUEL FRENCH 

SINCE ISM 
AUTHORf llEPRESENTATIVE 
nan ftr 9t»m, Stnen mi Ridl* 

n Wni Mtb StTMt, Naw York 
III WttI 7Ui Stmt U< Aaotlw 



DIVORCONS 

(Modernized) 

EUlcott City, Md., July 5. 
Farce In three acU by Victorian 6&rdou; 
adapted bjr Margaret Mayo; directed by 
Wendell K. Phillips; choreocrapher, Emy 
St. JuBt, aaaUted by Margaret Barker: set- 
tlnga by Forreet Thayer. At the Hilltop 
theatre. Elllcott City, Hd., July 1, '41. 

Bastlen Robert Thompaon 

Joaepha r Dorothy Herman 

Concierge Flora Swan 

Henri Dea Prunellea Richard Angarola 

Clavynac Thad Sbarretts 

Cyprlenne Mary Jane Stockham 

Mme. Do Brionne Katharine Kirk 

Adhemar William Macl^eod 

Mme. De Valfontalne ,Judy Lathrop 

Joaeph Bert Coffey 

Jomarot Robert Klbbee 

Walter Fred Orart 

Waitress Natalie Cbllvers 

This granddaddy of all bedroom 
farces and perennial film triangles 
was tailor-made for Sarah Bern- 
hardt. It's the oft-told story of the 
hardt. Its the oft-told story of the 
young and thrill-seeking wife mar- 
ried to the agin^ roue who keeps her 
in line by seemingly assisting m her 
attempt at a cheat play. Miss Mayo 
has freshened it up, modernized the 
situations and given It pace, but it 
remains old stuff, interesting only as 
a museum piece of the theatre and 
possibly worth giving as one of those 
actors' holidays via the Players or 
some such similar group. 

To offset the familiar business of 
the farce, director Phillips has at' 
tempted a bit of Saroyanish treat- 
ment In projection. Seeking to cre- 
ate a series of moods and give to the 
characters an underlying symbolic 
characterization, he has his actors 
simulating erotic and animal in- 
stincts via the- ballet ■form. It's 
Trudl Schoop in dialog and' as such 
is fairly diverting summertime the- 
atre stuff, but rather doubtful of 
more ambitious undertaking. 

Cast performs exceptionally well 
for the job at hand. Mary Jane 
Stockham, William MacLeod and 
Richard Angarola stand out, making 
their Unes count consistently for 
laughs. Timing by MacLeod Is ex- 
ceptionally good and shows possi- 
bilities for this youngster. Wendell 
K. Phillips' direction Is quite sure 
throughout. Burm. 

SERAPHINA 

Mlllburn, N. J., July 7. 

Comedy In three acta by Ben Martin; 
presented and directed by Frank Carrlng- 
ton: at the Paper Mill Playjiouse, Mill- 
bum, N. J.. lUrtlng July T. 41; ^1.66 top. 

Hubert... Bert Lytell 

Dave J. Colville Dunn 

Hester ElCrlda Derwent 

Oertnide Leona Powem 

Soraphlna ^ Ann Andrewc 

Jonathan Carboy Gordon Nelson 

Phoebe Margaret Bannerman 

Tommy Hill Stiano Braggiotti 

Sergeant Mulvaney Mell FlUgetsld 

Ben Martin's comedy is the story 
of an egotistical female political- 
columnist, Seraphina Jones, who 
dominates everyone about her, par- 
ticularly her modest, obliging hus- 



Jacques Offenbach's musical ac- 
count of one of the newsiest ro- 
mances of history has been threat- 
ened with production several times 
in recent years. There was a move- 
ment in the early 30s to import 
Charles B. Cochran's and Max Rein- 
hardt's heavy London presentation, 
.'Helen,' which starred Evelyn Laye. 
The Metropolitan Opera considered 
doing it this season. And Dr. John 
Erskine has just converted his best- 
seller "The Private Life of Helen 
of Troy' into a libretto. To 
spare all this elaborate effort 
Demetrlos Vllan and Stewart 
Chaney have hustled up a swing 
version which was set forth' upon a 
nervous New England landscape to- 
night (7). 

As a novelty on a summer night, 
'Helene' is one of the reasons why 
the Langners keep their Westport 
playhouse interesting. But for 
Broadway, 'Helene,' at least now at 
any-, rate, has no greater appeal than, 
say, 'Swingin' the Dream,' that other 
colored musical which bowed in- 
auspiciously last year on Broadway. 

'Helene' is certainly one of the 
costliest summer productions to date 
this season, approximately $10,000 
having been put into it before its 
premiere. Initial backing came 
from a Boston society woman. Last 
week A. L. Berman, New York the- 
atrical attorney and business ad- 
visor to Buddy DeSylva, was also re- 
ported in, with Lee Ephriam like- 
wise interested. Production was 
definitely prepared for Broadway 
but a lot of effort will be needed be- 
tween now and then despite the 
break-in's rosy reception here. 
' Striking -feature of this 'jltimate 
version of 'Helene' is Herbert Kings- 
ley's intelligent, tuneful and fre- 

?iuently respectful treatment of Of- 
enbach's music. Whereas "Swingin* 
the Dream,' which this one excels, 
was a long, loud blast, Kingsley's 
score retains much melodic line. 
And when a good ballad such as 'O 
God of Love' turns up for the 
soprano, Kingsley is satisfied to step 
it up only to a fox trot tempo. A 
tango bacchanale seems a little out 
of the picture, however. 

A succession of good specialty 
numbers, the ingratiatingly-sung 
music and great activity on a small 
stage cover up a humorless book for 
a time. There is not enough inven- 
tion in Stewart Chaney's direction 
and few of the amusing situations, 
of an incident well-handed down, are 
the fun they have been in other 
places. 

'Helene' had longer than tbe usual 
two weeks' preparation given West- 
port productions. Outstanding is 
Anna Brown, prima of the original 
'Porgy and Bess.' Miss Brown is 
poised, tuneful and suitably alluring. 
Her's is the only voice in the show. 
But Kelsey Pharr makes much of his 
chances as the Prince of Troy. Ham- 
tree Harrington works hard as the 
hapless Menelaus, Helen's futile hus 
(Continued on page 52) 



Chicago, July 8. 
Now there are only two shows in 
Chicago with the exit of 'Accent 
on Youth' from' the Selwyn on Sat- 
urday (5). Show struggled through 
live weeks, hoping that the notices 
and word-of-mouth would put the 
revival over, but it failed to catch on 
despite the low scale at $1.65 top.. 

Remaining in town are 'Hellza- 
poppin' and "My Sister Eileen.' 
Estinutes for Last 'Week 
'Accent on Tonth,' Selwyn (5th 
and final week) (1,000; $1.65). Show 
quit after five weeks of tough going. 
Unfathomable is the lack of b.o. 
power here since the critics were 
exceptionally favorable, plus the 
names of Sylvia Sidney and. Luther 
Adler. Wound up at $4,500. 

'HellzapoppiD,' Erlanger (8th 
week) (1,400; $3.30). Slid down 
with the rest of the loop last week, 
nabbing $16,000, still profitable. 
Should climb with incoming conven- 
tions. 

My Sister Eileen,' Harris (20th 
week) (1,000; $2.75). Picked up final 
two days so no indication of calUng 
it a run and should certainly be 
aided by jammed hotels starting this 
week. Around $9,000. 



'CABIN' OK $36,000 
IN 2 FRISCO WEEKS 



San Francisco, July 8. 
'Cabin in the Sky', got estimated 
$22,000 in its- first and around $14,000 
in its second week at the Curran, 
winding up the Light Opera Festi- 
val and darkening house until Aug. 
25, when road company of 'Hellza- 
poppin' is due in. Tobacco Road' 
also set for a repeat date in Sep- 
tember. 

Second week of 'No Time for 
Comedy,' Henry Duffy production 
starring Francis Lederer, drew esti- 
mated $5,400 into Alcazar till. 

Biz was . only slightly under first 
week. 



Heat wave was still on the first 
half of the July Fourth weekj but 
rain on the holiday resulted in 
excellent business then and coolor 
weather accounted for good last 
three days. Grosses generally sagged 
as expected, however. Influx over 
holiday equalled exodus, but visitors 
sought cheap tickets. 

Estimates for Last Week 

Kev: C (Comedy), D (Drama), R 
(.Revue), M (Musicol), F (Farce), 
O (Operetta). 

'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Fulton 
(26th week) (CD-938; $3.30). Virtu- 
ally sold out in advance so that busi- 
ness only affected last week at two 
performances over $16,000. 

'CUudIa,' Booth (21st week) (C- 
712; $3.30). Was off somewhat, but 
business has been consistently strong 
right along; though dipped to $10,000, 
was quite satisfactory. 

'Hellsapi^pln,' Winter Garden 
(146th week) (R-1,671; $3.30). One 
of three musicals remaining and 
long-run revue still turning somie 
profit, though considerably off; ap- 
proximated $15,000. 

'Life With Father,' Empire (8eth 
week) (C-1,006; $3.30). Dropped off 
considerably last week, when gross 
was quoted around $12,500; at the 
level holdover laugh show makes 
plenty. 

'Man Who Came to Dinner,' Music 
Box (C-1,013; $2.20). Final and 92d 
week; announcement of closing and 
better weather sent pace to around 
$8,000; made some profit. 

'My Sister Eileen,' Biltmore (28th 
week) (CD-991; $3.30). Has been 
bettering Chicago company right 
along, with more of a gap last week 
than previously; oS again but well 
over $10,000. 

'Pal Joey,' Barrymore (28th week) 
(M-1,104; $4.40). Down to around 
$15,000 level; this musical not costly 
to operate and about broke even; 
slated to stick. 

'Panama HaUle,' 46th St. (36th 
week) (M-1,347; $4.40). Rated 
around $22,000, which is about low 
for engagement but best money In 
town; expected to play into fall pe- 
riod. 

'Separate Booms,' Plymouth (67th 
week) (C-1,107; $3.30). Intention Is 
to play through second summer; 
down around even break; $4,000, but 
costs little to operate. 

The Beaoiifal People,' Lyceum 
(11th week) (C-1,004; $3.30). Under 
$3,500 and may operate in red for 
time being, but management figuring 
on- better business after this month. 

The Corn la Green^' National (32d 
week) (D-1,162; $3.30). Has been 
dropping steadily, as with the field, 
but IS away out in front; around 
$8,500, with better business due 
soon. ' 

'Wateh en the Bhine,' Beck (14th 
week) (D-1,214; $3.30). Straight play 
topper also affected, but should 
bounce back when summer vacation- 
ists arrived; $16,500 estimated, 



Rain Retards B.O. Of 

IHnsketeers' Bow, Sl^U^ First seven- -days -piled . 



St. Louis, July 8. 
. "The Three Musketeers,' presented 
here twice before, last nignt (Mon- 
day) returned to the Municipal The- 
atre Assn.'s al fresco theatre in JFor- 
est Park for a week's stand, but 
showers ..Jl«]d..dowrv_t}}e premiere 
audience and the gross was 'only~Bn 
estimated $3,000. 

Several performers in the cast 
stand out, including Gordon Dil- 
worth, a finalist in last year's Met 
Opera auditions of the air; Margalo 
Gilmore, Charles Williams, William 
Mercer, Bob Lawrence, Ruby Mer- 
cer, ballerina Patricia Bowman and 
Eric Mattson. Clicks in supporting 
roles are Joseph Macaulay, Dorothy 
Sandlin, Ethel Taylor and Donald 
Burr. 

Rudolf Friml's 'Firefly' last week 
garnered estimated $44,000, socko. 
Weather was ideal and a new one- 
night attendance record was set Sat- 
urday (5), when more than 11,000 
customers were on hand. 



'Wash.' $4,800 in A. C. 

Atlantic City, July 8. 

'George Washington Slept Here,' 
which ended week's engagement at 
Garden Pier theatre here Sunday 
(6), grossed approximately $4,800. 
Three rainy nights hampered first 
part of week, but b.o. picked up 
greatly over holiday weekend. J. C. 
Nugent and Cora Witherspoon 
headed cast. 

Monday (7), *rhe Male Animal,' 
with Phillips Holmes, opened week's 
stay. 



BilEe Bnrke Polls $9,000 
In Coast "Vinegar Tree' 



Hollywood. July 8. 
Billie Burke has a strong follow- 
ing in the^ film colony «nd they are 
turning out In gratifying numbers 
to witness her performance in The 
Vinegar Tree,' now in Its second 



up very 

encouraging $9,0d(), with a heavy 
play from the distaff side. 



EDDIE 




.CO-STABBIKO 
IN RECORD BREAKINQ 

"KELLZ-A-POPPIN" 

OM TOUB 
• 

Mot.1 WM. KENT 
1776 B'way. Now Yorit 




S2 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



Literati 



Nazi Sheet Toned Down . 

Considerable toning down in the 
general attitude of El Pampero, No. 1 
South American Nazi news sheet 
published in Buenos Aires, has been 
noted, apparently due to recent ar- 
rest and subsequent release of editor 
Enrique Oses. Oses, an Argentine 
who for some years has managed 
small factional weeklies, was jailed 
almost four weeks for printing al- 
legedly libelous attacks on Dr. Fede- 
rico Pinedo, former Minister of 
Finance; Dr. Luis A. Barberis, one- 
time Minister of Public Works, and 
Judge Vazquez. 

He and three fellow editors, Ar- 
mando Horacio P. Cascclla, Adelqui 
Torcuato Santucci and Eduardo Se- 
gundo Castilla, were finally sprung 
after the court accepted explanation 
that one of the offending articles was 
not directly authorized. Sentence 
still has to be passed in connection 
with the attacks on the ministers 
published last Sept. 16 and 21. 

Downs Cited for Bravery 

Kenneth Downs, International 
News Service, war correspondent, 
has been cited by the British Ad- 
miralty for risking his life to aid 
rescue work when the ship that was 
taking him from Glasgow to Cairo 
went down in the Atlantic follow- 
ing a mysterious Are. Downs, now 
with the British and Free French 
In Syria, leaped to the bridge of 
the ship that rescued him and other 
survivors, and operated the engine 
room telegraph while keeping a 
lookout against raiders hovering 
above. 

Incident occurred on April 6. 
Downs was compelled to return to 
England on the rescue vessel, one 
of the SO American destroyers traded 
to Britain, and start all over on bis 
trip to the Near East. 



a newspaperman's newspaperman. 

'Low Man on a Totem Pole' should 
be 'must' stuff for the scribe tribe. 



News a la Carte 

Lunchers at the Hotel Commodore, 
N.Y., are now getting latest news 

la carte with their food. Hostelry, 
last week instituted plan of photo- 
stating page one of the early edition 
of the N.Y. World-Telegram onto the 
front of their lunch menus. Edition 
comes out about 11 a.m. and is on 
the bill of fares In the hotel dining 
room by 12:10. 

First week of the experiment met 
such favorable reaction that Martin 
Sweeney, Commodore proxy, said it 
would be continued as long as war 
news warrants it He said that the 
hotel would alternate every two 
weeks between the W-T and the 
N.Y. Sun. 

Only the five columns on the right 
hand side of the paper, those carry- 
ing the top news, are used. 



Son's Friday Decision 

New York Sun, because of 'the 
marked change in people's living 
habits' under the flve-day week, be- 
ginning July 18 will shift its special 
weekend features and pages from 
the Saturday to the Friday issue. 

Subscribers who have, been getting 
the Saturday edition alone in the 
past will under the new .setup be 
sent the Friday paper instead. Sat- 
urday paper will be routine. 



Erie Batch's General Denial 

Eric Hatch and Grosset & Dunlap, 
Inc., have filed a general denial in 
N. Y. federal court, to suit against 
them, Macfadden Publications, Inc., 
and Universal, by Dorothy West and 
Madge Christie. Defendants also ask 
a dismissal. 

Plaintiffs charge that Liberty, pub- 
lished by Macfadden, plagiarized 
their play, This Modern Instance,' 
In 'Irene, the Stubborn Girl,' which 
was purchased by Universal for 
•My Man Godfrey.' Grosset & Dun 
lap published the story of the pic 
.ture in book form. An injunction, 
accounting of profits and damages 
are asked. 



8. A S: Two. BlK Specials 

Simon & Schuster, in an advance 
herald to the book trade, ballyhoos 
Its two big -'specials' for 1941 much 
In the film distrib manner, including 
announcement of a $10,000 ad cam- 
paign for Clifton Fadiman's 'Read- 
ing I've Liked' ($3; due in Septem 
ber), a SOO,000-word work; and 
$20,000 ad appropriation lor 
Treasury of Gilbert & Sullivan 
edited by Deems Taylor (Lucille 
Corcos, illustrations, and arrange 
ments by Dr. Albert Sirmay) which 
Is due in October ($5). 

Both are being primed for the 
pre-Xmas trade. 



Post-War Boom or Bast 

Recent newspaper series by Blair 
- Moody, of the Detroit News, on 
•Alter the War— What? Boom 
Bust' Is to lorra the basis of a book 
to be published in September by 
Duell, Sloan & Pearce, Inc. 
Reporter, who is on the W ashin g' 

' " HS' '£e'WspEip ? r Veries witK "informa- 
tion which has become available 
since the series' publication and 
with documentation of facts in the 
series. 



W. J. Cash a Sniclde 
W. J. Cash, 40, recently an asso- 
ciate editor of the Charlotte (N.C.) 
News, committed suicide July 1 in 
his hotel room in Mexico City. He 
arrived in Mexico about a month ago 
with Mrs. Cash to write a book 
about life in the south. 

He was on a Guggenheim fellow- 
ship. 



LITERATI OBITS 
George A. Wieda, 48, former newS' 
paperman and an associate of car- 
toonist Robert L. Ripley for the past 
three years, died June 30 at his sum- 
mer home at Shelter Island, L. I. 

George C. Ladd, 59, business man' 
ager and co-publisher of The Vine- 
land (N. J.) Evening Journal, died of 
a stroke July 2 in the plant's com' 
posing room. 

Webb C. Arti, 512, former radio 
news manager for the United Press 
in New York, died in Indianapolis 
July 2 alter an illness of several 
months. With the UP since 1929, he 
was one of the organizers of its spe- 
cial radio wire in 1936. 

Donald Lawrence St. Clair, 67, lor 
50 years publisher, Sanlord (N. C.) 
Express, died July 1, heart attack, 

Rose Toniir, retired author, maga- 
zine writer and feminist, died in a 
Mount Kisco, N. Y., hospital July 6 
after a brief illness. ^ 

Frederick H. Collier, 80, columnist 
of the St Louis Post-Dispatch lor 
40 years, died July 7 of heart dis- 
ease. 



had sold the equipment as a result 
of the publicity given It Citizens 
Committee of the Army & Navy, 
which is providing the shows with 
"Coin provided by the United Service 
Organizations, has succeeded, how- 
ever, in getting the buyer of the 
trucks to cancel his commitment and 
is making plans to purchase them it- 
self at the price he was going to 
pay. 

As a result, new bookmgs are be- 
ing taken for the four units now in- 
tact and the fifth unit, which closed 
last Thursday at Scott Field, Bell- 
ville. 111., is to be reorganized. It 
is estimated that by July 15, the five 
troupes will have played to about 
900,000 soldiers in 85-90 camps. 

Response of the trainees to the 
shows has been particularly terrific 
in the more remote camps housing 
boys who have seen very little live 
entertainment during their lives. At 
Camp Berkeley, Tex., lor Instance, a 
post with 18,000 soldiers, the show 
played to an audience ol 21,000 in 
its two-night stand. Most ol the 
men stayed to see It at least twice 
and many ol them were on hand lor 
ail lour shows. 

Citizens Committee,- unsuspecting 
of the popularity their presentations 
were to receive, is now making ex- 
tensive plans for fall shows. As re- 
sult of demand. It Is hoping to put 
on legit comedies and small-cast mu- 
sicals. 

Unit B, the one which closed last 
week, was headed by Milton Douglas. 
Original closing sked called for C, 
topped by Harry Savoy, to wind up 
Saturday (12) at Brooks Field, San 
Antonio, Tex.; D, m.c.d .by Don Rice 
to finish next Tuesday (15) at the 
Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla.; 
E, led by Don Cummirigs, to demise 
July 17 at the Norfolk, Va., naval 
base, and A, headed by Lew Parker, 
to wind up July 16 at Fort Knox, 
Ky. 



Strawhat Reviews 

Continued from pagi Vt ^^^ 



LA BELLE HELENE 



band. James Banner is a lively 
hoofer and Rosetta LeNoire a worthy 
soubret. One of the best musical 
numbers is an alto trio Involving 
Juno, Minerva and Venus. 



Wheeler Urges Compromise 



^Continued from ^age 23^ 



Asia Magazine Flies 

.Asia Magazine, Inc., has been 
chartered to conduct r pubHshhig 
business in New York. Directors, 
none of whom is listed in papers 
filed at Albany, as a shareholder, 
are: Richard J. Walsh, Perkasle, 
Penna; Albert H. Walsh, Westport, 
Conn.; Robert M. Field, New York 
City. Subscribers, each owning one 
share, are: Milton C. Rose, John H. 
Frey and John N. Hazard, New York. 

Baldwin,. Todd & Young were 
filing attorneys. 

Oiorlfyinf Uie Wacks 

Fred Allen wrote the loreword for 
TLow Man on a Totem Pole' (Double- 
day-Doran; $2.50), and while name 
preface-writers often are better than 
the book they preface, here's a case 
where N. Y, World-Telegram staff 
writer, H. Allen Smith, need doff his 
Remington to nobody. Smith's glori- 
fication of the wacks ol this genera- 
Uon.lg ,^eat g^ui?,, gf's p^jtfculgrly 

,■:■> / I ■' 



CHATTER 

Felton GordcibvJyOlumbus (Ga..I 
Ledger-Epquirer sports editor, back 
at desk falter six weeks hospitaliza- 
tion due to serious automobile acci- 
dent injuries. 

Hilda Abel, wife ol David David- 
son, radio writer and lormer news- 
paperman, recently sold her first 
book and mag piece. on the same day. 
Novel will be pubbed by Alliance 
and the article, describing- a woman's 
feejings as she has a b^y, is In 

Raleigh (N. C.) Times, has been 
named managing editor, Kannapolis 
(N. C.) Daily Independent, succeed- 
ing T. H, Wingate, upped to execu- 
tive editor's chair. Ernie Frankle, 
resigned as Chapel Hill (N. C.) 
Daily Tar Heel sports editor, to re- 
place Mack McKa, resigned Irom In- 
dependent sports desk. 



The Great Adventure 

(REVIVAL) 

New Hope, Pa., July 5. 
Kenyan Mlcholnon and Theron Bnmber- 
gor preaont- Pauline Lord In drama by 
Arnold Bennett, with Barry Jones. Set- 
tlnga by Uowar<i Bay. Directed by Don- 
ald Blackwoll. Froiiented at Bucks County 
Playhouae week oC June 80, IMl. 

Albert Shnwn Edward Lester 

Ilnm Carve Barry Jonea 

Dr. Pascoo .Morton L. Slevena 

Edward Horning James Gregory 

Janet Cannot Pnullne Lord 

Cyrus Carve.... t Maurice Colboume 

Page , Alastair Kyle 

Father Looe St. Clair Bayfield 

Honoria Looe Patricia Calvert 

Walter ; Ivan Soubble 

Peter Horning Kenneth Treseder 

Ebag Clarence Derwent 

James Shawn Stanley Bell 

John Shawn Jack Tule 

Mrs. Albert Shawn Bet-nice Vert 

Lord Leonard Alcnr Charles Francis 

Texel otto Hulett 



I Army Troupe I 

IL^^^Contlnned from page H 

(Tuesday) to the sponsors to con- 
tinue them Indefinitely beyond the 
middle of this month, when the last 
ol the five units out was scheduled 
to fold. It was originally thought 
that field maneuvers taking the sol- 
diers out ol cantonments would 
make the shows Impractical, but it 
has been discovered that there are 
always some troops lelt in each camp 
and It is possible to book around 
those in which too many of the boys 
have been called out on maneuvers. 

Meantime, however. General Mo- 
tors, which loaned the truck-stages 
on wljich the uj\lts were peflprmlng, 

.;, ,.f,, ; , ., ;-. If I 1 1 - ( 



Although Arnold Bennett's The 
Great Adventure' was skedded lor 
lalLproduction with Pauline Lord in 
the leading role, plans to resurrect 
the 35-year-old comedy have report- 
edly been abandoned loUowing its 
week's 'tryout' at the Bucks County 
Playhouse. Reason for change of 
mind is quite apparent, lor Bennett's 
long-winded excursion into the 
realm ol the theatre is definitely 
dated stuff today and wouldn't stand 
a chance on Broadway. Despite top- 
notch perlormances by Miss Lord 
and Barry Jones, play holds little In- 

and customs, and its attitude toward 
art, providing a negative reaction 
today. 

'Adventure* Is the flimsy little 



tain and cloudy, with tha Senate 
Interstate Commerce Committee's 
hearings still recessed and no definite 
plans lor resuming sessions as was 
expected when the first oratorical 
blizzard laded two weeks ago. In- 
dustry people are hoping and huddl- 
ing, though no real headway is vis- 
ible even to those on the inside. 

II the industry heads can demon- 
strate they are striving in good Inith 
to reconcile their jealousies and con- 
flicts. Chairman Burton K. Wheeler 
ol the Senate group probably will 
ask the FCC to delay enforcement of 
the stringent commandments and to 
sit down with the broadcasters in an 
attempt to negotiate an armistice. 
Wheeler hopes this can be accom- 
plished, 1>ut does not seem disposed 
to ask the Commish to back up until 
the split within radio ranks has been 
closed. Or trntil-he is assured there 
is a prospect ol getting an agreement. 

Parleys have occurred' both in New 
York and in Washington. Industry 
heads have met with Wheeler, who 
advised them his committee will 
keep an eye on the situation but in- 
dicated the White resolution— lorm- 
ally calling on the regulators to su- 
spend enlorcement ol the reforms — 
is dead as far as he is concerned. So 
far, there has been no meeting be- 
tween the chain executives and the 
Commish, although FCC Chairman 
James L. Fly had a tete-a-tete with 
Wheeler mora than a week ago. 
Might Clarify Appeals 
The idea is, as things stand, that 
any principles which can be agreed 
upon — such as reciprocal contract 
cancellation privileges, limitations 
on exclusivity, and lesi option time 
— could be embodied in the Commu- 
nications Act. Congress^ also might 
undertake to clarify tha appeals pro- 
visions ol the statute, making more 
certain the rights ol licensees to 
seek court reviews. CBS proposal to 
license networks, although disagree- 
ment continues about such a move, 
could be written intd law, also. 

Wheeler leeli the industry . ought 
to alter its methods to a consider- 
able extent, but at the same time he 
believes the regulators went much 
too lar. The' Montana Democrat is 
represented as agreeing networks 
cannot lunction without soma option 
time, lor instance, and that the (]k}m- 
mish should be more lenient about 
lorcing NBC to unload one ol Its 
two skeins. 

The idea ol trying to work out 
some understanding appeals to both 
NBC and CBS, but Mutual U pic- 
tured as relusing to give any ground. 
Until the three webs make peace, 
there is little chance that Wheeler 
will point a finger at the Commish. 
Parleys, ware due to oontinue in New 
York this week. , 

The industry— that Is, CBS, NBC, 
and National Association ol Broad- 
casters—Is not willing to admit that 
the action ol the Commish was jus- 
tified by the present statute or to 
sign away rights to fight the issue ol 
validity In the courts. There Is no 
concrete plan so lar: — none appar- 
ent Irom the outside, at ^ny rate— to 
ask a judicial review until the pros- 
pect ol a compromise has been ex- 
plored lurther. Neither Columbia 
nor National was moved to get a re- 
prieve from the Commish, since both 
chains still are optimistic about 
Wheeler's advising the regulators to 
make a strategia retreat. They are 
prepared to use both avenues, 
though. 

Nothing' Conciliatory 

The Commish majority, despite 



conjectural, is generally expected. 
Chairman James I,. Fly was prom- 
ised an opportunity to return for 
the purpose ol rebutting testimony 
of anti-monopoly reform opponents, 
while Senator Charles W. Tobey of 
New Hampshire is still dissatisfied 
with certain pieces of the evidence. 
Keeping his own counsel, Tobey is 
reported anxious to call back Niles 
Trammell, William S. Paley, and 
Commissioner T, A. M. Craven, be- 
sides possibly digging into the 
WMCA, New York, sale. 

Tobey Curious 

Danger that Tobey might lead the 
committee off on a long detour— as 
happened last year when he forced 
hearings on the fitness of the late 
Thad H. Brown to remain on the 
Commish— may put a stop to any 
further committee proceedings. The 
New Hampshire Republican has 
shown deep Interest in the WMCA 
case, aff well as the uhamplifled as- 
sertions ol Mark ' Ethridge about 
political influence and favoritism. If 
Tobey breaks loose, the hearings are 
liable to run along lor a consider- 
able period, and nobody canitell who 
may be burned. Persons aware of 
Tobey's curiosity will not be sur- 
prised if he demands testimony from 
Donald Flamm, lormer owner of 
WMCA; Edward Noble, the Life- 
saver mint magnate who acquired 
the transmitter last December; Wil- 
liam J. Dempsey, former FCC coun- 
sel who- was Noble's attorney; and 
Commish members who voted to ap- 
prove the transaction without a pub- 
lie hearing. 

Most members ol the Senate com- 
mittee are pretty fed up with the 
rowing and only a few have a real 
interest in the various issues. 
Whether the FCC possesses power to 
enforce the anti-monopoly rules, 
whether the regulations are justi- 
fied by the facts, and what effect 
the reforms will have on broadcast- 
ing are matters that average Con- 
gressman considers ol relatively 
scant Importance. Though industry 
people proless to have lined up 14 
members ol the 21-man group, only 
a hall-dozen displayed more than 
passing Interest during most ol the 
gab sessions. 



Mutual Wary 

iContlnaed from page 23s 



should be extended Irom 26 to 60 
days. There has also been much dis- 
cussion on what should be consid- 
ered an option on converted hours 
and how many ol these hours should 
be allocated to the web already hold- 
ing a contract with a station. 



comedy about a celebrated English 
painter, Ham Carve, whose lilelong 
shyness and seclusion on the Conti- 
nent enable him to carry through the 
deception ol being dead (actually his 
valet, dies, but no one knew the dif- 
ference). Hence, Carve lives to see' 
himself 'burled' with honors in West- 
minster Abbey, and the resultant 
complications, as he' lives a placid 
existence in Putney with a matri- 
monial-agency wife who believes 
she's married to the valet, make for 
pretty lame comedy. Bennett is 
about as subtle as a sledge-hammer 
in his curtain lines — and how they 
cry lor subtleties! 

It's to the credit of Theron Bam- 
berger andKenyon Nicholson, opera- 
tors of the Bucks Playhouse, that 
'Adventure' Is given a first-class pro- 
duction. Donald Blackwell's direc- 
tion makes the most of a dated script, 
while Howard Bay's settings are ol a 
type seldom encoiuitered in the 
strawhat belt. Barry Jones runs off 
with acting honors, with Miss Lord 
relegated to secondary importance. 
Creditable performances are given 
by Morton L. Stevens, Maurice Col- 
boume and Patricia Calvert, 

Rosen. 

I ;•;;•>'''•>•<;■. »'i : .'f • ( i--i ^ 



has done ndthuig 'conciliatory. Chair- 
man Fly told Vabhtt - Monday (7) 
that any request lor postponement 
ol the rules will be considered 'sym- 
pathetically,' but emphasized that no 
request has been made lor any stay. 
His manner clearly Indicated the re- 
formers will not afford any respite 
on their own -initiative. When told 
Wheeler reputedly thinks the effec- 
tive date should be delerred, the 
head regulator commented he has not 
heard from the Montana Senator to 
that effect 

Resumption ol the senate hearings 
look extremely dubious. Fly, though, 
promised the right to make rebut- 
tal, has said he no longer is anxious 
to return before the solons and is 
satisfied with things as they stand. 
Wheeler has done nothing about 
scheduling another session and Is 
booked for speeches out ol town 
both this week and next 

Next move in the row over the 
FCC antl-monopoiy. orders remains 
problematical, with no definite date 
set even yet for further hearings by 
the Senate Interstate Commerce 
Committee. 

Resumption ol the hearings next 
wee^ .though everything remains 
J J ; t ' !• C> •■ / 1 . 0 -J ? 8 '/ i . ■ 



Purpose? 

The two camps, NBC and CBS in 
one, and Mutual, in the other, are 
not even in agreement, it Is said, on 
the underlying reason lor Senator 
■Wheeler's promotion ol these con- 
lerences. NBC-CBS figure that the 
three networks are to get together 
on a Iramework ol network opera- 
tions that could be recommended to 
Congress lor incorporation into the 
radio law, while Mutual seems to be 
ol the impression that any accord 
among the network Is to serve as 
the basis ol a compromise with the 
FCC. 

In attendance at the three-network 
conlerence have been William S, 
Paley and Edward Klauber lor CBS, 
Niles Trammell and Frank Mullen 
lor NBC and Fred Weber and Louis 



Bills Next Week 

Continued frompa£e4S^si 



Keooywood Park 

Brad Hunt Oro 
Jeanie Regal 
Billy Carmlchael 

MerT7-Oo-ItoaiMl 
Joe Hart Oro 
Dick Harter 

Kew Pen!> 
Oay Carlisle Oro 
Teddy Ryan 
King Sis 
Penny Gray 

MIxon Cafe 

At Marlsco Oro 
Bob Carter 
Roshee & Lee 
Stewart & Lee 
Kretlow Ole 

Not HoDHr 

Sherdlna Wall 
Ted Blake 
Joe Klein 
George Qregg 
Evelyn Mellla 
Kay Balfe 
Mllly Bradley 
Pat Burns 
Charley Adams 

Onsis 
Joe Vlllella Or. 
John Conte 
Joe Conaolo 
Stu Braden 
B^rry ,AnD.e,. 

J ri i ,i t ■ 



rinee 

Howard Becker Oro 
Trelon 

4 Aces 
Max Tarshls 

Flo Parker 
George Wetwr 

Taclit Club 
Archie Tarshls Oro 
Qus Van s 
Singer Sis Line (C> 
Shirley Holler 
Bkr-Vue 
Fran Elchler Oro 

Union GrlU 
Art Tagello 
Frank Natnle 
Mike Sandrelto 

TlUa Hndrid 
Btzl Covato Oro 
Mark Lane 
Jon Tlo 

Kollette & Deane 
Marcia Wayne 
Harriet Brent 
SI Jerks 

Webster Hall 
Billy Merle Ore 

West VIow Furh 
Jimmy Gamble Ore 
Jay LorlnR 
Chuck Miller 
Aerlalettes 

Willows 
jArt rorrar Ore 
' t ' •) l-\ lO'' ' 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 



CHATTER 33 



Broadway 



John Peter Toohey, press agent for 
Sam H. Harris shows, home ill AgiSn. 

Frank Smith, manager of the Bar- 
rymore, operated on in Newaric hos- 
pital. 

Harry Kaufman in excellent health 
now. having dropped 37 pounds dur- 
ing Illness. 

Walter Marshall again operating 
the City Room, a- cafe now on East 
48th street. 

Stagehands union's floral offering 
for Sam H. Harris' funeral was the 
most elaborate. 

Elliott Shapiro leaves today (Wed- 
nesday) on an eight-day motor tour 
of New England. 

Charles McDonald, N. Y. division 
manager for RKO, leaves next week 
on a Caribbean cruise. 

T. H. Druitt presented with gold 
wrist watch by Lambs, marking 25 
yeats as club's secretary. 

Ruth' Morrow, Universal's dally 
newspaper contact, recuperated from 
minor operation, back in office. 

Denys Wortman, World-Telly car- 
toonist, appearing in "The Male Ani- 
mal' at a Martha's Vineyard straw- 
hat this week. 

Madeleine Carroll in New York 
last week for a few. days' on her re- 
turn from Caribbean location shoot- 
ing of 'Bahamas Passage.' 

Charlie Koerner on his flrst In- 
spection tour since becoming ;£.m. of 
HKO theatres. Will be away from 
New York for the next three weeks. 

After much red-tape delay, Paul 
Draper and Heidi Vosseler, socialite 
danseuse, flriSUy got married in Rio 
de Janeiro, They sail for home next 
week. 

Charlie Pettijohn, general counsel 
of the Hays office, became a grand- 
pappy Monday morning when a son 
was born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. 
Pettijohn, Jr., in Hollywood. 

Henry (Cross and) Dunn goes into 
training today (Wednesday) with the 
Brooklyn Dodgers on the promise 
from Leo Durocher that he'll reduce 
his surplus weight by 20 pounds, 

Will Geer, final Jeeter Lester In 
'Tobacco Road,' was host July 4 at 
new home in West Nyack to the bal- 
lad singers being used by the Garri- 
son Fibn Co. in a documentary pic. 

Nearly all picture home offices, 
excepting those with air-condition- 
ing (dolumbia, UA and 20th-Fox), 
quit work early most of time last 
week during the intense, prolonged 
heat wave. 

Maj. Frederick Herron, Hays otTice 
foreign department chief, on leaVe of 
absence while on active army duty, 
in town for brief visit He's in 
charge of the army'3 film buying- 
bookmg division. 

Theatrical attorney. Judge Walter 
C. B. Schlesinger's daughter, Mar- 
jorie (professionally Marjorie An- 
gelle) debuting at Greybarn Theatre, 
Wilton, Conn., new strawhat directed 
by Robert Keywbrth. 

Peyton Gibson, secretary of Uni- 
versal Pictures, started active army 
duty Monday (7) for a. one-year 
stretch in the office of Air Corps 
Chief, Washington. He is a major 
in U. S. Air Corps Reserve. 

Teddy Carr, United Artists joint 
managing director -in England, now 
visiting in this country, planed to the 
Coast over the weekend for a week 
of look-seeing and confabs with UA 
producers. 

Dick Condon on the road winding 
up magazine commitments for Walt 
Disney before pulling out as public- 
ity head July 15 to join Hal Home in 
manufacture and distribution of 
novelty musical instruments. 

Max Milder, WB British head, now 
In the U. S., left New York for the 
Coast, Sunday (6), for confabs with 
Jack Warner. Returns end of the 
week. 

Al Sherman, Columbia shorts de- 
partment p.a., has sold the files of 
Joseph Pulitzer and the N. Y. World, 
which he acquired from a junk 
dealer, to Joseph Pulitzer, _Jr. Lat- 



with Antonio Momplet directing. 

Studio Rio de la Plata planning 
super production of 'No Tengo Rival' 
CI Have No Rival'), by Roller and 
Cortazo, and starring Augusto Co- 
deca. 

Rachel Berendt, French actress 
living here, will have top role in 
'Una vez en la Vida' ('Once in a 
Lifetime'), Libertad Lamarque's 
starrer, al Sono Film. 

Comedy company of Camila Qui- 
roga doing English three-acter, 
'Ladies in Retirement,' translated by 
Francisco Madrid as 'Mujeres en el 
Ocaso' for Teatro / rgentino. 

Mecha Ortiz rehearsing 'Y Eso Es 
Portarse Bien?' ('Is This Behaving 
Yourself?'), based on W. Somerset 
Maugham comedy, translated into 
Spanish by Edmundo Bianchi. 

Pampa FiUns' 'El Cura Gaucho' 
("The Gaucho Priest') got top notices 
at out-of-town openings in Mar del 
Plata and Montevideo, Uruguay. 
B. A. preem delayed because of diffi- 
culty in getting theatr^. 

Release date for Samuel Eichel- 
baum's new drama, 'Verguenza de 
Querer' ('Shame of Loving'), set by 
Enrique Gustavino's comedy com- 
pany at the Marconi. Eichelbaum's 
'El Guapo del 900' was last year's 
national prize winner. 

'Persona Honrada se Necesita' 
('Honest Person Needed') picked as 
title for Francisco Mujicas newest 
for Sono Films. Story by Pondal 
Rlos y Olivari, with the aid of Fran- 
cisco Oyarzabel, will star Francisco 
Petrone and Alicia VignoU. 



Bucks CoDflty, Pa. 



Paul Gallico desertirig his Stock 
ton, N. J., farm across the Delaware 
River while it is being enlarged for 
a rented shack here. Hammering 
interferes with his scribbling. 
' Arthur Hopkins, Max Gordon. 
William Herz, Alan Hewitt, Janet 
Fox and Arthur Sheekman down to 
catch Pauline Lord in The Great 
Adventure' at Bucks County Play- 
house. 

Aileen Talmee of Vogue summer- 
ing nearby at Solebury, Pa. 

Aline Bernstein and Danny Lang, 
latter of N. Y. Post^ guesting at Sam 
and Bella Spewack's farm on Windy 
Bush road. 

Mady Christians in Sunday (6) to 
catch dress rehearsal of 'The GcoA 
Fairy,' starring Walter Slezak and 
Katherine^Locke at Playhouse.' Miss 
Locke, local gal, made her New Hope 
debut Monday (8) in the Molnar 
comedy. Humyn Cronyn staged 
'Fairy.' He's starring next week in 
'Golden Boy.' 

S. J. and Laura Pereiman's house 
at Erwinna, Pa., featured in Sunday 
Philly Record, which is running a 
series on Bucks County's literati 
manses. 

Journal cartoonist C. D. Russel 
visiting Harry Haenigsens. 

Phyllis Perlman, George Abbott 
p.a., down each weekend. Hubby 
Theron Bamberger ■ is co-producing 
at Playhouse with Ken Nicholson. 

Howard Lindsay and Dorothy 
Stickney at their Plemington, N. J., 
farm Sunday and Monday, returning 
to Empire theatre on Broadway for 
'Life With Fatter' weekdays. 

George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart 
reconsidering their decision hot to 
send '(oeorge Washington Slept Here' 
on the road for the fall. Impressed 
with healthy audience reaction at 
boxoffice at strawhats. Both caught 
it here at Playhouse in their back- 
yards. 



London 



Boenos Aires 

By Bay Josephs 



Elizabeth Zug, U. S. concert 
pianist, opened series at Odeon. 

Brazilian . singer Cristina Maris- 
tany opened series at the Casino. 

Teatro Experimental de Buenos 
Aires opened first Theatre School 
here. 

B. A. film critics honored at din- 
ner of La Asociaclon Mutual Cine- 
matogriflca. 

Gloria Guzman on interior tour 
including Teatro Municipal in Santa 
Fe, and Cordoba's Odeon 

Corps of the Paris^Russian Opera, 
with Cirilot Slaviansky d'Agrehefl, 
finishes series at Odeon. 

San Miguel Studios signed Jose 
Mujica, Mex singer, for three picts. 
Eduardo More'ra to meg. 

Baires Films finally sUrted on 
Rosita Moreno's *La Hora de la Sor- 
presas' ('Hour of Surprises'). Daniel 
Tinayre is directing. 

Lola Membrives, Spanish actress, 
drawing surprisingly well in Jacinto 
Benavente's 'La Malquerida' ("The 
Unloved One') at the Avenlda. 

Grinding of 'El Hermano Jose* 
(Brother Joseph'), starring Pepe 
Arias and Slivia Legrand. started. 



Strondsborg, Pa. 

By John Bartholomew 



Charlie Barnet's band at Dorney's. 
Hammers Variety Boys at Weir 
Lake. 

Author Isaac Don Levine at Camp 
Tamiment. 

.- - , WT > i^J * r 

line i6eau(y view, 

paupack. 

Pocono Players presented 'Taming 
of the Shrew' at Casino theatre, Po- 
cono Pines. 

'The Showoff' current with Earle 
Mayo's New York Players at Dor- 
ney's auditorium. 

George Cook's orch returned to 
Penn-Stroud hotel's ballroom for the 
holiday weekend. 
■ Tommy Donlin's Pennsylvanians 
played the Independence Day Ball 
in Pocono Manor's terrace ballroom. 

Tommy Shields and hi<; toy piano 
at Anderson's Pocono Gates, near 
Swiftwater, the Dwight Fiske of the 
Poconos. 

Virginia Romfhis the Miami voca- 
lovely with Don Ray's band in the 
grill at Buckwood Inn, Shawnee-on- 
Delaware. 

Dick O'Conner, former Comerford 
theatre organist, featured niehtly at 
the Hammond in (he Pcnn-Slroud's 
English grill. 

Cornelia Stabler Gillam, director 
of the Buck Hill Players, announces 
July 18 as opening date for presenta- 
tion of Turner Bullock's 'Lady of 
Letters.' 

Ina Ray Hutton's orch at Saylor's 
Lake Pavilion, Saylorsburg, on Sat- 
urday (12). Lou Breese's band fol- 
lows next week (19), with Frankie 
Masters crew coming up. 



Geraldo has leased - Gerry Free- 
man's flat in Grosvenor Square for a 
year. 

Lou Jackson definitely set to go to 
America Aug. 15, and has already 
obtained his exit permit, 

Stanley- Lupino has hopes of tak- 
ing his new musical play, 'I<ady Be- 
have,' to America after its English 
run. 

Leslie A. Macdonnell, recently pro- 
moted from pilot officer to flying 
officer, further advanced to flying 
lieutenant, 

G. H. Carlisle (and Wellmon), for 
many years standard colored team 
in vaudeville, is now in the canteen 
business, supplying the Government 
depots with eats. 

Frank Adey, who used, to be the 
juve in the days when Ben Blue pre- 
sented vaudeville units in England, 
is now manager for Jack Hylton's 
'Garrison Theatre' touring revue. 

Billy Shaw, American, who won 
open Charleston championship here 
at Albert Hall some years ago, and 
has been vaudeville performer since, 
has quit, and is now in the button 
biz. 

Jean Carr, In 'Apple Sauce,' Pal- 
ladium musical, slipped . over the 
running staircase doing an unre- 
hearsed somersault, which incapaci- 
tated her for several days. Worked 
for a time with bandaged arm. 
That Coliseum theatre venture of 
Jack Hylton, presenting the London 
Philharmonic Orchestra, turned out 
to be a sleeper for the batoneer-im- 
presario. Concert was a sellout on 
opening day and business continued 
brisk for a time. 

Theatrical costumers are reaping 
a new harvest, now that the Gov- 
ernment has ruled that clothes are 
to be rationed. They are disposing 
of their old rags, which have been 
laid up for years, and which have 
been a liability to them for a decade. 

Manning Sherwin, American com- 
poser, who wrote the score of 'Up 
and Doing,' the Firth Shephard suc- 
cess at the Saville theatre, is part 
composer of 'Rise Above It,' the new 
revue at, Comedy theatre, and is 'also 
writing the music for new Shephard 
musical. 

Warner epic, 'You Can't Escape 
Forever,' recently finished at Ted- 
dington studios,, changed to 'This 
Was Paris,' while new one, follow- 
ing 'Paris' into production, will be 
monikered 'Road to Lisbon,' instead 
of 'Death Over Portugal,' 9s was 
intended. 

Hartley Power has joined the cast 
of Stanley Lupino-Jack Hylton-Wil- 
liam Mollison musical, 'Lady Be- 
have,' due at His Majesty's theatre 
after provincial tryout. Power, who 
plays part of American scenarist, 
has to dance, and he hasnt done that 
in 20 years. 

John' Corfield already has script 
ready for another picture he will do 
for Oscar Deutsch as soon as he 
completes the Vic Oliver film, also 
for Deutsch. Picture will have 
vaudeville life, as background, with 
Sutherland Felce, local emcee, likely 
to play one of the le^ds. 

Australia 

By Erio Gorrick 

Universal has sent Deanna Durbin 
1,500 signatures from Aussie brides- 
to-be wishing her good luck in her 
married life.- 

Eddle Marcel has joined the Tivoli 
loop as m.c. Formerly came here 
with Switzerland Ice Show for Wil- 
liamson-Tait. 

N. P. Pery has arrived in tj»is sec- 
tor to act as Columbia's supervisor 
covering Australia, New Zealand and 
the Far East. 

Excepting for propaganda pix, 
local studios are dark and there's no 
indication of any future activity 
with features. 

Major wartime contracts In Mel- 
bourne making for high trade ex- 
pansion in the amusement biz. Syd- 
ney's okay, too. 



gagement at Steel Pier Monday (7). 
Benny Goodman, who played Sun- 
day (6), returns Saturday and Sun- 
day (12 and 13). 

Harry Richman to top vaude pro- 
gram at Hamid's Million Dollar Pier 
Saturday and Sunday (12 and 13). 
Molly Picon to open week's engage- 
ment Monday (13). Dick Rogers' 
orch started week's play Monday (7). 

William Madden's orch playing in 
Stratosphere Room of Hotel Tray- 
more, which opened for season Sat- 
urday (5). Madden's orchestra also 
plays for cocktail hour in newly 
opened Patio of hotel. 

Treasure Island Room of Briean- 
tine Hotel (on Brigantine Island 
across bay from A. C.) reopened for 
season Friday (4) with David S. 
Leister as manager. Adrian RoUini's 
Trio and Pedro Albani played over 
holiday weekend, 

George Hamid celebrated 35th an- 
niversary of coming to America with 
party at his home, No. 1 Atlantic 
Ocean, which is old Young residence 
on end of pier. Hamid came here as 
immigrant boy with Armenian 
troupe of acrobats. 

Cleveland 

By Glenn C. Pnllen 



carbons. Sam Snider, via the Film 
Exhibitors Council, was responsible 
for the lift following special repre- 
sentations to Minister for Customs 
Harrison. 



Atlantic City 

By Mildred Carter 



Diosa Costello topping bill at Bath 
and Turt Club. Jerry Cooper is em- 
cee. 

Billy Conn left here Friday (4) 
after slaying at Ritz-Carlton for sev- 
eral days. 

Sue Mitchell and Royal ' Palm 
Swingsters head bill at Palm Room 
of Penh-Atlantic Hotel. 

Johnny Hamp's orch playing at 
Chelsea Hotel Grill and Terrace, 
which opened Thursday (3). 

Foxwell brothers opened Holly- 
wood Music Bar ort Boardwalk Fri- 
day (4). Dan Carr's band playing. 

500 Club opened for season Fri- 
day (4) with Dorothy- Blaine, Don 
Richard and Natalie and Paul Dar- 
nelle heading program. 

Garden Pier theatre will donate 
part of this week's proceeds of 'The 
Male Animal' to Atlantic County 
Committee fot Prevention of Blind- 
ness. 

Charlie Barnet started five-day en- 



Hal Zeiger made Stan Zucker's 
local orch-booking rep. 

Jack Pierson closing swank Gour- 
met Club until Sept. 10. 

Dwight Fiske checking Into the 
Mounds Club Thursday (10). 

Ed Fischer, former maeslro. shelv- 
ing violin to sell houses for real es- 
tate company. 

Joe De Maggio, accordionist with 
Ambassadors at Petite cafe, now tot- 
ing an army gun. 

Bill McLaughlin, arranger, front- 
ing for Hal Lynn's dance unit while 
leader's serving army stretch. 

Irene Kessler, singing wife of 
Sammy Sax, Palace backstage sound 
man, missed by night club crowd. 
It's a baby girl. 

Rudy McKool from Boston direct- 
ing new strawhatter tagged . Lake 
Shore Playhouse in opener, 'Accent 
on Youth.' Preem of barn theatre 
made comedy of errors when play 
had to go on minus a curtain. 

Lester Lang of Dallas Little Thea- 
tre came up from Texas to guest- 
direct Barclay Leathem's troupe at 
new Valleevue Farm theatre. Started 
season Monday (7) with revived old- 
time thriller. 'Love Rides the Rails 
or WUl the Mail Train Run Tonight?' 



LaGuardia Airport 



sContinaed from pace 1; 



Hollywood 



at a shapely leg you can see as much 
there as you'll see at any of the 
hurley houses — and under the cop- 
ping-a-peak system, which lias sev- 
eral advantages over the see-it-all 
system. The s.a. . department prob 
ably wasn't planned that way but it 
works out alright. For instance 
there's the prevailing wind, lis al 
ways there. Then there's the mile 
long runway. 

For excitement there are planes 
always going and coming. If you are 
a wanderer at heart, you can always 
imagine, yourself getting on or get- 
ting out of a plane. That costs 
nothing and is an avenue of escape. 
There's always the possibility of see 
ing a celeb or two, including i 
Hollywood, star, wdashing into New 
York ^ or dashing back to the Coast. 
THoUywood stars always dash]. 
There is always the excitement -and 
sorrow of farewells. Here you get a 
chance to stick your nose into some 
other person's business. That's 
a human failing. You can do it quite 
openly at the airport. 

You can always find company 
there. Most any type of human 
companionship. It is easy to strike 
up an acquaintanceship. All you have 

the person next to you and .-ay, 
'Thai's the Boston plane,' To show 
you they know a great deal more 
about it than you, the per.<:on ad- 
dres.sed will usually say, 'No, that's 
the Washington plane.' Next thing 
you know you are standing against 
a bar. It doesn't bother either of 
you when you discover that It was 
the Chicago plane. 

Just what the airport is grossing 
is a mystery. Fact remains that on 
Saturday and Sunday it is crowded. 
Thirty-five thousand people is a fair 
estimate. That's 35,000 who do not 
go to the theatres or to the summer 
resorts and that's a potent number 
in any man's town. Everything they 
get and everything ' they see, they 
have to pay for. Nothing is for free. 

Like night baseball it's a theatre 
man's headache. 

Unlike other forms of oppo.=ition, 
the theatre man can't combat it. He 
can't land a plane In his lobby fwilh 
the exception currently of the Bun- 
dles-for-Britain Messerschmitt dis- 
play in the Warner theatre at 25c a 
look] so he's ju.^t out of luck. 

LaGuardia field is one of the best 
buys In New York it you are fond 
of wishful thinking. And who Isn't? 



Joseph Sdienck laid up for a week 
with flu. 

Heather Angel suing Ralph Forbes 
for divorce. 

Dave Epstein back from two weeks 
in New York. 

Al Levy's Tavern was damaged 
$25,000 by fire. 

Dr. 'Think-a-Drink' Hoffman being 
sued for divorce. 

Victor Moore reported for picture 
work at Paramount. 

Milt Howe moved from 20lh-Fox 
to RKO as head planter. 

Edgar Bergen booked at the Min- 
nesota State Fair Aug. 21. 

Phil Reisman in town for RKO 
huddles on foreign distribution. 

Steve Broidy shifted his permanent 
base from Boston to Hollywood. 

David O. Selznick back to work 
after ogling the Broadway plays. 

Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., back from 
a good will toum of South America. 

Frank Nugent back at 20th-Fox 
after a month's vacation on Broad- 
way. 

iioy Lusing on deferment from 
film hooflng to join the U. S. in- 
fantry. 

Jerry Hoffman succeeded Johnny 
Miles as chief publicity planter at 
Warners. 

Roy Rogers back on his horse 
after six- weeks of touring in the 
south and east. 

Louis B. Mayer celebrated his 56th 
birthday July 4 with a studio party 
two days earlier. 

Kenneth 'Thomson back at his 
Screen Actors Guild post after two 
weeks in the east. 

Marion Talley granted a divorce 
from Adolph G. Eckstrom and cus- 
tody of their child. 

Victor McLaglen back from an 
eastern stage tour to team up with 
Edmund Lowe at RKO. 

Ben Fish, brother of Samuel Gold- 
wyn, resigned as far western district 
manager for United Artists. 

Macdonald Carey, of the Broadway 
stage, makes his fllm debut in 'Take 
a Letter, Darling' at Paramount. 

Richard Carroll checked out of his 
writing job at Columbia to become 
a captain in the Army Signal Corps 
Reserve. 

.Lee Bonnell left for Denver, on 
leave from.his RKO contract for six 
weeks of legit training at Elltch 
Gardens. 

Fred MacMurray aired out for his 
home town. Beaver Dam, Wis., to 
celebrate lOOth anniversary of its 
civic birth. 

Cecil B. De Mille becomes an 
actor again for one scene in 
'Glamour Boy,' playing himself as a 
director. 

Eddie Blondell, vaude veteran and 
father of Joan Blondell, recovering 
from immersion shock after falling 
off Dick PoweU's yacht. 

Ralph Morgan elected chairman of 
executive coihmittee of Motion Pic- 
ture Relief Fund, Inc., succeeding 
Mary C. McCall, Jr., resigned. 

Nedda Harrigan, widow of Walter 
Connolly, filed a $20,000 suit for dou- 
ble indemnity against two .insurance 
comoanies, claiming her husband's 
death was due to an injury. 

Richard Baer checked out as 
shorts director at Paramount to 
teach defense training courses ' at 
University of Southern California, 
under an appointment from Wash- 
ington. 



SL Louis 

By Sam X. Hurst 

Harvey M-. Hemenway, member 
of lATSE, Local No. 143, died after 
a brief illness. Widow survives. 

Dakota, South St Louis nabe. and 
the Norman, another in St. Louis 
(bounty shuttered for the summer. 

Ivan Hubbs has opened bis new 
St. Louis County cafe and nitery. 
Spot said to have cost around $50,- 
000. 

Martin Stevens, Middlebury, Ind.. 
elected prez of the Puppeteers of 
America who held Iheir annual con- 
vention here. 
iyfj;s._ Mildred Karsc h, Farmi nton, 

Mo.i on Sunday (15). She was in 
town last week buying product. 

Third concert of the St. Louis Lit- 
tle symph with Stanley Chappie di- 
recting drew 1,900 payees. Admish 
scale to quadrangle at Washington 
University was 50c and $1.00. 

Matt Schulter, fllm booker for 
Fanchon'& Marco's theatres, and his 
wife, Bess, owner of a string of 
nabes, threw party for employees on 
the banks of the Meramac in St 
Louis County. 

Johnny Perkins and Ray Bruder 
celebrated the first anniversary as 
props of the Playdlum, combo nitery 
and recreation spot in EasfSt. Louis. 
Spot still one of -the biggest draws 
in this neck of the woods. 

'Lady in Waiting' current at Town 
Square theatre, strawhatter atop a 
west end office building. Standouts 
in cast are Blllle Lou Watt, Kenneth 
Stelloh, Mary Blattner, Jane Bruce, 
Gene Marshall, Toby McBratney, 
Betty McGrew Fowlston and Robert 
McClellan. 

Sydney Busch,- Emily Coleman, J. 
Scott Robertson, Jackman Bieger 
and Max Cole In support for Philip 
Merivale In 'The Talley Method,' 
new here, and current at the Civic 
theatre, St. Loijis County strawhat- 
ter. Merivale Is playing the role of. 
Dr. Axton Talley, as he did In New 
York. 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 




SAM H. HABBIS 

Sam H. Harris, 89, died July 2 of 
cancer in his apartment in the Rltz 
Tower, New York. 

Details in legit section. 



AUBIOL LEE 

Auriol Lee, 60, English director 
and actress who had staged such 
Broadway ■ successes as There's Al- 
ways Juliet' and 'The Distaff Side,' 
was ItiUed July 2 near Hutchinson, 
Kans., when the automobile which 
she was driving sltidded and left the 
road. She was on her way east from 
the Thermal, Cal., ranch of John van 
Druten, the English playwright, and 
was accompanied by Franlc Epper- 
son, 27, of Thermal, who was not in- 
jured seriously. 

Miss Lee had just completed dis- 
cussions with Van Druten concern- 
ing his new play, 'Solitaire,' which 
Dwight Deere Wiman will produce 
next fall and which she was to di- 
rect. She had planned to attend the 
wedding of Wiman's daughter, Kath- 
arine, to Dawson Glover, circulation 
;nanager of Golf magazine, in Green- 
wich, Conn.,, on July 11. Later this 
summer she also was to have staged 
the American premiere of another 
Van Druten play,* 'Behold, We Live,' 
at the Cape Playhouse, Dennis, 
Mass. 

Since Miss Lee had staged all of 
Van Druten's plays both in London 
and New Yorlc, and had been active 
on Broadway as a director for more 
than a decade, her early days as an 
actress had become almost shrouded. 
She began a 40-year career in the 
theatre at the Drury t,ane theatre, 
London, Nov.^ 14, 1900, when she 
inade her debut' as the Hon. Mrs. 
Sydney in 'The Price of Peace.' 
Three years later she came to the 
TJ. S. and long appeared on the 
Broadway stage in varying roles. An 
extremely versatile actress, she 
trouped with Sir Johnston Forbes- 
Bobertson and was seen in David 
Belasco's Tiger! Tiger!' with Frances 
Starr, and Noel Cowaird's The Vor- 
tex' among others. 

Born ift London, Miss Lee invar- 
iably wore a monocle and was en- 
dowed with seemingly boundless 
energy. Widely traveled, she was 
wed to Frederick W. Lloyd, an acior, 
but that culminated }n divorce in 
1922. Among the many plays which 
she staged were such successes as 
'Another Language,' 'Alter All,' 
'Most of the Game/ 'Leave Her to 
Heaven,' 'Gertie Maud' and last sea- 
son'^ 'Old Acquaintance,', which 
starred Jane Cowl and Peggy Wood. 

In accordance ,.with Miss Lee*^ 
wishes, she was' burled in a local 
cemetery" near the scene of her 
death. ' Surviving is a niece, Vir- 
ginia Field, a member of the .cast of 
'Panama Hattie.' 



starred at the Palace, London, in 
1918. 

More recently she broadcast often 
for BBC until she retired last year. 
Leaves a son and daughter. 



whom he wed in 1883; a son, Carl, 
and two daughters. 

CHABLES F. EYTON 

Charles F. Eyton, 70, producer and 
studio executive in the early days 
of silent films, died July 2 in Holly- 
wood after flve-day attack of pneu- 
monia. At the height of his career, 
he filled posts as general manager of 
Paramount Studios and production 
manager of the Famous Players- 
Lasky Corp. 

A New Zealander by birth, Eyton 
entered show business as manager 
of the Burbank theatre, Los Angeles, 
and- later became associated with 
Oliver Morosco in the formation of 
the Oliver MOrosco Photoplay Co. 

Among his numerous productions 
were the action serials starring his 
wife, Kathlyn Williams. They were 
married in 1916 and divorced 15 
years later in Reno. Divorce carried 
an agreement that each was to in- 
herit the other's wealth in case of 
death. In addition to his early film 
activities, Eyton was an outstanding 
referee in the prize ring and offici- 
ated in world's championship battles 
at Tom McCarey's old Vernon arena. 
He was one of the founders of the 
IMS Angelas A.C. and iU secretary 
for 35 years. 
. Surviving is a sister. 

CBAIG WILUAMS 

Craig Williams, 64, veteran legit 
actor who / appeared in plays for 
years under the management of 
Charles Frohman, died of" a heart 
attack July 5 at his home in a New 
York hotel. 

Williams, last seen on Broadway 
in 'Madame Capet' three seasons ago, 
was born in Germany and came to 
the United States as a boy of 13. A 
child actor abroad, he joined Froh- 
man's company soon after arriving 
in New York. He was cast with 
AlicCjjPrady in The Witch' in 1926 
and^also had a role in Sidney How- 
ard's 'Lucky Sam McCarvar.' 

Among other plays in which Wil- 
liams was seen were 'Window 
Panes,' .'The Rhapsody,' The Du 
Barry' a"nd 'Play, Genius, Play.' A 
member of the Friars Club and the 
Actors Fund, he had also appeared 
briefly in pictures with. Gloria Swan- 
son and Bebe Daniels. 

Surviving is his widow, Beatrice 
Funeral services were held In New 
York yesterday (Tuesday) and burial 
followed in the Actors Fund plot in 
Kensico Cemetery, N. Y. 



LEONABD L. GALLAGHEB 

Leonard L. Gallagher, 58, died at 
his home in Elmhurst, L. I., Monday 

(7). For years he was connected 
with the Shuberts as house and com- 
pany manager,, previously having 
been general manager for the late 
William Faversham. 

. About two years ago he was a 
patient at the Metropolitan hospital, 
N.Y, with a heart condition and 
doctors believed he could 'not re- 
cover. 

Gallagher's affability won many 
friends along Broadway but he had 
not been seen around show business 
for some time. A widow and two 
children survive, also a brother, John 
F. Gallagher, carpenter at the Henry 
Miller theatre, N.Y. Services will 
be held at St. Malachy's, N.Y., to- 
morrow (10) at 10 a.m. 



CHABLES M. LUBEB 

Charles M. Luber, 65, former 
owner of the old Arch Street the- 
atre, Philadelphia, died Monday (7) 
in Miami after a month's illness. 

The Arch Street, once a famous 
legiter, was in ita latter years a 
Yiddish playhouse. Three years ago 
it was demolished for a parking lot. 

Luber had been in the hotel busi- 
ness in Miami. Survived by widow, 
and daughter. Funeral in Philadel- 
phia tomorrow (Thursday), 



CHABLES K. CLBICH 

Charles K. Ulrich, 82, veteran 
newspaperman, playwright and film 
. publicist, who was often termed the 
'father: of the pressbook,'- died July 
S at his home in Long Island City, 
N. Y., from injuries which he re- 
ceived several months ago in ia fall. 

With an extensive background in 
newspaper and theatrical circles, 
Ulrich joined the Parainouht pub- 
licity staff in 1918. While with Par 
he developed the predecessor of 
what is known as the modem press- 
book by combining every imaginable 



accessories Into one medium for the 
use of the exhibitor in selling his 
pictures. In later years he was also 
connected with Pathe and the Code 
Authority of the Motion Picture In 
dustry. 

Born in Cincinnati, Ulrich was 
j educated in nearby Covington, Ky. 
I and started his newspaper career 
L with the Cincinnati Enquirer as a 
K' special writer on theatrical news. 
H Later he worked as a cowpuncher in 
V the southwest and in 1883 went to 
^' California where he remained for 
some 20 years as a reporter and ed.i- 
: tor for Several San' Francisco news- 
I papers. In later years he also was 
associated witli the Chicago. Tribune 
and for a time was special corre 
spondent for the New York Herald 
in South America and the West In. 
dies. 

Author of some 46 plays and 
vaudeville sketches, 'Ulrlch's first 
production, 'An Aeronaut,' was pro 
diiced in 1881. His best known play 
was 'A Celestial Maid;' a Chinese 
drama, unveiled at an Oakland, Cal., 
theatre ;n 1897. Besides contributing 
to a number of magazines, he also 
had written several novels, includ- 
ing The Copper Cross,' The Dan- 
ger Signal' and .'Fires of talth.' ^ , 
Surviving are bis widow, Cihti, 



HDtAM C. MILLEB 

Hiram C. Miller, 74', bandmaster 
an'd composer, who also operated his 
own music publishing house, died 
of a heart attack June ' 30 at the 
home of a son, H. Fred Miller, in 
Paolii Pa. 

Though Miller was without benefit 
of a formal musical education he 
wrote more than 300 compositions 
during some 40 years. One of his 
most popular works was a serenade, 
'Cupid's Charm,' which he wrote in 
1903. Another of his pieces, "The 
American Bandsman March,' when 
played by a Kansas City band sev 
eral years ago, won first prize of 
fl.OOO in a national competition. 
Most of his marches were published 
by his own firm. 

Besides his son, Fred) he I'eaves 
his widow, Ellen, a daughter and 
three other sons. " 



GUISEPPI BOGHETTI 

Guiseppi Boghetti, 45, voice 
teacher, "whose pupils included Ma- 
rian Anderson, Jan Peerce and 
Helen Traubel,. died July 5 in a 
Huntington, L. I., hospital, after a 
brief illness following a stroke. 

He had formerly sung in European 
concert and opera, before turning to 
teaching. 

Widow and<.son survive. 



FBANK V, KELLT 

Frank V. Kelly, 58, sales engineer 
for the , Capehart Division of the 
Farnsworth Radio & Television Corp., 
Fort Wayne, Ind., died July 1 of a 
heart ailment. He went to Fort 
Wayne in 1926 an^. "was associated 
with . the Packard Music Co. for 
•several years. 

Widow, four daughters, two 
brothers and a sister survive. 



\ MABIE SAHABY 

Marie Samary, 93, dean of French 
actresses and member of a theatrical 
family famed for its' interpretations 
of Moliere, died in Paris, according 
to advices reaching Vichy July 1. 

Mme. Samary was, highly re. 
garde^ for her mother roles at the 
Odeon and Comedie Francaise, Paris 
government theatres. 



JOHN L. LAMSON 

John L. Lamson, 47, who had 
roles in several plays presented by 
the- Theatre Guild, died .July 4 at 
the home of his sister, Mrs. Fredric 
H. Cruger, in New York. 

He retired several years ago due 
to failing health. 



Gracie Fields Returns 



sContlnaed from page 2; 



aWK-'W.a'SWraHSa^ WirSi,K Nevans and Guhl. Ed and George 

William T. Wilson, 78, retired film - - 
exchange executive and father of 
Carey Wilson, Metro writer and pro- 
ducer, died of a stroke July 3 at 
Hackensack hospital, Hackensack, 
N. J. He had been in failing health 
for several years. 

In the early days of the film in- 
dustry, Wilson had a hand in the 
formation of several independent 
distributing companies and at interr 
vals was associated with exchanges 
of most of the major film companies. 
He was the first president of the 
First National Film Exchange in 
New York and upon retiring in 1933 
was connected with Loew's, Inc. 

Besides his son, a daughter, Helen 
Wilson, of Rutherford, N. J., with 
whom he lived, also survives. 



MABJOBIE ESSEX 
Marjorie Essex, 41, youngest sis- 
ter of Violet Essex (Mrs. Charles 
Tucker), who died In America Jan. 
30, passed away in London May 30 
from heart disease. 
' Deceased was in private life Mrs. 
David Drukker, and was on the 
stage for mairy years, having dur- 
ing the last war understudied her 
more famotis sister in 'Chu Chin 
Chow.' Shi also appeared in 'Hullo, 
A'fa"dl-Ica,'''lW Whldh'- ElSI6 'JJarifi"^^' 



AL FISHEB 

'Big Haf Al Fisher, out ahead of 
the Huggins Model Shows, died sud- 
denly in Montana last week. He 
was about 50 years old. 

Survived by widow end son. 



ED GUHL 



their proflta to the government or 
to relief agencies. Miss Fields ap- 
parently . would rather have called a 
fielder's choice on the question, but 
finally ice-cubed: 'No, it is all our 
individual effort.' Up to the time 
the Clipper was. reported landing at 
Lisbon, Portugal, no one figured ou.t 
her answer and, perhaps, that was 
the way. the pleasant-mannered sing- 
er wanted it. * 

Miss Fields plans to leave the 19th 
hole of the current war game about 
Aug. 23 and initiate another tour of 
cities in the eastern sector of the 
U. S. on Aug. 29. There is no truth 
in the rumor that the Collector of 
Internal Revenue will recruit Miss 
Fields for active duty here when 
the war's over there. 

Saturday's calendar page also 
noted the return to his desk of 
genial Walter H. Neff, Pan American 
Airways exploitation expert, whose 
pleasing praise for his Clipper ships 
is a familiar tune to all who wiU 
listen to him. 'Bob' spent two weeks 
in Lisbon and the 'way stops used 
t>y his line's floating and flying trol- 
ley cars, trying to find the square 
root of a bottle of Portuguese wine. 

Friday (4) saw that one-man In- 
dependence Day celebration. Cap- 
tain John 'Rabbit' Kinrade, fly back 
Into town from his artillery com- 
mand at Fort Meade, with the quiet 
and solemnity of a three-ring circus. 
South Dakota Jack,'' who tacked 
tunes on paper before his . Uncle 
said 'Hey, you.' tells us the sad tale 
of having difficulties keeping his 
men out of Dakota gambling houses 
and has a shoulder holster fulL of 
Dakota money to prove his point, 
which he must have made often. 
Columbia University's gift to the 
Anverican army is In town to cele- 
brate his birthday and his first 21- 
day furlough, a combination that 
should return prosperity to the 
town's niteries. 

In From Monte Carlo 

Pretty Catherine Dreyfus, here 'to 
try my luck' after a whirl at the 
Theatre ' of Monte Carlo, in Free 
France, Clippered In on the mid- 
week flying boat to offer Broadway 
a look-see at her comedienne rou- 
tine. A grad^of the Jonvet Dra- 
matic School, the lovely French gal 
declined to discuss the situation pol- 
itic. Most of her family are still in 
the north of France. 

Miss Dreyfus took a powder from 
Paris some three months ago, fol- 
lowing in the footsteps of her 
•brother, a French army officer who 
is now hiding in Spain from the 
German 'liberators.' The gal's right 
name is Catherine Moissan, a niece 
of France's General Albert Mois- 
son, about whom she has heard noth- 
ing since the fall of that pile of 
concrete that was supposed to be a 
detour for Nazi^ automobiles. 

The Same Clipper carried svelte 
Margot Grahame in from a Ber- 
muda vacation. The redhead of thk 
theatre and screen left a few min- 
utes later for Halifax, N. S., where 
her No. 1 boy. Captain Allan Mc- 
Martin, of the Canadian Army,.' is 
stationed waiting to view his wife. 

The .mid-week outbound Clipper 
carried Harden G. Cooke, assistant 
general manager of San Francisco's 
Press Wireless, Inc., to London, via 
Lisbon, to see what can be done to 
expedite news communication fa- 
cilities. 
The last sey^ 



sons past, "was open only .to mem- 
bers but this year .the Pan-Am Clip- 
per captains started a trend that re- . 
suited in the place being opened to 
the .public, who like to combine their 
appetites and aviation. 

Early in the week, the Airport-on- . 
the-parkway was turned upside 
down when a delegation from 
Neighbor Berle's family came in to 
see their Milton and his Ma leave 
in a United Air Line plane for Chi- 
cago. Milton was so excited that he 
was dropping cigarettes all over the 
passenger ramp and almost kissed 
a city policeman good-bye. Although 
hi& own column reported him travel- 
ing to Chi by railroad, let Milton 
now be told that the winged, two- 
engine vehicle he boarded at La- 
Guardla Field was no locomotive re- 
gardless of what his agent may havt 
told him. 



de Tejada Memorial ,-■ 

Mexico City, July 8. 
Music lovers and the government 
are completing plans for the erection 
here of a monument to Miguel Lerdo 
de Tejada, Mexican composer and 
conductor of the Mexican TVpical 
Orchestra,' which' has played fre- 
quently in the U. S., who died re- 
cently. 

. Funds for the monument are to be 
obtained by public subscription. - 



Guhl) of vaude and musical comedy, 
dieg July 2 at PeekskiU, N. Y. Serv- 
ices and burial In N. Y. July 5. 

WlllUm Steinel, grandfather of 
Ted North, Jr., with 20th Century- 
Fox in Hollywood and father of Ted 
North, for Aiany years with Ted 
North Players, died in Milwaukee 
hospital July 4. 

Mother of Knox Manning, KNX 
(Hollywood) newscaster, died June 
29 in Worcester, Mass. 

Proletarian Theatre, 
Gov't-Backed, for Mex 

„ Mexico City, July 8. 
Establishment' here of a municipal 
theatre similar to those in American 
cities is being arranged by the civic 
government. Fall opening planned 
Playhouse is to function differently 
from the Palace of Fine Arts (Na- 
tional Theatre) as it will cater pri- 
marily to the proletariat. 

Instead of building a municipal 
theatre, the government Intends to 
take over one of the several stage 
theatres here that have been just 
abU to ward oS the sheriff. 



MARRIAGES 

Ruth Jacobson to Leonard Allen, 
in N. Y., July 11. Groom is^ a free- 
lance radio scripter. 

Kay Sutton to Ensign Cliff Weaver, 
July 6, in Yuma, Ariz. Bride is a 
film actress. 

Maria Luisa Lopez to Bernard 
Francis Flynn, Jr., July 12, In New 
York. She's a nitery entertainer. 

Heidi Veossler to Paul Draper In 
Rio de Janeiro July 1. Both are 
dancers. 

Cleatus Caldwell to Ken Murray, 
film, stage and radio comic, July 4, 
in Hollywood. She's a film actress. 

Rosemary DeCamp to Judge John 
Shidler, June 29, in Los Angeles. 
She's a radio actress. 

Walter Brown to Ruth Taylor in 
Spartanburg, S. C, July 3. Brown 
is manager and v.p. of Spartanburg 
Advertising Co., owning and operat- 
ing stations WSPA and WORD, 
Spairtanburg. Bride's father is pres- 
ident of company. 

William T. Hastings to Carrie 
Mabel Scarborough, in Cincinnati, 
July 2. Groom is manager of RKO 
Grand, Cincy. 

Virginia McWhItler to Morrie 
Nimmer, in Wenatchee, vWash., June 
28. He's manager of Evergreen film 
theatres in Wenatchee, 

Mrs. Newton Kendall to Wolfe 
Kaufman, July 5, in Yuma, Ariz. 
She's a script clerk at Metro; he's 
a mag writer. Coast correspondent of 
Newsweek and formerly of VARiEry. 

Florence Tall to Louis Stevens, 
July 6, in Reno. Groom Is a film 
writer. 



'^^tmrvSIW,'^ IKe screen, fly In boo! 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Winters, 
daughter. In Hollywood, June 29. 
Father is a fllrn editor at Metro. 

Mr. and Mrs.* Joe Daniels, daugh- 



. fly 

Eastern Airline.';' way from At- 
lanta, and sTWAtoliner on out to 
Los Angeles for a new pic with 
hardly a nod at Father Knicker- 
bocker's village; Mary Pickford and 
Buddy Rogers go to L. A. the TWA 
way, with an eight-hour stopoff .at 
Harrisburg, Pa., while Mary guest- 
of-honored at a Gettysburg cere- 
moi^; andvCountess Morsztyn, who 
toured the "world with Paderewski, 
fly in from Chicago to attend the 
funeral of the Polish pianist-states- 
man. 

The rush of business that flooded 
the Hotel New Yorker's airport 
restaurants earlier in the 'year ap- 
parently has fallen off for, despite 
the heat wave, the restaurant man- 
agement 'has not been able to afford 
to purchase fans, or other cooling 
devices for its Coffee Shop. The 
Frank Andrews' eatery got away 
without fans last summer and, 
probably, figures the chill its high 
prices give the clientele will . be 
cooling enough this year. 

A new Island nitery, the Knicker- 
bocker Yacht Club, has opened up 
next to the Pan-American Marine 
Terminal at Port Washington, L. I., 
with Guildo officiating as maltre 
d'hptel. The seafood and steaks of 
the 'Long Island Sound club, in sea- 



booking manager there. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jay Dratler, daugh- 
ter, in Hollywood, June 30. Father 
is a screen writer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Daniels, daugh- 
ter, June 28, in Seattle. The mother. 
Pearl Daniels, has been associated in 
the offices of her husband, north- 
west booker. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gil Perkins, daugh- 
ter, in Los Angeles, June 26. Father 
is a film actor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Syd Gaynor. son, 
July 2 in Los Angeles. Father is 
commercial manager at KHJ there. 

To Mr. and Mrs. John W. Riley, in 
Boston, June 27, a son. Father is 
assistant* in drama and music depart- 
ment of Boston Globe. 

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene S. Thomas, 
son, July 3, In Brooklyn. Father Is 
sales manager of WOR, New York. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Neigher, son, 
July 5, in Bridgeport. Father's main- 
stem columnist on Bridgeport Her- 
ald. ^ 

Mr. and Mrs. Mack Raymond, son, 
in New York, June 24. Father is 
an artists' representative; mother •is 
sister of Frank Mitchell (and 
Durant). 

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Miner, 
daughter, July 2, In New. York. 
Father, is $tage directory, mp^her 
iTranc'es' Fuller," legit' actress. 



Wednesdaj, July 9, 1941 



S5 



Film Comics Up Film; Biz 



sContlnned from page 1; 



who don't know how to poise a pinky 
alongside a teacup, but can trip over 
a rug or take a physical or verbal 
beating— and look funny doing it. 

Prevalence of straight comedies, 
musical comedies, and just plain old 
slapstick hoke on future production 
lineups carries a number of explana- 
tions. In one corner you hear, 'war 
jitters have brought about a need 
for escapist screen entertainment,' 
and such opinionists search back to 
the days of Wo'ld War I arid its 
comedy cycle to strengthen their 
point that upset world conditions al- 
ways result In a public demand for 
something to soften harsh realiUes. 
SophlstlcaUon-Sateil 
But seemingly the more logical 
reason behind the popularity of the 
broad, slap-'em-down type of com- 
edy, as advanced by other showmen, 
Is that the public is tired of the so- 
phisticated dramas, played against 
elegant backgrounds, and polite 
drawing room love-making, which 
has been dished out during a long 
cycle. Those holding this opmion 
assert Hollywood must begin to bal- 
ance their heavier dramas with 
louder and funnier farces, instead of 
the temporarily wornout light so- 
phistication. 

And because of this, with Abbott 
and Costello setting the pattern, the 
search is on for available comedians, 
preferably of the broad, burlesque 
type, who will be able to amuse flhn 
audiences with prattfalls, dressed-up 
Joe Millers and general clowning. 
Most sought is the 'patsy' comic, who 
will strike a sympathetic chord by 
his inferior appearance when taking 
a verbal and physical beating, from 
a smooth straight man. 

The crop Is small, and of those who 
would jump at a film chance, few 
would be able to bring the burlesque 
technique to the screen in a satis- 
factory manner. The result is that 
old, tried and true favorites who 
have temporarily been on the film 
shelf because their style did not 
strike a current public fancy, will 
again find themselves sought after. 

Bearing out the predictions of the 
new cycle now underway is Lou 
Costello himself, who a few years 
ago was not considered right for 
pictures. Any doubt as to the pres- 
ent popularity of Costello and his 
partner, Bud Abbott, can be 
squelched by a look at the boxoffice 
figures on their recent pictures. 
Chio and Oley Try Again 
To draw another example a good 
subject is the team of Ole Olsen and 
Chic Johnson, both of whom made 
an unhappy film try a few years ago. 
Jules Levey Is backing his judgment 
that the boys are now ripe for big 
film b.o. with a hefty chunk of pro- 
duction coin in bringing their stage 
success, 'Hellzapoppin', to the screen 
for Universal release. 

20th-Fox is gambling its coin on 
Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy with a 
wartime comedy that it hopes will 
in a' measure match the success of 
that earlier wartime favorite, 'Shoul- 
der Arms' (Chaplin). That studio 
also figured another revival of the 
stage perennial, 'Charley's Aunt,' 
this time with Jack Benny furnish- 
ing the boxoffice magnet, should re- 
suit in a heavy coin return. 

Paramount has its Bob Hope and 
while his pictures can't be classed In 
the burley comedy bracket, Hope's 
easy delivery and dependence on 
dialog laughs makes him a particu' 
larly stout coin-getter in the cur- 
rent market. Only a year or two a^o. 



inclination, Hollywood is checking 
into its story resources to be able 
to give the ticket buyers a generous 
supply of hoke melodrama, quip and 
physical comedy to meet today's 
amusement cycle. 



IS 



Eric Maschwitz 



lontlBued from page 3^ 



ZIVIC MAKES A BUM 
OUT OF BUMMY DAVIS 



written with' Armin Robinson (and 
for which Oscar Strauss had sup- 
jjlied the music), "The Loves of Dor- 
ian.' Fernand Gravet was to be 
starred. Returning to England, 
Maschwitz held a number of gov- 
ernment jobs, taking time out to 
write and produce 'New Faces,' re- 
vue which ran in London from April, 
1940,, to May,' 1941. 'Nightingale' 
tune was from this show. 

Much -of the time.Masch\yitz spent 
in the Army, assigned to the morale 
division. He arranged professional 
entertainment for the troops and 
also assisted in organizing the men 
to entertain themselves with ama- 
teur dramatics. With hundreds of 
thousands of domestic, and colonial 
soldiers under arms in England, but 
seeing no active fighting, morale is 
one of the War Ministry's greatest 
problems.. 

Decries SensatlonallBm 
Criticism in England and this 
country of British actors and writers 
who have remained in the United 
States rather than return under 
blitz conditions ia drummed-up 
newspaper sensationalism, declared 
Maschwitz, who has been •through 
the entire Nazi aerial siege of Lon- 
don. There is little reason for these 
older Britons to return, he said, al- 
though he expressed great admira- 
tion for the younger Hollywoodites, 
live. David Niven (now a major) and 
Richard Greene, who hurried bflCk 
to the homeland for active duty. 

Only service of which the other 
players, such as Ronald Colman and 
C. Aubrey Smith, might be, said 
Maschwitz, would be to appear In 
British films, thus Improving their 
quality and enabling them to earn 
more money in this country to pro- 
vide exchange. 

Although over 40 and not subject 
to duty, ■ Maschwitz said he'd give 
no consideration to any Hollywood 
offers while here. He's served nu- 
merous stretches in Coast studios in 
the past. 'I'm too anxious to get 
back to .London,' he declared, 'and 
wouldn't think of making any per- 
sonal profit while here.' 

He said he had done no writing 
at all since the blitz started and that 
few other English writers had. "The 
-times aren't conducive,' he explained, 
'after a day at an official job, then 
most of the night fighting fires or 
struggling through bomb - filled 
sleep.' 

A Familiar Gotham Ficare 

Maschwitz's tall and angular 
frame and bony face was well- 
known at the best Manhattan hostel- 
ries and at the Stork, 21- and other 
popular hangouts during frequent 
stopovers in New York on his way 
from London to Hollywood. Now 
he's living in a modest. East Side 
flat almost on top of the Third Ave- 
nue Elevated and has almost un- 
consciously avoided the gay spots. 

'Although I love New York more 
than London and I am a 'spiritual 
New Yorker' even when I'm not 
here, the thing that struck me most 
forcibly on my return,' he asserted, 
'is the overstuffed luxury in which 



By JACK PULASKI 

Fight between Pittsburgh's Fritzie 
Zivic, welterweight champ, and Al 
Davis, from the Brownsville section 
of Brooklyn, was a flop in all de- 
partments at the Polo Grounds last 
Wednesday (2). Only thing the en- 
counter proved was that Davis didn't 
belong in the same ring with Zivic. 
We was that much out-classed. 

Davis, who earned the nickname 
Bummy as a tough kid in a tough 
neighborhood, upheld the monicker 
as a boxer last week. He was re- 
garded as a 'wonderful little charac- 
ter' among . supporters before the 
disgraceful meeting with the same 
Zivic at Madison Garden last win- 
ter, when Davis was ruled oft 'for 
life' by the boxing commissioners. 
The re-match was arranged for the 
benefit of the Army Relief Fund, 
private Bummy getting a six-week 
furlough from a Texas camp because 
of the charity angle.' 

Whep they first fought Davis de- 
liberately and repeatedly sent left 
hooks to foul territory and was dis- 
qualified. He later claimed that it 
was in retaliation to Zivic's poking 
his thumbs in Bummy's eyes in 
round one. Fritzie is no sweet po- 
tato, that's certain, but he is a fin- 
ished boxer. 



the public's desire for a good laugh, 
whether because of a need for es- 
capist entertainment or because they 
are just tired of the old cycle 

RKO hopes to take full advantage 
of Ray Bolger's comedy talent 
which Hollywood so far has failed to 
fully recognize. Sludio has also 
taken an option on William Blees, 
young comedian from New York 
legit, and expects to route him 
through a number of comedy ,roles 
Tiiat studio Is also hoping the early- 
day success of Victor McLaglen and 
Edmund Lowe as 'Capt Flagg and 
Sergeant Quirk' can be recaptured 
with rough and ready similar char- 
acters. The pair will be seen first 
in "The Marines Are -Ready,' and 
if that catches the public fancy the 
studio Is ready to repeat with sev- 
eral other comedy service features in 
the same vein. 

Metro's Pair of Zanys 

Metro has two comedians /who are 
expected to get that big break in the 
new cycle. Rags Ragland and Red 
Skelton, burlesque and vaudfllm 
alumni, and studio is now eyeing 
possible material that will show the 
boys to the best advantage, 

Regardless of the reasons behind 
the public's current enterWhme,nt 



House Reviews 



^Continued from pace VI i 



STEEL PIER, A. C. 



shows to keep waiting lines of crowd 
in order. Picture was shown in the 
other theatre on pier. 

With ei^ht shows skedded, acts al- 
ternated in slcipping performances.' 
Despite rainy Sunday, biz was tre- 
mendous. 

Dinah Shore's vocalizing of 'Daddy,' 
followed by "Things I Love,' received 
big hand. Girl wore becoming gown 
of chartreuse chiffon with scarlet- 
fitted bodice and floor-length shoul- 
der draperies of red and chartreuse. 
Her 'Hut Sut' number made biggest 
hit and she encored with *Yes, My 
Darling Daughter.' Would have 
added to act if Miss Shore had been 
announced at appearance. 

Outstanding are the Ink Spots, 
who took over house with their har- 
monies. In white tuxedoes and 
white ties, boys sing 'Do I Worry' 
followed by 'Brown Girl,' which 
brought them tremendous applause. 
They came back with their perennial 
'If I Didn't Care.' done with a smooth 
rhythm accompanied by guitar and 
cello. They had to beg oft despite 
audience caUs for favorite selections. 

Show opened with Gae Foster Girls 
in tuneful Scotch number, in which 
gals did some nice stepping in color- 
ful plaids. They were joined by Ben 
Yost Singers in trim, bright blue 



Par has excelled itself with fanciful 
weather footage — mostly out of the 
morgue — to get a laugh out of the 
hot spell. On an old idea, showing 
snow shovelers and rainstorms when 
the weather is far from that, Par's 
eaitors have done a masterful job 
for top results. Metro added a few 
shots on the subject that were good, 
but more routine. 

RKO's pandas in a Chicago zoo are 
noteworthy, too, while on the sports 
side Par neatly covers Joe DiMag- 
gio's record-breaking triumph of hit- 
ting in his 45th game in a row, and 
Fox comes through well with foot- 
age of femme athletes. Herb. 



EARLE, WASH. 



WashinptOTi, Julv 6. 
Si/btl Bouian, Gil Lamb, KeWie 
Amaut and BrolYieTs (3), Gloria 
Grant, Gae Foster house line (16), 
Joe Lombardi and house orch; 'Kiss 
the Bovs Goodb]/e' (Par), 



^■s^ u^^^^. suits, who sang 'There's a Great Day,' 

In the 10th round Zlvic planted a I which brought big response. There 



left to . the body and that was the 
end. Question whether Davis quit 
or not Looked like he did. The 
soldier put on an agonized expres- 
sion, dropped his arms and leaned 
back on the ropes. Referee Arthur 
Donovan stepped in and call it off. 
Bit previously he had rubbered at 
the red smear that Davis used for 
a face and warned he would stop the 
fight. Davis went down in the first 
rounid from a right smash and it 
looked like early curtains then. He 
didn't cop tfne round and only 
landed bis killer left hook a few 
times, most of the way tasting 
leather from Zivic's mits. Davis was 
so badly battered that early this 
week he was taken to the King's 
Coimty Hospital, barely able to walk. 

There was an alibi for Davis, 
principally that he could not train 
down to fighting condition. Seems 
that the Brownsville baby let him- 
self go when ruled out from boxing 
and came north weighing 170 
pounds, a lot of flesh or fat for a 
21-year-old. He pared down under 
150 and had to stay above the wel 
ter limit of 146 pounds, it being a 
non-title bout. 

Very slim crowd attended. Per- 
haps it was too close to the Louis- 
Conix match last month, but more 
likely that the fans out-guessed pro- 
moter Mike Jacobs, stands all 
arotmd the field bein^ practically 
empty. Jacobs guaranteed $10,000 
to the soldier fund and for the first 
time in yiars went' into the red. • 



Cole Goes On 

Sioux City, July 8. 

After the city council had refused 
to allow the Cole Bros. Circus to 
show here July 4, matinee and night 
Judge A. O. Wakefield issued a writ 
of mandamus ordering .the city 
fathers to permit the performances. 

Council refused the license after 
Sam Pinkus, appealing for the River- 
side Amus. Co., protested against 
granting a permit. 



only 3-so roccess, ■^fiT'Iiti ins|fKe'"!iO-tTrtteil -smart set i»' living. 

Even though America is not in the 
war — and I think anyone who tried 
to push her in would be foolish — 
these people seem so wasteful after 
watching the wonderful leveling out 
process which has eliminated the 
'classes' in E^ngland. " 

'White ties and tails, especially on 
wealthy refugees, of which New 
York seems to have so many, ap- 
pears completely out-of-date. 'These 
people are living in a past which 
will never return. 

'The war has brought about a so- 
cial revolution in England which 
would have taken 100 or 200 years 
in the normal course of events. I'm 
convinced it is to be something 
permanent. When the war ends, the 
government will probably go right 
on controlling, industry. It won't be 
comi/iunism or state socialism, but 
British socialism— like everything 
British, somettiing unique molded to 
fit the needs of the country.' ■ 



Gobs' White Mice 



; Continued from page 1; 



Edward Kay and Harry Tobias 
wrote three songs for 'Sweet Six- 
teen' at Monogram.. Numbers are 
'Let's Do a Little Dreaming,' 'Look 
What You Have Done to Me,' and the 



ment. On board their ships they 
have been raising and training white 
mice. But this hasn't been enough. 
In a spirit of fun they have been 
toting their pets ashore in their 
pockets, and when inside the the- 
atres have freed the mice, creating 
consternation aplenty among the 
feminine customers. They do plenty 
of screaming and squealing, and 
their excited movements furnish the 
gobs with gobs of laughs. 

Decorum goes by the boards, and 
everybody quits looking "at the 
screen. The lights are switched on 
in full and the attempt to catch the 
mice is launched by the staft. Which 
has a complication, too, where the 
theatres use girls and women as 
ushers. 

Most of the mice are trained to 
answer a whistle or call from their 
masters, but some prefer to linger 
in the theatre. Pat Dwyer, manager 
of the Family, Halifax, has been 
trying to capture three that are on 
the loose in that house. Using traps 
and cats and exterminating powders, 
the trained mice are foxy enough to 
avoid the pitfalls, and slay out of 
sight when_ the lights are on full 
blast, reappearing only in the semi- 
darkuffs. ,^ 



are good voices in this group of per- 
sonable young men and their imper- 
sonations' of various popular radio 
broadcasts went over well. 

The Juvelys put over a lively ex- 
hibition of fine teeter board balanc- 
ing. Goodrich and Nelson, trim- 
looking gymnasts, got good hand 
'with neat act and The Three Sailors 
won laughs for their rough and tum- 
ble antics and burlesk acrobats. 

Frank and Jean Hubert, in panto- 
mime of two Inebriates in rumpled 
dress suits, clown through a rather 
long 15 minutes, with surprise at 
close when one removes hat and 
wig to show herself as a blonde' gal. 

Frank Elliott's Minstrels are at- 
tractively staged in half circle set^ 
ting with house orch'^in rear; Gae 
Foster girls in red coats and Yost 
Singers in blue. Dick Dana- did 
neat job of interlocutor in the mod- 
em maimer ' and comedy was sup- 

Slied by Pinkie Lee, Bobby Morris, 
[orton, Ryan and Benson. 
Show closed with snappy conga 
with girls in long green skirts and 
red petticoats, white boleros and red- 
feathered headgear adding rhythmic 
tempo 'With bright red gourds. 

Other attractions on pier included 
Benny Goodman's band, Alex Bar- 
tha's orch, circus, water sports and 
film. Admission, 75c. Carter. 

EMBASSY, N. Y. 

• (NEWSREELS) ■ 

New brightness seems to have 
overtaken the newsreels this week, 
with virtually all companies repre- 
sented by a sparkling item or two 
that shows imagination and a sense 
of humor. On the other hand, a 
count reveals that of the 30 clips in 
the program, including sports and 
fashions, 31 are on war or defense. 

Even Vyvyan Dortner's fashion 
footage (Fox) takes a military back- 
ground, the models being shown to 
the accompaniment of men and 
planes at Mitchel Field, L. I. And 
likewise one of the sports clips, the 
Babe Ruth-Ty Cobb golf match 
(Universal), has a defense back- 
ground inasmuch as its purpose was 
to raise coin for and publicize the 
United Service Organizations. 

Best of the bits of whimsy is 
Metro's shots of soldiers experiment- 
ally being fed vitamin pills instead 
of meals. Reel then purports to 
show results — by speeding the film 
up as it pictures the soldiers on the 
march. They all walk like .jackr. 
rabbits. A Marine Corps recruiting 
stunt but plenty toothsome, was the 
taking of a score of Powers models 
to Quantico to meet the boys and 
parade for them in bathing suits. U's 
lensman did especially well in get- 
ting the expressions of the buck pri- 
vates as well as in catching the full- 
some cheesecake. A bit overgaged, 
but good for a laugh, is RKO's views 
of the National Youth Administra- 
tion's builder-upper camp for re- 
jected draftees. It's also very news- 
worthy. 

On the more serious side, and 
highly interesting, are Fox's slow- 
motion shots of Fort Tilden's 16- 
inch coast defense guns firing. Ade- 
quate warning by the commentator 
permits the audience to see the shell 
actually leave the muzzle. RKO ap- 
pears to have mufted a good oppor- 
tunity with its clips of Robin Moor 
.survivors landing. Why not have in- 
terviewed one of the seamen instead 
of just having them stand around 
and look dull? 

Par gets in a couple of nice, for- 
eign entries with scenes from Eng- 
land of refugees home set up by J. 
B. Priestley for evacuated London 
kids and more good human interes' 
in Princess Juliana, of Holland, and 
her husband and children taking 
refuge in Canada. Best of the war 
stuff is pretty much routine. . 



This one's a smart and sophisti- 
cated revue intime, ideal as combo 
with picture some critics hinted is 
Hollywood's idea of sophistication. 
Three acts featured .are familiar, 
certainly, but all are above average 
and they're presented to good ad- 
vantage. Show clocks short of an 
hour, approximately 55 minutes, but 
moves so swiftly it seems even less. 

Gil Lamb, clever comic who is 
well known here, though he hasn't 
been around now since appearing in 
the Al Jolson show, 'Hold Onto Your 
Hats,' scores solidly again in each of 
his two appearances. First he's, on 
with a mad, satirical impression of a 
jitterbug attending a Tommy Dorsey 
stage show in a Broadway film house, 
then comes back later to set himseU 
solidly with his hilarious comic por- 
trait of a rookie soldier. Both are 
routines >seen before, but still clicks. 

Sybil Bowan's impressions are 
those she has done before, too, but 
that doesn't stop them from being 
surefire. Starting with her Carmen 
Miranda, she builds through the 
Cockney bathing beauty girl and the 
girl who's been told she smiles like 
(iloria Swanson, to a smash finish 
with an impersonation- of Bea Lilli« 
singing 'Marvelous Party.' 

Arnaut turn is in same class with 
the others — familiar, but topnotcb. 
'Trick violin work of the - trio, fol- 
lowea by the well-known impression 
of bird courtship, gets warm recep- 
tion. Roxyettes have only two 
numbers in which they really work, 
being used mid-show merely as 
background for Miss Bowan's intro- 
duction. They open with tricky Span- 
'ish (or maybe South American) rou- 
ting and close with strenuous stair 
dance that winds up to socko cli- 
max, 'Sing-a-Song-With-Mike' audi- 
ence participation feature, led ' by 
Eileen Ritter, to open show, brings 
on Gloria Grant. Attractive, dark- 
haired lass, she leads audience in 
community-sing version of 'God Bless 
America,' returns for finale to close 
show. with same number. 
■ Biz good Sunday night (6) . Mac. 



Bobby Crawford 



SSContinaed from page l^^s 

ties. In addition he had $4,000 to 
$5,000 a week coming in from ' In- 
vestments In Schwab & Mandel mu- 
sicals. 

Tide Tarns 

Shortly after the deal with War- 
ners, Crawford sailed for Europe and 
it was while he was there that the 
breaks started to tip the other way. 
Came the market crash, and in try- 
ing to save what he had on margin 
and 01^ option Crawford tossed in 
practically all of what he had left 
plus $225,000 that he. Ij^rrowed from 
Dreyfus. 

In 1032 Crawford bought back the 
DeSylvia, Brown & Henderson cata- 
log from Warners for less than $100,- 
OOO and went back Into the music 
publishing business. The catalog be- 
came Dreyfus' in 1938, and Crawford 
passed out of the music field. Later 
he became a talent agent in Holly- 
wood and about a year and a half 
ago he returned to Broadway as a 
part owner of 'Separate Rooms.' 

Among the creditors listed by 
Crawford are Max Dreyfus and the , 
Maxdrey Corp., $235,000, Crawford 
Music Corp., $147,717, U. S. Bureau of 
Internal Revenue, $1,016, Bank of the 
United SUtes, $17,339, John J. O'Con- 
nor, c/o Words 4 Music, Inc., $3,500, 
Frank Orsatti, Hollywood agent, $2,- 
500. Ernest & Co., brokers, $12,000, 
Charles Bigelow, broker, $1,500, Alan 
Dinehart actor and co-owner of 
'Separate Rooms,' $1,000, Estate of 
Joseph Penner, $1,000, Samuel Rosoff, 
$4,500, Samuel T. Haas, Cleveland at- 
torney, $6,000, Lew Brown and Ray 
Henderson, $3,700, Ben Stein, busi- 
ness manager, 'Separate Rooms,' $500, 
Mildred Henderson, $700, Roy L. 
Watkins, $700, Minnie McKinyon, 
$116, and Schumer Theatrical Trans- 
fer, CP). |3a4. j J.,. Jf.i.i 



56 



Wednesday, July 9, 1941 

: -— ' 7^ 



> 



^'^.ijr: rcK^ v«.«v, ^ 




I 




AND HIS ORCHESTRA featuring,,. 




On fh« air for 

INTERNATIONAL SILVER CO. — CBS -> SUNDAY 6:00-6:30 P.M., EDST 
EXCLUSIVE COLUMBIA RECORD ARTISTS — LATEST HIT "FLAMINGO" 



SCREEN 



RADIO 



MUSIC 



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Vubllihad Waekir at 1(4 Wait 46th Stnat. New York, N. Y.. ^>T Varlrty, Ino. Annaal ■ubsorlptlon, |I0. Slntls capl«s IS c«nfa. 
Batucd u Bscobd-olau matter Deombar 22, 1B06, at the Poet ORlce at New York, N. Y., ander the act of March t. XVt%. 
COPraiGHT, mi, BY VARIETX, INC.. AIX BIGHTS BESERTED 



VOL. 143 NO. 6 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY. JULY 16, 1941 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



QUIZ SHOWS OUT, ACTORS IN 



London Amusements Generally Socko 
As People Become More Show-Minded 



London, July 4. 
London, experiencing a respite 
from Nazi bombers, is sweltering in 
one of its fiercest and most consist- 
ent heat waves m years, yet its en- 
tertainment spots go on, practically 
oblivious, in some cases, of the ele- 
ments. 

There are 16 shows running in the 
West End, majority playing twice 
daily, which Is around 60% of its 
pre-war strength. Under pre-war 
conditions most of these would have 
been in the red and ready to shut- 
ter any day. But, although the heat 
is definitely affecting receipts, man- 
agements are far from despondent. 
They maintain people have become 
far more show-minded in the last 
two years. Besides, although grosses 
are down, takings are still yielding 
a profit In most cases. It's true that 
(Continaed on page 55) 



rrURBI BOOED 
BY DEU MOB 



Philadelphia, July 15. 
Mora than 10,000 — a season's rec- 
ord—crowded Robin Hood Dell last 
I'hursday night (10) for an evening 
of Wkgner, Mozart, Weber-Berlioz, 
Liszt, Stravinsky— and Benny Good- 
man. And from all apifearances 
Benny Goodman was by far the 
winnah. 

Originally skedded maestro, Jose 
Iturbi, was missing. He had can 

col" " 



Glorifymg a Beef 



Charles MacArthur is completing 
an original play based on the court 
difficulties of George Hale and Al 
Jolson. Hale is suing the actor for 
$105,000 claiming he breached a con- 
tract calling for appearances 
throughout the 1041 theatrical season 
in 'Hold On To Your Hats.' 

MacArthur wants Hale to produce 
the show, and is holding up the last 
act awaiting the final court results 
of the litigation. 



Internal Revenue DepL 
Rules Against Tax-Free 
Benefits If via the TA 



Washington, ^ly 15. 
It's reported the Commissioner of 
Internal Revenue has turned down 
the appeal of the Theatre Authority, 
via attorney Henry Jaffee, thav 
T. A.-okayed charity benefits be 
Government-tax exempt Reported 
that the Commissioner ruled that 
TA, because it expends about 34% 
of its income for administration, is 
not strictly in the light of being a 
charity organization itself. Bureau 
takes the attitude that exemption 
from admissions' tax cannot 'be 
granted if - anybody profits along the 
line. 

Tax matter came to a head March 
21, seven days prior to the Greek 
War Relief benefits held March 28, 
with the Dept. of Internal Revenue 
ruling that the Greek Benefits, due 
to paying TA 15% of the gross, 

have 



LOIS LIKE U. 
CYCLE ABOUT OVER 



Ad Agencies See Variety 
Shows V/ith Pro Talent 
Coming Back — Three Fun' 
and-Music Packages Sold 
Recently Considered an 
Omen — Radio Runs Out of 
Questions 



BUDGET STRETCH? 



With the quiz show expected to go 
into eclipse on the networks in the 
coming season, ad agency falent buy' 
ers in the more important spots are 
of the opinion that the gaps will in 
most cases be fiUed with variety 
shows. The indications, these sources 
agree, are that the network com- 
mercial schedules for the 1941-42 
season will have almost as large a 
percentage of variety shows as pre 
vailed in 1938, which rated as a 
pretty high year for that type of ra- 
dio entertainment. The pendulum Is 
swinging back toward comics and 
(Continued on page 54) 



his dignity. In Iturbi's slot was Ed 
win McArthur. 

When Dell Manager C. David 
Hooker announced 'tomorrow night 
we have an unusual feature,', he be- 
gan, 'Jose Iturbi will conduct. . .' 
there was a loud "Boo' from all 
parts of the amphitheatre. For more 
than five minutes the Spanish 
maestro's name was hissed and 
razzed. Oldtime Philadelphia Or- 
chestra followers said they couldn't 
remember a similar demonstration. 



Jesse Lasky's Comeback 
Proves h's the Same 
Old Hooey in Show Biz 

Old-tinier^ In the. Industry got a 
Chuckle and a warm glow last week 
from the stories that filled the trade 
papers abbut Jesse L. Lasky. Warner 
Bros, wanted him to make another 
PictuVe, he was huddling with Nick 
?T .fi'' switching to Metro, 
united ArUsts was offering him a 
OMi, RKO wanted him, 20th-Fox was 
asking him to "sign nothing until he 
(Continued on page 55) 



COOL-OFF BUSES (WITH 
MUSIC) NO B.O. HELP 



Toledo, July 15. 

Add reasons why boxofflce receipts 
are down: The Community Traction 
Co. is offering 'cool-off' rides on its 
buses and street cars each evening 
from 7 p. m. to 1 a. m., and Sunday 
from 2 p. m. to 1:10 a°. m..for 15c, 
entitling the patron to ride on any 
street car or bus, and in addition, a 
number of accordionists have been 
engaged to board buses each night 
to entertain riders. 

Several biises will be equipped 
with radios, transit company officials 
said. 



NO. 2 JAWE&' FILM BIO& 
With resignation of Warden Lewis 
E. Lawes from Sing Sing last week, 
Warner Bros, appeared to be ready- 
ing a followup on its 1033 filmlza- 
tion of his book, '20,000 years In Sing 
Sing.' 

Studio registered the label 'My 
Life at Sing Sing' for ai future film. 



Selznick's T 
And Britain's 
War of Nerves 



No doubt one of the moat unusual 



registered last weeK by David O, 
Selznick. It is '.• • • — .' That's 
Morse code for the letter V — ^three 
dots and a' dash. Selznick at the 
same time registered the labels 'V 
and 'V for Victory.' They are all 
tied up with the British Propaganda 
Ministry's new war of nerves cam- 
(Continued on page 25) 



Gypsy Rose's Alominum 
UtensO Strip for USO 



Detroit, July 16. 

'Stripping for Uncle Sam, or who 
can call the kettle black' is the latest 
act of Gypsy Rose Lee. 

Tieing up with N. Y. Mayor La 
Guardia's campaign to collect alum- 
inum for national defense, the Bow- 
ery cafe here admitted free tonight 
any customer who had a pot or pan 
to kick in for future airplanes. 

The big fillip of the evening was 
the peeler, wearing a costume of 
aluminum utensils, who auctioned 
them off one by one to set a national 
example of stripping for action. Col- 
lection of pots and pans went to the 
defense needs; proceeds of the auc- 
tion to the USO. 



UA Becomes 6th Major Theatre 
Circuit in U, S.; 12 Houses Set 



Radib Slapstick 



About the only slapstick de- 
vice that hasn't been- yet intro- 
duced on the Truth or Conse- 
quence'' program (NBC-Red) is 
the tossing of an egg in an elec- 
tric fan. Participants in the 
series have already been ^it with 
custard pies and dropped into a 
pool of water. 

The water prattfall occurred 
on the show's July B broadcast 
and in this instance the penalty- 
taker from the audience ' pylled 
in Ralph Edward, m.c, with him. 



Tourist Influx to N. Y. 
30^Beiow<World'sFair 
Years Bat Up Over '38 



Annual hot weather trek of va- 
cationing hinterlanders Into Manhat- 
tan so far this season has been run- 
ning 25 to 30% below 1939 and 1940, 
figures from various checking points 
reveal. Most of the drop is said to 
result from the fact that the com- 
parison is made with the two years 
that the World's Fair was operating. 

Using 1936-37-38 as a base, tour- 
ist travel is figured to be up about 
25%. It's rather disappointing, how- 
ever, to the nlteries, sightseeing lines, 
theatres and myriads of other busi- 
nesses which depend heavily on 
yokel trade for their summer sup- 
port. 

Aside from the fact that there's 
no Fair to attract 'em, holding the 
multitudes back are figured to be 
defense jobs. People are making 



Completing reversing policy, 
United Artists will shortly begin ac- 
quisition of theatres, with the ob- 
jective of forming a sixth major cir- 
cuit across the United States by fall. 
That was disclosed yesterday (Tues- 
day) by Arthur W. Kelly, UA v.p, 
and operating chief, following his re- 
turn to New York from confabs 
with the company's owners on the 
Coast. 

Negotiations are . virtually com- 
plete, Kelly revealed, for the pur- 
chase or lease of the first group of 
12 houses — all first Funs-7-wlthin a 
few weeks. Deals at the same time 
are being made with numerous 
other independent circuits, UA top- 
per declared, for the company (o 
buy up controlling interests. > 

Financed wholly wlcuout public 
participation, UA will- invest up to 
$5,000,000 or $6,000,000 In theatres, 
Kelly said. He explained that this 
(Continued on page 55) 



DINNER' NET 
AT $750,000 



Completing a fine run of 92 weeks, 
"The Man Who Came To Dinner* 
flnaled to capacity at the Music Box, 
N.Y., Saturday (12), standees being 
in Friday and Saturday nights. Grojs 
bettered $9,000 last week, a good fig- 
ure at $2.20 top, scale having been 
dropped from $3.30 some time ago. 
Indications are that 'Dinner,' which 
topped the straight plays during lis 
first six months, could have - ne 

New York company is estimated to 
have cleared an operating profit of 
$350,000. Two road companies, 
headed by Alexander Woollcott and 
Clifton. Webb, respectively, both made 
goodly profits and the estimated 
earnings of the three companies are 
more than $500,000. With picture 
rights earnings included, 'Dinner' 
ended around $750,000 on the right 
side of the ledger. 



HAYS WANTS lYDIA' 
(OBERON) TO ATONE 



Hollywood, July 15. 
Alexander Korda Is battling with 
the Hays office over refusal to issue 
purity seal for 'Illusions,' retitled 
'Lydia.' 

Haysites demanding a different 
ending -so that Merle Oberon pays 
off for her Indiscretions. Korda Is 
fighting the order as it would mean 
several days' re-shootlng. * 



Draft Causes Jitterbugs 
To Fade; Waltz Revival 

Omaha, July 15. 
Seventy-five ballroom men organ- 
ized the first regional group Monday 
(14) at Arnold's Park, la., headed by 
Carl Fox, of Clear Lake; Larry Geer, 
Fort Dodge, and Vearle Sissle, Oel- 
wein. National goal is 1,500 ball- 
rooms. 

It's agreed swing isiading In favor 
of the waltz, due to the draft. Mid- 
dle-aged patrons are Increasing. 



Pan-American Coffee 
Series Pends on NBC 
With Mrs. Roosevelt 



NBC-Blue is still looking around 
for a spot into which to place the 
Pan-American coffee series with Mrs. 
Eleanor Roosevelt. It's a co-opera- 
tive setup with Buchanan as the 
agency. There are 11 I<atln Ameri- 
can coffee-growing countries in- 
volved. 

The blue also has a dicker on for 
the services of Bob Allen and Drew 
Pearson who were recently spon- 
sored in the U.S.A, by the Republic 
of Brazil, 



MISCELLANY 



f<AfiiETY 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



Frank Sulfivan Radio Rib 



A spoof on radio commercials will appear in the August issue of the 
Atlantic Monthly. It's one of Frank Sullivan's cliche pieces. It begins: 
Q. Hello, Mr. Arbuthnot. 

A. Hello, young man. Does exercise tie your muscles into knots? 
Q. Why, yes, it does. ^ , ^ x 

A. Are you ^ slave to floors? Are your gums tore and tender to the 
touch? 

Q. Now wait a second, Mr. Arbuthnot. 

A. Do you inhale? Does the wrong soap rob you of a complexion like 
peaches and cream? Are you a washday wife— does wasliing leave you so 
•done- in' you can't even drag yourself to a movie? 

Q. Oh, I see, Arby. You're the fellow who writes the commercials for 
the radio programs. * _^ 

A. Is your loveliness hidden by dull, mousy hair? Then why not try 
Bhampine? You'll be amazed at the change. 

Q. Will my hair glisten with a new beauty I'd never have believed pos- 
sible? Is Shampine entirely different from any shampoo I've ever tried? 
Does it create a rich, creamy lather? 

A. Just one treatment is all that is necessary. Now then, are your finger- 
nails alluring? 

Q. Oh, Mr. Arbuthnot, stop U! Have a cigar. 

A. Is it a cigar in which only the finest Havana tobacco' has been blended 
with choice domestic leaf? 
Q. It is. It has that real Havana flavor. 

A. Does It offer everything a discriminating smoker looks for in a cigar? 
Q. It offers perfect smoking satisfaction. 



to 



: Hollywood, July 15. 
Warners promoted George Tobias 
a star spot In 'Right Shoulder 
Arms,' following his service in 'Ser- 
geant York.' 

Actor starts his first solo screen 
flight July 28, with Lew Seller di- 
recting from script by George Beat^ 
and Paul Gerard Smith, 



Freeze on Alien Coin by U JS. Shackles 
Earnings of Over 50 Now in Hollywood 



Hollywood, July 15. 
Financial blackout for aliens is 
Hollywood's echo of Europe's black- 
cuts. 

Upward of 50 prominent workers 
5n the industry, players, directors, 
writers and technicians, are affected 
by the frozen fund order which now 
applies to citizeds of every European 
country who have come into the 
United States since AprU 8, 1940. In 
the aggregate, a sum close to $50,000 
per week is being impounded from 
salaries of plctnres employees. This 
in addition to bank accbunts and 
other funds padlocked as the various 
freezings took place^ induding the 
- final and comprehensive order from 
the U. S. Treasury Dept as of June 
14 this year, which added Sweden, 
Switzerland, Portugal. Spain and 
other states heretofore regarded as' 
neutrals to the list of Axis belliger- 
ents or dominated lands. 

Among alien nationals embraced 
by the blocked funds order are Jean 
Gabin, Jean Renoir, Albert Basser- 
man, Rene Clair, Bona Massey, Eva 
Gabor, Carl -Brisson, Arnold Press- 
(Contlnued on page 20) 



Her Hymn of Hate 



DAVES SUES FOR lOOG 
ON FILH UFT CHARGE 



Hollywood, July 15. 

Eddie Cantor's youngest daugh- 
ter, Janet, 14, breaks oni as a 
militant composer with a dirge 
entitled, Tarade to Hades,' or 
'Hitler Funeral March.' 

Thus far it has been played 
only for friends of the family. 



BERLIN NOW CLOSE TO 
MUSIC BOX OPERATION 



Los Angeles, July 15. 

Plagiarism, suit for $100,000 was 
filed here by Delmer - Daves, screen 
writer; against Metro, Loew's, Inc., 
Pandro Berman and others involved 
In th^ production of 'Lo^ve Crazy.' 

Daves charges the picture is an in- 
. fringement on his own story, 'Crazy 
About Him,* registered with Screen 
Writers Guild in 1939. He declares 
the film contains the central theme 
and substantial parts of his yam. 
Daves has screenplayed 30 feature 
films and is now under contract at 
Paramount. 

Ben White, writer, charges plag- 
'larjsia>.ii. $150,000 dqinege. suiC file(' 
here against' 20th-Fox and Darryl 
Zanuck. Plaintiff declares the film, 
'Johnny Apollo,' was lifted from his 
itory, 'When Glory Bads.' 



As an' executor of the estate of 
Sam H. Harris, Irvlng-Bierlin will de- 
vote himself more closely to the 
Music Box theatre (N. Y.) operation, 
which he, the Shuberts and Harris 
own equally. Berlin Is planning 
revue for the house, although the 
new George S. Kaufman-Edna 
Ferber play may go in first 

On th$ subject of a filmized 'Music 
Box Revue,' vrhich Grace Moore has 
been talking about, '^tb songs by 
Berlin, the latter is first planning 
another Tin Pan Alley fllmusical 
which Frank Capra may produce for 
United Artists, as and when Capra- 
UA consummate their deal with 
David O. Selznick. Berlin, mean- 
time, heads for Hollywood in two 
weeks to sit in on 'Hollywood Inn,' 
which story Elmer Bice Is scripting 
for Bing Crosby, from an original 
theme by Berlin, and songs by the 
latter. This doesn't go into work 
until late fall, however. 



Marta Abba to Make 
Comeback in Strawfaa 



I 



Scully in N. Wfll Do 
Gertie Lawrence Biog 



Frank Scully, ex-VAiOETT rep on 
the Riviera, is in New York from 
Hollywood, houseguesting with 
Fanny Holtzmann, theatrical at- 
torney, and will later repair to her 
Connecticut farm to work on several 
scripts. 

One of these will be a Gertrude 
Lawrence biog for the Safevepost. 
first time that actress has sanctioned 
any such story. She's a Holtzmann 
legal client 



Cleveland, July 15. 
Marta Abba, noted Italian actress 
..:arried' Severence MlUikln, 
Cleveland millionaire - socialite, is' 
coming out- of- a- threo-year-rctije- 
ment to play lead role in a straw- 
hat production of Sardou's 'Divor- 
cons' in late August Legit star of 
•Tovarich* and a number of Piran- 
dello plays was lured back to stage' 
by Dina Rees Evans, managing di- 
rector of Cain Park's 3,000-seat civic 
summer theatre. 

A new version of Sardou's "Vic- 
torian comedy will be used. Miss 
Abba herself is making an idiomatic 
translation of it from the French, 
with Theodore Lorz as her collab- 
orator. 



TOUITG BTTZEB'S DEBUT 

Martha's 'Vineyard, Mass., July 15. 

Eden Bitzer, six-year-old son of 
Billy Bitzer, D. W. Griffith's camera- 
man on 'Birth of a Nation,' made his 
stage debut at the strawhat here last 
night (Monday) in the part of Pud 
in 'On Borrowed Time.' 

Urchin has been a model for the 
last two years. 



Al Jolson Wants Brother 
Harry's Suit Thrown Out 

Al Jolsoh has applied to N. Y. sii 
preme court to dismiss a $25,050 suit 
against him by his brother, Hatjry 
Jolson. Al claims that Harry's ac- 
tion is banned by the statute of limi 
tations, and that the alleged agree 
ment tietween them was not in writ- 
ing. 

Suit says that on Feb. \e, 1934, 
Harry signed a contract with Al who 
agreed to pay him $150 weekly for 
life, provided he dl^ not appear pro 
feEsionally on the stage. Amount 
sued for represents what Harry 
claims Al has failed, to ^pay jhinj,, . 



Tobias Wins His Cheyron 



.^♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦t»* »♦♦♦♦♦»*♦ »»♦♦»♦♦>♦>>»♦♦. 

i THE BERLE-ING POINT | 

By Milton Berle 



MOSCOW FUGHT 
STARTED BY 
INGERSOLL 



By GEORGE FHOST 

A flying clergyman with high 
praise on his lips fo> the denizens 
of the nation's fUm capital; a pianq- 
playing youth readying to fly the sea 
while all-asea over his draft status; 
and a restaurant condition that is 
rapidly shaping itself into part of the 
coming city election menu con- 
fronted LaGuardia Field, N. Y., ob- 
servers this week. Meanwhile, the 
summer lull in' headline travelers 
continues while the airlanes are 
filled with vacation seekers either 
bound for the hillsides where every- 
one says 'Good Morning,' or for New 
York. 

Transients of the week included 
Ralph Ingersoll, publisher of PM, 
who sn'WAolinered .to the West 
Coast to catch' the China Clipper, en- 
route to Russia where he hopes to 
interview Stalin, The PM-er Is said 
to be oiT official business for Presi- 
dent Roosevelt, also, although he 
steadfastly maintained he had noth- 
ing up bis sleeve but a pencil and a 
press card. 

Benny Goodman chose the Eastern 
Air Line route to 'Washington, while 
the Fan-American Clipper-trippers 
included Toroas de Rueda, manager 
of the Hotel . Belmar, of Mazatlan, 
Mexico, who was off to Usbon .and 
Madrid to visit his family; and Ed- 
ward Beck, former "NBC technician 
and music student, back from 
France where, among other things, 
(Continued on page 25) 



HVood $204,436 Tops 
All Groups m USO Drive 



Hollywood, July 15. 

Film industry tops all other groups 
in contributions to the United Serv- 
ice Organizations, leading off with 
$204,436 in its first financial report 

Figures were disclosed by 'ft^illiam 
Wellman, chairman of the committee 
in charge of studio donations. 



Chicago, July 15. 

This is my second, weel^ at the Chez Parce. Celebrated my birthday 
July 12. The gifts kept pouring In and pouring in— what am I going to 
do with 50 bottles of dIstiUed water? 

Business great at the Chez. ^The other night there were two big parties 
in — ^Paul SnfBll and Homo Vincent 

Stopping at the Seneca Hotel Like the way the place is ventilated— 
they have a picture of • fan dancer on the wall. 

Saw a sign on the room clerk's desk, Twtf can live as cheaply as one' — 
providing one sleeps in the lobby. ' 

Spent Sunday afternoon At ^gewater Beach. Basked in the sun for 
three hours. Henceforth I will be known as 'The Toast of the Town.' -j;. 

The mosquitos at the beach are very C9risiderable^ they carry a convoy 
of fireflies, so that they can see what they are doing. They don't want 
to bite you twice in the same place.' 

Went to Arlington racetrack. Going: takes 35 minutes by train; return- 
ing, two hours by wheelbarrow. 

Broadway Department 

Sherman Blllingsley of the Stork club is now serving' liquor in baby 
bottles-^for society playboys who never grow up. 

Moss Hart wires that he saw -a play on Broadway that was so bad the 
Department of Correction booked it into the Bedford Reformatory. 

Little Jackie Heller says, 'If you think there's a lot of dirt in burlesque 
— ^you should come to Pittsburgh.' (That soots me!) 

Broadway Sam is heartbroken. He met a beautiful girl on the Fourth 
of July — and die made a punk out of him. " 

Eddie Garr was such an admirer of the late Elsie the Cow, every time 
he eats a steak — he cries. 

Broadway Rose is summering at her island home — Welfare Island. 
HoUywoodisna 

Mickey Rooney and Lew Ayres have been teamed by Metro for 'Andy 
Hardy Stabs Doctor Kildare.' 

Jack Oakie went to a sneak preview of a picture that was so bad. when 
one of the characters in the picture said, 'Is there a doctor in the house?', 
25 writers stood up." • 

John Payne saw a strange thing on Hollywood Blvd. the other day — 
a woman wearing a woman's dress. (Slacker.) 

RKO may hold the world premiere of the Edgar Bergen picture, 'Look 
Who's Talking,' in a telephone booth. 

John Barrymore says, 'Running after women never hurt me. The 
trouble started when I caught up with them.' 

Muaie Department 

Do jrou think BMI songs will ^rin'g back kazoos? 

Phil Harris, the Faye-kir, would like to hear 'Veronica Lake, George 
Raft and .Ethel Waters sing 'Ole'Man River.' 

Radio Department 

When an M. B. S. announcer was drafted recently he was loyal to the 
end — while taking the oath he put in a two-minute phig for his sponsor, 

Fred Allen heard an opera singer on the air who held a note so long - 
the Morris Plan sued her. 

Fitch's Shampoo is going on the air with a new program called The 
Court of pissing Hairs.' 

Hangnail Descriptions 
/. Edgar Hoover: Snooperman. ..Phil Harris: Whadda ya hear from the 
cob?...Hedi/ Lamarr-Charles Boyer: 'Heat the People'.. .Richard Himber: 
Music charms the savage beast. . .My Mom: A Berle of great price. 
ObMrvatlon Department 
Tell me who your friends are and TU tell you who your co-makers 
will be. 

The only thing that can make a hillbilly- take his clothes off is a skunk. 
Eavesdropped at the Hi-Hat Club: 'His ad-libs aren't worth the paper 
they're written on: . 

Eavesdropped at the Panther Room: 'That's the first time I ever saw 
a face with a belt in the back.' 

Eavesdropped at the Blackhawk: "While he's taking her out she's tek- 
ing him in.' 

Whatever Became of — — — T 

Moore Sf Mitchell Kelso Bros. 

'Vine & Temple ' Anna Chandler 

Honorable Mr. Wu Irene Delroy 

Afterpiece , 
In Hollywood there's 18 Inches difference between a pat on the back 
and a Icick.In the pants. 



Chi campaign 

Chicago, July 15. 
Jack Kirsch, head of Allied Thea- 
tres, and chairman of the local 
amusement division of the United 
Service Organizatioil, c^ed a. meet- 
ing of leading members of the 
amusement business to discuss USO. 
campaign now under way. Purposes 
and plans of the USO were outlined, 
and detoils of the camp'algn were ex- 
plained. 

Quota for the amusement division 
fo^ this teiritory Is $10,000, and in 
asking for cooperation of the local 
theatrical men, Kirsch pointed out 
that although in the past they had 
been called upon for favors Jor the 
service men, such as the use of thea- 
tres, films, and motion picture equip- 
ment, not to mention talent, this is 
the first time they have been asked 
for actual cash. He suggested that 
each make a strong individual ap- 
peal to associates and employees, and 
to make an effort to reach the quota 
as quickly as possible before the 
deadline, July 25. 

Co-Chairmen John Balaban, of 
Balaban & Katz, Clyde Eckhardt of 
20th Century-Fox, and Edward Sil- 
verman of Essaness each made ap- 
peals and cited the need for imme- 
diate and wholehearted cooperation. 



DEL CAUFO Amm 

Regina, Sask., July 15, 
Manuel Del Campo, third husband 
of film actress Mary Astor, joined 
the Royal Canadian Air Force at 
Fenhold, Alberta, as a pilot He was 
a film editor. 

Arnold Bercovich, son of H; A. 
Bercovich, manager of the Rex, Re- 
gina, has joined the Royal Canadian 
Air Force. He was formerly door- 
fl»n at the Rex, „ .„ 



BiD (Gay 90s) Hardy's 
Road Co. at Camp Upton 

Camp Upton, L. I., July 15. 

Contributions by Bill Hardy, op- 
erator of the Gay Nineties, New 
York nitery, have converted the 
newly-renovated theatre here into 
k replica of Hardy's east side cafe. 
Among the props is an old buggy, 
which has been placed In front of 
the door. 

Irving Berlin la expected to dedi- 
cate thei new theatre Friday (18) 
night Hardy will also be on hand 
w4th part of his show, wfaile the 
soldiers will put on the first of - a 
series of mellers which they will 
present once a week. 

Former garage which the camp 
has been using as a theatre has been 
Improved by heightening the stage 
ceiling and adding an apron, dress- 
ing rooms, pA system, ete. Capt A. 
H. Rankin, morale officer,, formerly 
in the film biz, supervised the 
changes. 



Pascal Clippers to Eng. 



Gabriel Pascal clippered out of 
New York last night (Tuesday) for 
Lisbon on his way to England. Pro- 
ducer expects to be away about a 
month, arranging his affairs there 
and consulting George Bernard Shaw- 
on future production of GBS yams. 

On his return Pascal will start' 
shooting in Canada on The Snow 
Goose,' Paul GaUico story. Whether 
he will continue to work in Canada 
or transfer to Hollywood or I,ondon 
,^Jer tl^ fs , uncertain, a^ yet,,. , , 



ED MARIN LEAVES M-G 
AFTER 7 YEARS ON LOT 



Hollywood, July 15. 

After seven years as a director on 
the lot Ed M^rln is calling it quits 
at Metro. He handled around 30 pic- 
tures at the studio including the 
'Maisle' series. 

Marin couldn't see eye-to-eye with 
the front-office on choice of pictures 
and preferred moving, to another 
plcjit, with a deal in negotiation. 



MORE JUKE GAFFS 



Jitney and Coln-CatcUnr Gacs 
bat In B'way Zone 



Newest jukebox device is making 
its debut in the Broadway zone. A 
spieler-operator with a microphone 
circulates among the customers who 
are invited to say something. Price 
for' each "broadcast' is 5c. The 
voices, either talk or sing, are re- 
corded on a sensitized steel tape 
which Is immediately played back 
through a self-contained, loud- 
speaker or amplifier. 

Another new stunt to catch small 
coins has shown up in Times Square 
drugstores, soda and lunch counters, 
etc.' For a penny, a record is played 
while the customers sip or munch, 
coin slots- being placed' along the 
counter at nearly every seat 



MacMDBBAT-DIETBICHEB 

Hollywood, July 15. 

Paramount is lending Fred Mac- 
Murray to Columbia for top billing 
with Marlene Dietrich in 'Miss Mad- 
den Is Willing.' 

Mitchell Leisen directs the yam by 
^^es Edwwd Pfant. . L , 



Wednesday, Julj 16, 1941 



MISCELLANY 



PIX AS RADIO-ASCAP WEDGE 

. ; : — #■ 4- 

U S. Embassies to Have Press Agents 



Buc:.os Aires, July 15. 

Experienced newsmen, peaking the languages ot the" country, are 
expected to be added to the staffs of American Embassies in Buenos 
Aires, Rio de Jarfeiro, Sai&tlago, Chile; and several other capitals. Ma- 
jority are expected to, be press-association trained, preferably with 
background on the Latin-American desks of the wire services. 

William Wieland, former editor ot the Havana Post, and Charles 
Nutter, who has seen service in many parts of the globe an I is now in 
New Orleans, are reported slated for posts. They'll be 'loaned' to the 
U. S. State Department 'for the duration,' according to reports from 
S.A. 

While many U. S. Embassies have a secretary whose job i^ is to look 
after press relations, none, including the largest in B. A., does any real 
press cultivation Job and no propagandizing. Lack of such effort— 
especially in comparison with activity of the Nazi Embassies and more 
recently of the British Embassies in X«itin countries— has long been a 
point for criticism by practical experts on Pan American affairs. 
Pointed out that Embassies are no longer considered suspects because 
they have a press man and send out stories. 



Duchin s Hot Piano Intros Tea Dansant 
Ih Rio; Ventriloquist Yankeeisms Click 



Rio de Janeiro, July IS. 
Sunday tea dansants at the local 
Copacabana, which is strictly a 
kitery casino-restaurtnt, have, been 
Introduced with Eddy Duchin's ad- 
vent. The Brazilians are nerts for 
the Duchinesque pianology and 
smooth dansapatlon, and even Mon- 
day nights are virtual turnaways, 
hence the Sunday afternoon addi- 
tion. 

• Bob Evans, ventriloquist, and the 
Merriel Abbott Dancers are the sole 
support, both U.S. talent also. . 

Evans' double-talk with the dummy 
Is another surprise because it's not 
only 100% dialog but also idiomatic 
Yanqui, but most of the smart set 
locally understands' English well, 
and takes pride in 'getting' all the 
dummy's 'fresh' talk. 

■ Duchin's eight weeks end late in 
August and he and ,the entire band 
clipper back to America, the air pas- 
sage being part of the deal with Mu- 
sic Corp. of America. 



FROM TETRIFIED' TO 
'FOREST' IN 3 SUMMERS 



Lewis Howard, who was taken to 
Hollywood under contract by Uni- 
versal two years ago and has since 
played a flock of feature roles, re- 
turns ' in a few weeks to the scene 
of his initial professional engage- 
ment, the County theatre, Suflem, 
N. Y. 

He debuted there three summers 
ago in a bit rart in 'Petrified For- 
rest.' He returns in the same play, 
but in the lead. He's now winding 
up work in the picture version of 
'Hellzapoppin.' 



Ruth Sl Denis, At 65, 
* Dances At Festival 



SpringQeld, Mass., July 15. 
Friday (11) Ruth St Denis, 
danseuse, observed the 37th anni- 
versary of her appearance in ballet 
by opening the International dance 
festival at Jacob's Pillow, Becket. 
Nearly 65, she presented a program 
including the original Oriental 
dances which won her critical ac- 
claim. Ted Shawn served as narra- 
tor and Alex Alexay aS accompanist, 
playing a number of compositions 
written especially for Miss St 
Denis. 

Anton Dolin and his partner, 
Alicia Markova, are sponsoring the 
dance festival. 



'Cradle Snatchers' Back 
To B'way As Musical 

Hollywood, July 15. 

'Cradle Snatchers,' a veteran of 
Broadway, is coming back as a mu- 
sical show, with Vinton Freedley 
producing. 

Freedley is in town to set the 
dance team of Mary Parker and 
Billy Daniel for the leads. Piece is 
slated for autumn production. 



Who Said War Is- 



Camp Upton, L.I., July 15. 

01d-timer.s here wer* wonder- 
ing last week what this man's 
Army had come to. There was 
no gainsaying, though, they en- 
joyed it.- 

Press-agent gag had a flock of 
Cpnover models staging a fash- 
ion show — including sweaters — 
for the boys, with a jury of 12 
inductees selecting the 'best- 
dressed' gal. 



Gertie Aggravated 
By Inability to Make 
Speedy London Trip 



Gertrude Lawrence, who had her 
heart set on a trip back home to 
England, was somewhat aggravated 
sentimentally by the fact Gracie 
Fields was being expedited back to 
the homeland. However, subsequent 
advices from London are that under 
no circumstances could the British 
authorities guara. tee 'undelayed 
transport,' and while every endeavor 
would be made to maintain Miss 
Fields' schedule because of her Brit- 
ish War Relief tour in the States — 
also one in Canada for the Air Force 
— it was hazardous. Especially since 
Miss Lawrence has so large a com- 
pany and an investment as 'Lady in 
the Dark' tied up with her welfare. 

Outside of summering at her hus- 
band's (Richard Aldrich) place near 
Dennis, Mass., Miss Lawrence will 
do 'Behold We Live' Aug. 18, done 
in England some years ago, but 
never in America. 



Grade Field's A. C. Date 

Atlantic City, July 15. 

Gracie Fields, English comedienne, 
WjUl make her flrst and only Atlantic 
Cny appearance for the British War 
Relief Society on Saturday, Aug. 30, 
in the Atlantic City Convention Hall. 

Miss Fields' appearance comes on 
the Saturday night of the biggest 
weekend of season here — the Labor 
Day holiday. Kenneth B. Walton, 
chairman of A. C. branch and head 
of restaurant chain, is chairman. 



MICHAEL BARTLETT DATES 



Deal Fends for Tenor to Make Films 
For M. J. Hoffman 



Michael Bartlett's- second serious 
concert season will be a busy one. 
Besides eight performances this sum- 
mer with the Cincinnati Opera Co., 
he will sing in Rio during September 
at the flnish of the' opera season 
there. 

The tenor then sings at the 
Worcester Festival on Oct. 5 to start 
his concert season, which will have 
some 25-30 dates. A deal has been 
closed with M. J. Hoffman to make 
two pictures on the Coast which will 
probably get under way. after the 
flrst of the year. 

- No stories are set yet but films 
will have an operatic background. 



WOOD OEPLOBES Nostalgia 

AIR FLOGS 




Filmusical Tunes Held Un- 
able to Get Proper Promo- 
tion, Resulting in Dipping 
Grosses — Hit Songs, it's 

' Recalled, Have Upped 
Meager Pictures 



FILM COS. 'PATIENT' 



The importance of radio plugging 
for filmusical excerpts has loomed 
larger in recent weeks, with the 
ASCAP-broadcasters stymie that is 
keeping celluloid tunes off the air, 
and it may be that the picture end 
of the music publishing business will 
influence a new turn in the music- 
radio 'war.' For one thing, the dip- 
ping grosses have pointed up, more 
than ever, the value and importance 
of the song, the songwriter and the 
publisher. 

Distribution executives on the 
eastern end of. the picture business 
are now recalling that an Love 
You' put over a flopping 'Little Jesse 
James'; that 'Smpke Gets In. Your 
Eyes' hypoed a withering 'Roberta'; 
that Hannah Williams took Billy 
Rose's 'Crazy Quilt' out of the red, 
into the profit - column, by her sing- 
ing of 'Cheerful Little Earful.' And 
ditto the ' general benefit to screen 
musicals, if the tunes are properly 
exploited. 

The picture coinpanies, hence, in 
re-examining their contracts with 
ASCAP and ASCAP songsmiths, find 
that they have the right to put songs 
on the air for exploitation; have the 
contractual right for radio trailers 
of song material; plus the right to 
exhibit them in motion picture the- 
atres and elsewhere. 

Having these rights, plus the 
ASCAP consent decree which no 
(Continued on page 54) 



ic Yarns in High Favor With 
Fihn Producers; Eases Trouhled Time 



Countess Tolstoy 
Airs Her Peeve 
Vs. Picture Cos. 



Nyack, N. Y., July 15. 

Countess Alexandra L. Tolstoy, 
daughter of Count Leo Tolstoy, Rus- 
sia's great novelist and playwright, 
disclosed a long standing gripe with 
film companies who use her fathei;'s 
works without paying royalties. She 
named Metro's 'Anna Karenina' as 
an example. Her comment came at 
an interview in connection with 
opening of Reed Farm, the new 70- 
acre project of the Tolstoy Founda- 
tion, Inc., Valley Cottage, where 
sanctuary will be given to Russian 
refugees unable to maintain them- 
selves, f 

Countess Tolstoy spoke with some 
(Continued on page 18) 



Goldwyn's Gehrig Pic 

• Hollywood, July 15. 

Samuel Goldwyn has closed a deal 
with Mrs. Lou Gehrig and the late 
Yankee star's manager, Christy 
Walsh, for a picture to embrace the 
ball player's career on and off the 
diamond. Walsh- will work on the 
story and be advisor on production. 

David O. Selznick and Metro also 
sought the rights to the Gehrig saga, 
but were outbid by Goldwyn. 



'Just Call Me Al' 

RKO, which several weeks ago 
registered several titles indicating in- 
terest in a pic about former Gov- 
ernor Alfred E. Smith, appears to be 
still hot on the idea?- Last week It 
added to the labels it claims: 'Gov- 
ernor Al Smith,' 'Alfred E. Smith' 
and 'The Life of Al Smith.' 



Not All Dross 



Hollywood, July 15. 

There's gold in the silver on 
the cutting room floor, a discov- 
ery made by one of the current 
biggies who got his start years 
ago by sweeping out studios, 
gratjs, and extracting precious 
metal from strips of discarded 
celluloid. 

20th-Fox 'mines' $7,000 a year 
out of its cuttings. Annual sil- 
ver salvage in all the studios 
runs close to $50,000. 



Ozark Hillbillies 
Think Par's Version 
Of 'Shepherd' Libelous 



St. Louis, July 15. 

The Paramount fllih version of 
Harold Bell Wright's 'Shepherd of 
the Hills' has aroused plenty of beefs 
in Branson, Mo., an Ozark mountain 
town which is the locale for most of 
the tale, in its first showing in that 
burg last week. A one-man picket 
paraded in front of the local flicker 
house showing, the picture bearing a 
sign which read 'Unfair to Local 
Characters.' Other beefs were made 
by those who said the flicker did not 
do justice to the Ozark country and 
its people. . 

Deep in 'Shepherd of the Hills' 
tradition, Branson is between Mutton 
Hollow and Dewey Bald, and is near 
where author Wright set up his tent 
to write the yarn. Several descend- 
ants of the original characters still 
live in nearby hills. The Rev. J. E. 
Chase, pastor of the Christian 
Church In Branson, and one of those 
invited to a preview showing, de- 
clared that he considered the flicker 
the most 'deplorable production he 
had ever seen.' 

'To represent those loveable old 
characters of the hills in roles the 
picture ascribes to them is inexcus- 
able and merits unsparing censure,' 
the n^inistcr asserted. 

Pearl Spurlock, widely known 
Ozark ,femme tax driver, chipped in 
with her beef by stating, 'I don't get 
mad very easy, but when I saw what 
Hollywood calls our Shepherd of the 
Hills, I was really mad.' The main 
complaint was that in addition to the 
fact that Uncle Ike and some o'lher 
loved characters were omitted, it 
seemed to be the screen writers' idea 
that a hillbilly had to be ignorant, 
ruthless and lawless. Another ob- 
jector complained 'the picture does 
not ' portray the .depth of affection, 
the inherent goodness and kindness 
of the true Ozarkian, and in no man- 
ner does it tell the story of his way 
of living.' 



STEVENS IN THREE-PIC 
DEAL AT TWO STUDIOS 



Hollywood, July 15. 

George Stevens has closed a three- 
picture deal calling for one director- 
ial job at Metro and two producer- 
director chores at Columbia. 

First is an untitled Katherine Hep- 
burn-Spencer Tracy co-starrer on 
the Culver City lot, to be produced 
by Joseph Mankiewicz, starting Aug. 
15. At Columbia, Stevens is slated 
to produce and pilot 'Mr. Twilight,' 
a Cary Graht starrer, and another 
not yet named. 



Hollywood, July 15. 
Nostalgia is paying off plenty these 
days to those writers who are smart 
enough to turn to 'the good old days* 
for material. At no time in the his- 
tory of the industry have the pro- 
ducers leaped with such enthusiasm 
to other times in fashioning . their 
picture menus. The war and an in- 
terversion of the national conscious- 
ness are responsible. 

Comedy, Hollywood has expected, 
would be the great boxoffice bait in 
these troubled times. Comedy is get- 
ting a fair share of producer effort. 
But nostalgia is the string upon 
which the film makers seem to be 
harping most fervently. 

With two-thirds of the world 
wallowing in war, the films now pur- 
pose to turn back the clock to days 
when people were happier, or 
thought they were. Action pictures, 
comedies, romances and mysteries 
all 'figure in - this surge of nostalgia. 

Warners leads this parade, with 
flye films being readied to capitalize 
on the escapist appeal. One of the 
year's important productions at the 
Burbank lot is 'Kings Row,' from the 
best seller, which will have a larg» 
cast headed by Ann Sheridan, Ron- 
ald Reagan, Robert Cummings ^nd 
James $tephenson, with Sam Wood 
(Continued on page IS) 



DOROTHY THOMPSON 
TO AIR FROM LONDON 



Dorothy Thompson Is slated to 
start a series of broadcasts for NBC 
from London shortly after she ar- ■ 
rives there next week! New York 
Post-Bell Syndicate ' columnist is 
skedded to hop the clipper for Lis- 
bon tomorrow (Thursday) and pro- 
ceed immediately to London. She 
will continue writing her column 
from abroad. She expects to be 
away from four to six weeks. 

Miss Thompson also has an- Idea 
of going to Moscow if she can arrange 
transportation, but her agents said in 
New York this week that that is 
highly unlikely. Writer formerly 
aired in this country for Mutual. 



Par Player Roster At 
99, Double Last Year! 



Hollywood, July 15. 

New high in contract players was 
registered at Paramount with a total 
of 99. List contains 78 under term 
pacts and 21 slated for special deals. 

Current roster contrasts with 59 at 
the same time last year. 




Trad* Mark neKl>l«re4 
POII.N-DBD nit BIME BILVEBMAN 
rublliilied WMklr br VAKIKTY, lac. 

Sid Silverman, PresMant 
1S4 West 4Ct)i Street, Now York, N'. T. 



evnscniPTioN 










.2C Cenia 


Vol. 143 o^gliS'' 


No. 6 



INDEX 

Band Reviews 42 

Bills 47 

Chatter 53 

Concert 38 

Exploitation 13 

Film Booking Chart 18 

Film Reviews 8 

Film Trade Showings 18*" 

House Reviews 48 

Inside — Legit ^. 50 

Inside — Orchestras 40 

International News 16 

Literati 52 

Legitimate 50 

Music 42 

Night Clubs 44 

Night Club Reviews 49 

Obituary 34 

Orchestras 

Pictures 4 

Radio 26 

Radio MarkeU 33 

Radio Reviews 34 

Unit Review 49 

Vaudeville 44. 

nAII.T VARIRTT 

(I'uhlislied' In IIoll>'Wood by 
Dally Vnrlel;, Md.) 
110 a year — tl3 foreign 



PICTURES 



Wednesclay, July 16, 1911 



UA's Selznick, CajHra, Gordon 
And Goetz Means Henty o' 



Fix 



United Artists will probably de- 
liver more product in 1941-42 than 
during any season in its history — 
it its commitments are all lulfllled. 
Operating chlel Arthur Kelly, just 
back in New York from the Coast, 
disclosed yesterday (Tuesday) that 
18 pictures are already set lot re- 
lease. 

In addition, there will probably be 
two pictures each from David O. 
Selznick and Frank Capra, Kelly 
said, plus three from Kaling Studios 
in England, two holdovers which 
were sold on 1940-41 contracts, and 
the product ol several new pro- 
ducers. 

Kelly also revealed that Max Gor- 
don and Harry Goetz have joined 
UA producer ranks. They will make 
a minimum of two and a maximum 
of three pix a year for three years. 
Their first film, he said, will prob- 
ably be The American Way,' from 
the legiter ot a couple seasons ago. 

An important part ot the role to 
lie played by Gordon and Goetz will 
be as legit producers, however, as- 
■ serted the UA head. They will give 
UA 'an avenue right to Broadway' 
for acquiring and financing large- 
ccale legiters, said Kelly. . 

Gordon-Goetz, he explained, will 
also stage legiters for other UA pro- 
ducers. For instance, should Alex- 
ander Korda have a film property 
which he would first like to have put 
on Broadway as a legit, he will 
make arrangements with Goetz and 
Gordon to put it on for him and par- 
ticipate in it 

Scltnlek-Capra All Set 
Deal by which Selznick and Capra 
become producer-owners of UA is 
all set, Kelly said, with signing time 
hinging principally on arrival of the 
participants on the Coast. The two 
producers are now on their way 
west, biirUA's attorney, Edward C. 
Baftery, Is tied up in the Crescent 
anti-trust case In Nashville. If he 
can't get away in a couple days, 
however, Kelly said Loyd Wright 
will take over and act for the com- 
pany. _ 

Sol Lesser has not been released 
from his contr&ct with UA, Kelly 
stressed, despite his acceptance of 
production exec post at RKO. Lesser 
etill has four pictures to deliver to 
UA. (including 'Strange Victory,' 
now in production), said the UA 
chieftain, and 'anyone with a UA 
contract has to provide a good rea' 
son for not fulfilling It.' > 

On the Ealing deal, Kelly said that 
UA had agreed to handle worldwide 
distribution — outside of the U. S. 
on eight pictures. Of these it has 
Its choice of any three for distribu- 
tion in this country. First one will 
be 'Ships With Wings,' 'sUrring' the 
British aircraft carrier Ark Royal, 
many times claimed by the Nazis 
to have been sunk. 

Gordon-GOeU 
Gordon and Goetz have both re- 
cently been working for Columbia, 
producing separately (Goetz iil asso- 
ciation with Gregory Ratoff), but 
having a financial stake in each oth- 
er's product. Kelly said they are 
now free to come to UA, and will 
probably make one picture and get 
a start on another for the coming 
season's release. Goetz was former- 
ly associated with UA via a partner- 
chip in Reliance Pictures with UA 
producer Edward Small. . 

Gordon-Goetz in addition to their 
Columbia activity, also had a com- 

Imitment for a film to RKO, but have 
\ been released, Kelly saici. They were 
I to make 'American Way,' of which 
they were principal producers of the 
legiter. RKO paid $350,000 for film 
rights to the patriotic property. 
Kelly said arrangements are t>eing 
negotiated for acquisition of the 
rights from RKO, under which that 
•tudio would participate in the 
profits. Gordon and Goetz will do 
all of their own financing, Kelly said, 
with the company not providing any 
coin. 

One more new producer is under 
consideration, UA operating heed 
declared, for addition to the com- 
pany's ranks. He refused to name 
bim.' 

Capra has one story in mind, said 
Kelly, but it couldn't be named, 
while Selznick iias developed an en- 
tirely new original— about which 
Kelly was very mysterious— which 
will probably be made. 'first. Yarn 
Is 'V for Victory' (see story on 
I>8ge 1). 'Jane i^re' Is being held 
up because it too closely resembles 
TRebecca,' while road company tours 
«t 'Claudia' will prevent Selznick's 



UA ERECTING THEATRE, 
DANCERY IN SO. AFRICA 

Hollywood, July 15. 
Erection of a combination theatre, 
dance hall and restaurant in Cape 
Town, South Africa, was author- 
ized by United Artists at a meeting 
of company owner-members here, 
prior to the departure of Arthur 
Kelly; chief of world-wide opera- 
tions, to take part in other UA fi- 
nancial problems in New York. 

Main question is the status of the 
David O. Selznick-Frank Capra deal 
for member-ownership in the com- 
pany. Contracts for a 10-year agree- 
ment are expected to be signed when 
Kelly returns this week. 



Hammond, Ex-Aide To 
Macgowan, 20th Producer 

Hollywood, July 15. 

Len Hammond, former assistant to 
Kenneth Macgowan at 200i-Fox, was 
named associate producer on 'Swamp 
Water' and 'Confirm or Deny.' 

Jean Renoir directs 'Swamp,' 
which went into work yesterday 
(Mon.). 'Confirm' rolls Aug. 4, with 
the pilot still unselected. 

— < 

Defense's Night 
Shifts No Help 
To B.O.-(jolden 



TREH cm PROD. CHIEF 
IN SHAEEUP AT MONO 



CLOSER CO-OP 
BETWEEN ARMY 
AND PIX 



Hollywood, July 15. 
First of series of meetings to weld 
closer relationship between the army 
and the film industry was held yes- 
terday (Monday), with MaJ. Gen 
Robert Richardson, chief public re- 
lations officer of the army, here from 
Washington to put his suggestions 
before studio heads. 

Full cooperation was promised all 
around and' the nature of the com' 
plete program will be divulged after 
Gen. Richardson has made the stu 
dio rounds and conferred with vari- 
ous executives associated with in 
dustry leadership in the courttry's 
defense program. 



REPUBUC GETS BID TO 
JOIN PRODUCERS ASS'N 



Hollywood, July 15. 

Republic, the largest independent 
company in the film industry, has 
been invited to become a member of 
the Association of Motion Picture 
Producers, composed entirely of ma- 
jor companie.<! 

Studio is expected to accept, since 
company executives have already 
been participating - in labor matters 
and other problems of the associa- 
tion. 



Par Slate Reelected 



All Paramount officers were unan- 
imously reelected for a period of one 
year at a special meeting ot the 
board of directors Thursday (10). It 
was the organization session of the 
new board named at the stockhold- 
ers' meeting last month. 

Officers reelected are Barney ELala- 
ban, president; Adolph Zukor, chair- 
man of board; Stanton Griffis, chair- 
man of executive committee; Y.Frank 
Freeman, Austin C. Keough, Neil F. 
Agn^w, John W. . Hicks, Jr., and 
Henry Ginsberg, vice-presidents; 
Walter B. Cokell, treasurer; Axistin 
C Keough, secretary; . Fred Mohr- 
hardt, 'ccmptrallcr; Norman Collyer, 
Jacob H. Karp, Frank Meyer, assist- 
ant secretaries. 



Washington, July IS. 
Night shifte in industry, though 
employment rises naturally boost 
general purchasing power, are prob- 
ably one of the factors behind un- 
satisfactory film theatre patronage, 
in the view of Nathan D. Golden, 
head of the U. S. Commerce Dept 
motion pictures division. 

Back from the exhibitors' meeting 
in Hollywood, Golden conunented 
Saturday (12) on the squntTks of 
theatre managers about the poor 
volume ot business. Although sea- 
sonal factors should be considered 
and attendance normally falls with 
the approach of hot weather and 
later sunsets, Golden remarked that 
increased industrial activity requir- 
ing many persons to work nights un- 
doubtedly is 'a contributing factor' 
in recent boxoffice slumps. 

The disheartening dive just prior 
to the Fourth of July weekend prob 
ably was a low point for thf season, 
the Commerce Dept expert cheered, 
Attendance should mount now that 
the corner has been turned. 

Though it has some disadvantage- 
ous angles, the defense program ican 
be cultivated to the eventual profit 
of the film industry. Golden said; As 
he suggested at the Hollywood con- 
clave. Golden thinks exhibs can at- 
tract a large percentage of the 30,- 
000,000 persons who seldom catch 
pictures through cooperation with 
the schools and camps of the military 
establishment. Furnishing selected 
pictures at nominal charge would 
build goodwill and arouse a latent 
desire for screen entertainment. 

Film industry activity in connec 
tion with defense efforts drew kudos 
from the Commerce Department of 
flciaL Not only are instructional 
films being turned out at cost, but 
the industry is doing a fine job in 
providing' stars for entertainment 
tours. 

Discussing film matters in general. 
Golden said the shortage of tech- 
nicians on the West Oiast due to de- 
fense demands is not particularly 
difficult and pointed out that studio 
employment is at its highest level 
with the rush to finish films before 
the new booking season and the ef- 
fect of the new selling scheme. 



Hollywood, July 15. 
Shakeup in the Monogram outfit 
resulted in the appointment of Trem 
Carr as executive director in charge 
of production. Other new ap- 
pointees, are J. P. FriedhofT, comp'- 
troller and assistant treasurer, and 
Norton V. Ritchey, v.p. in charge of 
foreign distribution. 

New board of directors consists of 
W. Ray Johnston, Carr, Howard 
3tubbins, Mel Huling, Herman Rif- 
kin, John Mangham, Charles 
Trampe, Steve Broidy and Ray 
Young. 



irtant Copyright Decidon WiD 
Save Literati Fees; 2(lths Test 



WAR STIMULUS 
UPS CANADA 
PIX BIZ 



Montreal, July 15. 
War stimulation of business in the 
Dominion is reflected in receipts and 
admissions ot moving picture houses 
throughout Canada during 1940 in 
statement jiSst issued by the Cana- 
dian Bureau ot Statistics. Receipts 
were second highest on record since 
1930. Number ot picture houses in 
Canada rose from 1,136 in 1939 to 
1,226 last year. Currently they will 
not show much fncrease on latter 
figures since government has de- 
creed that money shall not hence- 
forward be diverted to building ot 
picture theatres during duration of 
war 

Receipts for 1940 totalled $37,6S 
000 against $34,010,000 in 1939, up 
11%. Admissions were 150,812,000 
against 138,497,000, up 9%. Standout 
betterment is shown by Halifax, 
N. S., where a huge new*war (army, 
navy and air) Increment has nearly 
doubled the population, Here ad- 
missions are up 38% for 1940 and 
receipts up 48%. Returns as to re- 
ceipts are exclusive ot provincial 
amusement taites. 

Ontario led the nine provinces of 
Canada last year in revenues re- 
ceived, with Quebec Province sec- 
ond. Receipts in Quebec were up 
from $7,033,000 to $7,473,000. Ontario 
showed a gain of $i2,000,000 to $17,- 
331,000. Only province to show 
decline was Alberta from $2,014,000 
to $2,001,000. 



Washington, July 15. 

Serial stories and other continuing 
material published it) installments 
can be copyrighted in single batches 
under an Important District of Co- 
lumbia Court of Appeals ruling in a 
tiff between 20th-Fox and the U. S. 
Copyright Office. 

Issuance of a mandamus, directing 
Registrar, Clement L. Bouve to grant 
one copyright certificate for collected 
installments of 'In Old Chicago,' was 
upheld by a three-judge panel in an 
opinion by Associate Justice Justin 
Miller, declaring the registrar 
seemed motivated by a desire to col- 
lect largest possible number of $2 
registration fees. 

Effect of the decision is that comic 
strips, series of articles, fiction in- 
stallments and such material may be 
assembled in book form and pro- 
tected by only one application. 
Registrar previously refused to grant 
certificate until application was made 
for each installment of the script 
released lor newspaper publication. 

We see no reason to assume a re- 
quirement tit separate registration 
as applied to the facts of the present 
case merely because the book which 
was deposited revealed on its face 
that the material was to be used in 
serialized form. Many books are re- ' 
published as serials and no reason 
appears for penalizing a publisher 
on account of his foresight in antici- 
pating such republications. It might 
as well be contended that separating 
a book into chapters should declare 
separate registration of each,' the' 
court declared. 



filming that legiter for some time, 
Kelly said. 

Eighteen 1941-42 pictures set so 
far were listed by Kelly as: 'New 
Wihe' (Sekely), 'Lydia' and 'Jungle 
Book' (Korda), 'Sundown,' 'Eagle 
Squadron,' To Be or Not to Be' (di- 
rected by Ernst Lubitsch) and a 
western on the type of 'Stage Coach' 
(Wanger), 'International Lady,' 
'Twin Beds,' 'Annie Rooney* (with 
Shirley Temple), 'Heliotrope' and 
'My Official Wife' (Small), *Tlie Mat- 
ing C^aU' (Loew-Lewin), 'A Man's 
Man' (Rowland), 'Shanghai C^esture' 
(Pressburger), 'Major Barbara' and 
'Snow Goose' (Pascal), "Three Cock- 
eyed Sailors' (British-made). 

In addition there will be 'Corsican 
Brothers' (Small) a'nd 'Strange Vic- 
tory' (Lesser) sold in 1940-41, but to 
be delivered during the coming sea- 
son. There are also t^e three Ealing 
pictures, plus 10 'streamliners' Irom 
Hal Roach. 



flays Office Most Stand 
Trial on Criterion Soit 



Los Angeles, July 15. 

Criterion Pictures -won a technical 
point in its $1,500,000 damage suit 
against Motion Picture Producers & 
Distributors Association when Judge 
Jenney in U. S. district court denied 
a motion by the defendants to dis- 
miss the action.- 

Complaint involves the picture, 
'Damaged Goods,' which was denied 
a purity seal by the Hays office. Suit 
charges undue influence by several 
[ major studios. Plaintiff points out 
that 'Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet' was 
permitted on the screen although it 
dealt' with the same subject, social 
disease. 



Merle Oberon's N.Y. Sked 

Merle Oberon will arrive in New 
York on Friday (18) for a week's 
stay, following her guest appearance 
on 'Housewarming,' radio shQw with 
Benny Goodman, originating for the 
NBC web from the Goodman (no re- 
lation) theatre, Chicago, tomorrow 
(Thursday). 

MisB Oberon goes to Chicago from 
Hollywood, where she just wound up 
work in Alexander Korda's (tier 
husband) promotion ot 'Lydia.' 
She'll restrict herself to vacationing 
and press interviews while in New 
York. 



L. A, TO N. Y. 

Heagan Bayles. 
S. N. Behrman. 
Barbara 'Brewster. 
Teddy Carr. 
Samuel Goldwyn. 
Monroe GreenthaL 
Mann Holiner. 
Paul Hollister. 
Carol Irwin. 
Arthur W. Kelly. 
Milton Krasner. 
Helen Lewis. 
Harpo Marx. 
Max Milder. 
Harry Ommerle. 
Bill Raynor. 
Tom Revere. 

Royer. 

Frank Seltzer. 
Edgar Selwyn. 
Will Yolen. 



NEWSREELERSASKU3. 
EASE-UP ON ICELAND 



Newsreel offices in N. Y. are mak- 
ing representations in Washington in 
an effort to change the rigid censor- 
ship rules laid down regarding U. S. 
military occupation of Iceland. All 
American reels have been barred 
from sending camera crews to Ice> 
land In President Roosevelt's deci- 
sion to keep American newspaper- 
men and news syndicate photogra- 
phers from the northern island 
country. Basis for request that the 
newsreels be permitted to take pic- 
tures is that they were not even 
mentioned by Stephen Early in his 
statement that representatives of 
three major press services and news 
syndicate cameramen might be al- 
lowed later to proceed to Iceland. 

Roosevelt's ruling, announced late 
last week, is that news men must 
stay out of Iceland until the occupa- 
Uon of the island by U. S. forces is 
completed. Early explained that the 
President felt 'for the time being 
that it is purely a military program.' 

Basis for newsreelers' objection to 
such clampdown is that a virtual, 
complete censorship on all army and 
navy subjects in U. S. exists already 
today. Consequently, any material 
I photographed on Iceland would have 
to go through military hands before 
I being released by the newsreels. 

Some newsreel executives are 
hoping that the IceUnd problem may 
result in a voluntary censorship be- 
ing set up, whereby newsreel crews 
would - be gLv«n certain credentials 
and submit an unfinished 'purple' 
print of every military story to Gov- 
ernment censor executives before re- 
leasing it Such a plan has been un- 
der consideration but never has been 
officially put into operation. 



N. Y. TO L. A. 

Ray Collins. 
Sandra Gould. 
Rosalind Ivan. 
Mrs. Victor Mature. 
David O. Selznick. 
Jules C. Stein. 
Monty WooUey. 



ARRIVALS 



(At the Port of New York) 
Mr. and Mrs. Hugo del Carill, Mr, 
and Mrs. Paul Draper (Heidi 
Vosselert. 



SAILINGS 

July 18 (Rio de Janeiro to New 
York) Maribel Vinson, Guy Owen 
(Brazil). 



Hedy Pots Bite on Leo 

Hollywood, July 15, 
Hedy Lamarr is back on the 
Metro payroll after a suspension ot 
several weeks due to salary differ- 
ences. 

Understood the actress got a sub- 
stantial Increase and is reading the 
script of 'H. M. Pulham, Esq.' 



Coupla Balls of Fire 

Hollywood, July 15. 
'BaU of Fire,' once titled 'The 
Professor and the Burlesque Queen, 
goes into work Aug. 1 with Gary 
Cooper and Barbara SUnwyck co- 
starring. 

Howard Hawks directs the Sam- 
uel Goldwyn production, screen- 
played by Charles Brackett and 
Billy WUder. 



Wednesdajr, Julj 16, 1941 



PICTURES 



LUKEWARM TO TRADESHOWS 



FILM BIZ BY DECREE 



After a battle within the film trade which has extended oyer 
a long period of years, blind-selling and blockbooking have 
passed as trade, prajctices and a new and wholly untried system 
of licensing films for exhibition in theatres comes into opera- 
tion. The new plan requires the five major companies — Metro, 
Paramount, Warners, 20th-Fox and RKO — to 'show' their pic- 
tures in all key centers prior to negotiating any actual contracts 
for theatre engagements. The rules are contained in the Con- 
sent Decree by which the U.S. Government permitted the major 
film concerns for a trial period of three years to retain control 
over their affiliated circuits of theatres in return for agreeing 
to abolish seasonal program selling. Groups of feature pictures 
available for sale are now limited to five films. 



Starting on this page of Variety, extensive reports from 
numerous cities furnish an accurate and impartial cross-section 
of the exhibitor reaction to the ne\y order of business, brought 
about chiefly by organized pressure groups among themselves 
that carried the alleged monopolistic complaints to the Depart- 
ment of Justice. Measured in terms of exhibitor attendance at 
the initial trade showings, the innovation is a 'bust.' Viewed, 
however, in the light of the future internal workings of produc- 
tion, distribution aild exhibition, the new plan is revolutionary. 



In a business where enthusiasm, anticipation and eagerness 
play so great a part in creating the commercial values, the 
tradeshowings so far held, and those immediately to follow, 
have been inaugurated with an air of phlegmatic compliance 
with a legal requirement, ra^ther than as something new, dif- 
ferent and startling as an industry plan. 



The substance of distributor attitude seems to be, 'Here they 
are; come and see them if you wish.' And the prospective 
theatre-customer, sitting with a small group in some large 
theatre auditorium, or crushed in a packed exchange projection 
room, says to himsielf, 'Are these the pictures that are going 
to keep me in business another year? And, if I have to look 
at films for several hours three or four days a week, how am I 
going to find' time to run my theatre?' 



Crux of the matter is tha^ any picture first screened in a pro- 
jection room, or a private theatre showing, is at a damning dis- 
advantage, except when viewed by men who by training and 
long experience can mentally furnish the essential of audience 
reaction. And not one person in a thousand is capable to place 
any accurate boxoffice value on a film presented under such 
dour circumstances. 



It is because of its showmanship background over a third of 
a century that Variety, with modest self-assurance, projects 
Its film reviewing service to th« fore as a reliable and depend- 
able agency to assist both sellers and buyers. 



Tradeshow Film Reviewing Racket, 
A la Tipster Service, in M waukee? 



Milwaukee, July 15. 

Nipping in the bud. a projected 
racket born out of the tradeshow re- 
quirements ot the Consent Decree, 
the board of directors of the Inde- 
pendent Theatre Protective Associa- 
tion of Wisconsin and Northern 
Michigan adopted plans at a meet- 
ing here Friday (11) to protect ex- 
hibitors throughout the territory and 
at the same time provide them with 
a service that will nullify some of 
the objections to the new system of 
' film buying and booking being inau- 
gurated this week. 

i3uring the past coupla weeks a 
number of exhlbs in this area have 
been approached by promoters seek- 
ing to sell subscriptions to a confi- 
dential reviewing service. It was 
explained to the theatre men that 
under the proposed plan, they 
would not have to go to the trouble 
or expense of previewing any film 
in the future; tradeshows would be 
covered fully by the promoters and 
they would supply the exhibs with 
secret reports giving them the real 
lowdown on all product shown. It 
didn't sound 100% to the showmen, 
who saw in the Idea an opportunity 
for the promoters to shake down the 
producers as well as themselves, and 
they still wouldn't have a true pic- 
ture of aim product. 

An emergency meeting of the indie 
board of directors was called and 
this is the course of action they de- 
cided upon: 

Formation of a screening commit- 



tee of seven members who will haVe 
a mandatory job of attending all 
tradeshows. The names of this com- 
mittee will be a secret, and each 
member will write a candid review 
of every picture, following an out- 
lined form designed to cover all con- 
tingencies. Each review will be 
signed by a letter of the alphabet, a 
combination of letters or a number, 
which will be the only means of 
identifying the writer. This secrecy 
will prevent any member of the 
committee being put on the- spot, 
either by producers, exchange men 
or other exhibs. 

These reviews will be written im- 
mediately following every trade- 
show and sent out at once from as- 
sociation offices. The first set of re- 
ports will go out at the end of the 
current week to every exhib in the 
territory, so aU may see what is 
being done; after this they will go to 
association members only. After the 
first few reviews, the recipient will 
know from the signature which re- 
views' work best covers the picture 
for his particular locality — first runs, 
nabes, city, suburban or rural com- 
munities, and thus learn to depend 
upon them for his guidance in buy- 
ing, 

Every member of the reviewing 
committee is a bona flde exhibitor of 
established standing and reputation, 
and their annlyses of new films will 
be issued solely as an association 
service and at no extra cost to mem- 
bers. 



EVEN THE EXHIBS 
mil T FILMS 



Variety's National Survey of 
Exhibitor Reaction to 
Tradeshowings in Sundry 
Exchangr* Cities — M a i n 
Gripe Is That They're 
Time-Devouring and Too 
Costly for the Average 
Theatre Owner 

JURY STILL OUT 



Varied and plentiful were the rea- 
sons contributed by exhibs this week 
for their absence In untold droves 
from the trade screenings for which 
they have so long battled. To most 
of them it was too much trouble to 
gat to the theatres where the pic- 
tures were being shown, with the 
result that just 43 exhibs or their 
reps turned out Monday (14) for the 
initial tradeshow in the metropolitan 
New York area. 

It was the same all over. From 
Hollywood, Albany, Atlanta, Boston, 
Buffalo and the 25 other exchange 
centers in which the screenings were 
held came reports of complete In- 
difference by exhibs to the shows. 
Hollywood had 15 theatremen pres- 
ent, Atlanta 12, other cities similar 
inconsequential exhibitor represen- 
tation on the initial days of the 
tradeshows. 

Although the l-told-you-so's among 
distributors were plentiful, the mea- 
ger turnouts at the screenings were 
sorely disappointing to the industry 
in general and to RKO and Metro 
In particular, for they had t-ken 
over large houses for the showings 
of 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), 'Para- 
chute Battalion* (RKO), 'Devil and 
Daniel Webster' (new title: 'Here Is 
a Man') (RKO) and 'Father Takes a 
Wife' (RKO). 

UW In 1,900-Seat Hons* 
For its New York screening, RKO 
occupied the 1,900-seat Broadway 
theatre. Fewer than 100 were jn the 
house altogether on Monday (14), 
more than half of them being trade- 
paper reviewers, exchange em- 
ployees, home-office help and pub- 
licity men. Only five of the exhibs 
were from out-of-town and all but 
one had come to New York primar- 
ily to do their booking and not to at- 
tend the screening. 

Even exhibs' wives, daughters and 
Aunt Minnies, who usually show up 
in profusion for preview screenings, 
were notable by their absence. Re- 
sult was a dismal, and unresponsive 
audience that would have had 
trouble swallowing even a lot more 
delectable morsel than was offered. 

The little band of lonely specta- 
tors grouped together midst the vast 
extianses of empty seats definitely 
proved one thing— that the projec- 
tion room is the place for trade- 
screening all but the most important 
films. Lack of attendance, however, 
is in line . with experience In Eng- 
land, where the advance shows are 
padded with newspaper people and 
the'if friends to make It' look like a 
crowd. 

Curiosity Draw 

Most of the exhibs and circuit buy- 
ers at the New Yofk screening ad- 
mitted It was physically impossible 
for them to see every picture and 
that they had just come to the first 
to get a gander of what the screen- 
ings are to be like. Many of them 
had the same intentions as Arthur 
(Continued on page 24) 



Tilm Biz Sends its Full line 
To England But Only Gets Back 



^ Revenue'-lndustry Beef 




O'Connor's 1st U Visit 



Hollywood, July IS. 

John O'Connor, Universal vice- 
president and aide to Nate Blum- 
berg, is here on his first visit to the 
studio since assuming his new post. 

Product sessions get under way 
with the arrival today (Tuesday) of 
Bill Scully, sales chief. 



MOVE TO EASE 
OVERLAPPING 
SCREENINGS 



Although the Hays office has not 

been asked to work out a system 
of trade screenings for all five major 
companies under the Consent De- 
cree, which would simplify the na- 
tionwide lineup, it is understood 
that the five majors will get to-- 
gether shortly on some such ar- 
rangement. Reason for seeking such 
action is that there is danger of con- 
flicting dates In the futur.a and a 
system of allocating dates appears 
essential. 

For the first screenings, Metro 
announced its group dates and 
places, with the other four, dis- 
tributors having to pick up the re- 
maining spots left open. Such con- 
flicts, if they occur In the future, 
might be deemed in violation - of 
the Consent Decree which seeks to 
give each exhibitor a reasonable 
time In which to view new product. 

For the large New York City area, 
with its thousands of exhibitors, 
the choice of sites for screenings in 
N.Y. have proved a headache for all 
five companies the first time out. 
Metro has solved the- problem by 
using the Astor (Loew-operated) 
theatre, while RKO has taken ad- 
vantage of another two-a-day house 
by using the Broadway for its in- 
itial showings. Other companies are 
not so fortunately situated.' 

Paramount has decided to use the 
Normandie oq East 53d street near 
Madison, which has a seating ca- 
pacity of several hundr<fd. Not 
known but understood that 20th- 
Fox may emplgy its large air-con- 
ditioned h.o. projection room. The 
same looms for Warner Bros., al- 
though this company has not set 
the dates for its first Consent De- 
cree group. Both of these com- 
panies' projection rooms seat 100 
or more. 



SEE THURMAN ARNOLD 
ASNEXTUi.ArrY.-GEN'L 



Thurman Arnold, head of the anti- 
trust activities of the U.S. attorney- 
general's office, is slated to become 
the next attorney-general, according 
to advices received in picture circles 
this week. 

Because of his trust-busting proc- 
livities which included bringing the 
anti-trust action against major film 
companies that wound up with the 
sweeping Consent Decree, Arnold is 
regarded in film circles as 'difficult'. 



First 'Consent Decree Film Reviews 



The first of the Tradeshown reviews of 1941-42 film product, to be 
released after Sept. 1, appear on P.. 8 of this Issue. They include three 
RKO films and one Metro picture. 

Of the RKO's initial block-of-flve, 'Citizen Kane' was originally re- 
viewed in Variett on April 16, '41, and the capsule opinion, for the 
exhibitor, appears boxed on P. 6. 



Although Alan Steyne, attache of 
the U. S. embassy in London, hud- 
dled with the Hays office directors 
and subsequently with foreign man- 
agers regarding the U. S. distribu- 
tors' frozen coin situation in Great 
Britain, foreign chiefs gained the 
impression thai not much progress 
would be made in dislodging frozen 
money until new tactics are adopted 
by American film companies. 
Whether this unfreezing can be ob- 
tained through routine State Dept. 
channels or will have to emanate 
from department heads was not 
clear although several foreign sales* 
chiefs are convinced it must come 
via direct word from Washington. 

Important angles developed in dis- 
cussions last week are that the 
American film companies are im- 
porting 100% of their full product 
line to England and receiving only 
one-third of the revenue realized on 
these pictures. It was pointed out 
that U. S. distributors agreed to send 
in theiiv. normal product lineup be- 
cause of the urgent need for screen 
entertainment Iti Britain. The Brit- 
ish are practically without motor 
cars, have a reduced lineup of stage 
entertainment, hence must lean 
heavily on motion pictures for 
amusement. Also the fact that a 
large number of the residents are 
away from home makes this situation 
doubly vital. 

Can't Be-Invest 

The British are permitting Ameri- 
can companies to use a portion of 
their frozen funds on British quota 
production and in paying off loans 
up to a certain level. Norte Is. al- 
lowed to go into theatre properties, 
however, up to the present time. 

■The American film business is ths 
only industry, excepting those send- 
ing in war material which is shipping 
its full line of goods to Great Britain, 
and has since the war started. 

Attitude of many foreign mana- 
gers, expressed on the quiet, is they 
are being unduly handicapped by the 
present coin freeze, at present par- 
ticularly since they have played ball 
with the British government desires 
and demands during the war period. 
They realize that there was a short- 
age of dollar exchange In Britain 
at one time but that this situation 
has been considerably alleviated by 
the lease-lend bill. Several foreign 
chiefs feel that with the U. S. send- 
ing billions in supplies and credits to 
England, they should get the same 
consideration as many other lines 
of business in getting accumulated 
revenue from the British Isles. 



PAR THAWED SOME COIN 
IN NASSAU LOCATION 



Shooting of 'Bahama Passage' In 
Nassau and adjacent British Islands 
instead of Florida, as originally in- 
tended, is explained by the term, 
'frozen credits.' Paramount used 
about $80,000 of its money, impound- 
ed in England since the beginning of 
the war, to pay travel and location 
expenses of the cast and crew in the 
Bahamas, which are British pos- 
sessions controlled financially by the 
Bank of England where millions in 
Hollywood money is Iced. 

Salaries were paid by the studio 
but all other costs were charged 
against the cold cash in London. 



Agency Decisions Actor 

Los Angeles, July 15. 

Famous Artists Agency '(Feldman- 
Blum) filed suit in "Superior Court 
for conflrmafi-^n of an arbitration 
board award of $5,600 against Arthur 
Lake, actor. 

PlaiptifT<-. n1r.'-n they are entitled 
to that aTiunt for their services in 
placing the in. picture and ra- 

dio jobs. 



picrmiES 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



M-Fox Sales Meet on Coast (16-19) 
Draws 400 From All Ovor Country 



liOs Angeles, July 15. 
More than 400 delegates from the 
field, home offices and 37 exchanges 
in the United States and Canada ar- 
rive here today (Tues.) to attend the 
20th-Fox annual sales convention be- 
ginning tomorrow (16) at the Am- 
bassador hotel lor a three-day pow- 
wow highlighted by outlines of com- 
pany product, sales plans under the 
Consent Decree and an analysis of 
pictures now being turned out at the 
studios. 

Convention talks to be delivered 
by Joseph M.. Schenck, Darryl F. 
Zanuck, Herman Wobber and other 
company execs will deal with the 
. 60 pictures to be delivered during 
the 1941-42 season and methods of 
operation under the consent. Rushes 
of unfinished films as well as sev- 
eral completed pictures will be 
shown at the theatre in . the Am- 
bassador hotel, with visits to the 
20th studio Friday (18) and division- 
al meetings to discuss next year's 
policy in greater detail also are 
scheduled. 

Wobber, general manager in 
charge of distribution, comes down 
from San Francisco to speak on sales 
and announce groups of pictures to 
be offered. Zanuck will talk on stu- 
dio production at the ' luncheon to- 
morrow (Wed.) in the Ambassador's 
Fiesta Room when most of the com- 
pany's players and producers will be 
introduced to the salesmen. Sidney 
Kent, who has been ill, is expected 
for the convention. 

Among those slated to address- the 
convention are Charles E. McCar- 
thy, publicity and" advertising direc- 
tor; W. J. Kupper, William Suss- 
man and W. C. Gehring, division 
managers; Truman H. Talley, pro- 
ducer of Movietone News and shorts; 
W. J. Clark, short subject manager. 

Schenck, Zanuck and William 
Goetz will welcome the delegates 
headed by Hermann G. Place, chair- 
man of the executive committee of 
20Ui, attending his first convention 
atid w*o arrived here last week with 
Spyros Skouras, National Theatres 
prexy. Others arriving include Jack 
Darrock, Tony Muto, Iiowell Thomas, 
Ed Thorgersen, Russell Muth, Paul 
Terry, National theatre division 
heads. Rick Ricketson, Denver, and 
Frank Newman, Seattle. Charles 
Skouras heads the Fox West Coast 
theatre group of guests, Spyros 
Skouras representing both F-WC and 
NT as delegate. 

Walter J. Hutchinson, in charge 
of foreign distribution, who was to 
head the foreign department dele- 
gation, has been detained in New 
York on business. Those from the 
overseas division arriving Include 
Clay V. Hake, Australasian manag- 
ing director; Benjamin 'Migglns, 
European managing director; Her- 
bert A. White, Latin America, and 
Charles Mayer, the Orient 
Stndio Speakers 
Studio executives slated to discuss 
pictures in production and sched- 
uled Include Ernst Lubitsch, John M. 
Stahl, Sol Wurtzel, William LeBaron, 
Mark Hellinger, Harry Joe Brown, 
Harold Clurman, Ralph Dietrich, 
Lou Edelman, Nunnally Johnson, 
Robert Kane, Walter Morosco, Lou 
Ostrow, William Perlberg, Milton 
Sperling, William Koenig, Joseph 
Moskowitz, New York representative, 
Jason S. Joy, personnel supervisor, 
and Fred Metzler, studio treasurer. 



Hollywood, July 15. 
Frederick Y. Smith has been elect- 
ed president of Society of Motion 
Picture Film Editors. He succeeds 
Edmund D. Hannan, who negotiated 
the society's current agreement with 
the major companies. Other officers 
are Louis Sackin, vice-president; 
William Murphy, secretary; Kenneth 
Martin, treasurer; and William 
O'Hara, aergeant-at-arms. 

Members jof the society have re- 
turned to work at the Walt Disney 
studio, the organization announcing 
that the company had signed a 
standard basic agreement. The edi- 
tors themselves objected to return- 
ing to work, and apologized to the 
striking cartoonists for being forced 
by the society to cross the picket 
lines. 



Smith Heads Fib Eds 



Coast Theatre Charges 
Product Withheld; Sues 
F-WC, Distribs for 225G 



Los Angeles, July 15. 

Suit for $225,000, charging unfair 
discrimination In distribution,, was 
filed here by Monrovia Cinema 
Corp. against Fox-West Coast, Par- 
amount, RKO and Warners. Plain- 
tiff declares the defendants violated 
the Sherman and Clayton anti-trust 
laws in refusing to Issue first run or 
desirable films to the Monrovia the- 
atre, Monrovia, Cal., where F-WC 
operates the Lyric. 

Complaint asserts that F-WC had 
260 films at its disposal but played 
only 130 and refused to permit the 
unused pictures to be obtained by 
the Monrovia. 



Majors* Execs Sidestep 
Anti-Trust Pre-Exam 

Executives of all major film 
companies need not be examined 
before trial In connection with a 
$600,000 triple damage anti-trust 
suit against them and- the Motion 
Picture Producers & Distributors of 
America, Inc. Judge' Murray Hul- 
bert In the N. Y. federal court va- 
cated a motion to exainlne the of- 
ficials on Monday (14). 

Plaintiff charges violation of the 
Sherman anti-trust laws on the part 
of the defendants In connection 
with Its theatre, the Mayfair, in 
"HillElde, N. J. A plea by NaUonal 
Theatres Corp., to dismiss the action 
against it, bscauie the court al- 
legedly had no Jurisdiction, was' re- 
ferred to • special master to de- 
cide. 



CromweD at 20th 

Hollywood, July H. 
John CromweU checked Into the 
20th-Fox studio yesterday (Mon.) to 
assume direction of "Benjamin 
Blake,' elated to start Aug. 26 with 
Tyrone Power and Ida Luplno co- 
starring. 

Otto Brower hops off for the South 
Seas this week with a camera crew 
to shoot tropical backgrounds' for the 
film. 



RKO TO SELL IN 
NW. TESTING 
MINN.UW 



Minneapolis, July IS. 

Following the conclusion of its 
consent decree showings of Its first 
group of five pictures this week, 
RKO Intends to go out and sell the 
group to Minnesota exhibitors in vio- 
lation of the new stete law which 
requires distributors to Include an 
entire season's product, subject to 
cancellation privileges. In its deaK 

The avowed purpose is to invite 
prosecution under the law in order 
to pave the way for an attack on the 
law's constitutionality and an^ ap- 
peal to the court for a temporary in- 
junction restraining Its enforcement 
pending such determination, of its 
validity. 

RKO is one of the three decree 
companies' that have resumed selling 
of 1940-41 product, .the others being 
Paramount and Warner Bros. Sales 
of that product in - violation of the 
state law thus far have been winked 
at by Northwest Allied, the meas- 
ure's sponsor, and' state officials, 
probably so that independent exhib- 
itors needing product can be serv- 
iced. 

Taking advantage of the situation 
created by the major decree compa- 
nies' sale ban since the enactment 11 
weeks ago of the Minnesota state 
law invalidating the decree's groups- 
of-five sales' plan, and requiring dis- 
tributors to offer their entire season's 
product for sale, 'some of the sales- 
men' of the non-consent distributors 
— Columbia, Universal, Republic and 
Monogram — which have been selling 
imder the state law, are trying to 
'hold up' exhibitors by frightening 
them and asking exorbitant rentals. 

This Is the allegation of Fred H. 
Strom, Northwest Allied executive 
secretary, in a statement to inde- 
pendent exhibitors, urging the latter 
not to become 'panicky' because 
Metro, 20th, Paramount, Warners, 
United Artiste and RKO apparently 
have taken no steps yet te pave the 
way for 1041-42 selling. 



Ui. Army Camp Cinemas, Now All 
On % Average 33% for Film Rentals 



RCA Case to Trid Aug. 6 



Trial of a consolidated stockholder 
suit against RCA, Its officers and di- 
rectors, wiU take place In N. Y. su- 
preme court Aug. e. Order to that 
effect was signed yesterday (Tues- 
day) by Justice Benjamin Schreiber. 

Action seeks $20,000,000 damages 
claiming- waste and mismanagement 
with the largest claim, $11,000,000, 
based on alleged losses for Invest- 
ments In RKO. • During the last 
fortnight over $240,000,000 of the suit 
was dismissed because of the statute 
of limitations. This part charged the 
purchase by RCA of worthless pat- 
ents from Westlnghouse for RCA 
stock. 



Crescent's AOeged 
Coercion Detailed 
By U. S. Witnesses 



Nashville, July 15. 

(Government witnesses during the 
first week of the anti-trust suit here 
against the Crescent Amus. Co. and 
four other major chains painted a 
harrowing picture purporting to re- 
veal that the latter attempted to 
force them out of theatre operation. 
Defendants also include Columbia, 
Universal and United Artists. 

Curbed film supplies, intimidation 
and coercion were used to freeze 
them out of business, testimony tried 
to show. 



Skouras' Experimental Kiddie 

Mats on Thurs. Instead of SaL 



Studio Contracts 



Carnegie Tech's Kurtz 
Gets M-G Jr. Scrib Pad 

Pittsburgh, July 15, 
Jerome Kurtz, who graduated 
from Carnegie Tech drama school 
Just a few weeks ago, has left for 
Hollywood with a six-month con- 
tract as a junior writer at Metro. 
Deal followed competition staged by 
M-G among, colleges which have 
playwriting classes. Kurtz was 
pacted as result of tbree'sct play, 
Tiano Sofo,' which he authored 
while in scJiooL It has since re- 
ceived favorable notice from several 
Broadway producers. 
. He's also a musician and com- 
poser, having written several prom- 
ising tunes /or last Scotch and Soda 
revue at Tech, 'Here's to You.' Two 
summers ago, Kurtz played the role 
of the pianist in the Libby Holmen- 
Clifton Webb 'Burlesque' on straw- 
-hat circuit and later accompanied 
and made flock of arrangements for 
Miss Holman. 



. Hollywood, July 15. 
K. T. Stevens, actress, signed to 
player contract by David Selznick. 
She's the daushter of director Sam 

Wood; " " 

Gloria Jean's opMon picked up by 
Universal. 

Jack McGowan inked new writer 
pact' at Metro. 

Lillian Porter's stock player op- 
Uon lifted by 20th-Fox. 

Arleen Whelan drew an option lift 
at 20th-Fox. 

EUa Raines handed a player ticket 
by Warners. 

Tess Sleslnger end Frank Davis 
inked a two-picture writing deal at 
Paramount. 

Aileen Haley drew stock player 
contract at Paramount 



ON THE HOT SPOT 

Hollywood, July 15. 

Twentieth-Fox handed H. Bruce 
Humberstone the director ' job on 
'Hot Spot,' based on an adventure 
story by Steve Fisher. 

Picture Is the second under Hum- 
berstone's new contract with the 
Westwpod lot 



Nyack, July 15. 

Three Skouras houses in Rockland 
County used a special 'Idddie show' 
for the first time Thursday (10) and 
drew 25% more ..children than they 
ever had on the traditional youngster 
day, - Saturday. Experiment is be- 
jjig watched-ciQseljiL .by SI»>ures front 
office with an eye to its use over 
the nationwide chain. Although the 
preem was accounted a great success, 
no chickens are being counted till 
this week's matinee when the stunt 
will be repeated. Belief is tljat you 
can sell anything once with the right 
promotion but the Idea is to make 
them come back. 

Nyack Rockland (1,700-seater), 
Haverstraw Broadway (900), and 
Suffern Lafayette (1,200), are the 
three houses trying the plan worked 
out from an Idea by Hermann Starr, 
Skouras district manager. Starr saw 
story in New York Herald Trib 
about 'children's day' at the Bronx 
zoo and developed local applica- 
tion. 

Promotion and goodwill effort in- 
cludes various details to get chummy 
reaction from the kids, including 
prices of 15c for children and 10c 
for adults (latter must be accom- 
panied by a child). Small-sized 'door 
that makes adults stoop to enter 
while youngsters parade in upright. 



ROSE HEXTER AND W6 
SETTLE IN PHILLY 



Philadelphia, July 15. 

First 'sidedoor' settlement of an 
arbitration case was reported here 
last week when Rose Hexter, op- 
erator of the Breeze, South Philly 
indie, withdrew her complaint be- 
fore the opening of her hearing. An 
'out-of-court' agreement was reached 
by her attorneys, George P. Aarons, 
and counsel for the defendants in 
the case, Warners, 20th, Paramount 
and the Warner circuit. 

Under the settlement the Breeze 
will get product seven days after 
the Warner house in the zone, the 
Earle, and no later than the key 
house in South Philly, Warners' 
Broadway. (The Breeze had been 
playing as high as 35 vdays after 
Broadway).' 

Counsel for the distribs announced 
that the settlement was not an 'arbi- 
tration settlement' but merely an 
'unofficial' agreement between ' all 
parties concerned. 

Three new coniplalnts were filed 
last week by Abe M. Ellis, operator 
of an Indie chain. The first was in 
behalf of the Broad, North Philly, 
against RKO, Par, WB and the WB 
circuit's Logan, Grange and Brom- 
.ley. Others were Ellis' Liberty and 
Parkslde, both in Camden, against 
Metro, 'Warners, Par and Warners' 
Grand, Stanley and Lyric. All com- 
plaints charge unfair clearance. 



Sohlnea Lose Clearance 

Albany, July 19. 

Arbitrator Morton Hall made award 
today (Tuesday) eliminating 14 days 
clearance given Schines' Strand and 
Pontiac, Ogdensburg, over Alec 
Papayanakos' American in Canton, 
20" mll'es away, Ijy 'RKO" and WB. 
Pontiac being closed, testimony con- 
cerned the other two. 

Strand, remodeled larger, plays 
double features, American only three 
days weekly. Testimony stated 
Strand had games, while American 
eliminating them 1940. Admission 
prices virtually same. 



A Mess — By 'Consent' 

Buffa.a, .July 15. 
The first and the only arbitration 
case to be determined here to date 
has ended a complete dud for all 
involved, so far as practical results 
are concerned. A few weeks ago 
Richard De Tota, operating the 
Genesee at Mt. Morris, in an arbi- 
tration proceeding against 20th-Fox 
was awarded 'some run' of that com- 
pany's product. Twentieth immedi- 
ately complied, with the award and 
sold part of its output to the com- 
plainant despite squawks from the 
opposition Martina Chain. Last 
week, De ToU's Genesee was ac- 



U. S. Army, which has abandoned 
the practice in force since World 
War I of buying films on flat rentals 
for its camp theatres. Is now taking 
them on the same percentage alloca- 
tions they are sold to regular exhibs. 
Army guarantees a minimum rental 
of $7.60, however. 

Official of the Army Motion Pic- 
ture Stervice declared last week that 
tha new buying method, demanded 
by distribs, was costing the Army 
only slightly more than the fiat ren- 
tals and it would possibly be less if it 
weren't for the mlnlmiun guarantee. 
AMPS had always figured 331-3 of 
its gross for film and now, of course, 
is buying much of It at 20, 25 or 
30%. 

Distribs are getting much larger 
chunks of coin out of the big camps 
as result of the percentage sales, it 
was said, but are drawing only tha 
minimum guarantee from the smaller 
cantonments. Latter formerly paid 
the same for plx as the major camps. 

Latest figures on number of Army 
theatres show the AMPS to ba 
operating 277 houses with 212,600 
seata. Plans call eventually for 400 
theatres with approximately 300,000 
seats. Among the houses opened in 
the past couple weeks are two at the 
Army's new Newfoundland base, one 
at Camp Alexander, St John's, and 
one at Gander Lake Airport. Plans 
are also afoot for houses in Iceland 
as soon as the Army takes over 
from the bluejackets and Marines 
who made the initial landings, last 
week. 

Aside from the one-third of the 
gross that AMPS figures for film 
rental, it breaks down receipts thus: 
37% to administration, maintenance 
and amortizations for replacing 
equipment and 30% to be returned 
to the Army post for camp welfare 
and athletic funds. Admish is 20c. 
or $1.40 for book of 10 tickets. 

Soldiers last week and the pre- 
vious week were seeing the Louis- 
Conn fight pix, bought by AMPS 
from RKO. They served to shoot 
grosses up in all camps. 



PAR'S 10 REGIONAL 
SALES POWWOWS 



Paramount is holding no annual 
sales convention this year but is 
staging regional meetings In 10 sales 
districts, Nell Agnew, Par sales 
chief, announced this week the dates 
of these regionals, the first in New 
York getting urider way yesterday 
(Tuesday) and continuing over until 
today. J. J. Unger, eastern divi- 
sional sales manager, presided at 
this session with Agnew and Robert 
M. Gillman among the speakers. 

Philadelphia meeting will be July 
17-18. Boston regional will be July 
21-22, and the Cleveland meeting, 
July 24-25. Unger will preside at 
all the sessions. 

Charles Reagan, assistant sales 
manager, will conduct the regional 
in Chicago, July. 18-19; Kansas City, 
July 21-22 and Dallas, July 23-24. 

Denver regional will be July 21-22, 
and the San Francisco meeting, July 
24-25. It, wUl be conducted by 
(Jeorge Smith, western divisional 
manager. Agnew plans attending 
the N. Y. Boston, Chicago and At- 
lanta meetings. The Atlanta re- 
gional is set for July 21-22, with 
Agnew set to preside. 

Gillham will attend the N. Y., Chi- 
cago, Denver and San Francisco re- 
gionals. Alec Moss will go to the 
trhltfago,' Kdrtsa*' • City, Dallas -and- 
Cleveland meetings. 



Raft's Dark Doin's 

Hollywood, July 15. 

Next starrer for George Raft at 
Warners Is 'All Through the Night' 
starting July 28 with Vincent Sher- 
man directing. 

Date conflicta with that of The 
Mayor of 44th Street,' which Raft 
was figuring on playing at RKO as 
one of the ofl-the-lot pictures under 
his contract with Warners. 



quired by the Kallett Circuit but 
without the purchaser assuming the 
former owner's film commitments. 
Meantime, Martina Circuit has filled 
its film needs elsewhere, Kallett is 
buying as his needs dictate, De Tota 
has just been drafted into the army 
and is therefore lmn\une from en- 
forcement of any contractual liabili- 
ties against him— and 20th-Fox if . 
left holding the bag in Mt. Morris. 



Wednesdajv July 16, 1941 



PIGTUBE8 7 



CANADA'S THEATRE WAR 



A Jungle What k a Jungle 

Hollywood, July 18. 

Rudyard Kipling oreated 'Jungle Book' out of his Imagination, but 
Alexander Korda ii spending a large part of hi« $1,000,000 budget to 
make 10 acres of Sherwood Forest, 40 nilles from Hollywood, look like 
a hunk of India. Bill for a Hindu village was $65,000, and the vine* 
And trees cost $48,000 more, not counting labor. 

In addition, four water wells had to be drilled to keep an artificial 
river running through the artificial Jungle. Another dlfllculty, not 
00 costly, is a balanced diet for the 23-foot python which plays ■ 
featured role in the picture. If he eats too much he gets too sleepy 
to act, and if h; eats too little he wants to chew the scenery, which is 
not good acting, either. 



Preview Restrictions on Daily -Mag 
Newshawks irk Some, May Help Others 



Hollywood, July 16. 

Feelings are mixed here among 
columnists and magazine reviewers 
regarding the new preview "ruling, 
With the pix editors of t«s Angeles 
dallies frankly vain enough to be- 
lieve they will 'lose prestige* by not 
being able to review pictures the 
game time as the trade papers. 

The columnists fear that the re- 
gtrictions on their glimpsing pic- 
tures in advance will cut them off 
from legitimate news stories con- 
cerning new players, new producers, 
writes or directors, but the studios 
laugh at this . protestation. Pre- 
views provide them with numerous 
news angles and a lot of gossip and 
color, the columnists claim. The 
ruling, according to the publicity 
directors group, will not prevent 
oolumnists from viewing pictures 
ahead of time for purpose of news 
stories; it only affects their right to 
review pictures before they open lo- 
cally. 

The bigger magazine people are 
not affected at all. In fact ruling 
may work out better for them. Un- 
der the new setup, publication of 
reviews will be coordinated with the 
release dates of pictures. Release 
dates in past have sometimes been 
switched, and mag reviews appeared 
either far in advance or long after 
release dates. Mag writers feel the 
new timing will work out better for 
them. 

Fan mag reviews have, but with 
few exceptions, been done in east. 
Since ruling Is not yet In effect it Is 
too early to get a line on what will 
happen and which groups will be 
hardest hit. . It is believed the 
smaller mag writers and freelance 
newspaper correspondents will prob- 
ably not be allowed, w<ien new sys- 
tem is inaugurated, . to see any pic- 
tures in advance. Studios are 
known to feel this fringe of journal- 
ists is just a bother anyway. 

Critics on the Los Angeles papers, 
including Edwin Schallert, L. A. 
Times; Louella O. Parsons, L. A. Ex- 
aminer; James Crowe, Hollywood 
Citizen-News, and Virginia Wright, 
L. A. News, feel some dissastifcation 
over fact the local trade papers are 
being allowed to catch new pictures 
at trade showings. These critics 
argue their Hollywood circulation 
will be hard hit by not being able 
to keep up with the news, classln| 
previews as 'news.' Curbstone opin- 
ion Is that some of these critics fear 
possibly loss ■of caste more than any 
loss of circulation, whereas the stu- 
dios seem happy not to- have to cater 
■■toTlany reviewers 'in "future at "pre-' 
views. 

Hollywood correspondents, includ- 
ing columnists and mag writers, 
have been holding loos^ general dis- 
cussions here for some time on the 
preview situation. If they are hard 
hit when the new system becomes 
fully operative it is not impossible 
that they will band together Into a 
formal organization and attempt to 
bargain collectively for better 
breaks. If anything like a battle de- 
velops, with newspaper and mag 
people catching sneak previews and 
writing reviews in defiance of the 
ruling, the studios may resort to the 
old 'bar 'em from the lots' routine. 

Lucille Keeps Bouncing 

Hollywood, July 15. 

Lucille BaU, rounding out her 
seventh year at RKO, remains on the 
lot under a new contract. 

"Passage from Bordeaux' Is her 
first picture under the new deal, 
flobert Stevens directs. 



Alexander's PRC Ddo 



Merrick Alexander has pacted 
with Producers Releasing Corp. to 
make two 'exploitation-type' pix for 
distribution by the company on its 
1941-42 program. 

Initial production is yet untitled 
but Is In preparation and will be re- 
leased in September, according to 
PRC v.p. Leon Fromkess. Second 
pic is . 'Prof essional Bride,' an origi- 
nal based on factual material in 
racket which has recently been pub- 
licized in the press. 



PAR'S THEATRE 
PARDSINEXEC 
HUDDLE 



Paramount's theatre operating 
partners moved into executive ses- 
sion late Tuesday (15) afternoon at 
Buckwood Inn, Shawnee-on-the- 
Delaware, for general discussion . of 
new exhibiting conditions brought 
about by the U. S. Consent Decree, 
effective with all feature releases 
after Sept. 1. In the aggregate, more 
than 1,500 theatres, many of them 
the country's leading first runs, are 
represented at the session. 

Leonard Goldenson, Par v.p. in 
charge of exhibition relations, will 
preside at the three-day meeting. 

Every phase of cooperative opera- 
tion will be exploited in the course 
of the forum, which will be con- 
ducted along informal lines. Rou- 
tine has been established at earlier 
gatherings, of which this is one of 
the best attended. 

Among those attending are: 
' John Q. Adams, John Balaban and 
Mrs. Balaban, Tracy Barham and 
Mrs. Barham, Abe Blank, Ray Blank, 
Myron Blank, Ralph Branton and 
Mrs. Branton, Harry Davis, John J. 
Fitzgibbons, John J. Ford, Harry 
French, John Frledl,' B. B. Garner, 
Nate Goldstein and Mrs. Goldstein, 
Julius Gordon, Karl Hoblltzelle, 
Earl J. Hudson, William K. Jenkins, 
Fred Kent and Mrs. Kent, H. F. 
Kincey, M. A. Lightman, Arthur 
Xucas, M.'7. "KluTTin, Marry "^^ace" and 
Harry Nace, Jr., R. J. O'Donnell, J. 
J. O'Leary, Hunter Perry, Sam 
Pinanski, George Planck and Mrs. 
Planck, E. V. Richards, Harry Roy- 
ster, Frank Rogers. Harold Robb and 
Ed Rowley, J. J. Rubens, M. C. Tal- 
ley, R. B. Wilby, William K. Hol- 
lander; and from the home office: 
Leonard H. Goldenson and Mrs. 
Goldenson, Sam Dembow, Jr., and 
Mrs. Dembow, Leon Netter and Mrs. 
Netter, M. F. Gowthorpe and Mrs. 
Gowthorpe, Walter Gross. Bob Weit- 
man, Eddie Hymaii and Robert J. 
Powers. 



Lahr-Ebsen Teamed 

Hollywood, July 15. 
Bert Lalir and Buddy Ebsen team 
up as comics in Tm Dying to Live,' 
a light tale of New York to be 
filmed by RKO, starting late this 
month. 

Lahr is working under a one-pic- 
ture deal and checks in this week. 








Odeon (Nathaneon) Tie 
With Loew's Seen, As In 

Poli Circuit Taylor's 

Chain (20th Century) Also 
Expanding 



ALL FRONTS 



Toronto, July 15. 

With Famous Players (Canadian) 
and the Nathanson-controUed Odeon 
chain engaged In a battle royal for 
possession of theatres, and 20th Cen- 
tury (local) Interests further add- 
ing to the complicated scene, furious 
activity is now being waged over the 
entire Canadian film front, with 
theatres changing hands to the ac- 
companiment of communiques that 
are as conflicting as those of the cur- 
rent Russo-German conflict. 

What is clear is that the Odeon 
chain, headed by the Nathansons 
and the Canadian directors who re- 
signed so spectacularly from FP-Can. 
a month ago, has assembled some 
85 .formerly independently-owned 
houses across Canada and claim they 
will have 100 by the end of July. 

Meanwhile, Nat Taylor, president 
of 20th Century Theatres, has 
brought together a combination of 
over a score of houses, principally 
in Ontario, and is securing more. 
Further complicating the picture, 
Taylor's chain is also taking over 
the operating of a group of FP-Can. 
houses. 

Latest development, and a deflnite 
victory for the Nathanson group is 
the merger with the Odeon chain of 
five of Toronto's newly-built thea- 
tres, these de luxe houses being 
part of the new chain which was 
being built by Samuel Firestone, 
leading independent exhibitor. Fire- 
stone now becomes a partner in 
Odeon under the new arrangement 
and his son, Harry, becomes super- 
visor of theatres for the new Nathan- 
son circuit. 

Odeon-Loew's? 

Neither confirmed or denied by the 
Nathanson interests is the report 
that Odeon will take over Loew's 
Uptown and Loew's Downtown, two 
of the largest theatres in Toronto, 
but It is believed that the Loew in- 
terests win shortly announce an as- 
sociation with Odeon. Nicholas M. 
Schenck, president of Loew's, Inc., 
is a partner of N. L. Nathanson In 
the Poll chain in New England; and 
N. L. Nathanson also has the Clana- 
(Contlnued on page 25) 



9c Amus. Tax Base Burdens Show 
Biz With An Abnormal 'Sales Tax' 
But Few Beef; Sports Hit Too 



Pat O'Brien at 20th 



Hollywood, July 16. 

Pat O'Brien draws the male lead 
in the 20th -Fox picture, 'Law and 
Order, Inc.,' slated to start Aug. 4. 

Robert T. Kane producing, from 
John Wexley's screenplay of Row- 
land Brown's story. 



ALUMINUM AS 
ADMISH TRIED 
INPHILLY 



Philadelphia, July IS. 

A movement was started last week 
to make 'aluminum matinees' a reg- 
ular feature in Philly nabes. , 

The stunt was tried by Charles 
Goldflne at the Alder, recently, with 
more than 500 household articles 
containing the metal being delivered 
to the boxofflce. All those bringing 
aluminum gadgets to the theatre 
were admitted free. 

A committee is being formed to 
get a tieup here with the National 
Defense (Council and exploit the 
matinees. 



WB TROUPE PITCHES IN 
CANADA FOR AIR EPIC 



Hollywood, July 15. 

Warners troupe, headed by Hal B. 
Wallls, shoved off for Ottawa to 
spend six-Areeks filming 'Captains of 
the Clouds,' a story dealing with the 
work of Canadian flyers in the cur- 
rent war. Company included Dennis 
Morgan, Alan Hale, George Tobias, 
Clem Bevins and' Roland Drew. 

Ahead of the thesplan contingent 
by two days was Michael Curtiz, di- 
rector, with a crew of technicians, 
among whom were 15 cameramen, 
required for Technicolor shots. Com- 
pany will be met in Ottawa by 
James Cagney, star, who has been 
vacationing in New England, and his 
brother, William, associate producer. 



Majors Extending Their Picture 
Checking As Future Gauge for % 



Expansion of checking on nearly 
all percentage pictures and some flat 
rentals Is steming from the Consent 
Decree because five distributors, op- 
erating under the decree, admittedly 
are seeking higher percentages on 
fllms wherever the traffic will bear. 
Ross-Federal, which checks all major 
companies excepting Metro and in a 
few spots, Columbia, has added more 
checkers to keep up with distrib de- 
mands on checking up pictures. Not 
known whether the amount of check- 
ing will be increased by Metro's own 
crew of checkers but apparently the 
same procedure will be followed as 
with other majors. 

Because of a desire to have data 
on as many regular exhibitor ac- 
counts as possible, expansion of 
checking activities is keeping step 
with the demands of distribs. Dis- 
tributors want 'specific figures on 
what each type of picture does in 



different theatres so as to gauge 
rental terms accordingly. ^ , 

Another development in the check- 
ing setup is that more and more flat 
rental deals are being watched to 
ascertain how much business comes 
in from such fllms. Reason for this 
Is that it will give the distributor 
a line on whether or not percentage 
terms should be asked in the future 
from the extensive flat rental buyer. 

So-called blind checking of pic- 
tures is done by various checker 
groups which want to keep tab on 
the business being enjoyed by their 
fllms, or when the exhibitor objects 
to cooperate with accredited check- 
ers. 

Besides the increase in checking 
staff, because of more accounts 
handled, the 40-hour week prevents 
checkers from working more than 
four days per week. They easily 
top the minimum scale but the 40- 
hour stipulation is forcing checking 
setups to use more men. 



Washington, July IB. 

Much of the added defense tax 
load will be carried by patrons and 
operators of commercialized enter- 
tainment, with the film business 
bearing bulk of burden under tha 
new revenue bill now In flnal draft- 
ing stages before Congress. Bill 
should be ready for debate this week. 

If Congress follows Treasury De- 
partment and tax experts committee, 
the new law will drop fllm theatre 
tax exemptions from 21c to Oc. This 
will cost the picture business $55,- 
000,000 additional, possibly more. It 
means that the film Industry will be 
called on to supply $129,000,000 an- 
nually in taxes on theatre ducats. 

While plenty of time is left to fight 
the new levies, there is no Indica- 
tion that any protest will be made 
because the industry realizes the na- 
tion needs moi'e funds for national 
defense. Though not muttering over 
it, statisticians' figures show that 
these new levies represent a 12% 
sales tax, or about four times what 
other, businesses ' have to pay. It is 
pointed out in the trade just how 
much the fllm business is carrying 
on national defense. 

Single bright spot of this tax pic- 
ture, as viewed by the picture busi- 
ness, is that professional sports, real 
competitors of motion pictures, will 
be socket for the first time in years. 
Bowling alleys and pool rooms, both 
in clubs and those run commercially, 
will have to take out federal licenses 
at $15 per alley or table. Uncle Sam 
expects this to yield $3,400,000, while 
a 5% added to every cabaret check, 
instead of 3%, with tabs under $2.50 
exempt, is expected to produce 
$1,500,000. 

Jokers, Phonograplis, Radios 

Jukeboxes (all coin-operated ma- 
chines) will be licensed at $25 each, 
and expected to furnish $4,700,000. 

Prospective schedule will place a 
levy of 10% on phonographs and 
records, radio sets and parts, while 
5% additional (double the present 
rate) will be placed on musical in- 
struments. Levies on sporting goodS( 
photographic equipment will be re- 
vived and the tax on playing cards 
stiffened. 

Exhibitors will be affected by 
taxes on metal signs, electric appli- 
ances and a higher rate on air- 
conditioning equipment. 



9c Base s Jove Problem 

While exhibitors and exhib asso- 
ciations sought a 109!, levy on cinema 
admissions starting at the first penny, 
the tax experts favored on exemp- 
tion beginning at 9c because involv- 
ing 5c admissions. The establish- 
ment of the 9c celling might be rated 
as lifting any artificial celling and 
aiding in boosting the admission 
scale, but few In the trade view the 
new ticket tap optimistically. 

What exhibs fear most Is that the 
tax starting at 10c may tangle up 
juvenile ducats. He has a choice of 
boosting the 10c admission to 11c, 
which would involve extra work for 
cashiers, and a bad change break for 
kiddies, or charging a flat Oc and 
losing a penny on each ticket sale. 

Under the new scale, theatres 
charging 15c or 17c currently for- 
children may drop back to Oc. This 
will hit the revenue of houses de- 
pending heavily on juvenile patron- 
age. 

Also the new taxation leaves the- 
atres which cut their scale from 
above 21c to 20c in order to duck the 
curreht exemption in a precarious 
spot. Because these exhibs are going 
to find It difficult to raise admissions 
after nearly a year at the 20c or 
lower scale. 

Majority of these houses probably 
will be forced to get 22c or slash 
their prices to 18c in order to keep 
around the 20c level. Peculiar part 
about this Is that exhibs were 
warned that this further lowering of 
exemption was in the offing but 
went ahead and dropped below the 
21c level anyway to escape the tax 
tap. 



FILM REVKWS 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



■»4 ♦»»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦t» M »t»»«»»»»»«»»»»»»«. 

TRADESHOW REVIEWS ii 

* * • • 

; (The /ollotolnfl ore the Jlrst /our Trodesfioum Jtlm rewietus, /or 1941-42. . 

• "releoae, under the Consent Decree. Three are RKO, one /rom Metro.); | 



LADY BE GOOD 

(MUSICAL) 

Metro release ot Arthur Fre«d producllon. 
Blurs Eleanor Powell, Ann Solhem, Robert 
Tuung: tealures Lionel Barrymoro, John 
Carroll, Red Skellon, Virginia O'Brien. 
Directed by Norman Z. McLeod. Screen- 
play, Jack UcGowan, Kay Van Riper. John 
McClaIn; baaed on original elory by Mc- 
Gowan; eonge, Oeorge and Ira Gershwin, 
Jerome Kero, Osfar Hammenitein -'d, 
Roger Edens, Arthur Freed; camera, 
George Folsey, Oliver Marsh: musical di- 
rection, Georgle Stoll; danceSj- Busby 
Berkeley; film editor. Frederick T. Smith. 
Previewed In Projection Room, N. Y., July 
14, '41. Rrunning time, 110 MIJ>S. 

Marilyn Moieh Elconor Powell 

Dble Donegan Ann Solhcrn 

Eddie Crane Robert Young 

Judge Murdock Lionel Barrymore 

Buddy Crawford Jolm Carroll 

Joe -Red' Wlllet Red Skelton 

tull Virginia. O'Brien 

Mr. Blanton v. "^"^ 

Bill PattUon Dan Da'ley. Jr. 

Man Milton '*'E.'""*„°^'L'I 

Mr*. Carter Wardley •••'iSJS S.'J^"' 

Master of Ceremonies r"'' Sllvcra 

('Warren Rerry 

Beny Brothers VNvas Berry 

James Berry 
The Singer Connie RuaseU 

•Lady Be Good' is not going to be 
much good for exhibitors, or atjdi- 
enccs, or both. It has the title of a 
once fine stage property, but that is 
where the similarity with the George 
and Ira Gershwin hit musical of 
1924 begins and ends. What unfolds 
from Jack McGowan's 'unoriginal 
original story is a molasses-paced 
picture that extravagantly wastes 
telent and time, especially the latter. 

The plot bears no semblance to the 
Guy Bolton book of the original 
stage musical, which v.-as one of the 
maior springboards for Fred and 
Adele Astaire. Nor is it anything 
like First National's 'Lady Be Good,' 
released in 1928, except possibly in 
dubious quality^ With the exception 
of the title song and an orchestra- 
tion of 'Fascinating Rhythm,' danced 
to by Eleanor Powell, the songs in 
this picture are likewise no relation 
to the click Gershwin score. ' 

There are flagrant examples in the 
film of poor direction, unimaginative 
story-telling and slipshod photog- 
raphy. There are spots where min- 
utes can be cut out in cHunks anj 
thereby give the vehicle some pace, 
If not entertainment. As it stands, 
the picture looks as though director 
Norman Z. McLeod was given a time 
allotment to fill, no matter how, and 
he did. It's at least 30 minutes too 
much mediocrity. 

While confused, the story pattern 
Is familiar. One of Ring Lardner's 
short stories had a similar angle — 
that of a crack songwriting team 
splitting up and becoming individu- 
ally unsuccessful imtll resuming 
their partnership. In this instance 
It's the case of .ex-waitress Ann 
Sothem and composer Robert 
Young, who click, marry and then 

get divorced when Young goes high- 
at and social. Then they click and 
marry again — and again she goes 
into the divoi:e courts, which gives 
the audience a double-dose of flash- 
backs out of the stories told Judge 
Lionel Barrymore. It's a waste of 
Barrymore, 

There's also a flagrant script boner 
In the divorce nroceedings; presum- 
ably held in New York. MbGowan, 
. McLeod and Metro should be tipped 
off that the only grounds for divorce 
In N. Y. are not based on conceit; 
also that such trials are held in the 
.state' supreme court and not domes- 
tic relations. 

The marital difficulties of Miss 
Sothem and Young are very unex- 
citing, with Eleanor Powell, who is 
the film's third star according to the 
billing, acting more the part of a 
stooge as Miss Sothem's pal than an 
Important personality. Not .exactly 
an actress, she isn't much -help In 
the talking parts. It's not until the 
picture has run 73 minutes that -she 
does her first dance, a rehearsal in- 
cluding a trick dog, and later does 
a production routme in a' setting 
that's completely out of this world 
as supposedly a part of a. Broadway 
musical. Up ahead of her the col- 
I ored Berry Brothers (3), from vaude, 
[ take the dancing play away from her 
with their standout knockabout rou- 
tine. They're too tough for a single 
dancer to follow, so this' also must 
be chalked up as a director's error. 

Another wasted personality is Red 
Skelton, sadly neglected as to ma- 
terial. The fine stage comic gets 
very little out of his part as a screw- 
ball song-plugger. On the other 
tiand, there's too much emphasis of 
ehieklsh John Carroll, in the part of 
B radio sini^ng star. The caster 
could at least have found a good 
Toice. 

Virginia O'Brien, who clicked on 
the Coast in 'Meet the People,' and 
appeared briefly In the last Marx 
Bros, picture at Metro, gets short 
shrift with a deadpan singing, spe- 
cialty, her forte in the stage' revue; 
ditto Connie Russell, an AI Siegal 
protege, who sings one number up 
near the finish and Is not veiy im- 
pressive. 

Miss Sothem, who looks gorgeous 
per usual, and Young do as well as 

Sossible with their impossible situa- 
ons. It's ludicrous, for instance, 
to have Miss Sothem picking the 
lyrlc' for 'Lady BeGood^ out of the 



air complete within a couple of min- 
utes. It makes Cole Porter's racket 
look like a very soft touch. And it 
certainly de-glamorizes composers to 
have Young complete a tune within 
a few seconc^s at a piano'. 

It's hardly in the picture's favor 
to lay so much stress on 'The Last 
Time I Saw Paris,' by Jerome Kern 
and Oscar Kammerstein 2d, when 
that tune, released in November, 
1940, is now in the 'old number' 
ranks. Two new songs in the pic- 
ture are 'Your Words and My Music' 
and 'You'll Never Know,' both by 
Roger Edens and Arthur Freed, and 
both okay. 

Though classed as a musical, 
there's little in the way of produc- 
tion numbers in the film. Miss 
Sothem, in fact, carries the brunt of 
the singing and her stage experience 
stands her in good stead. Aside 
from Miss Powell and the Berrys, 
there's no other dancing, no show- 
girls, no ensemble. Just dullness. 
The photograi,hy, particularly in the 
so-called musical scenes, reminds of 
the Vitaphone shorts, circa 1930. 

Scho. 



Miniatore Reviews 



HERE IS A MAN 

(•The DevU and Danl Webster'^ 

RKO release o( William DIeterle produc- 
tion, directed by DIeterle; associate pro- 
ducer, Charles U Glett. Features Edward 
Arnold, v.'niter Huston. James Ccalg, 
Anne Shirley, Jane Dnrwell, SImone Simon, 
.Screenplay by D,-a ' 'I'otheroh and Stephen 
Vincent Benet from Benet's story, "Itie 
Devil and Daniel Webster'; camera, Joseph 
August; musical, Bernard Herrmann; spe- 
cial effects, Vernon L. Walker; editor. 
Robert Wise. Previewed In Projection 
Room, N'. Y., July 12, '41. Running time, 
100 .tllNS. 

Daniel Webster Edward Arnold 

Mr. Scratch Walter Huston 

Ma Stone Jane Darwell 

Belle SImone Simon 

Squire Slossum Gene Lockhart 

Miser Stevena ; John Qualen 

Sheriff Frank Conlan 

Daniel Slbne LIndy Wade 

Cy Bibber Geo. Cleveland 

Mary Stone Anne Shirley 

Jabez Stone James Craig 



prieve for the youth from a Jury 
of shadowy historical figures, In- 
cluding Benedict Arnold and Captain 
Kidd, who somehow walk into the 
scene through the barn door. The 
devil Is tossed out. Miss Simon van- 
ishes and the young couple makes a 
new start in life. 

Point of it all is that it is a very 
bad screenplay, not heloed by Die- 
terle's slow-paced direction. The 
mixture of realism and mysticism is 
not convincing. FUn. 



Here's a tough one for the boys 
to sell under the Consent Decree, 
and a tougher one for the exhibitors 
to pass along to the public. It is a 
symbolic film of New Elngland folk- 
lore, full of camera tricks and 
double-talk. Theatre operators will 
have to be magicians to make 4his 
one stand up before any but the 
most naive type of audiences. None 
of . the featured players is a money 
draw at the boxoffice. 

Material for the screenplay is 
taken from Stephen Vincent Benet's 
short story. The Devil and Daniel 
Webster,' an O. Henry prize-winner, 
and the author, who rates highly 
among contemporary writers, had a 
hand in the film version with Dan 
Totheroh. Previously, Benet, in col- 
laboration with Douglas Moore, con. 
verted his yarn into a one-act bp- 
era, which was produced at the Mar- 
tin Beck theatre, N. Y., in May, 1939, 
for a few performances imder au- 
spices of the American Lyric The- 
atre. It was given the nod as 
theatrical novelty of no commercial 
merit. 

RKO switched the title to "Here 
Is a Man,' probably better for the 
marquees than the original tag. The 
original tag is sub-billed above, by 
Varibiy, as a guide since Its screen- 
ing was announced first that way. 

It's hard to diagnose just what 
angles of the story appealed to Wil- 
liam Dieterle, who produced and di- 
rected the film. The locale is New 
Hampshire, in 1840, a background of 
muddy roads. Currier & Ives farm 
settings, and peopled with struggling 
American peasantry. The legend is 
about the rise, fall and regenera- 
tion of a young farmer, Jabez Stone, 
who is alleged to have sold his soul 
to the devil for a pittance of gold 
and seven years of good luck. It's 
a twist on the Faust theme, but 
Benet isn't Goethe: 

James Craig plays the youth who 
discovers that crime doesn't pay. He 
is a quite capable young actor, of 
pleasing appearance and is remem. 
bered from 'Kitty Foyle.' Anne Shir 
ley is the wife, who gets all the 
worst of it, and Jane Darwell is 
the rock-bound New'England mother, 
In the situations' between these 
three, mud-bound on the New Eng. 
land landscape and caught in the 
grip of money-lenders, there is 
ample material for interesting plot 
Trouble for Dieterle (and the au- 
dience) starts when Walter Huston 
appears on the scene via double- 
exposure and whispers beguiling 
temptations into the ear of the youni 
husband-farmer. That's when golc 
coins appear from strange places and 
the boy pays off the mortgage. 

From there to the finish it's mostly 
symbols and morality play, no more 
complex than 'Pilgrim's Progress.' 

As an occasional character of some 
importance to the action Edward Ar- 
nold appears as Daniel Webster, the 
statesman. To his neighboring farm 
Miss Shirley seeks shelter after her 
husband has brought into her home 
a vixen, Simone Simon. , 
At the iwlndup, Arnold wins a re- 



'Citizen Konp.' betno trade- 
(houm this toeefc as part o/ 
RKO's initiol block o/ /t«e, was 
reirfeiBed in VARiExy, April 16, 
1941, prior to roadshou) release. 
It tuas rated 'o boxoffice ' explo- 
sion establishing Orson Welles aa 
an oucmioht /ilm click.' 

".-ifly Be Good' (M-G). Elea- 
nor Powell-Ann Sothem-Robert 
Young in overlong, dull musical. 

•Here Is a Man' (RKO). Here 
Isn't a picture, 

•Father Takes A 'Wile' (RKO). 
Good programmer, keynoted by 
Gloria Swanson's comeback. 

•Parachute BatUUon' (RKO). 
An instructional short stretched 
to a feature for dire results. 

Tom, Dick and Harry' (RKO). 
Ginger Rogers starred in socko 
romantic comedy. 

•My Life With Caroline* (RKO). 
Colman starred in fluffy roman- 
tic comedy. 

'The Officer and the Lady' 
(Col). Fast-action cops-and- 
robbers meller okay for dual 
supporting slots. 

'Law ol the Bange' (U). 
Above-average Johnny Mack 
Brown western, with five songs. 

'Gancs of Sonora' (Rep). 
Standard western starring the 
Three Mesquiteers. 

•Nevada City' (Rep). Luke- 
warm action-western with Roy 
Rogers. 



ous episodes as tiia old maid In 
SMrch of • man. 

Director Hlvejy Is moved up sev- 
eral notches vmh this assi^iment 
and acquits himself creditably 
throughout. Original script by Dor- 
othy and Herbert Fields hits con- 
sistent level to catch general audi- 
ence reaction. Photography by Rob- 
ert dc (Srassc is of high standard, 
especially ughting of Miss Swanson 
throughout Walt 



Father Takes a Wife 

Hollywood, July 15. 
RKO release of Lee S. Marcus produo- 
tlon. ' Stars Adolphe Menjou. Gloria Swan- 
son; features John Howard. Deal Amas, 
Helen Broderlck. Directed by Jack Hlvely. 
Screenplay, Dorothy and Herbert Fields; 
camera, Robert do Grasse; editor, Oeorge 
Hlvely; music, Roy Webb. Reviewed In 
Projection Room July 14, *41. Banning 
time, 80 MINS. 

Senior Adolphe Menjou 

LesUe Collier Gloria Swanson 

Junior John Howard 

Carlos Deal Ama2 

Aunt Julie Helen Broderlck 

Enid Florence Rice 

Vincent Stewart Nell Hamilton 

Tailor Grady Sutton 

Henderson George Meador 

Secretary Mary lYeen 

Miss Patterson Ruth Dietrich 



Parachute Battalion 

RKO release of Howard Benedict produc- 
tion. Stan Robert Preston, Nancy Kelly, 
Edmond O'Brien, Harry Carey; features 
Buddy Ebaen, Paul Kelly, Richard Crom- 
well, Robert Barrat. Directed by laslle 
Goodwins. Original icreenplay by John 
Twist and Major Hugh Flte, U. 3. Air 
Corpa; camerm, J. Roy Hunt; ^Itor, Theron 
Worth. Reviewed at trade screening, 
Broadway, N. Y., July 14, '41. Running 
time, IS HIMSk 

Donald Morse Robert Preaton 

Kit Rl chords Nancy Kelly 

Bin Burke Edmond O'Brien 

Bill Richards Marry, Carey 

Jeff Hollls Buddy Ebsen 

Tex Paul Kelly 

Spence Richard Cromwell 

Ool. Burke Robert Uarrat 

Pa Hollls Ervllle Aldenion 

Chief of Infantry Edward Fielding 

Thomns Morae Selmcr Jackson 

Captain Grant Withers 

Private Jack Briggs 

Medical Omcer Walter Sando 

Ma Hollls Kathryn Sheldon 

Private Lee Bonnell 

Private Robert Smith 

Staff Otrieer Gayne Wbltnuin 

Radio Announcer Douglas Evans 

Recruiting Sergeant Eddie Dunn 



'Father Takes a 'Wife' emerges as 
good program entertainment, high- 
lighted by the return to the screen 
of Gloria Swanson, glamor gal and 
substantial b.o. star of the '20s. Pic- 
ture is a standard attraction for the 
regular rims; and ability to. hold up 
as a bill-topper depends on heft of 
exploitation and public reception of 
Miss Swanson's comeback a'lter her 
long absence. Initial key bookings 
will tell' the story if she still can 
attract present-day patrons. 

Miss .Swanson shows her age to 
some extent in the face, but can 
only be tabbed as semi-matronly in 
that respect Her figure is alluringly 
svelte, and she still carries that mag- 
netic screen personality that made 
her a top attraction two decades 
ago: Teamed with Menjou, a con- 
temporary star at Paramount in the 
middle '20s, Miss Swanson gets a 
trial run for her comeback with an 
above average swing in her favor. 

Menjou is the father, she the wife 
in the story unfolded at a consistent 
pace through good direction by Jack 
Hively. Menjou, shippmg magnate, 
turns over the business to son, John 
Howafd, and marries stage, star 
Swanson. Couple bicker and battle 
over obvious marital difficulties, 
until Sotith American singer, Desi 
Amaz, appears as stowaway on 
honeymoon trip. Swanson's atten- 
tion to furthering his career, includ- 
ing induction into their home, cre- 
ates jealousy on part of Menjou, and 
eventual separation. Florence Rice, 
Menjou's daughter-in-law, takes Ar- 
naz to country home, and this injects 
jealousy into that household and 
quick separation, but everything 
irons out when innocent Amaz gets 
a concert tour offer underwritten by 
Menjou— and latter, with his son, 
John Howard, leam both are to be 
fathers. The double reunions are In- 
evitable.. 

Miss Swanson makes her come- 
back in good style as the actress- 
wife; while Menjou carries the re- 
sponsibilities of the husband in ex- 
cellent fashion. Arnaz's role is 
minor, although he sings two num- 
bers. Howard and Florence Rice 
are the younger married couple, 
while Helen Broderlck is most prom- 
inent In support with several humor- 



RKO, for reasons of its own, ap- 
parent^ chose one of the weakies in 
its initial block-of-flve to inaugurate 
the new consent decree trade screen- 
ings. 'Parachute Battalion' proved a 
sore disappointment to the scatter- 
ing of exhiba who turned up. It 
would make a nice educational short 
but as feature material it rates in the 
secondary dual category. 

Film's possibilities for bringing 
patrons to the wickets lie totally in 
Its exploitation value. There's no 
gainsaying the timeliness of an ex- 
po^tion on the training of Uncle 
Sam's new parachute troops. And, 
through the cooperation of tiie' Slst 
Parachute Battalion, stationed at 
Fort Benning, Ga., who made all the 
jumps pictured in the film, there are 
a lot of nifty shots of the umbrella- 
men before, during and after they 
leap. But it'll have to be sold. 

Story whlpped.;.up by John Twist 
and Major Hugh Fite, of the Air 
Corps, to hang the training sequenpes 
on is a composite of Paramount's re- 
cent 1 Wanted Wings' and a Colum- 
bia quickie of about a year ago, 
'Military Academy,' which featured 
the Dead End Kids. Both its pro- 
duction quality and entertainment 
value lie midway between those two 
flkns. 

Yam takes three boys through the 
training school, ft's familiar stuff. 
First there's Robert Preston, a foot- 
ball hero with a big head to whom 
all this is pie; second, there's Ed- 
mond O'Brien, son of the comman- 
dant who proves yellow but rights 
himself with three (count 'em) sep. 
arate hunks of heroism before the 
fadeou^ and, last there's Buddy 
Ehsen, the comic of the trio. Rich- 
ard Cromwell is in there somewhere, 
too, but serves only to help make 
parts of the plot undecipherable. 

O'Brien falls for Nancy Kelly, 
daughter of his top sergeant Harry 
Carey. He reall^s his fear of para- 
chute-jumping, however, and for 
reasons best known to himself leaves 
the gal. That gives Presjo.n.a trance 
to land her, aluiough she really loves 
Eddie. And when he proves himself, 
of course, she's right back in his 
arms for that curtain clinch. Miss 
Kelly's the only femmcin. th^ .film, 
incidentally, except for one very 
minor character player. 

Cast 'with very commonplace dia- 
log, does rather well. Vet Harry 
Carey suffers from bad casting, but 
the others are excellent selections! 
Ebsen, always entertaining, gets one 
chance at a minor, specialty and 
could use a lot more. His terping is 
too good to waste. 

Leslie Goodwins^ direction is spot 
br. Strangely enough, althouglv 
uiere's enough instruction in para- 
chuting to make every member of 
the audience eligible to make a jump 
himself, it's not thes^. .part?., which 
are slow. It's In Goodwins' effort to 
put over the story itself that he fails 
Couple of sequences are ramrod 
stiff. There's mighty little action for 
a picture of this type and that's very 
stagey. One of tiie reasons is obvi- 
ous. Film was made 'with the co- 
operation of the Army and designed 
to please it 'What It naturally needs 
to give it excitement are some hair, 
raising incidents — or accidents. That 
wouldn't serve to get recruits for the 
parachute corps, however, and so the 
writers have detoured to the detri- 
ment of their, story. 

There's one tune in the' film, used 
only as background, however. It's a 
marching song with a right snappy 
lilt and lyrics, as far as can be de- 
termined. Writer gets no billing un- 
less it be by Roy 'Webb, who's cred- 
ited for the entire score. Herb. 



1500 HKE 'GONE' 

Kennedy, Sask., July IS. 

•Gone With the Wind' went with 
the blaze when fire swept the Legion 
Hall here. Film and two machines 
were destroyed when fire broke out 
In the projection room. 

Hall suffered $300.- damage. 



TOM, DICK and HARRY 

Hollywood, July 12, 
RKO leleasa of Robert SIsk praducUon 
Stars QlDger Rogers; features Gcnnre 
Murphy, Alan Marshal, Burgess Meredith 
Directed by Oarson Kanln. Story nnd 
screenplay by Paul Jarrlco; camera, Mer- 
rltt Qeratad; special effects, Vemon L, 
Walker; editor, John Sturses; asst. direc- 
tor, Fred A. Fleck; associate director, Hal 
Gerson; music, Itoy Webb. Previewed at 
Alexander, Glendale, July 11, MI. Running 
time. 86 MINH. 

Janie Ginger ItOk-ers 

Tom George Murphy 

Dick Alan Marshal 

Harry Burgess Meredith 

Pop Joe Cunnlngh.im 

Ma Jane Seymuur 

Butch Lenore Lonergan 

I'aula , VIckl Lester 

Ice Cream Man Phil Silvers 

Gertrude Detty Brcckenrldge 

Tom, Dick and Harry' is one of 
the sprightliest comedies of this or 
any season. Sparkling and effer- 
vescing, it carries ail elements for 
wide general audience appeal and 
will play a merry and profitable 
tune at the summer boxoffices. It's 
a topline attraction which will amply 
fulfill holdover'responsibilities in the 
keys; and word-of-mouth will gen- 
erate biz for the subsequent houses. 

Undei- capable production guid- 
ance of Robert Sisk> director Garson 
Kanin cleverly steers his tale 
through a series of spontaneous epi- 
sodes — taking advantage of every 
laugh opportunity — to deliver a sur- 
prise finish. (Original story and 
screenplay by Paul Jarrico is a 
cleverly contrived version of a mod- 
ern Cinderella, and his punchy script 
and dialog cannot be discounted in 
the overall results. 

Picture is the last for both pro- 
ducer Sisk and director Kanin un- 
der the. RKP banner for some time. 
Sisk has moved to Paramount, while 
Kanin is in the army. 

The story of the romantic inclina- 
tions of a naive and semi-fickle girl 
is unfolded at a lively pace. Ginger 
Rogers, telephone operator, alms for 
romance with a millionaire but ac- 
cepts the proposal of breezy and am- 
bitious auto-salesman George Mur- 
phy. Mistaking Burgess Meredith 
for her rich Romeo, she noncha- 
lantly becomes engaged to him also. 
Then she meets the young million- 
aire, Alan Marshal, and neatly 
wangles a proposal from him — but 
eventually has to decide among the 
three. Her surprisingly sudden 
switch from riches to the impecuni- 
ous and dreamy auto mechanic, 
Meredith— because he makes bells 
ring when they kiss — is most in- 
genuously contrived and directed. 

Miss Rogers again hits the peak 
In her penormance of the working 
girl dizzily confused by the roman- 
tic profusion that enters her life. 
She capably carries the burden of 
the exacting requirements of the 
role, and continually holds attention 
as the pivotal factor in the proceedr 
ings. While Murphy, as the am- 
bitious and personable auto sales- 
man, and Marshal, the millionaire 
candidate, both deliver solidly in 
their respective assignments, it's 
Meredith who stands out most prom- 
inently with a sterling and lightsome 
performance as the happy-go-lucky 
and lazy individual who finally gets 
the girl. Excellent support is pro- 
vided by Joe Cunningham, little 
Lenore Lonergan, Jane Seymour and 
Phil Silvers. 

Picture is studded with numerous 
laugh-getting episodes. Sequence 
between Murphy and Meredith in 
the auto salesroom, with resultant 
car demonstration that picks up Miss 
Rogers, is rich in humor. Three 
dream sequences,, - in which MiM 
Rogers visualizes hel* ' future -with 
each of the candidates after their 
respective proposals, set a new mark 
in use of process photography for 
providing novel effects to heighten 
audience values." The fourth Jream • 
episode, in which the threp suitors 
parade together, would be more ef- 
fective if confined to the first half of 
its foortage. 

Technical contributions are tops, 
with Merritt Gerstad turning in an 
excellent job of photography. Out- 
standmg, however, is the process 
photography and special effects de- 
vised and executed by Vemon u. 
Walker, who does much to enhance 
audience values with his contribu- 
tions of new innovations in his field. 
Roy Webb also clicks with his mu- 
sical score, which dovetails neatly 
into ttie mood and-action of the pic- 
ture. Walt 

My Life With Caroline 

BKO release of United Producers (Wil- 
liam Hawks-Lewis Milestone) production, 
directed by Milestone. Stars Ronald Col- 
man; features Anna Lee, Charles Win- 
Dinger. Reginald Gardiner. Gilbert Roland, 
Katherlne Lesll*, Hugh O'Connell. Scrren- 
play by John van Druten and Arnold uei- 
gard from play 'Train pour Venlse !>/ 
Louis Vemeull and Georges Berr; camera, 
Victor Mllner; editor, Bdwnrd Donahue. 
Previewed In the Projection Room. N. i ., 
July 16, IMl. Running time, 18 MlNS. 

Anthony Ronald Colman 

CAmllne Anna i-^o 

Btl«..f;....'............ciirles WInnlnger 

Paul Reginald Gardiner 

Paco Del VaJle. .Gilbert Ro-nnd 

Helen ^^".^ 

Mulrhead Hugh O'Connell 

Jenkins Murray Alpcr 

^Slters.............. Matt Moo^e 

•My Life With Caroline' will 
garner moderately ^ood grosses, it 
wiU stand' up Alone or as first fea- 
ture on duals In most situations. A 
fluffy comedy, it has been given a 
pleasingly unique presentation by di- 
rector Lewis Milestone. On marquee 
strength, Ronald Colman's name is 
(Continued on page 22) 



Wednesda^t Julj' 16, 1941 



9 



TRADE SHOW 

REVIEWS.... 



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SHOWS . . 

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25c Per Copy 
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ON SALE AT ALL 
NEWSSTANDS EVERYWHERE 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



Holiday Letdown Drops LA. Back 
To Normalcy; 'Barnacle $19,700, 
Draft' 3d SficklSG, 'Fantasia Big 



Los Angeles, Julv IS. 
Grosses are off somewhat follow- 
ing the holiday spurt last week, but 
volume on the whole is being fairly 
well maintained, with youngsters out 
of school cushioning the drop. Para- 
mount still leads the town with 
'Caught in the Draff and Will Os- 
borne's orchestra, heading for nifty 
$15,000 on the third and final week, 
while the Orpheum is sprinting to a 
likely $8,500 with Bowes Amateurs. 

Chinese and Loew's State are feel- 
ing the draft with combined gross 
of $19,700 dualing 'Barnacle Bill' 
.(M-G) and "The Get-Away' (M-G), 
after a good $24,400 the previous 
week with 'Accent on Love' (20th) 
and 'Man Hunt' (20th). 'Fantasia,' 
In it* 24th week at the Carthay Cir- 
cle, equals the record run set by 
'Gone With the Wind' with a good 
$6,000 in sight and keeps going. 
Estimates for This Week 

Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1.615; 83- 
$1.10 -$1.65) — 'Fantasia' (Disney) 
(24th wk). ■ Holding up well with 
$6,000, after kngeking off $6,500 on 
previous week with July 4 weekend. 

Chinese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,034; 
80-44-55-75)— 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) 
and "The Get-Away' (M-G). Poor 
$8,200 estimated, after strong $11,400 
last week on 'Man Hunt' (2(5th) and 
'Accent on Love' (20th). 

Downtown (WB) (1.800; 30-44-55) 
—'Bride Came C. O. D.' (WB) (2d 
wk). Taking a drop this week on 
repeat to approximately $8,500, but 
still profitable. Last week came 
through with best in months at $11,- 
000 and showing solo. 

Fonr Star (UA-F-WC) (900: 30-44 
B5)— 'Rage In Heaven' (M-G) (6th 
wk). Sliding to around $1,500, fair. 
Slightly over $1,700 on the fifth 
week. 'Blossoms in Dust' (M-G) to 
follow. 

Hollywood (WB) (2.756; 30-44-55) 
—'Bride C. O. D. (WB) (2d wk). 
James Cagney-Bette Davis marquee 
strength Is manifest with satisfactory 
$8,000 in sight, after flrst-rate $12,500 
on opening week. 

Orphcnm (B'way) (2,200; 30-44-55) 
— 'Roar of Press' (Mono), 'Met In 
Argentina' (RKO) and Major Bowes 
unit. Good $8,500 coming up, with 
the amateurs largely responsible. 
Last week, 'Men of Timberland' (U) 
(first run) and 'Her First Beau' 
(20th) and vaude, drew weak $7,600, 
disappointing li^ view of holiday. 

Pantsfes (Pan) (2,812; ■aOAi-SST— 
'Adventure Washington* (Col) and 
•Blondie Society' (Col). Will come 
In with only $6,000, dull. Last week, 
•Reluctant Dragon' (RKO) and *Scat- 
tergood Pulls Strings' (RKO), dented 
by Disney plcketers and wound up 
with $8,600. still in the black. 

raramoimt (Par) (3.595; 30-44-55 
75)— 'Caught In Draft' (Par) (3d wk) 
and Will Osbome orch. Looks like 
excellent - $15,000 for third week, 
after strong $21,000 on the second, 

BKO (RKO) (2.872; 30-44-55)— 
•Adventure In WashinEton' (Col) and 
•Blondie In Society' (Col). Not too 
robust at $6,200. Last week, 'Reluct- 
ant Drarton' (RKO) and 'Scattergood 
Pulls Strings' (RKO), rolled up 
$8,100, better than expected In view 
of Disney strike situation. 
State (Loew-F-WC) (2.404: 30-44 
, .,^.JJV''^r-'.?ia''r4a-!le Bill' (M-G) and 
:,}«F7A.-,>r -IjI-G). No better 
than $11,500 anticipated. Last week, 
•Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Accent 
Love' (20th), hit satisfacTorv $13.00.0 

United Artists (UA-F-WC) (2,100! i 
30-44-59)— 'Man Hunt' (20th) and I 
•Accent on Love' (20th). Approxi- 
mately $3,000 expected, somewhat 
Jleht. Last week, 'Met in Bombay' 
(M-G) and "Beauty's Sake' (20th), 
falrlv satisfactory on moveover at 
$4,100; 

Wlbhire (F-WC) (2^06: 30-44-55) 
— Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Accent on 
Love' (2nth). Slightly off at prob- 
able $6,500. Last week, 'Met Bom- 
bay* (M-G) and 'Beauty's Sake' 
(20th) nice $7,600. 



Shepherd/ $14,500, Herds 
lenty Coin, H.O. in Denver 

Denver, July 15. 
'Shepherd of the Hills' is packing 
the Denham and will hold. 'Bride 
Came C.O.D.' Is strong at the Den- 
!r. 

Estimates for This Week 
AUddIn (Fox) (1,400; 25-40)— 
Moon Miami' (20th), after week at 
Denver. Fair $3,500. Last week, 
'Affectionately Yours' (WB) and 
Million DoUar Baby' (WB), after 
week at Denver, fair $3,800. 

Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 25-40)— 
Hamilton Woman' (UA), after a 
week at each the Denver, Aladdin 
and Rialto. Poor $2,000. Last week, 
'Reluctant Dragon' (RKO) and 'Scat- 
tergood Pulls' (RKO), after week at 
Orpheum, fair $2,500. 

Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 25-35- 
40)— 'Shepherd of Hills' (Par). Fine 
$14,500 and goes second week. Last 
week, 'Caught Draft* (Par) (4th wk) 
and 'West Point Widow' (Par), good 
$7,000: 

Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-40)— 
Bride C.O.D.' (WB) and 'Nurse's 
Secret' (WB). Big $12,000. Last 
week, 'Moon Miami' (20th) and 
Hello Sucker' (U), good $9,500. 

Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40) 
—'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 'Hurry, 
CharUe' (RKO) (2d- wk). Fair 
$6,800. Last - week, 'Met Bombay' 
(M-G) and 'Hurry, Charlie'^RKO), 
very nice $12,500. 

Paramonnt (Fox) (2,200; 25-35)— 
Shining Victory' (WB) and 'San 
Antonio Rose' (U). Fair $4,000. Last 
week, Tight Shoes' (U) and 'Hit 
Road' (U), good $5,500. 

Bialto (Fox) (878; 25-40)— 'MilUon 
Dollar Baby' (WB) and 'Affection- 
ately Yours' (WB), after week at 
each Denver and Aladdin. Fair 
$1,700. Last week, 'In Navy' (U), 
after week at each the Denver and 
Aladdin, and 'Fargo Kid' (RKO), 
good $2,000. 

MARXES, $8,S0O, 
NICE IN OMAHA 



Harris Orch-HongKong' 
Great $15,000 in hdpls. 

Indianapolis, July 1'6. 
Business as usual is evident in the 
downtown sector this week as the 
hot weather arrives In earnest and 
the vacation season begins. Phil 
Harris and his orch, with 'Passage 
from Hongkong,' Is the big noise 

here at the Lyric. 

Estimates for Thia Week 
Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,600; 25-30- 
40)— 'Moon Over Miami' (20th) and 
'Very Young Lady' (20th). Okay 
$8,500. Last week 'Caught Draft 
(Par) and 'Scattergood' (RKO) (2nd 

^Loe^w's'^Loew's) (2,400; 25-30-40) 
—'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 'Adven- 
ture Washington' (Col) (2d wk). 
Okay $7,500. Last week, very good 
$11,500. 

Lyrio (Lyric) (1,900; 30-40-50)— 
Passage Hongkong' (WB) and Phil 
Harris orch. Peachy $15,000. , Last 
week 'Puddin' Head' (Rep) and 
vaude headed by Billy Gilbert, fair 
$9,000. 

'Aragon k Nfinus 
Pickets But Plus 
Vaude in SfJ7G 



L'viDe Weak Desj^e Defense 



Only Terrific Plx Draw — 'Moon Over Miami' Getting 

Fine $8,000 



Only Whams in Jersey C; 
'Billy Kid' Great $16,000 

Jersey City, July 15. 

Loew''s, with 'Billy the Kid' and 
•C^heers for Miss Bishop,' Is doing 
top-notch business this week. At- 
tendance at town's other firstrun 
houses also good. 

^ Esttmatea for This Week 

Loew's (Loew's) (3,205; 28-33-50)— 
•Billy Kid' (M-G) and 'Cheers Miss 
Bishop' (UA). Great $16,000 ex- 
pected. List week, 'Love Crazy' 
(M-G) and 'Missing 10 Days' (Col), 
good $13,700. 

Stanley (WB) (4,500; 28-33-50)- 
•Underground' (WB) and 'Kisses 
Breakfast: (WB). Strong $14,500 in 
Bight. Last week, 'Out Fog' (WB) 
and Time Rhythm' (Col), fair 
$12,500. 

State (Skouras) (2,150; 28-33-50)— 
•Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Sunny' 
(RKO) (2d wk). Fine $9,000 ex- 
pected. Last week, terrific $13,000. 



Omaha, July 16. 
Marxes are making a good come' 
6ack at the Omaha lit The Big 
Store.*! 'Underground' la nifty at the 
Brandeis, but 'Flame of New 
Orleans' is not especially good at the 
Orpheum. 

Estimate! for This Week. .. 
Omaha (Tristates) (2,000; 10-30-40) 
—•Big Store' (M-G) and 'Wait for 
You' (M-G). Nice $8,500. Last week, 
'Night, Lisbon' (Par) and 'Long 
Voyage' (UA): fair $8,000. 

Brandeis (Mort Singer) (1,500; 10- 
25-35-40)— 'Underground' (WB) and 
'Blondie .Society' (Col). Nice $6,000, 
Last week, 'Reluctant Dragon' 
(RKO) and 'First Beau' (Col), $5,400. 
down because of a sudden sag. 

Orphenm (Tristates) (3,000; 10-30- 
40)— 'Flame New Orleans' (U) and 
'Reaching Sun' (Par). Fair $9,000. 
Last week, 'In Navy' (U) and 'Round 
Up' (Par), swell $13,500. 

State (Croldberg) (900; 10-20-25)— 
'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G) and 'AffecUon- 
ately Yours' (WB), split with 'Dead 
Men Tell' (20th), 'Man-Made 
Monster' (U) and 'Horror Island' 
(U). Fair $900. Last Week, 'Sea 
Wolf (WB). 'Lady Louisiana' (Rep) 
and Louis-Conn fight (RKO), split 
with 'Uncertain Feeling' (UA) and 
'Invisible Woman' (U), good $1,000. 
Town (Goldberg) (1,500; 10-20-25) 
•'Mutiny Arctic' (U), 'Footlight 



San Francisco, July 15, 
Golden Gate doing the biz this 
week with 'Reluctant Dragon,' aided 
by vaude on stage. Disney opus is 
pulling ahead it expectations, and is 
running without interference from 
pickets. Understood that the local 
liabor Council was approached by 
the Disney strikers when flick 
opened, but 'that the appeal for a 
strike was turned down. 

Weather has been as spotty as biz, 
with some nights as chilly as winter, 
despite warm days. 

Estimates for This Week 
Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-40-50)— 
Bride C.Q.D.' (WB) and 'Singapore 
Woman' (WB) (2d wk). Holding up 
okay for nice $12,000. First week 
finished with sweU $19,500. 

Golden Gate (RKO) (2.850; .30-44- 
55)— 'Reluctant Dragon' (RKO) and 
vaude. Playing- to plenty of juves, 
but still plenty of curious adulta for 
nifty $17,000. Last week 'Hurry, 
Charlie' (RKO) and Earl CarroU re- 
vue, ditto. 

Orphenm (Blumenfeld) (2,440; 35- 
40-50)— 'Knew All Answers' (Col) 
and 'Blondie Society' (Col). This 
house still having a struggle, al- 
though things are picking up a little 
this week for $6,000.-. Last week 
'Model Wife' (U) and 'Sweetheart 
Campus' (Col), had tough going at 
$5,000. 

FaramoDDt (F-WC) (2,470; 35-40 
50)— 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) and 'Get- 
away' (M-G). This one is proble- 
matical, but ought to: garner satis- 
factory $15,000. Last (3d-final) 
week, 'Caught Draft' (Par) and 
'West Point Widow' (Par), swell 
$11,000. 

St. Francis (F-WC) (1,475; 35-40- 
50)— 'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 'Shot 
Dark' (WB) (2d moveover wk). GO' 
ing great guns for above average 
$6,000. Last (Ist-moveover) . week, 
terrific $8,000. 

United Artists (Cohen) (1,200; 35 
40-50)— 'Three Sailor:' (UA). SweU 
selllnK'job Isnt' doing what' it should 
for this one, with sad $7,000 reflect- 
ing mild start. Liast (2d-flnal) week, 
'Pot Gold' (UA), faded away for 
miserable $4,900, and in Horace 
Heidt's home town, too. 

Warfleld (F-WC) (2,650; 35-40-50) 
—'Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Las Vegas 
Nights' (Par). Another problematl 
cal entry, with average $12,000 ap 
parent. 'Last (2dTfinal) week, 'Moon 
Over Miami' (20th) and 'Beauty's 
Sake' (20th), finished around $8,500, 



Maries Nifty $5,500 
h PorL; All H.O.S Good 



Portland, Ore., July 15. 
Only new pic to hit town this week 
"The Big Store,' pulling Marx- 
loving orowds to the little United 
Artista. " 
All other houses holding over. 

Estimate* for This Week 
Broadway (I>arker) (2,000; 33-40- 
60)— 'Met Bombay' (It-G) (2d wk.). 
Still going for > high $6,000, First 
week, great $10,000. 

Mayfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,- 
500; 35-40-50)— 'Love Crazy' (M-G) 
(4th wk.), dualed with re-issue of 
'Suez' (20th) (1st wk.). Taking okay 
$3,100. Third week (single) made 
good $3,600. after two satisfactory 
weeks at UA. 

Orphenm (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(1,800; 36-40-50)— 'Bride C. O. D.' 
(WB) and 'Cowboy and Blonde' 
(20th) (2d wk.). Going for nice $5, 
000. First week, strong $7,500. 

Paramonnt (Hamrick-Evergtgen) 
(3,000; 35-40-50) — 'Caught Draft' 
(Par) and 'Melody Three' (RKO) 
(3d wk.). Good $4,000. Second week 
took very nice $7,800. 

United Artista (Parker) (1,000 
35-40-50)^ 'Big Store' (M-G) and 
'Singapore Woman' (WB). Looks 
like fine $5,500. Last week, 'Mate 
Harl' (M-G) and 'Get Away'- (M-G), 
pulled after five day^ and poor $2,800. 



BETTE-CAGNEY 
OK $17,000, HUB 



•Sea Wolf' (WB), and 'Blondie Latin' 
(Col) and •Singapore Woman' (WB). 
Good $900. Last week, 'Back Saddle' 
(Rep), 'Met Argentina' (RKO), 'Road 
Zanzibar' (Par), split with 'Women 
Names' (Par), 'Father Prince' (WB) 
and 'Two Gun Law (Col), 'Wagons 
Roll Night' (WB) and 'Penny Sere- 
nade' (Col), fair $1,000. 

Avenue - Military - Dundee (Gold- 
berg) (960-600-300; 25) — 'Ziegfeld 
Girl' (M-G) and 'Affectionately 
Yours' (WB), split with 'Uncertain 
Feeling' (UA), 'Man-Made Monster' 
(U) and 'Horror Island' (U). Fair 
900. Last week, 'Lady Louisiana' 
(Rep), 'Sea Wolf (WB) and Louis- 
Conn fight, split with 'Invisible 
Woman' (U), 'Topper Returns' (UA) 
and 'Pot Gold' (UA), ditto. 



IAN HUNT,' $7m 
NM IN NORMAL CINCY 



Cincinnati, July 15. 
Biz currently In normal summer 
stride, although tumbling a few de- 
grees under last week's holiday- 



Boston, July 16. 
Tcm grosser this week will be 
'Bride Came C.O.D.', although this 
one Is under par for a Betto Davis- 
James Cagney film. 'Reluctant Dra^ 
gon' Is medium, despite favorable 
press. 

' Batlmatcs for This Week 
Borton (RKO) (3,200; 28-38-44-56) 
•In Navy' (U) (5th wk) and 'San 
Antonio Rose' (U) (2d wk). Head 
ing for so-so $7,500. Last week, nifty 
$12,400. 'Navy' previously played 
three, weeks at Keith Memorial. 

Fenway (M&P) (1,373; 28-39-44 
55)— 'Moon Miami' (20th) (continued 
run from Met) and 'Lady from 
Louisiana' (Repl. (1st run). Skid 
ding to $4,500. Last week, 'Man 
Hunt' (20th) and 'ThieVes FaU Out' 
(Par), $6,000, very good. 

Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,900: 28 
39-44-55)— 'Relucant Dragon' (RKO) 
and 'Dance Hall' (20th). Aiming at 
$14,000, slightly disappointing. Last 
week, 'All Answers' (Col) and 
'Bachelor Daddy (U), $12,500, off. 

Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 28-30 
44-55)— 'Bride C.O.D.* (WB) and 
'Niurse's Secret' (WB). Tuning In 
to okay $17,000. Last week, 'Moon 
Miami' (20th) and 'Walt You' (M-G), 
$15,500. 

Orphenm (Loew) (2,900; 28-39-44- 
55)— 'BiUy Kid' (M-G) and 'Adven- 
tiu'e Washington' (Col) (2d wk). 
Running at fair $12,000 gait First 
week, good $18,000. 

Parnmonnt (M&P) (1.797; 28-39-44- 
55)— 'Moon Miami' (20th) (continued 
run from Met) and 'Lady Louisiana' 
(Rep) (1st run). Fair $6,000. Last 
week, "Man Hunt' (20th) and "Thieves 
Fall' (Par), $8,000, good. 

State (Loew) (3,600; 28-39-44-55)- 
■Billy Kid' (M-G) and 'Adventure 
Washington' (Col) (2d wk). Will 
take around $9,000, okay. First 
week, $14,800, dandy. 

"rranslux (Translux) (900; 15-25- 
44)— 'Great Swindle' (Col) and 
'Thunder Afloat' (M-G) (reissue). 
Indicate $2,200, n.sJi. Last weelc 
'Prisoner Devil's Island' (Col) and 
'Never Sfty Die' (Par) (revival), 
same. 



Louisville, July 16. 
"Moon Over Miami,' coupled with 
Ride on Vaquero' at the Rialto, 
shapes up the best b.o. draw In a 
week that Is just fair. Business If 
only medium at all stands, and most 
houses are down from the past few 
weeks. New product is bringing In 
light returns, while h.o's are doing 
all right. 

Defense spending is helping down* 
town houses, but it's spotty, and In 
evidence only when a terrific pic la 
billed, or on the Charlestown, Ind., 
or Fort Knox, Ky., paydays, which 
fall around the 15th and 30th of the 
month. 

Estimates lor This Week 
Brown (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) 
(1,400; 15-30-40) — 'Caught Draft' 
(Par) and 'San Antonio Rose'. (U). 
Moved over from Rialto after big 
two .weeks. Pointing to good $3,000. 
Last week, 'BUly Kid' (M-G) and 
'Broadway Limited' (UA) (3d down- 
town week), excellent $3,200. 

Kentnoky (Swltow) (1,200; 15-25) 
—'Great Lie' (WB) and 'Uncertain 
Feeling' (U). split with 'Devil and 
Miss Jones' (RKO) and 'Adam Sons' 
(Col). Aiming at fine $1,500. Last 
week, 'Night Rio' (20th) and 'Blondie 
Latin' (Col), good $1,600. 

Loew's State (Loew's) (3,300; 15- 
30-40)— 'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 
'Adventure Washington' (Col) (2d 
wk). Mild $5,000. First week enor- 
mous'$ll,000. 

Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 
15-30-40)— "Bride C.O.D.' (WB) (2d 
wk). Still going along at profitable 
pace and drawing bead on good 
$3,500. First week better than esti- 
mated $5,500. 

BUIto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 15- 
30-40)— "Moon Miami' (20th) and 
'Ride Vsiquero' (20th). Capping nice 
b'ade here and gaining bulk of b.o. 
attention for probably fine $8,000. 
Last week, 'Caught Draft' (Par) and 
'San Antonio Rose' (U) (2d wk), 
good $7,500 4tnd moveover. 

Strand (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 16- 
30-40)— 'Sunny' (RKO) and 'Meet 
Again' (RKO). Indicate medium 
$3,000. Last week, 'Tight Shoes' (U) 
and 'Voice Night' (U), all right 
$3,200. 



Fever' (RKO) and 'Geronimo' (Par), grees unaer lasi weeKs noimay- 
triple split with 'Wild Man BomeoH telpe<? streteh hypoed by. Caught 
(M-G), •Couldn't Say No' (WB) and 



Draft,' which rang up Cincy's loftiest 
gross for past two years. The Bob 
Hope pic is in second-week at the 
Capitol, where It moved from the 
Albee. 

Estimates for This Week 
Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50) — 
'Bride C.O.D.' (WB). Okay $11,000. 
Last week, 'Caught Draft' (Par), in- 
creased momentum in last half to hit 
$20,000, Cincy's best for past two 
years at prices. 

Cajiitol (RKO) (2,000; 33-40-50)— 
•Caught Draft' (Par). Moveover 
from Albee for second week. Smash 
$7,500. Last week, 'Met Bombay' 
(M-G) (2d run), swell $6,000. 

Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-28) — 
•Wrangler's Roost' (Mono) and 'Big 
Boss' (Col), spilt with .'Singapore 
Woman' (WB) and 'Gang's All Here' 
(Mono). Seasonal $1,800. Same last 



week for 'Pirates Horseback' (Par) 
and 'Emergency Landing' (PRC), di- 
vided with 'Lady Louisiana'. (Rep) 
and 'Nurse's Secret' (WB). 

Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50) — 
'Moon Miami' (20lh). Switched from 
Palace for second week. All right 
$4,000. Last week, 'Big Store' (M-G) 
(2d run), good $4,500. 

Keith's (Libson)- (1,500; 33-40-50) 
—•Tight Shoes' (U). Fahrly good 
$3,500. Last week, 'Time Rhythm' 
(Col), five days, very poor $1,500. 

Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 33-40-50) — 
•Met Bombay' (M-G). Relayed from 
Altiee and Capitol for third week on 
main line. - Pleasing $3,500. Same 
last week on 'Billy Kid' (M-G) (3d 
run). 

Pakoe (RKO) (2,600; 33-40-50) — 
'Man Hunt' (20th). N.s.h. $7,500, 
Last week, 'Moon Miami' (20th), 
favorable $10,000. 



'SHEPHERD HILLS' NICE 
$8,300 IN KANSAS C. 



Kansas City, July 15. 

Two of the new films are .doing 
well enough to be strong candidatef 
for holdover berths. These are •Man 
Hunt' as top half of dual bill in the 
Fox-Midwest's Esquire and Uptown, 
and 'Shepherd of the Hills' solo n 
the Newman. 

Tower is having a bang-up week 
with LitUe Jack Little and band aa 
the magnet on the stage. 

Estimates tor This Week 

Esqaire and Uptown (Fox-Mid- 
west) (820 and 2,043; 10-28-44)— 
'Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Bride Cruteh- 
es' (20th). Good rtewspaper notices 
behind this one; getting $8,000 combo 
and holdover. Last week, 'Moon 
Miami' (20th), $7,000, okay. 

Midland (Loew's (4,101; 10-28-44) 
—'Met Bombay* (M-G) and 'Adven- 
ture Washington' (Col) (2d wk). 
House, which seldom made any holdj 
overs, Is playing them for extended 
runs more frequently of late. This 
one will glean nice $7,500, after first 
week's good $12,000. 

Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10- 
2fl.-44)— 'Shepherd Hills' (Par). Has 
to go through comparison of its 
scenery and story with actual scen- 
ery of the book, so well known in 
these parts, but still coming up with 
*8,300, nice, and may stay longer. 
Last week. 'Caught Draft' (Par) (3d 
wk), big $6,500. 

Tower (Joffee) (2,110: 10-30)— 'San 
Antonio Rose' (U) with Little Jack 
Little orch on stage. Will top $8,- 
000, big fleure. with band the reason. 
Last week, 'Puddin' Head' (Rep) 
with vaude, light $5,500. 

Dialog Directors' Guild 

\ — 

Hollywood, July IS. 

An open meeting of the newly 
formed Dialog Directors Guild has 
been called for Monday night (21). 
All working and non-employed di- 
alog directors have been invited to 
attend. The Guild has a Federal 
charter from the American Federa- 
tion of Labor, and already claims 
to represent 80% of the directors In 
the Industry. 

Demands for improved wages, 
hours and conditions are now being 
prepared. 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



PICTUBE GROSSES 11 



Outside of Draft' H.0 -Rochester, 
$43M Not Much B.O. in Chicago; 
'Man Hunt' Fme 13G, Dragon,' 9G 



4- 



Chlcaco, Julj 15. 

'Caught In the Tit^tX holds for • 
third week In th* Chicago, having 
proven one of the biggest smashes In 
the history of the loop. ' Currently 
has Bochester, Dick Stabile orch and 
Gracie Barrle for stage support 
Bo. is adding up to a degree of 
potency which makes for consider- 
able management happiness. 

Loop has a flock of new pictures. 
Woods yesterday (Monday) switched 
to 'Jungle Cavalcade," the Frank 
Buck picture, after- a long run with 
'Citizen Kane.' The animal picture 
Is in on a grind policy at 55c top. 

Palace combination of 'Reluctant 
Dragon' and "Hurry, Charlie' Is out 
after a single fair week and replaced 
today (Tuesday) with a dualer 
headed by the Ginger Rogers pic- 
ture, Tom, Dick and Harry.' Two 
light comedies in the Apollo and 
Garrick, 'Uncertain Feeling' in the 
former and 'She Knew AU the An- 
swers' In the latter, are' pretty mean- 
ingless at the wicket' and will stick 
only a short time. 

Looking for greater strength Is 
•Man Hunt," which Is stirring up talk 
in the Roosevelt. 

Estimates for This Week 

Apollo (B&K) (1,20Q; 35-55-65-75) 
—'Uncertain . Feeling' (UA). Not 
much for this one, which is getting 
a little drop-in trade for so-so 
$3,500. Last week, "Billy Kid' 
(M-G), was alright In third loop 
session at $4,900,. 

Cliicaco (B&K) (4,000: 35-55-75)— 
•Caught braff (Par) (3d wk) and 
Rochester, Dick Stabile orch, Gracie 
Barrie on stage and aiding the b.o. 
plenty. Take will be $43,000. Last 
week the Phil Harris orch and 
'Draft' ( went far over expectations 
for mammoth $44,400 on extra shows. 

Garrick (B&K) (BOO; 35-55-65-75) 
— 'Knew Answers' (Col). Program- 
mer not designed for excitement, but 
will garner a fair take at $3,500. 
Last week, 'Reaching Sun" (Par), 
was mild at $3,200. 

OrlenUl (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-44)— 
"Penny Serenade' (Col) and "Flame 
New Orleans' (U). Good solid com- 
bination getting best coin here in 
long time at $8,500. Last week, 
'Hamilton Woman" (UA) and 'Great 
Broadcast' (20th), okay $7,100. 

Palace (RKO) (2,500; 33-44-66)— 
"Dragon" (RKO) and 'Hurry, Char- 
lie' (RKO). Small money combina- 
tion this, with the Disney feature- 
length failing to attract much moola; 
$9,000. Replacing is coml>o headed 
by Toni, Dick and Harry" (RKO). 

Roosevelt (B&K) (2,500; 35-55-65- 
75)— 'Man Hunt' (20th). Sold well 
by B&K explolteers, but will get 
only mildish $13,000. Last week, 
'DoUar Baby' (WB), fair $8,600. 

StaU-Laka (B&K) (2,700; 28-44)— 
"Hit Road' (U) and vaude. Not 
much for the general run here and 
only the upped weekend prices makes 
big $19,000 possible. Last week, 
'Wagon Roll' (Par) had Harry Rich- 
man on the stage to corral wow 
$20,200. 

United Artists- (B&K-M-G) (1,700; 
35-55-65-75') — 'Bombay' (M-G) (2d 
wk). After hot initial stanza at 
$18,400, will follow up currently to 
excellent $14,000. 

Woods (Essaness) (1,200; 28-33-55) 
—'Jungle Cavalcade" (RKO). Opened 
yesterday (Monday) and will do 
slick $9,500, aided by^flne exploiU- 
tioo. Last week. "Kane" (RKO) 
finished nine weeks (50-75-$1.10- 
^keS) to good $9,100. 

Draft' Heavy $26,000 
In B'klyn; Strand Shots 

Brooklyn, July 15. 

Smashing biz at Fabian Paramount 
with 'Caught in th« Draft' and 
Poison Pen." Trailing is Loew's 
Metropolitan with "Billy the Kid' and 
'Hello Sucker.* 

Warner's Strand shuttered for 
summer. Vaudfllm policy is planned 
for fall reopening. 

Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (3^74; 25-35-50)— 
Man Hunt' (20th) (2d wk) and 'Very 
Young Lady' (20th). WiU draw neat 
$14,500. Last week, coupled -with 
Tight Shoes' (U), nice $18,000. 

Fox (Fabian) (4,023; 25-35-50)— 
r Underground' (WB) and 'Kisses for 
Breakfast' (WB).- Gooa $15,000. Last 
weel(i,i?Power Dive' (Par) and 'Knew 
All Answers^ (Qol). good $15,000. 
.„Met (Loew's) (3,618; 25-35-50>— 
Billy Kid* (M-G) and 'HeUo Sucker.' 
Strong $16,000. I^ast week, 'Love 
Crazy' (M-G) and 'Black Cat' (U) 
(2d wk), okay $15,000. 
,„fafamonht (Fabian) (4,126; 25-35- 
50)---'Caught Draft' (Par) and 'Poison 
Pen (Rep). Booming $26,000 in view. 
Last week, 'One Night in Lisbon' 
par) and 'Strange Alibi' (WB), 
healthy $16,000. 



Lincoln Price Cut No Aid; 
♦Bride C.O.D.' Good $4,000 

Lincoln, Neb.,. July 15. 

Town's jan-again-oS-again biz was 
oiT again this term, with only 'Bride 
Came C.O.D." having a chance of 
turning in black figures. 

New price policy, which exhlbs 
hoped would shoo away the boxofflce 
bogey, has failed to click, but re- 
action here to such changes is al- 
ways slow. 

Estimates for Thb Week 

Colonial (Monroe-Noble-Federer) 
(750; 10-15)— 'Melody Ranch' (Rep) 
and 'Ellery 'Queen' (Col), split with 
'Adventures Jane Arden' (WB) and 
'Gangs Sonora' (Rep). So-so $000. 
Last Week, 'Girls 21' (Col) and 
'Nevada City' (Rep), split with 
'Medico Painted, Springs' (Col) and 
'Mexican Spitfire* (RKO), ditto. 

Lincoln (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,503; 
10-20-25)— 'Cowboy Blond' (20th). 
With summer prices as lure, prob- 
ably won't attract more than $1,600, 
poor. Last week, 'Moon Miami' 
(20th), juicy $3,600. 

Nebraska (J. H. Cooper-Par) 
(1,236; 10-15-20)— 'Power Dive' (Par) 
and 'Beauty's Sake' (20th). Still in 
depression rut for sad $1,200. Last 
week, 'Border- Vigilantes' (Par) and 
'Shot in Dark' (WB), sad $1,200. 

Stnart (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,884; 
10-25-40) — 'Bride C.O.D.' (WB). 
Taking all the trade there is for 
excellent $4,000, with h.o. possibility. 
Last week, 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G), got 
only five days and slim $1,900. 

Varsity (Noble-Federer) (1,100; 
10-20-25)— 'Wagons Roll' (WB). Bar- 
gain prices flunked out here, too, and 
film headed for dismal $2,000. Last 
week, "Reluctant Dragon' (RKO), 
stumbled .around to- weak $2,800. 



TWOON; $22,000. 
BIG IN DEI 
UPBEAT 



Detroit, July 15 

Detroit continues to show strength. 
Biz now has been sustained here for 
over a month, fortifying the feeling 
that the present 'boom' is. a genuine 
reflection of the billion in arma- 
ments money poured into this area. 

Fox again will take a bill over that 
important $20,000 marker with 
'Moon Over Miami' and 'Saint's 
Vacation.' Only other new bill is at 
the Palms-State, usual switch-over 
house, which is running well with 
'Sea Wolf- and 'Scattergood Baines.' 
Estimates lor Thb Week 

Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40-55) 
—'In Navy' (U) and 'Tight Shoes' 
(U) (4th wk). House should glean 
another $5,000, on top of last week's 
$7,000, despite Fox's heavy grosses in- 
first pair of weeks for this dual. 

Fox (Fox-Michigaft) (5,000; 30-40- 
50)— 'Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Saint's 
Vacation' (RKO). Indicate strong 
$22,000. Last week, 'Man Hunt* (20th) 
and 'San Antonio Rose' (U), hefty 
$20,000. , . 

Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 
30-40-55)— 'Caught Draff (Par) and 
'Affectionately Yours' (2d wk). Okay 
$16,000, after smash $26,000 last 
wggIc. 

Palms-State (United Detroit) 
(3,000; 30-40-55)— 'Sea Wolf (Par) 
and 'Scattergood Baines' (RKO). 
Nice $8,000 in sight. Last week, 'John 
Doe' (WB) and 'MilUon DoUar Baby' 
(WB) (3 d wk), o.k. $7,000. 

WE C.O,D.; $12,500, 
NOTY IN RAINY PROY. 

Providence, July 15. 

The rains came and sure helped 
b.o.'s hereabouts. Two holdovers, 
'Caught in the Draft,' at Strand, and 
'Met in Bombay,' at Loew's State, 
are still going strong. 

Theatres have inaugurated special 
prices for men in the armed services. 
Uniformed men are admitted for 24c 
In the a.m., and 30c afternoons and 
evenings. 

Estimates for This Week 

Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 28-39- 
50)— 'Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Cow- 
boy Blonde' (20th) (2d run). Off to 
nice start for good $2,000. Last 
week, 'Knew Answers' (Col) and 
Time Rhythm' (Col) (2d run), fair- 
ish $1,500. 

Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 10-25-35)— 
'One MiUIon' (20th) (reissue) and 



Fnrst Rnns on Broadway 

^Subject to Chantre) 

Week of July 17 

Aster— 'Sergeant York' (WB) 
• (8d wk). 

Broadway — 'Fantasia' (Disriey) 
(36th wk). 

CspltoI-'Barnacle Bill' (M-G). - 

(Reviewed <n Varibtv July 2) 

Criterion— 'In the Navy' (U) 
(6th wk). 

Globe — 'Navy Blue and Gold' 
(M-G) (19). 

Mnsla Hall— "Tom, Dick' and 
Harry' (RKO). 

(Reviewed <n Current Issue) 

P a I a o e — 'Jungle Cavalcade' 
(RKO) X3d wk). 

Parameant — 'Caught in the 
Draft' (Par) (4th wk). 

RIalto— Tlie GeUway' (M-G) 
(16). 

(Reviewad in Vabittv June 11) 
Boxy— 'Dance Hall' (20th) (18). 
Strand— 'Manpower' (WB) (3d 
wk). 

Week of Jaly M 

Astor— 'Sergeant York' (WB) 
(4th wk>. 

Broadway — 'Fantasia" (Disney) 
(37th wk). 

Capitol— 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) 
(2d wk). 

Criterion — 'Stars Look Down" 
(M-G). •'■ 
(Reviewed In Variety Jan. 3, 1940) 

Globe — 'Navy Blue and Gold" 
(M-G) (2d wk). 

Music Ball — Tom, Dick and 
Harry' (RKO) (2d wk). 

Palace — 'Reluctant Dragon" 
(RKO). 

(Revfeuied in Vabiry June 11) 
Paramount — 'Caught In the ' 

Draft" (Par) (5th wk). 
Boxy— 'Dance Hall' (20th) (2d 

wk). 

Strand- 'Bride Came C. O. D.' 
(WB) (25). 

(Reviewed in Vabieiy July 2) 



'Men Timberlands' (U). Getting Its 
share for fair $2,000. Last week, 'Hit 
Road' (U) and 'Saddlemates' (Rep), 
$1,800. 

MajesUc (Fay) (2,200; 10-25-35)— 
'Bride C.O.D.' (WB) and 'Shining 
Victory' (WB). Stepping off to ni|ty 
$12,500. -I^ast week, 'Moon Miami" 
(20th) and 'Cowboy Blonde' (20th), 
flne $10,000: 

StaU (Loew) (3,200; 28-39-50) — 
'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 'Adventure 
Washington' (Col) (2d wk). Still 
getting heavy play for grand $11,000, 
after knocking off flne $14,500 In 
opening stanza. 

Strand (Indie) (2,000; 28-40-50) — 
'Caught Draft' (Par) and 'Boston 
Blackie' (Col) (2d wk). A bread- 
winner hereabouts with lively $7,500. 
Took in pretty close to record $13,500 
in first session. 



H.O.S Clutter N.Y. 1st Rims, Biz Off; 
'Blossoms; $70,000, Draft' 45G, Both 
Big in 3d Wks. Tork' Smash 23>/2G 



'Navy' Best in Cooler 
Montreal With $6,500 

Montreal, July 15. 
Fair week in sight currently, with 
'In the Navy' topping the street at 
$6,500. 

Estimates for This Week 
Palaee (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 'In 
Navy' (U). Out-of-towners and 
cooler weather Should boost this one 
to $6,500, good. Last week 'Moon 
Miami'. (20th), fair $4,800. 

Capitol (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 
'Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Bride 
Crutches' (20th). Nice $4,500. Last 
week 'Caught Draft' (Par) and 
'Point Widow' (Par) (2d wk), good 
$4,200. 

Loew's (CT) (2,800; 35-53-67)— 
'Lovy Crazy' (M-G) (2d wk). Point- 
ing to fair $4,500, after good enough 
$6,000 last week. 

Princess (CT) (2,300; 30-40-53)— 
'Shining Victory* (WB) and 'Devil 
Dogs' (WB). Better outlook at $3,- 
000. Last week 'Sis Hopkins' (Rep) 
and 'Black Cat' (U), weak $2,500. 

Orpheum (Ind) (1,100; 30-40-60)— 
'Dictator' (UA) (4th wk). Still 
clicking, with fair $2,500 in sight, 
after satisfactory $3,000 last week. 

Cinema de Paris (France-Film) 
(600; 30-60)— 'Feu de PaUle" (2d wk). 
Slipping to probable $600, after poor 
$800 last week. 

St. Denis (France-Film) (2.300; 30- 
40)^'Les Beaux Jours' and 'Adhe- 
mar Aviateur." . Low for season at 
$2,000. Last week 'Maison du Mys- 
tere' and 'J'aime toutes les Femmes," 
poor $2,300. 



SAMT KAYE UPS 
WTO $21,000 

INPUT 



Oldies Hamper Wash.; 
Beery-Wheele;Fairl8G, 
Ditto Tog'-Isabel Jewell 



Washington, July 15. 
Only two new films on this week's 
calendar, so there's not much excite- - 
ment at the boxofflces. Capitol's 
'Barnacle Bill,' with Wallace Beery 
as draw, has slight edge over 'Out 
of Fog,* at Earle, both supported by 
stege -shows- witii film • pBTFenalitTesr 
Isabel Jewell is on Earle stage, whUe 
Bert Wheeler is the Capitol's head- 
liner. 

Estimates for This Week 
Capitol (t«ew). (3,434; 28-39-44- 
66)— 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G), plus Bert 
Wheeler on stage. Leading n.g. 
competition with fair enough $18,000. 
Last week, 'Billy Kid' (M-G), plus 
vaude. topped town with sizzling 
$22,500. 

CoInmbU (Loew) (1,234; 28-44)— 
'Love Crazy' (M-G) (2d run). Ex- 
cellent $6,000 for third downtown 
week. Last week, 'Blood and Sand' 
(20th) (2d run), managed average 
$5,000. 

Earle (WB) (2,216; 28-39-44-66)— 
"Out of Fog" (WB), plus vaude with 
Isabel Jewell. Just middling with 
passable $16,000. Last week, 'Kiss 
Boys' (Par), plus vaude, good $20,000. 

Keith's (RKO) (1.830; 39-55)— 'In 
Navy' (U) (3d wk). SUU good for 
$6,000. Last week, nice $9,000. 

Metropolitan (WB) (1,600; 28-44) 
—'Underground' (WB) (2d wk). 
Garnering for holdover term aver- 
age first-week figure, $5,000. Last 
week, $8,200, topped anything In a 
year. 

Palace (Loew) (2,242; 28-55)— 
"Caught Draft' (Par) (2d wk). Hold- 
ing up with handsome $13,000. Last 
week very Tood $21,000. 

Lupine Initials Deal 

Hollywood, July 15. 

Ida Lupino's first job under her 
two-picture contract with 20th-Fox 
is the femme lead opposite Tyrone 
Power in 'Benjamin Blake.* 

Filming starts Aug. 25, with Wil- 
liam Perlberg associate -producer 
under Darryl Zanuck. - 



Pittsburgh, July 16. 

Put cooler weather and sock ' at- 
tractions together, and they spell one 
thing— biz. Upgrade that started 
here couple of weeks ago Is continu- 
ing and general feeling locally is that 
the dog days are no more. Helping 
some, too. Is fact that Fulton shut 
down Sunday night (13) for several 
weeks, as per Its usual summer cus- 
tom, and average take at that spot 
is subsequently being distributed 
among other first-runners. 

Sammy Kaye bolstering 'Reaching 
For Sun' at Stanley into a big piroflt 
stanza for WB and 'Caught In Draft' 
is making everybody happy at Penn. 
Estlmaiei for This Week 

Fnlton (Shea) (1,700; 25-40) 'Moon 
Miami' (20th) — Musical got three 
days of second week before house 

under $1,500, fo^owing $5,400 first 
week. Of that, more than $2,000 
came In opening day (4th of July.) 

Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 25-35- 
50)— 'Caught Draff (Par). Bob Hope 
cinch to sell now and picture's a 
natural. Whole thipg adds up to 
swell $16,500, with chance that It 
may go even above that. Last week, 
'Bride C. O. D.' (WA), around $15,- 
000, holiday alone accounting for al- 
most third of total gross. 

BUx (WB) (800; 25-35-50)— 'Met 
Bombay' (M-G) (3d wk.). Coming 
here from Warner, which got Gable- 
Russell picture from Penn.- Doing 
very well here at $3,200. Last week, 
reissue of 'Bringing Up Baby' (RKO) 
and 'Met Argentina' (RKO), pretty 
bad $1,600. 

Senator (Harris) (1,750; 25-35-50) 
—'Blood Sand' (20th) (2d wk.). FaU- 
ing off to less than half opening ses- 
sion's figures and goes out tonight 
(IS) for reissue of 'Mata Harl' (M-G) 
and 'Time Out Rhythm' (Col). Won't 
get more than $3,500, as against 
$7,800 last week. 

SUnley (WB) (3,800; 25-40-60)— 
'Reaching for Sun* (Par) and Sammy 
Kaye. Latter responsible for most of 
the biz since film dldn*t rate much 
attention from the press. WiU do 
$21,000 at least, very good. Last 
week, Andrews Sisters, back for sec- 
ond engagement in four months, with 
Gene Krupa and 'Out of the Fog' 
(WB), were a sensation at better 
than $26,000. 

Warner (WB) (2.000; 25-35-50)— 
'Bride C. O. D.' (WB) (2d wk.). 
Moved here from Penn and doing 
pretty good. Cagney-Davis comedy 
will get better than $5,000. Last 
week, 'Met Bombay'. • (M-G), also 
h. 0. from Penn, great $8,200 but had 
big holiday. 



Broadway is cluttered up with 
holdovers this week and business 
plainly reflects this condition, espe- 
cially with several pictures in their 
third or fourth weeks. Single new- 
comer is Time for Rhythm" at Ar- 
thur Mayer's RIalto. doing merely 
routine business. 

Third sessions for 'Caught in 
Draft,' at Paramount, and 'Blossoms 
in the Dust,' at Music Hall, regis- 
tered best, with Bob Hope's comedy 
drawing in $45,000 after extraordi- 
nary $140,000 for the first two ses- 
sions. This insures well above $200,- 
000 in four weeks, a mark that will 
rarely be topped. 'Blossoms in Dust' 
is getting okay $70,000; splendid 
profit, after $180,000 garnered the 
first two weeks. 

'Sergeant York,' which has been 
doing capacity since opening July 2 
at the Astor. wound up its first regu- 
lar week last -^Monday (14) with 
socko 323.500. Re-scaling of house 
and addition o( boxes is credited 
with making this figure possible, 
slightly exceedine the best done by 
'Gone with Wind' at the same the- 
atre. 

• 'Manpower,' plus Cab Calloway's 
orch unit, is pulling surprising $38,- 
000 in second week at Strand, after 
a hangup $45,000 first time out. 'Met 
in Bombay,* at Capitol, slipped badly 
to $14,000 on second session, while 
'Moon Over Miami,' with $28,000 at 
the Roxy, is a big dip from opening 
week. 

Estimates for This Week 

Astor (WB) (1,012; 75-85-$1.10- 
$I.65-$2.20)— 'Sgt. York' (WB). First 
regular week ended Monday (14) 
night brought socko $23,500, ca- 
pacity. Jesse Lasky ' production 
garnered smash coin despite heavy 
guest list in first seven days. 

Broadway (Disney) (1,895; 55-75- 
$1.10-$1.65-$2.20) — 'Fantasia' (Dis- 
ney) (36th wk). Held up to $8,500 
in past week, highly profitable. Clos- 
ing stiU remains indefinite. Ckit $10,- 
800 on. previous session. 

Capitol (Loew's (4,520; 35-55-85- 
$1.10-$1.25) — 'Met Bombay' (M-G) 
(2nd wk). Gable-Russell combo 
slipping badly in second stanza for 
under $14,000. The $30,000 pace, first 
week, best profit here in a long time. 
'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) advertised to 
come in Thursday (17). 

Criterion (Loew's) (1,662; 35-44-55- 
75)— 'In Navy' (U) (6th wk). Not 
in big brackets, but $10,000, in fifth 
week ended last (Tuesday) night, 
represents sturdy profit for this 
house — hence the holdover. Abbott- 
Costello comedy got $17,000, big, the 

Globe (Brandt) (1.180; 28-35-55)-' 
•Underground' (WB) (4th wk). 
Thriller heading for resounding $7,- 
500 in its fourth week, after $9,000 on 
third stenza. 'Navy Blue and Gold' 
(M-G) (reissue), due In Saturday 
(19). 

Pataee (RKO) (1,700; 28-SS-44-S9> 
65-76)— 'Jungle Cavalcade' (RKO) 
(2d wk). Frank Buck jungle chiller 
holding up at $9,500, splendid. First 
week, hefty $16,000. Stays third ses- 
sion. 'Reluctant Dragon' (HKO) 
skedded after that on indet run and 
same scale. 
Paramount (Par) (3.664: 35-9S-8S- 



banny Kaye, others on stage (4th 
wk). Concluded its third session last 
(Tuesday) night with approximately 
$45,000 in coffers, still handsome 
profit after $140,000 in first two 
weeks. Joe Venuti band comes in 
for fifth week because Bradley out- 
fit had previous date. Otherwise no 
change. . 

Badio City Music Hall (Rockefel- 
lers) (5,960: 44 - 55 - 85 - 99-$l.e5)— 
'Blossoms Dust'' (M-G) and stage 
show (3d wk). Finishing third ses- 
sion with $70,000, plenty okay after 
$160,000 on first two weeks. Tom, 
Dick and Harry' (RKO) in Thurs- 
day (17). 

BUIto (Mayer) (750; 28-44-55)— 
'Time Rhythm* (Col). Routine $5,500 
in prospect The (Getaway' (M-G) 
set to onen today (Wednesday). la 
ahead. Hit Road' (U), nice $8,000. 

Boxy (20th) (5.835; 35-55-65-75-35) 
—'Moon Over Miami' (20th) and 
Major Bowes' '1941 Star Parade' on 
stage (2d wk). Sliding off to reach 
only about $28,000, or thereabouts. 
Same combo grabbed $48,000 on first 
session. 'Dance Hall' (20th) opens 
Friday (18). 

SUte (Loew's) (3,400: 28-44-55-75- 
90-$1.10)— 'Love Crazy' (M-G) (2d 
run) and vaude headed by Ella 
Logan, Berry Bros.. Georges and 
.Talna, Senor Wences. Mildish $19,- 
000. Last week, 'Pennj Serenade* 
(Col) f2d run) and Carmen Amaya. 
Cardinl. Smith and Dale, excellent 
$30.00, best h<»re in many weeks. 

Strpnd (WB) (2.767; 35-.'i5-75-83- 
99)— 'Manpower* (WB) and Cab Cal- 
lowav orch imit on staee (2d wk). 
Robinson-Raft-'Oietrich picture null- 
ing despite HisappointinR notices, 
and .ita.ve .show is hie helo. Near 
!ii.1Aono, swell, after slick $45,000 on 
Initial week. Holdover for third 
session. 



12 



PIGTUBE GROSSES 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



Iks Convention Hikes Philly B.O^; 
'Answers -Knipa-Cass Daley $19,600 



Philadelphia, July 15. 

Influx of thousands cl visitors to 
Philly for the Ellts convention, which 
opened yesterday (Mon.), helping to 
keep the wickets turning at a' fast 
clip in downtown deluxers. Although 
the city is providing lots of cuffo 
entertainment, rfiany of the delegates 
and their wives are dropping in at 
the fllmers. 

Getting the bulk of the patronage 
are the holdovers. 

Estimates for This Week 

Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 35-46-57) 
—'Night Lisbon' (Par) (2d run). Sat- 
isfactory $3,000. Revival of "Mata 
Hari' (M-G) opened yesterday 
(Mon.). 

Boyd (WB) (2,560; 35-46-57-68)— 
•Blossoms Dust' (M-G). Nothing to 
cheer about with sour $18,800. Last 
■ week, 'Met Bombay' (M-G) uncorked 
okay $11,500 for second trip. 

Earle (WB) (2,768; 35-46-57-68)— 
•Knew Answers' (Col) with stage 
show featuring Gene Krupa orch and 
Cass Daley. Heading for pretty $19,- 
600. Last week, Husky $21,000 on 
strength of 'Lady Louisiana' (Rep) 
plus Rochester unit, Dick Stabile 
orch. 

Fox (WB) (2,423; 35-45-57-68)— 
•Caught Draft' (Par) (2nd wk). Bob 
Hope still packing 'em with chunky 
$17,500 in the till for hoTdover week. 
Will hang around for another trip at 
least. Opening sesh dragged down 
smash $26,500. 

Karlton (WB) (1,066; 35-46-57-68) 
—'Shining Victory' (WB). Initial run 
netting paUid $3,500. Last week,' 
•Man Hunt' (20th), good $4,500 for 
Eccohd-run showing. 

Keith's (WB) (2,220; 35-46-57-68)-^ 
In Navy' (U) (2nd run) (2nd wk). 
Sailing along to zingy $4,000 for this 
jaunt. Last week, socko $6,500 after 
three weeks at Stanley. 

Stanley (WB) (2,916; 35-48-57-68) 
—'Moon Miami' (20th) .(2d wk). WiU 
barely hit $10,000 for this run, after 
mediocre $14,000 for opening round. 
'Bride C. O. D.' (WB) bounces in to- 
morrow (Wed.). . 
'> Stanton (WB) (1,457; 35-46-57)— 
•Barnacle Bill' (M-G). Return o! 
' Beery sending b.o. up' to batigup 
$7,500 and" assuring holdover, liast 
week, Tight Shoes' (U), cleared 
hurdle with $4,500. . 



WMteman-' Answers' 
Nice {14,000 in Brisk 
Mpls^ Draft' H.O. Okay 



get good $^000. Last week, $13,200, 
tremendous. 

Uptown (Par) (1,300; 28- 39) 
'Woman's Face' (M-G ). First neigh- 
borhood showing and skyrocketing 
to big $3,800. Last week, 'Love 
Crazy' (M-G), good $3,000. 

World (Par-Stefles) (350; 28-39-44- 
55) 'Great Dictator' (UA) (4th wk). 
Winding up after succesful run of 
two weeks each at Orpheum and 
here. Satisfactory $1,200 indicated 
Last week, god $2,200. 



900-SEATER IN AMUS. 
VILLAGE ON COAST 



Los Angeles, July 15. 

Work on a new $65,000 theatre was 
started by the Pan-Pacific Audi- 
torium Corp. as part of an amuse- 
ment village development which, 
when completed, will consist of an 
ice rink, theatre, restaurants and 
bowling alleys. Project, spread out 
over 16 acres on Beverly Blvd., will 
represent a total outlay of $650,000. 

New film house, ,a 900-seater, will 
be operated by the Jar-Lee Corp. 



WB Distrib Execs In 
CaiuMla for Sales Meet 

Grad Sears, S. Charles Einfeld, 
Carl Leserman, Roy Haines and Nor- 
man H. Moray are in Montreal this 
week attending the Canadian sales 
meet which is running four days in- 
stead of the originally slated two, 
from July 14-17. Wolfe Cohen, Can- 
adian district manager, is presiding 
at the sessions which on the first two 
days will be devoted- mainly to 
screenings and biz huddles. 

Today (Wednesday), third day of 
the meeting, will be strictly a busi- 
ness session to go over product terms 
and alignments. Tomorrow (Thurs- 
day),' the salesmen and bflicials will 
visit the -locations- in Canada where 
aviation' shots are being photo- 
graphed for 'Captains of the Clouds,' 
new Cagney starrer. 

At least five. new .Warner produc- 
tions will be shown at the Warner 
Bros. Convehtioil in' Chicago, July 28- 
Aug. 1. Besides 'Sergt. Ifork,' whjch 
likely will begin its Chicago road- 
showing while the convention is in 
session, 'Navy Blues,', 'Flight Patrol," 
'Prime Minister^ and 'Dive Boinber' 
will be screened. 



Minneapolis, July 15 
Even In this supposedly hopeless 
'■ situation, the boxoflice is perking up. 
briskly. When any picture can come 
.through in mid-summer to the tune 
of $13,200, as 'Caught^ln the Draft' at 
- the State has done, fade circles con- 
'\ cider it a most encpuraging sign. 

Incidentally, the Bob Hope picture 
Is one of three holdovers, the others 
being 'The Great Dictator' and 'Race 
Suicide' in their fourth and second 
■.weeks, respectively. 

> ijJ l i i jiiiiip i , 

cum, IS (fie current Di; 
noise. 

Estimates for This Week 
' Asior (Par -Singer)^. (900; 15-2B) 
•Black Cat' (U) and . Thieves Pall' 
CWB), dual first-funs, -split with 'Met 
Argentine' (RKO) and 'Cowboy 
Blonde' (20th).. Heading for nice 
■ $1,600. Last week, 'Round Up' (Par) 
and 'Free Easy' (M-G), dual first- 
runs, split with 'Saint's 'Vacation' 
(RKO) and 'Brid.e -Crutches' (20th), 
okay $1,700. 

Centnry (P-S) (1,600; 28-39-44) 
.•Man Hunt' (20th). Critics' raves 
■and patrons' word-of-nMuth bringing 
'em in. En route to good $5,000 in 
• eight days. Last week, 'Blood Sand' 
. (20th) (2d wk), $2,000, poor after 
mUd $6,500 first week at SUte. 

Esqnire (Berger) (290; 15-28) 'Race 
Suicide' (Indie) and 'Sally Rand's 
Nude' (Indie) (2d wk). Catching the 
sex-seekers. Good $9()0. Last week, 
$1,400, good. 

Gopher (P-5) (998; 28) l^ady From 
Cheyenne' (U). Good lineup of cast 
names and well-liked picture. Travel- 
ing at $2,400 clip. I^t week, 'Power 
Dive' (Pan), ditto. 
• Orphenni (P-S) (39-44-55) 'She 
Knew All Answers' (Col) and Paul 
' Whlteman's orch heading stage show. 
Whlteman a big favorite here and on 
previous visits has pulled as much 
as $45,000 and $22,000, but adverse 
summer influences and competition 
from dozens «f Aquatennial Celebra- 
tion attractions, are holding takings 
down below previous high levels. 
However, should reach nice $14,000. 
Last week, 'BUJy Kid' (M-G), $5,500, 
. fairly good.- 

^ State (P-S) (2,300; 28-39-44) 
'Caught Draft' (Par) (2d wk). This 
one has been a knockout. H.O. should 



Kane/ Despite Hearst 
Nix, Big 6G b Seattle 



Seattle, July 15. 

Without benefit of publicity in the 
Post-IntelUgcncer, local Hearst sheet, 
■Citizen Kane' at the Metropolitan, 
where it is being roadshowed, is 
doing satisfactory business. 

Biz generally is fair despite a heat 
wave. 

Estimates for This Week 
Blue Moose (Hamrlck-Evergreen) 
(850; 30-40-50)— 'Big Store' (M-G) 
.(3i wk) and 'Woman's Face' (M-G) 
i5th wk). Hitting for fair $1,600. 
Last weiek, $2,700, good. 
' Coliseum (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(1,900; 21-35) — 'Penny Serenade' 
(Col) and 'Wagons Roll' (WB) (2d 
run). Indicate fair $2,500. Last 
week, 'Wanted Wings' (Par) and 
'Bad Man' (M-G) (2d run), $2,500, 
fair. 

Liberty (J-vH) (1,650; 21-30-40)— 
'Three SaUors' (UA) and 'Richest 
Man' (Col). Look like good $4,700. 
Last week, ■ 'Adventure Washington' 
(Col) and 'Blondie Society' ,(Col), 
$4,200, good. 

Fifth Avenne (Hamrick - Ever- 
green) (2,349; 30-40-50) — 'Moon 
Miami' (20th) and 'Getaway' (M-G). 
Plenty of praise for this one, but 
started slowly. Looks to reach fair 
$5,500. Last week, 'Met Bombay' 
(M-G) and 'West Point Widow' (Par) 
(2d wk), fair $4,^00. 

Metropolitan (University Bldg) 
(1,087; 58-$1.73) — 'Citizen .Kane' 
(RKO). Not using gallery. Con- 
sidered satisfactory at $6,000, but not 
holding. L.ast week dark. 

Music Box (Hamrlck-Evergreen) 
(850; 30-40-50) — 'Bombay' (M-G) 
and 'West Point Widow' (Par). 
Moveovers from Fifth Avenue ex- 
pect big $2,900. Last week, 'Billy 
Kid' (M-G) and 'Blonde Inspiration' 
(M-G) (3d wk), six, days, $t,700, 
okay. _^ 

Orphenm (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
2.600; 30-40-50) — 'Underground' 
(WB) and 'Kisses Breakfast' (WB). 
Anticipate good $5,00" Last week, 
'Bride COD.' • (WB) and 'Beauty's 
Sake' (20th), big $6,800. 

Falomar (SterUng) (1,350; 21-40)— 
'Tight Shoes' (U) and vaude. Ex- 
pect $3,900, fair. Last week, 'Reach- 
ing Sun' . (Par) and vaude, $4,100, 
fair. 

Paramount (Hamrlck-Evergreen) 
(3,039; 30-40-50) — 'Caught Draff 
(Par) and 'Monster Girl' (Par) (2d 
wk). Indicate big $5,000. Last week, 
$10,000, swelL 

Boosevelt (Sterling) (800;» 30-40- 
50)— 'Bride C.O.D.' (WB). Moveover 
from Orpheum. Looks for big $3,000. 
Last week (21-35), 'Devirand Miss 
Jones' (RKO) and 'Model Wife' (U) 
(2d run), .$2,300, fair. 

Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 16- 
30)— 'Dictator' (UA) and 'Sis Hop- 
kins' (Rep) (2d run). Anticipate 
big $2,600. Last week, 'Great Lie' 
(WB) and 'You're One' (Par), $2,200, 
good. ■ ' 



H.O.S, Reissue Slow. Buff. 



'Kiss the Boys' Sour $10,000; 'Reluctant Dragon' in 
$6,000 Crawl 



F. & M/s 5-Minnte 
'Breathers' m St Louis 



St. Louis. July 15. 
With a bill pending iii the Missouri 
legislature requiring - oiArators of 
flicker ' houses to sandwich' in a 15 
mlns. intermission between programs 
of more than two hours, Fanchon & 
Marco ' has inaugurated a 5 mins. 
'breather' in its four' first-run houses 
here. 

At the Ambassador, Fox, Missouri 
and St. Louis, before the lights go 
up, a trailer is shown in which the 
customers are invited to stroll about 
the house, smoke in the lounge 
rooms, not overlooking an opportun- 
ity to plug the candy concessions in 
the lobby. 



CLEYL DULL, BUT 
BEERY COOD $10,500 



Cleveland, July 15. 

Wallace Beery is doing it again 
for the State, where 'Barnacle Bill' 
is the best puller in town's lineup 
mainly consisting of holdovers and 
one dud. letter is 'Dance Hall,' 
shoved in by desperate Palace to re- 
place dying 'Tight Shoes.' 

Estimates (or This Week 

Allen (RKO) (3.000: 30-35-42-55)— 
'Man Hunt" (20th) (3d wk). Nice 
$3,000, after .collecting $5,000 last 
week. 

Hipp (Warners) (3.700; 30-35-42- 
55)— 'Bride C.O.D.' (WB) (2d wk). 
Taking smart $9,000 as result of 
steady matinees; after nabbing ex- 
cellent $12,000 last round. 

Falace (RKO) (3.700; 30-35-42-55) 
—'Dance Hall' (20th). Nbt getting 
enough oats to keep ithe marquee 
lights burning; $3,000. Skedded to 
be yanked Monday (13). Tight 
Shoes' (U), which lasted only five 
days, made low-gross history for 
stand by getting- less than $2,000. 

State (Loew's) (3,450; 30-35-42-55) 
—'Barnacle Bill' (M-G). Good Fri- 
day and Saturday crowds, with 
worthwhile $10,500 on tap. Last 
week 'Caught Draft' (Par), ran away 
with summer's hiehest gross. $17,200. 

Stillman (Loew's) (1.972; 30-35-42- 
55)— 'Caught Draft' (Par). Shifted 
from State and sprintine fast for 
great $0,000. Last week 'Met Bom- 
bay' (M-G), blso exceptional move- 
over, $8,000. 



NATIONAL B. O. SUiMMARY 



This Is National Holdover Week— 'Draft', 'Bombay', 
*Miami', Cagney-Davis, 'Man Hunt' AU OK 



"lentia'is, siir.iewTiat ll^fjief '3t^' the boxotlices. first 
runs, which'hit a High mark during the holiday week- 
end, coasted an extra stanza wherever the top film . 
showed sufliclent strength. 

Foremost in the list of films that are getting extra 
patronage In extended runs or moveovers to smaller 
main stem houses is 'Caught in the Draft' (Par). No 
theatre is asking exemption on this one.. Some of the 
flguf^ are ieyebrow.-lifters. For instance, Chicago,' 3d 
week, $40,000, after previous stretches of ;2d, ' $44,000, 
and 1st, $40,000.' Strong stage shows helped, too. In 
Los .Angeles, '3d week, $15,000; Portland, 3d, $4,900. 
Some of the other keys report as follows: Washington, 
2d week big, and holding a 3d; Detroit, $16,000, after 
1st smashing week of $26,000; Minneapolis, 2d, $6,000, 
1st $13,200; Philadelphia, 2d $17,500, following wow 
$26,500, and Cleveland, 2d, $9,000, on top of initial 
$17,200. Oiant figures. 

'They Met In Bombay' (M-G) is standing up In all 
holdover spots, including Cincinnati, Providence, 
Louisville, San Francisco; Seattle, Portland, ' Denver 
and Indianapolis. At the UA, Chicago, 2d week was 
smash $14,000, after opening $18,000, and holillng. 

With 'Draft' and 'Bombay' passing off the first run 
niche, nothing quite so strong Is In immediate view, 
and indications are for a dip in Initial showings between 
now and Sept 1 releases of the ne^v season's product. 

However, 'Moon Over Miami' (20th), 'Bride Came 
C. O. D.' (WB) and 'Man Hunt' (20th) are doing well 
enough. 'Miami' is in 2d weeks in Cincinnati, Denver, 
Memphis, Boston and Philadelphia. Plenty- first runs 
yet to book. Detroit's $22,000, 1st week, shows the film 
has real pulL Perhaps more general exhib plugging 
would have lifted the picture over some of the spotty 
places, such as Providence, Seattle and Pittsburgh. 
Value of Word-of -Mouth 
As for the new Cagney-Davis combo in 'Bride,' re- 
ceipts are better than press comment, which shows 
that word-of-mouth is still the best medium for 
spreading good (or bad) news. 'Bride' clicked $17,000 
in Boston, big; in San Francisco, 2d week, $12,000, 
after opening, $19,500, smash, and has stayed a fort- 



geies. 

'Man Hunt' runs from 'fair* and 'nice' to 'big.' It's 
held over In Brooklyn, Jersey City, and Kansas City. 
Only partial returns, so far, as the political writers 
say. 

Of the newer releases, some estimate of which are 
to be found in telegraphic reports to VARrari from 
scattered key cities, 'Shepherd of the Hills' (Par) car- 
rles. burled gold. Pon't let the title fool you. Played 
to date in only few houses. Kansas City, $8,300, and 
held; Seattle, $14,5001 big and retained, and Memphis, 
10 days, very sweet. Set up for the family trade, evi- 
dently. 

'Underground' (WB) is above average In first re- 
ports, and 'Accent on Love' (20th), pleasing; 

Not so hot are "Three Cockeyed Sailors' (UA), 
'Blossoms In the Dust,' which got In nobody's eyes in 
a first week in Philadelphia, sour $12,800, despite three 
wtieks at Music Hall, N. Y.; 'Juiigle Cavalcade' (RKO), 
'Dance Hall' (20th), 'Broadway Limited' (UA), 'Hello 
Sucker* (U), 'Hit the Road' (U) and 'Too Many 
Blondes' (U). 

Republic's 'Puddln* Head' and 'Lady From Louisi- 
ana' are strong support for duals and satisfactory 
singles with stage shows. Latter okay in Boston and 
Philadelphia first runs. 

Special notes of the week: 'Citizen Kane' (RKO) 
took in $6,000 in single week as roadshow in Seattle. 
'Big Store' led off in Omaha against all-holdover com- 
petition. 'Fantasia' (DIsney-RKO) passed 24th week at 
the Carthay Circle, Los Angeles, to equal 'Gone With 
the Wind' run, although latter played two houses for 
long stretch, 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) needs scraping, as 
first openings are light. 'In the Navy'' (U) clean- 
ing up in subsequents, and still In 5th week, first run, 
in Boston. 'Billy the Kid' socko in Brooklyn, $16,000; 
Jersey City, $16,000. 'Dictator,' (UA), 4th week in 
Montreal. 'Kiss Boys Goodbye' (Par) garnered big 
$20,000, first week, in Washington. 

With lighter draft films for the remainder of the 
summer, smart bookers will start planning now for 
extra attractions. Banc|s still pulling strong. 



Buffalo, July 15. 

Entertainment shoppers at down- 
town cinema emporiums are finding 
a. familiar lineup to choose from. 
With 'Bombay' held over at -the 
Lakes, 'Draft' switched to the Hipp 
aftir an initial fortnight at the Buf- 
falo, 'Can't Take It With You' re- 
Issued at' the' Lafayette and' 'Re- 
luctant- Dragon' shooting for kid 
trade at the Century, 'Kiss the Boys 
Goodbye' Is about only straight pix 
fare on tap. ' ■ 

Estimates for This Week 

Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55)— 
'Kiss Boys' (Par). Uneventful $10,- 
000. Last week, 'Caught Draft' (Par) 
and 'Accent Love' , (20th) (2d wk), 
nice $9,600. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-55) 
—'filet Bombay' (M-G) and 'West 
Point Widow' (Par) (2d wk). Still 
moving briskly. May go $8,000. Last 
week, mighty sweet $15,000. 

Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 30-45)— 'Caught 
Draft' CPax) and 'Accent Love' 
(20th) (2d run). Still virile. Maybe 
over $6,000. Last week, 'Under- 
groimd' (WB) and 'Ride 'Vaquero* 
(20th), oke $5,300. 

Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 30-40) 
—'Can't Take It' (Col) (Reissue) and 
'Blondie Cupid' (Col). May grind 
out anemic $4,000. Last week. 
Tight Shoes' (U) and 'Model Wife' 
(U), weak $4,500. 

20ih Centory (DIpson) (3.000; 30- 
44)— 'Reluctant Dragon' (RKO) and 
'Comea H-appiness' (RKO). Outlook 
so>-so, maybe $6,000. Last .week, 
"Thieves Fall Out' (WB) and 'Crazy 
With Heat' on stage, poor $8,500. 



BALTO COOL, B.O. HOT; 
WSfS NEAT $6,000 



Baltimore, July 15. 

Cool weather on weekends here- ■ 
abouts' lifting downtown biz right 
out of the' doldrums. 

sua out front is 'Caught in the 
Draft,' at Keith's, with very little 
letup noted. Lone new entry of 
'Moon Over~ Miami' at the New is 
also maintaining very healthy pace. 
Combo Hipp, after three-week 
period of remodeling, opens tomor- 
row (Wed.) vith 'Tom, Dick and 
Harry' spliced to a stage layout 
headed by Dinah Shore. 

Estimates for This Week 

Centnry (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 
28-44)— 'Met Bombay' (M-G) (2d 
wk). Continuing in healthy manner 
to indicated $10,000, after chalking 
up big $16,600 on opening round. 

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240; 
15-28-39-44-55-66)— 'Tom. Dick and 
Harry* "(RKO), plus stage layout 
headed -by J}inah Shore, opens to- 
morrow (Wed.) after three-week 
shutdown. 

Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406; 15- 
28-39-44)— 'Caught Draft' (Par) (2d 
wk). ' Maintaining pace to reach 
solid $11,000, after resounding $16,- 
800 on Initial sesh. 

New (Mechanic) (1,581; 15-28-35- 
44)— 'Moon Miami* (20th). Town's 
lone new entry and okay for satis- 
fying $6,000. Last week, third of 
'Man Hunt' (20th). added mild $3,900 
to rotmd out three-week surprise 
stay, 

55)— 'Bride C.O.D.' (WB) (2d wk). 
Holding strongly to indicated $10,- 
000, after whacking out fine $16,800 
on first time . out. 



IHan Hunt' $5,000, 
Only New Memphis Pic 



Memphis, July 15. 

This is holdover week ' on Main 
Street, with only one new film bow- 
ing In for a full stay, Loew's State 
doing right well with 'Man Hunt.' 
Estimates tor This Week 

Warner (WB) (2.000: 10-33-44)— 
'Bride C.O.iy.' (WB).. (2nd wk). 
Davl^-Cagney comedy holding up 
extremely well. Might get $4,000 for 
second, session. Last week, $6,800, 
very good. 

Palace (Loew) (2,200; 10-33-44)- 
'Moon Miami' (20th) (2nd wk.). This 
one also knocking at $4,000. Last 
week, $6,000, -okay. 
. SUte (Loew) (2,600: 10-33-44)— 
'Man Hunt' (M-G). Rave notices 
and much discussion more than over- 
come lack of marauee names. Shov- 
ing toward good $5,000. Last week, 
'Met Bombay* (M-G) (2nd wk.), $3,- 
600. okay. 

Malco (Lightman) (2.800; 10-33- 
44)— 'Shepherd HiUs' (Par.) three 
days holdover, and 'Tight Shoes' (U). 
four days. Combo looks to weakish 
$3,500. Last week, 'Shepherd' (Par). 
$6,800, fine. 

Strand (Lightmant (10-22-33)— 
•Roundup* (Par) and 'Roar Pre«s 
(Mono), spUt Might get fair $1.- 
500. Last week, 'Wanted- Winp? 
(Par) (2nd run), three days: 'Navpl 
Academy' (Col), two dBy.s 'Hell" 
Sucker' (U),. two days; $1,500, alright. 



Wednesday, Julf 16, 1941 



EXPLOITATION IS 



Gores' LA Boy; Theatre-Exchange 
fSinx6xs From Divers Key Cities 



. Los Angeles, July 15. 

Deal iot $65,000 theatre in Boscoe, 
Cal, elosed by Gioe Bros, with 
Morris Ratno' and Jade Kates, who 
own the .site. Contract calls lor 20- 
rear lehce involving rentals amount- 
tne to $120,000. Charles Gore will 
manage the house, situated between 
Burbank and San Fernando, a few 
miles north of Hollywood. 

Vincent Russo reopening the Ca- 
sino here July 17, after complete re- 
modeling job which dosed -the house 
for six weeks. 

John Keoueh building new film 
house in EI Cajon, CaU In addition 
to his theatres in San Diego, Ocean 
Beach and Chula Vista. 

BiU Parker moved from sales of- 
fices of Universal in Seattle to IjQs 
Angeles excliange. 

IxNi Clark lifted by Fox-West 
Coast from the city management job 
in Ocean Park and Santa Uonica to 
Westwood. George X.UB(lberg, for- 
merly at Westwood, took iover 
Clark's old chore. 

L. B. Whittamore, manager of the 
Fifth AvcL. Inglewood, exclianged 
posts with Victor Adams,, manager of 
the Ihjglewood, in the same' town, 
both F-WC houses. 

Swnmcr .Ctoslngs 

BuSalo, July 15. 
Ttmplt, Ithaca, dosed for summer 
by CorneU Theatres. Incr Kallett 
shuttered the State, Fulton, for re- 
pairs. 

Ridiard Foster, property man at 
Shea's Buffalo for the past 12 years, 
dead fonowisi^ an attadc of pneu- 
monia. 

Operation of the Avon, Bainbridge, 
taken over by Norman Pearlman. 

Tbe iiain Street theatre, Galeton, 
Pa, «00-seater, dertroyed by fire sev- 
eral monflis ago., has been rdiuilt 
•nd will reopen soon. 

Communi^r, Frlendifaq>, previous' 
ly operatied by Norman Fitzer. will 
be razed. 

Carl Rindsen, muiager Stiea's Ken- 
more, elected director of Kenmore 
Rotary Club. 

Nikitas Dipson's Iiyceum at Brad- 
ford, Pa., formerly operated by Mort 
Shea, being remodeled and modern- 
ized. 



Exhlb Killed in Crash 

Regina, Sask., July IS. 

Donald Hannah, picture op of Im 
perial and Viscount Sask., was in- 
stantly killed recently when the car 
In which he was riding was struck 
by A freight train. One other per- 
son was killed, one seriously hurt 
and one slightly hurt 

Mary -Graham, manager of the 
Grand. Regina, hospitalized, replaced 
by L. Turoldo, manager of the Cres- 
eent Winnipeg, pesuUng recovery. 

Evens-Harri* <• Cleve. 

St. lAuis, July IS. 
Harold -D. (Chick) Evens, man- 
ager, and James £. Harris, advertis- 
ing and pubUcity director at Loew's, 
first-run M-G house here, have been 
transferred to Loew's State, " Cleve- 
land, effective Sunday (20). Rex 
Williams, newcomer, replaces Evens 
while Harris' position will not be 
filled. Wallie Hdm. diief of staff, 
will assume some of tbe minor de- 
tails of the office that Harris is va- 
cating. 

Evens holds the aU-tlme record lor 

many more than any predecessor. 
Hatrti; likewise holds a record, hav- 
ing served here for seven years, 
more than any other publicity and 
advertising director. 



been taken on as one of the re- 
placemebts. 

Geoiee W. Otte, manager of Amer- 
ican, East Liverpool, O., volunteered 
and deiiarts shortly for Fort Thomas, 
Ky. He's the son of George S. Otte, 
Wheeling, W. Va., showman who 
once managed old Pitt theatre liere 
for George .Shaffer. 

Tom Ray quit 20th-FQx accessory 
department succeeded by Henry 
Mulbauer, until recently with Jack 
Judd poster service company. Mul- 
bauer becomes Joe Vandeerift's as- 
sistant at 20tb. Replacing bip) with 
Judd outfit is Richard Hannan. 

Briefies: Rep employees all bonused 
for exceeding their cjuota in Jim 
Alexander's 21st annual Roimd-Up 
Drive.... Lou Krieger, indie distrib- 
utor, okay again after receiving 
minor head injuries in auto acci- 
dent. .. .Carl Peppercorn, RKO office 
manager, was in West Penn hospital 

recently for checkup Michael J. 

DeAngelis, theatre architect, here 
conferring -vrith Rudy and Sam Na- 
vari on their new Frankstawn Road 
house and also with Bart Dattola on 
new spot he's putting up u} New 
Kensinigton. 



Koerner's CO. 

Chicago, July 15. 
Charles Koerner in for an o.o. of 
the general BKO theatre situation in 
the midwest Made a tour of the 
keys over the weekend along with 
Tom Gorman, manager of the mid- 
west division. 



Frankel 8acoecds"Lefk« 

Pittsburgh, July 15. 

WiUi promotion of Milton Lefko 
to branch managerdifat of RKO of- 
fice in Indianapolis, Irving Frankel 
nan\ed to succeed him here as comr 
pany's Main Line salesman. Frankel 
wais connected with Paramount here 
several years ago but' lately has been 
on the Coast where his last chore 
Was peddling 'Birth of a Baby' in 
the west for Jack SkirbalL Film 
Row gang tossed farewell testimonial 
dinner for Lefko last Monday (7) 
before departure for Indianapolis. 

Vaughn O'Neill, from Loew house 
m Ptovidence, named assistant to 
Marty Burnett manager of Penn 
aen. He replaced Walter Kessler, 
Recently' promoted to Loew's Stan- 
ton, O., as manager. 

One of film colony's oldest em- 
ployees in point of service fare- 
welled the biz last week when Cath- 
erine Bohn (Mrs. Regis' Flsojagan) 
'es'gned her post with Republic. 
She has been associated with Jim 
-Alexander, one of local Ren fran- 
chise holders, since 1920, and fol- 
lowed another vet Rep employee, 
Irene Fisher, In retirement by only 

tew fnnntha /?1a.4.Fa TAMlron,^ liac 



WB Cats 

Albany, July 15. 

(^ttidrarl proceedings instituted 
by attorney Richard J. Graham, Jr., 
achieved another big slicing of as- 
sessments on the Strand.' Bits, Al- 
bany and Madison, all Warner thea- 
tres. Supreme Court Justice Fran- 
cis J. Bergan inked orders, filed in 
the county clerk's office, snipping 
$262,000 off . tlie valuations on &e 
four pieces of property. The Strand, 
first run, had its assessment reduced 
$100XX)0 from the original levy of 
$130,000. The Ritz. No. 2 Warner 
house, got a $72,000 reduction, to 
$256,000. The Albany, one of Al- 
bany's oldest theatres, but ia a valu- 
able downtown.spot drew $65,000 re- 
pegging, to $105,000. The Madison, 
class nabe, was dropped in value 
from $185,000 to $100,000. . 

It was the fourth cons&utive year 
certiorari - proceedings had diopped 
down the assessments on the mea- 
tres. 

Concurrently, Fabian announced 
his successor as manager of the 
Grand will be Joseph Saperstein. By 
coincidence, both men at one time or 
another managed the old Harmanus 
Bleecker Hall which was destroyed 
by fire last winter. 



Clney Fllmers Fete Bosian 

Cincinnati, July 15. 
Film row and exhibitors in this ex- 
change zone were weU represented 
Monday (14) at a dinner in the 
Netherland-Plaza saluting recent ad- 
vancement by Universal of Peter F. 
Rosian from brandi manager to db- 
trict manager. His successor. Harry 
H. Young, who -was unied from 
salesman in the Columbus (O.) area, 
came In for a bow. Rosian is coU' 
tinning his headquarters in Cincy. 

More Metro Promotions 
More Metro promotions announced 
over the weekend. This brings the 
total of recent advancements, all 
from within tlie ranks, to 47. Three 
office managers and one booker have 
been promMed to selling staff. The 
office managers are Michael Cramer. 
Denver: Howard Dunn. Des Moines, 
and Ralph Carmichael, Los Angeles; 

City. Succeeding theseimen are, re- 
q>ectively, James MicheletU, former 
first booker; Woodrow Sbenill, for- 
mer first booker; Harold Weinberger, 
former student office manager, and 
Howard Cahoon, fwmer second 
booker. 

Bernard Gold, Denver, and Gerald 
Banta. Des Moines, promoted from 
second to first bookers. Advanced 
from student bookers to second book- 
ers are Fra^ Dale; Denver; Kenneth 
Welddn, ' Des Moines, and' John 
Moore. Salt Lake City. Leslie Zubiii. 
Salt Lake City, former assistant 
shipper, now diief shipper there. 

Homer Hlsey's Sick Leave 

Memphis, July 15. 

Ollle Williamson replaced Homer 
Hisey Monday (14) as branch man- 
ager here for Warner, Hisey taking 
sick leave after a breakdown. Wil- 
liamson was formerly local manager. 
Had been in diarge in Kansas City 
the past two years. 

Hisey ii a brother-in-law of Grad 
Sears. 



More 'Movie Vacash' 



Philadelphia, July - 15. 
The Philly Daily News this 
week adopted the Evoiing Bul- 
letin's 'Movie Vacation' idea in 
its film advertisement page. A 
house ad topping the listing ap- 
peared in yesterday's (Mon) edi- 
tions with the catchline; 'Tie 
Your Troubles Outside — Enjoy 
a Cool Vacation — Take a Trip to 
. the Movies.' 
. Copy will be changed dally 
and the stunt will continue 
through Labor Day. 



DETROIT DRIVE 
TO MAKE EM 



Rev. Dr. Pedes Tribute to H wood 
An Excellent Public Relations Job 



Detroit, July 15. 

Figuring you never can let condi- 
tions just remain static. United De- 
troit Theatres and Co-Operative 
Tlieatres of Michigan, controling up- 
ward of 100 houses here, have em- 
barked on a special publicity and 
contest campaign 'to make the pub- 
lic more movie conscious.' 

On the idea that the press sUll is 
the pictures' best friend, the two 
di^ns have united on the project to 
set up the movie advertising in the 
daily newq>apers into four sections, 
reflecting the town's natural dis- 
tricts of downtown, north, west and 
east to obtain special, pertinent film 
articles plus front page boxes call- 
ing attention to the programs. In 
return, the theatres not only are 
upping their advertising but all 
houses in the chains will run trailers 
for each paper calling attention to 
the new features. 

T^ie chains have set up their own 
film contest with such top jirizes as 
$1,000 and $500. As yet unselected, 
they will choose a film of sound en- 
tertainment value, but not a Ibajor 
production, and the contest will be 
based on the idea It is a good film 
with a poor title. The fans are to 
pidc a more fitting title for the pic- 
ture and write an essay on why ^ey 
think theirs Is better. 



UA PUB AND AD DEPT. 
FEELING THE AXEMAN 



IT'S UEUT. cohuahdeb now 

Albany, N. Y, July 15. 

Larry Cowen, for come years man' 
ager of Fabian's Grand and previ' 
ously a theatre manager and public- 
ity man in New York, has been noti' 
fled by the. Navy Selection Board of 
his nomination for promotion from 
lieutenant, senior grade, in the Naval 
Reserve, to lieutenant commander. 

He has already taken a physical 
examination. Cowen is in charge of 
the Albany branch office of the 
Third Naval District, opened in Jime 
to obtain information of interest to 
thi» Nflvv. * 



Axe was swinging in United Art- 
ists h.o. publicity-advertising de- 
partment last week on orders of v.p. 
Harry Buckley to cut expenses. 
Company has little product for the 
department to work on at the mo- 
ment. V. 
- Head-chopping caught only minor 
clerks in the initial application of 
the block but it is expected that 
some of the higher-paid employees, 
will also go shortly. Field exploita- 
tion force had alread]^ been released 
some weeks ago. 



' roadduwfrig tw'ice daily. 



Shotgun Hdroom'— Nearly 

Atlanta, July 15. 

Jack (joldsmith, Warner Bros, pub- 
licity man, almost got himself in a 
diotgun wedding at St. Petersburg, 
Fla., recently, and with a theatre 
manager as the persuader. Gold- 
smith arranged a publicity stunt in 
connection with Hie Bride Came 
COX).' It was all fixed for the bride 
to be carted to St Pete by plans ex- 
press (C.O.D.) to meet her spouse- 
to-be. However, at the last minute, 
the spouse said 'no go.' 

It was then that the house man- 
ager suggested that Goldsmith take 
over. 



SETZER HEADS SPECIAL 
BALLY DEPT. FOR TORK' 



Warner Bros, has set up a new 
roadshow division to handle 'Ser 
geant York' and any future 'big' pix. 
Frank Seltzer, formerly with Sam 
Goldwyn on the Coast heads the di 
vision whidi will operate under Mort 
Blumenstock, eastern ad-publicity 
chiel Seltzer came on to N. Y. to 
take diarge of his new duties last 

Will Yolen, who has been, on the 
Coast for Warners, arrived at the 
same time to handle the 'York' en- 
gagement at the Astor under Seltzer. 
Seltzer has' been huddling with Grad 
Sears and S. Oiarles Einfeld on 
plans for additional two-a-day open- 
ings for this picture. 

"York* Is set to play Washington, 
Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlantic City, 
Clevelanid and Nashville. Opening at 
Nashville win be held back until 
August when the Tennessee state 
American I<gian convention opens 
with MIlo Warner, national com 
mander, present 

Boston and Detroit are also listed 
as early possibilities on two-a-day 
basis, with Detroit seemingly first in 
line. General release of the picture 
may be delayed until the first of next 
year because of the roadshowlngs. 

Whfle 'Sgt. York' doubUessly will 
be sold on the 1941-42 lineup under 
tiie Consent Decree. Warners may 
cell it separately rather than placing 
it in any gi^oup of five. 



very 



' D. C. Bay-and-Datc 

Washington. July 15. 
'Sergeant York; opens Its second 
major^ dty engagement in Washing- 
ton on Jidy 30, day-and-date at the 
Earle, with special presentation, and 
at the Ambassador, on a grind policy. 
Admission prices will be the same 
in both spots, 7Sc. and $1. 

Showings at the national capital 
are in line with Warner Bros.' policy 
of testing most advantageous exhibi- 
tion pattern that fits the public. 
Only other exhibition of the film 



Atlantic City, July 15. 
Warner Bros, is credited with hav- 
ing puUed a clever bit of press-, 
agentry as well as a neat public re- 
lations stunt for the entire film 
industry by the appointment of the 
Rev.' Dr. Norman Vincent Peale as 
representative of the Protestant 
Church and technical adviser in 
shooting of 'One Foot in Heaven.' 
Pastor of the Marble Collegiate 
Church, New York, fiew here over 
the weekend from the Coast to give 
the Ihtiernational Christian Endeavor 
Convention a hefty earful of what 
a 'bard-worldng. moral and sincere 
place Hollywood really is.' 

Dr. Peale, sdected for the WB as- 
signment by a committee of Protest- 
ant clergymen, not only heaped 
praise on the iioys and gals of Cellu- 
loidia, but impressed on Endeavorites 
that 'Heaven' must go down on their 
'must-see' list. 

'Make this picture a success, and 
it will lead 'to more pictures of this 
high grade: Do your part,' he 
urged. Film is being made from 
biog by Hartzell Spence of his 
father, a Methodist minister. 

After praising director Irving Rap- 
per, producer Robert Lord and stars 
Fredric March and Martha Scott, 
Dr. Peale listed '10 Things I Have 
Discovered About Hollywood.' They 
are: 

1. 'That a minister can feel 
much at home in Hollywood. 

2. "That it Is the hardest working 
place I ever saw. 

3. "That the people are not blase 
and sophisticated, but wholesome, 
friendly, homeloying folks. 

4. "That the handful of actors who 
have the bad reputations, the few ir- 
responsibiles, do not represent Hol- 
lywood and are frowned upon by 
the motion picture community. 

5. 'That it Is more than a money- 
making industry, for its leaders and 
personnel find a satisfaction in get- 
ting over -'a message'' of American- 
ism and the better things. 

6. That it is a vast efficient place 
of business, where a great commod- 
ity is being produced for the! pleas- 
ure of 80,000,000 Americans, and not 
a scene of revelry. 

7. 'That to watch the making of a 
movie is one of the most interesting 
and fascinating experiences any 
man can have, and one marvels at 
the ingenuity and resourcefulness, 
the itkflnite patience and skill re- 
quired. One's respect for th6 peo- 
ple who make the movies increases 
every day. 

8. That Hollywood is on the way 
to learning that there is a high re- 
sourcefulness that need not 'drag in* 
a drinking scene to fill up a dull spot 
in action. 

S. 'That the public doesn't know 
Hollywood and should demand a 
more accurate account than is u:>ual- 
ly pictured. Hollywood needs a 
campaign to sell it as It actually is 
to t^ country, for I believe the peo- 
ple are tired of doliif^ of a few 



Fladi-Toar-Badee and Police Chleb 
Get Oakleyed 



Buffalo, July IS. 

Show your badge 'and be admitted 
free. That's the rule for head cop- 
pers at Buffalo theatres when the 
New York State Police Chiefs' Ais- 
sodation holds its annual conven- 
tion here next Monday to Thursday 
(21-24) and the International Police 
Chiefs' organization dittos from 
Aug. 18 to 21. 

Mayor's office asked the downtown 
houses to cooperate in this manner 
and the Motion Picture Theatre 
Owners of New York State picked 
up 4he idea for extension' to all of 
their members' houses. 

General membership meeting of 
the MPTO was held here yesterday 
(Tuesday) to discuss next season's 
buying, games and giveaways and 
to hear the 'report of president A. 
Charles Hayman on the recent na- 
tional MPTO conclave in HoUjrwood. 



Native Daughter 

Fact that Brenda Marshall, starred 
for the first time in Warners' 'Singa- 
pore Woman,' was born in the Phil- 
ippines, was used as an exploitation 
peg by one Manila exhibitor to push 
the film to 'A' picture returns. 

Patently a programmer. Lyric the- 
atre manager in Manila used several 
stunts on the 'local girl makes good 
In Hollywood' angle to get six big 
davs' business 



Age Cite In 

On WB District Mgrs. 

Los Angeles, July 15-.- ■ 
District managers and their ex- 
pense accounts are being reduced 
mechanically in the Warner Bros. 
Aim exchanges i>y the introduction 
of tdetype madiinec Idea is de- 
signed not only to eliminate high 
sales costs but to speed up communi- 
cation between the New York dis- 
tribution headquarters and offices 
scattered about the country. 

Company is installing machines in 
all its branches at a co^ of $1,000 
each, a total running between ^0,- 
000 and $40,000. 



$25 Bond Giveaways 



Austin, Texas, July 15. 

Gene Lacy, manager of the Drive- 
In, owned and operated here by 
Eddie Joseph, is stimulating the box- 
office here by awarding the lucky 
ticket holder each Tuesday night a 
$25 U.S. Defense bond. 

Another stimulant used by Lacy is 
to phone 10 local people each day, 
their names picked at random from 
the phone book and ask them if they 
know the title of the picture playing 
at his house. If they know, two 
passes are mailed them. 



girls who give the wrons impression 
of a great and decent industry. That 
Hollywood would gain in public 
t-vor and so in business and influ- 
ence if the country could, be shown 
its real character. 

10. 'That Hollywood is a mine for 
sermonic material and it will live in 
the sermons of this one parson in 
days to come.' 



Condon and Horne Allied 
To Sell Musical Gailgct 

Dick Condon, who resigned re- 
cently as chief of the V/alt Disney 
press department, has opened offices . 
in New York to promole the sale of 
a Dovdty musical instrument, the 
'Sing-A-Tina.' Hal Horne, Disney , 
v.p. and eastern rep, who resigned 
at the same time, is associated finan- 
cially in Condon's enterprise but is 
taking no active part, in it. He is 
now vacationing in New, Hampshire 
and expects to plane to the Coast in 
about a week to arrange a new con- 
nection. 

Condon perfected the 'Sing.-A- 
Tina,' which will sell for 25c or less, 
and has now leased out its manufac- 
ture, distribution and selling.' He 
gets a royalty on each one and will 
concentrate on promoting sale of 
2,000,000 by Jan 1 by having them, 
plugged in films, legiters, radio, 
niteries, records, etc. 

He hopes to have promoltons o< 
five other gadgets, none of them mu« 
sical. running by end of the year. 



14 



Wedaeeday, July 16,. 1941 




UNDER 




// 




has 'em holdover-happy 
in every situation! Brother, 
save some extra time for 



one... you're 
gonna want to 
kiss The Bride'! 




Boolied for twoweelcs'-hel 
for four -at New YorlC'S 
Globe Theater! And it's 

I 

the same sensa- 
tional story from 
coast to coast! \ i^3i^^r 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



15 



MAN 







4 



The N.Y. Strand's 
biggest grosser in 
3 montiis-tlie bigge 
summer attraction in 
2 years! Held over, 
of course -and 
so will you! 





BOMBER 



Coming right 
up and 
heading for 
new highs! 









JACK L WARNER, In Charg* of Production 
i HAl I. WAltlSj CxtcuHv* ffoducH 




16 IMTERNATIOMAL 



TARIBrX'S' LOUDON OFFIOB 
• Bt. M«ttlii'» Plaeo Trml«l»mr Bqu«r» 



Max Milder Would Head Warner 
Interest in Maxwell Theatre Buy; 
British Deal Remains Unconfirmed 



London, July 15. 
Max Milder, Warners' managing 
director in England, would head the 
Warner end o£ the film company's 
buy-in on the John Maxwell British 
theatre empire, according to reports 
here. According to the deal, which 
has as yet received no official con- 
firmation, Warners would have the 
choice of appointing a joint man- 
aging director of the Associated 
British Cinemas, Ltd., whose con- ! 
trolling interest Maxwell's widow 
would' continue to hold, in compli- 
ance with British government ruling 
that local interests retain corporate 
control on any foreign investments. 
ABC comprises approximately 350 
houses. 

The agreement, about which the 
'New York home office of Warners 
steadfastly disclaims any knowledge. 
Is reported here to include the purr 
chase of half the Maxwell theatre 
holdings from the widow, comprising 
2,000.000 shares, with the price, 
modified over first reports of $4,000,- 
000, being $3,600,000. A big propor- 
tion would have to be paid in Amer- 
ican dollars, the rest from frozen 
money. 

It's reported that had Mrs. Max- 
well wished to dispose of her entire 
holdings she could have obtained 
2,000,000 pounds (abQut $8,000,000), 
but that the govenunent objected, 
considering Warners' offer most 
favorably because the company had 
been very active In Briysh propa- 
ganda. 



SAVE COMPOSER'S HOME 

Fed, Stat« Gov'ts Froteot Mcmorlml 
Home M Betas from Floods 



Mexico City, July 15. 

Action of the federal and state 
governments saved from the 
obliteration that threatened it from 
torrential rains the cottage in 
Juventino Rosas, the Guanajuato 
state village that was the birthplace 
of Juventino Rosas, famous young 
Me.xican composer who authored 
such celebrated waltzes as 'Over the 
Waves.' Rosas died young and 
destitute in Havana of yellow fever. 

His home town was named for him 
and the cottage was given a plaque. 
It has been visited by numerous 
American tourists. Government and 
private cash aid has been rendered 
two of the composer's kin, his only 
survivors, who were found in dire 
want. 



20TH SEEKS TO 
AIDHOYTSON 
FILM UG 



Milder EvaaWe In H'wood 

Hollywood, July 15. 
Max Milder last week answered 
practically every query put to him 
at a press luncheon but the one 
carrying the highest interest to the 
trade at this time — 'what Vboxxl War- 
ners' reported purchase of some 400 
theatres in the Associated British- 
circuit?' Milder told of how he had 
spent the past 20 months dodging 
Nazi bombs during raids on Lon- 
don. He was equally 'at ease in 
parrying the theatre-buy query."' ' 

'I was afraid that' question would 
come up,' dodged Milder, 'and I 
cannot answer tt. X will say, and 
this is the first time there' has been 
any acknowledgement of such a deal, 
that Warners is definitely interested, 
but it hasn't yet reached a stage 
where anything can be said.' He 
added further that 'this has been my 
baby for the past 10 months.'" 

Warners is - now spending much 
more'>' money on its productions at 
the Teddington studios than before 
the^ war, according to Mjjder, who 
Implied it was not entirely due to an 
effort to use up impounded monies. 
'I felt that our quota productions 
could come to mean something at 
the boxoffice in the United States 
If more care was used in turning 
them out.' He made a strong point 
of Warners not taking every ad- 
vantage to withdraw moaey from 
..-vBrglapd. jjtitlng -i^^j.-romjany had. 
had a number''6rchaB«is-4o"' transfer 
coin but instead had used it to either 
Improve its properties there or ob- 
tain new ones. 

Entbnslasm Over <Mlnister' 
Milder drew as example of the 
type of picture which can now be 
expected from Warners' English 
plant, ''The Prime Minister.' .He 
was as enthusiastic as any publicity 
department attache in expressing his 
opinion of the film. Picture will be 
released in the U. S. during the fall 
by Warners, the first of its English- 
made product to get an U. S. re- 
lease in a number oi years. 
^ 'Minister' was brought in at a 
■ budget of better thaa 100,000 pounds, 
W. DT roughly more than $400,000, and 
^ Milder declared that while the fig- 
ure might not seepi large as com 
pared to Hollywood budgets, such an 
outlay commanded production values 
nearly double what the same sum 
could produce in Hollywood. Two 
other features recently finished, and 
for which Milder also has high 
hopes, are 'Atlantic Ferry* arid 'So 
This Was Paris.' He briefly outlined 
plans for his next two London pro- 
ductions. The Story of Winston 
Churchill' and 'Flying Fortress.' 



William T. Powers. and Herschel 
Stuart, National Theatres execs, 
cUppered from San Francisco Satur- 
day (12) for Australia to huddle on 
Hoyts' theatre circuit affairs. Na- 
tional, a 20th-Fox subsidiary, owns 
controlling Interest in- the Anzac 
chain. John Cecil Graham, formerly 
Paramount managing-, director ' in 
Great Britain, recently named to an 
executive post with National Thea- 
tres, also is on the Coast and plans 
to make the trip to Sydney by boat, 
He's scheduled to act as liaison offi- 
cer between Hoyts and National on 
Australian affairs. 

Recent visit of Clay Hake, 20th- 
Fox managing director in Australia, 
to- New "York is reported to have 
given h(Jme-office officials*an up-tO' 
the-minute picture of developments 
in Australia, especially as it con- 
cerns. - 20th-Fox product and the 
product situation currently as it af- 
fects Hoyts and, of course. National. 
It's understood that present trek of 
the National officials is to readjust 
any product shortages which may 
have developed for Hoyts. 



Mex Film Scrlpters Organize ' 

Meldco City, July 15. 

The 48 Mexican picture scripters 
have organized and become a branch 
of the National Dramatic Authors 
and Picture Workers Unions. 

Headquarters here. 



'Kane' So-So in Havana, 
$2,100; 'Bishop' OK 1>4G 

Havana, July 8, 
Picture grosses are decidedly up 
this week. ' 'Citizen Kane,' much 
publicized, did medium trade. In- 
nuendoes and art of the pic seem- 
ingly are wasted in a foreign coun- 
try. 

Estimates for Week ot July 1 

Fansto, 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), 
$2,100, fair. 

Encanto, 'Rage in Heaven' (MG), 
$1,800, okay. 

America, 'So Ends Our Night' 
(UA), $2,600, good. 

Badio-Cioe, 'Cheers for Miss 
Bishop' (UA), $1,500, okay. 

Fayret 'Historia de una Noche' 
('Story of a Night') (Argentine), 
$1,700, fair. 

Naclonal, Tarzan and His Mate' 
(M-G) (3 days), $750, n.s.h. 



NATANGETS 
FIVE YEARS 



Vichy, July 15. 

Bernard Natan has been sentenced 
to serve five years in prison, 10 years 
of forced French residence, has lost 
his citizenship and must pay a fine 
of 3,000 gold 'rancs because of his 
responsibility in the bankruptcy of 
the Pathe'-Natan film interests, ac- 
cording to a ..overnment announce- 
ment. ^ 

Simon Cerf, company manager, re- 
ceived a similar sentence as an ac- 
complice. Peculiar feature of the 
sentence on Natan Is that he was 
deprived of his authority as head of 
his family. 



XORN IS GREEN' OPENS 
TO SOCK BIZ IN BJl 



London Shows Hit 
Hard by Measure 



liOndon, June 29. 

Clothes rationing has hit stage 
fare heavily here; it's figured as 
many as 20 shows are held up by 
the recent government order. Of- 
ficial attitude is producers will have 
to - manage on rationing coupons 
from players themselves, ' which 
means players go without apparel- 
for a year, since that supply would 
dress the show, 

"Ivor Novello Is hardest hit with a 
mammoth musical in his usually lav- 
ish style. It doesn't stand a chance 
if no reprieve from statute is grant- 
ed. Novello is also in a tangle over 
holdup in arrival from Lisbon of 
Isabel Jeans, slated for the . lead. 
Actress left the U.S. months ago by 
Clipper, but hasn't been able to get 
air passage here from Portugal. 



Del Carill in N. Y. 



Hugo del Carill, a foremost Argen- 
tinian performer, arrived Monday 
(14) on the S.S. Argentina in New 
York en route — in an out-of-the-way 
manner — to Havana and a Cuban 
tour. 

Del Carill is w.k". in B. A., in the- 
atres and on the air, and since his 
Cuban dates are not until late this 
month he figured on taking in the 
N.Y. sights first, and thence revers- 
ing his course to the daiquiri belt 



Buenos Aires, July 8. 

The Corn Is Green,' Ethel Barry- 
more''s current vehicle on Qroadway, 
this week became "the first Broad- 
way play to come to South America 
during the current season. It's mid- 
winter here, seasons being the re? 
verse of those in the northern -half 
of the Aniericas. 

Play, translated. Into Spanish, by 
Francisco BoUa as 'Adios, Senorlta 
Grey,' is being done at" the Teatro 
Avenida by Lola Membrives, Span- 
ish star, and her company and has 
drav^n excellent notices and top'biz' 
of any legit show presented here 
this year. Decidedly British in 
background — story is set in a Welsh 
mining town — the pla^ has some dif- 
ficulties due to its pomt of view but 
most critics agreed that both in 
translation and playing the spirit of 
the original had been retained. 

For the first time in Spanish, an- 
other Emlyn Williams' play, "Night 
Must Fall,' has been presented here. 
English melodrama which has been 
done into a film, is being shown at 
the Odeon by the Companla Argen- 
tina de Comedias and has received 
good notices. Translation is by 
H«-JX- A a pe' . t ia, — 3giViama jstxate. 
I Corn'. 

Majority of plays running at 
B.A.'s 27 other legit houses are na- 
tional, Spanish or French transla- 
tions. 'El Camino del Tabaco' (To- 
bacco Road) Is still going strong 
with 165 performances, having 
moved from the Marconi to the 
Comedia. 



Picture Propaganda Would Show 
How Democracies Live Compared 
To Existence in Dictator Countries 



JAPS OSCAR 6 U. S. PIX 



Assn. Names 10 Best FUma Sh»wn 
In 1940 



Tokyo, June 15. 

The Japan Motion Picture Maga- 
zine Association has selected the 
best 10 Japanese and -foreign films 
and five culture pictures from those 
released In .1940, for which the Jap 
Oscar with a written recommenda- 
tion will be offered. 

In the class of foreign pix, those 
that have been chosen include 'Stage 
Coach,' 'Only Angels Have Wings,' 
'Stanley and Livingstone,' 'Vernon 
and Irene Castle;' '(3«lden Boy,' 'Men 
with Wings' (all U. S.). and 'La 
Charrette Fantome' (French). 



RIGHTIST SWING 
FOR MEX PIC 
WORKERS 



Mexico Ruling Curbs 
Editing of Films 



New licensing rule for Mexico has 
been placed in effect, according to 
word received In N.Y. by foreign 
managers. Under this no license for 
showing in that country would be 
granted to a film which is especially 
edited for Mexican playdtftes. If the 
completed picture is not the same 
as the version shown elsewhere in 
the world market, the licensing of- 
ficials would turn down the U.S. 
production. 

New York executives believe the 
ruling win have a far-reaching ef- 
fect in the Latin-American market 
because it may be copied by other 
Latin-American nations. Previously 
American producers employed 'pro- 
tection' insertions that could be 
placed in copies of any picture sent 
to the Latin-Americas in case cer- 
tain angles were rated as not being 
too favorable to Spanish interpreta- 
tioa 



Mexico City, July 15. . 
A definite rightist swing Is indi- 
cated for the national -pic studios 
workers union and its chief, Enrique 
Soils, both having been accused of a 
red tinge, with the ousting from 
membership of . the brother ot 
Vicente Lombardo Toledano, former 
boss of tfie Confederation of Mexi- 
can Workers and Mexico's labor 
czar, who's now president ot the 
Confederation ot Latin-American 
Workers. The latter has recently 
come under fire of American labor 
leaders for his tactics with regard 
to, allegedly blocking 'Pan- Ameri- 
canism.'. 

Armando Lombardo Toledano, the 
brother, was banned from the union 
at a violent session which considr 
ered charges against him by opera- 
tors of the Azteca studios here and 
several producers who rented ttiat 
plant. Execs of the union found 
him guilty of 'deliberately' gumming 
things up In the studios' laboratory 
of which he was the chiel This ob- 
struction, the studios owners and the 
producers complained, slowed the 
plant's work. 'Two .of his assistants, 
A. Arbeu and Maria Villegas, one 
of the few women studio lab' work- 
ers in Mexico, were suspended in- 
definitely. Lombardo Toledanp has 
filed claim with the federal bbard of 
conciliation and arbitration against 
the union for ousting him and )or 
damages against the studios and pro- 
ducers. 



Absolve Theatre Aides 
In Mexico Panic That 
KiDed 90, Injured 200 

Mexico C;ity, July 15. 

The death last week of 90 persons, 
40 of them women and 21' children, 
and the injury of 200 others, .*)'• seri- 
ously, was not the faui* of the own- 
er: nor manager of the Cine Monies, 
a 2,000-seater nabe ot Guadalajara, 
during a night performance, but was 
due to 'forces beyond human con- 
trol,' reported the Guadalajara d.a. 
after an investigation. 

The tragedy, the worst in the his- 
tory of Mexican show biz, -resulted 
from panic when lightning struck 
the cinema during the torrential 
thunderstorm that had driven scores 
to seek refuge in the halL 

"Wanted Wings' Soars 

Based on' tremendous business al- 
ready done in London and the Philip- 
pines, and the promising outlook in 
Australia, Paramount considers '!• 
Wanted Wings' as likely to become 
its greatest grosser in the foreign 
field this year. 



Buenos . Aires, July 8. 

No b«tter way exists ot fighting 
Nazi propaganda In South America 
than U.S. films which show how life 
in the democracies compares with 
existence in dictator - dominated 
countries, .according to the theory 
behind special film showings recent- 
ly inaugurated here and in other 
capitals of Latin America by many 
pro-democratic organizations. Idea 
is that it's about time somebody 
showed the 'Other side of tlte story 
and varied the one-way diet of fear 
talk many Latins have been getting. 

Method Is different in each repub- 
lic, but essentially the plan is for 
each organization ■ sponsoring the 
idea to make avall^Ie for South 
Americans special showings of se- 
lected films which, it is felt, will 
demonstrate not only the contrast 
between the totalltarians and the 
free countries but prove to those 
who have begun to doubt the ability 
of the non-dictator cotmtries to hold 
up against the Nazi war machine 
that there's still plenty of 'the old 
fight left. 

Latter theme — Intended to act as 
an antidote for much of the Nazi 
fear propaganda— was behind the 
Inaugural show put on by the Co- 
mision Inter-AUada' de Coordinacion 
here this week. Group is made up 
of British, Free French, Dutch, Yugo- 
'slavian, Polish, Danish, Belgiimi and 
others either dominated by, or 
fighting, the Axis. 

First Show 

First show, held at the Cine Grand 
Splendid, was a diplomatic .list af- 
fair, wiQi many prominent Argen- 
tines also present Presence of Sir 
Esmond Ovey, British Ambassador; 
Baron Louis Leclercq, Belgian Min- 
ister; ■' jonkheer P. E. Teppema, 
Netherlands' Minister; Dr. Isidor 
Ganker, Jugoslav Minister; Dr. Fin 
Lund, Danish Minister, and others 
helped give the affair the social 
status admittedly important in at- 
tracting top - drawer Argentines 
whose opinions it is Important to 
win. 

Norman Armour, U. S. Ambassa- 
dor to Argentina, was not present, 
being currently in the States, but 
Second Embassy Secretary Sheldon 
Thomas reported tor him. 

Majority of pictures were from 
U.S. companies and included Metro's 
'Nostradamus,' Columbia's shorts on 
development of U.S. power for de- 
fense, March of Time's H.A.F. reel 
and a 20th-Fox special on a Presi- 
dent Roosevelt speech. Two British 
Olympic feature shorts were also 
shown and a running commentary 
was delivered by an announcer from 
Radio El Mundo. 

Theme was thaf 'in the union of 
all free countries lies a seed "which, 
growing, will develop into the 
strong tree of liberty and universal 
justice.' Pictures of U.S. shipyards 

operation and shots of British fac- 
tories still operating despite bomb- 
ings drew most attention. 

Featnres Later 

Learned that full-length features 
are likely to be shown at future 
shows with plan under way to have 
weekly programs. Sponsors, who 
carefully guest-list invitees, have no 
intention of competing with regular 
theatres, it's explained, but feel 
much can.be accomplished by spe- 
cial showings. Nazis have long used 
the private-showing method in many 
Latin countries, often giving combo 
champagne and film tests for high- 
ranking officials and civilians. 
Chile, aware of the stunt, recently 
issued orders that officials attending 
such showings In uniform were 
liable to discipline. 

It's explained that while a major- 
ity of anti-dictator feature pictures 
are shown in regular theatres — 'So 
Ends Our Night,' 'Mortal Storm,' 
'Four Sons' are examples — others 
like 'Great Dictator' are banned 
here. It may be possible to arrango 
private showings of those nixed, but, 
regardless, even a re-showing of a 
pro-democracy film to an invited 
audience is considered highly val- 
uable. 

No special films are needed, it's 
added, those already produced or- In 
the works being siifficient. The less 
they look like propaganda, the bet- 
ter. Nazis frequently have gotten 
boomerangs in their zeal to put 
across a point 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



17 



I've just seen a preview of 'LIFE 
BEGINS FOR ANDY HARDY* 
and it's the best of them all.** 




LIFE'S A BED OF ROSES! 

. Wfien you're an M-G-M Showman! 



While 

Booms! 
And 

^^Blossoms in the Dust" 
beautifies the box-office! 

{Three flowery weeks at Radio City Music Hall!) 

Along comes a Hardy Hit! 
Mickey's uproarious! 
Judy's glorious! 

(More garland^ to the voice that thrills!) 

And M-G-M's victorious! 
Yes, our Summer Policy: 

(No ho/ding back piaures, just hold-over hitsl) 

Is the Talk of the Industry! 



3d 




WEEK! CAPITOL! 

Hold'Overs Everywhere 
2nd WEEK AT 

Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, HarnV 
burg, New Haven, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Pitts- 
burgh, Providence, Reading, Richmond, Rochester, 
Syracuse, Toledo, Wilmington, Worcester, Atlanta, 
Houston, Memphis, New Orleans, Nashville, 
Denver, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Los Angeles, 
Louisville, St. Louis, San Francisco, Seattle, Hart- 
ford, Milwaukee, Buffalo! 



18 PICTURES 



Wednesday, Jaly 16, 1941 



TRADE SHOWINGS 

(From July 16-26) 

(Alphabelicallv oTranyed occordino to Exehonfls City, and chronoloffically 
•equenced according to calender date and hour of screeninfls. A /ready 
reference jor aU eiMbitors, embrocinff ALL the five major distributor* 
under one table. This toill be brought up to dote each toeefc, listing the 
«chedul« of releases for the ensuing 10 doys from Variety's date of publico- 
tion. Legend: T. for Theatre; P. R. for Projection floom.) 



ALBANY 

JULT 16 (U 8jn.), Tlevil & Dan'l Webster' (RKO). Paramount T. 



>., JULY 2 J (10 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
», JULY 2J (11:30 a.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 



WED., „ 

THUBS., JULY 17 (11 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Paramount T. 
FRI, JULY 18 (11 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Paramount T. 
MON, JULY 21 (11 a.m.). 'Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde'JMG), Paramount T, 
TVED. 

WED, 

WED, JULY 23 (2 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULY 23 (3:30 pjn.), 'Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
1 THUBS., JULY 24 (10 ajn.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
; THUBS., JULY 21 (11:30 ajn.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

■ FEL, JULY 25 (10 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBI, JULY 25 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade* (20th), Exchange P.R. 

ATLANTA 

WED, JULY IS (11 a.m.), 'Lady Be Good* (MG), Rhodes Center T. 
THUBS, JULY 17 (11 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane* (RKO), BKO P.R. 
FBI., JULY 18 (11 ajn.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), KKO PJl. 
FBI, JULY 18 (2 p.m.), 'Lady Be Good'. (MG), Belmont T., Nashville. 
MON, JULY 81 (11 a.m.), 'Dr. Jekyll' (MG), San Marco T., Jacksonville. 
WED, JULY 23 (9:30 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (11 a.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (11 a.m.), 'Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde' (MG), Rhodes Center T. 
WED, JULY 23 (2 pjn.), 'Charley's Aunf (20th), Exchange PJt 
WED, JULY 23 (3:30 pjn.). 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JITLY 24 (9:30 a.m.), 'WUd Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R, 
THUBS., JULY 24 (11 a.ni.>, 'Private Nurse" (20th), Exchange PJt 
THUBS, JULY 24 (2 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
THUte, J1II.Y 24 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange PJt. 
FBL, JULY 25 (U ajn.)| 'Sun Valley Serenade* (20th), Exchange P. R. 
FBI, JULY ZS (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade'* (20tb), Exchange PJl. 
FBI, JULY 25 (2 p.m.), 'Dr. JekyU-Mr. Hyde' (MG), Belmont T., Nashville. 

BOSTON 

WED, JULY IS (11 ajn.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), XZptown T. 

■ THUBS, JULY « (11 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane"^ (RKO>, Uptown T. 
' FBL, JULY U (11 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), BKO P.R. 
'. MON, JULY 21 (11 a.m.), 'Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hydc^ (MG), Capitol T., Augusta. 

TUES.^ JULY n (2 p.m.), *Dr. JekyQ & Mr. Hyde' (MG>. Exeter Street T. 
WED, JULY 23 (10 a.ni.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20tb), Exchange PJt. 
WED, JULY 23 (11:30 ajn.), 'Dressed to KiU* (20th), Exchange PJl. 
WED, JULY 23 (2 pjn.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (3:30 pjn.), 'Dressed to KUl' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
THUBS, JULT 24 (10 ajn.). 'Wild Geese CalUng' (20tb), Exchange PJt 
THUBS, JULT 24 (11:30 am.), 'Private Nurse' (20th). Exchange PJL 
THUBS,. JULT 24 (2 pjn.), 'WUd Geese Calling (30Qi\ Eixchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULY <24 (3:30 pjn.), 'PKvate Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
TFBI, JULT 25 (10:30 a.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade* (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBI, JULT 25 (2:30'p.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange PJl. 



Nostalgic Yaras 



jContlnne^ from paic 3s 



FILM BOOKING CHART 



BUFFALO 

WED, JULT 1« (11 a.m.), Tather Takes a Wife' (RKO), BaUey T. 
THUBS, IDLT 17 (11 ajn.), "Lady Be Good* (MG), Regent T., Syracuse. 
THUBS, JULT 17 (11 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane* (RKO), BaUey T. 
FBL, JULT IS (11 ajn.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Bailey T. 
MON, JULT 21 (2:30 pjn.), 'Dr. JekyQ & Mr. Hyde* (MG), Elmwood T. 
WED., JULT 23 (10:30 ajn.), 'Charley's Aunf (20th>, Exchange PA. 
WED, JULY 23. (12 noon), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
^jlTED, JULT 23 (2:30 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
' WED., JULT 23 (4 pjn.), 'Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
TUUBS^ JULT 24 (I0:3O a.m.), 'WUd Geese Calling* (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS., JULT t* (12 noon), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R . 
THUBK. JULT 24 (It B.m.), 'Dr. JdcyU' (MG), Regent T., Syracuse. 
THUBS,. JULT 24 (2:30 p.m.), 'Dr. J^IT (MG), Regent T, Syracuse. 
FBI, JULY 25 (10:3^ a.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade* (20th >, Exchange P.R. 
FBI, JULY 25 (2:30 p.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange PJl. 

CHARLOTTE 

WED, JULY 16 (10:30 a.m.), 'Lady Be Good* (MG), State T., Asheville. 
WED, JULY 16 (10:30 a.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (MG), Wayne T., Goldsboro. 
WED, JULT IS (10:30 a.m.), 'Devil b Danl Webster* (RKO), Visulite T. 
THUBS, JULY 17 (10:30 a.m.), 'CnUzen Kane' (RKO), Visulite T. 
FBI, JULY 18 (10:30 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Visulite T. 
MOK, J»ILY 21 (10:30 a.m.). 'Dr. JekjU & Mr. Byde' (MG).T>Uworth T, 



WED, JULY 23 (9:30 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.it. 
WED, JULY 23 (11 a.m.), 'Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (10:30 a.m.), 'Dr. JekyU-Hyde' (M-G), SUte T., Asheville, 
WED, JULY 23 (10:30 a.m.), 'Dr. JekyU' (MG), Wayne T, (Soldsboro. 
WED, JULY 23 (2 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange PJL 
WED, JULY 23 (3:30 p.m.),. 'Dressed to KUl' (20th). Exchange P.R. 
THUBS., JULY 24 (9:30 a.m.), 'WUd Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (11 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20Ui), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS., JULY 24 (2 p.m.), 'Wild Geese CaUing* (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS., JULY 24 (3:30 p.m.) JPrivatc Nurse* (20tb), Exchange P.R. 
FRI, JULY 25 (11 a.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBL, JULY 25' (2 p.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

CHICAGO 

WED, JULY 16 (10:45 a.m.), 'Devil & Danl Webster* (RKO), Studio T. 
THUBS., JULY n (10:49 a.m.) 'Father Takes a Wife* (RKO), Studio T. 
FRL, JULY 18 (10:45 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane? (RKO), Studio T. 



directing. It is laid in the period 
from 1800 to 1940. Another in the 
same class, the Errol Flynn starrer. 
They Died With Their Boots On,' 
runs from 18&7 to 187S and is the 
story of Custer and his last stand. 
Nearing release is 'Bad Man of Mis- 
souri,' dealing with that state's cele- 
brated Robin Hood bandits, the 
Younger brothers, portrayed by 
Wayne Morris, Dennis Morgan and 
Arthur Kennedy. 

Warners' other period film is 'The 
Prime Minister,' the story of the 
English leader, DiszaeU. John Giel- 
gud and Diana Wynyard have the top 
roles. The picture was made in 
England at the Teddington studios. . 

Metro and 20th-Fox each has 
four pictures in this class. 

Metro's 'Blossoms in the Dust' is 
the story of a Texas woman, por- 
trayed by Greer Garson, which opens 
in 1006. At the same studio 'Smllin' 
Through,' world-war drama, is be- 
ing made, with Jeanette MacDonald 
starred. Clark Gable and Lana Tur- 
ner are busy in 'Honky Tonk,' tale 
of Colorado mining camps at the 
close of the last century, and Nelson 
Eddy is being starred in a new ver- 
sion of 'The Chocolate Soldier,' laid 
in old Vienna. 

Fry iBto the Old Day* 
The 20th-Fox schedule includes 
Jack Benny in. 'Charley's Aunt,' an 
1890 perennial; 'Belle Starr,' story of 
post-Civil War Reconstruction in 
Missouri; 'WUd Geese CalUng,' screen 
adaptation of Martha Ostenso's best 
seller of some years ago, which puts 
Henry Fonda and Joan Bennett in a. 
turn - of • the - century setting; and 
How Green Was My VaUey,' the 
story of the Welsh miners, ^bich 
starts alMUt 25 years ago. 

Three period pictures are on the 
fire at -Paramount, where CecU B. 
De MiUe is flhning 'Reap the WUd 
Wind,' which deals with the activi- 
ties of the Key West .wreckers back 
is 1842. Bing Crosby has just fin- 
ished work in 'Birth af the Blues,' 
a story of New Orleans from 1898 to 
1910. 'The Great Man's Lady' ik a 
picture of pioneer days in which 
Barbara Stanwyck plays, the role of 
a woman lOO years old. 
. 'Badlands of Dakota^' starring Rich- 
ard Dix and Frances F&nner, is a 
story of Wild BOi Hidcok now be- 
ing made at Universal, wiiere Frank 
Lloyd has just finished a tale of the 
Oregon fur trade in the early IBOO's 
called "This Woman Is Mine.' 
' Of the major studios, only RKO 
and Columbia seem to have missed 
the drift, although Samuel Goldwyn 
is completing 'The LitUe Foxes,' 
starring Bstte Davis, for RKO re- 
lease. The LiUian Hellman play is 
laid around 1900. Goldwyn has also 
announced that he is going to make 
'Seventh Cavalry,' in competition 
with Warners' They Died With Their 
Boots On.' In the Goldwyn picture 
Gary Cooper plays (Seneral C'lster. 



(For information of flieotre ond film exchange bookers Variety presents 
a complete chort of feature releasei of all the Amerlcon distributing com- 
^ni«* for the current tuiorterly period. Dote of reviews as- given in 
Variety and the running time of prinu are Included.) 

COrVHIOIIf, IS40. U1 -VAUIKTT. INC. ALL BIGHTS RESFRVED 

Kcv to Type Abbreviation*. M— JWeloorama; C— Comedy; CD — Comedy 
Dronio; W— Western; J>— Drama; RD— Romantic Drama; MU— MusicoU 
Figures herewith indi«ate date of VMien'a review and running time. 



WEEK or BEIJEASE— </3S/«l 



Adventlire In Wasblngtaa <Cel) 
Billy the Kid (M-G) 5/2S 
SUyer StalUon (Mono) •/!■ 
I Wa:ited Wines (Par) I/2S 
Suny (BKO) S/21 
BIo«« »M 9a»d (20»b) */2> ■ 
Akkatt-Costello in the Navy (U) 
MUUOB Dollar Baby. (WB) 5/21 



•/4 



0 
W 

w 

D 
UU 
D 
C 
CD 



S4 T. Bruce-H. Haistaall 

94 B. Taylar>B. Donlevy 

6S D. Sbiupe-J. Waldo 

131 B. MIlIaBd-V. Lake 

9> A. Neafle-B. Bolcer 

ua L. Danell-r. Power 

•5 AMott-Coitell* 

Its p.LaBe-JJ.yim 



WEEK OF BELEASB— S/S/4I 



MaU Bail (M-G) O 

WiaoKier's Roost (Mon*) C/2S W 

SalBt's VacatlOB (BKO) S/18 H 

For Beantrs Sake (2nb) 6/25 CD 

MCB at the Ttmkcrluids (O) M 

Devil D4»gs Of the Ah (WB> 2/12/U D 

ShlrdBC 'Victory (WB) 5/28 D 



6. Garbe-B. Novarre 
S7 B. Corri(aB-J. Ktait 
•1 B. Gray-H. Sbiclair 
66 M.Weaver-N. Sparki 

R. Aclea-A. Devloe 
90 t. CaKBcy-F. O'BtleB . 
7S J. StcpkensoB-G. Fltagctald 



WEEK OF BELEASE— C/13/41 



The Gct-AWay (M-C) . 6/11 ' D W 

Richest Man In Town (Col) 6/U CD 70 

Cane's AH 0«e (Mono) 6/2S C S3 

One Night In Lisbon (Par) S/I4 D M 

Cyclone on Honcback (BKO> S/IS W SS 

Bride Wore Cnitches(2etli) 7/24/40 CD M 

Tight Shoes (U) O/Il C SI 

Broa«w»y Umttad (UA) 6/18 D 7S 

Ont or the Pot (WB) 6/11 . D SS 



B. SterHsg-D. Adaou 

r. CiavcB-J. Todd 

P. Darro-H. Moieland 

M. CaiToa-P. MacMurray' 

T.HoN-R. Whitley 

L. R«bcrts-T. North 

t. Howard-B. Barnes 

V. HcLaclCB-M. Woodworth 

J. GatBcId-L Loplno 



WEEK or BELEASE— 8/2S/41 



Time Oat for Rbytlua (Cbl) S/2S 
Baads Across the Rockies (Col) 
The Big Store <M-G) 6/11 
West Pohit Widow (Par) 6/11 
lUliKtant DragOB (RKO) 6/11 
Ncmda City (Rep) T/M 
Maa Hnnt (2a«hy 6/11 
San ABtnalo Rose (U) 6/2S 
Passage from UoagkoBg (WB) 



HU T4 R. TaHee-B. Lane 

W Bin EIUot-M. Dally 

C S4 Marx BrDS.'-T. Martin . 

CD 63 A. SUrtey-R. Carlson 

73 IMsocy Cartoon 

W SS B. Rogcrs-G. Hayes 

D lOO J, BeBBCtt-W. Pldgeon 

MU 62 B. Paige-J. Frazee 

D K. Danglas-L. Fairbanks 



WEEK or BELEASE— S/27/41 



Sweetheart of the Campos (Col) 6/2S MU 64 

Medic* of PalBtcd Sprlags (Col) 6/2S W SS 

WaBderers of the West (MoBV) W 

They Met In Bombay (H-G> S/2S D 92 

The Parson of Paaamint (Par) 6/2S W S« 

JoBglc Cavalcade (BKO) 7/9 M 7C 

A Vary Yoang Lady (20th) 6/30/41 CD SO 

Poison Pea (Rep) 7/2 D 66 

PnddiB' Bead (Rep) 7/2 C SO 

Kansas Cyclone (Rcd) W 

Hit the Road (U) 7/9 D C2 

UBdergroond (WB) 6/25 D 95 



B. Keelcr-O. Nelson 

C. Starrett-T. Walker 
T. Ke«ne-B, Miles 

C. Gable-R, RnRsell 
E. Drcw-C. Rueeles 
P. Buck 

J.WRhers-N. Kelly 
P,Robson-R. Newton 
J. Canova-F. Lederer 

D. Darry-L. Merrick 
G. George-B. MacLane 
J. Lynn-K. Verne 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 7/4/41 



1 Was a Prisoner on Devil's Island (Col) 
Basaacl* Bill (M-G) 7/2 
Harder by Invitation (Mono) 
Caagbt iB tte Draft (Par) 5/28 
Tom, Dick and Harry (RKO) 7/16 
Moon Over' Miami (20tli) 6/lS 
Bachelor Daddy (U) 7/2 
Kisses for Breaktast (WB) 



D 70 D. Woods-S. EUers 

CD 90 W. Beery-V. Wcldler 

D W. Ford-M. Marsh 

C 82 B. Hope-D. Lamour 

C 85 G. Roeers-G. Murphy 

MU 92 D. Ameche-B. Grable 

C 6 Baby Sandy-E. E. Horton 

C D. Moigan-J. Wyatt 



Cftiintess Tolstoy 



sCoatlnued from page 3; 



SAT, JULY IS (10:45 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Studio T. 
iTUEa, JULT 22 (10 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20Ui), Exchange Pit 

UEK, JULT 22. (11:30 a.m.), 'Dressed to KQl" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
TUEa, JULT 22 (10:30 a.m.), 'Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Studio T. 
TUES^. JULT 22 (10:30 a.m.), 'Dr. JekyU-Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Mad. T., Peoria. 
TUER., JULT 22 (10:30 a.m.), 'Dr. JekyU-Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Orph T.,Sp'field. 
TUESl, JULT 22 (2 p.m.),. 'Charle/a Aunt' (20th), Exchange PJL 
■ TUBS., JULT n (3:30 p.m.) 'Dressed ta KiU' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULT 23 (10 ajn.>, 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
WED, JULT 2J (11:30 a.m;), 'Private Nurse' (20th>, Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULT ZS (2 ■p.xa.), 'Wild Cheese CalUng' (2ath>, Exchange P.R> 
WED, JULT 23 (3flO p.m.), 'Private NVirse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULT U (10 ajn.)^ 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20tfa). Exchange P.R. 
TBUBS, JULT 24 (2 p.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade" (20th), Exchange P.R. 

CINCINNATI 

WED.. JULT U (2 p.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO),. Mayfalr T. 
TUUIGS, JULT n (2 pjn.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Mayfair T. 
FBL, JULT 18 (2 p.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Mayfair T. 
MON.„ JULT n (2 p.m.), 'Dr. JekyU Sc Mr. Hyde*^ (M-G), Orpheum T. 
WED.,.^LT 23 (9:30 a.m.).< 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange FJi. 
WED.. JULT 2S (11 Bjn.), 'Dressed to KUl' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED,. JULT 2S (10 a.m.), 'Dr. Jekyll-Hyde* (M-G), Capitol T, Charleston. 
WED,; JUUr S (t:30 pjn.),^ 'Chazliey'b Aiuitf (20tb), Sxehange PJL 
(Continued oh page 20) . 



bitterness, as she^ ^noted 
Foundatibn, needing JIii^' 



that 

slf' urgent- 
ly in its effort to aid unfortunate 
countrymen who have fled the So- 
viets, has been unable to obtain con- 
tributions from producers and pic- 
ture companies who have profited by 
her father's books and plays. 

No royalties have ever been paid, 
in the absence of an international 
royalty and copyright agreement, on 
the Tolstoy stuff, she said, although 
some' of the films have reaped a 
big -b.o. take. Metro has produced 
five films on Tolstoy works, she re- 
marked. 

'I have never been able to talk to 
the 'big shots,' she said, humorously, 
'hut their secretaries have always as- 
sured me that my cause was just and 
that something would be done. Noth- 
ing ever has been done. I don't 
think, though, that the film com- 
panies like my speaking on the sub- 
ject' 

Opening of the project was at- 
tended by 300, including Grand 
Duchess Marie: Ex-President Her- 
bert Jloover is president of the 
Foundation and the Grand Duchess 
is diairman of the sponsoring com- 
mittee of Reed Farm, with a special 
interest in the art an^ culture center 
being established there. 

Most of the Foundation's funds — 
$50,000 has been raised In two years 
— has beea going to aid emigres In 
the Vichy (France) area in recent 
months. Expenses for the first year 
of Reed Farm have been under- 
written by Boris A. Bakhmeteil and 
Capt. Boris V. Ser^ievsky. 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 7/11/41 



Two in a Taxi (Col) D 62 

Navy Blue and Gold (M-O) (reissue) D 95 

Pather Steps Out (Mono) D 

Forced Landlne (Par) 7/9 M 63 

They Meet Again (RKO) O 

Gangs ot Sonora iRcp) 7/16 W 56 

Mountain BgoonUgSt (Rep) CD 

Accent' OB Love (20th> D o61 

BeUo, Sncker (U>' 7/2 C 60 

Bride Came CCD. (WB) 7/2 CD 91 



A. Lonlse-R. Raydea 

B. Tonng-J. Stewart 
P. Albertson-L. Grey 
R. Arlen-E. Gabor 

i. Hcrsholt-D. Lovett 
3 Mesqulteers 
Weaver Bros, Elvlry 

G. Montgomery-o. Masscn 

H. Herbert-T. Brown 
B. Davls-J. Cagney 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 7/18/41 



6/18 



'itdn ul' Itavy T'ockett (Col) 7/9 
Stars Look Donn (M-G) t/3/40 
Arizona Bound (Moao) 
Shepherd ot the Bills (Par) 
Hnrrlcane Smith (Rep) 
Sunset In Wyoming (Rep) 
Dance Hall (20th) 
Raiders ot the Desert (U) 
Rawhide Rangers (U) 
Bullets tor O'Hara (WB) 




59 
101 



98 



■vp,;«a»ii«<tti3!:^ke^r-.">v,>-, 

B. ElllMt-I. Meredith 

M. Redgrave-H. Loekwood 

B. Jones-T. McCoy 
1. Wayne-B. Field 

R. Middleton-J. Wyat* 
G. Aatiy-S. Bornett* 

C, Romero-C. Landta 
R. Arlen-A. Devtne 
J. M. Brown 

1. Perry-B. Pryor 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 7/25/41 



The Officer and the Lady (Col) 7/16 

RUigslde Malsle (M-G) 

The Deadly Game (Mono) 

Hurry, CharUe,^ Hurry (RKO) 7/9 

Ten Nights la a Bar Room (Rep) 

Bad Men ot Missouri (WB) 



D S9 R. Budson-B. Pryor 
C A. Sothem-G. Murphy 

D J. Lang-C. Farrell 

C ' 66 L. EaroD-K. Howell 
M R. AtmstiOBg-L. Uayea 

D J. wyman-D. Morgan 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 8/1/41 



Thunder Over the Prairie (Col) W 

Blossoms la the Dust (H-6) 6/29 D 

Bowery Blitzkrieg (Mono) D 

Fugitive VaUey (Mono) W 

Kiss the Boys Goodbye (Par) 6/2S CD 

My Life With CaroUna (RKO) T/16 C 

Rags to Riches (Rep) M 

Cracked Nuts (U) C 

Three So&s o' Guns (WR) CD 



C. Btarrett-E. O'Hcara 
•8 G. Garson-W. Pidgeon 
W. HoU-L. Gorcey 
R. CorrlgBB-M. Terhuna 
S3 M.MarOn-D.Amecha 
76 R. Colman-A. Lea 
A. Baxter-M. CarUsIa 
M. Auer-U. Merkel 
W. Horrls-T. Brown 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 8/8/41 



BUery Queen and Perfect Crime 
Mary Names the Day. (M-G) 
Dynamite Canyoo (Mobo) 
Wide Open Towa. (Pas) 
Six Gun Gold (RKO) 
Hold That Ghost (U) 
New Wine (UA) 
Manpower (WB) T/9 



(Col) M 68 R. BeUamy-M. Lindsay 

D L. Ayies-L. Barry mora 

W T. Ke«ne-E. Plaley 

W W.Bayd-R.Haydea 

W T. Holt-L. White 

C Abbott-COEtello 

MU I. Maisey-B. Barnes 

m E. RobUlson-M. Dietrich 



WBBK OF BSLBASB— »/liS/41 



TllUs the ToUer (Col) 
Medico. Blta the TraU (Col) 
Life Baglaa. I«s Aady Btesdy (N 
Aloma of the South Seas (nr) 
This Woman Is Mine (U) 



C 
RD 
D 



K. Harris-W, Tracy 

C. Starrett 

M. Raoney-A. Ratherfard 

D. Lamour-i. Hall 
P. Tone-C. Bruce 



Wednesdajf July 16, 1941 



19 




"KISS THE 
BOYS GOODBYE".. .dl 
Ihe Earle Theatre, Washing- 
ton, eutgrosses "North West 
Mounted Police'V'Virginia'* 
and"Zanxibar"l 



PARSON OF PANAMINF 



.in 



Its first engagement at the Utah' 
Theatre, Salt Lake City, hits 20% 
above "One Night in Lisbon". . • 
running jieck and neck with 
"Lady Eve"! 



"SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS". . .Tennessee 
Theatre. Knexville...78% beHer than "Eve'* 
* . . 20% beHer thon "Virginia". . . 50% 
better than "Zanzibar" 

NewmanTheatre, Kansas Cityt 38% better 
than "Eve"... 46% better than "Virginia" 

Pulaski Theatre, Little Rock: 75% better 
than "EVE".*. 25% better than "Virginia" 

Gillies Theatre, Springfield Mo.: 81% bet- 
ter than "Eve"...50% better than "Virginio" 



1 

i. 

1 
4 



"CAUGHT IN THE DRAFT". . . new breakina 
records in extended runs everywhere. Ahead 
of "Zanxiba*"/'Virglnio","Lady Eve","Love 
Thy Neighbor*'. • • ahead of practically any 
hit you can name I 



THE HOTTEST COMPANY 
IN THE BUSINESS! 



20 PIGTUBES 



Wednesday, Julj 16, 1941 



Trade Showings 



s Continued from page 18^ 



WED^ JULY 23 (3 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULT 24 (9:30 a.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling* (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS., JULT 24 (11 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
THCBS, JULY 24 (1:30 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULY 24 (3 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBI, JULY 25 (10 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBI, JULY 25 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

CLEVELAND 

WED., JULY 18 (11 a.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Lake T. 
THURS., JULY 17 (11 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Lake T. 
FBI, JULY 18 (11 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Lake T. 
TUES, JULY 22 (2 p.m.) 'Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Metropolitan T. 
WED, JULY 23 (10 a.m.). 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (11:30 a.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (2:30 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.Ri 
WED, JULY 23 (4 p.m.), 'Dressed to KUl' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

DALLAS 

WED, JULY 18 (10:30 a.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Texas T. 
THURS, JULT 17 (10:30 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Texas T. 
FBI, JULY 18 (10:30 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Texas T. 
MON, JULY 21 (2:30 pjn.), 'Dr. Jekyll & J^r. Hyde' (M-G), Roswin T. 
TUES., JULY 22 (9:30 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th),' Exchange P.R. 
TUBS, JULY 22 (U a.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
TUES, JULY 22 (2 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
TUES, JULY 22 (3:30 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (9:30 a.m.), 'Jekyll* Hyde' (M-G), Texas T., San Antonio. 
WED., JULY 23 (9:30 a.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (11 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th) Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (2 p.m.), 'Wild (Jeese CaUing' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (9:30 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBL, JULY 25 (IQ a.m.), 'Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde' (M-G) B'way T., Lubbock. 

DENVER 

WED, JULY 16 (2 p.m.), 'Fattier Takes a Wife' (RKO), Santa Fe T. 
THUBS., JULY 17 (2 p.m.), 'Citizen K^ne' (RKO), Santa Fe T. 
FBI, JULY 18 (2 p.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Santa Fe T. 
TUES., JULY 22 (1:30 p.m.), 'Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Santa Fe T. 
WED, JULY 23 (10 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
WED, JULY 23 (ll:3aa.m,), "Dressed to KlU' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (2 p.m.), ^Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULY 23 (3:30 p.m.), *Drtesed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (10 a.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (11:30 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (2 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBL. JULY 25 (10 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBL, JULY 2S (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange PJl. . 

DES MOINES 

WED. JULY 16 (2 p.m.), 'Devil & Dan'l Webster' (RKO), Forest T. 
THUBS, JULY 17 (11 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Forest T. 
FBL, JULY 18 (2 p.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Forest T. 
MON, JULY 21 (2 p.m.), 'Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Forest T. 
TUES, JULY 22 (10 a.m.), 'Charley'? Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
TUES, JULY 22 (11:30 a.m.), 'Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
TUES, JULY 22 (2 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
TUES, JULY 22 (3:30 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
WED., JULY 23 (lO a;m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULY 23 (11:30 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULY 23 (2 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
WED, JULY 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Niirse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS., JULY 24 (10 a.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (2 p.m.), 'Sun" Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

DETROIT 

WED., JULY 16 (11 ajm.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Majestic T. 
THUBS., JULY 17 (11 a.m.), 'Citizen Karie' (RKO), Majestic T. 
FBI., JULY 18 (11 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), MajesUc T. 
MON, JULY 21 (1:30 p.m.), 'Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Majestic T. 
TUES, JULY 22 (1:30 p.m.), 'Jekyll-Hyde' (M-G), Michigan T., Saginaw. 
WED, JULY 23 (10:30 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (llOth), Exchange PJl. 
WED, JULY 23 (12 noon), 'Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (1:30 p.m.), 'Jrfcyll-Hyde' (M-G), Eastown T., Gr. Rapids. 
WED, JULY 23 (1:30 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (3 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (10:30 a.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS., JULY 24 (12 noon), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (1:30 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (3 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBI,,JULY 26 (10:30 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBL, JULY 25 (1:30 p.m.), 'Sun, Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

i''-.*^««Kfeffi?'i!S5?** ' ' INBJ AN APQI .IS . 

ViEO,, fovi 16 (U ..n.), 'Father Takes a Wile' (RKO), St. Clair T. 

THUBS., JULY 17 (11 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), St. Clair T. 

FBL, JULY 18 (11 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), St. Clair T. 

MON, JULY 21 (1:30 p.m.), 'Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Talbott T.' 

TUES., JULY 22 (1:30 p.m.), 'JekyU-Hyde' (M-G), Crescent T., Louisville 

WED, JULY 23 (1:30 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Esquire T. 

WED., JULY 23 (3 p.m.), "Dressed to Kill' (20th), Esquire T. 

THUBS, JULY 24 (1:30 pjn.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Esquire T 

THUBS, JULY 24 (3 p.m.), 'Private Nurse'. (20th), Esquire T. 

FBI, JULT 25 (1:30 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Esquire T. 

KANSAS CITY 

WED., JULT 16 (2:15 p.m.), 'Devil & Danl Webster' (RKO), Vogue T 
THUBS., JULT 17 (2:15 p.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Vogue T. 
FBI, JULT 18 (2:15 p.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Vogue T. 
MON., JULT 21 (1 p.m.), -Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Vogue T. 
TUES, JULT 22 (1 p.m.), 'Jekyll & Hyde' (M-G), Uptown T., Wichita 
WED, JULT 23 (10 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange PR 
WED, JULT 23 (11:30 a.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange PJt 
WED., JULT 23 (2 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange PJl 
WED, JULT 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange PR 
THUBS, JULY 24 (10 a.m.), 'Wild Geese CaUing' (20th), Exchange PR. 
THims, JULT 24 (11:30 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange PR 
THUBS, JULT 24 (2 p.m.), 'Wild Geese CaUing' (20th), Exchange PR 
THUBS., JULT 24 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th"), Exchange PR 
FBI, JULT 25 (10 ajn.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
FBI, JULY 25 (2 pjn.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange PR. 

LOS ANGELES 

WED, JULY 16 (2:16 p.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Victoria T. 
THUBS, JULY 17 (2:15 pjn.), 'Citizen Kahe' (RKO), Victoria T. 
FBI., JULY 18 (2:15 p.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Victoria T. 

522" ^^^^^ "•"•^' ^^^^^ * ^yde' (M-O, strand T., Phoenix. 

MON, JULY 21 (10:30 a.m.), 'Dr. Jekyll &. Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Victoria T. 
TUES, JULY 22 (10:30 ajn.), 'Chariey's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
TUES, JULT 22 (12 noon), 'Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
TUES, JULT 22 (2:30 pjn,), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R, 
TUES, JULT 22 (4 p.m.), 'Dressed to KUl' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 28 (10:30 a.m:). 'WUd Geese Caning* (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (12 noon), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (2:30 p.m.), 'WUd Geese CaUing' (20th), Exchange PJt 



\ 



WED, JULY 23 (4 p.m.), Trlvate Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

THUBS, JULY 24 (10:30 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

THUBS, JULY 24 (2:30 p.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serent.de' (20th), Exchange PJl. 

MEMPHIS 

WED., JULY 16 (10:30 a.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), RIU T. 
THUBS., JULY 17 (10:30 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO). Ritz T. 
FBL. JULY 18 (10:30 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface* IRKO), Ritz T. 
MON., JULY 21 (9:30 a.m.). 'Dr. JekyU tt Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Palace T. 
TUES, JULY 22 (9:30 ajn.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
TUES, JULY 22 (11 a.m.), 'Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
TUES, JULY 22 (11 a.m.), 'JekyU & Hyde' (M-G), Prospect T., Little Rock. 
TUES, JULY 22 (2 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
TUES, JULT 22 (3:30 pjn.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange PJt 
WED, JULT 23 (9:30 a.m.), 'WUd Geese CaUing" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (11 aJn.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (2 pjn.). 'WUd Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange PJt 
WED., JULT 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th),. Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULT 24 (11 ajn.^ 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th). Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULT 24 (2 pjn.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange PJt 

MILWAUKEE 

WED, JULT 16 (2:15 p.m.), 'Father Takes a Wile' (RKO), Tower "f. 
THUBS, JULT 17 (2:15 p.ro.). 'Cttizen Kanie' (RKO), Tower T. 
FBI, JULT 18 (2:15 p.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Tower T. 
TUES, JULT 22 (10:30 a.m.), 'Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Varsity T. 
WED, JULT 23 (10 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (11:30 a.m.), 'Dressed to KiU' (20tk), Exchange F.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (2 p.m.), 'Cliariey's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULT 24 (10 a.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange' P.R. 
THUBS, JULT 24 (11:30 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULT 24 (2 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange' P.R. 
THUBS, JULT 24 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBI, JULT 25 (10 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R 
FBL, JULT 25 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

MINNEAPOLIS 

WED, JVLT 16 (1:30 p.m.), 'Devil & Dan'l Webster' (RKO), St. L. P. T. 
THUBS., JULT 17 (1:30 p.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), St. Louis P. T. 
FBI., JULY 18 (1:30 p.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), St. Louis Park T. 
SAT, JULY 19 (10 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), St. Louis Park T. 
TUES., JULY 22 (10:30 a.m.), 'JekyU-Hyde' (M-G), State T, Sioux FaUs. 
TUES, JULY 22 (1:30 p.m.), 'Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Park T. 
TUES, JULY 22 (1 p.m.), 'Jekyll-Hyde' (M-G), PUlar T., Valley City. 
TUES., JULY 22 (1 p.m.), 'Jekyll St Hyde' (M-G), West T., Duluth. 
WED., JULY 23 (11 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (12:30 p.m.), 'Dressed to KUl' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (2:30 p.m.). 'Charley's Aunt' (20th). Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULY 23 (4 p.m.), 'Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS., JULY 24 (11 a.m.), 'Wild" Geese CalUng' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
THUBS., JULY 24 (12:30 p.m.), .'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R 
THUBS, JULY 24 (2:30 pm.), 'Wild Geese CaUing' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS.. JULY 24 (4 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBI., JULY 25 (11 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBI., JULY 25 (2:30 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

NEW HAVEN 

WED, JULY 16 (11 a.m.), 'Devil & Daniel Webster' (RKO), Whalley T. 
WED, JULY 16 (2:30 p.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), Lawrence T. 
THUBS, JULT 17 (11 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), WhaUey T. 
FBI., JULT 18 (U a.m.), 'Lady Scarface'' (RKO), Whalley T. 
WED, JULT 23 (11 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (1 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (2:30 p.n>.), 'JekyU & Hyde' (M-G), Lawrence T. 
WED., JULT 23 (3 p.m.), 'Dressed to KUl' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS., JULT 24 (10 a.m.), 'Wild Geese CaUing' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULT 24 (11:30 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS., JULT 24 (1:30 p.m.), 'WUd Geese CaUing* (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULT 24 (3 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBI, JULT 25 (11 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBI, JULT 25 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20Ui), Exchange P.R. 

NEW ORLEANS 

WED, JULT 16 (10 a.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Coliseum T. 
THUBS, JULY 17 (10 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Coliseum T. 
FBI, JULY 18 (10 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), CoUseum T. 
SUN., JULY 20 (2 p.m.), 'Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Ray T., Jackson. 
MON., JULY 21 (2 p.m.), 'Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Clabon T. 
TUES., JULY 22 (9:30 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
TUES, JULY 22 (11 a.m.), 'Dressed to KUl' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
TUES., JULY 22 (2 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
TUES, JULT 22 (3:30 p.m.), "Dressed to KUl' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULT 23 (9:30 a.m.), "Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (11 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange- P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (2 p.m.), 'WUd Geese CaUing' (20A), Exchange PJt 
WED., JULT 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th),. Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULT 24 (U a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULT 24 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

NEW YORK CITY 

-W-ki^, JULY 16 (10:46-s.ra.>, -^ady Be-GbuJ' (M-G), Astor T. 
THUBS, JULY 17 (10:45 a.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO). Broadway T 
FBI, JULY 18 (10:45 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (MIO), Broadway T. 
SAT., JULY 19 (10:45 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface" (RKO), Broadway T 
WED., JULY 23 (10:30 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange PJt 
WED, JULY 23 (12 noon), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange PR 
WED, JULY 23 (10:45 a.m.), 'Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Astor T 
WED, JULY 23 (2:30 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange PR 
WED,. JULY 23 (4 pjn.), "Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange PR 
THUBS, JULY 24 (10:30 a.m.), "WUd Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange PR 
THUBS, JULY 24 (12 noon), "Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange PR 
THUBS, JULY 24 (2:30 p.m.). 'Wild Geese CaUing' (20th), Exchange PR 
THURS, JULY 24 (4 p.m.), 'Private Nurse" (20th), Exchange PR 
FBI, JULY 25 (10:30 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange PR 
FBI, JULY 26 (2:30 p.m.), "Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange PR 



OKLAHOMA CITY 



WED., JULY 16 (9:30 a.m.), 'Lady Be Good" (M-G), Majestic T., Tulsa 

" ^•^■'>' '^^"'^ ^ Da"'' Webster' (RKO), Uptown T 

THUBS, JULY 17 (10:30 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Uptown T 
FBI, JULY 18 (10:30 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Uptown T 

*'"-^" 'D""- •■^e'^y" ^ Mr. Hyde' (M-G),'uptown T 
WED, JULY 23 (9:30 a.m.), 'JekyU & Hyde" (M-G), Majest c T Tulsa 
WED, JULT 23 (10 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th). Exchange P R 
WED, JULT 23 (11:30 a.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R 
WED, JULT 21 (2 p.m.). "Charley's Aunt' (20th). Exchange PR 

^^'-^ P""-)' 'IJressed to KiU' (20tb). Exchange PJl 
THUBS, JULT 24 (10 a.m.). 'Wild Geese CaUing' (20th) Exchai^e PR 
tHUBS, JULT 24 (11:30 ajn.), 'Private Nurse' (fotA) ExcSeTI 
l^^l^ "I"" ^2 P '" ^' '^""^ CaUing- (20th), Exchange RR. 

THUBS JULT 24 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th). Exchange P.R 

'.Vim 4? ^•'"•l' 'f^ '^^"^y Serenade' (20th), EAhanie P.R. 
FBI., JULT 25 (2 pjn.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R 

OMAHA 

WED., JULT 16 (2 p.m.), 'Devil fit Dan'l Webster' (RKO), Avenue T 
THUBS, JULY 17 (2 p.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Avenue T« 
FBI, JULY 18 (2 p.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Avenue T. 
MON., JULY 21 (10:30 a.m.), "Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Dundee T 
TUES, JULT 22 (10 a.m.), ^Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange PJt 
(Continued on page 22) 



BANKO EXEMPTIONS 
A LIFTER IN WIS. 

Milwaukee, July 15. 

Theatre operators who were under 
fire recenUy by state income tax 
officials, who claimed that 'bank 
night' expenditures had been Ulegal- 
ly deducted from tax reports, 
breathed a real sigh of relief this 
past week when Tax Commissioner 
Elmer E. Barlow announced that, 
since the attorney- general had ruled 
the drawings were legal at the time 
they took place, the deductions made 
by tiie exhibs could stand. Bank 
nights recently were held by the 
Supreme Court to be Illegal and the- 
atres at once discontinued them. 

Had Baiiow ruled against the the- 
atre men, many of them would have 
been bankrupted as the Income tax 
reports Involved covered a period of 
several years. 



Allen Coin 



ace z II 



jj^Contlnaed from pace : 

burger, currently producing for 
United Artista; Slgne Hasso, Swedish 
star; Michele Morgan, French, and 
Paul Henrie, at RKO, and the play-. 
Wrights Alfred Polgar, Wilhelm 
Speyer, Leonha'd Frank, Alfred 
DoebUn, Heinrich Mann and Alfred 
Neumann. 

Most recent additions to the pic- 
ture colony are Jean Gabin, actor, 
and Jean Renoir, director, both from 
France, under contract to 20th-Fox. 
Basserman came in from Vienna. 
Miss.. Massey is Hungarian, with a 
$2,500 weekly salary. Polgar is Vien- 
nese, and is at Metro, as is Leon- 
hard Frank. Alfred Doeblin Is with 
Warners, and so is Alfred Neumann, 
not related to Alfred Newman, the 
music director. Heinrich Mann, 
brother of Thomas Mann, is at War- 
ners. Miss Gabor is Hungarian. Carl 
Brisson is Danish. 

There are in HoUywood and in 
pictures many other nationals of 
beUigerent or dominated European 
states, but most of them were in 
this country prior to the date fixed 
as the original boundary of the 
financial blackout. 

Friendly AUena 

Neither by designation nor by any 
inference are these nationals re- 
garded as anything but friendly 
aliens, and the regulations governing 
their funds and salaries are based 
on that kind of poUcy. 

A minimum of $500 per month, or 
$125 per week, is allowed as a draw- 
ing account under general Ucense is- 
sued through the Federal Reserve 
Bank and ita meihber banks, as the 
officiating agency for the U. S. 
Treasury Dept. If an individual can 
prove that he requires more for 
legitimate business or living ex- 
penses in this country, it may be ob- 
tained under special Ucense permit, 
up to unlimited -amounts. 

Barbara Hutton, Danish citizen 
since her marriage, for instance, 
with her menage of 26 servants and 
beach home here, is allowed $40,000 
per month as drawing account. 

Numbers of non-American citizens 
in the blackout category have sub- 
mitted living and business expense 
requireraenta to Federal Reserve 
officials at San Francisco, through 
their local , b^nks, and -tkave secured 
or are in process of having okayed 
withdrawal amounta exceeding the 
general maximum of $500 per 
month. Basserman, for instance, is 
asking $2,000 for legitimate monthly 
expenses. One of the French di- 
rectors had to have, and got, a spe- 
cial license in order to pay a year's 
house lease and buy an auto. Signe 
Hasso has upped her allowance. 

Alien motion picture people under 
salary get none of their paycheck 
from studios directly. Their money 
is sent to their banks, which here- 
after assumes all responsibility for 
carrying out the frozen fund regu- 
lations. 

Chief purpose of the money Im- 
pounding order, as one prominent 
banker explains it, is to protect rela- 
tives of Nationals here from having 
pressure put upon them to force 
money into coffers of Axis powers 
and dominated countries. Definition 
of who are 'nationals' under the 
Treasury order is stiU rather vague, 
and various banks are stiU In proc- 
ess of classifying those subject to 
the freeze regqlations. Bank in 
Beverly Hills, where many of the 
picture folk do business, has listed 
less than a dozen of its numerous 
alien depositors as amendable to the 
block-out. 

First freezing order came In con- 
nection with invasion of Denmark 
on April 8, 1940. Successive block- 
ing of funds tor nations and nation- 
als Involved occurred thereafter as 
each new country was invaded and 
occupied by Germany. 



WcdneBdav, July 16, 1941 



P^fHETY 



21 




YOU BET HE'S ALIVE! that National Screen Baby. . . 
alive with all kinds of ideas for making things hum around 
your theatre * Trailers . . . Lobby Displays and General Theatre 
Advertising Accessories. Alive with ticket -selling magnetism * 
Alive with that color. . .glamour. . . sparkle that makes your 
theatre glow with "pleasure -promise" * Put him to work 
for you. Let his energy ... his pep ... his experience . . . 
his creative force and_ talents spread the glad tidings that 
youVe got a show * Advertise . . . publicize . . . exploit . . . 
make money* Tie in your theatre with a consistent . . . all- 
round 4 . . year-round selling campaign. Let the Prize Baby 
carry the torch of good business with . . . THE THREE 
BEST-SELLERS IN THE BUSINESS! 



22 



PIGTUIIE8 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



Trade Showings 



-Conttnned from page 2*s 



TUES^ smx tt (11:30 ajn.), 'Dressed to KlU' (20th), Exchange PJt 
TDES^ J€LT « (2 pjn.), 'Charley's Aunf (20th), Exchange P.K. 
TOES, JCLT 22 (3:30 pjn.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JOLT 23 (10 a.m.), 'WUd Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange PJt 
WED, JVLT 23 (11:30 ajn.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, iVLY 23 (2 p.in.), 'WUd Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JVLT 2S (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse" (20th), Exchanjge PJt 
THUSS, JOLT 24 (10 ajn.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange PJt 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (2 p.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange PJt 

PHILADELPHIA 

WED, JOLT 16 (11 a.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Aldine T. 
THOKS, JOLT 17 (11 ajn.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Aldine T. 
FM, JOLT 18 (11 ajn.), "Lady Scarface' (RKO), Aldine T. 
HON, JOLT 21 (2:30 p.m.), 'Dr. Jekyll tt Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Aldine T. 
WED, JOLT 23 (10:30 ajn.), "Charley's Aunt" (20th), Exchange PJt 
WED, JOLT 23 (12 noon), 'Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JOLT 23 (2:30 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JOLT 23 (4 p.m.), 'Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange P.R 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (10:30 ajm.), 'WUd Geese CaUing' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (12 noon), 'Private Nurse" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THOB S, JOLT 24 (2:30 p.m.), 'WUd Geese CalUng' (20th), Exchange PJt 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (4 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBL, JOLT 25 (10:30 a.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange PJt 
FBI, JOLT 25 (2:30 p.m.>, 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange PJt 

PITTSBURGH 

WED, JOLT IS (11 ajn.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G),' Academy T., MeadvUle. 
WED, JOLT IS (11 a.ni.), Ijady Be Good' (M-G), Morgan T., Mcgantown. 
WED, JOLT 16 (11 ajn.), 'Father "Takes a Wife' (RKO), Rlalto T- 
WED, JOLT 16 (2 pjn.), I^ady Be G^iod' (M-G), RivoU T., Altoona. 
THOBS, JOLT 17 (11 ajn.), <Citizen Kane' (RKO). Rialto T. 
FBL, JOLT 18 (11 a.ni.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Rialto T. 
HON, JOLT 21 (10:30 ajn.), "Dr. JekyU 8c Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Rialto T. 
WED, JOLT 23 (10 ajn.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange PJt 
WED, JOLT 23 (11:30 ajn.), 'Dressed to KUl' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JOLT 23 (11 ajn.), 'JekyU 4c Hyde' (M-G), Academy T., MeadvUle. 
WED, JOLT 23 (It ajn.), 'JekyU Sc Hyde' (M-G), Morgan T., Morgantown. 
WED, JOLT 23 (2 p.m.), 'Dr. JekyU & Hyde' (M-G), RivoH T, Altoona. 
WED, JOLT 23 (2 pjn.), 'Charley's Aunf (20th), Exchange PJl. 
WED, JOLT 23 (3:30 pjn.), 'Dressed to KUl' (20th), Exchange PJt 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (10 a.m.), "WUd Geese CaUlng' (20th), Exchange PJt 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (11:30 ajn.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange PJt 
THOB S, JOLT 24 (2 pjh.), 'Wild Geese Cialling" (20th), Ex(Aange P.R. 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (3:30 pjn.), 'Private Nurs*' (20Ui), Exchange PJl. 
FBL. JOLT 25 (11 ajn.). 'Sun V»Uey Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBL, JOLT 25 (2 p.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R 
FBL, JOLT 25 (3:30 pan.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

PORTLAND, ORE. 

WED, JOLT 16 (10:30 ajn.), 'DevU Sc Dan'l Webstei' (RKO), Esquire T. 
WED, JOLT 16 (1:30 p.m.), "Lady Be Good' (M-G), Esquire T. 
THOBS, JOLT 17 (2:15 pjn.). 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), Esquire T. 
FBI, JOLT IB (2:15 pjn.), *Lady Scarface' (RKO), Esquire T. 
TOES, JOLT 22 (9:30 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Star FUm E:i^change. 
TOES, JOLT 22 (11 a.m.), 'Dressed to KiU' (20Qi), Star FUm Exchange. 
TOES, JOLT 22 (2:15 pjn.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20tL), Star Film Exchange. 
TOES, JOI^ 22 (3:45 pjn.). 'Dressed to KUl' (20th). Star FU: .i Exchange. 
WED, JOLT 23 (9dO ajn.), 'Wild Geese CalUng' (20th), Star FUni Exch'ge. 
WED, JOLT 23 (11 a.m.). 'Private Nurse" (20th), Star Film Exchange. 
WED, JOLT 23 (1:30 pjn.). 'Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde' (M-G). Esquire T. 
WED, JOLT 23 (2:15 pjn.). "Wild (ieese CaUing' (20th), Star^FUm Exch'ge. 
WED, JOLT 23 (3:45 pjn.), 'Private Nurse' (20th). Star FUm Exchange. 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (10 a.m.), 'Sun Val. Serenade' (20th). Star FUm Exch'ge. 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (2:15 pjn.). 'Sun Vat Serenade' {20th). Star F. Exch'ge. 

St. LOUIS 

WED, JOLT 16 (2:15 p.m.), 'DevU & Dan! Webster' (RKO), S'Renco P.R. 
THOBS., JOLT 17 (2:15 p.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO), S'Renco P.R. 
FBI, JOLT 18 (2:15 p.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), S'Renco P.R. 
HON, JOLT 21, (1:30 p.m.), 'Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Norside T. 
WED, JOLT 23 (9:30 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JOLT 23 (11 a.m.),''Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JOLT 23 (2 pjn.), "Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JOLT 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (10:30 ajn.), 'WUd Geese CaUing' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THOBS., JOLT 24 (12 noon), 'Private Nurse' (20th). Exchange PJt 
THOBS.. JOLT 24 (2 p.m.), 'WUd Geese CalUng' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THOBS., JOLT 24 (3:30 p.m.), "Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBI, JOLT 25 (11 a.m.), "Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange PR. 
FBL, JOLT 25 pjn.), "Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

SALT LAKE CITY 

WED, JOLT 16 (2 p.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Southeast T. 
THOBS, JOLT 17 (2 p.ni.), "Lady Be Good", (M-G), Fox T., Butte. 
THOBS, JOLT 17 (2 p.m.). Citizen Kane' (RKO), Southeast T. 
FBI, JOLT 18 (2 p.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Southeast T. 
TOES, JOLT 22 (10 a.m.), 'Dr. JekyU «e Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Studio T. 
TOES, JOLT 22 (1 pjn.), 'Charley's Aunt" (20th), Exchange PJt 
TOES, JOLT 22 (2:30 p.m.), "Dressed to KUl" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JOLT .£3 (11 ajn.), WUd Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
WED, JOLT 23 (12:30 p.m.). 'Private Nurse' (20th). Exchange P.R. 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (2 p.m.). Ur. JekyU & Mr. Hyde" (M-G), Fox T., Butte, 
FBL, JOLT 26 (1 p.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

SAN FRANCISCO 

WED., JOLT 16 (1:30 p^.), 'Father Take a Wife' (RKO), AUiambra T. 
THOBS., JOLT 17 (1:30 p.m.), "Citizen Kane' (RKO), AUiambra T. 
FBI, JOLT 18 (1:30 pjn.), "Lady Scarface' (BXSX\ Alharobca.T. 
HON, JOLT 21 (10 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th),- Exchange PJt 
MON, JOLT 21 (11:30 a.m.), 'Dressed to KUl' (20Ui), Exchange P.R. 
MON.. JOLT 21 (2:30 pjn.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON., JOLT 21 (4 pjn.), "Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange PJl 
TOES, JOLT 22 (2 pjn.), 'Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), AUiambra T. 
WED.. JOLT 23 (10 ajn.). 'WUd Cieese CaUing' (20th), Exchange PJt 
WED, JOLT 23 (11:30 a.m.), "Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JOLT 23 (2:30 pjn.), 'WUd Geese CaUing' (20th). Exchange PR. 
WED, JOLT 23 (4 p.m.). 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchwige PJt 
THOBS., JOLT 24 (11 a.m.), 'Sun Valle/ Serenade' (20th), Exchange PR 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (2:30 p.m.)i 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

SEATTLE 

WED, JOLT 16 (11 a.m.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Jewel Box Prev T 
THOBS, JOLT 17 (9:30 a.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G), State T., Spokane. ' 
THOBS, JOLT 17 (11 a.m.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO),, Jewel Box Prev T 
FBI, JOLT 18 (11 a.m.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO), Jewel Box Prev. T 
TOES, JOLT 22 (10:30 a.m.),<"Charley"s Aunt" (20th). Exchange P.R, 
TOES, JOLT 22 (12 noon). 'Dressed to Kill' (20Ui). Exchange PR. 
TOES, JOLT 22 (2:15 pjn.). 'Charley's Aunf (20th). Exchange P.R. 
TOES, JOLT 22 (3:45 pjn.), 'Dressed to KiU" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
TOES, JOLT 22 (2:30 pjn.), 'Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde' (M-G). Greenlake T. 
WED, JOLT 23 (10:30 ajn.). "WUd Geese CaUing* (20th), Exchange PJt 
wed; jolt 23 (12 noon), 'Private Nurse' (20tb), Exchange PJt 
WED, JTOT 23 (2:15 p.m.), 'WUd Geese CaUing* (20th). Exchange PJt 
WED,. JOLT 23 (3:45 p.m.), "Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange PJt . 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (9:30 a.m.), 'JekyU & Hyde' (M-G), State T, Spokane. 



THOBS, JOLT 24 (10:30 ajn.). 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exch. P.It 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (2:15 pjn.), "Sun VaUey Sarenad*' (SOth), Excbanga PJt 

SIOUX FALLS, S. D. 

WED, JOLT 16 (10:45 ajn.), "Father Takes a Wife' (RKO). American P.R. 
THOBS, JOLT 17 (10:45 ajn.). X^itizen Kant' (RKO), American PJt 
FBL, JOLT IS (10:45 a.m.). "Lady Scarface' (RKO), American PJt 

WASHINGTON 

WED, JOLT 16 (10 ajn.). 'Lady Be (lOod* (M-G). Park T., Roanoke. 
WED, JOLT IS (10:30 ajn.), 'DevU & Danl, Webster* (RKO). Circle T. 
WED, JOLT 16 (1 p.m.). 'Lady Be Good' (M-G). Circle T. 
THOBS., JOLT 17 (10:15 a.m.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G). Rialto T, Batt. 
THOBS, JOLT 17 (11 BJn.), 'Citizen Kane' (RKO). Circle T. 
FBI, JOLT 18 (11 ajn.), 'Lady Be Good' (M-G). Capitol T, Richmond. 
FBL, JOLT 18 (11 B.m.), 'Parachute BattaUon' (RKO), Circle T. 
FBL, JOLT 18 (12:15 pjn.), 'Father Takes a Wife' (RKO), Circle T. 
SAT, JOLT 19 (0:30 ajn.), 'Lady Scarface' (RKO). Circle T. 
WED, JOLT 23 (10 ajn.). 'JekyU & Hyde' (M-G). Park T, Roanoke. 
WED, JOLT 23 (10:30 ajn.). "Charley's Aunf (20tii). Exchange P.R. 
WED, JOLT 23 (12 noon). 'Dressed to KIU' (20th). Exchange P.R. 
WED, JOLT 23 (1 pjn.). "Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde' (M-G). Circle T. 
WED, JOLT 23 (2 pjn.). 'Charley's Aunf (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JOLT 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange PJt 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (10:15 ajn.), "JekyU & Hyde' (M-G). Rialto T, Bait 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (10:30 ajn.), 'WUd Geese CaUing* (20th), Exchange PJt 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (12 noon), "Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange PJt 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (2 pjn.), 'Wild Geese Calling* (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THOBS, JOLT 24 (3:30 pjn^). 'Private Nurse' (20th). Exchange PJt 
FBL, JOLT 25 (11 ajn.). 'JekyU & Hyde' (M-G). Capitdl T, Richmond. 
FBL, JOLT 25 (11 ajn.), "Sun VaUey Serenade* (20th), Exchange PJt 
FBL, JOLT 25 (2 pjn.). "Sun Valley Serenade' (20th). Exchange PJt 



Filin Reviews 



■ Condnncd from pace Is 



My Life With Caroline 



the only meaningful one. Femme 
lead, Anna Lee, is a newcomer. 

John van Druten and Arnold Bel- 
gard concocted the screenplay from 
a French legiter. Train poiu: Venise" 
CTrain for Venice') by Parisian 
scriveners Louis VemeuU and 
(Jeorges Berr. Aside from changing 
the destination of the train from 
Venice to California — along with the 
entire locale from Europe to Amer- 
ica — ^they've done a large-size switch 
on the plot, and not always for best 
results. 

Preponderance of detaU in the 
vam slows it up and, despite the fact 
it runs only 78 minut^ it has a 
number of draggy moments that pre- 
clude the possibiUty that the most 
efficient possible cutting job was 
done. It's the old conflict between 
the minimum nmning time required 
to give a film A-picture rating and 
the quantity of story the authors 
have to telL 

MUestone's neat directorial tricks 
and mode of presentation are what 
give the story Ifs real lift, although 
the "artistic fringe' is going to see in 
them "cheating." Principal stunt Is a 
flashlMick variation in which Colman 
turns to the audience and says: 'I"U 
explain aU this to you later.' It is 
in his explanation that the story is 
unfurled. Idea of having a character 
talk directly to the audience, of 
course, is not new, but MUestone's 
handling of it is fresh and it serves 
to neatly work out the plot. 

Although able to get lot of giggles 
on his little touches, what Milestone 
is unable to do is to get conviction 
out of his actors. In his effort to 
keep the comedy bouncing off his 
racquet without quite touching the 
strings, he has Colman and Miss Lee 
walking through their lines a bit too 
casuaUy. Part of the blame for this, 
of course, must also Ue on the play- 
ers themselves. 

Amusing yam has Miss Lee the 
fickle wife of busy publisher, Col- 
man. He gets a wire from her and 
recognizes that again in his absence 
she has fallen for an effete, rich, 
young man. He rushes to head off 
the affair before it leads to trouble 
and divorce. The skillful manner In 
which he upsets this particular ro- 
mance Is used by Colman to good- 
naturedly explain to the audience 
what he must continually do in his 
"life with Caroline.' 

Aside from their lack of hard-hit' 
ting, convincing playing, Colman 
and Miss Lee are well-suited to the 
parts. His appeal is as great as ever 
for both male and femme contingent. 
Breaker-inner Miss Lee gives the 
impression that she is rather too 
vapid and doll-faced for any stronger 
role than thTs." "Charles" 'WlriHihgefS 
comedy, as her father, suffers, as 
does much of the film, by the lack 
of sparkling dialog. Reginald Gar- 
diner is oke as the wlfe-stealer. It's 
Hugh O'Connell as a constantly-mys- 
tified butler, however, who stands 
out in the cast as a real laugh-getten 

Unusual— and perhaps a bit objec- 
tionable to those who don't like their 
propaganda smeared between halves 
of a domestic comedy — is an ex- 
traneous scene which finds Colman 
(a Britisher) fondling a bulldog. 'I 
don't know your name,' he says to 
the tough-looking pooch, 'so 111 caU 
you Winston.' Herb. 



The OCFicer and the Lady 

HoUjrwpod. July 9. 

Coldmbla release at L«od Baralui produc- 
tion. Featuns RocheJle Hndoon. Bruce 
Bennett, Rocer Fiyor. Directed by Sam 
White. Screenplay by lAmbett Hlllyer and 
Jooeph Hoffman; etory by Hlllyer; camera, 
Oeoive Mechao; editor, Richard Fantl; 
aaat dlrect/or. Res Bailey. Previewed In 
■tudlo projection room, July 6, '41. ' Run- 
nlns time, W MCNa 

Helen Reffao Rochelle Hudson 

Bob Conlon ' ....Bruce Bennett 

Johnny Dayla Ro^er Pryor 

Ace Qolnn.* Richard Plake 

Blake Blandish Sidney Blacknier 

Bumps O'Nell Tom Kennedy 

Dan Resan Oscar O'Shea 

F^rank Joe McGulnn 

Captain Hart Charles Wilson 

Dawson William Hall 



KEEP SCATTEBINa 

Hollywood, July 15., 
- Christy Cabanne continues his job 
as director of the Scattergood Baines 
picture, starring Guy Kibbee and 
produced by Jerrold Brandt for 
RKO release. 

Third of the series, 'Scattergood 
Encounters ' Broadway.' goes into 
work July 21. 



This is a cops-and-robber meUer of 
famUiar pattern that swings along at 
a fast clip, despite continual recourse 
to formula situations. A moderate 
budgeter for program purposes, pic- 
ture wiU provide adequate support 
in the dual bookings and the action 
houses. 

Story revolves arotmd an tionest 
cop, his girl, and the front guy for a 
holdup mob. Girl continually backs 
away from romance with the cop be- 
cause her father had been invalided 
in service. Then there's the gangster 
crew which is eventually tracked 
down by the enterprising hero — and 
the climax where the girl and her 
father are abducted by an escaped 
convict. 

Despite the obvious texture of the 
yam, it romps along with plenty of 
action, flst-flghts and auto chases to 
satisfy action-minded attdiences. Pic- 
ture Is first feature directed by Sam 
White, former gag man {ind writer, 
who injects plenty of action Into the 
hour's unreeling. 

Bruce Bennett Is the heroic cop; 
Rochelle Hudson the girl; Roger 
Pryor the gang leader disguising his 
activities t&ough operation of a loan 
shark business; Sidney Blackmer the 
escaped convict; and Tom Kennedy 
a scatterbrained flatfoot. Walt. 

LAW OF THE RANGE 

(WITH SONGS) 

Universal release of Will Cowan produc- 
tion. Stars Johnny Mack Brown; features 
Futzy KnUcht, HM Way, Directed by 
Ray Taylor. Story, John Green; camera. 
Charles Van Knger; songs, Robert Craw- 
ford; Qomer Cool. Milton Rosen, Everett 
Carter. At New York theatre, N. T.. July 
8, ■'U; dnaL Running time, M HIM8. 

Steve Johnny Mack Brown 

Chaparral Fuzzy KniRht 

Mary Nell O'Doy 

The Kid Roy Harris 

Steve's Father Pat CMolley 

^Virginia fUalne Morey 

Hobart Ethan Laldlaw 

Squint Jamison A! Bridges 

Tim O'Brien Hal Taliaferro 

Lucille Walker and the Texas Rangers 

Since most westerns make money 
and "Law of the Range' is a standard 
^western, it's certain to pull a profit. 
It has the "necessS■y"*"Ingfediehts— 
plenty of action, clear characters 
and an unbroken story line. It also 
has several recognizable hoss-opera 
players. Running time of 59 min- 
utes is fitted to dual-biU needs. 

Couple of novel plot angles to the 
yarn. One is that the conflict is bet- 
ter motivated than in many west- 
ems. In the case of 'Law of the 
Range,' It's a combination of second- 
generation famUy feud and the eter- 
nal friction between the cattle and 
sheep men. An added and somewhat 
puzzling wrinkle is the presence of 
two ingenues in the" story. Daugh- 
ters of a rancher with whom the 
hero's famUy has long been feuding, 
one is in love with the hero and be- 
lieves In him, while the other blames 
him for ' their old man's murder. 
This complicates the story unneces- 
sarily- and, since there's only one 
male lead, leaves one ingenue un- 
hooked at the fadeout. It would 
have been simpler story construc- 
tlOQ to have merged the two girls 
into a single character. 

There are five songs in the picture,' 
all logically"" spotted, but aU never- 
theless tending to slow the. action. 



Texas Rangers, choral group cast as 
cowboys, handle three of the num- 
bers. Fuzzy Knleht joins in one of 
the tliree with the Texas Rangers 
and tolos another, supplying his own 
guitfir accompaniment. Fifth song 
Is Sling acceptably by LuciUe Walker 
as a sfieep-town, beer-hall siren. Ali 
five numbers ar*. kept brief. 

Naturally, there's sot much to be 
said for individual performances In 
a western. "Johnny Mack Brown 
brings an unusual degree of acting 
skiU and authority to the role of the 
dead-shot hero. Besides vocalizing 
Fuzzy Knight suppUes his familiar 
brand of slapstick comedy. NeU 
O'Day la rightly headstrong as the 
WTOngly-su^>ectmg girl, while Elaine 
Morey has little to do but look pretty 
as her sister. Roy Harris shrewdly 
avoids overplaying the villain's vU- 
lalny. 

Cutting has eliminated any unnec- 
essary footage, while the direction 
skUlfully accelerates the action as it 
nears the climax. Photography 
takes occasional advantage of the 
picturesque countryside. One tip 
for the technical end — although the 
gun-toting cowboy^ maintain ter- 
rific fusillades, they apparently never 
have to reload their shootiir irons. 
That's a trick boys might pass «long 
to the War Department. Hobe. 

NEVADA CITY 

Republic production and release. Star* 
Roy Rogers and George "Oabby' Hayes. 
Directed by Joseph Kane. Screenplay by 
James Webb; camera, William Nobles; edi- 
tor. Lea Orlebeck; music, Cy Feoer. Re- 
viewed at Colonial, Lincoln. Neb., July 2 
'41. Running time, St MINB. 

Cast: Roy Rogers, George 'Gabby' Hayes, 
Sally Payne. Oeorse Cleveland, Billy Lee 
Joseph Crehan, Fred Kohler, Jr., Jack 
Ingram, Pierre Watkln. 



Roy Rogers probably won't estab- 
lish himself any more solidly with 
the action faithful after this number, 
nor will Jt injure his already sizable 
foUowing. It's just a lukewarm 
western that cain be taken or left 
alone. Biz possibility depends on 
amount of hypo appUed. 

Rogers and George "Gabby' Hayes 
are a cquple of stage drivers work- 
ing for testy old Joseph Crehan, who 
bitterly resents the coming of the 
raUroad and hates the iron horse and 
everybody who has anything to do 
with it When Roeers and Hayes at- 
tempt to mediate the old boy's gripes 
with railroader George Cleveland, 
they're fired and go to work for the 
latter. 

Meantime, villains of the piece 
play the stage against the cailroad. 
"rhere"s the usual chase at end with 
the old-as-the-hills ride aboard dyna- 
mite-laden train that would blow 
up the tunnel, but it isn't handled 
too badly. 

Outstanding in support are little 
Billy tiee and looker Sally Payne. 

Joseph Kane's direction moves 
alor" weU and except for occasional 
spottiness, clicks. Art, 

GANGS OF SONORA 

Republic release of Louis Gray produc- 
tion. Stars Three Mesqulteers (Robert Llv- 
InKBlon. Bob Steele and Rufo D.-wls). Di- 
rected by John English. Screenplay, Albert 
Desmond and Doris Sclirocder, bnsed on 
characters croated by William Colt Mac- 
Donald; camera. Bud Thackery; editor. Hay 
Snyder: music, Cy Feuer. Previewed In 
Projection Room, N. T., July 10, '41. Run- 
ning time, se MINS. 

Stony Brooke Robert Livlni;aton 

Tucson Smith Bob Steele 

Lullaby Joslin Rufe Davis 

June Conners Juno Johnson 

David Conners Ward 'Bud' McTSKgnrt 

Kansas Kate Connera Helen MacKellar 

Som Tredwell Robert Frazer 

Ward Beecham William Farnum 

Jed Plckins Dudd Buster 

Sherur llal Price 



Republic's three Mesqjuiteers are 
tiding again, and this time it's the 
"Gangs of Sonora' who've wished 
they'd never crossed the trio's path. 
It's a standard western starring Rob- 
ert Livingston, Bob Steele and Rufe 
Davis as the justice-enforcing three- 
some. Story is somewhat better than 
usual for the series, though at times 
poor dialog, inferior acting by the 
lessers and some unauthentic situa- 
tions relegate it to the lower half of 
the duals. 

'Gangs' concerns the flght.of Wyo- 
ming for entrance into the union 
and the usual town boss who seeks — 
and by foul means, of course — to 
frustrate that attempt. In the in- 
terim there's the killing by his gang 
of the town's crusading editor and 
his assistant, plus the eventual carry- 
" TBn" Trf" the" nejvspaper -crtisatle- by- an- 
elderly newspaperwoman whose son, 
a lawyer, is in league with the po- 
litical chieftoin. 

' Livingston, Steele and Davis do 
weU enough, with T>avls supplying 
the usual rube comedy. Helen Mac- 
Kellar.i gives the best of the support- 
ing perfoi^mances as the crusading 
fourth-estater, though Ward "Bud" 
McTaggart, as her son, eventually 
reconciled to the side of justice, Is 
unsuited to the role. Robert Frazer, 
as the heavy, and William Farnum, 
in a too-brief role as the editor 
bumped off, perform creditably. 

D^ite the considerable action 
that takes place in the film, 'Gangs' 
seems longer than its 56 minutes. 

Naka. 



COL. PICTS' EECmiAE PFD. 

Columbia Pictures maintained its 
$2.75 annual dividend rate on the 
preferred stock last week -by declar- 
ing the usual quarterly dividend of 
68%c. per share. 

Dlwy is' payable Aug. IS to stock- 
holders of record Aug. 1. 



Wednesday. July 16, 1941 



PICTUBES 



23 



hside Stuff-Pictures 



Just about a year ago J. C. St«in met Bette Davis for t}i« first tlm* at a 
Beverly Hills party In Fred Niblo's house. It was at that tlma that th« 
Music Corp. of America president remarked to his wife that this was just 
the type of house he'd like to own, and it so happened that (1) last Xmas 
be bought the Niblo home, and (2) last week bought Bette Davla" contract 
More literally, he took Miss Davis under MCA management since she 
hadn't been with Leland Hay ward now for almost a year, and was actually 
a free agent sinc^ her Warner Bros, film deal Is all set. Meantime, bow- 
ever, with MCA's acquisition, Stein will set her for radio and la also han- 
dling her 'outside' picture commitments. 

Apropos of the Niblo (now Steins") home, their first formal function 
wUl be a 200-300 gala Aug. 3 in honor of Danny Kaye, wljo is under MCA 
contract. Colnedian opens at Giro's Aug. 7, but the Steins' big welcome- 
to-Hollywood party will precede the nltery engagemeni which Is only for 
one week. 



A special master will be appointed to report findings to the N. Y. federal 
court in connection with a $210,000 suit of Pathe Laboratories, Inc, against 
Du Pont' Film Mfg. Corp. Judge John C. Knox ordered the two parties 
to agree on the master and declared if no agreement could be reached, 
the court would then appoint someone. 

Pathe claims it signed an agreement Feb. 3, 1935, to purchase cinemato- 
grapn positive nitro-ceUulose raw film at 30% over cost from DuPont 
Over 77,000,000 feet were purchased and plaintiff asserts it was over- 
charged. 

'Life With Father,' In Its 87th week and holder of the current long-run 
record on Broadway, Is still not for sale to films, producer Oscar Serlin let 
it be known last week. Serlin denied reports that Jesse I<. Lasky or 
anyone else was about to buy the play. 

Picture companies, which have long been after the show, put out new 
feelers after the Lasky rumor, and were given the same answer they have 
been receiving for more than 18 months: 'Not yet.' Serlin is said to be 
interested in eventually filming 'Father' himself. 



Octavus Roy Cohen made a double sale of his Collier's serial. Tinsel 
Kid.' Metro first took It, then turned it back and he resold It to Republic 
which is utilizing It for BiUy Conn. Title now is 'Pittsburgh Kid,' to Une 
up with Conn's home town. 

On the subject of athletic cinematic heroes, Tom Harmon of Michigan' 
is the great Mich, back's Columbia Pict. debut, while the life of Lou 
Gehrig is up before David O. Selznick, Par and Metro. 



Freddie Schader, former Detroit theatre press agent who now Is bally- 
hooing defense stamps and bonds for Michigan, has got around the ribbing 
given him by press pals who asked for a pair of Oakley bonds. He now 
hands out a neat certificate which reads, 'This certificate, plus $18.76, en- 
titles the bearer to one $18.75 defense bond.' Several such 'passes' have 
been cashed in. 



Insiders at RKO credit the Idea of 'Frank Buck's Jungle Cavalcade' to 
Cy Kramer, of the print department. Feature, which is doing fairly good 
biz, is a compilation of the more hair-raising portions of all the footage 
shot by Buck in the past 



Jacques Tourneur, who drew paychecks at Metro for two years without 
directing a film, finally grew bored with inactivity and talked his way 
out of a renewal of his contract Now he is at Republic working on a 
picture, with plenty more labor in the oSing. 



Whitney's Angle 



Hollywood, July 19. 

Action of Gunther Lessing, 
Disney attorney, in refusing the 
Government's offer to arbitrate 
the Screen Cartoonists Guild 
strike, was apparently taken 
without the knowledge of John 
Hay \^itney, one of the com- 
pany's principal backers. 

Whitney's agent. In charge of 
his theatrical investments, planed 
east Sunday night (13) with a 
report to his chief that the situa- 
tion was about to be settled. 



BOOLE'S CHARGE ANENT 
BIOFF GETS BRUSHOFF 



A plea by CJeorge Bodle, attorney 
for the Screen Cartoonists Guild, to 
have William Biofl, western repre- 
sentative of the 'International Al- 
liance of nieatrical Stage Employees' 
incarcerated for alleged intimida- 
tions of witnesses, apparently does 
not hold much water as far as the 
U. S. Attorney's office is concerned 
in N. Y., where BioR and George 
Browne, president of the lATSE, 
await trial on Aug. 18. Queried on 
the wire sent to U. S. Attorney 
Mathias F. Correa, the U. S. At- 
torney's office Issued a cautious 
statement to the effect that 'It is 
understood^hat when a complaint Js 
made that either Bioff or Browne 
are intimidating or influencing Gov- 
ernment witnesses In this case, the 
charges will be investigated ~and if 
true, the court's attention will be 
drawn to the matter.' 

Behind this evasive wordage, it Is 
understood, Bodle's complaint Is 
based on the fight between Walt 
Disney's union and the producer. 
Witnesses intimidated in that case 
would have no bearing on the N.Y. 
Mse, which charges Biofl with vio- 
lation of the anti-racketeering act, in 
allegedly extorting $550,000 from 
four major film companies under 
threats of calling a strike. No Gov- 
ernment witnesses in the N.Y. action 
have been approached, it is under- 
stood, which takes the matter out of 
Correa's hands and places it In the 
jurisdiction of the California courts. 



Gov t Holds Off Action id Disney Strike; 
Stadio Alone in Balking Arbitration 



Hollywood, July 15. 

No further action .by the Govern- 
ment In the Walt Disney strike Is 
expected for a few days, as Stanley 
White, U. S. Labor Commissioner, 
left for Frisco after reporting the 
latest developments via long distance 
to Dr. John R. Steelman, director of 
the U. S. Conciliation Service, in 
Washington. 

White said the arbitration pro- 
posal by the U. S. is acceptable to 
all parties except Disney. L. P. 
Lindelof, International president of 
Brotherhood of Painters, is contact- 
ing William Green, AFL prez, to 
have all its unions indorse Govern- 
ment's arbitration washup of the 
strike. 

New move by Dr. Steelman to end 
the strike at the Walt Disney studio 
was expected from Washington today 
(Tuesday) following the refusal of 
the company yesterday to submit its 
dispute with the Screen Cartoonists 
Guild to arbitration by three per- 
sons from the Government service to 
be named by Dr. Steelman. 

Guild promptly voted to accept 
arbitration and wired Dr. Steelman 
that the membership was willing to 
leave the matter entirely in the 
hands of the Government. Dr. Steel- 
man's office was in contact with 
U. S. representatives here last night 
and was also reported discussing the 
situation with other Government 
agencies. 

White has been on the scene 
for several days and has conferred 
with both company executives and 
labor leaders. In the meantime the 
proposed goodwill visit of Disney to 
South America Is. being held In 
abeyance by the Government It 
was also reported that Government 
agents were particularly interested 
as to why the 'company should have 
offered ' a closed-shop agreement 
through WiUie Bioff, Coast stage- 
hands union chief, then withdraw it 
and refuse to submit it directly to 
the SCG. 



It was generally believed that Dr. 
Steelman would reassert his request 
for arbitration and would point out 
to the company that representatives 
of the department had fully advised 
him as to' nil phases of the contro- 
versy. Moves to organize the Disney 
employes who did not join the strike 
were still under way yesterday, but 
leaders were said to favor affiliait- 
Ing with the SCG if a deal could 
be arranged that would end the 
walkout. 

Advised of the company's refusal 
to submit to arbitration, Arthur Bab- 
butt chairman of the Disney unit 
of the Guild, said, "The U. S. Gov- 
ernment asked Walt Disney Produc- 
tions and the union. In the national 
interest, to submit their dispute to 
Federal arbitration. We have ac- 
cepted. Stripped of its verbiage, the 
company's reply is . a refusal. The 
company's Interest, in the eyes of 
Walt Disney, is evidently superior 
to the national interest. The com- 
pany has made it clear that it would 
prefer to deal with Willie Bioff, a 
discredited labor racketeer, than 
with its own Government. 

'We don't fear the results of an im- 
partial investigation of our dispute. 
If Walt Disney and Gunther Lessing 
(his attorney) are so certain of the 
justice of their cause, why are they 
unwilling to present the facts to the 
Federal Government?' 

Processing of Disney films by 
Technicolor halted over the weekend 
when the Studio Machinists voted to 
respect the picked' line. Action came 
as a rebuke to Willie Bioff, who or- 
dered work resumed ' after the car- 
toonists' snubbed any deal In which 
he shuflled the cards. Understood 
the United Electrical, Radio and Ma- 
chine Markers, Local 1418, Instructed 
projectlralsts In 53 Los Angeles 
theatres not to screen Disney pic- 
tures during the strike. Union Is a 
CIO affiliate. Los Angeles Indus- 
trial Council, with a membership of 
100,000 CIO unionists, ordered Dis- 
ney placed on the CIO 'unfair' list 



2Z% to go/ 



^\UR drive for the U.S.O. is moving along — but not as fast as we 
had hoped I We're behind schedule! At this monient we have 
77 % of our quota . . . Let's get that other 23 % in time to close 
the drive by the eiiia;of'fhi8"weett~'itll3fr'^^ 

Our industry has answered appeals from abroad; now let's 
come thru for our own American boys in our own American 



GIVE YOUR DONATION 
To Your Committeeman 
BUT DO IT NOWl 



N. Y. MOTION PICTURE Ti^lDUSTftY "- 

USO CAMPAIGN 

for AMERICAN SOLDIERS. SAILORS 
and NATIONAL DEFENSE 



JOSEPH HAZEN, Chairman 



AUSTLN C. KEOUGH 
W. C. MICHEL 
ABE SCHNEU)ER 
HARRY BUCKLEY 
SAMUEL RINZLER 
GEORGE SKOURAS 



RICHARD PATTERSON 
OSCAR A. DOOB 
MATTY FOX 
B. S. MOSS 
HARRY BRANDT 
SI FABLiN 



HERMAN ROBBINS ' 



24 



PICTUBES 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



Lukewarm to Tradeshows 



-continued from page 3: 



"Wyckoft of the Walter Reade Cir- 
cuit. He explained: 

'I'm going to attend as many as I 
can of each company's first block 
of Ave. After that I don't know. But 
I do feel that in the initial block the 
distributors will set a formula for 
themselves that will make it pos- 
sible to judge how they will group 
pictures in combinations after that.' 

While a number of exhibs said 
they would see the first block by 
each company, and then probably 
give up the whole idea, Wyckoff . de- 
clared that he would have a repre- 
sentative from his office at every 
screening. Probably one of the 
bookers, this person would make a 
short written report for the execs, 
Wyckoff stated. 

Other circuit buyers also Indicated 
their intention of having a rep from 
their offices attend all screenings and 
it appears probable that the trade-, 
shows will eventually boil down to 
viewings for the circuits almost ex- 
clusively. It was circuit buyers, in 
fact; who made up most of the ex- 
hib audience at the screenings yes- 
terday (Tuesday) and Monday. 
Some of them brought their entire 
staffs along for the teeoft. 

Too Early 

Most frequently-heard criticism of 
the RKO screenings was about the 
early hour— 10:45 a.m. Charles Mey- 
erson, of the Lyric, Oyster Bay.L. I., 
pointed out, for instance, that he 
had to get up at 7 a.m. to get to the 
showing on time. He said he had 
•little intention of repeating the pro- 
cedure. 

Most frequently - suggested time 
•was 11:30 or 11:45 a.m. Leo Brecher, 
operator of a number of houses in 
New York, thought they ;hould be 
started at an hour, determined by 
the length of the film, to gfet the au- 
dience out at about 12:45 p.m. — in 
time for a 1 o'clock lunch date. 

The early hour plus the fact that 
it was early in the week* was the 
reason given for their absence by 
many pt the theatremen who stayed 
away., Mondays, particularly, are 
said to be tough for exhibs to get 
out of their offices. It was for this 
reason that RKO is understood to 
have chosen one of its B efforts as a 
•tarter, 

Many theatre ops had much more 
cynical reasons than the day of the 
Xkreek, however, for their disinterest, 
Abram Prelskel, Passaic, N. J., op 
(who only got to the screening be< 
cause he recently sold his other 
houses and is now awaiting the com< 
pletion of a new one), declared: 
Cynle 

'What's the use of coming? You 
have to buy the pictures anyway, 
whether they're good or bad. You 
are limited by competition to buying 
the product of certain companies and 
you need all of it to keep your the< 
atre operating. You can't shut down 
lust because you don't like some of 
the pictures you have to play.' 

On the other hand, 'Robert Gold- 
blatt, operator of the Music Hall, 
Tarrytown, N. Y., sees real value in 
the screenings. He explained 

'When the salesman comes around 
to sell you a picture after this you 
can do the talking and let him dq.the 



play the company's pictures or not, 
I feel that I gain, in that way, an 
important contribution to my gen- 
eral knowledge of the business.' 

Boston Turnout Meagre; 
Rely on Trade Reviews 

Boston, July 15. 
New England's initial tradeshow- 
ing Monday (15) saw the' turnout of 
exhibs startlingly scant, less than 25. 
Potential attendance of exhibitors 
alone was more than 200 since the 
invites to the preview covered a 
heavily populated area included in 
a circle of 125 miles radius around 
Boston. Most of those came from 
such spots as Lowell, Providence and 
other towns within 25 miles of the 
Hub. Portsmouth, N. H., was the 
most distant city represented in the 
chummy morning audience in the 
Uptown theatre which RKO 'hired 
for the occasion. 

Exchange officials hesitated to 
take the frosty reception as a ci'l- 
terlon, noting that Tuesday is the 
favorite day here for the visiting 
firemen. However, subsequent trade- 
showings are slated for the projec- 
tion room, as far as RKO is con- 
cerned. "Their new exchange was 
opened here last week and the 
screening room will accommodate 
150. 

Conversations with attending , ex- 
hibs and film salesmen present today 
made it quite apparent that many 
New England theatre managers are 
going, to attend relatively few trade- 
showings. They will rely mostly 
upon the trade paper reviews and 
the word-of-mouth opinions of other 
showmen. . 



Detroit, July 15. 
While a fair-sized portion of 
Michigan's exhibitors say let's wait 
and see how It works out,' plenty of 
grumbling and pertinent criticism 
has already manifest itself oh the 
new tradeshow policy. Indications 
already are that plenty of the small 
town or single house exhibitors are 
going to sluff the shows because they 
can't afford the trips or time, and 
will continue to rely on the judg- 
ment' of others on which they de- 
veloped their business. 

One of the oddest beefs here was 
that the tradeshowings would de- 
velop a 'critic complex' among the 
boys who did their buying' by remote 



local exhibs over tradeshowing of 
the 1941-42 product exists. Fred 
Wehrenberg, prez ol MPTOA of 
Eastern Missouri and Southern Illi- 
nois, and 6wner of a chain of nabes 
in the city and adjoining St. Louis 
County will not attend any of the 
numerous trade shows that are being 
held here, 'It's a waste of time, 
energy and money,' Wehrenberg de- 
clared. 'What I might like in a pic- 
ture the customers won't, and Til con- 
tinue to go along with reviews and 
grosses as reported in trade publica- 
tions. 

'I think the b,o. dope as printed In 
periodicals that exert their utmost 
to obtain the correct information on 
the earning power of the various 
screen- features shown .throughout 
the country is a true reflection of 
what the public likes and dislikes, 
and that's good enough for me. 
Members of our. organization also 
feel that way and I don't believe 
there will be any SRO signs hung 
out at the tradeshowings.' 

Louis Ansell, who with his brother 
Joseph operates the AnseU Bros. Cir- 
cuit with three deluxe nabes in St 
Louis, takes the opposite view. He 
said the tradeshowings, just a few 
blocks from his office, offers a con- 
venience that cannot be overlooked. 



ConfliotlDg Dates in Chi 

Chicago, July 15; 

Cress Smith was in from RKO 
home offices to o.o. the first Chicago 
tradeshow which was received ex- 
cellently by exhibitors who indicate 
that they are going t6 be quite satis- 
fied with the screening pblicy. 
Some 75 were on hand for the in- 
itial run. Metro's first showing here 
held today (Tuesday). 

But the major problem, that has 
already arisen is confiictlon of dates 
of screenings, since various com- 
panies failed to get together on 
schedules. 



Detroit Worried Over 

*A Critic Complex' 



Insurgent NW Compares 
Trades to Arbitration 

Minneapolis, July 15. 

Territory's independent exhibitors 
were supremely indifferent to first 
gonsent decree tradeshowing here — 
RKO's 'Parachute Battalfon'— and re- 
mained away In droves. Showing^ 
even didn't attract more than hand- 
ful of- Minneapolis and St. Paul e*- 
hibitors and but few of the out-of- 
town exhibitors, who just happened 
to be here on business, took trouble 
to drop in. Many in attendance at St. 
Louis Park, de luxe suburban house, 
were exhibitor's wives, friends, etc. 

Northwest Allied leaders say poor 
attendance bears out their pre- 
dictions that bulk of exhibitors will 
not take time or, in case of out-of- 
towners, go to expense involved in 
attending tradeshowings, except, per- 
haps, in case of important big pic- 
tures. 

'Like arbitration,' they assert, 
'showings will be flops and independ- 
ent exhibitors will have to depend 
more than ever on trade paper re- 
views.' 

One Northwest' Allied district 
however, appointed a member to at- 
tend and bring back a report, but 
had difficulty in obtaining anyone 
willing to t^e assignment, accord- 
ing to Fred Strom, body's executive 
secretary, who also will furnish re- 
ports to members desiring them. 



hear him tell you how good a pic- 
ture Is when you think it's a bust. 
Now you can tell him a thing or two 
about how the quality of his picture 
is because you've seen it. And you 
can buy it accordingly.' 

Nevertheless, Goldblatt doesn't ex- 
pect to get to many screenings. He 
might pick up one occasionally on 
Mondays and Fridays when he comes 
to New York to. book, but otherwise 
it is physically impossible for him 
to make the 25-mile trip into Man- 
hattan every day to see pictures, he 
said. 

tM Honrs Too Long 

Meyerson— who had a 2%-hour 
train ride from and to Oyster Bay — 
thought that only the top pictures in 
each block should be screened and 
that they should be dualed so they 
could be seen in. one trip to town. 
'If you can stand double features in 
your house,' he opined,- 'I guess you 
can stand them at a tradeshow.' 

Pix other than the toppers, which 
should be seen by an exhib so he can 
Judge whether they are worth the 
percentage allocation into which they 
have been placed by the companies, 
Meyerson said, can be easily bought 
from tradepaper reviews, 

Irving . Lesser, manager of the 
Roxy, N. Y., was "one of the less 
cynical of the theatremen at the in- 
itial screening. 'I'm going to at^ 
tend every showing. I can and cer- 
tainly not miss any important pic- 
lures,' he said. Tm glad to go to 
the screenings because whether I 



exhtbitors, 'who. couldn't trust their 
own judgment and placed their con- 
fidence in trade-paper reviews, and 
those with canny eyes, will now get 
out of their own element, inflate and 
take some expensive croppers. 

They're going to go blind in more 
ways than one catching all the pic- 
tures,' it was pointed out. 

Thus far' few' hinterlanders. have 
evinced any strong interest in the 
new policy preferring to wait and see 
what happens in the first-runs still 
having the comfort of the time gap 
and the^ luxury of letting somebody 
else experiment. 



St Lonb So-So 

St. Louis, July 15, 
First tradeshowings her6 attracted 
only fair interest at two showings. 
RKO led off in the a.m. with 'Para- 
chute Battalion' and only 30 exhibs, 
18 from out-of-town, were on hand, 
First of a series of Metro Monday 
screenings in the p.m. at a northside 
flicker, drew 75, divided about 
evenly between local and out-of- 
town house operators. Others who 
attended the p.m. screening, aside 
from bona fide exhibs. Increased the 
attendance to 125. More than 400 
invitations had been sent out for this 
affair. 

Consensus among exhibs was that 
they would not lay over in town for 
several days to see screen fodder 
but if they 'happen to be in town' 
on a day when screenings were held 
they would have taken them in. 

A difference of opinion 'among 



Pitt's BrnshofT 

Pittsburgh, July 15. 

Tradeshowings under consent de- 
cree didn't clock a very impressive 
registration at the getaway here yes- 
terday (14). Not more than an even 
two dozen exhibs, out of a possible 
100, showed up and even some of 
them complained about the time they 
had to lose in seeing the pix. Sev- 
eral of the boys didn't think they 
could take it as a steady diet 

'While most of companies used a 
downtown theatre seating 500 for 
the ini|ial showings, looking to a 
sizeable turnout it was the gene; 



and that If the initial showings, 
which are still a novelty, can com- 
mand only such a small audience, 
the chances for more representative 
attendance at future screenings, 
when the novelty has worn off, seem 
exceedingly ^llm. 



future" sereenings would be held in 
projection rooms since it's figured 
that coming exhib gatherings will be 
even smaller. 



'Halt of Them Wives' 

San Francisco, July 15. 

First consent screening drew about 
75, nearly half of them wives. First 
indications are that few hinter- 
landers will bother to come in, 
especially from such distances as 
Reno and^Southern Oregon. 

Early indications here are that ex- 
change screenings under the consent 
decree will make little change in 
previewing schedules so far as cir- 
cuits are concerned. Fox West Coast 
and Golden State chain chiefs have 
been previewing nearly every after- 
noon for years. 

Preliminary comment indicates 
that while they may look at a few 
more pictures for awhile, the rou- 
tine of scanning the 'A's' and picking 
up necessary 'B' fillers will go on as 
usuaL 

Small Bnffalo . Turnouts 

Buffalo, July 15. 
Buffalo's first tradeshowing (RKO) 
at Dipson's Bailey for western N. Y. 
exhibitors saw less than 20 ex- 
hibitors, Buffalo theatre operators 
exclusively. Metro's initial showing 
at the Elmwood drew about 39 ex- 
hibitors. 

Impression prevailing in trade 
circles here is that exhibitor inter- 
est in the tradeshows is at a low ebb 



Prefer to Bny Blind 

Charlotte, N. C, July 15. 

Charlotte tradeshowings opened 
to mixed reaction. Fifteen exhibi- 
tors, representing 146 theatres, caught 
Monday opener, 'Lady Be Good,' 
which was good representation of 
400 theatres in two states, as Metro 
will tradeshow . also in Goldsboro, 
Asheville, and Columbia, S. C, this 
week for exhibitors in those areas. 

However, many nearby exhibitors 
stayed away. .Many exhibitors feel 
tradeshowing will take too much 
time and would prefer to buy- blind 
as in past. Others were pleased 
with chance to look at films. Both 
exhibitors and distributors dubious 
on tradeshow accomplishments and 
regard present setup as 'experi- 
mental.' 

Fair Albany Tarnont 

Albany, July 15. 

Turnout for the first tradeshow in 
Albany ('Lady Be Good') at the 
Paramount was fair, but not big. 
Understood more than 250 Invitations 
were sent out but nothing like that 
number attended — or ever did in re- 
cent years in Albany. The circuits, 
particularly Warners and Fabian, 
were well represented. 

Fact that Monday was a meeting 
day for the area house managers of 
those two chains brought a number 
of men into the city and they at- 
tended with their bosses. Independ- 
ent exhibitors were present, but 
many of them were in to book, too. 
It Is believed that few of the at- 
tendees made the trip just to wit- 
ness the screening. One w.k. inde- 
pendent circuit plans to have a man 
here for all the showings, 'tis said. 
This is a departure from its custom. 

Even B's Don't Draw 
Exhibs; Await 'Kane' 

Philadelphia, July 15. 

Opening day of tradeshowing 
proved a dud yesterday (Mon.) as 
tar as Philly was concerned. Two 
pictures were screened at the Aldine 
(capacity 1,303) and each drew bare- 
ly 60 exhibs. The films gandered 
were 'Parachute' (RKO) and 'Lady 
Be Good' (M-G). 

Film industry here has shown very 
little advance interest in the entire 
tradeshow Idea, in the first place. 
Screening of the pix early Monday 
morning didn't help either. Many 
exhibs leQv'e town for the seashore 
over the weekend and don't return 
until late Monday afternoon. 

Officials were at the gate to make 
sure that. only bona fide exhibs were 
aUowed in. House managers, friends 
and relatives of the exhibs were 
barred. 

But very few leading exhibs at- 
tended. Upstaters here for booking 
refused to take time out to view the 
two flhns. Very few of them stayed 
over to see the rest of the pix, 
skedded for screening this week. 

The reaction In the film colony 
here was generally negative. In the 

Yiil\x<a many tiadeshowings in the 
past Most of them have had carte 
blanche to attend screenings at ex- 
changes, but few ever took advan- 
tage of it If there was a trade- 
showing at a theatre, invitations 
were usually used by wives, daugh- 
ters or friends of the exhibs. 

The general belief here is that 
showing of top product like 'Citizen 
Kane,' skedded for Thursday (17), 
will be heavily attended, but the 
B's will get scant attention. 



sprinkled through Southern Ohio, 
Eastern Kentucky and into the west, 
em part of West Virginia. Most dis- 
tant point serviced by exchanges 
here is White Sulphur Springs, W. 
Va., about 350 miles away. 

Majority of folks along film row 
opine that exhibs will soon tire on 
journeying to certain pic parlors at 
specified times for the tradeshows, 
the procedure involving considerable 
time and expense to them. Also that 
the exhibs know what names are 
b.o. In their own towns. 



Big Click In Northwest 

Seattle, July 15. 
Tradeshows in Seattle, for this 
area, inspired few complaints, but 
those in far distant towns feel the 
extra travel cost and expense, and 
they're hollering the most. , 

First tradeshow Monday (15) by 
RKO proved very successful, with 
local exhibitors outnumbered by 
outsiders' who came. from all parts 
of state. Buyers representing every 
chain in Washington attended. De- 
cided preference shown for 11 a.m. 
screening over afternoon or evening. 
General reaction appeared favorably 
although revisions may be required 
to conserve time and expense for ex- 
hibitors. 



15 In N. H. on Monday 

New Haven, July 13. 
Only about 19 exhibs showed up- 
at first tradeshowing Monday (14) 
for 'Parachute Battalion' (RKO), and 
only one was from out-of-town. 
Theory is that the boys are holding 
back for 'Citizen Kane' which is due 
in Thursday (17). 



Denver Likes 'Em 

Denver, July IS. 
About 35 attended the first trade- 
showing of 'Paraohute Battalion,' 
dozen of them out-of-towners. 

Opinion is that this at least make 
it possible for exhibitors 'To See 
Before He Buys,' and can buy end 
'book to better advantage than pre- 
viously. 



'Strain On Scat of Panto' 

Ijouisville, July 16. 
From'^ casual conversations with 
local exhibs, they don't enthuse 
over the tradeshow plan, saying It's 
a strain on the seat of the pants' to 
gander two and three pix, and an 
expense to travel to Indianapolis 
where one pic will be screene4 
daily. Would mean spending several 
days there, which the local boys con> 
sider too expensive and Inconveni- 
ent 

Exhibs from nearby towns — ^Eliza- 
bethtown (near Fort Knox, Ky.), 
Bardstown, and other smaller com- 
munities — attended the first trade- 
show here today (15), and it will b9 
some time before opinions crystalize 
as to whether they like the plan or 
not 



Meagre in In^pls. 

Indianapolis, July 19. 
About 10% attended the trade pre- 
views here, many exhibitors not 
staying the entire week to see 
product ' 



K. C. Tarnont Mild 

Kansas City, July 15. 
Less than 50 exhibs attended th« 
first RKO tradeshow here. There 

ritory. 



Waiting tor An 'A' Flo 

Milwaukee, July 15. 
Some 50 of Wisconsin's 350 ex- 
hibitors with a good representation 
from out state towns, attended Mon- 
day's (14) opening tradeshow here. 
Heavier attendance Indicated later 
in the week, with 'Citizen Kane' 
Thursday but draw too early to get 
general tradeshow reaction. ' 



Bndgetltis In Cincy Also 

Cincinnati, July 15. 

Cincy teed off Monday (14) with 
about 30 exhibs, mostly local, sitting 
in. for. RKO's Mayfair tradeshowing 
in unchilled, indie smallie in Masonic 
Temple. In the afternoon, Metro's 
'Lady Be Good' showed to about 125 
at the RKO Paramount, air-cooled 
suburban deluxer. Many of the 
vlewees were from out of town. 

Reaction to tradeshowings in the 
long run is a matter of speculation, 
Cincy's zone has 480 possibilities out 
of about 600 buyers. They are 



See-Bny Mnst Help Product 

Nashville, July 15. 
Indie ops are willing to give the 
tradeshows a fair trial and believe 
it will be an improvement over the 
former methods. The see-buy policy 
must cost more, but return of higher 
grosses, via better product, deemed 
inevitable. 



OK In Cleveland 

Cleveland, July 19. 

One hundred exhibs flocked to 
Warners' Lake for RKO tradeshowr 
Ing and majority of reactions were 
favorable. 

Only grumblers here were from 
some nabe owners who couldn't at- 
tend, because of pressure of other 
business and because they weren't 
given enough advance notification, 
so they said. About 300 invitations 
were mailed out by Bernard Kranz, 
branch manager of local RKO ex- 
change, for morning trade screenings 
of three of the pictures. Kranz re- 
ports they were sent out a week ago. 
Lake also located in a central loca- 
tion for convenience of all exhibs. 
Frank Drew, exchange head, sent out 
500 invitations for afternoon show- 
ings of Metro product which started 
at East Side Metropolitan Tuesday 
(15). 



Des Moines Reaction Good 

Des Monies, July 15. 
Estimated attendance at the first 
tradeshowing here was 60 and ex- 
hibitors reaction good, 



Wednesdaj, Julj 16, 1941 



PICTURES 25 



Fewer Closings in N.Y. 
Sector This Jme Than 
In '40, Despite B.O. Beefs 

Despite all the complaints about 
fllm theatre business last month, 
check by the N. Y. FUm Board of 
Trade reveals that fewer houses 
closed during June than In the 
similar month of 1B40. Break in the 
torrid weather also may enable sev- 
eral cinietna'; which threatened clos- 
ing to remain open this montji. 

June closings included 12 in Man- 
liattan, two in the Bronx, four in 
N. Y. State covered by' the board, 
and three in New' Jersey. The 14 
houses shuttered in N. Y. are AIT' 
lines. Arrow, Century, Cine Roma, 
Clitton, Clinton, Carnegie Playhouse, 
Luxor, MidtowD, Progress, Rivoli, 
Stanley, Ascot and Ogden. The film 
board also listed .tiie Adams and Sta' 
tion, Newark; Empire, Rahway; Hud- 
son, Cold Spring; Cameo, New 
Rochelle; Strand, North Tarrington; 
and State, Poughkeepsle, as closed 
last month; , 



PIX HOT FOR 'ABOVE 
SUSPICION'; OTHERS 

Almost certain of purchase for 
flimizatlon, with keen Interest being 
shown by a number of companies, is 
'Above Suspicion,' adventure-mys- 
tery published last "Hiursday (10), 
Story by Helen Maclnnes is about an 
Oxford professor and his bride who, 
because their Innocent appearance 
puts them 'above suspicion,' are sent 
by British Intelligence officers to 
pre-war Germany to track down a 
missing agent. 

There's Inilder interest in 'Dollar 
Gold Piece' by Virgina Swain, wife 
of Phil Stong. 

Lewis Milestone has purchased a 
mystery novel by Agatha Christie, 
'N or M.' It was published by Dodd, 
Mead several weeks ago.. 

Barbara Podawicz, whose flight 
from Poland was lengthily detailed 
by Frederick Birchall in the New 
York Sunday Times of July 6, has 
outlined her adventures in a 15,000- 
Avord story now making the rounds 
of film companies. Labeled 'Flight 
to Freedom,' it is expected that it 
will be published as a mag serial and 
book before filming, in the event it 
should be bought. 



20th Says 'No Ceiling 
On Budgets' for '41-42 



^ollywood, July 15. 

20th-Fox plans from 46 to 52 pic- 
tures in 1941-42 with no ceiling on 
budgets, but likely exceed this year 
when upwards of $25,000,000 was ear- 
marked for 48 pictures. Group con- 
templated includes four British films. 

Xikely the studio may not go be- 
yond. 40 pictures, depending on sales 
response. 

Sales crew is being told flrmly that 
pictures from now on must be sold 

be given strong buildup in 'A' pic- 
tures to bolster present roster of 
marquee names. 



Kirchner, Receiver 



Detroit, July 15. 

Edgar E. Kirchner, manager-owner 
of the Family here for 30 years and 
former chief barker of the Detroit 
Variety Club, has' been named as re- 
ceiver fof the Kramer theatre pend- 
ing further litigation in the Federal 
courts over its operation. His job is 
to protect the interest of both Her- 
man Kramer, Jr., suing for recovery 
of the house, and Ben Cohn and 
Samuel Shevlin, the former oper- 
ators, who are warring through the 
courts over their rights. 

Kirchner named Herman Danzig, 
present manager of the Delray the- 
atre, to manage the Kramer. 



Detroit Sticknp 

Detroit, July 15. 

In the excitement of a holdup, Don 
Kuhn, manager of the downtown 
Broadway-Capitol here, gave chase 
to a bandit who had robbed the box 
office of $50 at SAS p. m. last Sat- 
urday. He had forgotten that a short 
while before he had transferred a 
large part of the day's receipts to 
the inside office. 

The robber, armed with a pistol, 
escaped after commandeering a cab. 



FORT WOOD'S THEATRE 
RAZED IN $30,000 FIRE 



St. Louis, July 15. 

More than 1,400 draftees attending 
a flicker show in theatre No. 4 in the 
engineers' replacement training 
center at Ft. Leonard Wood, near 
Lebanon, Mo., were routed by a flre 
Saturday (12) that destroyed the 
building at an estimated loss of $30,- 
000. The blaze, believed to have been 
caused by a short circuit in the elec- 
tric wiring, was discovered by Corp. 
William Masslngill, Ft. Pieree, Fla., 
and Private Willis Anderson, Hazard, 
Ky., who were standing nearby. 

•The fire broke through the roof 
and officers who were among the 
audience in the theatre, stood on 
chairs and shouted orders for the 
evacuation of the building in an 
orderly manner. All fire fightin| ap- 
paratus in the camp fought unsuc- 
cessfully to extinguish the blaze. The 
loss includes the motion, picture 
equipment. 



Theatre War 



^Continued from page 



□ 



Ingersoll Flies 

sContlnued from pafc 2— 



dian franchise for Metro-Goldwyn- 
Mayer films. 

"While the Loew-owned Uptown Is 
currently operated by FP-Can., the 
lease expires Aug. 30, and it is 
claimed the house will be under 
Odeon operation the following Mon- 
day morning. 

Paul Nathanson, son of N. L. Na- 
thanson, has just returned from a 
five-weeks' visit to Western Canada 
and reports that Henry Morton, of 
Winnipeg, has associated himself 
with Odeon, this giving the new 
chain the RIalto, the Garrick and 
Beacon in Winnipeg and the Tivoli 
in Saskatoon. Three other theatres 
have also been secured in New 
Westminster, B. C. 

Meanwhile, Clarence Robson, one 
of the directors who walked out of 
FP-Can. with Nathanson and who is 
now v.p. of Odeon, has also just re 
turned from a raid on the Maritimes 
where he brought into the .Odeon 
chain such houses as the Casino, 
Halifax; the Strand, Sydney; the 
Capitol and Empress, Moncton; and 
the Capitol in St. John's, Newfound- 
land. 

In Toronto, Odeon has "taken over 
the Midtown, Esquire, Mayfair, As- 
tor. Grant, King, Bluebell, 'College 
and Fox; in Hamilton, the Windsor, 
Royal and York. Odeon has also ac- 
quired the Imperial, Ottawa; the Es- 
quire, . Brantford; the Capitol, 
Brampton. 

Nat Taylor's AoUvttles 
Meanwhile, Nat Taylor and his 
20th Century Theatres interests have 
blitzed into the picture. Prior to 
the present battle, they had 18 
houses in Ontario and will now op- 
erate a group of houses for FP-Can. 
Taylor denies all stories that he will 
affiliate himself with N. L. Nathaii- 
son but admits that he will take over 
an undiscolsed number of FP-Can. 
theatres, on an operating basis only 
and that this is a deal entirely sepa- 
rate from his and his associates' own 
20th Century setup. 

of the Motion Picture Tlieatres As- 
sociation and later formed the Ex- 
hibitors' Cooperative, Ltd., this the 
first exhibitor cooperative buying 
organization in Canada. He was 
booking for 30 theatres when he 
and Oscar Hanson, then (1931) gen- 
eral manager for Tiffany, started 
Community Theatres' with an initial 
group of 18 houses. When Taylor 
split with Hanson in 1935 to form 
his own Exhibitors Booking Associ- 
ation, the Community Theatre chain 
totalled some 60 houses. 

Shortly after this, Hanson formed 
Hanson Theatres with N. L. Nathan- 
son backing, acquired a further 
score of theatres and then made a 
deal with FP-Can to take over the 
entire group but he still to have 
their operation. Hanson resigned 
with Nathanson, leaving this group 
on the FP-C^an. doorstep. With the 
wholesale walkout on FP-Can. of 
those who preferred to throw in 
their lot with Nathan, FP-Can. now 
finds itself terrifically short of ex- 
perienced manpower and it is the 
majority of these former Hanson 
houses that Taylor and his 20th Cen- 
tury associates will now be operat- 
ing for Famous. 

On his own houses, Taylor says 
he has no individual solely backing 
him but that each unit or smaU 
group of units is backed by differ- 
ent partners on each proposition. His 
partners are all strictly independ- 
ents but all are inter-related and aU 
take a piece on each new proposi- 
tion. 



he soloed in several musical enter- 
prises. 

Harpo Marx rushed in the TWA 
way from LA. Friday (11) for his 
seaboard home and a rest, while 
others who named the TWA planes 
their favorite flying freighters were 
Burris Jenkins, N.Y. Journal-Ameri- 
can cartoonist, off to St Louis; Spy- 
ros Skouras and Edward Zabel, of 
the 20th Century-Fox brain bureau, 
out to the end of the line; Al Jol- 
son, also L.A. bound; and red- 
headed, slender K H — burn, 

in from the Coast, under an alias, for 
an Tmdivulged purpose 'somewhere 
in America.' 

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, pastor 
of the Marble Collegiate Church of 
New York, made it clear, even, as he 
was stepping from TWO's Strato- 
liner from Los Angeles (Friday (11), 
that he considers the populace of the 
Hollywood ■Sim colony 'delightful, 
wholesome and home-loving people.' 
[Further details on Exploitation 
page], 

Harry Dsvles' Trials 

Here for more than a year, Harry 
Parr Davies, Grace Fields' accom- 
panist, left on the mid-week Clipper 
for his native England. 

Davies had been set to leave on a 
previous Clipper with Miss Fields 
but had no permit to leave from his 
Beverly Hills, C^L, draft board. 
After Clipper . No. 1 sailed, the 
British ConEUl-(^neral in New York 
gave him a green light, saying they 
would 'accept responsibility' for his 
departure. When the pianist lands 
in England, be faces conscription 
there. He would like to return with 
Miss Fields,, come August, but can't 
if the British Ministry of Labor 
doesn't certify that his piano-plihk. 
ing is necessary to the nation's well 
being. 

In addition to all his other woes 
Davies faces the fact that even if the 
British government figures his aid to 
Miss Fields is worth more to. them 
than his gun in. a trench, it is quite 
possible that Uncle Sam will nix the 
idea .of the piano player's return. 
New Yorker's Prke Boost 

Without a 'by-your-leave' or a 'go 
fly-your-kite, bud' the Hotel New 
Yorker, this week, boosted prices in 
the Coffee Shop, one of the airport 
restaurants under its management. 

The price increase was jubilantly 
noted by those who contend that the 
New Yorker management at the air- 
port should be voided In favor of 
some eatery that shows 'more than 
passiiig interest' in consumer wel- 
fare; but not by the 4.200 employees 
at the airport who foot the bill. 

The airport -personnel, who must 
eat New Yorker food at New Yorker 
prices or leave the airport for Jack- 
son Heights eateries, a movement 
which would consume practically all 
of their meal period with no mo- 
ments left for the acquisition of 
foodstuffs, are gradually fomenting 
into a rebellious group that will 
stand but little more Eighth avenue 
temperament One faction Is plan- 
ning to inform Mayor LaGuardia 
that estimating each employee to 
have three friends whose vote he 
can swing, the local personnel con- 
trols a ballot of 16.800 votes. In 
political circles, a bloc of this type 
tiUMMMMiinMI^lK' ~" 

actual total, when engaged in a ne- 
gation, and Mayor LaGuardia, who 
only carried Queens Coimty In the 
last ballot fracas, four years ago, by 
40,966 votes, has reason to be con- 
cerned. With other political trends 
considered, the airport vote can, 
therefore, be a potent factor in any 
man's election. 

The city's chief is repoi^ted to have 
routed Dock Commissioner John 
MacKenzie out of bed late Friday 
(11) for an old-fashioned talkeroo on 
the New Yorker situation and at this 
writing LaGuardia was still as high 
in the air as the new prices. 



Too Much Grief Getting New Theatre 
Permit Calls It Off; Bldg. in Dixie 



ALBANY TO HAVE 
VARIETY aUB AGAIN 



Albany, July 15. 

Steps to organize a Variety Club 
in Albany were taken at a meeting 
in the Fabian division office attended 
by circuit representatives, branch 
managers and other film men. Al- 
bany once before had a Variety (Hub 
— its headquarters were on the second 
floor of Harmanus Blecker "Hall, de- 
stroyed by flre in the spring of 1940 
— but this was disbanded about five 
years ago. Full support for the new 
Variety Club was pledged at the 
Fabian office gathering. 

Among those reported present 
were: Si Fabian, up from New York; 
Moe Silver, New York State zone 
manager of Warner theatres; Lou 
Golding, Fabian division manager; 
George Lynch, chief buyer for Schine 
circuit of GloversviUe; Sid Kallett 
of the Kallett Brothers' chain at 
Oneida, and the managers of Albany 
exchanges. About 25 attended. A 
charter has been assured the club. It 
is said. 

Another- meeting will be held on 
Sept. 15, when the Variety Club is 
expected to be formally organized. 



Selznick's 'V* 



;ConUniie4 from pate : 



paign which is slated to get under 
way on Sunday (20). 

'V film is understood to be next 
on Selznick's slate( probably via 
United Artists), preceding 'Claudia,', 
'Jane Eyre' and probably Tales of 
Mystery and Romance.' 

English shortwave radio has been 
pounding away at Nazi-occupied 
countries on the 'V.' scheme for 
weeks. It asks the citizenry to se- 
cretly organize und^r the 'Sign of the 
'V. Germans are to be driven mad by 
finding V's chalked on sidewBlks, 
carved into trees, scratched on scraps 
of paper every time they turn their 
backs. 

Even worse, the subjugated Eu- 
ropeans will tap their feet and 
Angers in the Morse code — three 
dots and a dash — V, if they follow 
instructions. And the campaign even 
has a theme song, Beethoven's Fifth 
Symphony, opening notes of which 
are In the rhythm of the Morse V. 
Everyone is to hum the bit of tune, 
from one end of Europe to the other, 
the British radio asks. 

V, in addition to meaning "Vic- 
tory' in English and most European 
languages, can also in German mean 
'vergeltung' — 'revenge.' 



Minneapolis, July 15. 

Because of inability to obtain de* 
livery of various building materials 
Joe Numero, former sound equip- 
ment and seat manufacturer, has 
withdrawn his application for a per* 
mit to buUd a new $50,000 nabe here. 
It was indicated that the application 
would have had rough sailing inas- 
much as a city council policy in ef- 
fect for the past five years has been 
to prohibit any additional theatre 
construction and inasmuch as circuit 
and independent exhibitors were 
lined up to wage a vigorous fight 
against its issuance. The contention 
is that the city already is consid- 
erably overseated and more show- 
houses would jeopardize present in- 
vestments. 

Numerous interests ' have been 
seeking theatre permits during the 
past several years and if the bars 
once were let down it's estimated 
that as many as 12 new theatres 
might be built. 



Bable's Addition 

Lynchburg, July 15. 
Herman Hable, Winchester exhib, 
will give that burg another house. 
Permit has been issued for a $25,000 
nabe. 



Welch's New H«ase 

AUanU, July 15. 
Atlanta's latest, the Grove, opened 
here. Wendell Welch, who runs the 
Strand, Dallas, Ga., operates the new 
house, which seats 618. 



Oscar Brachman^ Veteran 
Showman, Died Insolvent 

Milwaukee, July 15. 

Although the late Oscar Brach- 
man, realty man and builder of the- ' 
atres, hotels and office buildings, 
was one of the biggest operators in 
Wisconsin, he died insolvent, accord- 
ing to notification given Friday (11) 
to Judge Charles A. Hansen. While 
the inventory listed assets of $44,000, 
claims against the estate total $1,- 
155,760, mostly based on notes 
Brachman signed as guarantor in 
connection with ventures which 
collapsed during the depression. His 
wife, Florence, and son, Oscar Jr, 
shared $35,000 life insurance. 

Amoni! the theatres Brachman 
buUt was the Wisconsin, ace down- 
town house of the Fox group, while 
among his creditors is the M. L., 
Annenberg Investment C^., owner of 
the Oriental and Tower theatres, de 
luxe nabes. 



New York Theatres 



NOW. PLAYINQ 




—In— 



/SERGEANT YORK' 

A MEW WARNEB BKOS. HIT 
MkC.Ti\^ BROADWAY 
#%9 I and46TH6T. 



AIB-CONDITIOMBO 



FINGER-POINTERS 

Theatres Fat Blneo Onoa on Some- 
body Else 



Detroit, July IS. 

It has come to pass and exhibitors 
all over town have pasted the news 
item up in their boxoffices. 

William Johnston filed suit for di- 
vorce from his wife, Mary, in Cir- 
cuit Court here charging that she 
had forced 'im into bankruptcy 
playing bingo. 

In his complaint, Johnston charged 
that his wife spent so much money 
on the numerous bingo games in De- 
troit that he was forced to file a 
bankruptcy proceeding. For an- 
other thing, he charged, she was out 
playing games so much she failed to 
prepare meals for him. 

It's needless to add: churches here 
have bingo, theatres don't. 



RADIO 
CITI 



MUSIC HALL 

GINGER ROGERS in 

'Tom, Dick and Harry' 

Spectacular Stags Productions 



HELD OVEB 4TB WEEK. 



WILLJiUUIlfY 



HCPE ■ LAVO'JR 

PARAMOUNT \^ 



Mldnlilit 
FuUirt 

NIttiUy 



EIGE AND SBT 

HoHywood, July 15. 
Johnny Weissmuller climbed out 
of his swimming pool and leaped into 
a tree for the new 'Taizan' picture at 
Metro. 

Maureen O'Sullivan has the 
femme role and Richard Thorpe 
directs. 



MARLENE DIETEUCH 
GEORGE RAFT 

In • N«w Warner Bros* Hit 

"MAN POWER" 
pEiJs'oN CAB CALLOWAY 
STRAND B'way&47SL 









CARROLl. 
fnt 


LatI Tim Wt«. 


Wa. POWELL 


■uMURRAV 


Myru LOV 


"ONC NIOHT 
IN LISBON" 


"LOVt 


esAir" 




Plm 


li Pwwa 


■10 STASI 


TEO LEWIS 


SHOW 


mtt Hto Ortk. 



HELD OVER I 

■li Wwk 



CUtIc 
OABLE 



Alr-I 



(tail 

BowUnd 
Bli'BSEIX 



[They Met in Bombay* 

A Uetn>-a*1dw7>-Bte7«r Fletnn 



Afff-CONIMTN>MCO ^ 

BROADWAY 'jlijjg 



^ga dEatfo Show Sundoy ol 3i40 r.Ml-^^ 



26 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 16. 1941 



FLY 'SUGGESTS' RADIO NOT AROUSE 
PUBUC HOPES IN RUSSIAN ViaORIES 



i His 'Suggestions' Draw Tart Comment From Wash- 
ington Newspapermen — Meantime FCC Subpoe- 
nas Out for Documents of Press-Owned Stations 



i • Washington, July 15. 

Washington and London don't 
■ want the people of the democracies 

• to work up too much expectation 
/about the Russian armies' ability to 
'-- hold the German hordes. It is feared 
i that by allowing temporary and per- 
" haps misleading incidents to arouse 

. widespread hopes the resultant let- 
■: down if the Nazis start winning will 
\: be bad for democratic morale. Last 
•: week James L. Fly, chairman of the 
Federal ^Communications Commis- 
sion, attempted to do something 
about this problem. But his 'sugges- 

• tions' to the wire services as - given 
at an unprecedentied press session 

■' brought him mostly adverse reaction 
The Commish chief summoned to 
his sanctum, executives of Asso- 
ciated Piess, United Press,, Interna- 
tional News Strvice, New York 
Herald-Tribune . and New York 
!" Times, along with Albert L. Warner 
• v of CBS, Fulton Lewis of Mutual, and 
I' H. R. Baukage of NBC. 

Combined resentment and disgust 
li, was expressed by the scribes, who 
)' muttered after the session they 
f thought Fly's criticism was 'ridicu 



DOGGY DAN AWAY 

Harold Betts Winds Up For 
Food Account On Aof. 1 



Dof 



Chicago, July 15. 

Harold Betts, the 'Doggy Dan' for 
Red Heart dog food on WMAQ here 
for more than three years, takes 
leave of the program on Aug. 1. 

Will take a short vacash and then 
return to town for new connection, 
with likelihood that the agency, 
Henri, Hurst & McDonald, will have 
a new program ready for him by 
the faU. 



Resents Press Jargon 



I'.: 



Washington, July 15. 
Bewildered and somewhat in- 
furiated dial-twister who doesn't 
like the traditional telegraphic 
EignofC 'thirty,' used by several 
radio news commentators, gets 
another explanation of the origin 
of this cryptic expression but no^ 
particular sympathy from thiV 

.FCC. Kilocycle cops have ex- 
plained as usual they have no 
authority to ban the use of any 
particular expression. 

The commish press force, how- 
ever, has undertaken consider- 
able research into the genesis of 
the farewell and bobbed up with 
what many old-time key-pound- 
ers think is a new and more 
logical account of how it came 
about. According td the FCC 
diggers, in the old days when 
hand-written copy was the style 

\ Washington telegraphers marked 
the end of each Item with three 
X's. The Roman numeral for 30. 



i!8 



lous' and he was extremely "nervy' 
In thinking he has the right to pass 
judgment on the way the wire serv- 
ices report what goes on. If Fly is so 
presumptuous to believe he knows 
better than the veteran editors and 
correspondents, he's entitled to en' 
tertain such a ~ feeling, the press 
group reacted, but that's no license 



' ' ; to go flngerpointing at the press be- 
. I ' cause it doesn't edit and revise 1 
' 1 1 command communlaues. 



Albert Perkins, Disneyite, 
Joms CBS as Script Aid; 
Other New Staff Scribes 



Albert R. Perkins, until recently 
writer and story editor for Walt Dis- 
ney in Hollywood, has joined CBS as 
assistant director of scripts. Before 
going with Disney, he was a scenar- 
ist for Universal and previous to that 
writer for 'March of Time' pictures 
and assistant script editor of the 
March of Time* radio series. 

Other additions to the CBS script 
staff include Sylvia Berger, Jean 
HoUoway and Harold Isaacs. Miss 
Berger was formerly a copy writer 
in the network's sales promotion de- 
partment. Miss HoUoway has writ- 
ten dramatic bits for the Kate Smith 
show and also scripted the serial, 
'My Son and I.' She will do two of 
thi ■ forthcoming 'Forecast' series 
shows and may receive the Kate 
Smith series in the fall. 



ED EAST and POLLY 

Two of Radio's top-notch mer- 
chandisers. 

Just completing a most success- 
ful year of their KITCHEN QUIZ 
for WHITE ROSE TEA— WJZ. Back 
in September— Renevired for another 
year. 

NBC ARTISTS SERVICE 
RADIO CrrT, NEW TOBK 




Worrying About Morale | 



■^f M M ♦ ♦ ♦ M ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 4 4 4 ♦♦♦♦ > 

The use or the possible uses of radio to terrorize or upset the 
public has occupied the authorities in Washington for some 
time. It also is a matter of concern to broadcasters, uho have, 
since the Orson Welles demonstration, realized that fiction that 
sounds too real will, despite all labeling, cause widespread con- 
fusion. 

In another connection, but not unrelated to the basic idea, 
Chairman Fly of the FCC last week tried (see adjoining col- 
umn) to suggest that radio and wire services refrain from 
arousing hopes of Russian victories over the Nazis for fear of 
a subsequent collapse of democratic morale if the goosesteppers 
again triumph. 

Items of pertinence to this general subject have been received 
by Variety' from three sources this week; Montreal, where a 
small-scale Orson Welles incident in French is reported ; Ander- 
son, S. C, where WAIM wisely played down a mock-seizure of 
the town by make-believe Quislingists, and Washington, where 
the FCC continues to have trouble with amateur broadcasters 
who, being youngish, go in for practical jokes a lot. These talcs 
follow : 

Quebec's Excitement 



THE BARTONS' 
SOLDTOP.&G. 



DPHAlMWETmAT 
NBC;Hi(RItISTOGRAin' 



Chicago, July 15. 
Maurie Wetzel, with NBC for 
years in various capacities, has been 
named the new assistant production 
manager of the central division, re- 
placing Lloyd Harris, who resigned 
from NBC to join' the -Grant adver- 
tising agency as radio production 
chief. 

Harris had been with NBC pro- 
duction organization for eight years 
and had been assistant production 
head since 1939. 



Procter & Gamble has bought The 
Bai-tons,' s.ustainer serial gut of Chi- 
cago via NBC-Blue (WJZ) and will 
begin sponsorship early In the fall. 
Duz will be the product and Comp- 
ton is the agency. 

Show is written by Harlan Ware 
and directed by Frank Papp. NBC 
owns it. Compton's idea is to con^ 
tinue Chicago origination.' 



L. J. Rowell Incorporates 



Albany, July 15. 
Rowell Shows for Radio, Inc., has 
'been chartered ip^r^-^^T^ 



I 



ments, 

Fly's Point 

Fly's action w^ taken on the 
ground that radio in performing its 
public service, ought to 'be careful 
not to biiild up false hope in Ameri- 
can minds. The way the commenta- 
tors, newspapers, and wire services 
are reporting thc< Russo-Gennan 
clash makes - it look as 'if the Stalin 
line is impregnable, . Fly tut-tutted. 
It's no such thing and the U. S. ought 
to be prepared tor what the mili- 
tary experts declare will- be an lA- 
evitablci Nazi victory. . That's the way 
Fly conceives ''public interest, con- 
venience, and necessity.' 

Though they ' were considerably 
exasperated, the press cfowd made 
no direct comeback. Instead, they 
merely commented -to the -FCC boss' 
there are various other, phases of 
war coverage which are far more 
Important One of the scribes told 
Fly he thought the whole criticism 
was quite nonsensical and another 
commented after the meeting he con- 
sidered the "matter 'inconsequential' 
The press association and newspaper 
bureau group indicated thesr'll go 
right along the way they have done, 
'Whether it meets Fly's wishes or not. 

Meantime in its pret>aration for 
'the newspaper ownership hearings, 
due to begin Wednesday (23), the 
FCC was revealed to have armed 
FCC agents with subpoenas of the 
omnibus variety— similar to those of 
the' Black committee and other 
Congressional groups, making sweep- 
ing demands for records, correspon- 
dence, and private documents. 



George Coulouris Returns 
In Sept. as 'Drummond' 

'Bulldog Drununond,' dramatic 
series, for Howard clothes, returns 
Sept. 28 to its 6:30-7 p.m. spot on 
WOR-Mutual, with the same setup as 
last spring. Norman S. Livingston 
will produce-direct for the Redfleld- 
Johnstone agency, with George Cou- 
louris in the title part. 

Show will be sponsored by Howard 
on WOR and seven other Mutual 
stations and will be available as 
sustalner or on a local sponsorship 
basis to the' rest of the network. 



Montreal, July 15. 
, An army recruiting program en- 
titled 'If It Happened Here' broad- 
cast last Wednesday (9) night in the 
French language opened with a 
house party scene wherein couples 
were dancing to music. Announcer 
cut in with a flash reporting Halifax 
bombed by Nazi raiders and the har- 
bor aflame. Then followed other, 
bulletins with Montreal represented 
as captured by enemy parachutists. 
Troop carriers were being shot 
down in the St. Lawrence valley. 

Program was spotted on CBF and 
CHLP, Montreal; CKCH, Hull; 
CHNC, New Carlisle; CJBR, Ri- 
mouski; CBJ, Chicoutimi, and CBV, 
Quebec City, and thus blanketed the 
province of Quebec, parts of the 
Maritime Provinces and Ottawa. 
Hundreds throughout this area fell 
for the news and • presently phone 
exchanges, police stations, news- 
papers and radio stations were 
stalled with oallers asking conflrma 
tion and advice. Repeated radio 
explanations by all provincial sta- 
tions, in English as well as in 
French, continued for balance of 
evening. 

Skit producer Eddie Beaudry, who 
ended his opus with two youths re- 
gretting failure to enlist before the 
'invasion,' said he couldn't - under- 
stand why persons should have bee^n 
f ^-i^htened by the script but com 
mented that 'perhaps it will do them 
good.' 



tropolitan papers," as well as Uni- 
veral, Metro and Paramount news- 
reel crews, covered it. 



WAIM Plays Safe 

Anderson, S. C, July 15. 
Station WAIM, local CBS affiliate, 
was 'seized' Friday (11) : as 1,500 
ROTC students and 'fifth columnists' 
sta^d a mock attack on the town 
Although newspapers, railroad of- 
ficials, stores and various other local 
enterprises co-operated in the de- 
fense-training stiint, WAIM toned 
down the radio coverage of the hap 
enings, lest mass hysteria by listen' 



Treason As Comedy 

Washington, July 15. 
Continued crack-pottery : of ama- 
teurs is reported by the Federal 
Communications Commission. De- 
spite the fact that numerous hams 
have gotten themselves seriously in- 
volved with the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation and other lesser agen- 
cies checking on mysterious mes- 
sages — ^many of which sound like 
sinister tips from Hitler agenls- 
'pranksters' received a new spank- 
ing from the FCC which pointed out 
that 'the ether highways are now so 
effectively patrolled that trespasising 
or erratic driving theron is quickly 
detected.' 

Latest ether pest was a student 'at 
a certain western university' who 
thought it was 'fun' to pretend he 
was 'Edgar Von Spiegel ... en- 
gaged in mysterious activities,' Com- 
mish revealed. This youngster was 
placed in the clink for 24 hours, it 
was pointed out, and let go only 
after he had signed a 'confession* 
stating that he had been 'very fool- 
ish' in attempting to toy with the air 
waves. 

Two other 'simple cases of un- 
licensed operation' were nipped in 
the bud with the apprehension of 
Ed Schrader, of Swainsboro, Ga., 
and Mario La Zazzera, of Spring- 
field, Mass. Both kids pleaded 
guilty before a U.S. Commissioner 
and were released on $1,000 borid. 

Commish ts hoping that the recent 
epidemic of radio Benedict Arnolds 
will subside when the Sammies' find 
out that the Commission's Defense 
Operations Section is doing a 24- 
hour job— assisted by F.B.I, spy- 
catchers who have little sympathy 
for the un-American tactics em- 
ployed by young smarty-pants, it 
was Indicated. 



''9l6ffi/!jt'*^^^i'^t^'^''l^m^. ''i' E. Hill, mana^g director of I Lbcai paper^^^pen'derii-'Tribune 

Directors include Loren J. Row- WTAG, has been named to act as and Daily Mail ran special 'blitz' ex- 

ell, Paula F. Rowell and Leo Brad- representative for District One of tras. In addition. Life, Time, the 

spies. I the National Defense Committee. | news services and a number, of me- 



CQRWIN 



In Final Chapter to Brooklyn Chop Suey 
FCC Warns ^Careless Stations' of Ire 



Washington, July 15. 

Neither hostile propaganda nor 
lackadaisical attitude toward engi- 
neering rules will be countenanced, 
the FCC has warned in its opinion, 
finding up,„Ut is hoped) the long 
argued Brooklyn chop suey cases by 
renewing licenses of both WCNW, 
Brooklyn, and WWRL, Woodside, 
Long Island, Final opinion in the 
proceeding, which dates back more 
than four years, constitutes a warn- 
ing to foreign_language stations and 
other operators who don't take 
Uncle Sam seriously. 

While allowing, both plants to re- 
main on the air, the Commission 
took advantage of the opportunity 
presented by a rehearing to empha- 
size its .views on' -various questions. 
Among the policy pronouncements 
were a reiteration that time-sharing 
plants are uneconomic and therefore 
unwise; that 'hlt-or-miss operation' 
will not be overlooked, even though 
transgressions are of minor impor* 
tance when welehed individually: 



and one-sided versions of vital ques- 
tions may put the licensees in the 
dog-house. 

In keeping with ideas suggested by 
isolationist senators at recent hear- 
ings on the anti-monopoly niles, the 
Commish served a blunt warning on 
stations catering to German popula- 
tions. There is no proof that WWRL 
allows Nazi glorification in its pro- 
grams, the regulators acknowledged, 
but if it does in the future punish- 
ment may be severe. The Commish 
said the accusations made by WWRL 
in the row over use of the 1600 kc 
ribbon were 'most serious' but upon 
investigation turned out to be noth- 
ing more than innuendoes and sus- 
picions. 

Broadcasters have 'a recognized 
duty to present well rounded pro- 
grams on subjects which may be 
fairly said to constitute public con- 
troversies of the day within the 
framework of our democratic sys- 
tem of government,' the regulators 
declared. Thev added thev 'will not 




tolerate hostile propagandizing in the 
interest of any foreign government 
which has repeatedly and flagrantly 
expressed its enmity to this country 
and to the continued existence of its 
basic system of government.' 

On the matter of time-sharing, the 
Commish repeated It feels that fa- 
cility-splitting is not 'a healthy sit- 
uation' and such grants, with two 
transmitters in the same area divid- 
ing the opportunity, ought not be 
encouraged. In the 'Little Brook- 
lyn' situation, however, no evidence 
justifies Imposing an 'economic death 
penalty' on either WWRL or WCNW, 
but both stations will have to watch 
their step in the future if they want 
to preserve the status quo. 

Commissioner Norman , S. Case, 
dissenting from the 'final conclusion, 
agreed there was no substantiation 
for the propaganda charges against 
WWRL and said he believed WCNW 
was sufficiently guilty of technical 
derelictions to warrant being taken 
off the air. 



Deems Taylor is composing a 
speirial score for 'Samson,' one of a 
Biblical tcilogy Norman Cbrwin is 
readying as part of his series for 
.Columbia Workshop.. It ^wiir include 
a prelude; cues and. an epilog. Pro- 
gram ' is : tent^tlveljr skedded for 
Axxi. 3 It Will, be the first cpmposi- 
tlod Taylor hais written directly for 
radio. 

Because Charles Laiighton is be- 
ing held on the Coast for retakes on 
his ciirrent.picture, Corwin's Biblical 
trilogy had to be set back from its 
original starting date of next Sunday 
(20). Revised schedule' now calls for 
the second piece, 'Esther.' an oper- 
etta ■with score by Lyn Murray, io 
be heard Aug. 10. Corwln then ex- 
pects to plane to the Coast to do 
'Job,' the final of the three, with 
with Laughton. 



Ira Avery Now Manages 
WOR's Nighttime Shows 

Ira Avery, announcer at WOR, 
New York, has been appointed night 
manager of the station, with the 
status of assistant production man- 
ager to Arthur Whiteside, chief pro- 
ducer. Before joining WOR, he 
was assistant program directtor of 
WRVA, Richmond. 

Frank Knight, whom Avery re- 
places as night manager, returns to 
the WOR announcing staff. 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



RADIO 27 



WLW ASKS mm watts 



ArUtration Machinery Set Up As 
AFRA-WKRC Strike Is Settled 



Cincinnati, July 15. 
In a twofold agreement, the Amer- 
ican Federation of Badlo Artists has 
settled its strike against local sta- 
tion WKRC and provided a formula 
for the peaceable adjustment of all 
future disputes with Mutual afCiliates. 
Agreement ending the local walkout 
was reached Saturday (12) and the 
performers Who had been out re- 
turned to .WKRC this morning 
(Tuesday). Deal with Mutual had 
been reached late last week in Chi- 
cago. 

Pact between Mutual and AFRA, 
unanimously approved by the net- 
work stockholders, provides the fol- 
lowing: 

Both parties agree to arbitrate all 
disputes moolvjmt Mutual affiliate 
stations, u>ith the aTWtrotton pro- 
ceedings to be conducted in New 
York by the American ArbifTotion 
Assn. 

AFRA agrees not to itrike againat 
cny affiliate consentinff to such ar- 
bitration. If, upon jailure to reach 
an agreement, the union concludes 
nepotiations and demands arbitration 
of the issues, the a^iliate station has 
five days in which to accept arbitra- 
tion. 

Mutual recoanizes AFRA's rioht to 
strike, both locallv and against net- 
work shows, against any affiliate not 
■ agreeing to arbttrote after the five 
days' notice. 

All issues between AFRA and Mu- 
tual affiliates will' come within the 
jurisdiction of the arbitration board, 
toith the exception of AFRA-shop. 
The arbitrotors are under absolute 
obligation to, grant 100% AFRA-shop 
at any station where an AAA-con- 
ducted- election shows AFRA has a 
majority. 

Agreement is effective until Nov. 
1, 1943, the expiration of AFRA's 
commercial and sustaining network 
codes. 

Although AFRA thus relinquished 
Its absolute power to bargain for 
pay scales and working conditions, 
the union gained Mutual recognition, 
•t least imder certain circumstances, 
of AFRA's right to strike against 
network programs fed to an 'unfair' 
station. This is regarded by AFRA 
as a far-reaching precedent 
Other Provisos 

Agreement also provides: 

Immediate AFRA-shop for all ac- 
tors, singers and announcers, both 
atail and free-lance, but excluding 
such specialty talent as newscasters, 
sportscasters, commentators, masters 
of ceremonies and sidewalk quizzers. 

Immediate reinstatement of all 

ence between regular pay and strike 
benefits for the entire period of the 
atrike. 

Dissolution of the independent an- 
nouncers' union, withdrawal of its 
(Continued on page 30) 



KOH. DRAMATIC REVIEW 
OF NEWS TO MUTUAL 



Omaha, July 15. 

KOIL Is now feeding 58 stations 
of Mutual a weekly 'Parade of the 
News' dramatization written by 
Bruce Wallace and produced by Had 
Hughes. KOIL stock company In- 
cludes Eldon Anspach, Frances 
Casey, Echo Guio, Larry Forsythe, 
Hart Jenks and Dorothy Bennett. 
Narrator is Harvey Cary. 

Show goes on Thursday nights and 
strangely enough, the originating 
station (KOIL) has to wax it and 
play it back locally an hour later 
when it has open time. 



ly PLAT PIIIIT 
IN U.S. DEFENSE 



W a s h i n gton Understands 
War Dei>artment Is Sym- 
pathetic to Idea of Cen- 
trally Located Super- 
Power Transmitter as 
Morale Asset 



DX ALSO BUSY 



Older Webs Seek Mutual Accord 
As Necessary Step to Possible 
'Monopoly Issue Compromise 



CAROL IRWIN WED 
TO PAUL HOLLISTER 



HUMMERT HAS 
FLORIDA CITRUS 
ACCOUNT 



Florida Citrus account has gone 
to the Blackett-Sample-Hummert 
agency in New York. The switch- 
over from the Arthur Kudner 
agency takes effect Sept. 1. 

Decision was made by a special 
committee of Florida politicos who. 
visited New York last week. Besides 
B-S-H, the committee listened to 
presentations from McCann-Erlck- 
son, J. Walter Thompson and Kud- 
ner. 

David Kempner will be B-S-H's 
executive 'on the account No radio 
or space prbgram has as yet been 
formulated. During the past season 
the Florida Citrus Commission bank- 
rolled Mary Margaret McBrlde on 
CBS. 



Industrial Peace Salnte 



Toledo, July 15. 
The United SU'tes Chamber of 
Commerce is sponsoring a broad- 
cast on the NBC Red to describe 
how the Toledo industrial Peace 
Board will be heard Friday, 
July 18. 

. Program will originate in WSPD, 
Toledo, and will include a repre- 

a representative of the American 
Federation of Labor and a repre- 
sentative of the Committee for In- 
dustrial Organization. The Toledo 
Chamber of Commerce is in charge 
of arrangements. 



Cincinnati, July 15 
Station WLW, which has been op- 
erating after midnight since May IB 
with experimental authorization for 
750,000 watts, has now formally ap- 
plied to the Federal Communications 
Commission for authority to use 
650,000 watts regularly instead of Its 
customary 50,000. If this request is 
granted by the FCC, super-power 
will again exist in America. WLW 
had to give up its former 500,000 
watts. 

Meantime in a separate connection 
Crosley's shortwaver, WLWO, has 
increasingly devoted itself to in- 
terpreting State Department wishes 
in the realm of international pro- 
gramming. Its latest expansion in 
this regard is beaming at Europe 
where Washington now feels Ameri- 
can newscasts are especially useful. 

For the European broadcasts 
WLWO will use a. rhombic antenna 
of the kind not being utilized 
for airings to South' America. 
Construction of the new antenna Is 
nearing completion. It will have the 
greatest shortwave broadcasting 
power of any station in the Western 
Hemisphere. 

News programs beamed across the 
Atlantic will be in English, Cierman 
ahd French, plus Spanish as now 
used on broadcasts to Latin-Ameri- 
can countries. 

Tentative schedule of dally broad- 
casts to Europe carries from 11 a.m. 
to 4 p.m. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 
and from 4 pjn. until the midnight 
sign-off time, the airings will be di- 
rected to South America. The news- 
casts are to be interspersed with 
music. 



Actor Joe Do Mirnd Opens Station; 
Henry WaHace Set for a Speech 



Burlington, la., July 15. 
New station here, WBUR, is ready- 
ing for its big official opening on 
July 30. General manager is Joe 
DuMond. Henry Wallace, Vice- 
President of the United States and a 
native lowan, ha»agreed to make the 
keynote address. Though the sta- 
tion Is not as yet network-affiliated, 
NBC will pick up the dedicatory 
services and the Vice-President's 
speech. 

DuMond, in coming to Iowa, is re- 
turning to his native country, after 
having been in Chicago for years on 
an NBC Coast-to-Ctoast network with 
his original character presentation 
and show, 'Josh Higgins of Finch- 
ville.' 

DuMond will do his 'Josh Higgins' 
show on WBUR and the show has 
already been snapped up by a spon- 
sor, the Benner Tea Co., a regional 
store chain. 



BILL BAILEY OF WLW 
AS ED KIRBY AIDE 



Cincinnati, July 15. 

William Dowdell succeeds J. N 
(Bill) Bailey as news editor of the 
Crosley stations. Bailey is joining 
the radio branch of the War depart- 
ment's bureau of public relations 
and awaits momentary call to report 
in Washington to Ed Kirby. 

Dowdell Joined Crosley newsroom 
two months ago, tfter serving for 
several years as city editor of the 
Cincy Post. Under his direction are 
20 news writers and announcers. 



Hollywood, July 15. 

Carol Irwin, Young & Rubicam 
daytime radio head, was married to 
Paul HoUister, vice-president and 
partner of J. Sterling Getchell 
agency, 'sometime this week some- 
where in Nevada.' She obtained a 
divorce in Reno last week from Lyn 
Murray, radio composer-conductor. 

Couple left for New York today 
(Tuesday). Miss Irwin is 'very 
definitely' continuing at Y.&R. Hol- 
lister was divorced from a previous 
wife about 18 months ago. 



NEWSPAPERS 
FIGHTING 
FCC 



Harry Horllck set for several 
weeks on the Ford summer series. 
Paul Kapp agented. 



Washlnfton Angle 

Washington, July 15. 
Application of WLW, Cincinnati 
for 650,000 watts is Interpreted here 
as relate^ . national defense. It 
Is 'Ufe lteVt... :iat IShg: ex^fTence" In 
super-power operation, central lo- 
cation and trained personnel all give 
to WLW an appeal to some Wash- 
ington personages, notably at the 
War Department, who would like to 
see the country In i>osses3ion of a 
big station such as WLW's 650,000 
watt petition envisages. 

It is also understood here that ■ 
direct line from the War Department 
to WLW may be installed in the near 
future. 

There have been conferences with 
regard to WLWs future, a future on 
a new and higher plane. The fre- 
quent presence in Washington of 
WLW's general manager, James 
Shouse, has been ascribed to other 
causes and the current visit of Cecil 
Carmlchael for War Department 
conferences is described as a rou- 
tine "what can we do to help?' visit 
But Washington hears there's a lot 
more behind the 650,00p watts pe- 
tition than anybody is willing to adr 
mlt at the moment. 

Commish attitude is reported still 
unchanged and it is doubtful if any 
super-power application will be 
granted to anybody without hearings 
and considerable administration en- 
dorsement. 

War department has been sounded 
out by other stations as well as 
WLW about special wires to pipe 
various defense programs, but noth- 
ing concrete is visible. Of course, 
State Department has long been 
anxious to see shortwavers capable 
of drowning Axis transmitters, as 
evidenced by support of Walter 
Lemmon's WRUL, Boston. 



Washington, July 15, 
Late today (Tuesday) the Amerir 
can Newspaper Publishers Assn. 
stepped in to demand a . stay of FCC 
hearings on the issue of newspaper 
ownership of radio stations. It raises 
legalistic points to this effect: 

The FCC has no right to demand 
and no authority to enforce investi- 
gation of or discrimination against 
press as distinct from any other kind 
of ownership of stations. 

Newspapers In general are pretty 
exasperated about the FCC prowling. 
On their own behalf, many pub- 
lishers are instructing their Wash- 
ington correspondents to keep close 
watch on the Commish when the 
hearings get under way, while the 
American Newspaper Publishers As- 
sociation is due to change its stand 
and will seek to intervene in the pro- 
ceedings on behalf of all publishers) 
not merely those with radio inter- 
ests. Elisha Hanson, general counsel, 
was ordered last week by the head 
men to prepare a petition challeng- 
ing the Commish right to lay down a 
policy that singles out any particular 
class of licensee and to' make an 
effort to have the entire inquiry 

catieu 6tr.— • ■ 

Entry of the ANPA is in the na- 
ture of a rescue mission. At the out- 
set, /the itatlon-owning publishers 
didn't want the others to come in, 
figuring that might jeopardize their 
own properties because of the bitter 



Columbia, NBC and Motnal havfr 
during the past week reached » 
closer accord on the set of com- 
promises which are to be snb- 
mitted to Uk Federal Commanlca- 
tioDs Commission in eonnectlon 
with the tatter's new rales on net- 
work-aBillatcd stations relations. 
The disposition toward co-opera- 
tion and oonoessloa has Improved 
deoldedly since the meetings which 
took place between the tlirce webs 
prior to July 4 and there are In- 
dications that the trio will liave 
something concrete to present to 
FCC Chairman James L. Fly by 
the end of next week. The . new 
rules are slated to go Into effect 
Aug. 2. 

In one regard the concessions 
will work :the hordeat on CBS, 
and that pertains to the deiig- 
natlon of the honrs which af- 
filiated stations retain tor their 
own sale. Colnmbla's eoatraet re- 
qnires an affiliate to make avail- 
able for network sale any period 
extending from !•' tun. to 11 p.m., 
in the case of NBO aflUlaUs they 
have had held the right to with- 
hold certain daytime and evening 
period periods from network sale 
since 1935. 



Washiiigton, July 15. 
Definite, though conditional, prom- 
ise to postpone the antl-monopoIy 
reform rules to facilitate reaching a 
compromise, was made -to NBC last 
\yeek through the auspices of Senate 
Interstate Commerce Committee 
Chairman Burton K. Wheeler. At" 
the same time, more hope of an uh- 
(Continued on page 30) . 



animosity between the publishing 
fraternity and the New Deal. By the 
same token, non-broadcasting news- 
paper owners saw no reason to help 
out a competitive industry. Now the 
NAPA has been placed in the posi- 
tion of pulling . the Hough com- 
mittee's chestnuts out of the fire, 
Hanson's firm has practiced regularly 
before the Commish for a long time, 
while Thomas D. Thatcher, the 
Hough crowd's principal legal schem- 
er, has little acquaintance with the 
FCC. 



FCC CaUs on WDAF, KCKN 
Kansas City, July 15. 

FCC is carrying out its investiga- 
tion of newspaper-owned radio sta- 
tions as announced some weelcs ago, 
sect .Eei)i:iisentativejcria;ii3it .WD^^'iv 
and KCKN last week, - Callers pri- 
mary Interest was In news scripts, 
commentators and service features. 

WDAF Is the property of the Kan- 
sas City Star. KCKN is an Arthur 
Capper property. 



Milton Berle-Chas. Laughton Contract 
Gives Mutual Hollywood Name Show 



MYRON iORK JOINS 
STACK-GOBLE, N. Y. 

Myron Kirk has joined the Stack- - 
Goble agency In New York as y.p. 
in charge of new business. 

His previous agency connections 
were Sherman K. Ellis and Ruth- 
Taafl^ & Ryan. 

W. S. WOODS ON WEBR 

Buffalo, July 15. 

William Seaver Woods, for 28 
years editor-in-chief of Literary Di- 
gest, has come out of retirement at 
nearby Ft. Erie, Ont, home to put 
weekly comment series on WEBR. 

Woods authored volume on 'Blund- 
ers of the First World War.' WEBR 
stint concerns dittos of World War 
II. 



J. Walter Thompson agency is still 
trying, to close contracts for the cast 
that will compose the variety show 
that BaUentine Ale wlU start on Mu- 
tual out of Hollywood In September. 
The spot will be the half hour before 
the Friday night light Iwoadcasts, 
namely 9:30 to 10. 

Milton Berle and Charles Laugh- 
ton will share the burden of- the 
crossfire. Bob Crosby's band is the 
musical prospect. 

CBS was the first to get a crack 
at the business but the agency with- 
drew its bid for time when that net- 
work started laying down the re-- 
quired restraints for beer copy. The 
NBC-Bluc claims that it was also of- 
fered the account but that it turned 
it down, partly because of the fire 
that it is under in Washington in 
connection with the FCCs rule 
against dual ownership of networks. 



28 



RADIO 



WedneBdaft July 16, 1941 



^♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦« 

Code for Radio Writers 



-♦♦*♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦«♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 

The following 'statement of practices' (non binding guide for 
advertising agencies) is the fruit of prolonged discussions be- 
tween the American Association of Advertising Agencies in 
New York and the Authors' League of America. Principal 
clauses follow: 

TIKOBDERED SINGLE-SHOT SCRIPTS 

When a radio writer submits to an agency a single-shot 
script, the writer should grant the agency an exclusive option 
for ten days. In return the agency should decide as soon as 
possible on one of the following courses: (1) Reject the script. 
(2) Secure a continuation of the exclusive option by paying the 
■writer an agreed-upon sum per month, which may be treated as 
an advance. (3) Accept the script, in which case the broadcast 
fee should be agreed on and a contract entered into, providing 
•for payment of the full broadcast fee on or before a specified 
date. 

If the writer has not heard from the agency at the expiration 
of the ten-day exclusive period, it is -understood that the script 
is being held on a non-exclusive basis and that the writer is 
free to submit it elsewhere. 

ORDERED SINGLE-SHOT SCRIPTS 

When an agency orders a script from a writer, it should com- 
mit itself to the payment of an agreed-upon sum- as an advance 
fee! This payment should give the agency an exclusive option 
for an agreed-upon perfod. 

UNORDERED OUTLINES, ETC., FOR PROPOSED SERIES 

Submission of material of this sort does not of itself imply 
an exclusive option. The agency should therefore decide as 
soon as possible on one of three sources: (1) Reject the sub- 
mitted material. (2) Ask for the privilege of continuing to hold 
the material on a nbii-cxclusive basis. (3) Arrive at an agree- 
ment by which the agency may hold the script on an exclusive 
basis. An exclusive option period for no fee, if requested by the 
agency, should not exceed two weeks. 

ORDERED AUDITION SCRIPTS 

When an agency wishes to order from a writer a script by 
which to audition a series it proposes to sell, agency and writer 
should agree oh the following points : (1) the fee to be paid for 
the audition script ; (2) the terms and conditions under which 
the writer is to write the series in case his audition script re- 
sults in sale of the series. 

If after six months the audition script has not resulted in a 
• sale, whatever material in the script is the contribution of the 
.writer should revert to him. 

PAYMENT OF FEES 

The advance on an ordered script should be paid within two 
weeks after the delivery of the completed script. Paiyments for 



I 



KBUR 

IOWA'S ANSWER TO THE 

NEW 

BURLINGTON MARKET 

The NEW Site of One of the Government's Largest 
Ordnance Plants 

' tliiVflafflinilloii Increase of New 
Spendable Dollars Per Week! ^ 

TWENTY THOUSAND NEW CONSUMERS 
and still more NEW ones rushing in for 
BURLINGTON'S NEW GOLD 1 

KBUR 

offers you the most dominant vehicle with which 
to garner your share of these NEW DOLLARS. 

KBUR'is one of the FINEST local stations in Amer- 
ica. FINEST because of PROGRAMMING and 
SUPERIOR MERCHANDISING service. 

To get your share of the NEW DOLLARS in the NEW 
BURLINGTON market, you'll need to use IOWA'S 
NEWEST radjo station ... 



KB U R 



BURLINGTON BROADCASTING CO. 

BURLmOTON, IOWA JOE DU MOND, Cen. Mgr. 



options on unordered scripts should be made monthly. Pay- 
ment of the full broadcast fee should be completed within sixty 
days of the acceptance of the script, or within two weeks after 
the broadcast, whichever is sooner. 

BROASCASTINO BIGHTS 
A contract between an agency and a writer covering the 
broadcasting rights in a script or series should specify whether 
the broadcast or broadcasts are to be 'local,' 'regional,' 'na- 
tional,' or 'international.' The contract should also specify a 
time-limit, after which the broadcasting rights revert to the 
author. 

The contract may also provide for additional broadcasting 
rights and options, such as: the right to broadcast the script 
or series again after the expiration of the time-limit; the right 
to retain control of the broadcasting rights of a script or series 
— that is, to approve or veto its use under other auspices — for 
a specified period beyond tlic time-limit; or other broadcasting 
rights or options. 

££- WHITES 

Agency instructions concerning the re-writing of accepted, 
ordered, optioned, or contracted scripts should be specific, so 
that unecessary re-writes can be avoided. 

Because of their special nature, serial scripts should be ap- 
proved, rejected, or changes ^[equested within an agreed-upon 
period after their submission. If,.after that period, changes are 
requested which necessitate revision of subsequent scripts 
which the writer is required to have prepared, such revisions 
should be paid for except when changes are due to extraor- 
dinary causes beyond ajgency's control. 

AUTHOBSmF CREDITS 

The contract between agency and writer should specify 
whether or not air credit is to be given to the writer. 

TERMINATION OF SERIES CONTRACTS 

Rights of originating author: Contract between agency and 
a writer who has originated a series — either serial or non-serial 
— should provide for payment of specified fees in the event the 
agency terminates the writer's contract-but continues the series. 

Payment for scripts written in advance: When a contract is 
terminated, the writer should be paid for any scripts already 
submitted in accordance with written instructions. 

ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES 

The American Association of Advertising Agencies, the 
Radio Writers' Guild, and the Authors' League of America en- 
dorse the principle of arbitrating disputes. These organizations 
will be ready at all times tp facilitate such arbitration. 



Dale Carnegie on WCAU 
In October for Air Test 
By Correspondence School 

Philadelphia, July 15. 

Dale Carnegie, author of 'How to 
Win Friends and Influence People,' 
will' be sponsored by International 
Correspondence Schools on a half- 
hour weekly recorded series to be 
given a 13-week test over WCAU, 
local Columbia . outlet. Self-im- 
provement advocate will do a short 
talk for each chapter, followed by 
interviews with workers in different 
jobs. N. W. Ayer is the agency. 

Series will be heard 7-7:30 Thurs- 
day nights, beginning Oct. 2 and, if 
successful, will be extended to 
other cities. Idea of ICS is to plug 
its mail courses by baUyhooing in-, 
terest in various different lines of 
employment. Results will be judged 
according to the actual financial re- 
turns from inquiries, and enroll- 
ments, rather than mail response or 
popularity rating. 

AFRA HITCH IN WMCA'S 
MIDNIGHT REVUE PLANS 



GAYLAN DRAKE TO KNX 



will Succeed Fletcher Wiley Id Los 
Angeles Participation Set-op 



San Francisco, July 15. 
' It is expected here that Fletcher 
Wiley, housewives' delight, will 
shortly retire from his participating 
Protective League show which has 
been a daytimer on KNX, Los An- 
geles, for several years, with Gaylan 
Drake, his hired counterpart on 
KSFO, San Francisco, stepping into 
the master's shoes. Wiley currently 
is on vacation, with Hugh Gibson 
pitch-hitting. 

Who'U take over Drake's 15 KStO 
sponsors here is still up in the air. 
Choice Frisco assignment is believed 
tossup between Gibson and Gordon 
Owen, head of Frisco office of Ra- 
dio Sales. 



Walter Craig, program director of 
WMCA, New York, has made In- 
quiries of the American Federation 
of Radio Artists on the scale that 
would apply to vaudeville turns ap- 
pearing on a 11-12 p.m. live talent 
revue.' Craig has been thinking in 
terms of a bill running to perhaps 
eight acts or more. 

AFRA interpretation that the full- 
hour rate would have to -be paid 
each perforn-.er conflicted with 
Craig's idea that, by using the turns 
only briefly, the quarter-hour rate 
could apply. Not certain whether 
AFRA. ruling shoots the price too 
high for WMCA. 

Craig hoped to have a midnight 
show to mark WMCA apart from the 
regular diet of dance music on the 
other stations, 



Markets Sponsor Healey 

Schenectady, N. Y., July 15. 

Col. Ji/n Healey, whO;recently be- 
gan.a series of news commentaries, 
and philosophy over WGY at 6:45 
a.m., thrice weekly, for Union-Lead- 
er tobacco, will launch another for 
Central Markets (operating a chain 
■of super markets in Northeastern 
New York) on WTRY, Troy, July 21. 
This will be a thrice-weekly affair 
on the 6;30-6:45 p.m. block. 

Lelghton tt Nelson Is the agency 
fpr Central Markets. 



Invades Enemy Area 



San Francisco, July 15. 

Florida Citrus Commish is invad- 
ing the Frisco market with 65 one- 
minute £T-spots on KSFO. 

Placed by Arthur Kudner, Inc. 
N. Y. 



KRNT-KSO IN 
IBEWCONTRAa 



Chicago, July 15. 
' Charles Warrlner, president of the 
local of the Associated Broadcast 
Technicians Unit of the International 
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, 
and national business manager Russ 
Rennaker, last v.-eek concluded terms 
for technicians with Des Moines Beg- 
fster-Trlbune stations, KRNT and 
KSO. 

On the new deal, negotiated 
through Luther Hill, adjustments 
were made retroactive to May 
1 and call for salary increases up 
to 30%, vacations with pay, sick 
benefits and a closed shop. 



NAB. Sales Mgrs. In 
Revamp of Its Exec 
Committee of 7 Reps 



Sales 'Managers Division of the 
National Association of Broadcasters 
has so revised Its seven-man execu- 
tive committee as to allow a wider 
representation of station levels and 
networks. £ugene Carr, (fl WGAR, 
Cleveland, is the chairman. 

John M. Outler, jr., WSB, Atlanta, 
will represent the large stations; E. 
Y. Flanigan, WSPD, Toledo, the me- 
dium and Robert MacKenzie, WCMI, 
Ashland, Ky., the smaller outlets. 
Arthur H. Hayes, of WABC, N. Y., 
will be CBS' delegate; George F. 
Frey, NBC's and Linus Travers of 
the Yankee Network, Mutual's. 



IBEW COMPLETES PACTS 
WITHWCFL AND WGRC 



Associated Broadcast Technicians, 
radio technician unit of the Inter- 
national Brotherhood of Electrical 
Workers iCAFL), signed contracts 
covering engineers at stations last 
week. One pact Is with WGRC, New 
Albany, Ind., and the other Is with 
WCFL, Chicago. 

Deal with WGRC covers men in 
the studios at Louisville and calls for 
union shop, vacations with pay and 
wage boosts up to aSout 15%. Steve 
Cisler, president, signed for the 
station. Contract with WCFL in- 
volved a raise of about 10% over the 
previous- flat scale. Walter Reed 
represented ABTU on both agree- 
ments. 

'Prizes and Penalties' 



Reglna, Sask., July IS. 

'Prizes and Penalties,' half-hour 
quiz and stunt show aired over 
CJRM, Reglna, weekly, now takes 
place on the stage of the Rex thea- 
tre each Friday. Western Furs, Ltd., 
sponsors. 

Fred Luce of the sales department 
of CJRM is m. c. 





MEANS 



IloMbcn''wa needed . . . and bomberf need alumiiium. .Oflicr dc* 
fenta need*, too, aead out preMlng demandt for thU vit*! metal. 

la WMwer, tho AKimuiuB Company of Amerk* itop* up Pfo- 
ducUoB at il* Alcoa plant, jurt 12 mile* from KnoxTiUe. Hm plant •»« 
U doubled, the pwtonael more than doubled ... and operation 
coatmoO* «Tei7 hour of the wcdt 

Alumlnam, Ibo Ufa of the defenie program, me^ new lifo for buy. 
Tni power ia the Knoxville area . . . a buying power rtaehtd andtcid by 
TenaetMe'a eld««t radio itation, oWned and operated by Scnpp».HowarU 
' Radiq, Inc 



CBS 




990K^ 



KNOXVILLE, TEN NESSEE 

800D W. Dart MO mght 



C .9. Granted n 
10,000 W. FuOtkM 



Affitiitted with Knowrilk Newo-Seatinel 
llalioaal RoprMCBtaiWo 

The Branham Company 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



29 




4^ 



00* 



and watch your cost 



of distribution DROP! 



SEE Broadeatiint, Jtadi* 
DaHy, Saltt ManagmtM 
and Tidt Jor (h4 Tt*t «f 
fhit pieturtt 



FROM alarm clocks to zithers, the high 
cost of distribution is affecting every man- 
ufacturer in every industry. Sales may ex- 
pand, but with rising labor and raw material 
costs, and retail price ceilings, profit mar- 
gins are in danger of extinction. 

The answer to this "production-price- 
profit" problem is not higher prices to the 
consumer, as many manufacturers have 
learned . . . 

The answer is lower distribution costs. 
Radio has proved the most economical 
Way to move goods from producer to con- 
sumer, and the Blue Network is the natu- 
ral choice for a manufacturer who wishes 
to lower his cost of distribution right now. 

Why pick the Blue, you ask? For four 
very good reasons. 



1 



You'll be Market-Wise. The Blue covers 
the places. where you can sell in greatest 
volume at a profit. The Blue concentrates 
it^ coverage in Money Markets, where the 
nation's buying power is heaviest 

2 You'll be Power-Wise. The Blue is thrifty 
with power. Where some other networks 
offer a larger number of 50 kw stations, 
the Blue concentrates its high -power sta- 
tions in the areas where power is most 
needed— conserves it elsewhere. 

3 You'll be Budget-Wise. The Blue's con- 
centrated coverage and its famous ' 'Blue 
Plate" discount plan combine to give you 
national coverage at the lowest cost of any 
medium entering the home. You can now 
"go national" on a modest budget, which 



means you have more left to spend for 
your program. 

4 You'll be, Program -Wise. First, because 
the Blue's editorial policy stresses the 
finest schedule of news, sports and public 
service programs on the air. Second, be- 
cause Blue commercials (as proved by their 
evening CAB average of 10) have built an 
audience as loyal as it is large, and cost 
th^ir sponsors 44%, less per quarter hour 
than their major network competition. 

THUS, in a nutshell (or two) : On the 
■ Blue you get effective coverage of produc- 
tive markets tA. profitably low cost. Buy Blue 
and you take that first major step toward 
lower distribution costs— and more "sales 
thru the air with the greatest of ea^." 



National Broadcasting Company • A Radio Corporation of America Service 



30^ 

■4- >f 



L 



THE SHOW "lUY" OF THE MONTH-"SPIN AND WIN WITH AMMY FLYNN". . . A fatt-mov!ne quiz program in ■ 
carnival atmosphere . . . Fun, muiic, prizei, everything but the popcorn . . . Nbw touring the army 
camps, this popular ihow it heard via the BLUE NETWORK Saturday 9:00-9:30 P. M. (NYT) 



NETWORK 



■fh the (greatest of ease 




30 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



'One-Way Voltaire Charge Is Denied 
By Wheeler; Was Craney s Own 
Idea to Bar Winchell in Montana 



Ecoenlrle Ballplayer Hired In St. 
Louis Sports Rivalry of Beer Spon 



Washington, July 15. 
Accusations of one of the war in- 
tervention lobbies that Senator Bur- 
ton K. Wheeler, uncompromising 
Montana Isolationist, brought about 
turn-down of the Walter Winchell 
feature by Ed Craney, owner of 
three plants in his home state, drew 
a flat denial last week. Through one 
of his secretaries, the Democratic 
colon, who has denounced radio for 




50,000 WAHS 
LOUISVILLE 



Sales 
power 
in the 

"opportunity 
market" 
of the 
nation 



Ask any fdw Fcl'j' cf'ice 
(or morp inforinatpon abou* 
VVHAS, one of thp sixteen 
ens 50,000 wall sJatlons. 



giving too much of a break to war- 
mongers, said emphatically he had 
nothing to do with Craney's action 
and had only sketchy knowledge of 
it in advance. 

The Winchell charges echoed in a 
Great Falls paper, came from Fight 
for Freedom, Inc. Peter Cusick, 
secretary of the outfit, defended 
Wheeler's right to speak anywhere 
he wants but in pulling the old Vol- 
taire precept added the Senator 
should concede his opponents the 
same privileges. 

Craney told Wheeler some time 
ago he'Avas thinking of taking Win 
chell oft his three outlets (KGIR, 
Butte; KRBM, Bozeman, and KPFA 
Helena), according to one of Wheel- 
er's closest friends. The Senator 
gave no personal comment and 
Craney took the action entirely on 
his own hook, intimates of the solon 
insist. 

Sepercnsslons in Montana 

Petitions urging the FCC to re- 
voke the licenses of three Montana 
stations that recently dropped the 
Walter Winchell program are being 
circulated by the Great Falls (Mont) 
News and other papers in the state, 
according to Fight for Freedom, Inc, 
of'New York. 

It is claimed by the News editor 
that the polls of Montana voters 
showed that a substantial majority 
of those who supported Wheeler at 
the last election would not do so 
again. Besides the News, other Mon 
tana papers that have editorially at 
tacked Wheeler include the Glasgow 
Messenger, and the Western News, 
of Hamilton. 



St. Louis, July 15. 

Herman Jerome 'Dizzy' Dean, erst- 
while pitcher and coach for the Chi- 
cago Cubs, made his debut as a base- 
ball gabber and analyst Thursday 
(10) over KWK for Falstaft Brewing 
Co. in a deal set by the Sherman K. 
Ellis Agency, Chicago. Optioned up to 
30 months at $25,000 for the span, 
deal returns 'Dizzy' Dean to the burg 
in which he gained his greatest base- 
ball laurels. 

In his own peculiar Interpretation 
of the English language he socked 
over his first play-by-play, when the 
Browns and Yanks engaged in a 
night contest here. It was Just an- 
other breeze for Diz. 



WKRC At Peace 



sContlnoed from page 27; 



Lat>or Board petition and admission 
of all its members Into AFRA 

Immunity from punishment or re 
prisal by AFRA of all performers 
who continued to work on WKRC 
during the strike. 

Mediation of all other issues by 
William H. Davis, of the U. S. 
Mediation Service, or someone ap- 
pointed by him. 

Mediation sessions are expected to 
get under way within the next couple 
of days, with AFRA in the mean' 
while resuming organization efforts, 
interrupted by the WKRC- strike, at 
other Cincinnati stations. At a mass 
rally tonight :at the Gibson hotel the 
terrns of the agreements with WKRC 
and Mutual will be explained by 
Emily Holt, National executive sec- 
retary, who will remain here to. con- 
duct the organizing campaign, and 
George Heller, associate executive 
secretary, who planed in from New 
York today, will speak. 



DIZZY DEAN CALLS 'EM 



Music-and-Advertising by Wire 
For Westchester County Grocers 



'Monopoly' Delay? 



KRAFT ORDERS 
BLUE yz-HOUR 



Kraft Cheese Co. has given the 
NBC-Blue an order for the Sunday 
7:30-8 p.m. period .starting in Sep- 
tember. 

'The program, which is being 
readied by the Needham, Louis & 
Brorby agency of Chicago, will plug 
Parkay Margarine. 



Lady Esther Account Has 
Hopes Freddy Martin Can 
Start Series in the East 



Lady Esther still has hopes of get- 
ting Freddy Martin into New York 
for the debut of his commercial se- 
ries on CBS Aug. 4. The Music 
Corp. of America is in a booking 
tangle with the Ambassador hotel, 
where Martin is now spotted, and if 
MCA can effect a release from his 
contract he will be booked into a 
New Yflrk hotel. A second choice, 
as far as the account is concerned, 
would be a Chicago spot. 

Advertiser would like to have the 
band in one of these two towns be- 
cause of the permanent stand of the 
femme who does the Lady Esther 
plugs on the program. She wants 
to stay in New York and even if 
the band originated from Chicago 
she could still be conveniently cut in 
from this, point. With the band on 
the Coast, the wire circuit, would 
have to be reversed each , time the 
program got around to the blurb. 



Same For NBC, CBS 

It was indicated at the AFRA na- 
tional headquarters in New York 
yesterday (Tuesday) that the union 
vrould probably' offer both 'NBC and 
Columbia the same compulsory *ar- 
bitration agreement that had lieen 
reached with Mutual. . . 



William Nelson Breaks In 

Chicago, July 15. 

William Nelson has been added to 
the promotion staff of WLS. Thi^ 
is his first radio job. 

He is the son of Ed Nelson, time 
buyer for the Wadp ad agency here. 



Swinr Back Jaly 25 

' Raymond Gram ' Swing, Mutual 
commentator currently airing from 
London, will return to this country 
Via clipper on July 25. 

He'll take to the ether the same 
night ' to resume his regular White 
Owl series.- 



Goldsmith Wants Package Status 

Author of 'Aldrich Family' Seeking - Revision of 
Relationship with General Foods 



Clifford Goldsmith's contract as 
writer of The Aldrich Family' ex- 
pires this fall and the new agree- 
ment which he intends to negotiate 
with General Foods via Young & 
Rubicam- will change his status. In- 
stead' of continuing on Y&R's pay- 
roll as the' writer Goldsmith wants 
to become the outright ' owner of 
the sho^Y. Under such an arrange- 
ment he would be dealing with the 
account on a package basis, taking 
over Vak responsibility of paying 
for the cast and the direction. 

Under the present contract Gold- 
smith holds the exclusive right to 
the authorship of the 'Aldrich' 
scripts. The 'Aldrich' series started 
on the Kate Smith show (COBS) 
during the 1938-39 season and in 
July, 1939, It went on NBC as a 
half-hour stanza. ' 



TOOTHPASTE'S RADIO EXEC 



Starklst Already Sponsori Some 15 
Local Amatenr Program! 



saContlnued from page ZTsss 

det-standing between -the three major 
chains was reflected by negotiators 
who still have not tried to find out 
just what sort of modl^cation might 
be agreeable to FCC Chairman 
James L. Fly. 

At a hushed-up meeting under 
Wheeler's ■ sponsorship. Fly told 
Niles Trammell and Frank M. Rus- 
sell of NBC he would be glad to 
have somebody request a stay of the 
effective date (now set at Aug. 2) 
and will be sympathetic to a peti- 
tion for delay since there seem to be 
brighter prospects of mutually-ac- 
ceptable substitutes for some of the 
hotly argued commandments. 

Question remaining unanswered, 
though, is whether the chains would 
waive — even - tacitly — any of their 
rights to go into court with a chal- 
lenge of the FCC's jurisdiction and 
the validity of the rules. If they sit 
down with the Comimsh to try for a 
modification, some industry lawyers 
fear they would be signing away 
some of their legal rights. Fly is 
said in some quarters to have de- 
clared the Commish will^ not take 
advantage of the demurring broad- 
casters. 

The wisdom of the present course 
being, follows in search for a settle- 
ment is questioned by some in in- 
dustry circles. Instead of s^iending 
a lot of time trying to work out 
some peace plan among themselves, 
fhe fighting chains. ought to huddle 
first with Fly and ascertain on just 
what terms he might be willing to 
tra^e. Instead of doing this, the net- 
works appear to be counting on Sen- 
ator Wheeler to carry -the ball for 
them, thinking the Montana Senator 
is more with them than against them 
and that he can practically command 
Fly to back down. 

At this stage. Wheeler seems to 
have been completely convinced that 
option time should not be wholly 
verboten but still isn't sold on the 
need for any exclusivity in web- 
affiliate arrangements. He may 
string along on some compromise al- 
lowing exclusive ties in cities where 
there are enough good plants so that 
every chain has an outlet, though in 
his conferences with the network 
people he still questions if public in- 
terest is served by denying inde- 
pendent-owned stations the right to 
obtain programs from more than one 
sk6in. 

The possible settlement, at least 
what is being used currently as 
working model, is the set of pro- 
posed alternative rules that Louis G. 
Caldwell offered the Commish last 
faU when oral argument took place. 
Chief feature of these, would be a 
quantitative limit on the amount of 
option time — the MBS attorney did 
not recommend -any specific figure — 
and allowing exclusivity only in 
places where every web has facili- 
ties that are qualitatively compara- 
ble- (similar power and frequency 
assignments). This would mean on 
the present basis exclusivity in cities 
with four high-powered plants, 
though the exact figtire probably 
couldn't be written into the rules be- 
cause of the chance another combo 
might come along. A similar qyantl- 
tative limit might be placed on net- 
work ownership of outlets, ' though 
Mutual isn't as concerned about that 
phase. 

Most of the talk so far has dealt 
with the questions of exclusivity arid' 
option time. There have been brief 
discussions about network ownership 
but none about dualism and the fate 
of NBC's Blue skein. -Ijatter seems 
to be something between NBC and 
the Commish, with Mutual and CBS 
both agreeing on a single network 
policy. 



Storecasts, the newly created or- 
ganization which sells spot an- 
nouncements on wired radio, has al- 
ready tied up three supermarkets in 
Westchester County, N. Y. Latter 
are the larger White Plains stores 
in the First National Grocery chain. 
Storecasts' big selling argument is 
that through its medium the adver- 
tiser for the first time has a chance 
to talk to the prospective customer 
at the point of sale, in other words 
while in the store. 

The project entails no expense to 
the store, nor does the grocer share 
in advertising rievenue. His benefit 
is that shoppers are entertained with 
musical fare while on premises. 

The wired service in the three 
White Plains stores is Muzak's. 
Storecasts pays Muzak a flat fee for 
the service to the store. 



San Antonio, July IS. 

Jack Chapman, formerly with the 
sales staff of station WQAI has been 
appointed radlp sales director of the 
Starkist Flotation Toothpaste Co. 
Chapman will travel throughout the 
United States building broadcasts 
for the toothpaste. 

At the present time outfit is using 
amateur hours on about IS stations 
in Texas and Louisiana. 



Port Arthur, Texas — Recent addi- 
tions to the announcing staff at sta- 
tion KPAC is Herb Dahlen and 
Howard Fisher. Fisher -comes from 
KFDA, Amarillo. 



Alnmlnam F|Br Betcnie 
Springfield, Mass., July 19. 

OfliclaU of the three local radio 
stations have been enlisted to assist 
In publicizing the 'aluminum for de- 
fense' drive here. Appointed to the 
publicity committee were Albert W. 
Marlla of WMAS, Wayne ■ Henry 
Latham of WSPR, and H. E. Randol 
of WBZA. 

The' trio will arrange spot an- 
nouncements and regular broadcasts 
in behalf of the drive. 



Haiel Scott comes from Rltz, Bos- 
ton July 20 for Ed Sullivan's Silver 
program. Sylvia Froos for the 27th, 



ATLANTA 



DRAMA 




• ORPHANS OF DIVORCE 
(Dr. Lyons) 

• JUST PLAIN BILL (Anaein 
and Just Plain Bill) 

• MOTHER ,0'MINE (Clapp's 
Baby Food) 

• DRAMA BEHIND THE 
NEWS (American Chicit Co.) 

• EASY ACES (Anaein) 

• I LOVE A MYSTERY 
(FUischmann's) 

• INNER SANCTUM (Carter 
Modicino) 

you\re in Good Company 

on the Blue Ribbon Station 





Wednesdaj, July 16, 1941 



RADIO 31 



CANADIAN SPOT BIZ SmFTS 



.S. SALES- REPS 
FEELING PINCH 



War Conditions, Establish- 
ment of Canadian 
Branches of American 
Firms, and CBC's Bargain 
Rates for Hook-Ups All 
Adversely Affecting Spot 
Placements From Yank 
Side 



Everett Station Readying 

Everett, Wash., July 15. 

Construction. of studios and trans- 
mitter of KEVE, new 500 watt sta- 
tion here, is proceeding with build- 
ing expected to be completed by 
Aug. 10. New station will be. on 
1460 kc. Lloyd Walgren will be gen- 
eral manager, and Cliff Hansen, now 
news editor at KOL, Seattle, opera- 
tions manager. 

Present plans call for much local 
production, news periods on the half 
hour and hour, and remote lines into 
several nearby towns. A 1,000 watt 
Western Electric transmitter is being 
installed. 

Everett is about 30 miles north- of 
Seattle. 



50% OFF? 



station reps report that the spot 
business booked out of the States on 
Canadian stations for the past six 
months has been 50% under what 
it was for the like period of 1940. 
One rep stated last week that where- 
as his Canadian business a year ago 
represented 25% of his gross that 
end of his bookings is now down to 
the point where it figures less than 
5% of his gross overlurn. 

The American reps with. Dominion 
station alliances credit the drastic 
downbeat in spot expenditures from 
this side to three things. They are: 

1. Defense requirements in Can- 
ada have curtailed many normal in- 
dustries and stemmed the flow of 
money for imports with the result 
that American manufacturers have 
been, discouraged from advertising 
their wares In the Dominion. 

2. Many American concerns have 
established branches in Canada and 
it has become almost an axiom that 
as soon as a branch manager has got 
himself established to the point 
where he thinks he knows the ter- 
ritory's merchandising problems he 
demands that he be allowed to place 
his own advertising. 

3. The • Canadian Broadcasting 
Corp", has put its price for station 
hookups so low that advertisers in 

■ the States have found it more eco- 
, nomital to buy such a hookup from 
the CBC than to place their business 
on a spot basis. For instance, for 
the same money that an American 
station . rep would require for the 
Jrst 13. markets an advertiser can 
now buy in a CBC hookup not only 
these same 13 markets but 14 others, 
making altogether 27 markets. 



SEEKS WAVE VACATED 
BY KXYZ, HOUSTON 



Houston, July 15 
•H. C. Cockburn, real estate and 
oil man is seeking the facilities va 
cated by station KXYZ here in i 
recent power and wave length- move 
granted by the Federal Communica 
tlons Commissions to KXYZ. . . 

Cockburn has applied to the FCC 
for a new fulltlme station, regional, 
to operate here with 1,000 watts on 
1,470 kilocycles uniler the name of 
the San Jacinto Broadcasting Co. 
. .Besides KXYZ, this city has KPRC 
and KTRH. 



WHYN, Holyoke, Debuts 
: Supplementary Studios 

Holyoke, Mass., July IS. 
, Studios of WHYN at the trans- 
witter in South Hadley Falls were 
dedicated formally Sunday after- 
noon (13) with a program which in- 
cluded music by the Army Base Glee 
Club of Boston, the 191st Cavalry 
band from Fort Cevens, and a 
double Quartet from the Boston 
army base.. 

Charles N, DeRose, station man 
aser, and .the staff held open house 
throughout the day. 

Steubenville Sets Rep 

. . Steubenville, O., July 15 

WSTV, Steubenville, O., has r 
pointed International Radio Sales 
{Wtional representative, ~ ' 
"nmedfattly. 
i^tst'on operates on 1340 kilocycles, 

Slth Jso ' watts vowAit tuUimited 
me. 



ap 

as 



effective 



WJR MAN HELPS CKLW 
OUT OF ENGINEER CRISIS 



Detroit, July 15. 
George Funkey, remote engineer 
for CKLW which handled the Amer- 
ican-National League annual All- 
Star game for Mutual, was suddenly 
stricken with colitis and hurriedly 
off to the hospital just Ijffore the 
game. 

• In the emergency, WJR (CBS), 
loaned out its remote engineer, Ken- 
neth Neubrecht, who as a night 
worker was roused out of bed and 
hurried into the game. 



San Antonio— ^Jerry Lee has been" 
added to the announcing staff of sta 
tion WOAI. 



'No Charge for Defense Programs 
Should Be Asked or Expected'-NAB 



Washington, July 15. 
Radio doesn't want any of the 
Government cash being spent to 
finance advertisements to attract 
navy recruits, defense workers, etc., 
the National Association of Broad- 
casters executive committee so de- 
clared itself on Monday (14). Any 
demand for payment for radio pro- 
grams boosting defense activities 
'might restrict rather than enhance 
the most effective utilization of 
broadcasting during the present 



emei-gency' Industry spokesmen de- 
clared. 

Committee suggested stations 
should continue donating facilities 
but should . also blow radio's own 
horn by informing listeners that all 
Government and defense programs 
are being carried without cost to 
taxpayers. 



Florence George on Kraft show 
July 24. Her husband, Everett 
Crosby, egented the deal. 



«MEET HUGH MOOR£ AND FAMILY" 



The family of Hugh Moore of Franklin County, Kentucky it repre- 
sentative of the progressive WLW rural audience in the famed Blue 
Grass region. Mr. Moore is a member of the Franklin County Farm 
Bureau and his wife is active in the Hememakers Club of the com- 
munity. ' ' 

The Moores have two grown children, Barbara 19, who is a 
junior at Kentucky State University and Hugh, Jr. who is 23 and is at 
present Secretary-Treasurer and chief clerk of the Franklin County 
Agricultural Conservation Association. \.' 

Although the Moores live over a hundred miles southwest of 
Cincinnati, they depend upon the clear channel facilities of WLW 
to bring them their favorite programs of entertainment, news, 
weather and stock market reports. 



ThbfMn-yMr.*M Ann* Maoi* 
I* fh*wn tfn loblni • f*w 
oMnutH *t nymxmlUn alter ■ 
b<liy day at irMt^art High 
Schaal whara tka If a topha. 
man. Tha WIW pra*ram> 
which paitlculariy m—l with 
-Anna's apfKaval mm LIcM af 
lha WerM and Flkbaf McOaa 
and Mally. 





Hagli Maara and hit Ona laam mt rnutat «a taan hara In • H^acc* 

a naxl A.b»>I «f H.a <l|ar.tta. af Ika na^. Uka ^';Z;;'2jr.^iIrZJ^^ 
t*i. Moara U partlcalaHy Inlamlad In Ida waa*a» and ^u.^ 
braadcati by lha f4allan'l SlaHan at Hnta« whan It b eanvaatant far Hia Mmar la lilian. 



REPRESEMTATiVIl! N.» Yart - Tr.B..n,.rl.« Iraadctb, I. T.I.vI.t.- Crp. CII*.,. - WLW. 130 N. Mich!,.. A».a... - l.t.r..tl»..l Udl. 



WLW 



THE NATION'S 
STATION 



32 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



From the Pirodoctioii Centres 
♦♦♦«♦♦♦♦♦«♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦<♦♦♦♦♦♦ t" 



IIS mW YORK CITY . . . 

Harold J. Kratzert, chief engineer, and Marshall Shantz, announcer, ot 
WJTN, Jamestown, N. Y., assigned again to handle coast-to-coast NBC 

broadcasts ot the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra George Zachary 

and Marian Shockley (Mrs. Zachary) to Cape Cod for brief visit 

Anthony Ross, cop of in the legit 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' playing a gang- 
ster in WOR-Mutual's serial, 'We Are Always Young' Zita Johann 

added to same cast Enny De Vrles, continental singer formerly on 

WWRL, added to NBC's short-wave 'French. Hour' series Leola Beulow 

taking holiday from scripting for World Broadcasting to sit in on prep- 
arations for the tryout of her legit play, 'Thank Your Stars,' at Goshen 

(N.Y.) Community playhouse, for a week starting Monday (21) Sandra 

Gould to the Coast for screen test and to line up stores to handle her 
Jewelry designs. .. .Mutual network headquarters in New York opened its 
own mailing room, distinct from WOR's, in charge of Ed Gross. 

Lyn Murray making another series of musical spot recordings for Swan 
soap . . . Laurence S. Harding out of hospital and assisting Earle McGill 
on production of 'Millions for Defense' . . . Also collaborated with Wendell 
Adams on a new song, "'Daybreak,' published by Marks . . . Kay Wiley, 
Ingenue of the Studio Players, dramatic group at WWRL, appearing in the 
Jean Muir^anford Meisner strawhat tr«upe at Suffern, N. Y. . . . Ross 
Sisters doing new five-weekly series on NBC-Blue (WJZ). 

Billy Hillpot, NBC-Blue program exec, vacationing at Squam Lake, N. H. 
. . . Phil Carlin, NBC-Red program director, back from Guilford (Conn.) 
fl9hin<! vacation, and Tommy Velotta, his assistant, goes away this week. 
« , . The Robinsons, choral octet, doing new Sunday morning series on 
« WINS . . . Pattl Chapin doing vocal series Saturday afternoons from WTIC, 
Hartfbrd, on NBC-Red .' . . 'Behind, the Mike' off the air for two weeks, 
•with 'Stars in the Afternoon' replacing it Sunday afternoons on NBC- 
Blue-. . . William Wilgus producing new 'Allen Prescott' variety show on 
WJZ-NBC, with Lee Bloomgarden assisting on the script 

'Cavalcade of x Literature,' recorded Shakespearean series by Maurice 
Evans, John Banymore, John Gjelgud and the Orson Welles-Mercury 
Theatre troupe, being aired Saturday nights by WNYC . . . Next Wednesday 
(23) night's 'Millions for Defense' show will have Alexander WooUcott, 
Irving Berlin, Helen Jepson, Albert Spalding and Ilka Chaise from the east, 
with Abbott and Costello and Raymond Massey from the Coast. . .'Sher- 
lock Holmes' returns Oct. 5 to NBC-Red for Bromo-Scltzer. 

Paul Talbot in cast of new 'Aunt Jenny' series, running several weeks. 
. .. Florence Reed starred in tonight's (Wednesday) 'Grand Central Sta- 
tion' . . . Al Shean tops next week's (23) cast . . . Ira Ashley directs the 
series . . ..Bill JeSeray, WAAT announcer, to marry Audrey Druhmel, a 
Powers model . . . Ted Bates left Thursday (10) for three weeks of fishing 
off Newfoundland . . . 'Deadline Dramas' goes off WEAF-NBC after this 
Sunday (20) night's show. 

Bob Kieve, the Harvard stude who- works summers in the WAAT special 
events department, appointed publicity director of Intercollegiate Broad- 
casting System, the chain of intra-university wired radio stations , . . 
Clarence Fuhrman orcb, with Bonnie Stewart vocaling, doing 'We Present' 
program Wednesday nights out of KYW, Philly, via NBC-Red . . . Gloria 
Whitney, fornler Russ Morgan vocali-t, dQing two-a-week series on WHN. 
. . . Bill Stern cruising up the Sound for three weeks . . . Jack McCarthy 
subbing on his sports shows. 

Cornelia Otis Skinner guesting tomorrow night .(Thursday) on 'Sky 
Over Britain' on WOR-Mutual . . . Clarence Menser, NBC production di- 
rector, to Coast' f ot a couple, of weeks . . . James M. Minifle, chief of the 
N. Y. Herald Tribune office in London, currently on sick leave in New 
York, will take over the Raymond Gram Swing -pot on WOR-Mutual next 
Tuesday-Wednesday (22-23) . . . Swing is due back July 25 in the U. S. 

LeWis Titterton, NBC script head, on jury duty . . r Stockton Hellflrich, 

his assistant, to be a father soon . . . C. J. Ingram, radio editor of the Jersey 
(City) Journal, off the air permanently . . . He did 'Stardust' series on 
WAAT for nearly 11 years. 

Benay Venuta, who was oh the 'Quizzer Baseball' for the opening stanza 
two weeks ago, returns effective tonight (Wednesday) for the remaining 
seven broadcasts . . . Ma'jor Bowes still recuping from operation, so Morton 
Gould continues as replacement ... Ed East dropped his 'Kitchen Quiz' and 
'Breakfast in Bedlam' for two weeks' vacation, but completing the 'Colgate 
Spotlight' series Saturd&y nights . . . 'Kitchen Quiz' returns in September 
for ll^hite Rose tea . . . Mary Mason back from the Coast and to Newport 
for appearance next week In 'Male Animal,' tlien does 'Maudie' series for 
Wonder bread, starting Aug. 14 . , ; Bert Kalmar, Jr., announcer-actor- 
writer son of the film song write r, acripting-producing 'Tent Show,' back- 
stage camey story series on WINS Friday nights, starting this week (IB), 
with Robert Kerr and Gertrude Crippen rounding out the three-person 
cast. 



guesters on 'Millions For Defense.' Lined up for early shots are Charlie 
Chaplin, Bums and Allen, Fibber McGee and Molly, Jack Benny and 
Abbott and Costello. .. .Bob Brewster and Cal Kuhl traded producer Jobs 
on J. Walter Thompson shows. Kuhl returns to Kraft and Brewster goes 
into the control room on the. Tommy Riggs Coast show for Old Gold..,. 
Blocked in its efforts to broadcast the concerts and operas in the current 
Symphonies Under the Stars series In Hollywood Bowl, Don Lee tied up 
the dress rehearsals for the entire Mutual network. Mike picks up the 
warmups without benefit of advance preparation or scrips, with Eddie 

Albright on the narration end Kraft Music Hall renewed for another 

year David Broekman here for a few weeks to warm up his baton for 

an imminent musical program from the east Bob Jennings 'just looking 

over' the Hollywood scene for the Kastor agency, of which he is the radio 

head Tom Revere ditto for Benton & Bowles Crane Wilbur, head 

man on 'Big Town, cruising in Alaskan waters with the missus Werner 

Janssen mounts the podium for six programs ot Standard Symphony over 

the Don Lee net when he concludes his South American tour Don 

Gilman, Don Wilson and Martha Tilton helped KOB, Albuquerque, dedi- 
cate Its 80,000-watt transmitter.,.. BiU Goodwin, Wen Niles and Don 
Prindle dug down in the poke for alfalfa acreage In the San Joaquin 
valley. Biggest landowner of the kilocycle high-incomers is Al Pearce . . . . 
Radio City, Jr, getting a casing from C. L. Menser, of NBC, New York. . . . 
Jack Benny skimming over the trails to Waukegan, with his film stand-in 
at the whtel. Bill Morrow took the air route to visit his ma in Palatine, 

111 Don Thompson, NBC's special events head in Hollywood, into active 

service as naval lieutenant 



IN SAN FRANCISCO ... 

H. M. Jackson, San Francisco lad who Is now manager far Radio Sales 

jn Chicago, becomes a bridegroom Saturday (19) the gal is Mary Brooks 

6f G. Sumner Lynn agency, N.Y KYA extending its remotes far afield 

to cover tour of Dude Martin ranchers, latest pickups being from Redwood 
City and Sonoma. .. .Lois Moran, former film star, 'waxing operatic at 

Photo tc Sound Eddie House, KROW singing organist, has contributed 

a ditty, 'Dig Down, Keep 'Em Smiling,' to the USO House is author of 

a recently published number, 'I'm In Love With the Sound Effects Man' 
....Direct mflU exhibit -of NBC Hollywood (Bob McAndrews, ex-KPO) 
won first prize at PACA convention in Santa Barbara' with K(30-KPO 

(Jack Campbell) coming in second Gordon Owen, head of Radio Sales, 

booked to speak on 'Effect oT FCC Decisions on Broadcasting' before 

Financial Statisticians of Frisco this week Dick Aurandt's tune. There'll 

Never Be a Blackout of Democracy' adopted by Pacific Coast Committee 
ot USO as theroesong K(^0-KPO studios now piping two weekly pro- 
duction shows transcontinentally with inauguration of 'Open House,' air- 
ing from the War Department theatre at the Presidio here second is 

"Beautiful Music' with Ricardo's orch and woman commentator. - 

Bus-load pf local talent treks to Salinas Friday (18) to entertain and 
be entertained at the annual rodeo.. Larry Keating ot KGO-KPO will 
m.c. Others participating are Mary Door, Tommy Franklin, KLS; Art 
Fadden, Judy Dean, Ira Blue, Ralph and Sherwood Brunton, KJBS-KQW; 
Paul West, Harlan Dunning, Peggy Foley, KSFO; Bob Bence, KFRC; 
Fred Briggs, Ruth Keator, Carl Neilson, Lillian Holmes, Lou Simon, KYA; 
Lew Keplinger, Jack Patten, KSAN; Will Aubrey, Camilla Romo, Agatha 
Turl'ey, Gladys Simpson, Elizabeth Russell, Sonia Shaw, Babette, Ruth 
Sprague; Wayne & Grant, Lee Strahorn, Kay Barr, NBC; Arthur West- 

lund, KRE With FCC okay to jump power from 1,000 to 6,000 watts, 

KROW is installing a three^tower directional . antenna, said first of its 
kind on the Coast, to beam toward inland territories and cut down waste 
wattage over the Pacific Ocean. .. .KSAN has sold a give-away show to 
Sun Spot, soft drink outfit, calling for handout of 18 six-bottle cdrtons of 
the beverage nightly. Sponsor has a five-minute slot at 5:10 p.m. during 
which 18 names are called at random from the phone book. To collect 
those named must phone or write tor their prize within 24 hours.... 
KSAN has sold a semi-pro live talent show to Blossom Brand Honey, a 
IS-minute weekly slot pegged by Holmes & Barton. Quarter uses vocalists 
and a dramatic sketch. 



IN HOLLYWOOD , . . 

With time on his hands, having completed his Paramount picture and 
his race tracic at Del Mar not opening until first of next month, Bing 
Crosby decided to stay on Kraft Music Hall beyond his original summer 
exit last week.' He now drops oS July 31 for his quarterly loafing spell 
and through the season takes five weeks off at hia discretion as per con- 
tract.... Jerry Lester has been put tmder a term contract by J. Walter 
Thompson and becomes a regular on Kraft, filling the spot vacated by Bob 
Bums, who heads his own show for Campbell soup. Understand Burns 
will get a buildup as Will Rogers successor in his 'Arkansaw Traveler' 
character. .. .Hal Block in from the east to write the comedy spots for 



fJV CHICAGO . . . 

With Joe Emerson on a short vacash to his North Carolina farm, the 
'Hymns of All Churches' program proceeds with the staff choir and Pierre 

Andre as special kibitzer Frayn Utley of WBBM with femme chatter 

program tagged 'A Woman's 'Viewpoint*. .. .Stella White, former continuity 
chief for WIND, has authored new 15-mlnute flve-a-week strip titled 
'Draft Wife'. . . .Ross Davidson, son of announcer David Ross, joins 'WBBM 
here as spieler for the summer season, returning to the U. of Wisconsin 
in the fall. .Frank Parker in to warble for the convention of E. R. Squibb 
firm. . . .Harry Kopf back from quick Wisconsin- fishing trip. 



I 



MAXINE SULLIVAN 

CURRENTLY PERSONAL APPEARANCE 
TOUR OF ONE NIGHTERS 



(Started Jaly trd) 



GUEST STAR 

FORD SUMMER PROGRAM 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH 

8 P.M, EJ>.S.T. 

DECCA RECORDS 
Personal Management •!• COLUMBIA ARTISTS, INC. 



ULMEROUT.SO 
KTBC OKAYED 



Washington, July 15. 

The Federal Conummications 
Commission last week restored 
KTBC, Austin, Tex., to the one-year 
license category. The' station had 
been in bad standing with the com- 
mission as a result of the dummy 
corporations jam . which torced ' the 
exit of Rev. James G. Ulmer from 
the broadcastin g bu siness. Present 
holders of the KTBC license Is the 
State Capitol Broadcasting Associa- 
tion, Inc., with R. B. Anderson, R, A. 
Stuart and A. W. Walker, Jr., as 
stockholders. 

Main reason.. which the FCC ga-ve 
for taking the station out of the 
temporary license class and granting 
It one that runs until June 1, 1942, 
was that Ulmer had completely dis- 
associated himself from the opera 
tion and would not be connected 
with it in any way in the future. 

Ulmer had made it a practice of 
inducing local business men and and 
civic leaders to appear as licensee 
while he took ' over actual control 
and operation qf the, stations. Most 
of the other stations' involved have 
also bad their long term licenses re- 
stored. 



Jan King, Frances Searle 
In Seattle Partnership 

Seattle, July 15. 
Jan King, former sales promotion 
man ' and station manager, has 
teamed with Frances Searle, former 
space buyer lor the Coast agency, 
to form a new advertising agency, 
Jan King Associates, with offices 
here. Outfit will alsb act as station 
reps. 

Before assisting P. C. Handerson 
on sales promotion for Goodrich 
rubber, King was manager of KFAB, 
Laredo, Texas. 



Joe Weed Reps WSUN 



WSUN, St.. Petersburg-Tampa, has 
appointed Weed 8c Co. as its national 
sales reps. Assignment became ef- 
fective yesterday (Tuesday). 

Station, which is owned by the 
St Petersburg municipality, operates 
at 5,000 watts full time .on 620 kc, 
and is affiliated with the NBC-Blue. 



TELEVISION 
RACKETEERS 
TO JAIL 



Washington, July 15, 
Federal prosecutors last week 
brought about Imprisonment of five 
promoters in allegedly selling fraud, 
ulent stock of the Television Sc Elec- 
trie Corp. of America and Television 
&. Projector Corp, first of the suc- 
cessful efforts to prevent mulcting 
investors through sale of paper in 
video equipment firms. Several 
other get-rich-quick schemes in- . 
volving either aural or visual radio 
are said to be under Investigation. 

Guilty pleas were returned in Fed-, 
eral District Court for Eastern Ten- 
nessee after indictments obtained by 
the Securities Si Exchange Commis- 
sion and the Justice Department 
Dptendants were accused of vio- 
lating the Securities Act of 1933 by 
misrepresenting the stability of the 
enterprises. Indictment said false 
statements were made concerning 
the earning power of Television Sc 
Projector, the development of a re- 
ceiver for general home use, and 
listing on the New York Stock Ex-- 
change. Previously the defendants 
were convicted but got a new trial 
fi'om the appellate court because of 
alleged prejudice on the part of 
jurymen. 

Two year sentences were handed 
Harold F. Stone of New York, one ot 
the underwriters of the paper, and 
E. T. Shaw, Sam C. Kennedy, and 
John G. Anderson of Knoxville. 
Ellas P. Stone of New York, joint 
underwriter, drew 11 .months 29 
days. 

In recent years there have been 
several incidents of stock promotion 
on behalf of radio broadcasting and 
manufacturing companies with little 
more than a paper existence and. 
fantastically ambitious plans. Xjick 
of coordination between the FCC 
and the SEC made it difficult to put 
a stop to these gouges before they 
had brought in considerable sums. 
Understood that now whenever an 
application from a radio or video 
outfit comes in; the SEC checks with 
the FCC to find out whether the 
promoters are on the up-and-up.. 



DORSEY TOPS MILLER 
IN BLOCK'S ELECTION 



Tommy Dorsey. has replaced Glenn 
Miller as winner of the semi-annual^ 
popularity poll of band leaders, con- 
ducted by Martin Block, whose re- 
corded 'Make-Believe Ballrooni' is 
heard over 'WNEW, New York. Dor- 
sey ran second to Miller in the last 
two polls. 

Third place was won by Jimmy 
Dorsey, with 'Vaughn Monroe, Benny 
Goodman, Sammy Kaye, Artie Shaw, 
Harry James, Gene Krupa and 
Alvlno Rey following in that order. 
Dorsey will guest on 'Ballroom' to- 
night (Wednesday). « 



Italy barred NBC newscasts Tues- 
day. Day before CBS was back on 
air Irbm Berlin after two-week spat 
with Axis censors. 



Ktw» and 
TIairi bjr 

John.B. 
Hughes 

» a. m. Mondar Thni Friday 
BpoMortd by A«t>frtao« 




Bessie Love Retirement 
Ends; Appears on BBC 

London, June 2B. 

Bessie Love, silent film star, will 
air the lead in Henry James' story, 
'Four Meetings.' y 

It's her first radio chore this side, 
coming out of retirement in the first 
plape to do a picture bit for Warners 
here. 



SALES GO SOARlNCr. 

^^^St4 You USL 




ASK Any BIAIR MAH 
OH US. 



Wednesday* July 16, 1941 



RADIO MARKETS 33 



WBAL s 50 Kw. 
Biggest Thing In 
Shrinking Balto 



Baltimore, July 15. 

Network has taken a lacing her* 
although local and national spot 
more than held their own. WBAL 
finally completed its extensive ex- 
pansion and went 50,000 watts lull 
time this week. > 

WCBM: Royal Crown Cola through 
BBD&O, 22 spots a week for 13 
weeks; Kitty Hughes (milinery) 
through Courtland D. Ferguson, 260 
spots; Jos. Amoiski (Philco & 
Norge) through Harry J. Patz, 195 
spots. 

WBAL: Koyal Crown Cola through 
BBD&O, 200 one-minute transcrip- 
tions; Ralston Purina Co., via White 
Adv., 57 quarter-hour programs; Md. 
Pharmaceutical Co. (Rem it Rel) 
through Jos Katz, 301 one-minute 
transcriptions; Macfadden Publica- 
tions (Liberty) through Erwift Wa- 
sey, 156 one hvmdred-word spots. 

WCAO: S. & N. Katz (jewelers) 
through Jos. Katz, renewed seven 
p.m. spots a week; Crosse Sc. Black- 
well through Harry J. Patz, seven 
spots, a week for year. 

WFBR: Rockwell Candy through 
Federal Adv., renewed participa- 
tions on women's programs; Peter 
Paul (Mounds) through Platt-Forbes, 
52 five-minute news periods; Medi- 
cal-Dental Exchange, through Henry 

Kaufman. 24 spots a week. 

] Comparative Unit Count [ 

— ' %~5r 

Jaly 12. Jnly 6. ChaDge. 
Network . . 7,665 8,210 — 6.6 

Local 4,739 4,732 + 0.1 

Nat'l Spot; . 1,936 2,210 —12.4 

ToUI 14,340 15,152 — 6.4 

(Included: WBAL, WCAO, WCBM, 
WFBR) 



BRADY8 AND O'MALLEYS 

Sure and It'i Fine MobIo They're 
A-Sponsorlnf on WDAS, Phllly 



Philadelphia, July 16. 

Three firms have purchased 80- 
minute programs of Irish music on 
WDAS starting next week. The 
broadcasts employ the Four Prov- 
inces Irish Orchestra with Station 
Manager Pat Stanton as m.c. The 
new bankrollers are Brady's, Inc. 
(furniture), Finaren & Haley (paint 
manufacturers), and the O'Malley 
Coal Company. The contracts are to 
run for 13 weeks. 

The P. LorUlard Company re- 
newed Its 15-minute sports prograiA 
handled by Kerby Cushlng on KYW, 
to run for an additional 13 weeks. 
The account was placed by Lennen 
& Mitchell. 



ComparatlTe Unit Count 



%of 

Jnly 12, July 6 Change. 
Network ... 9,653 10,045 —3.9 
Local ...... 19,861 20,610 —3.5 

Nat'l Spot., 4,653 4,429 +2.8 
Total 84,087 85,084 —2.8 



HAAN TYLEE'S TRIPS EAST 

San Francisco, July 15. 

Haan Tyler, KSFO sales manager, 
off to Chi and Gotham Friday (18) 
on the first of a series of semi-an- 
nual jaunts to eastern markets. 

Will spend a week In each spot, 
headquartering in Petry oilices, and 
returning here Aug. 5. 



Ifoaiig Women of All 
Ages' On KIRO, Seattle, 
For Bests Dept Store 



Seattle, July 15. 

Business dropped ofl here the past 
week, due mostly to the summer lay- 
off of some network shows; KOL 
losing 'Hollywood Whispers' and 
'Captain Midnight.' Local business 
up a little to partly offset drops and 
national spots are holding their own. 

KIRO sold Bests, local women's 
department store a half hour Sun- 
day show for an indefinite run. Pro- 
gram Is 'Young Women of All Ages,' 
a round table discussion bee. Carroll 
Foster acts as moderator. 

Foster's 'Background for War' 
recap of war news, has been upped 
to four times a week from former 
twice weekly schedule. Ben Tipp, 
jeweler, bankrolls. 



Comparative Unit Connt 



% of 

July 12. July 5 Change. 
Network ... 7,185 - 7,360 —2.4 

Local 6,833 6,782 +0.8 

Natl Spot.. 742 730 +1.6 

ToUI 14,760 14,872 — OJ 

(Included: KIRO, KOL, KHSC) 



WKBB, LaCrosse, Wis., last week 
started the 'Mystery Man' series for 
General Mills on a basis of five 
quarter hours a week. 



San Francisco Market Is Perky 

Standard Oil Symphony Hangs in Balance 15 Days 
As KFRC Has Nerves 



San Francisco, July IS. 

Things were boiling on Frisco's 
radio row this week and It wasn't 
the summer heat. 

Fletcher Wiley's Campbell Soup 
contract, which requires him to give 
up his Housewives' Protective 
League on KNX, touched off a string 
of changes at CBS here. Galen 
Drake, Wiley's branch broadcaster 
on KSFO, moves south into his 
master's Hollywood pitch starting 
Aug. 4; The local 60-minute show, 
with 16 participating sponsors, will 
be continued by KSFO on its own, 
with Gordon Owen coming over 
from Radio Sales for the choice 
chore. 

Owen only recently was respon- 
sible for the establishment of a Ra- 
dio Sales office In Frisco as a re- 
sult of jumping national spot con- 
tracts cut of this area 400% In less 
than a year. Chap has an equally 
good record as mike talent and com- 
bination of hli twin abilities should 
give KSFO a one-man goldmine. 

At KPRC, Boss Bill Pabst was pre- 
paring to breathe again as the 
Standard Symphony (Standard Oil 



of Cal.) renewal appeared in the 
bag after a 15-day extension during 
which everybody had anxious hours. 
CBS was approached but couldn't 
see the guaranteed time deal sought 
by the oiler, and tor a time it looked 
as though the show might land back 
on NBC Red. KFRC-Don Lee has 
done a magnificent production job 
for Standard during the past year 
and has made every possible con- 
cession, including guaranteed time, 
but the show has still hovered 
around a 3.7 Hooper compared to the 
8 and 9 it used to have on NBC. In 
addition the agency (McCann-Erick- 
son) has planted another of its showi 
(Death Valley Days) opposite the 
last half-hour of the symph on 
CBS, which caused some frowns. At 
last report, however, contracts were 
ready for the ink. 



Comparative Unit Connt 









% of 




July 12 


July 6 Chang* 


Network . , 


8,975 


9,006 


— a.t 




3,964 


3,924 


+0.f 


Nat'l Spot.. 


1,586 


1,619 


—2 




14,525 


14,548 


—•J 


(Included: 


KFRC, 


KGO, 


KJBS, 



KPO, KSFO) 



TOURIST ASSOCIATION 
SET ON CKLW, DETROIT 



Detroit, July 15. 

Continuing to show improve- 
ment national spot business climbed 
better than 3% during the past week 
to hang up a gain of close to 5% in 
the past two weeks. The improve- 
ment here was considered signifi- 
cant by stations for the category is 
the sole one behind the listings of 
1940 and the bettered position is re- 
flective of a more generally sound 
position than a year ago. 

Local business dipped but the loss 
was not considered major since the 
category still is running 2,000 units 
above tlie previous year's level at 
this season. Network time also is 
up 700 units over a year ago al- 
though the week showed another re- 
cession. National spot, finally im- 
proving, is approximately 600 units 
off the 1940 pace. However, a con- 
siderable portion of the Detroit skid 
is refiective of one station having a 
wide, range of uos and downs..... ... _ 

CKLW: Southeastern Michigan 
Tourist Assoclatton, 'Wings Over 
Michigan,' 30 minutes, seven a week, 
four weeks renewal, through Robert 
PoweU Agency; Currier Lumber Co., 
'Dream House,' musical, quarter 
hour, Sundays, 13 weks, direct. 
I Cqjmparatlve. Unit Count , f 



% of 

July 12 July 5 Change 
Network ... 7,823 7,954 —1.6 

Local 12,490 12,976 —3.7 

Natl Spot.. 4.718 4,561 +8.4 

T.otel w ^....2fi,Ml IS,491_ -srlA 



IT'S YAWNY TIME IN UTAH 



Not Much Activity — Some *^lz Drops 
Oir, Not Mooh Comes In 



Salt Lake City, July 10. 
'This Is the season of not much 
<loing and the station unit counts 
show it clearly. Typical perhaps is 
the story at the youngest and small- 
est station, KUTA, where the ebb 
and flow includes the dropping of 
some locals compensated by small 
loads of announcements for the Salt 
Lake City Celebration, Hiit Sut and 
Thompson Shoe and a renewal on 
Marlin safety razor copy from Cra- 
ven & Heddrick. 



Comparative Unit Count 



% of 

July 12. July 5. Change. 
Network .. 6,524 6,467 +0.9 

Local 2,213 2,410 —8.2 

Nat'l Spot. . 1,227 1,287 —4.7 

Tola! 9,964 10,164 —1.9 

(Included: KDYL, KSL, KUTA) 



It's 6 of DON LEE and a 
half dozen of the other 



AMONG THI TOP 14 HOOPW »ATI» PACIW COAlt 
CVININO SHOWS DON III TII» »«» 



f 




DON ill 

I Lone Ranger 
of 

woCitie* 
6I9 pjn. N«w» 

jlNcwi&VUwi 



COIVMPIA 



j.B.Hugii«« mi) 



wood 
Bill Henry 



NIC RIP 

Slgnd 
Carnival 

Tommy Rigg* 

Hawtbo(09 
HouM 

Night Editor 

Richfield 
i^ftei 

Point Sublime 




th. »bov< «gur« .r. for A. m«ropoli«» .«« of 1« ^S*!^' 

tion ,h. 28 .adi.ion.l mark.,. «h.« Don U. ha. pr««k. 4^ 
«S«lv. coverage. 11.1. 1. «.othM good r««.« why tho« F«. 

pf the Pacific Coast, 




DON LEE 

























1- ■ -r-'',/ 



84 



RADIO RBVIKWV 



Wednesdaj, July 16, 1941 



MONEY-BACK 
GUARANTEE! 

On This Outetanding 
Radio ArtiBt 




Colonel 

JIM HEALEY 

ACE NEWS COMMENTATOR 

and Po«t-Phitoiopher " 

* ★ * ★ * 

No HookBl No Catcheil 
YOU B« th* Judge! 

• 

COLONEL JIM 
HEALEY'S OFFER t 

"I WANT A METWOBK'SFONSPB. 

I don't care how big the notwork. 
aa long tia the product merlta my 
personal endoraeznent, 

I'll take a thirteen-week contraot 
at minim tun ratea. At the end of 
thirteen weeks, jou, the client, must 
feel that I've done a vood job» must 
renew, or I'll return every last thin 
dime you've paid met" 

CAN HEALEY 
DO TllE JOB? 

• 

Look at th« 

RECORD! 

Now SponMored: 

• p. Lorlllard: Three daytime qu^- 
ter hours per week, WOT. 

• Central (Super) Marketi: Three 
evening quarter bonra per week, 
WTRT. 

Previotu Sporuora: 

• Sun Oil Co., rears. 

• Penn Tobacco Co., I yeara. 

• The Hudson Coal Co., 1 year (NBC 
Red Network). 

• William W. Lee tc Co.,' I year (two 
stations). 

J'ort Orange Chemical Co., 1 year. 

• ALSO: Bnoiortd Tuleua ititloni bi 
KNOX OELATINB CO., BAND SPRINOa 
CORP., PETER aCHUTLEB CIOARB. 
BARATOOA VICHT BFBINO CO. (Stuoul 

ClDPalBUf.) 



Twenty-Tlueo Tears' Major 
Newspiaper Experience 

REPORTER 

BDITOft" 

COLUMNIST 

Continnoiuly Sponsored on 
One or More Stations 
1933-1941 



RATES Are RIGHTl 

For Full FartlcDlar* Wrll«: 



JIM HEALEY 



5 TURNER PLACE 
ALBANY, NEW YORK 



SATUBDAT MORNING VAUDE- 
VILLE THEATBE 

With Charles Kemper, Jeu Mack, 
Dick Todd, The Folka Dote (4), 
Anita Boyer, Symphonettes (3), 
Joan Shea, Jim Anieche, D'Ar- 
tega'g Orchestra 

Bevne 

30 Mlns. 

LEVEB (SPBT and RINSO) 
Saturday, 11:30 a.m. 
WEAF-NBC, New York 

CRuthraujO' & 'Rlia.n) 
The vaudeville here is more in the 
title than the show, which is hardly 
different from the established revue 
format radio has largely adhered to 
up to now. The adjective 'stream- 
lined' may explain things. 

First show (12) had seven acts, in- 
cluding m.c. Jim Ameche, and a 
vocal afterpiece. It managed to have 
some novelty via the inclusion of 
impersonator Joan Shea, who did a 
nice iot)T aind The Polka Dots, four- 
man harmonica band who symphon- 
ically treated the 'Anvil Chorus,' 
while Charles Kemper and Jess 
Mack, who will evidently be regu- 
lars on the. program, handled the 
comedy end well with byplay based 
on a Times Square traffic incident. 
Other regulars, besides Ameche, are 
Dick Todd, baritone; Anita Boyer, 
singer, and the Symphonettes, femme 
harmony trio. All of them did well 
on the opening program. Todd 
sounds much like Bing Crosby. 

In the program's favor is the show's 
pacing, with each act held to a ipini- 
mum of time. Thus the singers did 
only one niunber each, and' /then'' 
joined together for the 'Manhattan' 
finale. This show's big problem will 
be in the booking if it's intended to 
give it even a faint resemblance to 
vaudeville. The holding over of the 
comedy team and three singing acts 
leaves the casting director llJOe room 
to give the show new blood every 
week, and there are few novelty acte 
that can be classed as suitable radio 
materiaL If it's to be vaudeville, 
Where's the hoofing, jugglers and 
acrobats? What's most probable is 
that vaudeville will also sooq be for- 

gotten on the air and this show will 
e a revue in name as well as in fact. 
Its best chance for popularity is 
its spotting, with Saturday filler its 
only competition. Lots of workers 
home Saturday a.m., and there must 
be plenty of hotisewlves who would 

g refer to bend an ear to a song than 
ave their ears bent by the soap 
operas. 

'This show also has soap sponsor- 
ship and the commercial copy Is 
corny but painless. Scho. 



20 Winks 



'AMEBIOA FBBFEBBED' 
With Pierre Van Paassen, Herbert 
Gaston, JarmiU Novotna, Major 
Alexander de Seversky, Dean Al- 
fange, Edna Ferber, Maurice Mae- 
terlinck, Henry Bernstein, Countess 
Alexandra Tolstoy, David Lu, 
Claude Bains 
45 Mlns. 
Sustaining 
Sunday 12 Noon 
WOB-Mntnal, New Tork 

Series started Sunday (13) noon 
In cooperation between the Treasury 
Department and Mutual is ostensibly 
to push the sale of defense bon,ds 
ana stainps, but probably also to 
unify even more the American peo- 
ple, particularly the foreign-born 
American people. The program is 
'dedicated to the men and women of 
many lands who have made America 
their home.' Pierre Van Paassen ex- 
plained 'there are no preferred 
Americans,' but this Is to be a pro- 
gram of who believe in 'America 
Preferred.'/ 

That's a rather extensive and In- 
tangible theme for a radio show, but 
Sunday's debut edition measured up 
to the challenge fairly welli con- 
sidering everything. As always on 
a program of this kind, the produc- 
tion was rough in spots, as the ama- 
teur and semi-pro broadcasters at- 
tempted to mesh gears with the in- 
evitably limited rehearsal. But there 
were several genuinely moving bits, 
nearly all provided by show biz pro- 
fessionals, it might be added. Sub- 
sequent stanzas will continue Van 
Paassen as m.c, with numerous name 
guests, mostly foreign-bom Ameri- 
cans. Irvin Sulds, of the Treasury 
Department, is producing. 

After an intro by Van Paassen, 
whose voice, pronunciation and 
speech characteristics are not dis- 
similar. .tQ..J;hose at JLsftpold Sto-- 
kowskl, there was a thank-you spiel 
from Washington by Herbert Gaston, 
assistant secretary of the Treasury'. 
Then Czech-born Jarmila Novotna 
sang an area from Alban Berg's 
'Wosseck' (and later 'Going Home' 
from the 'New World'). After a get- 
together statement by Greek-born 
Dean Alfange, Major Alexander de 
Sevefsky spoke at length and in- 
structively on various phases of the 
air defense program, and Edna Fer- 
ber read a terse, vigorous and in- 
spiring plea for religious and racial 
tolerance. 

Maurice Maeterlinck spoke in 
French, with Van Paassen giving a 

Paraphrased explanation. Henry 
lemstein spoke briefly of the value 
of freedom to writers, Countess 
Alexandra Tolstoy mentioned the 
bonds between American and Rus- 
sian art, thought and religion, and 
David Lu, Chinese correspondent in 
Washington, compared the Chinese 
.fight to the cause of democracy 
against aggression everywhere.* As 
a finale, Claude Rains read a speech 
composed of notable quotes from ad- 
dresses'by Winston Churchill. 



Plenty of Gershwin music on 
the New York air last week, de- 
spite .the ASC^P ban, in anni- 
-versary tribute to the passing of 
the young composer. The small 
stations played records. Mutual 
chipped in from both coasts, and 
no one broadcast the annual 
Lewisohn Stadium concert. Os- 
car Levant was at the piano for 
the Stadium affair and one mu- 
sic critic heralded him as ' the 
final word on Gershwin. If that 
is so, Levant has done some 
sharpening up the past year, for 
the last time this department 
heard him on the air he stum- 
bled his way. through the Con- 
certo. Another critic mentioned 
that the Stadium popularity of 
the 'Porgy and Bess' numbers 
indicated that this would be a 
good time to revive the show. 
With whose dough, brother? . . . 
When Morton GouW does Gersh- 
win what goes 'round and 
'round may be Gershwin, but 
what comes out is CTouId. It was 
pretty bad and the Gershwinites 
will-' probably never forgive him 
for what he did to 'Fascinating 
Rhythm.' David Rose, from 
Hollywood, was more legitimate 
in putting about six Gershwin 
tunes together and delivering as 
written. Linked nicely by or- 
chestration, and well played, it 
made easy listening.. At 4 ajn. 
a Philadelphia sta^n sells bi- 
cycles. What kind of kids do 
they have over there?. . .Dolly 
Dawn is using Mel Allen's base- 
ball opening. ...Igor Gorin, the 
singer, is on WGN of a Satur- 
day night Remember Gorin? 
He was at Metro when Allen 
Jones sang loud, but Igor Gorin 
sang louder than- Allen Jones, 
and kelson Eddy . sang louder 
thpn God. 

Shudders of the week: Those 
Mutual a.m. quarter hour hit- 
and-run band episodes. The bands 
are in and out, and obvious that 
the situation needs attention... 
Martin Block (WNEW) and his 
matinee interviews. A waste of 
time if they're all like the one 
with Benny Goodman. Band 
leaders are not Fred Aliens. 
They need help, and it's up to 
the guy in charge' of the pro- 
gram to see that they get it. 
The boys better give these in- 
terruptions some ■ thought or 
quit interrupting. Dull inter- 
views chase a lot of people. 



'BBI'nSH WAB BELIEF SHOW' 

Transoccanlo 

45 Mins. 

Sunday,' 4:15 pjm. 
WEAF-NBC, New Tork 

British servicemen may be a lot 
easier to please Ihan American audi- 
ences. And they probably enjoyed 
the half-hour morale-builder staged 
for them by the British War Relief 
Society in New York Sunday (13) 
afternoon. It was mild entertain- 
ment, however, by U. S. standards. 
And the 15-minute afterplbce con- 
tributed from London by British per- 
formers added little. Whole show, 
sponsored in England by the Enter- 
tainment National Service Associa- 
tion (equivalent of the USO) ran an 
hour, but the 15-minutes from Lon- 
don, preceding the American partici- 
pation was not carried by NBC. 

New York portion of the broadcast 
was a quickie concoction tossed to- 
gether when the original show slated 
from Hollywood was cancelled. And, 
with nothing but cuffo material to 
work with, producers Ed Pola 
(NBC) and Merrill Denison (British 
War Relief) had a time. Likewise 
the performers. 

Gertrude Lawrence, the star of the 
proceedings, contributed principally 
a sketch, 'Let's Elope',' by Paul 
Phillips, of the NBC scripts depart- 
ment. It started nowhere and got no- 
where. Miss Lawrence was aided by 
AlexisntLec Ciark,-,. _ - 

Jay C. Flippen and Happy Felton, 
who succeeded Olsen and Johnson in 
the New York 'Hellzapoppin' com- 
pany, suffered equally from the lack 
of material. Even in a bomb-shelter 
—or mebbe especially in a bomb- 
shelter—those gags weren't funny. 
Musical portions of program, pro- 
vided by The Charioteers and Harold 
Stern's orch (also from 'Hellz') and 
singers Mary Small and Barbara 
Mahr, were much better. 

London's contribution was billed to 
include Jack Buchanan and Gracie 
Fields, but both were unavailable. 
Evelyn Laye, Leslie Henson, Stanley 
HoUoway and Maggie Teyte filled in 
with songs and patter. Holloway 
took up most of4he 15 minutes with 
a lengthy comical poem on Church- 
ill and the British" spirit, but the 
difficulties of transmission plus his 
thick Lancashire dialect made }t 
tough on American audiences. 

BWR will continue to put on these 
Sunday afternoon shows every few 
weeks. With the quantity of English 
talent available In this country and 
more time to prepare, future pro- 
'"•'>»".<! should be N>*ter. Korb 



QUIZZEBS'- BASEBALL ■ 

With Olenda Farrell, Bndd Haltek, 

Harry Von Zell 
Quia 
30 BUaa. 

IPANA-SAL HEPATICA 
Wednesday, • pjn. 
WEAF-NBC, NeW Tork 

f Young & Rublcatn) 
It's the good old summer time 
when network accounts put their eX' 
pense shows under wraps and almost 
anything passes for entertainment 
This cute little conceit, a pinchhitter 
for Eddie Cantor, comes by way of 
a small midwest station, and is about 
as titillating to the adrenals as a 
game of parchesl. To make sure the 
listeners are kept awake, those re- 
sponsible for the program have re- 
cruited the stentorian tdnsils of 
Harry Von Zell. From him comes a 
steady gibberish about pop balls be- 
ing hit into center field, 'three 
strikes, you're out!' and a flock of 
other baseball nomenclature that 
serves no other purpose but to hold 
down the franchise to the program's 
tiUe. . 

The mechanics of the program re- 
volves around two teams of partici- 
pants, one captained by Glenda Far- 
rell and representing Sal Hepatica 
and the other, captained by Budd 
Hulick in the name of dear olcjl Ipana 
toothpaste. The questions are graded 
according to their simplicity or diffi- 
culty, with the answer counting any- 
thing from a base hit to a home run. 
The team that collects the most runs 
divvies up $100, while the, losing 
team splits $50. • ' 

Neither Miss Farrell nor Hulick 
get much of a chance to cut loose 
with comedy didos or side chatter. 
The pitching of questions is carried 
out with almost dead seriousness. 
Peter Van Steeden breaks in occa- 
sionally with a Uttle music. Odec. 



^ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ MMMM >»» 

: > FoDow Up Comment 



A DATE WITH JDDT' 
With Ann GIIUs, Paul McGrath, Mar- 
garet Bnyton, Dlx Davis, Mercedes 
MoCambrldge, BUI Goodwin. 
30 Mlns. 
PEPSODENT 
Tuesday, 10 pxi. 
WEAF-NBC, New Tork 

(Lord & T\xomas) 
As a summer replacement for Bob 
Hope, Pepsodent is trying to get by 
with this slavish and embarrasingly 
inferior imitation of The Aldrich 
Family.' It's called 'A Date with 
Judy' and, despite a strong cast, 
about the only things to be said in 
its favor are that it probably costs 
very little and suffices to hold the 
network spot (if- not the audience) 
untU fall. 

Single switch from the 'Aldrich' 
pattern is that the juve lead on this 
series is the girl, Judy. 'Where Henry 
Aldrich has a sister getting in his 
hair, Judy has a kid brother, Ran- 
dolph. Where Henry ' has a pal. 
Homer, Judy has a chattering gal 
chum. Where Henry has a father 
and mother whom he continually 
drives into a frenzy, Judy has ditto. 
On Tuesday (8) night's chapter, the 
frenzy-driving took the form of 
spreading, via a 'newspaper' printed 
by the kid brother and his pals, a 
story that her mother was eloping 
with on old sweetheart. 

Whole thing Was unbelievable. 
Characters didn't seem real, the ac- 
tion wasn't credible and the mother's 
phone confab in Judy's presence was 
improperly motivated. The latter bit, 
the key of the yam, seemed deliber- 
ately intended to mislead the kid. 
Instead of the proper illusion, the 
listener tended to get a mental pic- 
ture of a couple of collaborators, 
with an old 'Aldrich' script open on 
the table, feverishly toiling to cram 
in sufficient plot, complications and 
comedy situations. Since the basic 
situation was inherently false, the 
humor tended to be transparent 

With unconvincing material, the 
cast was naturally beaten from the 
start. Ann Gillis, as Judy, and Mar- 
garet Brayton, as Mrs. Foster, had no 
recourse but to play up the frivolous 
quality of the parts, as there was no 
other angle to take. But that ac- 
centuated the siUy character of the 
whole story. Paul McGrath fared a 
trifle, but only a trifle, better as the 
father, but Dix Davis*. jiseudo-adult 
lines as the kid brother were ridicu- 
lously stilted. Mercedes McCam- 
bridge played a small gfrl-friend 
part 

Bill Goodwin read the Pensodent 



OloiU SwBBson, subbing Saturday 
(12) morning on "Voice of Broadway* 
over CBS for maternitylng Dorothy 
Kilgallen, continued the program's 
usual emphasis on the 'glamor' of 
show business. Chosen the previous 
Saturday (in a neat bit of timin° by 
Miss Kilgallen) as the 'best dressed 
woman of the week,' Miss Swansea 
named as her choice for the same 
honors Constance Talmadge. She 
then told several innocuous stories 
about Broadway and Hollywood, in- 
eluding a sentimental lollypop 
which, if true, makes a something! 
or-other of Lew ^Vyres. After being 
interviewed by the announcer, she 
offered as her 'exclusive news of the 
week' the revelation that reports 
that Victor Mature and the former 
Martha Stephenson Kemp have sepa- 
rated are untrue. Since personal 
gossip now seems to be acceptable 
on the networks, it's at least welcome 
to have it in the form of a denial of 
scandal. That's not quite as bad 
taste. Being an actress of experi. 
ence and skill. Miss Swanson has a 
pleasant and clear voice. 



Phll Spitalny.'s Sunday night (13) 
broadcast for General Electric was 
from Pine Camp, Watertown, N. Y, 
before a crowd of 20,000. Working 
in a specially constructed shell on 
the parade grounds, the acoustics 
were surprisingly good. The U. S. 
army men's 'welcome' to the Spital- 
nyites was a parody on 'Little Brown 
Jug' which Pvt. Myron Testament 
vocalized preceding the main bur- 
then of the Spitalny concert. Spital- 
ny himself had a deftly arranged in- 
strumental-vocal program, topped by 
an inspirational 'Onward Christian 
Soldiers,' appropriate to the Sabbath 
eve. Incidentally, Spitalny like 
Sammy Kaye earlier in the day, 
proves that the restriction of certain 
music works no great handicap nn 
him. In particular, since the full, 
svelte Instrumentation lends Itself 
well to treatment of standards, clas- 
sics and such 'popular' music as is 
radio-licensed. 



Bob Emery is now devoting the 
second half of his 'Rainbow House' 
program 11-12 a.m. Saturdays over 
WOR-Mutual to a show by kids from 
the Edwin Gould Foundation, in the 
Bronx, N. Y. That concluding 30 
minutes is mostly by British refugee 
youngsters and is short-waved to' 
England via WRUL, Boston. It's a 
fairly new wrinkle for the seven- 
year-old series. Emery - calls it 
Rainbow 'Cross the Sea.' As caught 
Saturday (12) morning, the moppets 
seemed already to have shed some of 
their British reserve. Under Emery's 
skillfully unostentatious spark- ' 
plugging, the^ laughed and kidded, 
providing a lively and, at moments, 
touchingly gallant Interval. High- 
light was supplied by a very young, 
but unquenchable, ex-Viennese lad, 
who with im-Britlsh spontaneity, 
shouted a piping 'there'll always be 
an England' message. As the finale 
of the program, the various English 
urchins send grestings to their 
parents. 



commercials, a brief opener, a long 
middle one and an interminable 
close. Jerry Schwartz and Aleen 
Leslie get billing as authors. 

Hobe. 



\ SALES APPROACH TO I 
AMERICA'S LARGEST 
I MARKET. 



5000 WATTS ; . : 



THE ON BILLS' 



MOW RADIO'S /ViOSi' POPU!.A!5 
^A;v',I!.Y brings "OU /v>()R:: 
AUGi-liTi; '|i-ARS ^«.o |--{eaRT.T!-!R()BS 



■JCTEII TWICE DAILY 

^NBC Red Network, 12:16 to 12:30 P.M, E08T 
IN WABC— 5:30-B:4& ED8T— CBS 
• • COAST TO COAST 

- - Dir. COUPTON ADVBBTISIKa AQENC^ 
MGT. ED WOLF— RKO BLDG,. NEW YORK CITY 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



RADIO REYIEWS 35 



BATMOND CLAPPER 

VlOx William HiUman 

Camment 

15 VUna. 

Sastainlnr 

Mondsy-ThnrsdBy, 9:30 pan. 
WJZ-NBC, New York 

New joint comment series four 
nights a week on NBC-Blue (WJZ) 
brings Washington views by Ray- 
mond Clapper, Scripps-Howard col- 
umnist in the Capitol, and the for- 
eign angle by William Hillman, 
editor of internaHonal affairs for 
Collier's mag. As heard Tuesday 
(8) night, it was only fair, though 
it will probably improve as the boys 
gain experience in the new medium 
and are encouraged to remove their 
commentary wraps. 

Clapper, originating his portion 
from Washington, revealed a nasal 
voice and a tendency to become 
monotonous as he waded steadily 
through his script. He did nothing 
to hide the fact that he was reading 
his stuff and is obviously ignorant 
of the tricks of phrasing and inflec- 
tion by which a trained speaker 
gives variation and color to his spiel. 
His remarks had a fairly fresh ap- 
proach and, of course, had authority. 

Hilhnan, talking from New York, 
had a more direct manner of talking, 
accentuated by a stronger voice. He 
has a rather positive style of expres- 
sion and tends to pound out his 
statements. His opinions seemed 
hardly novel, but possibly for that 
reason rather sound. Curiously, the 
presence of two commentators 
seemed not to increase the individu- 
ality of the program, but even to 
lessen it. At least on the basis of 
that one bearing, the show requires 
considerable strengthening to attract 
much attention. However, it has no 
commentator competition at that 9:30 
p.m. spot. Hobe. 

JOAN BENOTT 

Songs 

15 Miiu. 

Snstainlng 

Sunday, 4 pjn. 

WEAF-NBC, New York 

One of the NBC staff artists, Joan 
Benoit, is currently getting a sus- 
taining play as a buildup for pos- 
sible sale by the artists' bureau. 
She's a lyric soprano with a pleasing 
voice, nice range, warm tone, flexi- 
bility and good diction. On the 
questionable basis of a single hear- 
ing Sunday (13) afternoon, she 
seems to lack a distinctive air per- 
sonality, but greater confidence 
might bring that. 

She hardly projects enough to 
carry her owji commercial, but 
would be plenty good enough to flU 
a spot in a musical production. Or- 
chestral accompaniment wasn't 
identified on program heard'. Hobe. 




'ABABIAN NIGHTS' 

With Marlene Dietrich, Wilbnr Batch 

Orchestra 
One Hoar 
FOBECAST NO. 1 
Monday, 9 p.m.' 
WABC-CBS, New Tork 

No cast credits were given on this 
program. It was all Marlene Die- 
trich. Which seemed unkind to 
Rimsky-KorsakoS, who did more 
than anybody else with his familiar 
and haunting Oriental music to make 
Columbia's 'Arabian Nights' idea 
come to life. 

This is the sort of thing that takes 
daring. It is the sort of ofT-the- 
beaten-path kind of broadcasting 
that has a claim on sympathetic cri- 
tical listening. But when the hour 
was over the old debbil 'yes, but — ' 
presided over the i>ost mortem. 

Yes, but Marlene Dietrich keeps 
sounding like Potsdam, not Persia. 
Yes, but there Is more drama in the 
score than the script. Yes, but the 
actors in the montage effects keep 
sounding like radio actors, not the 
babble of the rabble in the fable. 
Yes, but, does it take seven minutes 
of captioning to capture ai. Oriental 
mood? And, finally, but perhaps not 
important, do Oriental lovers use the 
emotional accent of high-minded 
middle-class Americans? Because 
the love scenes didnt sound ancient 
or Arabian, but modern and Middle- 
town. 

Greatest asset of this program idea 
is perhaps not built-in by the CBS 
Forecast but rather those things 
that the listener puts into it 
out of the memories of his child- 
hood, out of memories of Doug- 
las Fairbanks' 'Thief of Bagdad' and 
out of all the romantic eyewash 
about the deep Euphrates borscht 
circuit that has been dished for the 
past two generations. But if escap- 
ology is timely stuff, and it is, it 
may, of course, be fairly argued that 
the Book of Genesis for escapology 
is the 'Arabian Nights.' 

Intended, presumably, as a half- 
hour program, the Forecast in this 
case included a background half 
and a tale-spinning half. The slow 
pace at the start seemed like padding 
and seemed to conspicuously violate 
a first rule of broadcasting: 'get into 
your story fast.' However, It is pos- 
sible the auspices were trying to 
drop the tempo purposely to achieve 
a time-to-spare languor suitable for 
the 'Arabian Nights.' Well, all right. 

This is not the passionate saturn- 
alia of the Ballet Russe Schehere- 
zade. In the radio version the prin^ 
cess loves her sultan very tenderly 
and realizes very generously that he 
only kills his wives at midnight be- 
cause he is a man of his word and 
took a bloody oath to do so. No 
gray-skinned gentlemen-slaves pop 
out from behind the lattice walls in 
the radio version to jump and leap 
and squirm and groan and finally die 
from a spear-thrust and a Rimsky- 
Korsakoff crescendo. But the music 
and the other associations of the 
'Arabian Nights' are all there and 
way ahead of Marlene. 

'The unfolding tale did occasion 
ally evoke a very fair intensity of 
interest altho.ugh too much the 'star 
ring vehicle' throughout. There 
were many indications that the pisce 
had been generously rehearr- ' -d 
much cogitated upon. Land. 



JOSE BENATO 

Guitar VirtnOBO 

15 Mlns. 

Snstalnlnp 

Sunday, 12:30 pjn, 

WOR-MBS, New Tork 

The beauty and mood-weaving 
charm of the guitar, as played by 
this undoubted virtuoso, reminds the 
listener of two facts: (1) the guitar 
is not the contemptible Instrument 
of orthodox evaluation when it is 
performed by a master, and (2) radio 
in general provides almost no Instru- 
mental virtuosity solo-wise. Hie 
latter would seem to be overlooking 
a bet to give the public something 
superfine at nominal cost (with ex- 
ceptions for those concert figures 
who scorn anything under four fig- 
ures per concerto). 

Renato wandered gracefully and 
enchantingly through the lush 
pastures of Mendelsohn, Mozart, et 
al. It is often said that no good 
music exists for the guitar as 
such because composers never con- 
sidered it worthy. 

The guitar virtuoso must thus 
transpose the pieces written for 
violins, etc. Renato knows how. 

Land. 



Here he Is.. '.and nothing can 
wipe that smile off his face as long 
M contracts oondnne to come In. 

His name is Jame* B. Sellam, and 

be Is partionlar about seeing that 

clients get one hnndred percent, 

Plns^ for their advertising dollars 

over WBIG I 
• 

He knows hi* market and he'll 
tell yon whether or not a prodact 
wUI seU. 



y^tMAGIC CIJiCZB. 



woo tlchl} lidoL miu, 
■lltit uiil daj . . . xm\ 
... to coTM tha »leh- 
•tt tod moat popQlouB 
tru is lU Um ' iMIh-' 

A Ctlumbit BrcUculIng 
Snttn i«lllit«. 




EDNEY 
RIDGE 

DiaiCTOW 



EDNEY 
RIDGE 



'HIGHWAY FOB AMEBICANS' 
With Paul Muni, Santos Ortega, John 
Gibson, William Frlngle, George 
Tiplady, Carl Eastman, Marjorle 
Qaayle, Jackie Ayres, Jack Mc 
Bride, Albert Aley, Peter Donald, 
Cliarles Webster 
2S Mlns. 
Sastalning 
Sanday, 2:35 p.m. 
WABC-CBS, New Tork 

Single time broadcast Sunday (13) 
afternoon over CBS from New York 
was in cooperation with the U. S. 
Office of Emergency Management, 
whose radio director, Bernard C 
Schoenfeld, wrote the script. It was 
called 'Highway for. Americans' and 
was intended to show the vital con 
tribution of the little people to 
American history and the pervading 
force of American humor in build 
ing the nation. Paul Muna was the 
narrator-star of the piece, which 
was directed by Earle McGill, with a 
score by Bernard Herrmann. 

Show was in two fairly distinct 
parts, which tended to weaken its 
continuity and over-all pull. First 
portion, apparently carrying out the 
Idea of the little people's contribu- 
tion, was a story about how an aged 
citizen of a Pennsylvania frontier 
hamlet saved his fellow-townsmen 
from disaster in the perilous days at 
the turn of the 19th century. This 
sequence, convincingly written and 
deftly played, rose to an exciting 
climax as the old' pioneer returned 
to his anxious townsmen and the 
cry arose, 'Wake up, wake up, every- 
body; Old Man Smiley's back.' 

Second part, intended to show the 
place humor has had In the develop- 
ment of America, was split into 
numerous short scenes, with obscure 
people, such as a ■ couple of old 
vaudevillians, or historical charac 
ters, including Ben Franklin. 

Except for its drastic switch In 
theme, the program was scripted 
skillfully and with admirable feel 
ing. Paul Muni's narration was 
deftly varied and persuasive, "while 
Peter Donald, William Pringle, 
Santos Ortega and Carl Eastman 
stood out among the actors. Mc- 
Gill's direction was expert and Herr- 
mann's score was admirable through- 
out ilobe. 



BICABDO OBCHESTBA 

With Zella Lane 

30 Mins. 

Snstainlng . 

Monday, 9:30 p.m. 

KGO-NBC Bine, San Francisco 

This one goes transcontinental out 
of Frisco. Using Ricardo (Harvey 
Peterson) and the 18-piece NBC 
house band, technique is a continu- 
ous flow of music, bridged and 
segued with passages in which harp 
predominates. Musically, it's posh 
stuff. Ricardo has a flair for musical 
color and this particular house band 
is unique. 

Setup uses a woman commentator 
(Zella Lane) backgrounded by the 
music. Miss Lane's voice is pitched 
toward the lower registers, -which is 
important, and the poetic intros are 
held to a minimum, which heightens 
the effectiveness. Occasional vocals 
are used for musical contrast, but 
the orchestra predominates. It's a 
smoothly produced offering with 
beaucoup possibilities. 'W'em. 



'A SLIGHT CASE OF IVORY' 
With Walter Gross, Bob Hannon, 

Anita Boyer 
30 Mlns. 
Snstainlng 
Snndays, 4 p.m. 
WABC-CBS, Ne\(PFork 

Stressing the 'pianistic genius' of 
orchestra leader Walter Oxoss and 
his orchestra, this progra..! was on 
the blare side. Came near achieving 
a dive-bomber effect. Gross and 
Howard Smith teamed on -two pianos 
for 'I Went Out of My Way' while 
Anita Boyer, a singer with a limited 
range, expressed 'You Talk Too 
Much' and 'Time and Time Again.' 

Bob Hannon, pleasant - voiced 
tenor, did what he could with Til 
Reveille' and 'Sometime,' battling 
his way through the din of the band. 
An unrecognizable arrangement of 
'Intermezzo' was also presented by 
the orchestra. 



OtDBL IVES COFFEE CLUB' 
With Burl Ives, Juan Arvlzn, Walter 
Gross, Delta Rhythm Boys, Gene- 
vieve Howe 
Popular and Seml-Classlcal Songs 
30 Mins. 
Snstainlng 
Saturday, 10 a.m. 
WABC-CBS, New York 

This Saturday (problem) morning 
program combines enough in its half 
hour to run a gauntlet from jazz to 
classics and back again. It's well 
produced and has a quality of in- 
formality of with click tendencies. 

Burl Ives, possessor of a light 
pleasing tenorish voice is an expert 
interpretator of early American folk 
songs. As the m.c. he delivered a 
smash job of 'Robin, He Married a 
Wife from the West' and The Gray 
Goose,' songs which opened and 
closed the program, and gave it a 
decided send off. 

Juan A r V i 2 u, Latin-American 
stylist is much better than most of 
his contemporaries, lacking only 
power to be the possessor of a real 
tenor voice. He sang 'Paula, que 
buena estas' and 'Mairia Elena' well, 
exhibiting a fine spun legato and ex- 
perl control over his pianissimos. 
Tenor's quality is lucious, and he 
should do okay in the radio field. 

Walter Gross as the pianist played 
'Intermezzo' and 'Let Me Off Up- 
town,* his performance suffering only 
by comparison to the excellent work 
of his colleagues. Guest star was 
Genevieve Rowe, who exhibited her 
fine lyric soprano in 'Has Sorrow 
Thy Young Days Shaded.' Program 
moves fast with ne'er a letup. 



JIMMIE FIDLEB 
Film Gossip 
15 Mlns. — Regional 
TAYTON'S COSMETICS 
Friday, 8:30 p.m. 
KNX, Hollywood 

(B. B. D. & O.) 
Sticking to his old formula, with- 
out one iota of change, Fidler is 
again retailing the gab and tattle of 
the cinema set. That he will again 
blast those who fall into his disfavor 
was indicated in his resume of what 
is to come. He justified this phase 
of his Hollywood roundup by saying 
'those who parade their private 
lives in public' will fall under his 
scrutiny. 

Starting off temperately, he de- 
voted his editorial to 'the new' Joan 
Crawford an'd went on a terrific 
pitch for Metro, lauding its execs for 
resurrecting .the star from oblivion. 
The bell rating for pictures is back, 
as will be the 'notes from my little 
black book.' Its pages weren^t very 
fertile with choice chit chat on the 
opener, considering that the advance 
publicity stated that 'tlxe noted re- 
porter usually operates with a staff 
of from five to eight reporters.' 

Bill Goodwin sells the commer- 
cials, pounding on them with all the 
fervor and frequency of a daytime 
strip show. Fidler's tattle airs over 
six stations of the Columbia Pacific 
network. He's in on a straight sal- 
ary and percentage of sales, surplus 
beyond normal. Sponsor is new to 
the cosmetic field and before the air 
series started had Fidler making 

Sersonals In' dime stores. Fidler Is 
ack after nearly a year off the kilo- 
I cycles. Helm. 



ELISABETH BETBBEBO 

With Alfred Wallensteln and WOB 

Symphony Orchestra 
Operatic Arias 
30 Mins. 
Sustaining 
Friday, 9:30-10 pjn. 
WOR, New York 

This program, with the singing of 
Elisabeth Rethberg, considered by 
many the finest lyric soprano the 
Met has possessed in the past two 
decades, will have tremendous re- 
ceptivity among serious music lovers.. 
Presented under the auspices of 
WOR's resourceful and showmanly 
maestro, Alfred Wallenstein, it 
marks a progressive step by a local 
station in presenting complete con- 
cert hall-type recital on the air. 

To any but those deeply interested 
in classical singing, . the program 
may not have much punch, for Wal- 
lenstein refuses to sacrifice qaality 
for popularity, and much of the pro- 
gram of Beethoven, Schubert, and 
Schumann, will be unfamiliar to 
casual listeners. 

Program opened with Beethoven's 
aria, Ah Perfido,' which was sung 
with the fire and spirit characteristic 
of Miss Rethberg. Aria ranges over 
two octaves from B Flat below mid- 
dle C to the High B Flat The singer 
ripped off the difficult recitative 
with ease, then displayed limpid 
liquid quality, - long sustained line, 
and fine control of ' her mezza voce. 
Dramatically she was well e^ual to 
the brutal tessitura, with clarion top 
tones ringing. Runs and cadenzas 
were of like quality. 

Standard of the opening aria was 
kept up through 'Widming,' 'Volks- 
liedchen' and 'Ich Wandere Nicht' 
Concluding songs were 'Wohin,' 'Der 
Lindenbaum' and 'Erlkoenig.' The 
lieder, as might be expected, were 
as close to perfection as the human 
voice can get, with the interpreta- 
tions being of the highest order, and 
the shading and dynamic control be- 
ing the singer at her best. 

Floyd Neil handled announcements 
in his customary fashion while Wal- 
lenstein's accompaniments provided 
strong but discreet support. 



•CIKCUS DAYS' 

Otis and Eleanor, Bill Bandon, How- 
ard Tapper 
Ouiz and Musical 
With Gordie Randall's Orch 
30 Mlns. — Local 
Snstainlng 
Monday, 9:30 p.m. 
WHY, Schenectady 

Summer sustalner, written and 
staged by Vic Campbell, mixes, 
sometimes unevenly, several types of 
radio entertainment. The background 
is drawn as big tent; quiz is studio- 
audience participation; music Is a 
combination of dance stuff, western 
(vocal), and banjo soloing. Topping 
these ingredients is a monologue, the 
material in which slightly suggests 
Bob Burns' brand. Howard Tupper 
is barker, emcee and quizzer, with 
Randall (leader of house orchestra) 
as assistant. 

It is doubtful whether any pro- 
ducer could make the various ele- 
ments flow with complete smooth- 
ness, but certain eliminations might 
help. Too much noise, confusion and 
fumbling for prizes tend to mar quiz. 

Joco. 



"The fine cooperation of 
KLZ and its staff will never 
be forgotten." 

Bob hawk lor Eveiaharp 

"That we are pleased with 
the cooperation you are ex- 
tending is putting it mildly.'* 

Bowe/s, Jnc 

"The splendid promotional 
help KLZ has put behind the 
program has contributed to 
the success of the Doran 
Coffee program." 

Bttt»-Koerber, tno. 

"Congratulations on an out- 
standing job." 

Wud-WhwJock Co, Inc. 



MORE 



sTmouimtmm 



srAmurcoopt'RATiofj 




WBIC 

CPEENySORO. M.C. 



86 RADIO 



UjUftlETY 



Wednesday, July 16, 191i 



SCHWERIN'S TOW TO DIAGNOSE YOUB 



(SECOND INSTALLMENT) 

Continuing from last week's Varietv Horace Schwerin 
herewith presents further findings in his provocative studies 
in audience 'likes* and 'dislikes' as he has traced them 
through the Stanton-Lazarsfeld mechanism which, with the 
aid of buttons held in the hands of listeners, is able to tran- 
scribe a fluctuating line of (selected studio) audience 
reaction on a tape. 

By analyzing the tape and correlating response, second by 
second, with the showmanship content of the program it be- 
comes possible to segregate the 'pleasing' and the 'displeasing' 
ingredients in the program and hence to draw certain 
diagnostical deductions for the future guidance of program- 
builders and commercial copy-writers. — (Ed.) 



Program Analyzer Ascertains 
Public Reaction to Daytime Talk' 



By HORACE SCHWERIN 
Research Director, Raymond Spector Agency 



GESTALT DEFINED 



Gestalt, a term of psychologists, 
Is employed throughout these re- 
ports as indicating the total pat- 
tern of emotional and Intellec- 
tual reactions which the listener 
experiences while listening to a 
radio program. 



The Show: Talks on such subjects 
•s health, diet, preparation of foods, 
end short philosophical dissertations. 
The program is given in an infornial 
manner and letters from listeners 
asking questions or testifying to the 
success with various diets are often 
read. It should be noted that over a 
five-year period this program had 
produced excellent sales results. 

The Audience: The primary audi- 
ence Li composed of adults, chiefly 
women. Several listener checks 
have Indicated that the distribution 
Is about 70% women — 30% men. 
^e women tend to be older house- 
Wives — a characteristic emphasized 
by th« programming of the show 
during the daytime hours. 

The Audience's Beaction: The 
speaker's authority is gained by the 
simpte device of giving to the lis- 
tener Information which she (the 
listener) already knows or which 
(he thinks she knows.. In other words, 
existing opinions of the listener are 
confirmed by an authority. As a re- 
■ult, the listener's attitude toward 
the speaker, starting with respect, in 
time develops into an almost hero- 
like worship. 

This is indicated by home inter- 
views among those people who have 
followed the program for years. Ex- 
cerpts from, the interviewer's report 
Veads: — 

'Mrs. 'F' got one of the boohs out 
•/ her drawer in the dining room 
to show me X's picture. She com- 
mented on it: 'Isn't he handsome,' 
though? He looks just like that 
movie actor — what's his Tuime? 
Cdmund Lotoe. 5ee how he in- 
scribes the book to his parents, 
too?' 

The same respondent, when asked, 
*Do you think his books are less 
valuable than his radio talks,' stated: 
*l like them both equallv well. 1 
have his books fo refer to and then 



I like to listen to his voice on the 
radio, too. I have faith in hivi.' 

♦Since these people's respect for 
the speaker is in essence a reflection 
for their own opinion, it Is not sur- 
prising that we And th. regular lis- 
teners to this program consider 
themselves a more enlightened 
group. Their listening attitude is 
that of talking over the problem of 
food and health with another ex- 
pert. Throughout their comments 
runs an attitude of superiority in 
these matters. 

It is not surprising, therefore, that 
the very informal tone and approach 
occasionally used by the speaker 
was objected to. Such an approach 
violates the whole concept of au- 
thority and hero worship which the 
program establishes. This 'informal- 
ity' was conveyed in such forms as 
being unable to And a letter Which 
the speaker was about to read, or 
forgetting the name of a philosopher 
whom he was quoting. 



CAN OVER-DO INFOEMALTTY 



A typical comment was: 'What he 
gives is good, but his presentation 
is bad. He is too chummy. IVfakes 
me feel at home, but he overdoes 
it.' 

Basically, In psychological terms, 
the objection is thai such Informal- 
ity tends to destroy the speaker's au- 
thority. He Is no longer the expert. 
When that happens, the audience 
gels no satisfaction out of hearing 
him agree with their own opinions. 

These listening authorities require 



* This dcvire for gaining authority 
phould bo of particular Interest to the en- 
tire radio fraternity Kinco ItB ukakc I0 by 
no means limited to this particular pro- 
gram. Stated ver>' simply, It you tell your 
nudlenre that which they believe, you c.nn 
Inter give them new information which 
they will accept because of Ihelr confidence 
in your Integrity. 




facts. What type of facts? How 
should they be presented? 

First of all, they are Interested in 
facts which they, themselves, can 
us«|. And secondly, tl>ey are inter- 
ested in information which they can 
pass on for their friends and rela- 
tives to use, thus making them ap- 
pear, in their' circle, as authorities. 
The importance of this latter ele- 
ment is indicated by our finding 
tliat a significant portion of the reg- 
ular audience first heard of the pro- 
gram from their friends. 

It should be noted that there is no 
desire here for knowledge to be 
stored up as a coherent body of in- 
formation. What is wanted is mis- 
cellaneous information or hints that 
are Immediately useful to the audi- 
ence and facts which are simple 
enough to be transmitted to friends, 
providing that in so doing they be- 
come quasi-authorities. 

The following listener comments 
may well bring out this attitude 
more clearly: 

'Well, I was a little curious to 
find out what he would say about 
the spraying of vegetables. When 
he stated that it would not hurt 
them, well, that's all I wanted to 
■ know.' 

'Yes, my sister-in-law has chil- 
dren, and I was interested because 
I could get on idea of how to fix 
their vegetables.' 

'I have a very tmderweight sister 
and I know she eats an awful lot 
and can't gain an ounce, so / was 
interested to hear his views on 
that.' 

On what subjects are the facts 
best received?. 

Our studies showed that the level 
of interest tended to be more stable 
on this program than in most, be- 
ing either liked or disliked in its 
entirety. However, as with all pro- 
grams, Interest fluctuated. High 
points of interest were found where 
food or the preparation of food was 
mentioned. (See graph 'B'.) 

This is not surprising. The pro- 
gram consi'sts of 'how to do' things — 
how to prepare foods, how to get the 
most good out of foods, how to get 
the most out of life, how to keep 
well, etc. Since most listeners find 
the program of practical help, it is to 
be expected that the most effective 
subject matter would concern those 
problems which a woman meets 
most frequently. The choice of a 
menu and the preparation of food 
are everyday, problems to most 
women — much more so than Infor- 
mation about specific diseases. It is 
for this reason that recipes, sample 
menus, and hints on cooking proved 
the most effective portions of the 
program. Stated more concisely, in- 
formation about food found an inti- 
mate frame of reference among a 
larger percentage of listeners than 
did the other subjects. 



GRAPH 'B '— The 'positive' of the listener to a health pro- 
grctm is health, not sickness. Recommendations of diets, 
etc., that lead to wished-for bodily improvement are 'liked' 
but in significant contrast the mention of specific diseases 
with their cormotations of dread produce a clear-cut 'dis^ 
like' reaction. 



CHANGED SCEIPT 



The program was revised, putting 
far more emphasis on foods and the 
preparation of meals; the speaker 
used more homely philosophy and 
g&ve ' his " audience short items of 
miscellaneous information; the pres- 
entation was made less informal as 
more dignity was added. 

The speaker reported that when 
these recommendations were incor- 
porated in the program, his weekly 
fan mail averaged around 300 let- 
ters, as compared to a former normal 
of 35. 

One finding which resulted from 
the testing of this program, is of 
broad interest, but is not necessarily 
applicable to all programs. It had 
been the custom previously for the 
speaker to read-. letters and testi- 
monials from hb audience. We 
found that these messages were 
often not taken at face value by 
the audience. Their general attitude 
was summarized by this comment; 
'I have never heard of the people 
who sent these letters. Sometimes 
I have never heard of the towns 
they come from. You'd think I'd 



know at least one person whose 
letter was read over the radio. I 
don't believe thev were ever sent.' 

This attitude applies not «nly to 
testimonials but also appears to af- 
fect radio contests. 

We would estimate from our com- 
ments that approximately one-haU 
of the radio audience believes that 
most radio contests are 'not com- 
pletely on the level.' Invariably the 
evidence submitted for this' attitude 
is that the speaker has never known 
of anybody who won a prize— or at 
least a big prize. Furthermore, the 
size of the prizes offered is often so 
large as to be unbelievable to most 
of the audience. 

'I heard of a contest where they 
promised to give $1,000 a year for 
the rest of his life to the man who 
won first prize. How could that be 



possible? Why, the man might line 
for 20 years.' 

This may prove significant to many 
broadcasters in that it Indica tes that 
prize offers cannot be u sed pro" 
miscuou sly. and that it is wise to 
test the bellevability of an offer be- 
fore It is put on the air. 

Likewise, testimonials should be 
used with care. We have found that 
tht dyilculty In making testimonials 
sound genuine may be largely over- 
come by dramatizing the testimonial 
—that is, by having the' announcer 
read the testimonial. The public 
does not seem to demand that this 
voice be positively identified as the 
person who wrote the letter. They 
seem to be satisfied If this voice 
sounds typical of the general public, 
ifcre- too, investigation of belleva- 
bility Is suggested. 



Audience Reaction to Newscasts 
As Revealed In Studio Tests 



* 



We have carried out extensive 
tests on newscasts gathered by two 
major news services. Our findings 
probably represent the first attempt 
to analyze news audiences and 
measure their reactions. 

Our study showed that there are 
many misconceptions as to the com- 
position of the news audience. There 
is a tendency to think of that au- 
dience as being primarily composed 
of men. In reality, there is no typi- 
cal composition, and a news program 
that may be pleasing to its audi- 
ence, at one time of the day may be 
a relatively poor one if presented at 
a different hour. 

The accompanying graph CD') Is 
a compilation of many sources and 
studies and shows that the ratio of 
male listeners to a news program 
may be as little as two in 10 at 
some times of the day. At other 
hours the percentage of men In- 
creases to slightly more than 50%. 

This fact Is of great editorial sig- 
nificance because we have found that 
men cind women react differently to 
news items as well as to commer- 
cials. 

The one general rule which may be 
given is that as with all programs, 
the listener is interested primarily in 
that which touches him personally. 
For this reason, stock market reports 
have proven the lowest interest point 
in the news programs which 'we 
tested. In reference to these market 
reports, people often say: 

'These reports don't concern me' — 
or 

* It should be noted that those teats 
cover newscasts in the New Tork area 
only, l<;o attempt vaa made to study re- 
actions to news comnicntatore or to reach 
n broader geographical distribution of 
listeners. It should also be understood that 
those re.<njlts nro valid for the period dur- 
ing which llie tost.s were made— October to 
December, 1040. In the flcld of news, 
especially, attitudes and opinions are likely 
to change. « 



•I am not interested. I don't own 
stock.' 

This tendency to be primarily in- 
terested In that which concerns the 
listener personally is more true of 
young people than of older people; 
more true of women than of men. 
Although this self-interest factor ap- 
plies to all listeners, adult men ap- 
pear to view news situations more 
objectively than any other group. It 
might be mentioned here that since 
news commentators tend to present 
15 minutes of objective comment on 
situations somewhat removed from 
the sphere of the individual listener, 
it is probable that these programs 
tend to be more interesting to the 
available adult male audience than 
are newscasts. 



WAH REACTIONS 



The current war situation provides 
a convenient method of describing 
the different news interests of men 
and women and of older and younger 
people. Adult men, having a more 
objective interest, tend to view news 
Items of the European war in terms 
of the question: 'How will this newi 
affect the current European sltua> 
tion?' 

Adult women tend to view the sit- 
uation in the light' of their own 
homes and their own communities. 
They interpret what they hear in 
terms of the question: 'How will the 
events in Europe affect us here in tha 
United States?' 

Young men and women have an 
even more subjective viewpoint and 
put the question: 'How will tha 
events in Europe affect me person- 
ally?' 

As a result, we find that though 
war news Is 'hottest' for all groups, 
adult men and women tend to have 
a more Intense interest than younger 
people. When, however, war news 
touches young people personally, ai 

(Continued on page facing right) 




GRAPH 'C— The 'nearness' of disaster exercises a 
potency substantially stronger than 'remote' disaster. An 
explosion in a New Jersey industrial plant was contrasted 
in terms of audience interest in an accident to a foreign 
ship in New York harbor. 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



RADIO ST 



lADIO COMMERCIALS and PROGRAMS 



HOW INTEmr W AflWSCASrS 
/A/CffFASIS W/TH AOL 



INDEX 
100 



60 



60 



40 



20 



36 -50 VRS. 



26-35 m 



17-25 VKS. 






100 



60 



60 



40 



20 



SOVRCE: t9M0 HANSAS-/OWA KADfO AaJt^TA/eM St/RV£Y 
COnKFJATED VflTH NSW YOHK ItSTXA/TK STVDY. rME 
WDWESTBRU STUPY WAS ZHnrCTEH BY m ff.B. JfMAtEHS 
NOW DIRECTOR OFEASTERU VUSUC SERVKE TRO^ffAMS, MB.C, 



GRAPH 'E' — Mature persons worry more and listen more 
to the newscasts which became a predominant aspect of 
broadcasting during the rehearsals lor and actual per- 
formance of the Nazi threat. 



In the case of the military draft, 
their interest goes up, and on this 
speciflc item, we find young people 
more interested than their elders. 
(See graph 'E'.) 



PRE-JDBGING NEWS ITEMS 



We have shown that the interest 
in various news items is related to 
how it affects the listener person- 
ally. 

Whom will a news item affect most 
intimately? 

Considering what has been said 
before, we ask the reader to pre- 
evaluate two news items. Both of 
them are dramatic, but have differ- 
ent appeals to the listener. 

No. 1 deals with a tragedy that oc- 
curred close to the homes and 
friends of a large part of the WOR 
audience, and is entirely American. 

No. 2 is concerned with foreign 
ships and personalities, even though 



the accident occurred in New York 
harbor. 
The news texts used were: 
No. 1.— 'Woodbridee, N. J.— An ex- 
plosion has torn through the plant 
of the United Railway Signal Cor- 
poration at Woodbridge, rocking the 
surrounding area. It is feared sev- 
eral deaths and injuries may have 
resulted. The blast was heard as 
much as 20 miles away In Bayonne 
and Jersey City. It hasn't been 
learned yet how many persons were 
in the plant when the blast occurred, 
but it Is understood that about 20 
persons normally are employed at 
the plant. An ambulance and sev- 
eral doctors have been sent to Wood- 
bridge from Bayonne City Hospital. 
Small torpedoes, used by railroads, 
are manufactured in about a dozen 
small concrete units of the plant.' 

No. 2.— 'New Tork— The British 
Duchess of Sutherland arrived in 
the United States today after her 



mes». 
100 



coMPOs/rm or rm 

WEEKDAY NEWS AUP/ENCE 




(Mm 
/OO 



a I z 3 
HOURS 



GRAPH *D' — ^Newscasts gain or lose masculine listeners 
in natural relation to the time of the broadcast. Schwerin 
data has been used to*create a composito Illustration. The 
age factors in degree of interest will be seen In Graph 'E,' 
which also accompanies this text 




SPECTOR RESEARCH MEN CONFER OVER PROGRAM ANALYZER TAPE— Behind 
the recording mechanism in the foreground are the cables leading in from the listeners who 
hold push-buttons to record 'likes' and 'dislikes.' 



ship had crashed into an oil tanker 
in lower New York harbor. The 
Duchess was one of 5S5 passengers 
aboard the Greek steamer Nea 
Hellas. The steamer collided with 
the Norwegian tanker Litiopia just 
after leaving quarantine. The 
tanker put back to Staten Island 
with a 32-foot hole in her bows, but 
the Nea Hellas proceeded to her pier 
at Hoboken. The Greek vessel 
sailed from Lisbon, and had an 
uneventful voyage until she crashed 
into the tanker.' 

The answer is apparent from graph 
C.' All groups were more interested 
in the domestic news item. How- 
ever, on a comparative basis, older 
people, as a whole, were more in- 
terested in the foreign Item than 
younger people, and adult men more 
interested than adult women. 

Since the interests of men and 
women — younger and older people — 
are different, it is obvious that news 
broadcasts would be more effective 
if their content were changed to fit 
the audience as its composition 
changes in the course of a day. 

During those hours when women 
predominate, the entire news period 
should be focused on news regarding 
the United States.- The hottest items 
would be those dealing with United 
States and the War, but always with 
a direcl 'tic-ufTfo HS^Trffci' ir^iOtrTIot- 
mestic affairs. European war news 
when used, should be in resume 
form and FOLLOW United States 
news. 

During those periods of the day 
when there is an almost equal divi 
sion of men and women listeners, the 
pattern of your newscasts should be 
different. Here European news 
should rate first in importance but 
there should be as much resume as 
possible in order to get a complete 
broad picture of the entire European 
■wa?~lVorir. — Diploi latic news is of 
extremely high interest at this 
period because men tend to be very 
interested in news of 'significant de- 
velopments,' 'possibilities of future 
engagements,' 'indicative meetings of 
men of importance,' etc. During this 
period news of the U. S. and specific 
details on land and sea battles rank 
low. 

It should be pointed out, of course, 
that these are general suggestions. 
When a 'hot' news item is received 
on almost any subject it should be 
emphasized In the newscasts. 

What current news is most inter- 
esting to your audience? As we 
have already mentioned, war news 
is the most interesting news today. 
News of the Far East is only slightly 
less interesting for -adult men and 
women, but has very little interest 
for young people. News from Brit- 
ish sources Is more favorably re- 
ceived than news from Axis sources. 
Probably it is also more widely be- 
lieved. 



OTTR SIDE, £AH-SAH 



This preference for news from 
the Allies rather than from the Axis 
is probably due to the general de- 
sire of people to hear reports favor- 
able to their side. In other words, 
you would rather hear that your 
team is winning. (See Graph 'F'.) 

In connection with this desire to 
hear news favorable to Britain, it is 
important to remember that the 
opening words of a news item are 
the most important part of that item. 
This is the same principle that 
makes a newspaper headline the 
most important part of a news arti- 
cle and the caption the most impor- 
tant part of an ad. The opening 
words of a news item, therefore, 
should be written with the thought 
of highlighting those parts of the 
item which will command the most 
favorable reaction from the listen- 
ers. In the case of war news, this 



means emphasizing in the lead, newf 
favorable to Britain. 

A question often asked Is: 'How 
long should a news item be?' The 
answer would seem to be indicated 
by a study of two news items from 
the same program which gave us th« 
opportunity to study the effect of ex- 
tending a news item. 

Item one tells about a Russian- 
German diplomatic conference. 
Item two, which followed Im- 
mediately, gives the Turkish opinion 
of their meeting. 

The level of interest in both items 
is nearly the same. 
NO. l—nEnhm—'VnmKeT Molofou, 
the Russian Premier, arrives in 
Berlin this momina on his myste- 
rious mission. 

'The Soviet leader was greeted 
at the Anhalter Railtoav Station 
with much pomp by the Nazi High 
Comrnand. Molotou was met by 
(Continued on page 54) 



At/p/rucF SMor/o/YAi-mmrcrmL 

FFACrm TV A rYP/CAl AfEWSCAST 




GRAPH T— Although Americans generally 'like' good 
news concerning Britain and 'dislike' good news concern- 
ing Germany the pxittern of listener reaction to specific 
items on a newscast is apt to be somewhat confused, like 
the world today. Only clear-cut fact in the above chart is 
this: stock market news is of little interest. 



38 CONCERT 



Wednesdafi J11I7 16, I941 



Patriotism Stirs Opera-in-English 
Agitation Once More but Stars 
Shudder at Silly Translations 



Current flare-up of American pa- 
triotism has again brought up agita- 
tion for the presentation of opera 
in English, rather than Italian, 
French, or German. Ever since 
opera was first given in the U.S., 
companies have periodically at- 
tempted to put on opera in English, 
and from boxoffice and artistic 
standards it has always been a flop. 
In the past decade, outside of 'Mar- 
tha' and 'The Bartered Bride,' and 
the few operas originally written in 
English, the experiments of major 
companies have shown that the pub- 
lic just won't go for opera in any 
language but the original. For the 
most part inadequate translations 
can be blamed, but what the well- 
wishers of the project fail to take 
Into consideration is the almost im- 
possibility of securing translations 
which make any sense. 

Even American singers, who for 
publicity purposes declare they want 
operatic translations, admit the utter 
futility of the job. The vast ma- 
jority of these singers, dependent as 
they are on the public, cannot make 
public statements against the subject 
but privately profess their desire to 
eing in the original language. Some 
of these singers point out various 
examples. One Met tenor remarked 
upon the English translation of 'La 
Donna e Mobile,' from 'Bigoletto' he 
was given to sing. In Italian, the 
aria flows, with the words being "La 
donna e mobile, qual piu mal cento, 
muta d'accento, e dl pensiero.' In 
English, the wacky translation. Is 
'Woman is fickle, light as a feather, 
born on the breezes, as In fair 
.weather.' 

Another point might be the duel 
finale from Act I ot 'Butterfly,' with 
the tenor's part of the 'O quanti occhi 
flsi' being 18 consecutive 'Vieni's' 
or 'come.' Sung that way before an 
audience, the laughter would elimi- 
nate the music. Also few singers 
have adequate diction, and to be 
imderstood above 'E' or 'F' Is almost 
impossible. English translations 
would be meaningless In such cases. 

Martinelli, Retliberg May 
Do Rescue Sqoad Job 
For jinxed Opera Co. 

A performance of 'La Julve* may 
be done in August at RaiidaU's Is- 
land, N. Y., with GioyannlMartlnelll, 
Elisabeth Rethberg and Ezio Pinza In 
the cast. The Sunday series of op- 
eras has been running Into bad luck 
on.the weather this year, two sched^ 
uled perfoi-'-'-.nces of 'Carmen* hav 
Ing been washed out 

In order to revive Interest, the 
biggest name artists possible are be^ 
ing sought to give the jaded box 
office a shot in the arm. Jan Peerce 
was mentioned as a possibility lor 
the tenor part, but the Music Hall 
tenor rejected the offer, refushig to 
strain his lyric voice to cope with 
the dramatically heavy music of the 
role, and especially outdoors. 

GERHARD PECHNER, 
BASSO, SET WITH MET 

■ Gerhard Pechner, comic basso 
formerly of the State opera of Ber 
lin, has been signed by the Met. Bass 
will be used as a substitute for Sal' 
vatore Baccaloni and is being kept 
on tap should the Italian fail to re 
turn to the U.S. from South 
America. 

NBC has taken over the manage 
inent of Pechner. 



Name Concert Dates 

(Julv 16-26) 

Artur Rubinstein — (with Los 
Angeles Philharmonic) Hollywood 
Bowl (17). 

Brnno Walter— (conducting Los 
Angeles Philharmonic) Hollywood 
Bowl (18, 25). 

Jan Klepura — (with Los Angeles 
Philharmonic) Hollywood Bowl 
(24). 

Tito Schlpa — Teatro Municipal, 
Rio de Janeiro (18). 

Tehudi Menuhln— (with N. Y. 
Philharmonic, Efrem Kurtz conduct- 
ing) Lewisohn Stadium, N.Y. (21); 
Ravina park, Chi. (24, 26). 

John Charles Thomas — Chautau- 
qua, O. (17); Bay View, Mich. (21). 

Mnrlel Dlckson-John Dudley — 
(with Phila. orch, Jose Iturbi con- 
ducting) Robin Hood Dell,. Phila. 
(17). ■■ 

Lily Pons— (with Phila. orch. 
Andre Kostelanetz conducting) 
Robin Hood DeU, Phila. (22). 

Jose Itorbi — (conducting Phila. 
orch) Robin Hood DeU, Phila. (16- 
18). 

Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo — 
(With N.Y. Philharmonic, Franz Al- 
ters conducting) Lewisohn stadium, 
N.Y. (17-19). 

Jarmila Novotna — CJharles Kullman 
(with N. Y. Philharmonic orch, 
Efrem Kurtz conducting) Lewisohn 
Stadium, N. Y. (24), 



Concert People 



Josef Sslgetl has been booked 
for 13 orchestral engagements as 
violin soloist for the 1941-42 season. 
Orchestras with which he will ap- 
pear are the Boston, N. Y. Philhar- 
monic, Cincinnati, Minneapolis, St. 
Louis, National of Washington, Bal- 
timore, Seattle, Buffalo, New Haven, 
Mexico City, "Toronto and Montreal 
symphonies. 



Howard Barlow will appear with 
the Detroit Symphony on Nov. 6, 
Desire Defauw on Feb. 12, 13, and 
Herman Adler on Feb. 19. Columbia 
booked. 



Marcelle Denya, French soprano, 
and William Hain, tenor, have been 
engaged for the Montreal Festival 
under Sir Thomas Beecham. 



William Haln, tenor, Virginia 
Johnson, soprano, and Abrasha Ro- 
bofsky, baritont, have been engaged 
for 'An Evening at the Opera' with 
the National Symphony Orchestra, 
July 21. 



Karin Branzell, Met contralto, has 
been booked for concerts in Port- 
land, Seattle, and Los Angeles, dur- 
ing her stay in San Francisco, with 
the Opera Co. there in the fall. The 
contralto is summering at Ellsworth, 
Maine. 



Egbn Petri, Dutch pianist. Is 
teaching at Cornell this summer, and 
is booked in October for his biggest 
concert season. Already he has 17 
concerts set 



AGMA Contracts 
With Cincy Opera, 
Ballets, Others 



The American Guild ot Musical 
Artists has signed basic agreements 
with the Cincinnati Summer Opera 
Co., the New Opera Co., and the 
Southern California Symphony As- 
sociation. It has also signed with 
the Ballet Caravan, Inc., and the 
BaUet Theatres, Inc. 

Michael de Pace, manager and 
personal representative of many of 
the Met's singers, and Record Con- 
certs Corp., a new managerial out- 
fit have signed with AGMA and ne- 
gotiations for contracts are pending 
with Eric Simon, manager, and the 
St. tiouls Grand Opera Co. 

AGMA has placed the Monte Carlo 
Opera Co., with Frank Salerno, its 
director, oik the unfair list and 
warned its members not to appear 
with the company. 



Frederick Jagel, Met tenor, sails 
July 18 for BrazU where he will sing 
in seven operas before taking the 
clipper back to San Francisco for 
'Rigoletto' and 'Simon Boccanegra' 
performances with Gaetano Merola's 
company. Jagel will sing 'Meister- 
slnger' in Italian in Rio for the first 
time in his career. 



Toledd Symphony Society has en- 
gaged Paul Robeson, Helen Traubel, 
Jose Iturbi, and Zino Francescatti 
for the" 1941-42 season. Nelson Eddy 
will appear in a special concert Feb. 
23 for the benefit of the orchestra's 
pension fund. 



Trl-Clty Symphony Orchestra As- 
sociation covering Davenport, Iowa; 
Rock Island, Moline and East Moline, 
Illinois, will give four concerts next 
season at which Dorothy Maynor, 
Gregor Piatigorsky, Simon Barrere, 
and Zino Francescatti have been 
booked asy|ieloists. Oscar Anderson 
will condan the orchestra. 



COURT CONFffiMS VALUE 
ON MET OPERA SHARES 



A minority report of appraisers on 
the value of the stock of the Metro- 
politan Opera & Real Estate Co. was 
rejected Wednesday (9), by Justice 
William T. Collins in the N. Y. su- 
preme court, who ruled that the 
value of the stock was $75 a share, 
rather than the $202 claimed by 
holders of 1,350 of 10,500 shares. 
Various stockholders of the Met had 
objected to the sale of the company 
for $1,970,000 in May, 1940, claiming 
the stock was more valuable than 
the money they were being offered. 

Stockholders received about $150 
per share for their stock which car- 
ries a par of $100, and the court's 
ruling finds the complete value $787,- 
500. Various members of the board 
of directors are included in the pro- 
testing stockholders. 



Jobin, Castagna in 6. A. 



Buenos Aires, July 15. 

Raoul. Jobin, French Canadian 
tenor of the Metropolitan Opera and 
Bruna Castagna, contralto, sang a 
special performance of 'Carmen' at 
the Colon here Wednesday (9). 

It was National Independence 
Dav. 



NORBERT ARDELLI HERE 



Italy Ousted Tenor Because of 
American Citizenship 



Norbert Ardelli, Austrian born 
dramatic tenor, arrived here this 
week from Italy. Ardelli was ousted 
from Italy because he has been an 
American citizen for 30 years. 

The tenor sang performances of 
'Favorite,' 'Tosca,' and 'Manon' in 
Valencia before coming. 



Edward KUenyl, Hungarian pianist, 
has been set by Columbia for an ap- 
pearance at the Hollywood Bowl 
July 22, with the Philadelphia Or- 
chestra under Eugene Ormandy, and 
with Olin Downes in one of the lat- 
ter's four lecture concerts. 



Gaetano MeroU, impresario of the 
San Francisco Opera Co., will be 
given a two-page spread in Collier's 
late this, month. The 60-y^ar-old 
manager received his start 43 years 
ago with the Met and has subse 
■^tsewt^-boeift— 6oi>»»<>t»A-*» 
tor and manager with the Shuberts, 
Rudolf Friml, the Savage Opera 
Co., San C^rlo Opera., Oscar Ham- 
merstein, etc., until he founded the 
San Francisco Co. a score of years 
ago. 



Ramoft. Armoneod, Mexican tenor 
and Decca artist, will be screen 
tested by Hal Roach late this month. 



Whtttemore and Lowe, duo-plan 
ists, are booked In Cleveland July 18 
for a concert with the Summer Sym^ 
phony Orchestra. Pianists have just 
returned from Puerto Rico. 



Anna Antoniades, Greek pianist, 
recovered from fiu attack and to 
Princeton (N. J.), for summer. 



CHAUTAUQUA'S 68TH 



Clapper and WGAB Revue for 
Iiakeside's 68th Season 



Cedar Point, O., July 15. 

One of the country's oldest chaa 
tauquas has started its 68th annual 
season at Lakeside. Program of mu' 
sic and speeches includes: 

Jan "Struther, Etta Motten, Negro 
soprano; 'The Gordonaires,' NBC 
orchestra; Theodor Broch, mayor 
of Narvik; Raymond Clapper, 
WGAR, Cleveland, Revue; Cleve- 
land Women's Orchestra, and the 
Hoffman Twins, Aug. 22, 



Gershwin Concert Crowds in 25,000; 
Goodman Gala Draws Yippee Mob 



Stoki Had Earache? 



Buffalo, July 19. 

In • special report, offlclala of the 
new Klelnhani Music Hall hav* 
handed the retort courteoua to Ijeo- 
pold Stokowski for hli criticism of 
the acoustlci of the HaU on the oc- 
casion of his recent AYO concert 
here. As • result of -tests conducted 
by ERPI, the sound qualities of the 
auditorium were found 'superior to 
any other hall examined by that or- 
ganization anywhere in' this country 
or abroad.' 

Local officials also mad« public 
unqualified complimentary com- 
ments on the Hall made by prac- 
tically all of the top-ranking musi- 
cians and vocalists who hava ap- 
peared there since Its opening. 



Dunned for $140, 
Rich Widow Cut 
Bequest to 19% 



PhUadelphla, July 19. 
The Philadelphia Orchestra was 
awarded $35,000 from the estate of 
Mrs. Otto Eisenlohr, widow of mil- 
llonnalra cigar manufacturer, by the 
Orphans Court Saturday (12). 
' 'The orchestra's attorneys dropped 
a fight for $300,000 originally willed 
to It by Mrs. Eisenlohr. A subse- 
quent codicil cancelled the bequest 
because the testatrix though the or- 
chestra management was 'hounding' 
her for $140 for two season tickets 
she bad failed to pay for. 



Werner Janssen Back 
From Rio; Set for S.O. 
Raifio Series July 31 



Werner Janssen, American sym- 
phony conductor, accompanied by 
his wife, film star Ann Harding, ar- 
rive in Miami Wednesday (16) on 
the Pan-American Clipper from Rio 
de Janeiro. Janssen, who formerly 
conducted the New York Phil- 
harmonic, Helsinki Symphony, 
Stockholm Philharmonic, Baltimore 
Symphony, Hollywood Bowl orches- 
tra, and was also musical director 
for Walter Wanger, just completed his 
first concert tour in Brazil. He con- 
ducted the Rio and Sao Paulo 
symphs. 

Janssen will go direct from Miami 
to Hollywood to conduct his own 
40-piece symphony orchestra In a 

July 31 under Standard Oil spon- 
sorship. McCann-Erickson set the 
deal. 

He will also conduct his orches- 
tra in two summer concerts at the 
Santa Barbara Bowl, with guest 
soloists Jose Iturbi, pianist, on 
Aug. 16, and Helen Traubel, Metro- 
politan Opera soprano, on Aug. SO, 



Gennaro Papi Party 
Leaves for Rio Season 



Gennaro Papi, Met conductor, Jo- 
sephine Tumlnia, Met coloratura, 
Helen Olheim, Met contralto and 
Anthony Marlowe, tenor, sail Fri- 
day (18) on the S.S. Argentina for 
Rio. 

All artists are booked for the 
opera season there, and will return 
to the U, S. in September. 



Boris Romanoff Out 



Boris Romanoff resigned yester- 
day (Tuesday) as ballet master of 
the Metropolitan Opeta Co., and Ed- 
ward Johnson, general manager, ap- 
pointed Laurent NovikoS in his 
place. .. . ' 

Novlkoff, a Russian by birth, was 
once dancing partner to Anna Pav- 
lova, and recently headed the Chi- 
cago Opera ballet 



Midst howls of delight from some 
19,olbO- jlv« lunatics, Benny Good, 
man and his band took over the 
last half of the Lewisohn Stadium 
concert Monday (14). More ortho- 
dox-minded part of the audience 
(the serious musicians and their 
followers) silently edged toward 
the exits. 

Two types of music prevailed 
throughout the evening. Bee- 
thoven's fifth symphony opened the 
conventional portion of the program 
and was followed by Mozart's con- 
certo A Major for clarinet and or- 
chestra, with Goodman appearing as 
soloist. Goodman has proved in the 
past couple of years that he is one 
of the outstanding soloists in the 
country on his instrument, and his 
playing of the delicate fiowing work 
was all that could be expected. 
Goodman's ability with the diffl. 
cult runs and cadenzes is well 
known, but surprisingly enough he 
was at his best in the slow move- 
ment, where the shading and lyrio 
quality of his playing was effective 
to a degree calling for applause 
from even the blase members of 
the Philharmonic. 

The first half of the program 
closed with a reading of William 
Walton's march, 'Crown Imperial,' 
which seems to embody snatches 
from half a dozen composers, and 
completely lacks a dramatic cli- 
max. Best that could be said of it 
is that it is well orchestrated. 
Reginald Stewart batoned his way 
through the work giving it all it 
had, which was not enough. 

Then Goodman took over. Among 
the works played were 'One O'clock 
Jump,' which had just that effect 
on the audience, 'Intermezzo,' which 
was too tame for the boys and gals, 
'Don't Be That Way,' 'Super Man,' 
'Sing, Sing, Sing' with a magnifi- 
cent solo by Goodman, which sent 
the youngsters on their ears, 'Man 
I Love' with Helen Forrest and 
'Heh Daddy' with the same singer. 
Cootie Williams, trumpeter, was 
tops for the entire music-mad night, 
with a sizzling rendition of Cootie's 
Concerto, which he concluded to 
screams and howls from his audi-, 
ence. Attendance about 15,000, with 
a gross of about $10,000. 

The classics have not fared well 
either from weather or boxoffice 
standpoint at Lewisohn Stadium, 
Tuesday (8), concert of Wagnerian 
music was rained out, and a small ' 
crowd attended the final Eugene 
Goosens concert Wednesday (9). On 
Thursday (10), the Stadium was 
jammed to the back pillars with a 
total attendance of over 25,000, high- 
est in history, and a gross exceeding 
$15,000, to hear the annual George 
Gershwin concert. 

Under the baton of Alexander 
Smallens, the orchestra was led 
through the paces of Gershwin's 
'Cuban Rhapsody,* The Man I Love,' 
'Strike Up the Band,' and 'An 
American in Paris.' Sideshow, was 
-*ik»-~4rA\V..r«!!>4iw.',inf of Smallens, 
bouncing from one foot to another, 
body swaying dangerously, as he led 
his men, through spirited renditions 
of the music. 

Oscar Levant appeared as soloist 
in the 'Piano Concerto in F,' and 
the 'Rhapsody in Blue,' Excerpts 
from 'Porgy and Bess' was the other 
item on the show, with Nan Brown 
doing a creditable job of 'Summer- 
time,' although improved diction and 
less pushing of top tones would have 
been more satisfactory. Star of the 
occasion was Edward Matthews, 
baritone, who disclosed a rich . 
resonant voice sounding much like 
that of Richard Bonelll. The singer 
was forced to repeat 'I Got Plenty of 
Nuttin,' and 'It Ain't Necessarily So. 
From 3,000-5,000 cash customers 
probably were turned away. 

Friday (11), a gathering, of 1,500 
heard Brahms, Schumann and Wag- 
ner paying less than a $1,000 for the 
privilege, Sunday (13) an all Mozart 
program with Ray Lev, John Corig- 
lian and Zolten Kurthy ds soloists 
drew 6,500 or $3,500 in the till, Sat- 
urday (12) was rained out. 



Zimbalist's 25 Towns 

Efrem Zimballst will keep his con- 
cert appearances down to about 25 
this coming season, the violinist be- 
ing tied up with work at the Curtis 
Institute. 

HIS tour starts In Minneapolis ni 
October, and he has been, booked for 
appearances with the Philadelphia 
orchestra on Feb. 27-28,1942. 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



ORCHESTRAS 



39 



RESCIND BAN ON ^ DEALS 



I C. Petrilio hfhm ASK Policy 
On Playing 'Star Spangled Banner 



James C. Petrilio, American Fed- 
eration of Musicians prez, stated 
Monday (14) that he had received 
several kickbacks on his rule re- 
QUiring orchestras to play The Star 
Spangled Banner* at the opening 
and close ol their performances but 
that he had made it clear to A. F. M. 
locals they were to use discretion 
in enforcing the order. He said the 
complainants had termed the rule as 
impractical and voiced the opinion 
that not only could the playing be 
overdone but interfere with an em- 
ployer's authority to. decide whait 
should or should not be played. 

Petrilio declared that in the case 
of commercial programs he realized 
that an advertiser had the right to 
determine what he wanted to in- 
clude as entertainment during a 
purchased period and that It was not 
his (Petrillo's) intention to insist 
that the national anthem be broad- 
cast on every program. But he did 
think, added Petrilio, that the. or- 
chestra of a conunercial program 
when playing before a studio audi- 
ence could come in five minutes 
earlier and perform "The Star Span- 
gled Manner' before that audience 
and repeat it after the program has 
gone oS the air. - 

The same method of presentation 
could, he said, be exercised in other 
media. In other words, the musi- 
cians should have no compunction 
about playing ' the anthem on their 
own time, so long as they have an 
audience to which to play it. 

Lonliville Local Acts 

Louisville, July 15. 

The 390 local members of the A. F. 
of M. here were instructed Saturday 
(12) to play The Star-Spangled 
Banner' before and after each per- 
formance at concerts and hotel, the- 
atre and -dance engagements. In- 
structions, effective immediately, 
were issued by Edward Lorenz, 
president of Local No. 11, acting on 
orders of James C. Petrilio, president 
of the national federation. 

Lorenz said about ten orchestras 
and bands now playing in Louisville 
come under the orders. 



Pollack's New One 



One SoKKestlon to FCC 

Wastiington, July 15. 
Though many stations have 
adopted the suggestion of signing oft 
with the National Anthem, a Iiong 
Island listener has written the FCC 
that it ought to 'instruct' all licensees 
to play 'The Star Spangled Banner' 
at local sunset The FCC replied It 
can't issue such decrees because of 
the anti-censorship provision of the 
Communications Act. 



ZINN ARTHUR AND BOYS' 
ONE-NI(;HmSFORU.Si. 



Doing one-highters for Uncle 
Sam's $21 a month are Zirin Arthur 
and a half-dozen former members 
of some of the top bands who, are 
now stationed at Camp Upton, L. I. 
Arthur who used to baton i)is own 
band in civilian life, leads the camp's 
dance orchestra and its 'Swing Six.' 

On Independence Day, the Upton 
band and dance orchestra played a 
luncheon and polo match at Mit- 
chel Field, L. I. This was deluxe 
®«ignment given by the War De- 
partment. Following Saturday (5) 
the 'Swing Six' appeared on Tommy 
uorsey's afternoon broadcast from 
the Hotel Astor via WJZ. N. Y., and 
the NBC Blue. Capt. King, in 
cnarge of Camp Upton music, ac- 
companied the boys for the program. 

Dorsey, Frank Sinatra and the 
Bf *7,"P*" Capt. King's guests 
at Camp Upton and appeared as 
guest conductor and soloists respec- 
"vely of the concert that is held 
there every Sunday. 

In Arthur's 'Swing Six' are: John- 
ny Mince <T. Dorsey), clarinet; Phil 
KraBBe (WNEW), vibration; BiU 
wuton (p. Whlteman), piano; John 
^Petdel, winner of World's Fair 1941 
atum contest; Harry Kolstein (Bud- 
°r Clark«, tenor sax, and Frank Di 
raola (Van Alexander), bass violin. 



Cleveland, July 15. 
Jacques Pollack, assistant conduc- 
tor in Bert Unger's pit orchestra at 
RKO Palace, is breaking in a new 
dance band of his own at Monaco's 
Cafe where he opened last Wednes- 
day (9). 

Outfit consists of Al Gaines, drum- 
mer; Jimmy Foster, piano; Charles 
Dvorak, sax; Nelson Friedman, bass 
and fiddler, with Pollack leading on 
violin. 



TOMMY DORSEY 
MAY MANAGE 
BANDS? 



Tommy Dorsey is reported as con- 
sidering extending his interests to 
the band management business and 
starting oft such an enterprise with 
the acquisition of the Harry James 
unit. As his first step in that direc- 
tion he may lease penthouse offices 
of a Times Square Building, moving 
in also his publishing firms (Sun and 
Embassy). 

Before Dorsey could take over 
James* management he would have 
to buy out the 33 1-3% interests that 
Benny Goodman holds in James and 
.the personal management contract 
which binds' him for seven years to 
the Arthur Michaud-James Peppe 
Office. James* deal with the latter 
combination imposes upon them the 
obligation of assuming Gdbdman's 
interest but MIchaud and Peppe 
haven*t made any progress on this 
score because Goodman set a price of 
$12,500 and has stuck to it 



NEGRO MAESTRO HELD 
IN $970 N.O. THEFT 

New Orleans, July 15. 
Lawrence Alexander, 23-year-old 
Negro bandleader and porter, was 
being held at the ^st precinct po- 
lice station Friday (11) for alleged 
theft of an envelope containing $970 
from the office of the Paramount- 
Richards Theatres, Inc. While clean- 
ing the office, Alexander, accor(Ang 
to arresting officers, found the en- 
velope and money which another 
employee had failed to put away in a 
safe. 

The detectives said Alexander 
went out and bought an expensive 
public address system for his band 
which is well known locally. 

After providing for his band, po- 
lice say, Alexander then bought new 
clothes and luggage and took his 
wife to New York. 

He returned .a few days ago and 
was arrested. Police say Alexander 
admitted taking the money and that 
they recovered $215 and some of the 
clothing and luggage he allegedly 
purchased for his trip. 



Bonnie Baker Restored 



Auburndale, Mass., July 15. 

Bonnie Baker has rejoined Orrin 
Tucker at the Totem Pole Ballroom 
after being out of the band for six 
weeks due to appendectomy. 

Her op hasn't effected her style 
any, seemingly. 

Girl Singers Shift 

Chicago, July 15. 

Couple of new femme vocalists 
with orchestras in this territory, 
jean Browne has ^ined the Ted 
Weems orchestra, current in Lake- 
side Park, Denver, Miss Browne re- 
places Marilyn Thorne: 

Margie Powell now with the Mark 
Russell orchestra as vocalist. Rus- 
sell orchestra is in the Southern 
Mansion, in Kansas City. 



FLEXIBLE SCALE 
CLAUSE IS SET 



American Federation of Mu- 
sicians Improvises a Way 
Around Drastic Action 
That Recently Stunned 
Band Bookers — U.S. 
Treasury Sees No Objec- 
tion to Treating Percent- 
age Money as Additional 
Wages 



A TAX ANGLE 



By BEN BODEC 

American Federation of Musicians 
has suspended its recently promul- 
gated ban on the practice of book- 
ing dance bands- into percentage 
dates. With the approval of the 
U. S. Treasury Department the AFM 
has adopted a bookkeeping method 
for inclusion in its standard booking 
contracts which will allow name 
units to take percentage engage- 
ments without Jeopardizing the status, 
of the musicians under the Social 
Security law. The compensation 
section of the standard contract will 
hereafter not only show the salaries 
guaranteed the men in the band but 
the 'additional* money that is re- 
ceived over and above the guarantee 
as a result of the percentage terms. 

The imposition of the ban had 
caused an uproar from both name 
bands and booking offices and the 
Federation had been hard put to 
find a way out of the dilemma. 
When a practical solution did de- 
velop General Samuel Ansell, Wash- 
ington counsel for the' AJ'.M. sub- 
mitted it to the tax authorities with- 
in the Treasury Department. These 
authorities pointed out that they 
saw no reason why the employer 
would be relieved of his responsibil- 
ities under the Social Security law 
so long as the cont-act treated the 
money received above the guarantee 
as more wages. The actual clause 
to cover this phase of the contract 
has yet to be worked out and sub- 
mitted for approval to the Treasury 
Department. 

James C. Petrilio. A.F.M. prez, de- 
clared Monday (14) that the inter-, 
national had imposed the non-per- 
centage rule because it sought to 
prevent the employer from using the 
percentage angle to pass the secur- 
ity tax burden on to the band lead- 
er. Some employers had argued 
that the leader had by virtue of ar- 
ranging for a percentage of the pro- 
ceedings assumed a partnership 
status and that as such the leader 
should l>e 'made co-liable for the 
payment of the social security tax. 
Employer's Borden 

The compensation section of the 
standard booking contract put out 
by the A.F.M. has, said Petrilio, but 
one object and that is to bar any 
musician from getting into a posi- 
tion where the Government could 
look to him for the employer end 
of the tax. The union will be agree- 
able to amending this section pro- 
viding that its purpose is not emas- 
culated or defeated. Petrilio said 
that he had hopes that the compen- 
sation section, showing the salaries 
of all men in the band for the en- 
gagement will be eliminated eventu- 
ally. He declared that this section 
would become unnecessary once the 
union's position on the security tax 
issue ■became established in the 
courts. In the Griff Williamson case 
the union has won its first lap in 
that direction. With the A.F.M. un- 
derwriting the legal expense, Wil- 
liamson, a band leader, asked a Chi- 
cago federal court to affirm the em- 
ployer's responsibility. This court 
ruled in Williamson's favor. The 
U. S. government has not as yet in^ 
dicated whether it will appeal the 
decision. 

According to Petrilio, the Musi- 
cians union will discard the com- 
pensation section of the contract 
once the Government announces that 
it° will not take an appeal or In the 
event of an appeal the lower court 
Ij upheld 



Union Accepts Court's Ruling, 
Reinstates Three ExpeUed Members 
And Each Man Gets Around $600 



Fretted Masters Set Meet 



Springfield, Mass., July 15. 

The American Guild of Banjoists, 
Mandolinists and Guitarists will 
hold its 1942 annual convention in 
this city, it was decided at the an- 
nual convention at Niagara Falls, 
N. v., Thursday (10). 

Tentative dates, according to the 
convention bureau of the Springfield 
Chamber of Commerce, are June 28 
through July 1. 



PHIL SPITALNY'S 
CHAUTAUQUA 
RECORD 



Chautauqua, N. Y., July 15. 

Jumping from Brahms to 'Hut-Sut* 
and back again, Phil Spltalny's ell- 
femme' troupe on Friday (11) enter- 
tained the largest and most enthu- 
siastic crowds ever to fill the Chau- 
tauqua Amphitheatre, setting a new 
seven-year record. Mob of 10,000 
was said to Ilave been exceeded in 
size only by attendance on Presi- 
dent Roosevelt's appearance in 1936. 

Spitalny's girl orchestra and vo- 
calists carried the big audience 
through the entire gamut of musical 
emotions and proved the Chau- 
tauquaites far from 'stuffy,' as 
SpitBlny observed later. 

Femmes got an immediate ovation 
as they came onto the stage and the 
tremendous crowd never let down 
in its enthusiasm once. They started 
off with a patriotic medley, went to 
Brahms, then to 'Hut-Sut,* then to 
'Little Old Church in England,* 'Ave 
Maria,' 'Amapola,' 'Star Dust,' 'Bo- 
lero,* 'Intermezzo,' The Bee,* 'Con- 
certo for Drums and Orchestra,* 
'Bell Song,' 'Deep River,' 'Lo Hear 
the Gentle Lark,* 'Home on the 
Range* and 'God Bless America.' 

Audience refused to let the gals 
go, however, after 'God Bless Amer- 
ica* and the heavy palm-pounding 
won 'The Daring Young Man on the 
Flying Trapeze,' Tavern in the 
Town' and 'Sweet Adeline,* as well 
as several other encores. 

Admish was 7Sc. Band went to 
Watertown. N. Y., for its regular 
Sunday (13) evening broadcast, 
which was made from the Army's 
Pine Camp there. _ . 



. Kaltenborn't Draw 

Cincinnati, July 15. 

H. V. Kaltenborn, NBC news com- 
mentator, magneted 3.600 paid ad- 
misf ions Sunday. . i.UX- . Bt._W.L3K, 
Miami Valley Chautauqua, at 
Franklin, O. 

Biggest draw in first three of eight 
Sunday programs which WLW airs. 



Clyde McCoy's Dates 



Chicago, July 15. 

Clyde McCoy orchestra has been 
set foi* a full summer season without 
a lay-off through the Gus Edwards 
office here. - 

Currently in the Lake Worth 
Casino at Ft. Worth, the band moves 
to the Meadowbook Country Club on 
July 25 to stay through Aug. 7 and 
tjjien into the Lyric, Indianapolis, for 
a week's theatre date. 

On the day following opens a 
month's stay in the Peabody hotel 
at Memphis and jumps to the Coast 
for a week in the Paramount, L. A. 
followed by a six-week sojourn in 
the Trianon Ballroom there, closing 
on Oct 29. 



Philadelphia, July 15. 
Local 77, American Federation of 
Musicians, last week dropped its 
fight to upset a ruling of the courts 
to reinstate three ousted union mem- 
bers and reimburse them for time 
lost from employment due to the 
ouster over alleged chiseling on 
scales. 

Oscar Moldower,^ union attorney, 
informed the executive board, that 
no appeal could be taken to the U. S. 
Supreme Court— as had been in- 
tended — inasmuch as no Constitu- 
tional question was involved. The 
three men jn the controversy, 
George W. Tipton, Alvin Schatz, and 
Leon Gordon, formerly of the Car- 
men theatre pit band, have been 
reinstated with lost pay as was di- 
rected by the Courts. Each man re- 
ceives approximately (600. 

The original ruling against the 
union was made Jn common pleas 
court on the basis that the local filed 
an appeal from a trial board decision 
to the International executive board 
21 days after the union constitution's 
deadline for such action. The com- 
mon pleas court ruling was upheld 
by both the SUte Supreme and State 
Superior courts. 



RAY NOBLE 
QUITS MORRIS 
FOR MCA 



Ray Noble bought his contract 
back from the William Morris 
agency, and has shifted to Music 
Corp. of America. The .maestro's 
Morris deal had 14 more months to 
go and some $15,000 changed hands 
to effect the buyoff. Towards this, 
MCA contributed f3,000, but Noble 
put up the rest on his own. There 
have been varying rumors that as 
much as $20,000 had changed hands, 
all underwritten by MCA, which the 
latter denies. 

As usual, when such deals occur, 
dissatisfaction- with bookings, is the 
basic reason. MCA, meantime, has 
Noble set for a radio commercial In 
near future. 



Doctors Protest Smniner 
Roof DaDce Mosic As 
Nuisance in St Lonis 



St. Louis, July 15. 
Police Court Judge Joseph B. 
Catanzaro will decide Saturday (19) 
whether It was music or just plain 
noise dished out by an orchestra 

hotel and whether the . anti-noise 
ordinance has been violated. Last 
week testimony in the matter was 
given and the Judge deferred a ver- 
dict until counsel for both sides sub- 
mitted memorandums. 

Dr. liOuifl H. Behrens, who lives 
across the street from the Chase, 
was one of the most vehement ob- 
jectors. Another objector. Dr. 
Hugh McCuIlough, who lives a block 
north from the hotel, said the noise 
kept him awake until' 2 a.m. or 
later. 

Albert C. Tucker, resident man- 
ager of the hotel, the only defense 
witness, testified he had 'the orch 
public address system . discontinued . 
at midnight and had ordered the 
north windows closed. He said he 
had nothing to do with the hiring or 
control of the entertainers. Defen.<:e 
counsel argued that the anti-noise 
ordinance applies only to noises 
made for advertising purposes. 

Mafly Malneck's band was tht at- 
traction. 



40 ORCHESTRAS 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



Inside Stuff-Orchestras 



Orcl-.e|tra which Al Goodman batons for the U. S. Treasury Depart- 
ment series on CBS Wednesday nights includes .five musicians who at one 
time had their own bands on the networks. They are Waldo Mayo, who 
handled the musicjor the Major Bowes Family program; Nat BrusilofI, 
Harry Horlick, Murray Kellner (National Biscuit's 'Let's Dance'), and 
Johnny Black. 



San .Antonio has a group known as the 'Gentlemen of Swing;' f five- 
piece combo, all of whom are blind. .They perform at a local diive-in. 
Comprising the orchestra are Aaron Lasiter, bass fiddle; Roy Gordon, 
piano; Jack Pannell, guitar; Johnny Crawford, sax and clarinet,' and Sam 
Milsap at the drums. 



Glenn Miller, erroneously credited - with having pulled 3,500 al the 
Prom Ballroom, Minneapolis, on June 28, actually drew 5,742. 



On the Upbeat 



Ray Anthony, 18-yeaT-old trum- 
peter originally discovered by .Al 
Donahue's band, has rejoined the 
letter's band after a fling with the 
Glenn Miller orch. Donahue band 
also is seeking a girl singer to take 
the place of Dee Keating, who is the 
wife of trumpeter Hank Maddelena. 
She decided to quit the business. 



Tommy Marvin is iue for induc- 
tion in the Army late in July, an- 
other of . the large number , of 
maestros called up in -Detroit, but 
may get a reprieve being pounds 
underweight. 



Don Emmons has replaced Johnny 
Faust as guitarist in Glenn Moore's 
combination. Faust was called up 
for Army service. 



Cafe Society Uptown, N. Y., re- 
placing the Golden Gate quartet who 
are now filling vaude engagements. 



(harlle Barnct, who starts a six 
week stand at the Casa Manana, 
Culver City, July 22, has dubbed his 
seven-piece "^mall unit, 'The Chcro 
kees,' after the tune which he helped 
popularize. 



Louis Prima set for a week's en 
gagement at Luna Park Ballroom, 
Coney Island, starting July 18. 
Michael Loring, the incumbent band, 
remains. 



Charlie Aenew orch set for week 
of July 26, Crystal Danceteria, Buck- 
eye Lake Park, O. Current is Hal 
Leonard. Park's Danceland has Paul 
Whiteman in for onenighter Wednes- 
day (23). 



Pinky Tomlln, who moves into 
Manhattan Beach, N. Y., Aug. 17, has 
added Jeri Sullivan to his band as 
vocalist. She joined the outfit last 
week in San Antonio. 



race of the Glehwood hotel, Dela- 
ware-Water Gap, Pa. 



Uerble Holmes opened two-week 
engagement Sunday (13) at Kenny- 
wood Park, Pittsburgh, replacing 
Lang Thompson. Latter picked up 
new vocalist, Patti Gene, in Pitt as 
temporary replacement for Pejgy 
Nolan, Injured recently in auto 
crack-up. 



Don Bestor winds up six- week stay 
at Green's, Pittsburgh, Monday (21) 
and will be followed for fortnight by 
Clyde Knight, then Everett Hoag- 
land. 



10 Best SeDers on CoMachines 



(Records below are grabbing most nickels this week in julceboxea 
throughout the country, as reported by operators fo Vahiety. Names 
of more than one band or uocalist aitf.r the title indicates, in order of 
popularity, w?tnse recordings are being ptai/ed. ' Figures ond names in 
parenthesis indicate the number of weeks each song has been in the listings 
and respective publishers.) 

1. Daddy (6) Republic 1 ^^^Sers! - V^^^ 

2. Maria Elena (3) Southern i &a'LtS?''.V.V.Vm^^^^^^^^^^ 



Marty Gregor band has opened in- 
definite engagement at William Penn 
Tavern, near Pittsburgh. | 



Billy lates into Merry-Go-Bound, 
Pittsburgh, for limited stay, re- 
placing Little Joe Hart and his mu- 
sic. 



Al Kavelin booked into West View 
Park, Pittsburgh, for 10-day engage- 
ment beginning July 25. 

Herman Middleman back leading 
his own band at Yacht Club, Pitts- 
burgh, after turning baton over to 
Archie Tarshls for several weeks. 



Green Eyes 

Hut Sut Song (4) Schumann 

5. Aurora . . (5 ) Bobbins , . . 

6. My Sister and I (7) BMI. .. 



(3) Southern Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

\ Freddie Mr>cin Bluebird 

j King Sisters. Bluebird 

( jimmy Dorsey Decca 

i Andrews Sisters Decca 

( Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

I Benny Goodman.. .Columbia 



7. intermezzo (9) Schuberth j Woody . .^^.D^^^^^^ 

8. Nighty Night (5) Beacoh \^ 



9. 
10. 



Goodbye Dear Be Back Year (1) C. toC. 



J Horace Heidt Columbia 

I Dick Robe- ■ son ....... Decca 

Rose and a Prayer (1) BVC Jimmy Dorssy Decca 



DISKS GAINING FAVOR 



Bob Strong orch has had its op- ^ 
tion picked up by the norlhside . Yours (Marks) 
Chicago Villa Moderne. This means 
an additional four weeks. 



(These records are directly belou) the first 10 in popularity, but growing 
in dciiiaiid on the coin machine.<!.) 



Nick Fatool, from Benny Good- 
man's band, joined Claude Thorhhill 
as drummer, replacing Gene Lemen^ 
who was 'Caught in the Draft' to- 
gether with George Paulsen, bring- 
ing In Jack Ferrier on first alto. 



Will Bradley is to play a third re^ 
turn date at Totem Pole B., Auburn 
dale. Mass,, as soon as bis booking 
' schedule permits. Operator Roy Gill 
plans to switch from present one- 
week policy for bands to a—month, 
since Bradley'; draw ipcrciased daily 
on his two previous, engagenlents. ' 



Dave Newman, former fiddler with 
the WCAU-(Philly) house band, has 
joined Paul Whiteman's orchestra. 



Wea Lear, drummer, npw with 
Johnny McGee. 



Loo Brecsc slated for a two-c^-.y 
stand at Hamid's Pier, Atlantic City, 
July 21-22. 



EASED LAW AIDS 
JUKEBOX 
SPOTS 



Harvey Cocks and J'ames Mc- 
Wheatley, midwest band buyers, 
visiting in New York for a couple of 
weeks. They're headqiiartering at 
the William Morris office. 



' Billy MacDonald and His Royal 
Highlander orchestra open a three- 
week engagement at tho Casa Del 
Rey Hotel, Santa Cruz, July 21. 



Johnny. Lonr. who recently went 
into the Hotel New Yorker, remains 
until Sept. 1. . 

. Pete Vicra, former pianist for 
Bob Crosby, is- now leading the <St- 
chestra at the Ka-See Club, Toledo. 
Nita Lewis, local girl, is vocalist. 



Al Dais, Philly fiddler, new addi- 
tion with the Vincent Lopez aggrega- 
tion. 



Jose Morand current at Frank Sei' 
den's Lido Beach Club, L. I.. 



Gcorce Hamilton indefinite at 
Terrace Club of the Mansion, near 
Youngstown, O. 



Cafe Society Four, new vocal 
quartet, opens today (Wednesday) at 




HARRY 



AND ma 
Music Makers Orchestra 

NBC — Columbia Recorda 
OPENING JULY 18 
EARLE, PHILADELPHIA 

Dir.: — Modo Corp et America 



RAYMOND 

scon 

AND HIS ORCHESTRA 

3u»t Released 
."IN A SUBWAY FAB FBOM 

IRELAND" 
"MEXICAN JUMFING ItEAN" 
Colombia Kecord No. 8S211 * 
MUSIC CORP. OF AMERICA 



Tim Mnrphy's orchestra is now 
playing in the El Dorado Room of 
the Commodore Perry hotel, Toledo. 



Dan Stern has booked Bert Dolan's 
orchestra for Hotel Worthy's Silver 
Room, Springfield, Mass. Band 
takes the spot vacated by Les Jack- 
son's outfit, which was split up by 
the draft 



Seattle, July 15. 
Fats Waller's swing concert Mon- 
day night (14) at the Moore, theatre 
drew a near-capacity crowd. First 
hot night of the northwest's sum- 
mer did not bother the crowd. 

The sweet side was not over- 
looked, as Weller did 'Still of the 
Night,' and 'Summertime' on the 
organ and the band gave Two 
Sleepy People' and 'Sometimes I'm 
Happy,' soft arrangements; but it 
was the swing the crowd liked. They 
cheered some hot improvisations 
with John Hamilton, trumpet, and 
Eugene . Sedric, tenor sax, alternat- 
ing out in front of the band. 

Using four reeds, five brass and 
four rhythym, the band has a solid 
ringing style, which makes a nic^ 
background for the singing and 

. ^ Wasn't a question of selling it, the 

goes 



■ Earle Hill and his Cavemen, Van- 
couver, B. C, on a two-month vaca^ 
tion. Replaced at the Cave by 
Marsh Phimister band from Winni 
peg. 

Dean Hudson opened Friday (11) 
for indefinite engagement at Sum- 
mit Club, Baltimore. Will continue 
broadcasting Lance Toast-Chee pro- 
gram mornings from Washington 
Sandy Canaris, from Mai Hallet, re- 
placed Jimmy Farr at trumpet with 
band. Jerry Kennelly, past five 
years with Music Corp. of America 



Columbus, O., July 15. 

New regulation of the Ohio de- 
partment of liquor control has proved 
a boon to the coin-operated phono- 
graph business. . Under the old 
rules, operators of places with 
licenses to sell drinks or beer by the 
glass could not offer their patrons 
orchestra or phonograph music after 
midnight unless they obtained a 
$1,000 night-club license. 

However, under a more liberal 
regulation just adopted, the taverns 
can offer music until the statutory 
closing hour for the bar — 1 a.m. — 
without buying the extra license. 
• The extra hour is expected to bring 
in lots of nickels, as well as give 
some orchestras another hour's, pay. 



Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

Vaughn Monroe Bluebird 

J Sammy Kaye Victor 

I Glenn Miller Bluebird 

Yes, Indeed (Embassy) Tommy Dorsey .Victor 

When the Sun Comes Out 



Don't Cry Cherie (Shapiro) 



,„„„s (Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

I Charlie Spivak Okeh 



Goodbye, Darlin, Goodbye... 



I Bing Crosby...:, Decca 

I Gene Autry Okeh 

Kiss the Boys Goodbye (Famous) \^^ZZ ^^^/^C^ 



"Til Reveille (Melody Lane)... 

I Guess I'll Have to Dream the Rest (Block) 



I Bing Crosby Decca 

(Kay Kyser Columbia 

Glenn Miller Bluebird 



Coin-Catching Records-and Others 



FATS WALLER STOMPEDES 

Seattle Concert Is Near Capacity- 
Enthusiasm Riotous 



Anson Weeks orchestra goes into 
the Muehlebach hotel, Kansas City, 
for the month of August. 



Abe Lyman^oves north when he 
finishes his current orchestral chore 
at the Palladium, Hollywood, for six 
nights at the Palladium, Portland. 
One-nighters are .slated for Seattle, 
Tacoma and Seaside, Ore. 



Woody Herman band into Pal- 
ladium, Los Angeles, for eight weeks, 
starting July 18. 



Ernest McLean, former baritone 
With Tommy Tucker's -band at Fort 
Jackson, Columbia, S. C, and on sta' 
tion WIS' army show. 



Willard Schilllncer from Scranton 
in fifth summer season at the Tennis 
Club of The Inn, Buck Hill Falls, Pa. 



Bart Dutton's band, a Philly out- 
fit, set until fall in the outdoor ter- 



Charioteers 'Daddy' — ^"Down, Down, Down' (Okeh 6)143) 
Charioteers cut a copy of 'Daddy' that stands up very favorably in com- 
parison with any made. They corral all the rhythmic possibilities, add a 
few tasty touches of their own and do it all in good tempo. It should 
sell. Backing is the third release of a curiously effective original intro- 
duced by the Mills Bros. It rates. 

Charioteers' 'Daddy' stands head and shoulders over Vaughn Monroe's 
try (Bluebird 11189), with Marilyn Duke vocalling. His disc spins to the 
vocal before identification is possible and the instrumental work following 
allows only momentary glimpses of the melody. It's the poorest so far. 



Harry James 'Jeffries Blues' — 'Sharp As a Tack' (Colombia 36190) 
There was no point in hooking these two sides together. They're both 
drivingly played originals either of which would have. been better in com- 
pany with something commercial. 'Jeffries Blues' is. studded with good 
breaks, particularly one on piano while the coupling is solidly done in 
brisk, jump style. Latter, however, is one of those repetitious things that 
add up to nothing no matter how well they're played. Mostly for jive 
hounds, not average machine. 



Charlie Spivak 'Whe,n Sun Comes Ont'— 'Charlie's Horse' (Okeh 6246) 
Gary Stephens kicks in with good vocalling on 'Sun,' which, coupled to 
the band's backgrounding and Spivak's trumpeting, m.akes the side a sale- 
able item. Tune is a listenable one, out a few months, but about which 
little has been done. An original, 'Horse' kicks solidly in mdoerate tempo. 
Arrangement is cleverly developed and studded with solos. "Sides help 
Spiv|^'s rising stature. 

Wayne King 'Waltzes Tou Saved For Mc' (Victor Album P-10) 
King's waltz style finds wide reaction among music buyers who like'to 
sip the sweet and smooth. This book of eight sides, which includes some 
of the best standard waltzes in. the files, should sell easily. In addition 
any or all of the discs can be used separately for coin machine consump- 
tion. King plays 'em in his usual style, wading through 'I'm Forever Blow- 
ing Bubbles,* 'Waltz You Saved for Me," 'I Love You Truly,' 'La Golon- 
drina,' 'Sweethearts,' 'Three O'clock in the Morning,' 'Alice Blue Gown,' 
and 'Smoke Gets in your Eyes.' 



crowd asked .for it and whistled and 
yelled when their mitts gave out. 

Meanwhile Ozzie Nelson's second 
night (12) at the Trianon drew very 
good 1,700 at $1. 



Band Bookings * 



Bob Chester, July 17, Chatterbox, 
Mountainside, N. J. 

Bill McCane, July 17, Palisades 
Park, Palisades, N. J. 

Alvlno Rey, J.uly 17, Totem Pole 
B., Aubumdale, Mass. 

Ben Young, July 18, Coney Island 
fPark, Cincinnati. 

Clyde Lucas, July 20, Manhattan 
Beach, Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Tommy Dorsey, July 21, Cavalier 
Hotel, Virginia Beach, Va. 

Bunny Berigan, July 21, Steel Pier,- 
Atlantic City, N. J. 

Charlie Barnet, July 16, Cheyenne, 
Wyoming; 17, Saltair Beach, Salt 



Lake City; 18, El Patio, B., Reno; 19, 
Sweet's B., Sacramento; 20, Sweet's 
^iKJl(HlSk.^-''^'''nd. 

Benny Goodman^ July 24, Sherman 
Hotel, Chicago. 

B c r n i e Cummins, July 14-24, 
Plantation Club, Houston; 25-Aug. 1, 
Lake Worth Casino, Ft. Worth; Aug. 
2-16, Club Trocadero, Henderson, 
Ky. 

Jimmie Lunceford, July 26, Sweet's 
B., Sacramento; 27-28, Sweet's B., 
Oakland; 30, American Legion Hall, 
San Diego; 31, Riverside B., Phoe- 
nix, Ariz.; Aug. 1, Liberty Hall, El 
Paso, Tex.; Aug. 3, Automobile 
Building, Houston, Tex.; Aug. 4, Cot- 
ton Palace Coliseum, Waco, Tex.; 
Aug. 5, City Aud., Galveston, Tex.; 
Aug. 6, Murphy's Skating Rink, 
Alexandria, La.; Aug. 7, Aud., Hous- 
ton, Tex. 

Al Kavelin, July 20-27, Casa Loma 
Club, Charleston, W. Va.; 25-Aug. 4, 
Westview Park, Pittsburgh. 

Raymond Scott, July 18-25,. Cedar 
Point, O.; 28-Aug. 1, Steel Pier, At- 
lantic City; Aug. 13-Sept. 1, Elitch 
Gardens, Denver. 

Isham Jones. July 20, Lake Worth 
Casino, Fort Worth. 



mum 

and His Orchestra 

Cnnrentlr 

RITZ-CARLTON 

BOSTON 

Columbia Records 



DlreclloD 

WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY, IHC, 



TOP ftUALTTY PHOTOGEAPHS 
AT NEW LOW PEICES 

size lOO 200 500 

6x7 iBcliM 4.B0 10.00 )r.M 

po.t Card. 3.B0 e.;o 10.00 

nuHlneM Caril».... 8.85 IM ».r.O 
All llcnia HTB genuine hiKh aumj'' 
phntoemphB and are inailo Ironi 
cither your print nr iieBatlve. Free 
aamplea and addlUoDal prices on re- 
queet. 

KEHEES PHOTO SEEVICE 

£103 Lee Rd. ricvclond, Olile 



Wednesday* July 16, 1941 



ORCHESTRA GROSSES 41 



Bands at Hotel B.O/s 



NEW YORK 

(j>Tesentei herexaith, as a weekly tabulation, is the estimated cover 
charge business being done by name bands in various New York hotels. 
Dinner business (7-10 PJW.) not rated. Figures after name of hotel give 
room capacity and cover charge. Larger amount designates toeefcend ond 
holiday price.) 

11,1 nd Hof«l Played 

Bobjjy Byrne.... .Pennsylvania (500; 75c-$l) 5 

XavierCugat Waldorf (375: $1-$1.50) 13 

Tommy Dorsey...Astor (1,000; 75c-$l) 8 

Ray Heatherton..BlItmore (300: $1-$1.50) 5 

Hay Kinney* Lexington (300: 75c-$1.50) 13 

Johnny Long*.... Jlew Yorker (400; 75c-$1.50) 5 

Hal Saunders ...5t. Regis (400; $1-$1.50) •' 8 

'Asterisks indicate o supporting floor show, although the band is the 

major draw. 



Coren 
Part 
WeaU 

1,700 
2,075 
3,575 

400 
1,250 
1,250. 

375 



Total 
Covera 
On Dato 

7,450 
27.250 
37,350 

2,050 
17,350 

6,350 

3,350 



CHICAGO 



Jimmy Dorsey (Panther Room, Sherman Hotel; 700; $l-$2 min.). Busi- 
ness continues to build in this^pot with a smash week for the Dorsey 
crew, playing to 6,100 people. Draw entirely due to band, as show policy 
has been discontinued during their stay. 

Sklnnay Ennls (Empire Room, Palmer House; 600; $2-$2.50 supper min.). 
Ennis band practically intact again after accident which incapacitated 
many of the members. Business holding up well, with Ennis established 
as a definite b.o. draw with 2,300 customers. 

Boyd Raeburn (Chez Paree; SCO; $2.50-$3.S0 min.). Capacity business 
every night this past week, di»e primarily to show headed by Milton 
Berie. Conventions in town helped to jump the total number of payees 
to 5,200, for a terrific week. 

Jimmy Joy (Walnut Room, Bismarck Hotel; 300; $l-$2 min.). Still 
showing a nice increase, Joy and. his crew came through a good week 
with the fine total of 2,500 customers. 



SAN FRANCISCO 

Carl Eavazza (Palace; 500; 50c-$1.25). Aided by socko opening with the 
DeMarcos (Sally Craven replacing Renee) pace is zippy. Opening night 
gross estimated around $1,500. 

LOS ANGELES 

Abe Lyman (Palladium; 6,000; S5c-$1.10). Lyman hitting around the 
15,000 admish figure on third week and certain to poll the third highest 
gross Jor the dancery since its opening. Only Glenn Miller and Tommy 
Dorsey topped him. Certain for a repeat later on. 

Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1-$1.50). Grove's long run champ 
averaging better than 400 covers nighty which Is plenty okay considering 
the time of year although the' tourist season Is on in full sway and Cocoa- 
nut Grove Is still tops with the visiting firemen. 

Harry Owens (Aquatic Room, Hotel Miramar, Santa Monica (500; 50c- 
fl). Catching on to the tune of around 2,000 covers a week. Only class 
spot on the ocean front and pulling the better class of white flannel trade. 



Musician's - Sidelines 



BufiFalo, July 15. 

Nomination for busiest local 
bandsman: sax player Jack Pro- 
lejko of WBEN house crew. 

Besides a 40-hour week at stu- 
dios, he's secretary to a council- 
man and runs a pharmacy in 
spare time. 



JUKEBOX LOBBY 
FUNDS PRETTY 
VAGUE 



DECCAPROHTS 
SUBSTANTIAL 



Improved earnings of Decca Rec- 
ords, Inc., this year are reflected by 
steady record of dividend declara- 
itlons to date — 55c has been de- 
clared or paid already this year. 
Net Income for the March quarter 
(flrst this year amounts to 56c per 
share, more than covering the four 
declarations so far In 1941, or net 
income of $211,159. 

' As compared with this showing. 
Cecca reported only $105,159 In the 
March quarter last year, equal to 
28c per share. The second quarter 
earnings of the company are re- 
ported running well ahead of the 
June, 1940, quarter when Decca 
turned in $170,571 net income. 



Sid Olsheln'B Music Masters play. 
Ing Rocco's, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 



JIMMY 




■ anijiHis Orchestra . 

> Camntlr 

COLLEGE INN 

BRERHAM HOTEU OHICAOO 
Over NBC Krerr Mt« 

Pcnonol Manavaneat— BIU. BURTON 



J OH N NY 
LO N G 

and hii orchestra 
HOTEL NEW YORKER 
N6C— DECCA RECORbiS 



MANACCMDN'T 

GENERAL AMUSEMENT CORP. 



BRAIN CONCUSSION 



Buffalo Clarinetist Fell Asleep at 
Wheel of Cor 



BuSalo, July 15. 
Gabriel Viscusi, 25, clarinet player, 
fell asleep at the wheel of his car 
which plunged 14 feet into an under- 
pass. 

He Is suffering a serious brain 
concussion. 



St. Louis, July 15. 

Inquiries are under way here and 
iii Jefferson City into charge^ that 
local jukebox operators were tapped 
an estimated $14,000 to defeat two 
bills, introduced in the Missouri leg- 
islature, that would have crippled 
their biz. Charles M. Hay, chairman 
of the local Board of Election Com- 
missioners, stated that he understood 
$12,000 had been raised and 50% 
of it paid to make certain that 
the bills would be slain. 

Several jukebox operators said 
that such a fund was raised but most 
of them said they were unable to re- 
call who had collected it, how it was 
to be used, or whether they had con- 
tributed to it. William BeU, prez 
of the W. B. Novelty Co., asserted 
his salesmanager, Martin Balensiefer, 
handled the raising of the fund, the 
contacts with legislators and 'the rest 
of it.' Balensiefer replied that there 
might have been such a fund but he 
denied handling it. 

John LeBan, prez, and Everett H. 
Fisher, sec. of the Associated Phono- 
graph Owners, denied any knowl- 
edge of the existence of such a 
fund and both asserted that the bills 
were killed by the organization's 
plan of being represented at hear- 
ings before a committee handling the 
measures. Fred Lehmkuehl, prez 
of the W. L. Amusement Co., said T^e 
heard there was going to be some 
kind of levy and that he reported the 
matter to Peter O. Brandt, factory 
distributor for Wurlitzer pho- 
nographs and was advised to make 
no contribution to the fund. 

Both bills, which would have made 
it unlawful for any tavern anff sa- 
loons to have jukeboxes in them 
were killed by the House Committee 
on Criminal Jurisprudence June 24 



Pacific Northwest Dates Pay Off; 
Rapond Scott B^ Cincy Draw 

(Estimates) 

Ozzle Nelson (Trianon B., Seattle, Wash., July 11). Fine weather pulling 
for the many nearby lakes and resorts didn't influence this set-up. Attend-^ 
ance hit 1,100 at $1 per. 

Ray Noble (Palladium, Portland, Ore;, July 3-5, 7-9). A six-day attend.r 
ance of 13,000 grossed a good $6,600 at 40c, 60c. 

Raymond Scott (Coney Island Park, Cincinnati, July 11-13). At a 75c 
gate tap band pulled 786 dancers Friday, 3,409 on Saturday and closed 
Sunday to a fine turnout of 1,586; excellent. 

Bob Crosby (Pleasure Beach, Bridgeport, July 2). Only 528 at 77c, 
proving again It doesn't pay to compete with Ringling-Barnum & BaUey 
circus, In Bridgeport same night. 

Eddie Durham (Oak Grove Casino, Milford, Conn., July 3-6). Long 
week-end stand of sepia band gathered lots of velvet. Two dawn dances, 
ofay and colored, drew 1,600 at 55c and Saturday-Sunday biz added 500. 

Woody Herman tProm B., Mlnneapolis-St. Paul, July 9). Considering 
that he followed on Glenn Miller's heels here and came immediately after 
week-end July 4 holiday, the 2,500 people pulled by Herman at .88c con- 
stitute an imprcssiv* i.-,owIng. 

EOa'Breese CJoyland Park, Lexington, Ky., July 8). Fair take with 350 
hoofers at $1.20 per. 

Henry Busse (Surf Beach Club, Virginia Beach, Va., July 5). An all 
time recdrd of 2,800 attending at $1.65. (Armory, Mobile, Ala., July 11.) 
1,437 at $1, $1.40, makes Busse's the first band to go -into percentages in 
this spot in three years. 

Sammy Kaye (Saylor's Lake PavUIon, Saylorsburg, Pa., July 8). The 
'Swing and Sway' king proved terrifie draw, following Alvino Rey by 
only three days and luring 1,900 paying customers at $1.10. (Pleasure 
Beach, Bridgeport, July 6). Rainstorm and after-Fourth reaction put date 
in' red, 1,050 at $1.10. 

Vaughn Monroe (Waldemere Park, Erie Pa., July 7). 1,402 dancers paid 
$1, $i;50, to attend this session in spite of a heavy rainf&U. Take was 
good, $1,308. 

Orrin Tucker (Totem Pole B., Auburndale, Mass., July 7-9). After 
drawing terrific 11,000 patrons over weekend. Tucker continued strong 
draw with 5,600 at $1.35 per couple for $3,780 gross. Drew 1,500 Monday, 
1,800" Tuesday, 2,300 Wednesday. Band gave spot tremendous $11,205 for 
six dsys, 

■ Claude Thornhlll (Totem Pole B., Auburndale, Mass., July 10-12). Thorn- 
hill has been milking, this territory for past nine months and therefore 
pulled surprise 6n first engagement- here by drawing 7,200 customers at 
$1.35 per couple for big gross of $4,860; 1,400 Thursday, 2.600 Friday and 
3,200 Saturday-. 

Blue Barron (Pleasure Beach, Bridgeport, July 13). 930 at 77c, n. s. g. 
Glenn Miller (Aragon B, Chicago, July 12). Miller gathered 9,000 ad- 
missions at $i:i0 beating the spot's previous attendance records.. 



Krupa-Cass Daley Fme $19^0 In 

PhiUy; Harris Nifty $15,000, hdpls., 
CaUoway's 2d N. Y., Potent $3ai0 



(Estimates for This Week) 
Will Bradley, New York— (Para- 
mount; 3,664; 35-55-85-99). Third 
week tapered off to $45,000, after 
sensational $140,000 collected in first 
two weeks. 'Caught in Braft' (Par), 
on screen, of course, continues the 
main draw. Bradley's crew is forced 
to leave today (Wed.) because of 
previous booking, although Bob 
Hope's film stays a fifth week, as 
does remainder of stage show. Joe 
Venuti band replaces on fifth ses- 
sion. 

Cab Calloway, New York— 
(Strand"; 2,767; 35-55-75-85-99). With 
'Manpower' (WB) (2d wk). Picture 
drawing despite poor notices, with 
Calloway's outfit figured as real 
magnet. Potent $38,000 indicated for 
second session; after hefty $45,000 
on Initial week, helped by July 4 
holiday crowds. Stays third stanza. 

Phil Harris, Indianapolis (Lyric; 
1,900, 30-40-50). With 'Passage to 
Hong Kong' (WB). Harris is evi- 
dently the noajor lure here imd 
house is looking for excellent $15,000, 
one of the top weeks of the year. 

Sammy Kaye, Pittsburgh (Stanley; 
3,800, 25-40-60) with 'Reaching for 
the Siin' (Par). Film didn't get 
much attention from the press. 
Which put the b.o. burden on Sammy 
Kaye and his band Is coming 
through for very good $21,000. 

Geife Krnpa, Philadelphia (Earle; 
2,768, 35-46-57-68) with 'Knew All 
the Answers' (Col), Cass Daley and 
other acts. The stage show is the 
b.o. power here this " week and 
$19,600 will be a sweet take. 

Little Jack LlUIe, ' Kansas' City 
(Tower; 2,110, 10-30) with 'San An- 
tonio Rose' (U). Fine $8,000 in view 
is chiefly attributed to Little's orch. 

Will Osborne, Los Angeles (Para- 
mount; 3,595, 30-44-55-75) with 
Caught In the Draft' (Par) (3d wk). 



It's also the third week for Os- 
borne's orch and business at the 
house still excellent, with $15,000 
currently. Bob -Hope film getUng 
most of the credit. 

Dick Stabile, Chicago (Chicago, 
4,000, 35-55-75) with 'Caught in the 
Draft' (Par) (3d wk) plus Roches- 
ter, Gracie Barrie and others. Roch- 
ester is probably most potent draw, 
considering film's third week, and 
biz is very big for anti'-ipated 
$40,000. 

Paul Wblteman, Minneapolis— (Or- 
pheum; 2,800; 39-44-55). 'She Knew 
All Answers' (Col) plus two good 
acts, Flo & Bob Robinson and Jack 
Gilford. Picture okeh, but neither it 
nor rest of show means a thing as 
far as boxoffice is concerned. White- 
man's orchestra . being the sole and 
powerful draw. Looks like $14,000. 

.Sammy Kaye, Pittsburgh— (Stan- 
ley; 3,800; 25-40-60). Coupled with 
'Reaching for Sun' (Par), but mag- 
net definitely is Kaye, who has al- 
ways done a profitable biz for this 
spot. Currently doing better than 
ever before, however, and will wind 
up with ringing $21,000. That's in 
upper brackets at Stanley. 



Former Detroit Mayor 
In on Sound Machines 



Detroit, July 15, 
With a former Detroit mayor and 
present president of the City Coun- 
cil, John W. Smith, as head of the 
local agency the Panoram Company 
has started the extensive distribution 
of its sound machines in taverns 
here. 

President of the Tlvoll Brewing 
company, Harold Colby, also Is one 
of the franchise holders In the 
Michigan set-up. 



FOUOW THE 



' 1* net oroood »* 

"Voo cants -et ci'®****** 



For information uiritt 
Creybouna Travel Bureau at 
neareiteily below: 

Nsw York air • CIcrcUnd, Oblo 
ChloflD. llllnoia • PhlladdphU. Pa. 
Boaton, Uus. • WuhlngrtoD, I). C. 
Detroit, UlchlKui Bt.Xonli, Mo. 
SinFrtocboi. Cal.iFt. Worth, T». 
HInnrapollJ, UJnn,«L«ilnffton,Kr. 
ChmrlatOD, W, Va. • UndnDatl, O. 
Richmond. Va. • Memphis, Tcnn. 
New Orleasi. La. • Windior. Got. 
M London street, B.) • Montreal, 
Quebec, (1188 Dorehnter St.,W.) 




Greyhound is the first choice in travel 
for many more reasons than extra 
economy! There's the extra convenience 
of frequent schedules, handy terminals 
— the extra comfort of traveling in 
smooth-riding, air-condictoned Super- 
Coaches — plus the extra reduction in 
transportation costs when you charter 
an entire Greyhound for a group travel- 
ing together. Next time you go on the 
road — professionally or for pleasure- 
go Greyhound, anywhere in America. 



GREYHOUND 



\l/U£S\ 



42 ORCHESTRAS^MUSIC 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



Ralph PeerV latm-American Music 
Findings; Deprecates U.S. Carelessness 



By RALPH'S. PEEB 

(President, Southern Music Co.) 

On a trip via airplane starting from 
New York on March 21 and return- 
ing to N. Y. July 1, 1 have just com- 
pleted an inspection ot Ijatin Amer- 
ica. I have been in every country 
excepting Venezuela and Bolivia — 
IB out of 20. 

In general, there has been a tre- 
mendous expansion of the music 
publishing industry in this region, 
probably due to the Increasing 
broadcasting facilities which, in 
turn, create a need for popular mu- 
sic. In all countries, Mexican mu- 
sic rivals the native output and in 
some countries, notably Chile and 
Peru, Mexican music is more popu- 
lar than the local tpnes. 

V. S. FlImuBlcals 

American foxtrots are much used 
In the large cities because of the 
fine orchestrations available usually 
at a- low price. On every boat ar- 
riving from New York, some mem- 
ber of the crew brings along 100 or 
more American orchestrations which 
he has Acquired free of charge from 
the New York publishing houses. 
No duties are paid and the orches- 
trations are handled bootleg fashion 
and sold far below local cost to the 
various orchestra leaders. 

Jive and jazz are selling well in 
record form but, considering the 
small royalties which result when 
the depreciated currencies are 
turned into dollars, this means noth- 
ing to American publishers. 

American musical films are eithe'r 
very big ' or very bad in Latin 
America. The complete lack of un- 
derstanding on the part of Holly- 
wood producers as to what 'will and 
what will not get by in these coun- 
tries is amazing. Latin American 
■cenes are usually backed up by 
synthetic rumbas written by com- 
posers of every nationality and, it 
background music is used, the 
chances 'are nine out of t£n that it 
sounds incongruous to Latin Amer- 
ican ears. 

The current difficulties between 
ASCAP and the broadcasters have 
not helped the situation any because 
now the American film music 
reaches Ijatin America absolutely 
cold — there are no longer any hits 
In American films. 

On the -other hand, Mexican films, 
which enjoy considerable popularity 
in all Spanlslv-speaklng countries^ 
are filled with the right music and 
frequently help to introducie big hits. 
A good example is the Mexican- 
made film, <A1 Son de la Marimba,' 
In which the orchestra of Alberto 
Dominguez (composer of Trenesi' 
and 'Perfldia') appears playing some 
new Dominguez tunes. His new song 
bavlng the same title as the picture 
has scored a big success and there 
la now the question to be answered, 
'Did the song make the picture or 
. _. did the picture make the song?' 

BMI runs are rapidly taking over 
the market. > Important New York 
publishers have created a most 



unfavorable impression while trying 
to learn the rudiments of the Latin- 
American music game. Directors 
in ASCAP have gone to Cuba, for 
example, and have prornised local 
composer-bandleaders to use their 
influence in ASCAP to obtain per- 
forming fees from ASCAP for the 
uses of Cuban music controlled by 
ASCAP publisher^ These promises 
have been followed by no action, al- 
though the Cubans have faithfully 
kept their side of the bargain by 
giving plenty of local radio plugs to 
the repertoires controlled by these 
publishers. 

One °of these publishers makes it 
a practice to contact all Cuban and 
Mexican composers who are known 
to be under contract to local firms 
in an effort to create dissatisfaction 
with the local publishing interests. 
These tactics are exactly the oppo- 
site ot what is required to do busi- 
ness in Latin-America and have left 
a very painful impression as to the 
character and responsibility of New 
York publishers. 

Naturally, Latin America follows 
the American lead as to foxtrots and 
BMI music is supplanting the 
ASCAP product as to the orchestras 
which feature foxtrots. In Buenos 
Aires particularly. 

There is keen interest amongst 
La tin- American composers as to the 
activities of the Rockefeller Com- 
mittee (Music Division) which, ac- 
cording to the information spread 
throughout this territory, is supposed 
to help intrifduce Latin-American 
music to North America and vice 
ver^. Nothing has developed ex- 
cept form letters sent out by the 
Committee to the symphonic and 
highbrow writers who, of course, 
have nothing to offer which works 
up any popular interest in the coun- 
try of origin and which certainly 
win do no better In the United 
States. 0' 

SADIAC Strong 
Tribute must be paid to Francisco 
Canaro, the famous Argentine im- 
presario and composers, for his lead- 
ership of the Argentine Society of 
Authors and Composers (SADIAC). 
With the active assistance of two 
other well known maestros, Fran- 
cisco Lomuto and Osvaldo Fresedo, 
he has made the Argentine Society 
the strongest in the .Western Hemis- 
phere considering the size of the 
country. SADIAC is housed in a 
beautiful new three-story building 
in the heart of Buenos Aires, owned 
by the Society. The problem of dis-. 
tributing royalties, which has weak- 
ened and nearly destroyed ASCAP, 
has been solved very simply under 
the leadership of Canaro — ^the money 
is paid out in exact accordance with 
the amounts obtained from users. 
Modern accounting machinery is 
used and all money is distributed in 
direct proportion to the uses re- 
ported from each source. In the 
SADIAC building, there .is a club 
tor. the membership, large social 
halls and an auditorium for concerts 



—the finest plant owned' or 'operated 
by any performing rights society In 
any country. 

'While in Buenos Aires, I received 
the formal thanks ot the Board of 
SADIAC for my efforts to collect 
performing fees in the United States 
for Latin-American writers. For the 
first time in history, members of 
SADIAC ' are now receiving actual 
money payments for uses of their 
material in our country. 

In both Peru and Colombia, where 
the copyright laws are so old and 
obsolete as to give little it any pro- 
tection to copyright owners, I talked 
to high government officials and in- 
itiated movements to pass new copy- 
right acts. 

U. S. Interest Urged 

After observing, first hand, the im- 
mense amount of fine material being 
created by the Latin Americans, 
much of which is already under the 
control of • Southern Music or its 
subsidiaries, L-'have decided that 
present American interest in the 
music of its southern neighbors can 
be still further stimulated. I am 
now forming a publishing house, 
with headquarters in New York City, 
which will devote itself, exclusively, 
to the Latin-AmericaA field and 
which . will issue its first publica- 
tions around Aug. 1. This firm will 
clear performing rights through 9MI 
and will endeavor to make popular 
American hits out ot the vast nutn- 
ber of Latin hits which will come 
under its control. 

Selections will be drawn from all 
countries as the new firm will have 
affiliates in every important city of 
South and Central America and will 
represent the new Cuban publishing 
firm recently 'established by CMQ, 
largest broadcasting station on the 
island. 

/ Following is the route which I 
•followed: New York, Havana, San 
Juan, P.R.; Trinidad, B.W.I.; Para, 
Brazil; Recife, Brazil; Rio de Ja- 
neiro, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Mon- 
tevideo, Uruguay; Santiago, Chile; 
Arequipa,. Peru; Cuzco, Peru; .Lima, 
Quito, Ecuador; Bogota, Colombia; 
Medellin, Colombia; Panama City, 
San Jose, Costa Rica; Guatemala 
City, Mexico City. 



Band Reviews 



Ad Agencies Reminded That BMI 
Puhs Handle Own Mechanical Rights 



Band Cavalcade Film 



Hollywood, July IS. 

A band cavalcade filmusical, 
glorifying various name ma- 
estros, is on the possibilities 
agenda as an RKO picture. 

Number. of name bands would 
be interpolated via Music Corp. 
of America booking. 



band is perhaps contributed by Em- 
mett Carls on tenor sax, end Mike 
Rubin on trombone, with Hal Der- 
win, guitarist, turning in a nice job 
on the vocals. The second trom- 
bonist, Ray Thomas, also deserves 
mention for his arrangements. 

Raeburn is a friendly guy with an 
affable personality. Gold. 



(»)■ 



Mutual Network Plugs 



The /ollotolnsr tabulation 0/ network popular music perSormarKes is con- 
'Jlned to WOR, Weto York release /or Mutual Broadcasting System. 
The compilation hereurfth covers the week beginntnoi Julv 7 (Monday) 
and ending July 13 (Sunday), /rom 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., and based on daily 
recapitulations furnished by Accurate Reporting Ser«tce. 
TITLE PUBLISHEB TOTAL 

Daddy .Republic 13 

Hut Sut Song Schumann 10 



I 



Aurora Robbins 

Maria Elena Southern . 

Dolores— *Las 'Vegas Nights Paramount 

Don't Cry Cherle Shapiro . . 

I Understand Feist 

Kiss Boys Goodbye— 'Kiss Boys Goodbye Famous . ! 

Love Me a Little Little .....Mayfair 7 

Intermezzo Schuberth 6 

Ma I Miss Your Apple Pie Loeb ; . . . 6 

As If You Didn't Know— *Time Out Rhythm Mills 5 

Do I Worry? » Melody Lane .... 5 

Georgia on Mind Southern * 5 

Harbor of Dreams Miller 5 

Million DoUar Baby— •Million Dollar Baby. Remick 5 

t Guess I'll Have to Dream t^ie Rest r.. Block 5 

Never Let Day Pass By— 'Kiss Boys. Famous 5 

South of North Carolina, Porgie 5 

You Started Something- 'Moon Over Miami Robbins '. 5 

Set the World on Fire Cherio 4 

Apple Blossom Time Broadway 4 

Keep Cool Fool , Advanced 4 

Memory of a Rose Shapiro ..' 4 

My Sister and I ' '...BMI ■ 4 

Tale of Two Cities , Hwms . * . ! . : . . .V. 4 

,,We'U Meet Again Dash 4 

You Stepped Out 6t Dream— *Ziegfeld Girl Feist 4 

*F(hniisfcfll excefpf, , , ;. .; . 



DON RAGON OBCHESTRA 

With Dottie Reld, Alice Ray 

Hotel Continental, Kansas City, Mo. 

Leader and crew have been in this 
mid-west territory for a couple of 
seasons, but this is first sortie of any 
consequence into the town itself. 
Where the outfit played Shadow 
Lake in Noel, Mp., a year ago as a 
resident band, Ragon has condensed 
it a bit for traveling and club and 
hotel work. While the crew is not 
a name, it fills quite well the assign- 
ment of furnishing dance tunes for 
the Sky-Hy Roof of the hotel's sum- 
mer session. Music is sweet with 
little variation, and band provides 
standard rhythms and tunes of the 
day. 

Most special work is the vocal de- 
pai^'tment and most frequent turn 
here is takers by slim Dottie Reid. 
She's in the deeper range and above 
average as a .sjnger. Alice Ray 
(Mrs. Ragon) takes a less frequent 
but pleasant turn on lighter ballads. 
Male vocals are mostly handed to 
Tony Marsh who fulfills fairly well, 
BBd. .Ba&j.; shQw.s_lujEselJL,.a_jjuW. 
chanter on some of the novelty 
verses. 

Instrumentally the setup of four 
saxes and light brass section could 
be improved with a trombone or two 
to contrast the sweetness of the 
reeds, which is made up of Paul 
VUleoigue, George Reed, Al Jensen 
and Tony Zedolek. Ragon furnishes 
some good specialty work on trumpet 
himself and has Dell Noel and Bill 
Kimmel in this department .also. 
Keith Meyers, piano: Bill Greer, 
drums; and Sid Brock, string bass, 
complete the group. Arranging is 
handled by Bagon himself.. 

Hotel Is wisely airing - Its bands 
nightly via KCMO, but might be 
smarter to check some of the com- 
mercial copy crammed into the quar- 
ter hour. Walter Wood preceded 



BOB HARVEY ORCHESTRA 
With BeUy Randolph 
China Pheasant, Seattle 

Harvey's is a new band, organized 
on going into the China Pheasant six 
months ago. Leader, pianist and ar- 
ranger was formerly with Archie 
Loveland's band which played the 
Olympic hotfel here for several years. 
He is a personable leader, directing 
from the piano, where he also takes 
a vocal now and then, and the seven 
dish out from sweet to swing, gaug- 
ing their numbers so thai the pa- 
trons, who range from highschoolers 
to middle agersi are all given what 
they want. 

Band has a depth and rhythm sel- 
dom encountered in so small a com- 
bination and mixes the old ones and 
the new, ballads, blues and rhumbas 
so that every type of terper gets his 
choice frequently. 

Band also puts on the fioor show, 
with all members contributing. 
Frank lacolucci, accordion, comes 
out on the floor for numbers which 
he puts over well. Betty Randolph 
also does some numbers on the floor, 
selling her stuff expertly, and gets a 
lot out of her looks and ability. 
Others who solo are Harvey, Abby 
Peters, drums; Tiny Martin, string 
bass, and Holly Pitts, sax. Red In- 
glesby, trombone; Carl Rising, trum- 
pet; Betty and Peters make up a 
quarts that milks some old ones for 
a big hand. 

Arrangements hy Harvey are right 
for the combination and this, to- 
gether with good blending of dance 
groups is responsible for the popu- 
larity the spot is enjoying. Drive 
and spirit created by the aggrega- 
tion in the past few months indicates 
that it is ready for bigger things. 

Reed. 



Ragon on the Roof to open the sea 
son, and Bob McGrew follows this 
week. _ Quin. 

BOYD RAEBURN ORCH (15) 
Chez Paree, Chicago 

Here Is a group which, though 
consistmg mainly of Chicago boys, 
is new to Chicago cfifedom. Making 
the debut doubly hard Is the fact 
that the band has had to follow name 
outfits into this spot, and hold up 
under the pressure of a difficult 
show and a lot of air time. How- 
ever, the band is scoring well. 

Instrumentation is the standard 
setup with five brass, four rhythm, 
four saxes, with Raeburn himself oc- 
casionally picking up the fifth sax. 
Band is flexible, playing the society 
brand of music or the jump tunes. 
Proficient, too, in playing for show. 
Particular credit is owihg the drum- 
mer, Maurie Lisbon, who works with' 
the' floor acts every mlh'ute. 
Outstanding. musiclanshlD In the. 



Busse Booked Well Ahead 

San Francisco, July 15. 
Henry Busse dated for an eight- 
week return to the Palace hotel Rose 
Room here Nov. 31. 

Interim will be filled by Carl Ra- 
vazza (who opened Thursday), Will 
Osborne (six weeks) and Ray Noble 
(eight weeks). 



Harry Fox, agent and trustee on 
mechanical rights, has straightened 
out the tendency of some advertis- 
ing agencies handling transcribed 
programs to go directly to Broad- 
cast Music, Inc., for licenses on 
compositions belonging to hon- 
ASCAP publishers. Fox pointed out 
to these agencies that he was still 
representing E. B. Marks and 
Southern Music, even though they 
were affiliated with BMI, and that 
these clients were doing their me- 
chanical licensing direct and not 
through BMI. 

These ad agencies had been under 
the impression that as long as a pub- 
lisher cleared his performing rights 
through BMI it was proper for them 
to ^0 to the same source' for their 
transcription rights. As the result 
of Fox's attention-calling the agency 
have agreed to make their applica- 
tions direct to the publishers. 



Fair's Name Bands 

Four name bands have been 
booked for the California State Fair 
at Sacramento Aug. 29 through 
Sept. 27.^ 

They are Ray Noble, Ozzle Nelson, 
Freddy Martin and Charlie Barnet. 
All will play nightly for dancing and 
are slated to appear in a revue as 
well. 



Music Notes 



Ira Gershwin, Yip Harburg and 
Arthur Schwartz cleffed 'Honorable 
Moon' as a contribution to the 
United- China Relief air show. 



Ray Heindort and Heinz Roemheld 
writing background music for 'Navy 
Blues' at . Warners. 



• Barnard Grossman and Richard 
Hageman composed 'I Hear America 
C^all' for John Charles Thomas' con- 
cert programs. 



Al Newman doing dance tunes for 
'Four Jacks and a Queen' at Colum- 
bia. 



Burton Lane and Ralph Freed 
cleffing the title song for 'Babes On 
Broadway' at Metro. 



Morton Greene and ' Harry 
writing the songs for 'Four 
and a Queen' at RKO. 



Revel 
Jacks 



Bobby Warren has penned a new 
number 'entitled 'City Called Heav- 
en.' His first was the recent favorite 
'Number 10 Lullaby Lane.' 



NBC-CBS Plugs 



Following compilation 0/ plugs on NBC and Columbia's Weu> Yorfc ouf- 

(.Sunday) , /rom 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., and is based on daily recapitulations fur- 
nished by the Office of Research-Radio DiMistOD of the College of the City 
of New York. 

PUB- 
TITLE LISHEB TOTAL 



Maria Elena , Southern 

Hut Sut Song Schumann 

Things I Love Campbell ■ 

Daddy Republic 

Intermezzo Schuberth 

South of North Carolina Porgie 

•Til ReveiUe Melody Lane...- 

Yours .-. Marks 

Amapola Marks . ; 

Green Eyes.... Southern 

Do You Care? Campbell 

Let's Get Away fronoi It All Embassy 

Do I Worry? .' Melody Lane.... 

Lament to Love..,,, , Roe 

Sweeter Than" Sweetheart? Reis - 

Booglie WoogUe Piggy , Mutual 

li's So Peaceful in the Country > ..vRegent 

My Sister and I BMI .., 

You and I ..WUlson 

Two Hearts That Pass in the Night „... Marks 

Everything Happens to Me Embassy « 

I Went oat of My Way BMI . 

For Want of . a Star Marks 

I Guess I'll Have to Dream' Rest Block 

Until Tomorrow ,. ..'Republic .. 

Nighty Night , Beacon ... 

Romantic' Guy, I Nationwide 

We Go Well Together ....Regent ... 

G'Bye Now BMI , 

Georgia on My Mind Southern . 

Time and Time Again ;., London li 

YouH Never Know , Sheldon 12 

Number 10 LiiUabye Lane .Warren ......... 11 

Y6u Are My Sunshine Southern H 

Because of You t. «•«»««•(••.*•.••« ...BMI i. .10 

Obi Lopk at Me Now Embassy 10 



... ...«•. 



....at,... 



37 
34 
34 
33 
30 
27 
27 
26 
23 
22 
21 
21 
20 
20 
20 
18 
18 
18 
18 
17 
16 
16 
15 
14 
14 
13 
13 
13 
12 
12 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



MUSIC 48 



15 Best Sheet Musk Sellers 



(Week ending July 12, 1941) 

Hut Sut 3ong t Schumann 

Intermezzo Schuberth 

Things I Love Campbell 

Ittaria Elena Southern 

Daddy Republic . 

My Sister and 1 3MI 

South of North Carolina Porfiie 

You and I Willson 

*DoIores ('Las Vegas Nights') Paramount 

I'U Be with You in Apple Blossom Time. 3roadway 

Until Tomorrow Republic 

You Are My Sunshine Southern 

Amapola Marks 

I Understand Feist 

'Till Reveille Melody Lane 

•FUmtiaical. 



Complaints Multiply of Song Sharks 
Who Exploit Newspaper Pubhcity 
Provided hy ASCAP-BMI Fight 



Detroit, July 15. 

Wayne County prosecutor's office 
5s investigating a score of complaints 
from amateur songwriters about be- 
ing fleeced by music publishing 
sharks, and has asked for the co- 
operation of the U. S. postal authori- 
ties in running down some of the 
operators. The amateurs involved 
claimed they have been bilked out 
of amounts ranging from between 
$60 and $100. 

Most of the stories told to the pros- 
ecutor by these amateurs has been 
to the effect that during the early 
stages of the fight between the 
American Society of Composers, Au- 
thors and Publishers, on one hand, 
and the broadcasters and Broadcast 
Music, Inc., on the other, they fell 
for ads stating here was a situation 
for ambitious songwriters to make a 
fortune. Most of the advertising 
came from the west coast, and sev- 
eral of the complaints mention an 
outfit in Portland, Ore. 

Common procedure of these sharks 
was to advise the ams that their 
numbers had been 'accepted' but 
they would have to pay for arrange- 
ments to distribute among broad- 
casting bands and singers. In most 
cases the correspondence ended after 
the amateurs relayed the 'arrange- 
ment' money, but one shark made it 
a practice of advising pressing ama- 
teurs thaf the delay was due to 'hav- 
ing trouble with ASCAP.' Latter 
letters never went into details about 
this 'trouble.' 



HARRY OWENS TEAMED 
WITH GORDON AT 20TH 



His Other Side 



Hollywood, July 15. 

Lou Pollack one of ASCAP's 
Coast stalwarts, has found a way 
to get over the lean period of 
royalty payments. He has signed 
with Harry Sherman to write 
two 'Hopalong Cassidy' yarns. 

Naturally, there'll be Inci- 
dental music. 



Hearst's WCAL, Ptsbg., 
Signs for ASCAP Mosic 

Pittsburgh, July 16. 

Hearst radio station WCAK, 
through general manager Leonard 
Kapner, signed ASCAP contract last 
week. Under terms of agreement, 
local NBC-Red outlet, which switch- 
es to MBS, in November, will be 
able to use ASCAP music on all 
local and network shows. 

In recent weeks, station has had 
ASCAP music on air but only on 
programs fed to and taken from 
Mutual. According to Kapner, WCAE 
will continue to use BMI tunes and 
combine the ASCAP numbers with 
them on such shows as the Morning 
Express, Airliners and Sophisticated 
Ladies, all local musical programs 
which are frequently fed to the 
Mutual web. 



WPEN Signs Up 

Philadelphia, July 15. 
. WPEN signed a contract with 
ASCAP last Friday (11). Station is 
owned by Arde Bulova. 

Three other independent stations 
have been in the ASCAP fold since 
the first of the year. They are 
WDAS, WIBG and WCAM, Camden, 
N. J. 



MORRIS BUYS 
OUT MERCER 



Lara's SA Tonr 



Mexican cpmposer Augustin Lara 
has been conferring with the Bra- 
zilian government regarding a poS' 
sible assignment to head a com- 
pany of " Brazilian singers and 
dancers on a tour of South and Cea 
traL America under government 
auspices. The idea Is to have Lara, 
who is well known in all those 
countries as m.c. 

Lara has just completed 14 weeks 
in Rio de Janeiro and Is now of- 
fering a combined radio and theatre 
stiow in Buenos Aires. 



Edwin H. ' (Buddy) Morris will 
leave for Hollywood this week to 
exchange signatures with Johnny 
Mercer on papers that will terminate 
their partnership in the publishing 
firm, Mercer it Morris. At the split 
Morris not only becomes the sole 
owner of the M & M catalog but 
makes himself eligible for election to 
the board of directors of the Ameri- 
can Society of Composers, Authors 
and Publishers. Mercer is a mem- 
ber of the writer division of the 
board and under the revised ASCAP 
bylaws only one member of a firm' 
may hold a directorship. 
' Morris also owns the White-Smith 
catalog. 



ASCAP Thinking Darkly Suspicious 

Now Sees Only Course Is Via Coui^s — Also Mutual 
Embarrassment As Goal of Radio Politics 



Hollywood, July 15. 
^ Harry Owens, composer-maestro, 

on the score for 'Song of the Islands.' 

Gordon's writing partner, Harry 
Warren, today (15) checked out of 
the hospital after long siege with 
pneumonia. Convalescence will 
keep him on sidelines several weeks, 
and studio decided to take on Owens 
rather than postpone picture. 



Jesse Crawford, he, Files 



Albany, July 15. 
Notice filed with the secretary of 
•tate last week disclosed that Jesse 
Crawford, the organist, has also gone 
> Into the music publishing business. 

He advised that Merit Music, Inc., 
has changed its name to Jesse Craw- 
ford, Inc. 



With NBC showing no signs of 
upping the terms it offered three 
weeks ago' as part of a new licens- 
ing' agreement, the directors of the 
American Society of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers have recon- 
ciled themselves to engaging In a 
'Srestw legal offensive against NBC; 
CBS and the National Association 
of Broadcasters. Meanwhile 
ASCAP's radio committee has been 
reorganized and this group, consist- 
ing of six members from the board, 
is collaborating closely with David 
Podell, special counsel, in mapping 
out the tactics that are to be pur- 
sued in pressing the anti-trust and 
conspiracy actions. 

NBC had not, up to yesterday 
(Tuesday) been advised that its of-' 
fer of 2>^% on network business 
apd 2% on local station business 
was- not acceptable, but it is under- 
stood that , the rejection will be of- 
ficiaUy handed NUes Trammell, NBC 
prez, at a meeting slated for today 
(Wednesday). Within the ASCAP 
board the conviction prevails that 
there is still a close exchange of in- 



ASCAP Mulls Measures Otfsettnig 
BMI Attack on Publisher (xmtrol 
Of Small (Performii^) Rights 



Gordon, Aulry Partners 



Hollywood, July 15. 

Dave Gordon has become a part- 
ner with Gene Autry in Western 
Music Co. He was formerly with 
Shapiro-Bernstein. 

Outfit is concentrating on Its 
tune, 'Be Honest With Me.' 



$80 TO CHECK 
BBC HAS NO 
ASCAP 



NBC spent $80 in toll charges for 
a special short-wave confab Sunday 
(13) morning with BBC, to make 
sure no ASCAP music would be 
played on the London end of the 
two-way British War Relief broad- 
cast over the Red network (WEAF) 
that afternoon. Took only a couple 
of minutes to get the info across, 
but such short-wave sessions must 
be at least 10 minutes long, so "the 
company used the entire intierval to 
check up on production details for 
the show — at $8 a .minute. 

To carry out the conversation, the 
regular short-wave hookup used for 
news broadcasts was used, except 
that the circuit was closed to out- 
side dialers and, of course, wasn't 
rebroadcast in the U. S. Remote 
wire was run to the Drury Lane 
theatre, where the English troupe 
was. rehearsing its end of the pro- 
gram. As it turned out, no ASCAP 
tunes were on the slate. 



Hear Theie Sensational Recordinga 
Before Selecting Your New Programs 

JAN GARBER^S 

doubU hMdsr HIT record 

^'HINDUSTAN" 
iNrlHE-MlDDLE-OF-A-DANCE" 

FORSTEK PUBLICATIONS 




OKEH 
RECORD 
i2l7 



formation and moves between N^ 
and CBS on all matters pertaining 
to ASCAP. Also that the boardmen 
would be deluding themselves were 
they to believe that NBC is seri- 
ously interested in returning the 
ASCAP catalog to its programs. The 
feeling prevailing in these direc- 
torate quarters is that NBC, long 
with Columbia] is likewise motivated 
by a political factor, namely, the 
matter of showing Mutual affiliates 
that the MBS higherups were wrong 
in 'rushing' into a deal with ASCAP, 
and that if they had played along 
with the other two' networks they 
would have got the ASCAP reper- 
toire on better terms. 

Dominant view within the ASCAP 
board is that to accept the NBC- 
CBS offer would be tantamount to 
putting ASCAP in an extremely 
vulnerable position with its mem- 
bership. The resulting income from 
radio would be comparatively so 
paltry as to cause much disatisfac- 
tion and perhaps weaken ASCAP's 
bargaining status in future dealings 
with other classes of licensees. The 
board is further of the impression 
that the major interests in the broad- 
casting industry are determined 
upon such attrition tactics that 
would eventually bring about 
ASCAP's disintregration or the elim- 
ination of the organization as a pow- 
erful bargaining force for the future. 

With the entry of Podell as 
ASCAP's legal consultant some of 
the board members felt that the old 
radio committee ought to be dis- 
carded in toto and entirely new set- 
up substituted. The compromise 
which followed on this Issue involved 
the retention of but three members 
of the old radio committee, namely, 
Herman Starr, Irving Caesar and 
Walter Fischer. The newcomers to 
the committees are Otto Harbach, 
Louis Bernstein and Fred E. Ahlert. 



Sacred Music Co. Sues 
Decca Over Recording 

The Sacred & Spiritual Music Co. 
filed suit Thursday (10) in N. Y. 
federal court against Decca claiming 
the defendants made records without 
permission of its song, 'What Would 
'Viu Give in Exchange.' An injunc- 
tion, accounting of profit, and dam- 
ages are asked. 

This Is the third suit over the 
same song filed by Sacred, other de- 
fendants being RCA 'Victor and Co- 
lumbia Phonograph Co. Plaintiff's 
song was incorporated in a book en- 
titled "Triumphant Hosannes' and 
written by F. J* Berry and J. H. 
Carr. It was published by the Trio 
Music Co., and later on acquired by 
Sacred. 



While the American Society ot 
Conhposers, Authors and Publisher* 
is preparing to file Its answer to th« 
E. B. Marks-BMI suit on perform- 
ing rights ownership July 28, a sug- 
gestion has been made, by publishers 
to the Songwriters Protective Asso- 
ciation that the latter could minimize 
the effect of the test litigation by 
extending the present agreement be- 
tween the SPA and publishers to 25 
years. The ASCAP publishers ad- 
vocating this move have pointed out 
to the SPA that regardless of how 
the suit went the extension would 
serve to prevent writers and pub- 
lishers from engaging in a bitter and 
prolonged fight. ^ 

Through the Marks case Broadcast 
Music, Inc., is seeking to have the 
court rule that the small, or per- 
forming, right fiows from the rights 
held by the publisher, and not the 
writer. The complaint was drawn 
up by the firm of Rosenberg, Gold- 
mark It Colin, which is also general 
counsel for CBS. SPA is interven- 
ing ^n th^ suit and wlll_Jlle its. own 
answer. The situation is a ticklish 
one for ASCAP since it represents 
iMth publishers and writers. 

The major publishers In the. 
ASCAP fold are confident that if the 
issue comes to a showdown the pub- 
lisher will be declared the owner 
of the small rights In a copyright but 
they feel that any subsequent war- 
fare between themselves and the 
writers could be avoided if the pres- 
ent agreement between the pubs and 
SPA, which grants publisher -and 
writer a 60-50 ownership, were ex- 
panded to run 25 years. In that 
event relationship ' betwee'ft writer 
and publisher in the ^CAP fold 
would continue to be as cordial as 
eves. 

BMFs purpose of obtaining an ad- 
judication is to be able to make unr 
limited use of the works of ASCAP — 
affiliated writers in the Marks cata- 
log. 



Nominate Wolfe Gilbert 



Hollywood, July 15. 

Coast was officially recognized, for 
the first time, by ASCAP, with 
nomiuation Monday (14) night of L. 
Wolfe GUbert to the board in the 
popular division. 

Of 89 votes polled, Gilbert got 60; 
Hoagy Carmichael 12; Gus Kahn 7; 
Walter Donaldson 3. 



Like A Flame Across The Music World 

FLAMINGO 

By Ed. Anderson atid Ted Grouya 



Everyone is Making Reservations to 




A' 




BiUy Strayhorn's Hit Song 



Both Numbers Introduced, Featured 
and Recorded by 

DUKE ELLINGTON 



Sole Selling Agent 

PACJFIC MUSIC SAiES 

6425 Hollywood Blvd. HoUywood, €aL 



44 TAUDEVnULE 



Wediiesda7, Jnlj 16, 19il 



Defense Coin Booms Detrmt Niteries; 
Many Unshutterings Seen as Likely 



Detroit, July 15. 
From the looTcs of things here — 
where every week sees another 
bagatelle of defense coin poured Into 
Detroit, where the talk of billions 
again is in Oie air, where the lowly 
mechanic is starting to pull down 
his $125 a week — ^niteries are shoot- 
ing up like mushrooms after a warm 
rain. 

And it Jsnt Just on hope. Nor are 
they glorified beerhalls. There's 
plenty of evidence to support the 
new era of lush niteries burgeoning 
out in this major defense center. 
There's no getting around the Bow- 
ery, the production line nitery in 
Hsmtramck, which practically runs 
a continuous floor show and has its 
squad of bartenders sliding around 
as if on roller skates. Nor the fact 
that most of the swank spots, which 
shuttered for the summer, are roll- 
ing through this season. That while 
the theatres are singing the blues, 
the nitery proprietors are vibrating 
between the cash register and the 
banV. 

'Flash' Coin 

From all appearances, the defense 
worker, suddenly finding hlmseU 
•wealthy/ feels it call* for a Uttle 
flash. Not just films. Maybe the 
theatre, but more likely, the nitery. 
He can up and leave when he feels 
like it. Dot being trapped midway 
In a double-feature end b^ween 
acts. He's a guy who needs his 
sleep but has a feellnjj, too, that the 
125 bucks a week aint Just hay. He 
gets his opulence out of splurging in 
the afterdarit spots. Plenty helpful 
to the nitery 'business here the fact 
that .the theatres 4iowntown had 
only Intermittent . vaudeville last 
season alter being dark a year on 
atage diows, and then using mostly 
bands. 

Last two weeks here have seen the 
emergence of the swanky The Trop- 
ics, adjunct to the Wolverine hotel 
and right In the heart of the city. 
Plenty flamingo, the spot has three 
floors, "iW devoted to the tropical 
.Idea with native villages, ban^oo 
bars, etc. The orchestra woilcs on a 
hydraulic lilt, visiting all the levels, 
with the dancing confined chiefly to 
the third floor. 

nie Comeback 
Washed oat several years ago, this 
town's leading black-and-tan The 
Plantation has made Its reappear- 
ance with a July opening, now as 
the Club Congo. Plenty of likely 
spots in the same downtown area 
are being combed now for their re- 
appearance, with reports current 
that several ill-fated ventures of the 
last decade nOw will have the cob- 
webs swept out and Tje back in to 
cut a slice of those millions the de- 
fense industry workers are gar- 
nering. 

Odd factor here Is that the baton 
wavers are suddenly showing a 
great interest in becoming bonlfaces. 
Lowry Clark is remodeling the 
Stage Door Bar to nm in music and 
shows. Mike Falk had taken a fling 
at managing with the operation of 
Westwood. Farther evidence that 
the canny maestros know what's 
cooking Is reflected in l«s Backer, 
who has the Par Four Clnb, Steve 
Ernst with the Sand Bar and Don 
Marion and Dick Bowen, another 
pair of orchestra leaders, taldQg over 
spots more remote from the ci^s 
centers. 



sites in that city are Billy Rose and, 
reputedly, Meyer Davis. 

Rose is said to be planning a 
counterpart of his New York Dia- 
mond Horseshoe in the Capital, if 
and when he finds a space sufficiently 
large. 

Washington is currently teeming 
with humanity, with more pouring 
in daily. Many Government offices 
are working on tliree-shifts-daily 
schedule, with the result that restau- 
rants are open around the clock. 
Some rooming houses are also said 
to be renting sleeping quarters on 
an hourly instead of daily basis to 
take advantage of the staggered 
working hours of the Government 
workers. 

There has been an acute housing 
shortage for months and that's 
steadily growing worse. But with 
employment in Washington at its 
highest in- years, nitery takings are 
lush, hence the attraction for out-of- 
town operators despite Washington's 
midnight curlew. 



Irving Zessman Throws 
His Ex-Partner Ribin's 
La Coi^ Into Hqitcy. 



La Conga, New York night club, 
was thrown - into involuntary bank- 
ruptcy Saturday (12), by Its foirner 
president, Irving Zussman, in order 
to save a forced sale of assets. Judge 
Murray Hulbert in N. Y. federal 
court appointed Frank Gorman re- 
ceiver, and bonded him at $5,000. 

Zussman's technicality to save as- 
sets was secured by his petition, 
claiming he was owed $200 in sal- 



aries, and Joined by Sigmund Zuss- 
man, owed $800 on a loan, plus Mar- 
tha Waters, owed $45 on a loan. He 
states that he holds 50% of the 
stock, and that Milton Rubin, holder 
of 50% of the stock and v.p and 
treasurer, without authorization con- 
ferred judgment on the 1658 Broad- 
way Corp., the landlord, which on 
Monday <14) was going to have a 
Sheriff's sale of assets worth $5,000. 
Rubin is also stated to have con- 
ferred judgment on Ted Gurian for 
$1,079. The landlord's claim is $1,135. 
As a result of this involuntary pe- 
tion, no sale may legally take place. 

Both Zussman and Rubin are ex- 
pji.s who went into the nitery biz 
with La Coiiga, which they also pub- 
licized. Zussman sold out his share 
and now is in on the Hurricane, 
which previously went into receiver- 
ship. 



REBUILD 'OLDEST NITERr 



Falambo's Seath Fhlllr Spat 
Opened tn 188S ' 



Philadelphia, July 15. 

Frank Palumbo's South Phllly 
nitery, believed to be the oldest 
cabaret in the U. S. (opened 1883), 
will be torn down and completely 
rebuilt Demolition is skedded to 
begin before the end of the week. 

The new building is expected to 
be completed in time lor a fall open- 
ing, with day and night shifts of 
workmen engaged by the contractor. 
Palumbo currently operates the New 
20th Century in midtown Philly; 
Renault Tavern, Atlantic City, and 
the Club Avalon, Wildwood, N. J. 

Palumbo's South PhUly nitery 
was opened by his grandfather and 
has ronained in the family since. 



'LUKEWARM' ON 
NBC TAKEOVER, 
SAYS STEIN 



W ICE SHOW IN too 
EXTENie TO 12 WIS. 



Wasineton Eyed . 
Washington,' a top boom town. Is 
t>eing eyed hungrily by nitery opera- 
tors. Among those looking for cafe 



The Ice ' Show, first one booked 
in South America, currently at the 
Drca Casino, Rio de Janeiro, stays 
12 weeks in all now that Uona Mas- 
sey had to- cancel becati^ of^ her 
U S. citizendilp complications. Wil- 
liam Morris tent the glader revue 
to Rio for six weeks originally, and 
Mis), Massey was to have opened 
there Uds month to Aicceed. 

^ribel Vinson and Guy Owe^, 
due to prior U. S. commitments, 
sail Friday (18) from Rio lor the 
States on the S. 6. Brazil, forced to 
leave the ice show, but Val Seti; 
Juggler on skates, replaces them. 



J. C. Stein, head of the Music 
Corp. of America, returned to Holly- 
wood last week without submitting 
a bid for the NBC Artists Service 
which the network some weeks ago 
decided to sell. NBC has yet to hear 
also on a like score from the Wil- 
liam Morris office. 

Expressing himself as *very happy' 
with the CBS Artists takeover. 
Stein, before he returned to Holly- 
wood over the weekend, admitted he 
was lukewarm anent the NBC Ar- 
tists Bureau. 

The MCA-CBS merger becomes ef- 
fective Aug. 1 and extra space has 
already been taken in MCA's h.q. In 
New York to house the large extra 
manpower. 

Stein flew east for a fast five idays 
on N.Y. business and stratolinered 
back on Saturday. 

CBS stockholders will meet Aug. 
11 to ratify or reject the deals made 
by the network's directors in the 
disposition of Columbia Artists, Inc, 
Columbia Management of California, 
Ltd., and stock in' the Columbia Con- 
certs Corp. In a report submitted to 
stockholders the CBS directors 
stated that the stock in ColumbiA 
Concerts was being turned over to 
the concert managers in the group 
for $211,000. 

The deal with the Music Corp. ot 
America for Columbia Artists and 
Columbia Management involves a 
cash obligation ot $158,565.49 on 
MCA's part. Ttie dbira payment is 
to be $100,000, while the rest is to 
be paid off in installments of $5,000 
a month. CBS owns Columbia Art- 
ists, Inc., outright, but the owner- 
ship of Columbia Management Is 
split between CBS, 51%, and Colum- 
bia Concerts, 49%. Under its con- 
tract with MCA the network is ob- 
ligated to obtain the ownership of 
this 40% and turn it over -without 
further compensation to MCA. 

An explanation appended to the 
report states that CBS had gone into 
the artists service business to de- 
velop talent for its programs and 
tiiat since this scarcity no longer ex- 
ists there is no need for coBtinaing 
in the bookiiig business. 



tttttftttttf'ft**t***tt*****t**"ttftttMtM l>| |tj. 



The Good Old Days 



♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦«4««< MM 4»« MM < > »»^ 

Herewith appears a Vakiot redrew of a IX: T. Pdtace bill o] 20 year* 
ajio. The mierMon \a to reprint these toeekly tMng the relottre toeefc of 
1921 with the current date of tstue. Ko cpeeitil rwton tn retHvinp thest 
revitwt other than the inttrest they mav hare in reealltng the act< inhich 
were playins ot that' time, the manner of putting togretber a hxg time iJiow 
(.hooking), ichtch radio stottons mav. find' pertinent, and os a resume o/ the 
style ojF rouderil/e' revietotng oj thot day. 

<fteprinted from 'Vamety of July 15, 1921) 

PALACE, N. Y. 



SEM OR 

WEN C E 

"/'to mt Afraid'' 

CURRENTLY LOEWS STATE, New York 

Julj 17 — Capitol, Washington 
July 29 — Bid Tabarin, San Francisco 
Per, Mgr. - - - - - - CLARENCE J. AUSTIN 

Exe. Booking • • • . WILUAM MQRAJS AGENCY 



HELEN REYNOLDS GIRLS 

CURRENTLY ^ STATE, NEW YORK 
4th Consecutive Return £■ 



r«r. BfRt: HELBN AVDRBE 



The blight of show business that has this summer eaten Into the patron- 
age of theatres ot all classes and has brought about more dark vaudeville 
theatres than ever before, fails- to touch the Palace and probably will not. 
The premier house has withstood other summers with 'virtually no change 
in the night business. This season, with continued punishing humidity, 
stands as the most severe test since the Palace opened. Monday night It 
was so "close" it was a discomfort to sit within a theatre but the Palace 
had 'em standing up two or three deep and only some of the box seats 
remained unsold. The bill was' a corker on paper, which probably pro- 
vided the draw, and it played almost as well. 

Henry Santrey, with his "syncopated society band' and the new produc- 
tion act They're OfT split the headline spot, with the former closing the 
flrst pert, all five units of which delivered and were accorded generous 
appreciation. It was remarkable that so many hits could be scored on 
so soggy an evening. Mr. Santrey's stage appearance and his way of 
working got him across as before. He shows his back to the audience 
more than anyone but a l>andmaster, but he has a good looking back and 
that stunt belongs to his style. As an entertainer he is there and gels a 
lot from his musicians. 

They're Off' is regarded as a good sample of the production acts for 
next season, with Carleton Hoagland and Harry Carroll credited with hav- 
ing foresight as to the booking demands for the coming year. The pro- 
duction has no "names" as has been the custom for produced turns in 
the last few seasons and in that way the price it can be sold for is greatly 
less than the others. Monday night the players missed the music cues 
several times. A leader is carried so the answ^ is that it was brought 
in about a week too soon. However, the speed was kept at a fast pace 
and that made for general good results. 

Tommy Cordon in the - lead role performed credibly, his work being 
much of an improvement over what he showed as a single. He is using 
'business' with his hands over much and a little toning will .stand him in 
stead. Mildred Keats made an exceUent impression as the ingenue. Her 
graceful stepping was easily the best of the feminine dance efforts. Harry 
White scored with his hoofing and peculiar side sliding, while Lucille 
and Gamette Love looked very good as the twins. Others billed are 
Arthur Bowyer, Jimmie Parker and Ben Carroll. 

The hits of the first section' went to Franklyn and Charles, whose last 
names are now billed in small type (D'Armore and Douglas) and Mary 
Haynes, The Franklyn, Charles turn, third, holds several changes over the 
last Palace appearance. A flight of steps backstage is used several times, 
with the acrobatic portion starting there. A trampoline is employed for 
the finish feat and makes it a better stunt. Charles jumping from the 
top of the stairs to the trampoline is lifted to a flying catch, Franklyn 
being bent backwards over the chair, which is now placed on the apron, 
center. This provided an exceptional fliash and reward. The girl pianist 
and singer )a now billed, Ernestine Caru. Her sweet voice has always 
been a feature of the turn. 

Miss Haynes 'was liked from her entrance, she appearing in'.very neat 
duds. Her 'TTou've 'Gone Far Enough' provided a strong opener. The 
•Five and Ten' number appeared a bit long but it 'was readily accepted. 
The house, however, took more to the burlesque imitations with a laugh 
given the 'Brooklyn tenor' bit. Miss Haynes* high register notes at the 
close brought her out for numerous bows but she elected not to encore. 

Lou Clajrton end Cliff Edwards were given the hard test entrancing 
next to closing at ten minutes to eleven. Clayton remained immaculate 
throughotit and that 'was some stunt on a night like Monday. Edwards 
and his Inseparable uke tinkled to his blue warbling and many chuckles. 
A few people started strolling towards the finale but it was not this clever 
couple's fault; the assernblage was getting licked by the heat. 

DeHaven and Nice' opened intermission injecting a portion of the laugh- 
ter, which the show fell .shy ot in total. 'One Shot Harris,' the unbilled 
detective, had several new ones, he telling the 'D. A.' that these guys 
think Virginia ham is an actor from Norfolk and that Babe Ruth wrote 
'The Bat.' The couple pulled a funny one at the close, sitting with their 
feet hanging into the orchestra pit until it got too hot. 

Palo and Pale were a No. 2 hit. The men encored thrice, using every 
instrument in an orchestra but the fiddles, drum and piano. Tix men 
appeared to win the recalls and were on twenty-two ininutes . 

Laura and BiUy Dreyer started the show at 8 o'clock with their neatly 
pressed dance turn. The flawing blond curls of the girl drew attention 
and the speed of the work won big returns, with but half the house in. 
Tbe Ei^t Blue Devil^.jia Arabian acrobatic- troupe, elosedi showine- the 
fast fomations and peculiar stunts native to that «Iass of athlete. The 
running time of the act was held down to four minutes, wisely. 'Topics 
ot the. Say' showed an Aesops fable in cartoon, one of the new film stunt 
lessons — something about saving. Ibee. 



m, OLSEN OPERATES 
DET. NTTERT DANCERT 



Detroit, July 15. 
George Olsen has ccmverted the 
New Casino Gardens, located on the 
State Fair grounds, into a combina- 
tion ni^t club and dance hall, and 
Is providing stiff competition not 
only for outdoor shuffle spots but 
the town's older niteries. His open- 
iqg show consisted of five acts and 
a line ot girls, with Ivan Fenova, 
recently of Mike Todd's Theatre 
Restaurant in Chicago, as the pro- 
ducer. There are two performances 
nightly. 

The spot's ecaissy area can accom- 
modate tables for 10,000 persons and 
parking si>ace for 4,000 cars. Ttie 
two dance floors -cover 19.000 square 
feet and Olsen is using a relief hand 
in addition -to his own. Wine and 
beer are served and the Casino has 
a straight admission of SOc, 'with 
business strong the opening weds. 

Initial- bill consisted of the Gaud- 
anlih Bros., Bay Fredericks, the 
Dawn Sisters, KeHb Hall's balanc- 
ing act, the Six Daawells and the 
18 GlKnoiKcttea, . which Fenova 
brought with him. 



Smoke k Hb Eyes 

Pittsburgh, July 15. 
Peter Higgins, vaude 'and cafe 
singer, has moved his wife and lam- 
i^y from White Plains, N. Y., to 
Pittsburgh, where, they will make 



their future home. 

Higgins Is a local, boy ' who is com- 
ing back so..Jti.e .<!an. 3*e„jiear iis . ail- 
ing mother. In the future, he will 
work out of Pittsburgh. Has already 
been spotted for .an early date at 
downtown Vjfi* Madrid, where he 
has clicked on two previous oc-::;- 
sions. 



BOYD RAEBORN 



and Hie Orchestra 



Now CHEZ PAREE Chicago 

Broadcasting Niglrtly, NBC — 10:30 P.M., COST 
ManagDmenti WILLIAM MORRIS OFFICE 



ROGERS and MORRIS 

'^•w Coniedy Seneataens". 

(Week July 4, State. Lake, Chicagol 
Now 885 Qub (12lli WeeV) Chicago 

DliMtlon: JOHN KINO and AI, BORDE 



Wednrsdsj, July 16, 1941 



▼AUDEVILLB. 



.45 



S1MWHAT YAUDE IN CONN. 



Sam Scribner Dies at 82; Columbia 
Wheel Head Fought Dirty Burlesque 



Samuel A. Scribner, once the top 
burlesque man in the United States, 
died Tuesday night (8) at his home 
in BronxvlUe, N. Y., following an 
illness of several weeks attributed to 
cancer of the throat. Last fall 
Scribner underwent an operation, 
but the malignancy could not be 
checked and he suffered greatly. 
Death, however, was caused by a 
heart attack. He was 82. 

A giant in stature and in 'heart,' 
Scribner followed to the grave in. six 
days Sam H. Harris, his one-time 
partner in a burley troupe titled 
"Scribner's Morning Glories,' which 
toured in 1899 and starred "Terrible' 
Terry McGovern, the fighter, then 
under Harris' management. 

Though the dailies stated Scrib- 
ner had been in retirement for 26 
years, this was erroheous. He first 
stepped out in tbe late 1920's, after 
the Columbia Wheel, which he or- 
ganized and headed, faded. In 1934, 
at the behest of city officials, he be- 
came the 'censor' of the Miiisky bur- 
lesque shows, on the Minsky payroll. 
Later that same year, Scribner went 
into partnership with Max Wilner in 
operating the Apollo, N.Y., as a bur- 
lesk house. He sold out to Wilner 
when Mayor LaGuardia started his 
drive against dirty but-lesque a year 
or so later. 

Scribner was a strong advocate of 
'clean burlesque.' The stripping and 
smut prevalent nowadays came only 
after he stepped out of the picture — 
and one of the reasons he stepped 
out was because of the mounting en- 
croachment of dirt The Columbia 
Wheel's burlesque, at its height tour- 
ing 40 shows and including a like 
amount of theatres, was built up by 
Scribner as a 'family entertainment.' 
He featured production, comedy and 
some of the players who played his 
shows included: 

Will Rogers, Fred Stone, Al Jolson, 
l.eon Errol, Belle Baker, Sam Bern- 
ard, Billy B. Van, Eddie Cantor, 
Clark, and McCuUough, George Sid- 
ney, Alexander Carr, Sophie Tucker, 
Jack Benny, Mack Sennett, Emma 
Carus and George Beban, 
Got Surt In 187S 

Scribner, born in Brookville, Pa., 
got his start in show business in 1876 
when still a youngster, he flattened 
a teacher who had chastised him and 
ran away from home to join a small 
circus known as the Rogers Si Camp- 
bell United Aggregation. He segued 
from this into medicine shows, car- 
nivals, minstTercOmpanies and wild 
west shows. He organized 'Uncle 
Tom's Cabin' companies and even 
produced a melodrama based on 
Daniel -Boone's life. In between his 
own impresario eifforts,' Scribner 
was at various times connected with 
W. W. Cole, Walter L. Main, Fore- 
paugh's and Sells Bros.' shows. Two 
of . his own ' circuses were Lee & 
Scribner 'Great London . Circus, or- 
ganized by him in the 1880'a, and the 
subsequent. Scrjbaer t Smith Circus,. 

His first venture in vaudeville 
came in 1896,- when he associated 
himself with the late Harry Williams, 
owner and manager of the WilUams' 
Academy pf Music in Pittsburgh, In 
what was known as the Williams' 
Travelling All-Star Vaudeville shows. 
Among the acts the latter contained 
were the Four Cohans (George M.) 
J.. W. Kelly, then the highest paid 
vaude performer in the country, 
Maurice B^irrymore and McGovern. 
Out of this came Scribner's later as- 
soclaUon with Sam H. Harris, and 

(Continued on page 46) 



Wallace Parndl Dne 
, h N.Y. for Tivoli Acts 



Wallace Parnell, who replaced the 
late Frank Neil, killed in an auto 
accident, as general booking mana- 
ger of Tivoli Circuit in Australia, is 
en route to the United States by 
Clipper. 

Parnell is reputedly coming over 
to book stage acts for his theatres, 
the market there being good for 
those Americans who can manage to 
get across the • Pacflc. When the 
Aussie showman arrives he'll head- 
quarter in the offices of Charles 
Allen, N. Y. agent. 

AGVA INCREASES 
WAGE SCALE 
INPHIIIY 



Philadelphia, July 15. 

Basing their argument on the fact 
that living expenses have ' risen in 
the present emergency, the local ex- 
ecutive board of the American Guild 
of Variety Artists last week formu- 
lated a new scale raising wages in 
all categories of the variety field. 

The scale will be presented to the 
Entertainment Managers Association 
(bookers) this week. The EMA has 
indicated It would go along, but is 
not expected to submit the new price 
scale to night club operators until 
the opening of the fall season. 

Under the new scale minimum 
rates for Class C spots are raised 
from $22.50 to $27.50 a week; Class 
B, from $35 to $45; Class A, from 
$50 to $75 a week. Rates for club 
and theatre dat^s are to be raised in 
the same proportion. 

Nitery owners are expected to 
raise a squawk, but AGVA officials 
said they would stand pat on the 
rate schedule. 



Abbott and Costello 

To Trailerize Burley 

Philadelphia, July 15. 
The Shubert will reopen the last 
week in August as a combination 
burlesque and vaudeville. House will 
be managed by Rube Bernstein, 
bankrolled by Ben Jacobson. The 
pair now operate the Garden, Atlan- 
tic City. 

The Shubert's show policy will 
consist of several strippers, a house 
line and five acts of vaude. In ad- 
dition it will concentrate on build- 
ing up male comics. Fact that Ab- 
bott and Costello first came to notice 
at the house will be stressed in ad- 
vertising and bally. 



Hcrble Kay in the Cascades Room, 
Hotel Pick-Ohio, Youngstown. 



BOBBY RAMOS 

and His Lalin-American Society Orchestra 
(28 Weeks at Colony Clob, Chicago) 

Now-CHEZ PAREE, Chicago 

Broadcasting Nighdy NBC Network 
Exclustva IManagamant: WILLIAf>1 MORRIS AGENCY 



J. B. MORION IN 
CLINTON miAL 



Barnyard Legit Pioneer 
Renta $150,000 Playhouse 
for 6 Weeks, in Compeii- 
tion With 5 Nearby Hay- 
loft Drama Yroupes — 
— Name to Top 8 Acts and 
Afterpiece 



NOBNOBBING COMEON 



Clinton, Conn., July 15. 

J.. Burleigh Morton, who pioneered 
legit '^trawhat production at the 
Guilford, Conn., Chapel playhouse 
some eight years ago, will attempt 
what he considers a new angle on 
summer theatre operation at the 
playhouse here. 

Opening Monday <21), Morton will 
inaugurate a policy of vaude as an 
experiment toward reviving this 
form of live entertainment on a sub- 
stantial scale. His. contention is that 
his activities, along with those of 
other operators in the tall com the- 
atrical field, helped considerably to 
brush up interest in the drama In 
recent years. And why can't the 
same thing be done for vaude, he 
asks. 

Policy will mean eight acts and 
afterpiece, topped by a name. As 
a novelty come-on, Morton is plan- 
ning a hobnobbing session following 
performances wherein patrons may 
rub elbows with the acts. Will prob- 
ably label the stunt the 'Glad Hand- 
ers' club, with gag membership 
cards for the audience. 

Venture is strictly a gamble. In 
competish with five nearby legit 
strawhats. Territory is a class com- 
munity and, according to a survey 
made by Morton, is receptive to the 
vaude idea. Playhouse is the $150,- 
000 Andrews Memorial tenanted 
last three summers by legit groups 
headed by Jackson Halliday and 
Alexander Kirkland. Horace Sin- 
clair was to have operated' there this 
year, but faded from the picture. 

Morton is handling the deal solo, 
having signed for six weeks' rental. 
Irving Barrett is booking the shows. 



Willie Hoppe Booked 
For Loew's Showing; 
Asks $1,000 Per Wk. 



Willie Hoppe, loiig-time billiard 
champion, has been ' booked for 
XjOew's State, New York, the week 
of July 24. It'll be the cue artist's 
first stage appearance In year;. 

Hoppe, -agented by Max Tishman, 
is asking $1,000 per week following 
his showing date at the State. 



BERGEN, WEEMS HEAD 
MINN. STATE FAIR BOW 



Minneapolis, July 15. 

Minnesota State Fair history has 
set a number of name acts for this 
year. Opening night, Aug 23, the 
show will include Edgar Bergen 
with (jharlie McCarthy as headliner 
and Ted Weems orch; Paul Remos 
and His Toy Boys, Buster West and 
Lois Wolner and her Eight Singing 
Commanders. 

Bergen's engagement will be his 
only personal this year under stipu- 
lation of his radio and film con- 
tracts, according to R. A. Lee, State 
Fair secretary. 

'State' Fair Revue of 1941,' with a 
cast of 400, opens ninerday run 
Aug. 24. 



Ingalls' Exclusive 

Miles Ingalls has gotten the ex- 
clusive booking privilege at the 
newly reopened Hurricane nitery in 
New York. 

First all-Ingalls show opens Aug. 7. 



Det. AGVA to Insist on Show Bonds 
FoDowing Sunbrock Coin Fiasco 



N. Y. Benefit for Endor, 
Gravely 111 in Miami 



A testimonial supper will be held 
at Toots Shor's restaurant tonight 
(Wed.) in aid of Chic Endor, who 
is gravely ill with a throat affliction 
and. is under treatment at the St 
Francis hospital, Miami Beach, Fla. 
Event is scheduled for midnight. 
There will be no deductions from 
the takings except for actual food 
cost to Shor. Number of sizeable 
contributions to the purse for Endor 
have been made. 

Endor's life was despaired of ac- 
cording to reports early this week. 
He was of the original Yacht Club 
Boys, a quartet, out of which 
emerged the Endor- and Charlie Far- 
rell duo. Irately Endor had been 
working as a single. 



CATHOUC GUILD 
WALKS OUT 
ONTA 



The Catholic Actors Guild has re- 
signed from Theatre Authority, with 
the letter's board scheduled soon to 
meet on Its acecptance. The Catho- 
lic Guild's reason for quitting is 
stated to be dissatisfaction with the 
amount of money it has been receiv- 
ing from TA as its share from bene- 
fits. 

According to one source, the Cath- 
olic Actors Guild for . more than a 
year refused to accept its checks 
from TA, returning them when they 
were sent and indicating that the 
coin was not sufficient. Finally,' the 
TA's board called the Guild into a 
meeting and the matter was sup- 
posedly straightened out, the Guild 
accepting over $1,000, which was the 
total of the checks it had returned 
uncashed. This latest disaffection 
came as a complete surprise to TA 
officials. 

TA distributes the moneys U col- 
lects from benefits quarterly, usually 
in $10,000 lots. Half of this goes to 
the Actors Fund, while the remain- 
der is split up among the other actor 
charities and unions. Catholic Actors' 
quarterly allocation amounted to 
around..$25{l.. ... 



Keeping the Name Alive 

San Francisco, July 15. 
Frank Martinelli, Jr.,' signed this 
week as an RKO stock player in 
Hollywood, is son of Frank Marti- 
nelli, co-owner with Tom Gerun of 
iEhe Bal Tabarin theatre-restaurant 
here. 

Lad, who's done theatricals at Santa 
Clara university here, inked a year's 
contract during a vacation visit to 
Hollywood. 



Detroit, July 15. 
As a result of the flight of Larry 
Sunbrock, promoter, leaving unpaid 
bills in the wake of his 'thrill circus' 
here, local AGVA has laid down the 
stringent order that no further shows 
of the type will play the town with- 
out first posting a heavy cash bond. 
Sunbrock's disappearing act, which 
followed the action of advertising 
creditors and the federal government 
in impounding the boxoffice and the 
riot of 7,000 spectators when the 
show failed to go on, is due for 
foUowup action by the union, which 
declares its unpaid members will 
'have . their money before Labor 
Day.' 

According to, Dick Worthingtbn, 
president of the Detroit local, Sun- 
brock has a five-year contract to 
promote similar shows in Soldiers' 
Field, Chicago, during Lat>or Day 
week. He has hit grosses of $50,000 
in the past, it was said, which will 
be a major lever by the Detroit or- 
ganization in collecting the $2,500 in 
unpaid salaries here. Meanwhile, 
other creditors, who had to surren- 
der their boxoffice grab to Uncle 
Sam for prior tax claims, are plan- 
ning similar action if Sunbrock 
hopes to put on his big Chicago show. 
Advice here Is. that the creditors 
also have a ■ line on other 'monies 
available' to Sunbrock which would 
facilitate colleetion.- 

However, in view of onus left in 
these parts by the recept wide- 
spread riot it is doubtful if similar 
shows, unless they can sho^y cash- 
in-hand, can muster past police per- 
mits, AGVA and advertising credit- 
ors who have been left holding the 
bag on several such allegedly fly-by- 
night promotions. 



97>5M Judgment 

St. Louis, July 15. 
Judgment for $7,500 was rendered 
Friday (11) against Larry Sunbrock, 
Los Angeles rodeo and thriU-show 
promoter. In favor of Bert Depron, 
a local tooter, who was injured dur- 
ing a rodeo promoted here by Sun-, 
brock last October. Depron testified 
in Circuit Judge Frank Ward's court 
that while he was a member of th.e 
band playing for the show a broncio 
dashed into the bandstand, smashed . 
his trombone and severely injured 
him, 

Sunbrock was served with a sum- 
mons In the case but did not appear 
to defend himself and the judgment 
(Continued on page 46) 



XRAZY HEAT' KNOCKS 
OFF; MAY RESUME 



'Crazy With the Heat,' tab version 
of the Broadway revue, closed 
Thursday (10) after finishing Ita 
week at the 20th Century,- BuflTalo. 
Unit was beln^ toured by Ed Sulli- 
van, N. Y, News columnist, who re- 
vived the revue after its initial ilop 
on Broadway, and it' may resume 
picture house dates again in the 
fall. 

Willie Howard was the unit's star. 




HI PAL T 

Still **Staiiigiiig Along^ with 

VIRGINIA AUSTIN 

Now in Our 3rd Week and Two 
More to Go at the 

PARAMOUNT, New York 

Parional Representative 
MARK J. LEDDY 



46 



▼AUDBYDCXE 



Overheard In the 
Slate Brothers 
Dressing Room 



HANK— Wrll, fsllewn, we're Im»» 

Hnlnlied our enrngement at Ktirl 
Cnrroll's. 

JACK — How loiis hare we b<en 
thtie? 

SID — ^TMrtrM moDtbik 

HANK— Seema tike a jtnr. 

SID — M'hat are 70a (oIbii io do 

DOIT? 

HANK — Colni dowD to the rrtlrl 

board to get my check. 

JACK— JuDt flnlihrd a year's work 
and colni to (et a relief clieck? 

HANK — Crrtotnlj — yon know boir H 
U at Cnmire. You meet all thnse 
ntrell people — Jimmy Stewart, 
Fmnchot Tone, Bllltoo Herle. l>Dr- 
othy lamour, Bnnreu Merrdlili — 
and ynu hare to boy them a coke 
once In a while. . 

SID— Wain'* that nlee at Earl C*'- 
mll to rItc us that bif paity 
closing nlffht,? 

JACK— Teh. they tell me I had a 
great time. 

HANK— And tliose bcaatlfal watches 
he presented as. 

6II>— When Is be (olnc ta (Irs a» 
the worhsT 

JACK — Do yoa remember *when we 
omd to RO ap ta Earl CarrsU'H 
home and swim In his (orgeons 
pooir 

SID — Tes, why doa't they pnt water 
In itr 

HANK— What do yon think made 
him Ilka as so machT 

SID— Well, yoa hnqv, Henry, yoa'Te 
Kot a very beaotlfal wife — Voy 
Carroll, 

JACK— Boys, lU teU yoa one U^laK 
— I woal^'t mind worldng for 
Earl CanoU tor another year. 

HANK — We pmetleallT are. We're 
coins on tear wllD the CanoD 
roadshow right away, 

SID — ^Whal d* yea mean— the nad- 
ahowT 

HANK — ^Why, dont 70a remember 
after we closed at the theatre T 
Karl Carroll' came backstage ud 
said: 'Boys, EUt the Road'T 

SID— AH kidding aside— who's in the 
roadshow wltn ssT 

BANK— With thU show It kwks like 
Karl Carroll baa gone the limit. 
' He's been so good to ns we^re go- 
ing to put ear bcait In H. 

BD— We might a* well — he's fat 
oTerythlng else. 

JACK — Hey, we're talking a lot. and 
we've forgotten • ire>7 Important 



SID— What's tbatr 

JACK— That most WsatUol choraa 
of to. 

HANK— Some of them ant a little 
' bit yoonger, 

JACK— TalMol 

SID— Where does the roadshow openT 

JACK — In San Fmnds^ . 

HANK — Where do we Unlsht 

JACK — Probably la any army camp, 
bat before we do, well certainly 
see a lot of the United States. 

SID — Say, that ramlnda me, tellowH 
— ^wliat are yoa going to do with 
all the money yon savoT 

JACK— Oh, I'm going to buy a 
couple of, XS^cent defense stamps. 

HAMK — Them's only one ether ny 
I would Uke to work for, beeulcs 
Earl Carroll, and that's mjr uncle. 

8U>— I'nde Jaket 

H.ANK — ^No, Uncle Bam. 

SID — Say, boys, wasn't that a beaoll- 
fal tlioaght Mr. Carroll left with 
nsf 

HANK— I forgot. What was Itf 

SID — ^Ile said: Hoys — renjember — 
, whether you're rich or poor, Il'i« 
alwnys good to have mon9.' 

JACK — A good caf.t and a good show 
Is good, too. Which wmlnOs me 
of a Ten* tine blMlcal quotatlou: 
'He withoat sin casts the' next 
Vanities,' and here ft b: The Slate 
Brothers, Buster Shnyer with Olive 
and George, Tay Carroll, Jeanne 
Devereaux, Al Norman, Anna Lcr, 
Charlene KImberiln, I«l* Xorresey, 
Bynton Dancers. 

HANK— And next ta os, the greatest 

comedy act In allow bnstness. The 
Were Bros. 

SID — But next to ns I'd nther have 
the m most beautlfal glila In thr 
world. 

3ACK—'WK'n at the PardWount 
Theatre, Los Angeles, next week 
with Uexko City to follow. Il'll 
be the first time they have ever 
Men the EARL CABROI.I, VANI- 
TIES, and boy, are they looking 
fomard to it, and boy, are we 
looking forward to ttaatl 



Sunbrock Fiasco 



jContlnurd from page45; 



was awarded by default. The rodeo 
was held at Sportsman's Park, the 
home ot the Browns and Cardinals, 
and after the show execs of the ball 
park announced that Sunbrock 
would never be permitted to use 
the park again as he failed to keep 
his promise to put the playing field 
back in proper condition. Because 
of his alleged penchant for leaving 
town without meeting all of his ob- 
ligations, the manager ot the Mu- 
nicipal Auditorium, where Sunbrock 
has staged several of his enterprises, 
has required him to put up an 
amount of cash to liquidate such ob- 
ligations. 



MPLS. AGVA IN 
DRIVE FOR 
PACTS 



BernI VIcI Ballnc 

Chicago, July IS. 
American Guild of Variety Artists, 
through the local head. Jack Irving, 
has passed a ruling on the Count 
Vemi Vici show, which has been 
having financial and AGVA trouble. 
Edict is that show will be unable to 
move until a $2,500 bond is posted 
to guarantee the salaries of the per- 
formers. 

Show is booked at present to make 
appearances in Akron, Canton and 
Youngstown. 



Barnes-Carrnthers Agcy. 
Finally Signs Accord 
h Chicago With AGVA 

Chicago, July IS. 

After two years "Of much negoti 
ating, the Barnes & Carruthers Fair 
Booking Agency and the local Amerr 
lean Guild of Variety Artistj have 
settled on a contract which makes 
the B. & C. office 100% AGVA. Deal 
was finally arranged late last week 
and was a triple-sided contract to 
cover the various activities of the 
B. & C. organization. 

B. Se C. office, according to the 
contract, operates as producer of 
units and acts, agent for Individual 
acts and bookers of entire fair 
shows. 

B. St C. office this season is han- 
dling some 30 state fairs, 50 major 
county fairs and some 25 or 30 spe- 
cial outdoor dates. 



SINGER SLAYS 4-YEAR 
OLD DAUGHTER, SELF 



Albany, N. Y, July 15. 

Tamara Charle, 26, New York City 
nitery singer, shot and killed her 
four-year-old daughter, Dorothy, 
then took her o\yn life in a room In 
the Ten Eyck hotel here last Wed- 
nesday night (9). 

The singer, defeated in the first 
attempt at- suicide when a .22-caU- 
br^ revolver jammed, finally suc- 
ceeded in firing a bullet into her 
own heart 12 hours after the child's 
death, the coroner said. 

According to testimony ot her 
husband, G. Hans Charle, ot Brook- 
lyn, N. Y., who was called to this 
city, the Charles had been legally 
separated for five years. Charle said 
he did not know the identity of the 
child's father. When he talked with 
his wife a few nights before the 
tragedy, he told Police Chief Wil- 
liam J. Fitzpatrick and Coroner J. 
Gregory N^alon, he had no Idea she 
intended coming to Albany from 
New York. 

Tuesday night (July 8) Mrs. 
Charle apparently talked with her 
husband by telephone after register- 
ing at the hotel- here. One of the 
notes left by her, addressed to her 
husband, said: 

'I will not annoy you any longer 
after what happen.ed last night.' Au- 
thorities said this note referred to 
the phone conversation. 

Another note, written on hotel sta- 
tionery and unsigned, said: 

'To whom It may concern — 1 want- 
ed to go with my baby, but after the 
first bullet the gun jammed and 
only burned. I than bought poison. 
That didn't work either. There Is 
only one way left.' 



Holding Sophie 

SeatUe, July 15. 

Sophie Tucker and surrounding 
show are holding for a third week 
at the Show Box cabaret-theatre. 

First two weeks landed 13,000 
customers at boxoffice at 50c each, 
with Inside sales of beer, wine and 
pop estimated at $6,000. 



Minneapolis, July IS 

As one of the opening guns in a 
campaign to bring all local niteries 
and other establishments playing en' 
tertainment talent under the Ameri- 
can Guild of Variety Artists, Ted 
Brown Alch, the organization's ex- 
ecutive secretary here, has served a 
strike notice on the Happy Hour 
night club. 

Although the Happy Hour Is one 
of the city's largest, most elaborate 
and best patronized nitries, its aver- 
age remuneration for floor show 
performers is $17 a week, according 
to Alch, who's demanding a mini- 
mum $35 weekly from all clut>3. 

About a half dozen performers 
now playing the Happy Hour are in- 
volveid in the present dispute, which 
will be handled by the state labor 
conciliator's office. 

Alch asserts that clubs here have 
been paying performers as little as 
$2 a night There have been In- 
stances, he says, of dance teams re- 
ceiving $12 a week. 

All clubs, hotels, theatres and per- 
formers will be signed by AGVA, 
Alch declares. The Minnesota Ter- 
race, the city's ace night club, and 
the Orpheum theatre already are in 
line.- Curly's, another leading local 
nitery, just entered info an AGVA 
contract, according to Alch, who s^ys 
that an agreement is just about 
ready to be signed by. the Hotel 
Lowry Terrace cafe. 

The 40 girls to appear In the city's 
'Aquatennial' stage and water shows, 
most of theih Minn^sotans and non- 
professionals, all joined AGVA and, 
in consequence, will receive from 
$25 to $35 for their week's pay, says 
Alch. 

Jack Irving, AGVA organizer in 
Chicago, spent the weekend here in 
conference with Alch and with Mor- 
ton Downey, the latter. National 
head of the union, in Minneapolis as 
star ot 'Aquatennial's' ' Aquacade 
show. 



Saranac Lake 

By Happy Benwsy 



Wednesday, July 16, I94.1 



Sam Scribner 



sCoBtlaiicd ttvm page tS; 



Harry Martin avers that his added 
eight pounds are due to Martin 
Moskowitz shooting him a mess of 
Ijindy's Herrings from time to time. 

Robert Cosgrove, legiter doing 
mild exercise and seen downtown. 
Which denote a nifty comeback. 

James Wildenthaler of Sandusky, 
O., still raving over the surprise visit 
of his folks. Those visits aid the 
ozoning routine and this boy is pert- 
ing up. 

William Headley, who ozoned here 
and there, is skedded lor a Demming, 
N. M., air routine. He's an ex -Penn- 
sylvania theatre manager and a na- 
tive of Wilmington, Del. 

Reports are that the Earle Larri- 
more, legit actor ozoning in a private 
cottage, is on the verge of a 100% 
okay. 

Tudor Cameron, who graduated 
from this colony, doing very well 
and working. Now residing at 6768 
Olive street, St I^ouis. He'd like to 
hear from friends. He's formerly of 
Cameron tc O'Comer. 

Jimmy McNichols, who did a lot 
of amateur work' In this colony. Is 
now official greeter at an eatsbop. 

Rose Clark, ex-Will Rogersite, a 
vacationist in the actors' colony. She 
successfully runs a dancing school 
in Sunnyside, L.I. 

John Eaton, who has lately seen 
too much bed, bedslded by his father 
and mother from Scranton, Pa. 

A tip-of-the-hat to Rev. Alvin B. 
Gurley for his time out in conduct- 
ing bible classes at the Will Rogers. 
Gang swears by him. 

Ben Schultz, who dabbled he^e 
and there in the theatre, doing 
mighty fine things with the come- 
back. 

Jack Hirsch, who prides himself on 
being halt Indian, gifted all the lady 
patients at the Rogers with timely 
novelty gifts, which he does often. 

The Will Rogers garden got special 
mention in the local papers, but fuU 
credit is due Mri Hazel Coleman, a 
patient who^s a landscape artist. 
^Margaret Newell, ex-featured 
prima with Billy Watson years ago, 
has gone for giiltar lessons and re- 
cently played her first aolo at the 
lodge. 

Write <« IhMW who are ilL 



then Scribner'i concentration on 
burlesque. His career In the latter 
medium probably reached its 4ielght 
with the building of the Columbia 
theatre and building on Broadway, 
now the Mayfair. 

Active In ChMliy 
Though out of actual management 
participation in the btisiness after 
selling the Columbia Wheel, Scribner 
continued to hold a finger on the 
pulse of the show world via his office 
as treasurer of the Actors Fund of 
America, a position he assumed in 
1916. He was a tireless worker in 
the interests of charity, acting in 
close collaboration with the late 
Daniel Frohman and Walter Vincent, 
the Fund's present president When 
Theatre Authority waa formed a few 
years ago, Scribner .t>ecame its presl 
dent and an active one. He was also 
treasurer ot the Percy Williams 
Home. 

Funeral services Friday (12) at. the 
Little Church Around the Corner, 
N.Y,, were attended by more than 
700, many ot them oldtlmers who 
had known the showman over a long 
period of years. An idea of the 
roster of names present could be 
gleaned from a perusal of the honor- 
ary pallbearers, including New 'York 
State's ex-Governor Alfred E. Smith, 
former N. Y. mayor Joseph V. Mc- 
Kee, Lee Shubert, Sam Forrest Paul 
Dullzell, Frank GiUmore. Robert 
Campbell, Pat Casey, William J. Mc- 
Cbrmack and Jacob I. Goodstein. 
George M. Cohan, Arthur Hopkins, 
Marcus Heiman, Paul Moss, Vinton 
Freedley, William D. Weinberger, 
Dave Ferguson, Percy Moore and 
Louis Handin were' among thos6 in 
the church. 

Walter Vincent delivered a brief 
eulogy, the essence of which was 
Scribner's reputation as a 'square 
shooter,' and then the body was 
moved for cremation prior to burial 
in the Scribner family plot in his 
home-town of Broolcville, Pa. 

Surviving Scribner are a daughter, 
Mrs. Edward Call; two sons, Samuel 
A., Jr., and John Herbert Mack 
Scribner. Scribner's wife, once a 
performer In a sister team, died last 
year. 



TA, FUND TO PICK 
SCRIBNER SUCCESSOR 



Matter of a successor or successors 
to the late Sam Scribner, who was 
treasurer of the Actors Fund and 
president ot the Theatre Authority, 
will be given consideration during 
the coming week. TA Is slated to 
call an emergency meeting of the 
board to select the replacement 
while the fund regulations are said 
to call for a different proceduraL 

Those mentioned as possible mc- 
cessgrs are Walter Vincent head of 
the fund; Brock P^berton. active 
in TA affairs, and Frank Gillmore, 
former head of Equity. 

Fund has an executive committee 
and a finance committee, latter hav- 
ing Vinton Freedley as chairman. 
That committee was virtually acting, 
as treasurer during periods when 
Scribner was ill. 



New Police Chief 
In M|ds. Closes 
Town Up Tight 



Minneapolis, July 15. 
With a new city administration la 
the saddle, Minneapolis Is closed up 
tight as a drum again, Mayor-Elect 
M. L. Kline's appointment of E. B. 
Hanson, from outside the depart" 
ment and carrying the recommenda. 
tlon of the F.B.I., as police chief and 
his announcement that ha would 
crack down on vice and raA'ets, hit 
the boys like a bombshell. Gambling 
houses and other resorts closed and " 
dice games, racing charts and punch- 
boards vanished from the loop. 
After-hour liquor and gambling 
clubs are locked up. 

Looking upon the new police chief 
as somewhat of a mysterious figure, 
loop spots considered that familiar 
channels of contact with police au- 
thority and so-called 'fixers' had 
been closed. The policy of watchful 
waiting is in effect for the time be- 
ing. 



Hany Eager's Chi Cafe 
Mnst Assure Back Pay, 
Post Bond for Opening 

Chicago, July 15. 

At a board meeting ot the Chicago 
local of the American Guild dl Va- 
riety Artists, decision was reached 
that the defunct Theatre-Cafe, whose 
effects were recently bought by Harry 
Eager, owner of the north side 5100 
Club, will be unable to reopen until 
all back salaries due the acts are 
paid. A $3,500 bond posted to in- 
sure payment of any new acts i^en- 
Ing there is also necessitated. 

Theatre-Cafe, with a capacity of 
3,200, was formerly managed by 
Michael Todd and operated by Peter 
Fremont. 



AGENTS ROBERTS, BOILA 
IN AGVA HOT WATER 



Chicago, July 15. 
Chicago local of the American 
Guild of Variety Artists, through Its 
head. Jack Irving, has petitioned the 
national oSice of AGVA to place Chi 
agents Sam Roberts and Nick Boila 
on the unfair list. Complaint Is that 
they are trying to maintain a $30 
scale for chorus girls on bookings 
into the Lyric theatre, Indianapolis; 
whereas the Chi AGVA scale calls 
for $35. 

This Is not the first skirmish Rob- 
erts and Bolla have had with the 
union. 




Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



47 



Variety Gills 

WEEK JULY 18 

NnmeraU In eoimcotloii with bills below IndleaU opening day «f 
■how, whether foil or ipUt week. 



Paramount 



NEW TOBK CITir 
F^mDOUDt <16) 

Will Bradley Oro , 
Danny Keya 
Jane Froman 
Virginia Auatln 
CHICAGO 
Cblcaso (18) 
Eamniy Kaye Oro 
Billy DeWolfe 



State U«l<e (IS) 

Buolc & Bubbles 
BoalUlanos 

MIAMI 
Olympla <1«-1») 
BUtler 2 
Chrlea Croaa 
Harjorle Qalnaworth 
Alan Carney 
Arnaut Broa 




HEW YOBK CITY 
Mnnd (18) 

Cab Calloway OrO 
Avis Andrews 
tloke & Poke 
Otto Eason 
rHnADHLPHIA 
Earle (18) 
Harry Jamea Ore 
Sliea A Raymond 
Trixle 

(11) 

Gene Krupa Oro 
Cafla Daley 
Bobby May 

FITTtlUDROH 
tjlanl«T (18) 



Phil Harris Qro 
Ames & Arno 
Paul Winchall 
BIlllDgtone 
(II) 

Sammy Kays Oro 
Billy DoWolfe 
3 Smart GIs . 
WASHlNaTON 
Earle (18) 
Lanl Melntyre Oro 
West A Page 

(11) 
Roxyettee 
Wesson Bros 
Isabel Jewell 
Martins 



Loew 



NEW YORK CITY 

State (17) 
Ted I^ewla Ore 
WAHIIINGTON 
rapltel (IT) 
Rbytbm Rockets 



8 Dancing Boys 
Senor Wences 
RoBlta RIns 
Les QhezzlB 
Byrnes A Swanson 



Independent 



NEW YORK CITY 

MukIo HaU (17) 
Hal L«Roy 
Marina Lord 
Hilda Eekler 
Francis Carter 
Arthur Bowie 
Gil Mason 
Robert Shanley 
Rockettes 
Corps de Ballet 
Olee Club 

Brno Hapee Symph 

AKRON 
Falwse (18-Xl) 
Rochester 
Dick Stabile Oro 
Grade Barrle 
Walton A O'Rourke 
Kitty Murray 
Ruby Ring 

ATtANTIC CITY 
- Steel ner (18) 
Oae Por<ter Ols 
Oondos Bros 
Andrewe Sis 
Johnny Burke 
wnilc. West A McG 
CtarlstlanI Tr 
Sharkey 
Gauller Co 
Bobby Morris 
Ricbard Dana 
Pinky Leo 
Ryan A Benson 
Ben Tost Co 

(18-ZO) 
Tommy Dorsey Oro 

(21-26) 
Bunny Berrlgan Ore 
Bamld's Pier (26) 
Bea Wain 
Bddle 'Roecker 
Reg Kehoe Oro 
Johnny Woods 
Don A Ruthlv Lane 

(28-26) 
Ina Rao Hutton Ore 
, ^ (21-22) 
Lou Breeae Ore 
_ (16-26) 
Willie Howard Co 
BALTIMORE 
State (26-23) 



4 Krazy Sailors 
DOYi Arros 
(Two to All) 
(17-10) 
Oleason A Sanborn 
PJoyd Christy Co 
3 Avos 

CAHOEN 
Towers (18.20) 
3 RIdder Bros 

3 Guesses 
Evans A Mayer 

4 War ners • 

FBEETORT 
Fmport (18) 
Jack Grant Fam 
Al Tucker 
Harriet Carr . 
Bedlnl A Lander 

LONfl ISLAND 
JTones Beach (18-16) 
Dlosa Costello 
Walter Dare'Wahl 
Cesar Ronlia Co 
PHTLAUELPBIA 

Carman (22-24) 
Tokol Duo 
Evans A Mayer 
4 Warners 

(18-21) 
Wllma Cox 
Jones A Rae 
(Two to All) 

WASHINGTON 
Howard. (18) 
Louis Prima Ore 
Chuckles A Cromer 
Thompson Bros 

WIMX>W GROTE 
Willow flrove Park 

(20 only) 
Qleasnn A Sanborn 
Jones A Rae 
3 Avos 
(Two to All) 

YOt'NOSTOWN 

Palace (22-24) 
RochSHter 
Dick Stabile Ore 
Ornrle Barrle 
Walton A O'Rourke 
Kitty Murray 
Ruby Ring 



Cabaret BiHs 



HEW TOBK CITT 



Armando's 

Geo Morris Oro 
Pedrlto Oro 
Shlrl Thomas 

BUI Bertolottl'a 
Don Sylvlo Ore 
Angelo Oro 
Frederica 
Peggy Ellis 
gdlth Lambert 
Dorothy Allen 
Ginger Lane 
Annette 

BlU's Gay SO'i 
Charles Strickland 
Lulu Bates 
fred Bishop 
Spike Harrison 
Harold Wlllard 
Harry Donnelly 
Bernle Grauer 
Cafe Society 
(Mldtown) , 
Teddy wllBon Oro 
Eddie South Oro 
Linda Keene 
Basel Scott 
Ainmons & Johnson 
Jack Gilford 
Golden Gate 4 
Cafe Society 
(Village) 
Henry Allen Oro 
Kenneth Spencer 
^eado Lux Lewie 
4" Tatum 
Telena Hnrne 



■ Chateaa Modeme 

Annette Guerlain 

Covert A Reed 

Luclle Jarrott 

Maurice Shaw Oro. 

Gabriel 

Lou Splelman 

Dorothy Tanner 

Claremont Inn 
Joe RIcardel Oro 

Clob 18 
a Andrews Oro 
Peter Brent Oro 
Pat Harrington 
Jack White 
Roy Sedley 
Franklo Hyers 
Archio Robblns 
Stan Ross 

Club Gancho 
Don Avendnno Orr 
Currlto A Coral 
Luis Camache 
Jose Peres 
Rosa RIn 
Harriot Carr 
Renee 

Cora A Irene's 
Joe Ellis Ore 
RIngo A Harris 
Betty Froos 
Marcella Clair 
Nick Leeds 
Diamond Horseshoe 
Mao Murray 
NIta Nnldl 



Carlyle BlaokwsU 
Joe B Howard 
Ross Wyae, Jr 
June Mann 
Delia Llnd • 
Geo Fontana 
Llla Lee 
Gllda Gray 
Charles King 
Mangean Bis 
Clyde Hager 

EI .Chlco 
Don Alberto Oro 
Juan Martinez 
Gloria Belmonta 
Antonlta 
Maria Lopez 
Cbarro Oil 8 

Faaoos Door 
Babe Rusnin Oro 
Bllile Holiday 
Dixie Roberts 
Sid Walker 
Mousey Garner 

HaTana-Madrld 
Frollan Maya Oro 
Juanlta Sanabria O 
Alberto Torres 
Ramon A Luclnda 
Belen Ortega 
Alda Rodriguez 
Fay Torres 
Arturo Cortes 
Dolores DeLeon 

Ulckory Hoose 
Bill Turner Oro 
Mercedes 
Carol Boyd 
Rollin Smith 

Botel Aetor 
Iha Ray Hutton Ore 
Will Bradley Ore 

Motel Brimont 
riaxa 

Arthur Ravel, Oro 
Joe Pafumy bro 
Bea Perron 
Owen Gary, 
Eleanor Eherle 
John Hubert 
Belmont Dalladeers 

Hotel Blltmore 
Ray Heatherton O 
Judy <;iai-k 
Roily Rolls 
PIckert A Ross 

Hotel Itpasert 
(Brooklyn) 
Bobby Parks Oro 
ImoKen Carpenter 

Hotel Edison 
Blue Barron Ore 
Hotel Esses Hnose 
Johnny Mee.sner O 
Hotel Lexington 
Ray Kinney Oro 
Meymo Holt 
Napua 
Lellanl laea 
Nan I Todd 
Lehua Paulson 

Hotel Lincoln 
Harry James Ore 

Hotel MoAIpln 
Arturo Arturos Ore 
Wendy Bishop "~ 
Hotel New Yorker 
johnny Long Oro 
Helen Toung 
Bob Houston 
Paul Harmon 
Rrllta 

Anne Haroldon 
Peter Klllam ' 
Phil Hlser 
Jo Ann Dean 
Gene Berg 
Tee Ballet 

Hotel Park Central 
(Coconnut Grove) 

Buddy Clarke Oro 

Alfonso Ore 

Jack Waldron 

Blenore Wood 

HIbbert, Byrd Co 

WInton A Diane 

Bunny Howard 

Ginger Dulo 

Wilson Lang 
Hotel Pennsylvania 

Bobby Byrne Oro 

Dorothy Clairo 

Stuart Wade 
Hotel Plaza 

Dick Gasparre Ore 

Cblqullo Oro 

Paul Haakon 

Maxine KIsor 
Hotel Savoy-Flaia 

Howard Lally Ore ■ 

Peggy Fears 
Hotel St. Merits 

Ford Harrison Oro 

Cass Franklin 

Lolo A Ramon 

Florence A Alvarez 

Betty Black 

Jaye Martin 
Hotel St Regis 

Hal Saundere Ore 

Gus Martel Ore 
Hotel Tatt 

Vincent Lopez Ore 

Ann Barrett 

Sonny Skyler 

Hotel Waldorf- 
Astoria 
(Slarilgbt Root) 

Xavler Cugat Ore 
MIguellto Valdes 
LIna Romay 
Fraknon 
Evelyn Tyner 
H Williams, 8 



Hurricane 

Dick Sattarfleld Ore 
ChlqultO Oro 
Billy Vine 

leeland Bestaoran't 

fed Eddy Oro 
Co-Eds 
Jack Lane Co 
Nola' Day 
Danny White 
Collette A Deane 
Robblns Bros A M 

Kelly's Stable 
Hot Lips Page Oro 
Blllla Holiday 
Billy Daniels 
StuR Smith 
King Cole Trio 
' La Hartlnlqae 
(W««t End, N. J.) 
Bddle Oliver Oro 



Bill Brady 
Manny Strand Oro 
Flersntlae Gardes 

Corrlnne A Tlta 
NTG 

Billy Rayes 
Fred Scott 
Sugar Gelse 
David Marshall Ore 
Charlie Foy'a CIbb 
Charlie Foy 
Leonard Sues 
Jerry Lester 
Lorraine Elliott 
Red Stanley Oro 
Grace Hayes Lodge 
Mary Healy 
Neville Fleeson 
Peter Llnd Hayes O 
Carlyle 
Grace Hayes 
Mary RelMy 
Mary Lee 
Mavis Mlms I 
Ineclta 

House or Murphy 
Frankle Gallagher 
Hal Chanslor Oro 
Jean Meunler 
Gordon Bishop 
Bob Murphy 

'It' Cafe 
Dave Forrester Oro 

Macambo Cafe 
Edwardo Agullar O 
Pbll'Ohman's Oro 

Pallodlnm 
Abe Lyman Oro 



Pirates Den 

Henry Grant 
Gaby La FItte 
Shod rack Boys 
Marjorle Raymond 
Chet Record 
Nick Cochran Oro 

Bhumboogle 
Four Tones 
3 Chocolateers 
Lovey Lnne 
Lois Galloway 
Cee Pee Johnson O 
Scheherazade Cafe 
Richard Smart 
Ina MIraeza 
Tasclia BorowskI 
Russian Gypsy Oro 

Seven Seas 
Lllla KIplkona 
Sybil Thomas 
Benny Kaha 
PuananI Mathews 
MIkl WJkl 
Eddie Bush 
Charlie Openul 
Bobby Mathews 
Johnle Bright Oro 

Slapsy Maxlea 
Ben Blue 
Cully Richards 
Sid Tomick 
Rels Bros 
Benny Lossy 
Pattl Moore 
Sam Lewis 
Pat Shaw 
Joe Oakle 
Al Bard Ore 



Owen A Parkor 
Babette Chorus (8) 
Milton Huber Bd 
Dl Salvo Broa Oro 
Breakers Hotel 
(Ship Deck) 
University Trio 
Beal St. Boys 
Pearl Williams 
Brigantlne Hotel 
(TrcHNure iHland 
Room) 
Adrian Rollini Trio 
Pedro AlbanI Ore 
Chelsea Hotel 
(Terrace A CrUI) 
Johnny Hamp Ore 
Billy Van Trio 

Cllqnot Clob 
Ann Howard 
Jimmie Evans 
Toung Sis 
Mildred Gibson 
Ramona 

Dude Ranch 
Endlcott Cowboy O 

500 Club 
Doorthy Blaine 
Don Richard 
NAP Darnelle 
Henry Jerome Ore 

Nomad Club' 
Jackie Whalcn 



Zola Gray 
Charlotte Carlton 
Peggy HeavonH 
Manny Dnvls Ore 
I'resldent -Jlotel 
(Round World llni) 
Adrian Rulllnl 3 
Lee Dixon 
A .^^nrnK.mn Ore 
De Slmone Dane 
Marlon Powers 
Franco & iJeryl 
Delia Norella 
Juanlta Ore 

PamdlHo Club 
Bardu All Ore 

Paddock Int'I 
Sandra 

Jackie Rlcharde 
Muriel Collins 
Marie KIbbey. 
Rltz Cariton Hotrl 

(Merry 4Jo Round ' 
Room) 
Carmen Cavallaro O 
Traymore Hotel 

(Stratosphere Rni) 
Bill Madden Ore 
Berry A Barclay 
T.K. 6 Club 
Alan Gale 
Bobby Lee 
Eddie Thomas 
Grace O'Hara 



PHILADELPHIA 



Clnb BoU 

RamonI Rhumba Bd 



BOOKING THE NATION'S LEADING INDEPENDENT 
VAUDEVILLE THEATRES 

' EDWARD SHERMAN 



1619 BROADWAY 



NEW YORK 



COL 5-0930 



Herbert Curbello O 
Georgle Tapps 
Adrienne 

Le Coq Rouge 
Jos Smith Oro 
Bela Bizony 
RudI Tlmdeld 

Leon A Eddie's 
Lou Martin Oro 
Nerlda Ore 
Eddie Davis 
Jerry Blanchard 
Dance Pl&yera 
Clay Bryson 
Barbara Perry 
Sherry Britton 
Shirley Lloyd 
Milton Dahlberg 
Jean Mona 

Place Elegante 
Ernest Franz Oro 
Bill Farrell 
Vincent DeCosta 
Art Tubertlnl 
Victor Harte 

Queen Maiy 
Roy Stewart Oro 
Caroline Night 
Kim I Toye 
Ginger Wayne 

Rainbow Grill 
Russ Smith Oro 
Ashburns 

Rainbow Room 
Barry WInton Oro 
SIgrld Lassen 
Cleniente Ore 
Mayla 

ItUBsell Swann 
Aaron A Glancz 
Julian A Marjorl 
BlTlera 

(Ft. Lee, N. J.) 
Pancho Ore 
Fausto Curbello O 
Holen Kane 
Gower A Jeanne 
Whitson Bros 
Everett Marshall 
Ches Hale GIs 
Edith Roark's Clob 
Joe White Oro 
Henry Marko 
Helen Fox 
Ruth Gallagher 
Russell HIrd 
Tex Gentry 
Pat Bennett 
Ruby Carr 
Edith Roark 
Ross Fenton Farm 
(Asbury Fk, N. J.) 
M Bergere Ore 
Coliimbue A Carroll 
Carole A Shored 
.Sally Gay 

' Rabun Blen 
Edwin Matthews 
Vera Sanoff 
Rnsslan Kretcbma 

Nicolas Matthey O 
Peter NemlrolT Oro 
Olga Ivanovo 
Nastia Pollakova 
Marusia Sava 
Adia Kuznetzoff 
.Senia Karavaeff 
Michel MIchon 
Mluhl Uzdanorr 
Arjslak Arafelova 

Stork Club 

Sonny Kendls Ore 
Ray Benson Oro 
Angellta Harmes 

Tersatlle* 

N Brandwynne Ore 
Panchito Ore 
Adelaide Moffett 

Tillage Bam 

Gene Austin Oro 
SherrlU Sis 
Zeb Carver 
Bud Sweeney 
Don A Ruth Lane 
Pappy Bolow 
Roberta Welch 



LOS ANGELES 



Bar of .Maslo 

Bill Jordan 
George Kent 
Ann Harriett 
Tony Qharrabba 
Dick WInslow Ore 
Blltmore Bowl 

Ruth Daye 
Jimmy Castle. 
Royal Guards 
Dorothy Brandon 
Armand A Llla 
3 Dee's 

Chuck Foster Ore 

Cosa Mnnano 
Miller Bros A T.nis 
JImmIe T,nn''''for'l O 



Cocoannt Grove 
Mary Parker 
Billy Daniel 
Jimmy Brlerly 
Mltehell I^lsen Rev 
Freddie Martin Ore 

Earl Carroll 
Dr Rockwell 
B Mlnnevitch Co 
Helen O'Hara 
■I'hink-D'k Hoffman 
Gene Shelton 
Jlnrnoy Grant 
Dorothy Ford 
BuHter Shaver 
C Debonaira 
Beryl Wallace 
Keye.V Rhumbn Rd 



Pari! Inn 

Kenny Henryson 
Marg'rite A M'rtlnez 
Henry Monet 
Chief Eagle Feather 
Patsy Brittain 
Herman -Lopez 
Fred A Jerry 
Helen Miller 
Chuck Henry Oro 



Somerset House 

Harry RIngland 
Lou ^llee 

Swane Inn 

Slim A Slam 
Fred Skinner 
Trianon 
Ella Fitzgerald Oro 



CHIGAGO 



Ambassador Hotel 
(I'omp Room) ' 

Val Oman Oro 
Bismarck Hotel 
(Walnut Room) 

Jimmy Joy Oro 

Dotty Burns 

Maurice A Maryea 

Tune Te.isers 

Hadley GIs 

.\rt London. 
(Tavern Room) 

Dave Pritchard Ore 
Bhickhawk 

Art Jarrett Oro 

Gnil Robblns 

Joe A Betty Lee 

Pearl Islanders 

Blackstone Hotel 
(Ballnese Bm.) 

Eddie White Ore 
Brevoort Botel 
(Crj'stol Boom) 

3 Nibllcs 
Peggy Lester 
Lois LaCbanee 
Bob Billings 

Broadmoat 
Wally Rand 
LaVerne Dans 
Betty Coeds 
Anita Page 
June Darling 
Gwen Baucher 
Charlotte Buckley 
Saily Darr 
Herb Rudolphs Ore 

Brown Derby 
Harriet Norria 
Pat Lordier 
Lee Camp 
Jo Ann Dare 
Charlotte van Day 
I'atsy Gale 
Eillth Mllchell 
Savage Trio 
Edith MItbhell 
.Marsha DeLand 
Joan O'Shca 
Mary Grant 
Ethel Brown 
Mickey Dunn 
Advocates 
Sammy Frisco Oro 
Capitol Lounge 

4 Mills Bros 
Maurice Rocco 
Louis Jordan Ore 

Clirx Pnree 
Milton Berla 
Jansleys ^ 
Raquel A Tarrlba 
Bill Gary 
Ben Yost Singers 
Boyd Racburn,Ore 
Bobby Ramos Oro 
Evans GIs 

Coloslmos 
Frank Quatrell Ore 
Gale « 
Renee Villon 
Rose Perfect 
Yvette Dare 
Bobby Danders 
Congress Hotel 
(Glass Hot Rm) 
(Peucork Rm) 
Jerry Shelton 

Del Shore 
Eddie Danders Ore 
Drake Hotel 
Cumlllla House) 
Bob Grant Ore 
Hildegarde 
Edgewater Bcaeb 
Hotel 
(Beach Walk) 
Horace Heldt Ore 
Uoilna A Juans 
Ronnie Kemper 
Bernle Mattlnson 
Minnie ('abanne 
Burton Pierce 
Nlgltthawks 
Dorbi-n GIs 
Herb Foote 

88S Club 
Rogers A Morris 
Jerry Bergen 
Joan Hope 
I'll! dcVIllci'Ie 



Dolores A DeVagO 
Julio Garcia Oro 
Uraemere Hotel 
(Glass House Rm) 
Crusaders 
Dorothy Tlmmins 
Betty Qrey 

HI Hnt 
CFuy Cherney 
DeMarlos 
Jim Penman 
Andree Andrea 
J Manzaneres Oro 
Younger GIs 
Eddie Fena Oro 

Ivanhoe 
Florence Schubert 
Al Trace Ore. 
Holly Swanson 
VIerra llawallana 
Helen Sumner 
L'Alglon 
Spires Stamos Oro 
Gwendolyn Veausell 
Edna Sellers 
Isobel do Marco 
Horrlson Hotel 
(Boston Oyster 
House) 
Manfred GottheU 

New Yorker 
Ruth Craven 
McKays 
Ray English 
Vivian Marshall 
George Moore 
Kretlow Gla 
Arne Barnett Oro 
Al Milton Ore 

Old . Heldelbert 
Sally Sharratt 
Heidelberg Ens 
Louie A Weasel 
Hans Menzer 
I'ttlmcr House 
(Empire Room) 
Sklnnay Ennis Ore 
Rosarlo A Antonio 
Carlos Ramirez 
3 Pitchmen 
Johnny Mack 
Inuz Gonan 
Cbrmlne Calhoun 
Pedro DeLeon Oro 
Abbott Dancers 
Sherman Hotel 
(Celtio Cafe) 
Gene Kerwin Oro 
Jaros .Sis 

(Panther Boom) 
Jimmy Dorsey Oro 
Bytnn GIs 
Carl Marx 

Rhumba Casino 
Tito (Julzar 
Eddie LaBaron Ore 
Paul ,Sydell 
Evelyn Farney 
Eduard A Diane 
Pan-Am Dane 
Don Pedro Oro 
^Illo Perez Ens 
MS Club 
Billy Carr 
Alyre Cerf 
Cell von Dell 
Marlon KIngaley 
Cleopatra 
June .March 
Diane Rowland 
.lean Mode 
Sparklet GIs 
Elayne 

-Xannette Carmen 
Jimmy Ray 
Carrie KInnell 
.Millie Wayne 
Sol Lake Ore 
Tripoli 3 

Villa .Moderns 
Bob Strong Ore 
Villa Venice 
Roslta Onega 
I'OKRl A Igor 
Tana 

Vnnoppa A Sandlno 
Jar;<iuellne MIgnac 
Ti'il .\ilalr 
Buzzonnle 
RInal'll 
Auroiie Sis 



ATLANTIC CITY 



Alan FieldlDff Oro 
Ball-lovelies 
J & A DIGIanto 
Virginia Ramoa 
EIllBae 
Roy Sedley 

D«D Franklla 
Ralph Bastwood 
Leo ZoUo Ore 
Elian MUcbell 
Barbara Blaine 
Blrmlnirhani Inn 
(Peinberton, J.) 
Birmingham Oro 
Jean & R Carney 
Jerry Gordon 
Bob & Mary 
LewlB & Cherle 
Joe Cowan 

Cadillac Tavern 
Harry Dobbfl Oro 
Cadillac Capereltea 
Sally Ouborne 
DImaa & Anita 
2 Dukea & Oucbeaa 
Lucille Rand 
Henrique & Adrl'na 

Carroll's 
Charlie Oalnefit Ore 
Dixie Sullivan 
Tania BloAaotn 
Al Farr 
Harry Roae 
Jean Lee 
CarroUettes 
Jack Shaw 
Ccdarw'd Lo« CaUn 

(Malaga, N. J.) 
Ray O'Day 
Cynthia Evans 
Kay Lorraine 
Koy-detH 
Jackie Steers 
Grace Ruder 
Virginia Lee 

Embassy 
Susan Lang 
Alllda & Chlco 
JohnAy Parrlsb 
Chlqulta 

Carloa Reyes Oro 
Evenrrecn Casino 

Jerl Wlthee 
Beth ChalllH 
NItza & Ravell 
Vivian Vance" 
Pat Shevlln Oro 

(B Walton Boot) 
Glamour Ols 
Helen Heath 
Earle & J t«ach 
Mary Sawyer 
Adrienne 
Vera Neva 
Michael Sandlna 
KoBe Gallo 
Lou Morrluon 
Nell Fontaine 
Chlco & Chlqulta 
. Beseloo 
Geo Vorrechia 
Mickey House 
Billy Krelchmer 
Hoi) klns*B aClisheUer 
Jimmy VonutI Oro 
Frank Lester 
, Joe Compo 
'Franchone & C'ml'le 
Maury Sis 
Agnes Barry 

Udo Venic* 
Jerry Marcelle 
Wally Vernon 
Carmenclto 
EHtelle Sloan 
Marge St Carr 
Dann-y Versee Oro 
Uttle BatbskeUer 
Bob & Betty 
Marian Powers 
Sally Keith 
De Lloyd McKay 
Jackie Hill 
Leon Fields 
Victor Hugo's Oro 

Manoa Inn 

Gene Tobin 
Judy Lane 
Wade & Wade 
CaHlmlore Gla 
Dot Garcey 
Edytho Ballade 
Frank Cunco Ore 
Nancy Newell 

Minstrel Tavern 

Marino A Do Voll 
Tony Callazo 
Ed McGolilrIck, Jr. 
Margie Rose Marcb 
SlH8y Ginnio LoftitB 
Kd .\h:Goldrlck. Sr 
Helen Marriott 



Bath & Turf Club 

Marie AuNlIn 
Jerry Cooper 
Nnnel to 
OtTiirdo 



Jafk WhJtonr-nd 
ThuinnH Ulo Ore 
ISuhi-tt^'H Club 
Cnrul Df^nnlnon 
DiilJy It<*''klr*ip 



K:eU Dleglian'B . 
Leonard Cooks 
Lee Jaxon 
Clark & Eaton 
Stanley Bros 
Havcnalrea (4) 
Ray Hottlnger Oro 
Old mills TAvem 
Doris Fields 
Billy Hayes' Oro 
Frankle Richardson 
Joiin Carez 
Marlta 
Open Door Cafe 

Harry McKay 

Jitterbugs 

Carlta 

Sunny Ray 

Irving Braslow Oro 
Fork Casino 

Tommy Monroe 

Idols «f Rhythm 
Peacock Onrdrne 
(Klng-of-Prussla, 
Pa.) 

Don Leo 

an Fitch. Oro 

Margie George 

Artie finger 
Balobow Terrace 
(StrolTord, Pa.) 

Cecil Golly Orb 

Margie Kelly 

Gene Hyman 

Jimmy Engler 

Hal Flfer 

Bed HUl Inn 

(Pennsaaken, N. J.) 

Julia CummlngB 

IriB Wayne 

Renaldo 

Warren rhllllps- 
Murray Ann 

Roman Grille 
Gale Arden 
Danny Richards 
Gloria Dale 
Barney & Longle 
Rol Parker Oro 
Bendexvons 
(Hotel Senator) 
Loumelle-Morg'n (3) 

Sam's Cafo 
Frank Pontl 
■Rose Jovenelll 
Peaches Wayne 
Happy & Arnold 
Mike Ray Ore 
Showboaft 
Billy Elton 
Glrard Ream 
Catherine Wolf GIs 
Lillian Fox 
Billy Hamilton 
Harry Taylor 
Bob Mack 

Silver Fleet Ion 
Phil Fletcher 
Rae & Dale 
Cbic Lauler 
Max Levin 
Joe Lenny 
Harry Small 
Joe Scotty 

Silver Lake Inn 
Jay Owens 
Geo Heed 
Eden Twins 
Alice Lucpy 
Frank Hossel Oro 

Stamp's 
Margie Drummond 
Lenny Vale 
Hal Pfafr Oro 
Jack Griffin 
Stamp Trio 
Conclilta & Antonla 
Watson A I^ne 
e»tb St. Bathskcller 
Betty Gaynor 
■I Ton**!! 
Amy Organ 
Paul Allen 
Phyllis Catne 
Dorothy JohnHon 
James Johnnon 

Mth Century 
StyllHtB 
Rose Venuti 
Kenny Staafrer Trio 
Weber*s Hof Drao 
Camden 
Pen Bannerman 
Jules Flaoco'9 Oro 
Marion 

Prince Salandia 
Reglna 
Syd Golden 
Pumphandle Trio 
B Wells & K Fays 
Al Goldecker 
Guardsmen (8) 
Harry Roch 
Jack Smith 
Signer Carmine 
Rathfl'r Eldoradlans 
Dave Flerson 

Wilson's 
Joe Houffh 
Blackle Johnson 
Mary Snydftr 
Miriam Allen 
Goortfo Downey 
John Altmlller 
Hally Anne 
Omar 

2 Lucky Burks 
Goo Ituguet Ore 
Tncht Club 
Oypuy Monya 
.MldKhlpmnn 
Elaine Rills 
Hflon Wilflon 



Otto Thurn Oro 
El l>unipo 
Bob Manners Oro 
Sammy Lipman 
AntolnettCB 

t*'re(ldle*H Cnfe 
Oayle Parker 
Ray Rogers 
JlHrrlet Grunt 
Paul & Thelma 

<(uurmet Club 
EfMIe Robinson Ore 

lln(«l Allerton 
Joe IJatdl Oro 

llut«<l Carter 
Tlilxion Sprenger 
Ambn^sndors Ore 
Hotel Cleveland 
George Duffy Ore 
Ifotol Fenway Holl 
Johnny Cowglll 
Grant Wilson 

Ilotfl llollenden 
Glover & LaMae 



Doralne 8c Bills 
Rob Rlpa 
Stonn & Gary 
Hori^lll 

Sammy Watklns O 

Hotel Statler 
Jules Duke Ore 

Lu Conca Club 
Rnnioir Arias Oro 
LliHlsiiy'H Skybor 
Jaun Florer 
Pearl do Lucca 
Monaco's Cafe 

Jimmy Harls Oro 

Kcgul Clab 
Ducky Malvin Or« 

3700 Club 
Art West 
Rmh Farrantz 
Pat Jordan ^ 
Don WalHh Oro 



DETBOIT 



CLEVELAND 



Alpine Vllluge 

Sydnoys 
Blondoll Twins 



Gregory St Raymond 
Bob Copf'*r 



Book-Cndltlac liotef 

(Dock Casino) 
Loron Parsons 
Sanford Mnndet 
Barry Wilkinson 
(Motor Dar) 
Vlo Abbs 

Bovery 
Gypsy Rose Lee 
a Rio Bros , 
Martin & Marvel 
Ray Hamilton 
Paddy Cliff 
Arden Dano 
Johnny King 
Chas Carlisle 
Benny Resh Oro 

Caaaoova 
Glamour GIs (6) 
Keo & Puck 
Armand & Diana 
Geo Presnell 
Lee Walter Oro 
Club Congo 
Betty St Claire 
Gladys Madden 
Alice Lyons 
a Duds 

Snowball £ Johnny 
3 Arletocrats 
6 Reedettes 
King Perry Ore 

Corktown Tavern 
Billy Meagher 
Dolly Stirling 
Beth Farrell 
Ellen Kaye 
Joe E Kerns 
Cole St Corte 
6 Vesters 
Les Arquette Ore 

Hand's 
3 Old Timers 
Manuel Lopes 
London Chi^^Hoase 
Tonla ValentI 
Chot Everhart 
Frank Whitman O 

Clnb Mar-Jo 
Paul Regan 
June Carson 
Dancing Dletrlchs 
Merrltt Lamb Oro 

IWorocco 
'Gay Nineties' Rev 
Buddy Duray 
Joe Foder Ore 
Madelon Baker 
Neblolo*s 
Beth Farrell 
O'Donnel St Loyce 
Estralllta 
Leonard Seel Oro 



North wood Inn- 

Antta Jucobl 
Woods St Dray 
Harry Schilling 
UoHlioe St Lee 
Ray Cnrlln Oro 

Olde \VoyBe Clob 
Melody Ambase'dors 
Bernke Bishop 
Hoffman Bros 

Pnlm Benoh 
Daro &- DavlB 
Geo Lovclt St Elsa 
Jimmy Morrison 
Campbell St Lloyd 
Don Pablo Ore 
llnnk's Bedford Ina 
Mac McGraw Oro 

Clob Boynle' 
Jean Trnvors 
Lime Trio 
Manning St White 
DorcHO Midgely 
Richard Worlh'gtOB 
Painfda Britton 
Don McGrane Oro 

Rtntler Hotel 
Sande WIlHomn Ore 
Maxine Tappan 
Son Diego 
Al Alexander Ore 
Udell St Daye 
Burns Bros 
Dolly Dawn 
Marya & Martyn 

The Tropics 
Betty Blair 
Jean Field 
Linda Bruce 
The Friars (3) 
Vincent Bragale Ore* 

Verne's 
James Durante 
Wally Buag 
Toth SlH 
Dotrle Jean 
Alto Fryer Ore 
Whtttler Hotel 
(Gold Cob Hoom) 
Herman Fine 

Wonder Sar 
Connuella 
Hy Baron Oro 
Castrlllnn .Ore 
009 Clab 
Dais Rhodes 
Dl Giovanni 
Margo^Good 
Good St Goody 
Verne Wilcox 
John & Jessie Horn 
Olga Ray 

Horace Houck Ors 



BOSTON 



Beach comber 

Harry Morrlssey 
Sandro D'Xrnez Oro 
Judy Ellington 
Van • Qronaa 
Htanley Fisher 
6 Beachles 
Buster Kelm^Rev 

Bllngtrnb'a 
Ksri Rondo Ore 
Boyd Heathen 
Allen Brown 
May Singer 
Claire A Senna Sis 

Cusa Monans 
Al Tory Oro 
David Ballentlne 
Faye Thomas 
VlrKlnla MeKord 1 
CcHn Alanana Ols 

Clnb MayCalr 
Ranny Weeks Oro 
Bernle Bennett O 
Georffo Libby Rev 
Julia Barbour 
Br Marcus 
rierre A Renee 
Doris Abbott 

Club Vanity FUr 
Kal Nlra Oro 
.Stelld Ray 
Joan West 
T.eo Deerlnff 

Cocoannt Grove 
Miclfoy Alport Ore 
Don nloo Oro 
Wnlly Wanger Rev 
Billy Paine 
Marianne Francis 
Matn A Hari ' 
Amapofa Lopex 
Rose Moraod 
Jack A June Blair 
Hassan, 2d 

(Melody IxKinjre) 
Marjorle Garretson 
Herb Lewis 

Crawfonl House 

Ray Collins Ore 
Miriam. Johnson 
Crawfordettes 
Carole Hall 
Bill Mahonejr 
Oypsy Nina 
Ralph James 



Fox A Hounds 
Ullton George Ore 
Hl-Uat 

Pete Herman Oro 
Lnellle Grey 
Frank Petty 

Jlotel Bradford 
(Circtis Boom) 

Florence Hallman 
Runklo A Lambert 
Hotel Copley Plasta 

(Shrmion Room) 
Stuart Frnr.lor Ore 

Hotel Essex 
Brnest Murray Ore 
Billy Kelly 
Jack Manning 
Al Lewis 
Victor Donate 
Adelu Corey 
Rita Henderson 
Anne Qould 
Rosemary Starr 

Hotel Gardner 
Burt Shaw 
Kvalyn Harvey 
Hotel BberatoD 

(8I17 Garden) 
Don Dudley Orp 

Hotel Statler 

(Cafe Bouge) 
Salvy Cavlcchio Ore 
Hotel Westminster 
(Hoot Garden) 

Jimmy. Mcllnle Oro 
Harry Drake Rev 
Itoof Oarden Ols 
Alice 0'I.«ary 
Bddle O L lloberta 
Paul A Edna 
Hotel Bits Carieto* 

(BItE BooO 
Count Basle Ore 
Hazel Scott 
James Rushing 
International Casin* 
Henri Jobert Ore 

Tlie Cave 
Ralph Porros Ore 
J«.ck PIsher 
Tdmara Dorlva 
Doris Abbott 
Lawrence A B Cook 
Brett A Toung 



PIITSBTJB6H 



Aneborage 

Hugh Morton Ore 
Maynard Deane 

Arlington l.«dge 
Pbll Cavezza Ore 

Bolconndee 

John Fontaine Oro 
Bill Green'* 

Don Bestor Oro 
Penny I.ee 
Jerry Scott 
Uoogle-Woogle Club 
lloug Sherman 
Maxle Simon 
Hurry Comorada 
BuilfJy Blaine 
Tubby Miller 
Ri.'KKlo Dvorak 

Cnrh nod Bottle 
Lloyd Fox 

(Continued 



Eddie Peyton'* 

Marty Cregor Ore 

Marlon Muller 
KI Chlco 

Frank Andrlnl Or* 

Virginia Ramos 

Tela vera Tr 

Kvergreena 

Revelers 

Kay Burke 

Kay Valance 

Nancy Grey 

Hotel Fort Pitt 

Ken Dallev Ore 

Johnny Mitchell 

JoHflka Whentley 

Horry Wnlion 

Trnia Guthrell 
lintel lleniT 
(Silver Grill) 

on pn"" 54 > 



1 



48 HOUSE REVIEWS 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



STATE, N. Y. 



Helen ReimoW Sytaters (8), Hos* 
Viyse, Jr., and Jutw Mann, Etta 
Logon, Berry Bros. (3), Senor 
Wences, Georges and Jalna (4); 
•Love Crazy' (M-G). 



This is vaudeville, piire, but not 
BO simple. . It's an achievement 
nowadays for a booker to lay out 
such a nicely balanced and blended 
bill as this, when talent of a strictly 
variety metier Is so scarce. And it 
plays with a sureness of purpose 
and dispatch that's likewise rare, 
there bemg only one mistake In the 
preceedings — but an act's and not 
the booker's. 

The error is chalked up by deucmg 
Ross Wyse, who overdoes a dirty 
bit with his partner, June Mann, 
that's a variation of the old foot-in- 
the-pants gag. What makes it 
doubly bad is that Wyse doesn t need 
that type of business to get over, 
his sock acrobatic dancing always 
proving sufTicient to attract, hold 
and wham an audience. It got him 
off to smash results here, another 
indication that he can hold the smut 
for smokers. Wyse was spotted mto 
the show at the last minute opening 
day to pad out the runnirtg time, the 
knockabout comic doubling from 
Billy Rose's nearby Diamond Horse- 

*'^o1herwise, the layout runs without 
hitch in material or pace. Helen 
Reynolds' crackerjack all-girl (8) 
skating act is a flashy applause- 
opener. Then the Wyse act, and in 
the trey Is Ella Logan, a tiny bundle 
of large voice. 

The cute little swinger of songs is 
apparently varying her style a bit 
via a stylized delivery of 'My Bill' 
with all the anguished hand-clutch- 
ing of Helen Morgan. That's too 
close a copy, but the singing Is okay. 
Ditto her more bortbastlc singing 
of Take Me Out to the Ball Game,' 
•My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean' 
end 'Loch Lomond,' latter done as 
an encore after repeated call-backs 
by the customers. 

Standard Berry Brothers (3) are 
a standout smash in the fourth slot, 
the colored boys' great dancing, 
prancing and cakewalking, held 
within five minutes, being delivered 
with remarkable speed. Senor 
Wences, following them, holds the 
applause meter at the top rung with 
his extraordinary ventriloquial work. 
His work with the hand-made 
dummy and the head in the box, 
with almost amazing changes and 
shading of voices, must stamp him 
as one of the top men in his field. 
He gets big laughs frequently and 
Is ati unusual novelty next-to-closer. 

Georges and . Jalna, with two 
bongo players for their closing 
rhumba routine, comprise the show's 
flash closer. Excellent ballroom 
team closed at Ben Marden's Riviera 
across the George Washington 
Bridge Wednesday (9) night and 
opened here the following morning, 
reoeatine their nitery click in a 
vaudeville house. They're smooth 
and good-looking, with more empha- 
sis on dancing than adagio, grace- 
fully delineating the waltz and fox- 
trot, among others. 

six acts- run oS well within 60 
minutes, and that's as unusual as a 
bill so well-blended as this one. 
There's n« stalling and no milking; 
the nice house Friday (11) night was 
left satisfied with quality,- but not 
satiated with quantify. Scho. 

TOWER, K. C. 



Harding, is on this week as a straight 
act and his deep singing of a medley 
trio from "The Merry Widow' is in 
full keeping with the entertainment 
standard of the show. 

Little then lets his brass boys go 
hogwild on 'Sunshine* and works into 
a closing on Medley of his composi- 
tions and established favorites, such 
as 'Jealous,' 'Hold Me,' 'Shanty in 
Old Shanty Town.' While LitUe is 
not the biggest name to hit the 
Tower stage he gives more entertain- 
ment than some better known names. 

Quin. 



STANLEY, PITT 

Pittsburgh, July 11< - 
Sammy Kaye Orch (15), 3 Smart 
Girls. Billy DeVfolfe. Tommy Rvon, 
Arthur Wright. Morty McKenna, 
Maury Cross, Charlie Wilson,. Alan 
Foster; 'ReocWng for the Sun' (Par). 



LYRIC, INDPLS. 



indtanapolis, July 11. 
Phil Harris Orch (15), Patricia 
Kay, Ames and Amo, Paul Winchell, 
The Billingtons (2); 'Passage from 
Hong Kong' (WB). 

Phil Harris, corn king of the Jello 
program, moves his orchestra into 
the Lyric again on his annual visit, 
touring the provinces while the radio 
show has its summer layoff. Harris 
hails from Linton, Ind., and makes 
the most of his Hoosier birthright by 
digging his heels into the Indiana sod 
once more with many references to 
the 'native son' theme, setting him- 
self solid with the audience. 

It's Harris whom the customers 
paid to see, and he gives them full 
value for the amount deposited at the 
boxoffice by mixing in lots of chat- 
ter about himself, Hollywood, Jack 
Benny and others on the JeUo pro- 
gram. He remains a pleasing per- 
sonality and handles gags well. Har- 
ris sings on the band's closing med- 
ley, vocalizing 'Hut Sut Song' and 
•That's What I Like About the South.* 
The boys in the orch are okay, too, 
doing 'Poet and Peasant' to open and 
'Intermezzo* later In the bill. Patri- 
cia Kay, femme band vocalist, sings 
'Daddy^ and 'Rhumboogie,' but needs 
a little more polishing before hitting 
It off big. 

The three added acts appearing 
with the band are topnotch. Stand- 
out is Paul Winchell, who handles 
ventriloquist's dummy expertly. He 
doesn't try so much for the frozen- 
lip delivery but depends on reactions 
of the dummy and good material to 
put him across. 

Also to the good In a band show 
are the Billingtons, tap stylists. They 
do two numbers and pleased at show 
caught to the extent that they had 
to come back to put the tootsies 
through an encore. 

Ames and Amo are standard 
knockabout dance comedians, being 
one of the best man-and-woman 
combos. "They played the house re- 
cently. 

Harris is second-to-top grosser at 
this house, his previous record hav- 
ing been bettered only by Horace 
Heidt. This trip he's still a magnet 
at the boxoffice with the patrons 
standing at fourth show opening day 
on a five-show schedule. Running 
time .of 55 minutes is well placed. 

Kiley. 

ORPHEUM, L. A. 

(BOWES' UNIT) . 

Los Angeles, July 9. 
Major Bovoesf Unit with Lenny 
Gale, George Gillette, Dorthy Zane, 
Michael Dore, Mlnda Lang, Frances 
Lacey, Curley Williams, Three 
Rhytnmeers, Three Graces; Jean 
Porter, At Lyons House Orch (9); 
'Roar of the Press" (Mono), Tbty 
Met in Argentina' (RKO). 



Kansas City, July 12. 
Little Jack Little Orch toith Kath 
teen Quinn. Kirk Woodt; Lester 
Harding, Charlene, Wagner Tunns; 
'San Antonio Rose' (U). 



I 



Entertainment is present more 
prominlently In this show' than in any 
the Tower has bad for several weeks, 
and it's pleasantly reflected- at the 
boxoffice. Responsible party is Jack 
Little holding forth as the stege band 
and seeing personally that most o£ 
the responsibility is fidfilled. 

As m.c. Little plays it in vein of 
slight satire and tomfoolery to suit 
the Tower crowd, and it ate it yp. 
In the 45 minutes there are only a 
couple of sags caused by the injec- 
tion of rube routines by. the Wag 
ner Twins, amateur entries, and a 
very corny "You Are My Sunshine' 
by the Little brass section turned 
vocalists. 

Medley of old faves Including 
*Dinah,' 'SUrdusL' "Lady Be Good' 
and 'Limehouse Blues' is the opener, 
but it doesn't take long for crew to 
get into 'Hut Sut Song.' Novelty 
presentation -with satirical gestures 
and some ribbing by the leader sock 
this over. Mood is changed with 
Kirk Wood in a specialty on 'Sum- 
mertime,' with band tossing in some 

flee club backgrounding. Wagner 
oy and girl follow, and Little re- 
turns to vocal specialties -with Kath- 
leen Quinn In a nifty arrangement of 
•Yours* and encoring with 'Do I 
Worry.' Lass Is blonde looker and 
singing more than .qualifies. She's 
back later .to lead a novelty arrange- 
ment of 'Daddy.' 

Both crew and audience get some 
fun out of little's imitations of con- 
temporary bandleaders slightly cari- 
catured, including Sammy Kaye, 
Lombardo, Wayne King, Shep Fields, 
ZiOpez and Goodman. (Tharlene as 
second amateur entry display some 
skill at acrobatic and «ontortionlstic 
roDtlnes. Regular house 0.0, I^ter 



The major amateurs still ' pack 
them in here. It's the 21st Bowes 
show at this house and business on a 
Wednesday afternoon (9) was at 
capacity. 

Show has all the elemental appeal 
of old family-time vaudeville. A 
large variety of talent is jammed 
into approximately 50 minutes, every 
minute on stage being turned to good 
use. Commendable also is the 
method whereby each act Is neatly 
bundled off stage after one or two 
numbers regardless of applause 
volume. 

Lenny Gale m.cs adequately but 
stands in need of more polish. For 
this current chore he nils the bill 
with somewhat stilted gestures and 
mugging which are scarcely noticed 
by the customers. Also going on solo 
as a personality imitator, Gale would 
do well to limit himself to two or 
three more studious takeofts instead 
of trying six impersonations with but 
indifferent success. 

Curley Williams, colored hoofer, 
came through with a socko routine 
on roller skats which can stand up 
in more important spots. Minda 
Lang scored heavily with her novelty 
whistling act, dishing it without mov- 
ing her lips. Frances Lacey, lower- 
case songster, went bi$ with a couple 
of Irish ditties while the Three 
Graces sold themselves solidly with 
acrobatic dancing and tumbling. One 
of the Grace femmes, a double- 
jointer, has a standout in a slow cart- 
wheel holding one foot. 

Michael Dore's trick violin recital, 
playing the instrument upside down 
and manipulating the bow with his 
teeth, jelled for heavy returns. 
George GlUette, In the deuce spot, 
whammed across novelty comedy 
and instrumental numbers, getting 
good results with bicycle pump .and 
balloon music. Three Rhythme'ers, 
tappers, open, while Jean Porter, 
red-headed songstress introduced as 
winner of a local radio contest, war- 
blea twp tunes. Mori, 



Whatever it is that makes Sammy 
(Kaye) run, a lot of people appar- 
enUy like it. WB deluxer was 

Sacked this afternoon (Friday) for 
rst show despite the blistering heat, 
and at the break they, were standing 
two and three deep in the lobby. 
Anyway, one of the things that 
makes him run is obviously plenty of 
schmaltz, or restrained oomph in his 
music. In other words, the stuff la 
here but it's smouldering, like Annie 
Sheridan playing hard to get. 

Kaye's rhythms go along even, 
quiet and melodiously, but some of 
these days one of his guys is going to 
play a note that isn't muted and 
there'll be mutiny to pay. His vocal 
ists— an"d there must be dozens of 
them since somebody's always sing 
ing— warble with off-beat catches in 
tlieir voices, which is recognized in 
some quarters as the low blood-pres- 
sure school, and his arrangements all 
have that curiously attractive quality 
of suspended animation. It's a style 
that goes with full moons, mint 
juleps and pretty girls. Say this for 
Kaye anyway, he dots his i*s and 
crosses his t's, musically speaking, 
and never pollutes his music with 
anything but the barest of whis- 
pers. 

Sometimes it grows a bit monot 
onous, particularly after a steady 
parade of vocalists, all of whom key 
uieir pipes to the Carmen Lombardo 
quaver, but generally Kaye has 
mastered a schmaltzy medium that 
pays off, and Rouble in spades. 
Crowd at getaway show couldn't get 
enough of his music; of Maury Cross, 
who accompanies his gibberish with 
something that resembles the, St. 
Vitus dance; of Marty McKenna, 
with a pretty legitimate delivery; 
Alan Foster, with an appealing bari. 
tone that needs only a little cultivat- 
ing, and, of course, Tommy Ryan, the 
lyrical Beau Brummel of the Kaye 
outfit. They all registered like a ton' 
of bricks against a beaver board 
wall and could have stayed on for 
ever this afternoon. 

From a band standpoint, Kaye's 
outstanding clicks -ere his gypsy 
medley, the inevitable 'Daddy* and 
brace of tunes with which he's come 
to be closely identified, 'Hawaiian 
Sunset* and Until Tomorrow.' For 
a finish, he's still using the 'So You 
Want to Xjead a Band?' stunt, picking 
two boys and two femmes from the 
audience for a session at the baton, 
and it continues to be an entertain 
ing idea that packs a lot of fun and 
a flock of unexpected laugtis. On the 
personal side, Kaye himself is im- 
proving by the season in showman- 
ship and delivery, which was natur- 
ally inevitable considering the phe- 
nomenal success he's been having 
the last few seasons. 

Ther^ are two outside acts on the 
bill. Three Smart Girls, a hoofing 
trio, and Billy DeWolfe, t)>e satirist' 
Latter is a clever young man who 
has an articulate, intellectual ap- 
proach to things and people who 
lend themselves to caricature and he 
squeezes his subjects dry lor maxi- 
mum effects without overdoing any- 
thing. Three Smart Girls have a 
brislc dancing turn, sticking to the 
conventional collective followed by 
.the challenge in their own spot, and 
coming back later for an effective in- 
terlude during Kaye's gypsy medley. 
One of gals is a local, Jean Schafer, 
who used to teach dancing here. 

Biz was good all day, indicating 
that Kaye, who really got his start 
here— at . scale — at . Bill Green's 
Casino just a few years ago is in for 
a hot week at the wickers. Cohen, 



received a shot of grade A embalm- 
ing fluid many eons ago. 

Oorge Prentice's turn is billed 'A 
Peep in the Past.' and tbat's too 
much. It's a Punch and Judy show 
with Punch still lambasting the day- 
lights out of Judy and a menagerie of 
animated animals. Probably was 23 
skidoo in its day, but it's dated now. 
Prentice should either dream up 
some fresh angles, or stick to a mop- 
pet circuit 

The perennial brother and sister 
team is represented at this sitting by 
Buster and BiUle Bumell, who aside 
from the fact that they are a pair 
of freshlooking tapsters, have little 
to offer. Buster can't seem to make 
up his mind whether to dance on his 
head or his feet or perhaps he's just 
getting over the bends. Most of his 
tapping is done with his mitts almost 
touching the board. His sister just 
watches, occasionally joining In to 
•keep from getting stiff. 

Barr and Estes are another doublet 
of hoofers, but eccentric. Same as in 
the case of Buster and Billie, the 
distaff of this duo. is just for decora- 
tive purposes. Barr occasionally 
doe%uncork some nifty taps, but the 
effort must wear him out, because 
the rest of the time he's strictly a 
fugitive from insomnia. 

The surprise of this gasp is Charley 
Shay's house band. One-horse Shay, 
they used to call him. After a 
couple of tough seasons, It's begin 
ning to click as a solid driving unit 
Shay has added some now tooters, 
and the combo re^sters soundly both 
in its curtainraiser and accompany- 
ing the acts. Leslie. 



HAMID'S PIER, A. C. 

(HIPPODROME) 



Atlantic City, July 13. 
Harry Hichman, Molly Picon, 
Three JJovick Sitters, Al Mardo a-tid 
Kaye, Arthur and Morton Havel, 
Eddy, Jack and Betty, Goldte's House 
Orch (9); 'County Fair* (Rep). 



ORPHEUM, MPLS. 



Minneapolis, July 12. 
Paul WWfeman Orch (17) with 
Dolly Mitchell and Frank Howard, 
Jack Gilford, Flo and Bob Robinson; 
'5he Knew All the Answers' (Col). 



OLYMPIA, MIAMI 



Miami, July 12. 
Gloria Blake, Stone and Lee, Barr 
and Estes, George PrentUe, Billie 
ond Buster flumell, Charley Shoy 
House Orch; 'Puddin' Head' (Rep) 



This is the first time since the 
boom that the Olympia has extended 
its seasonal stage show policy into 
the summer. It's been an experi- 
ment .to determine whether or not 
vaude has any b.o. value during the 
slack months. Okiy biz would indi- 
cate that it has, but manager Al 
Weiss is beginning to find It tough 
to entice any names here in the sum- 
mer. It seems majority of ace turns 
are not yet hep to fact that this 
locality is beginning to take on a 
year-round entertainment aspect, 

Current bill is a pretty mediocre 
affair, utterly devoid of names, and 
much in the same slot so far as talent 
is concerned. Gloria Blake, a colora- 
tura soprano, has a limber larynx, 
but appears stiff and lacking in socko 
appeal. Only time she exhibits the 
slightest animation is when she 
whams over 'Ciri Biri Bin,' Her 
choice of songs leans towards the 
operatic, and these are hardly cal- 
culated to stir the locals into any 
wild pitch of enthusiasm. 

Not only does Al Stone emcee, but 
he also is in a brief exchange with 
bis femme partner. Gags are strictly 
for the honkytonks and shotild have 



Apparently falling in line with the 
musical trend of the times, Paul 
Whiteman has turned bis former pop 
symphonic aggregation into a swing 
band with heavy eiQphasis on the 
brasses. A section of three violins, 
banjo, piano and bass viol tempers the 
transition a trifle, but what amounts 
almost to a Whiteman metamor- 
phosis undoubtedly will come as a 
shock to many of his fans who will 
watch him take his boys into the 
groove and down the hit parade. 

However, he's making the younger 
element plenty happy and it isn't 
just another swing band, because 
Whiteman still has an organization 
of superior musicians, arrangements 
are standouts and much of the typi- 
cal musical stuff that always has 
been associated with his name finds 
its way into the proceedings and 
gives the more torrid swing plenty 
of run for the money. 

. The 16 musicians comprising the 
present band constitute a normal- 
sized swing outfit, but one misses the 
size-impressiveness of the 30-piece 
orchestra which Whiteman brought 
here last season. The boys are strik- 
ingly garbed in red jackets, and the 
lighting and staging are tip-top. Most 
of the musicians play several instru- 
ments and all have a chance to take 
the spotlight, for Whiteman goes in 
for much individual solo work and 
group interludes. The maestro him- 
self conducts faultlessly., announces 
the numbers and' acts and plays the 
violin briefly during one number. 
Among the band members most 
heavily featured are Murray Mc- 
Echern, who is announced as a one- 
man band' and performs on numer- 
ous instruments for a specialty; 
Buddy Weed, a master of the ivories: 
Willie Rodriguez, hot drummer, and 
Mike Pingatore, vet banojist. 

In addition to the band with its 
girl and boy singers, the current 
show holds only two outside acts. 
Four band numbers follow in suc- 
cession at the outset They include 
such old Whiteman favorites as 
'Rhapsody in Blue,' of course, and 
Three Blind Mice' in swing. 'There's 
a swing arrangement of 'Old Black 
Joe' which evoked an enthusiastic 
response, along with the lively 'Let's 
Go Home,' too. The last named at- 
tains sufficient heat to satisfy the 
more radical jive hounds. 

Dolly Mitchell, the band's girl 
'Singer, is young and a looker and she 
sells 'Daddy,' 'Mean to Me,' 'There'll 
Be Some (Changes- Made' and the 
'Hut Sut Song' with effective torch 
touches. -First of the two acts, Jack 
Gifford, is a comic who doesn t aim 
at belly laughs, but who tickles 
plenty of risibilities with his gags, 
patter and depictions of various ath- 
letics as seen through the slow- 
motion camera. 

After McEchern's Instrumental 
contribution, the Robinson twins, 
redheaded, personable youngsters, 
stop the show with their lively tap 
routines, most of thehi difficult and 
out-of-the-ordinary. For a fast fln- 
ish they essay a bit of jitterbugery. 

Frank Howard, singer, is a good- 
looking baritone who had the cus- 
tomers eating out< of his hands and 
had difficulty In getting away. He 
does seven ballads, and still the cus- 
tomers clamored for more. A med- 
ley of numbers that have been as- 
sociated with Whiteman bands is a 
strong closer. 

Lower floor nearly flUed for the 
first show Friday (11). Rees, 



Harry Richman and Molly Picon 
turned on the personality spigot at 
George Hamld's Pier theatre and the 
seashore crowd called each of them 
out for an encore and two bows. 
Other four acts uniformly well re- 
ceived by full house at Sunday after- 
noon's (13) performe; ce. 

Richman, ever a tiood showman, 
appeared in afternoon attire, cane 
and stiff strawhat Got big hand 
even before he sang a note, then did 
'My Sister and I,' lapsing Into dra- 
matic recitation after singing few 
stanzas. Rest of act is standard Rich- 
mai) material, which' pleased the 
crowd. For an encore he gave 'That 
Old Gang of Mine,' weaving in 
imitations of Al Jolson, Eddie Can- 
tor, Fannie Brice, Sophie Tucker 
('She mothered our gang, that stage 
madonna, and she'll always be our 
Red Hot Mama') and himself. Rich- 
man booked for Saturday and Sun- 
day shows only. 

Miss Picon, booked for entire 
week, pleasingly surprised the cash 
customers by devoting her whole act 
to song and dance, entirely eschew- 
ing any dramatics. Dressed in white, 
sunflowered net over black under- 
skirt, chartreuse waistband and white 
flowered tiara, she sings some songs 
from her early stage career and then 
for contrast lets go with some of the 
latest hotcha numbers, punctuating 
them with high-kicking. Much ap- 
plause greeted this in addition to 
considerable laughter from her next 
performance: a song with ° gestures 
depicting 'a day in the life of a 
woiking girl,* including goodnight 
prayer and girdle removal. She 
wound up with her song about 
'hands,* and the audience clapped for 
more without success. 

Three Novick Sisters, blondes in 
blue, velvet dance costumes, are 
okay in hand-balancing and rapid- 
fire acrobatics. 

Al Mardo comes out with bulldog 
that generally disobeys. Canine later 
walks off in complete disobedience, 
which drew laughs. Then Irene 
Kaye harmonica artiste, pleased the 
crowd. She was later joined by 
Mardo, who accompanied her with a 
four-note harmonica. 

Eddy, Jack and Betty got little 
response with their straight roller- 
skating, but brought big guffaws 
when they summoned two stooges up 
for a whirl. 

Arthur and Morton Havel, vaude 
vets, give an amusing lesson in box- 
ing and wind up with a singing bee 
that went over very well. Morton 
emcees.' 

Gray Gordon's orch, Eddy Morg- 
an's band, Sylvia and Her Debs, 
animal and circus acts and fun 
houses are gther attractions on pier. 

Carter. 



EARLE. PHILLY 



Philadelphia, July 11. 
Gene Krupa Orch (IS) with Anita 
O'Day, Howard Dulaney, Roy 
fldridge, Cass Daley ■ and Bobby 
May: 'She Knew All the Answers' 
(Col). 



It's a tossup whether top honors 
this week should go to Gene Knipa's 
superb skin-thumping or Caas 
Daley's whacky warbling. An ap- 
plause meter would find it hard to 
choose between the volume of duke 
pounding which greeted the efforts 
of this pair opening night (Friday). 

Miss IDaley is a hometown product, 
born and raised in the mill district 
of Kensington, and she has been a 
local fave for years. Her last ap- 
pearance here was in the ill-fated 
revival of 'Yokel Boy' last winter, 
with the late Joe Penner. At her 
current stint. Miss Daley gives out 
with all the stage business that's put 
her among the tops in her particular 
field. Grotesque posturing and facial 
contortions certamly don't add to her 
beauty, but sure bring the belly- 
laughs. 

Comedienne, leaves them begging 
for more, limiting her vocal stint to 
just three numbers, 'Yeah Man,' a 
comedy parody on the current hit 
tunes and The Lament of a laun- 
dry Girl,' Latter is particularly 
sockeroo. 

Bobby May's Juggling act scores 
mightily, his flair for comedy en- 
hancing the turn. 

Krupa pilots the show handily, 
coming off his perch behind the 
hardware department to intro each 
act and number. Band tees off with 
inevitable 'Drummer Man,' the 
maestro thumping it out to the de- 
light of the alUgators. Outfit fea- 
tures the expert trumpeting of sepia 
Roy Eldridge, his version of 'Body 
and Soul' bringing salvos from the 
jukebox followers. 

Anita O'Day vocals satisfactorily, 
her best tune being 'Let Me Off Up- 
town.' Howard Dulaney is fair in 
the baritone section. 

With a film that's way above the 
Earle's regular 'B' diet, the house 
was almost flHed to capacity at Fri- 
day's (11) supper show. 5httl. 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



HOUSE REVIEWS 49 



GOLDEN GATE, S. F. 



Sari Francisco, Julv 0. 
Six Hits and a Miss, The Noncha- 
Vmta (3>, B.os» and Pierre, Max and 
His Gang, Small and Lane, Ricardo 
and Norma, Peggy O'Neill Line (12), 
Charles Kalev House prch (13); 
•Beluctont Dragon' (RKO). 

House is back to straight vaude 
after two weeks of revues. At this 
stanza curtains part with line al- 
ready on, working before house band 
on individual sets of steps, which are 
removed as line departs. 

Initial act starts mildly as a soft- 
^oe single, but suddenly multiplies 
into Max and his Pals when four 
fox terriers trot from wings and 
mimic their master's flips. Dogs are 
excellently trained, one doing stand- 
ing backflips over the other three 
spaced across the stage. Max works 
in and out of specialties, some of 
which the dogs follow "or perform 
simultaneously. With a heavy kid 
ciowd drawn by 'Reluctant Dragon' 
on screen, this was a solid click at 
the openejr. . 

Small and Lane, dress tap team, 
depce with three items, middle one 
including rl^thm atop silk toppers 
to tune of 'When My Baby Smiles at 
Me.' Ross and Pierre slotted next, 
male haU on first with his larynx 
doubling of Clyde McCoy and Henry 
Eussetheme songs for sock returns. 
Then goes into routine including 
copies of Popeye, Barnacle BiU, 
Jew's harp and banjo, plenty nifty. 
Fs.Tune half then walks on to do 
•^'obody's Baby' amid clowning, 
Vench accent --adding a piquant 
touch to the gal's warbling. For a 
closer, pair does a torrid 'St. liouis 
Blues, Ross giving his metallic vocal 
chords a real workout; then merge 
into 'Song of the Islands' for a softer 
fee. 

Six Hits and a Miss break midway, 
trstting on to open with 'Honolulu,' 
swinging into 'Old • Rocking Chair' 
featuring the. Miss and then okay ar- 
rangement of 'Hut Sut.' Trio scrams 
to wings, but enthusiasm of the juve 
r.iob brings 'em back quick for 'Maria 
i;°ona.' Scram-and-return routine 
I "itinues through 'Carioca' and 
\ .-uld have continued indefinitely if 
th" crowd had Its way. 

'.Text-to-closer soon grabs full at- 
tcr.iion, however, an aero trio with 
a new approach. Tabbed The'Non- 
chalants, droopy member comes on 
first in a quavery-voiced routine that 
.siarts like a gag single until other 
two rush on and throw him across 
the stage. Boys are genuine acros 
but gag the whole act, tripling and 
spilling each other and fighting even 
while building to ..a three-high. This 
i«; a real comedy act with enough un- 
("i-lying meat to keep the payee;; on 
ro:it-edge and will probably grab the 
\ .'-rd-of-mouth for the stage half 
t'>'s week. Closing are Ricardo and 
7 '. rma, dance act, with line working 
into background. Pair makes a nice 
flash. Wem. 



Mediterranean (U) provide the new 
war material outside of Movietone's 
story of a mass air raid on Chung- 
king, China. Tex McCraiy punches 
out his description of "The Punc- 
tured' Y.ellow Peril' In his familiar 
manner. Funniest clip Is Movietone's 
about a trained monk in a Buffalo 
zoo. 

•Arctic Springtime,' an above-par 
Father Hubbard Adventure short for 
2(tth-Fox, tops off the layout. 

Wear. 



STEEL PIER, A. C. 

(MUSIC HALL) 

Atlantic City, July 13. 
Simone Simon, Six Honeys, Ruthie 
Barnes, BiU Bailey, Ooe Foster flol- 
l«t (16), Ben Yost Singers (8), Dlcfc 
Dana, Ptnfcle Lee, Bobby Morris, 
Ryan and Benson, Walter Morton, 
Music Hall Orch (7); 'The Four 
Mothers' (WB). 



^BASSY, N. Y. 

(NEWSBEELS) 



U. S. occupation of Iceland leads 
off a much better than usual summer 
newsreel program. This and the es- 
trblishment, via official opening, of 
: I U. S. naval base in Bermuda, plus 
the U. S. Independence Day celebra- 
f-n, provide the new bill with 
plenty of Hft. Paramount shows 
tr-iopships leaving American harbors, 
with no actual new clips, in treating 
the American takeover in Iceland, 
deft narration helping an ordinarily 
routine pictorial story. Universal 
covers the Bermuda incident in 
bright fashion. 

Par grasps the significance of July 
4 this year and what it means to the 
history of the nation. Editing and 
scripting are workmanlike, with 
camera cut-ins on different groups 
listening to President Roosevelt's 
t-lk at Hyde Park. Newsreel con- 
cludes the Independence Day story 
with a femme singing the 'Star Span- 
g!3d Banner,' with Sie lyrics suptf- 
imposed on background shots of Ft 
M-iHenry, birthplace of the national 
ar'-hem. 

. .dditional nation defense stories 
8' ■! considerably better than recent 
' or^s. ■ 

Swearing in. of Harlan Stone as 
V. S. Supreme Court chief justice at 
Estes Park. Col.; Billy Conn and his 
bride, and I^ewis Lawes retiring as 
warden of Sing Sing are topflight 
Pnr contributions, scripting and nar- 
rative lifting them far above the or- 
dinary. Universal gamers a chuckle 
with its juvenile style show In N. Y., 
while the same newsreel shows the 
American Legion fireworks display 
in Los Angeles, quaintly ringing in a 
plug for Olsen-Johnson and 'Hellz- 
apoppin,' which Universal is filming. 
Same reel trimly covers a model 
plane show, feature being a minia- 
ture model doing loops while han- 
dled by remote control. 
\ - Helen Claire's commentary makes 
something of the International-Con- 
vention of Tv/'ms at Riverview, Chi- 
cago, for Movietone. Same company 
offers solemn handling of Paderew- 
Bki's funeral and burial at Arlington 
Cemetery. Ed Thorgersen does a 
fine job covering the All-Star base- 
ball game .at Detroit, won by the 
American Leaguers. He also fur- 
nishes whimsical treatment of a Chi- 
cago horse race. Both Movietone. 

Arrival of reinforcements at Sin- 
gapore (Pathe) and views of an air 
attack on an aicrcraft cairier in the 



This week's show did not provide 
that letdown which often follows a 
smash holiday weekend such as the 
Fourth. Capacity audience greeted 
vaude bill when caught at opening 
show Sunday (13), which features 
Simone Simon and plenty of excel- 
lent dancing for the tapster addicts. 

Miss Simon, a cute looker in smart 
gown of pale blue tulle, received big 
hand on appearance. She first sings 
'Chee Chee' and audience' liked her, 
if not the song. Her warbling of 
'My Sist^ and I,' done Jn a pleasing 
voice, went' over well and her final 
number, 'I Got to Get Hot,' accom- 
panied by hipswinging motion and 
coquetish orbrolling was a hit, too. 
She plugs her forthcoming picture 
and ends with 'I hope you will like 
me.' Audience would have liked an- 
other song, but Miss Simon took her 
bows cutely. 

From opening number of Gae Fos- 
ter girls in 'Their Night in Rio' re- 
vue, there's plenty of dancing. Gals 
look good in their white satin pa- 
jamas and long white gloves and 
pink roses, but their routine needed 
more rehearsing at opening. 

Ruthie Barnes, shapely blonde, 
taps out some fast rhythm with ease. 
Makes nice appearance in chalk 
white suit and bolero jacket over 
gold sequin waist.- Follows with 
number in machine-gun tempo, 
which went, over big. 

Bill Bailey, colored stepper, drew 
much applause with his Bill Robin- 
son style of hoofing and chatting. 
His imitation of Robinson's 'tripping 
down Main Street' and his war and 
draft gags earned him two bows. 

The Six Honeys, three girls In 
white evening gowns and three men 
in tails and white ties, put over a 
neat tap-acro act. They begin rou- 
tine with tap number, but do better 
in acrobatics. 

Ben Yost Singers, who make ex- 
cellent appearance in purple suits, 
sing 'By the Sea,' always good for a 
hand in this resort. Their imitation 
of jukebox recordings was a laugh- 
getter. With tavern backdrop, they 
give impersonations of Inkspots, 
Andrew Sisters and other pop enter- 
tainers. 

Dick Dana emcees okay. 

Closing act with Gae Foster girls 
In checked play suits carrying hoops 
and accompanied by Yost singers is 
slick number. With lights out, pat- 
terns of strobolite hoops proves ef- 
fective. 

Benny Cxoodman's orch in Marine 
Ballroom, Children's theatre, circus, 
water sports, Alix Bartha's band, 
three films, marionette show, and 
Hawaiian musicians also included in 
attractions. Carter. 



Unit Review 



ON DRESS PARADE 

(STATE-LAKE, CHI) 



Chicago, July 12. 
Nan Rae and Maude Davis, Hudson 
Wonders (2), Britt Wood, The Walfc- 
mirs, Theresa Rudolph, Chicago 
Drum Majdr Champs, Ballet (12); 
'Hit the Road' (U). 



Night Club Reviews 



MARDEN'S RIVIERA 

(FORT LEE, N. J.) 



Pancho and orchestra (12), Chester 
Hale Girls (24). The Whitaons (4), 
Helen Kane, Gower and Jeanne, 
£verett Marshall,' Fausto Curbello. 
orchestra (8) ; $3.50 dinner minimum; 
$4 supper. 



Primarily a talent show, this unit 
gives little thought to production, but 
comes up with some socko entertain- 
ment. With the militaristic theme 
to serve as b.o., it looks to do okay 
at the gate and should send the cus- 
tomers away feeling that while they 
have seen some good individual acts, 
show as a unit fails to go anywhere 
with the original. 'soldier' idea. 

There's an opening drill routine by 
the line which is okay and shows the 
girls to be fair lookers and hoofers, 
but from that time on it is straight 
vaudeville right, up until the finale. 
The Hudson Wonders, two stately 
gals who know how to sell acrobatic 
dancing, are on for their nicely-paced 
and well-performed tricks, outstand- 
ing of which are the 'pony prances' 
which they do together for a closer. 
The audience liked them. 

Britt Wood is back again with his 
familiar talk and harmonica playing, 
and while most of the house .know 
his gags as well as he does himself,- 
they never seem to tire -of him. A 
hillbilly tune, 'The Wagon Went 
Rolling Along,' is good material for 
Wood's style, and he got It oft to 
good results. 

Line is on again for a jazz number 
which serves as an introduction to 
the toe-terping of llieresa Rudolph. 
Not an outstanding dancer, she is 
nevertheless pleasant and does not 
slow up the show. 

An unusual, hard-working trio, The 
Walkmirs, present a well-rounded 
turn which features the acrobatic 
bar work of a young lady on appa- 
ratus atop a pole supported on the 
shoulder of her male partner. Stunts 
require plenty of strength and con- 
trol and were well received. For a 
closer, two femmes climb to the ap- 
paratus and swing about, while the 
pole rests on man's forehead. Had 
to beg off. 

Nan Rae apd Maude Davis, with 
their characterization of the 'Inquir- 
ing Reporter,' as usual turn in a 
creditable and laugh-getting turn. 
This family house is made to order 
for them, and their buildup on the 
Kate Smith program gives them a 
good introduction. Act is inclined to 
be a little blue at times, but still 
socko. 

For a finale, linegals appear In 
sailor outfits and do a mediocre gob 
routine against a backdrop of a bat- 
tleship. Then six youngsters appear 
swinging batons, and are announced 
as winners of the Chi High Schools 
Drum Major contests. Each does 
short solo twirling bits, then the cur- 
tains part to reveal Miss Rudolph 
posed as the Statue of Liberty. 

Biz good last show Friday (11). 

Gold. 



EARLE, WASH. 



Washington, July 13. 
Isabel. Jeuiell, Wesson Brothers 
(2), Martins (4), Raymond Massey, 
Gae Foster House Line (16), Joe 
Lombardi House Orch, 'Out o] Fog' 
(WB). 



Youth will find a way, it seems, 
for all the lack of training grounds 
for new talent since vaudeville's de- 
cline. Everyone in the new revue 
here it topnotch, and not one, while 
all show the polish that comes with 
experience, can be truly called a 
veteran. 

Isabel Jewell, of films, is top-billed, 
and turns out to be one Hollywood 
personality who merits it when she 
makes her mid-show appearance. 
After brief introduction, in which 
she reports she is glad she doesn't 
have to sin; in competition with the 
Martins or dance in competition with 
Roxyettes, actress goes into monolog, 
which, she says, she herself wrote. 
Portrait of a hash house waitress in 
love with a truck driver is well done 
and makes a solid impression on the 
customers. Wisely, Miss Jewell 
leaves it at that and doesn't im- 
pose on the welcome. 

Evidence that the Wesson Broth- 
ers, here only a few weeks ago, won 
some following then, was indicated 
by applause that greeted their en- 
trance on the return engagement. 
Their impressions are different 
enough to remove the my-Gawd- 
another-impersonator onus, being 
cleverly written and handled in 
novel fashion, with one doing the 
mimicry, the other the voice. Start- 
ing with Edward G. Robinson, they 
go through such personalities as 
Fannie Brice and Edgar Bergen and 
Charlie McCarthy, winding up with 



Technically, this show is a cheater, 
but since Ben Marden Is doing rec- 
ord-breaking business this season, 
what matters? Maybe the general 
idea is to keep it trim and fast, what 
with the other attractions at this 
lavish roadhouse; and so long as he 
gives them a semblance of flash and 
color, that seemingly pleases the 
customers. The Riviera is easily the 
No. 1 roadhouse in the metropolitan 
New York sector, and its natural 
appeal, on the Palisades cliffs, for- 
fends too much captiousness with 
the quality of the floor showi— espe- 
cially if the - :ather Is good. And 
it's been plenty hot hereabouts, 
which is great for any inn. 

Considering th . last year Marden 
had such a triple-threat as Tucker- 
Richman-Lewis, and this season gets 
away — and to : luch better net profit' 
— with a monthly change of bill, the 
b.o. tells its own story best 

Everett Marshall is the current 
topliner. He sings robustly and 
manfully, but an unruly shock of 
hair doing a male Veronica Lake 
in his eyes doesn't quite match 
up with the dignity of his baritone 
front. 

Gower and Jeanne, class dancing 
couple, are quick returners from the 
first show (this is the third change 
of bill) and the young stepping pair 
register neatly. 

Helen Kane is in the nature' of a 
bit of . semi-nostalgia. The show 
bunch will recall how she boob-a- 
dooped her way to fancy takings in 
the Paul Ash presentation era. Still 
looking 'cute' an'd sounding that way, 
old man tempus fugit has wrought 
a new audience stance on what she 
has to offer. Firstly, Max Fleischer's 
Betty Boop cartoons (didn't Miss 
Kane sue him over that?) have dis- 
counted that appeal. Then there has 
been the Bonnie Baker cycle, so that 
basically she offers a mild vocal rou- 
tine, best feature of which .is Miss 
Kane's medley of her yesteryear 
hits. 

The 'WhitsoDS (4) are a good risley 
combo, two of them alumni of the 
Maxellos. And that's all brother. 

In between the 24 Chester Hale 
beauts parade and do ensemble rou- 
tines-, three all told. Finale is a 
reprise of a previous staging, a con- 
garhumba flash. 

Otherwise the Pancho and Fausto 
Curbello orchestras ar^ okay for 
sound acd hoof. Latter replaced 
Carmen Cavallaro. Abel. 



High Temp. Meks 

Two Cleve. Niteries 



and appearance stand out and d«» 
livery couidn't be improved. 

For a closer, The Kretlow Dancers 
are back with a 'Gay Nineties' num- 
ber called 'Six Daughters of tha 
Florodora Sextet' A lyrical chorus 
by the girls Is unimportant, but seta 
the idea. The wardrobe and routine 
are' good. Arne Bamet's orch plays 
the show to the hilt, and there is a 
rhumba group for the lulls. 

Biz terrific at show caught Thurs- 
day (10). Loop. 



BAL TABARIN, FRISCO 



San Francisco, July 9. 
Romo 'Vincent, Harris & Shore, AU 
phonse Berg, Helene Hughes Ltn« 
(10), Bob Saunders Orch (11). 



Smart light-budget summer show 
moved into the Bal last night (8), 
consisting of Romo 'Vincent Harris 
and Shore. and Alphonse.<Berg as the 
toppers. 

Helene Hughes line opens with an 
okay shadow-boxing routine, paving 
way for Vincent a Jiemisphere-built 
guy who walks on singing 'Old Man 
River.' He m.c.s until his own turn 
comes. Introduces first the draper. 
Berg, who gowns two linegirls in- 
dividually, then works on three 
simultaneously for a red-white-blue 
effect. Ladies go for this one, al- 
though it makes a bit of a girl-flash 
pending application of femme haber- 
dashery. 

Harris and Shore, billed here as 
from George White's 'Scandals,' are 
next. They're plenty slick comedy 
dancers. Femme, pert and pint-sized, 
collects most of the attention- during 
three turns, running the gamut of 
clowning variations of adagio and 
ballroom terp. Gal knows how to 
sell and pair won a warm welcome. 

Vincent was a little slow warm- 
ing up opening night but once he 
got into it he had a hard time get- 
ting off. Guy has a terrific person- 
ality when he's in the groove, roam- . 
Ing from comedy stuff like 'I'm too 
big for the army and navy' to a 
N. Y. cabbie impression. A change 
of headgear is all the scene shifting 
he needs. His Capt. Bligh is seem- 
ingly more like Laughton than 
Laughton himself, and still registers 
even at this late date. Vincent was 
here before some years back, and 
judging, from reception accorded 
here, can return as often as he likes. 
Althou.''h used largely for clowning, 
moments when he lets it out indi- 
cates he has a voice of hear-operatle 
quality. Line closes with okay tap 
routine. 

Room better than half full before 
10 p.m. on the opener. Present line- 
up is in until July 29, when Senor 
Wences takes over, followed in Au- 
gust by Belle Baker. Wem. 



Harry's New Yoricer, Chi 



Cleveland, July 15. 
Two niteries prostrated by the 
summer heat here. Jack Pierson, 
after vainly trying to make swank 
Gourmet Club go without floor tal- 
ent locked his doors until Sept. 15. 
Eddie Robinson's orch, heard at 
Gour£net for nearly two years, was 
spared a layoft by Palmer Suttaby, 
who immediately booked band to 
open Cleveland Club's new roof gar- 
den. 

Freddie Meyers last week also 
shuttered his Freddie's Cafe for next 
two months because of lack of con- 
vention trade. Impresario had orig- 
inally planned to reopen the sub- 
urban Ohio Villa this month but deal 
with its original owners fell through. 



a howl finish In a comic take off of 
President and Mrs. Roosevelt 

The Martins, whose reputation has 
been made in radio, turn out to be 
attractive personally as well as vo- 
cally. Fresh, youthful appearance of 
the two girls and two boys lends a 
special . flavor to their expert har- 
monizing of some novel pop tune ar- 
rangements. Roxyettes are- busy 
twice, and busy is the word. Opener 
is a rhythm ' tap number involving 
considerable of the intricate but 
smooth precision that has helped win 
the girls large following locally, and 
they wind up for a solid climax with 
one of those bell routines, dancing 
out the melody of 'Amapola.' The 
Raymond Massey of the revue is- not 
the stage and screen actor, byt a lo- 
cal Government worker, discovered 
last 'week in theatre's 'Sing-a-Song- 
with-Mike' audience participation 
feature, brought back now for guest 
appearance in pit orchestra's over- 
ture. 

Biz good Sunday night (13). 

Mac. 



Chicago, July 10. 
Ray English, Vivian Marshall, 
George Moore, The McKays (2)r 
Ruth Crauen, Muriel Krefloui 
Dancers (6), Arne Bamet Orch (6), 
Rhumbo Orch (4); $1.50-$2 min. 

One of the best shows to play this 
spot in some time, this production 
rates as real cafe entertainment. 
There Is plenty of everything needed 
^or a' well-rounded bill, and the 
patrons should go away talking 
about it. 

Line opens with sarong number 
which conveys the idea of a native 
sacrifice to the Gods and offers the 
gals a chance to look sexy in their 
scanty wardrobe. Girls are tall, at- 
tractive and cleancut appearing. 

Ray English, who takes almost un- 
believable falls, is on for a highly 
entertaining session, doing some 
pretty fair hoofing. He is at his 
best, however, in the straigh'- acro- 
batic stunts that invariably wind up 
in a terrific fall. Act is different 
and good entertainment. 

Vivian Marshall, a cute youngster 
who does special-material songs, gets 
herself across nicely with only fair 
material. However, in her closing 
number, Tarade of Stars,' wherein 
she does impressions of Nora Bayes, 
Sophie Tucker, etc., she's impressive 
and shows promise of developing 
into a flrst-rate performer. 

George Moore is m.c throughout, 
and displays a fair singing voice and 
some really fine ballet-tap dancing 
to sell himself solidly. This is a re- 
turn engagement for Moore and it is 
obvious that he enjoys a nice fol- 
lowing. Boy is personable and has 
enough class to appear a good bet 
for musical comedy. 

An out-and-out hokum ballroom 
team, the McKays get plenty of 
laughs with routines that are away 
from the usual rim' of comedy 
dancing. Man is a natural mugger 
and girl a good foil. Had to beg off 
at show caught 

Ruth Craven, singer with fine de- 
livery and excellent choice of ma- 
terial, sells herself well. Numbers 
are in romeOv vein such as 'Jenny' 
and 'Want My Mama,' but she also 
turns in a creditable job on a torch 
ballad, 'How Did He Look?'. Pipes 



TERRACE GRILL, K. C. 

(HOTEL MUEHLEBACH) 



Kansas City, July 12. 
'Star Spangled Ice Revue' with Dot 
Franey, Red Sisley, George Stewart, 
Knearl McClusker, Margie Burns, 
Harriett Arvan, Amanda Deterich, 
Bemice O'Dell; Coso Manana Orch, 



The Grill, usually the deluxe dine 
and dance spot of the downtown 
loop, goes straight, club for this en- 
gagement with the ice revue tha 
main attraction over dancing. It's 
the first time since 1917 an iceskat- 
Ing attraction has been used In the 
Grill, and' it's holding the summer 
trade nicely. Half-hour presentation 
is made three times daily, once at 
luncheon and twice in the evening. 

Considerable variety of stunts Is 
presented among the 12 nun^rs and 
the eight people. Skating of the per- 
sonnel Is accomplished. Limits of 
the room, which confine the rink to 
a 13-foot length and less of width, 
take away some of the sweep and 
.>:lide exoected from an ice show. 
Setup is to Intersperse specialties by 
Dot Franey and Margie Burns, along 
with those of Georf.c Stewart Knearl 
McClusker and Red Sisley with 
choral numbers by the four girls. 

Four femmes lead oft with a "Toy 
Trumpet' routine, later waltz to 
'Tales of a Vienna Woods,' work in a 
conga and come on for the red, white 
and blue finale. Miss Bums con- 
tributes a clog to duo of Irish tunes, 
Sisley 's specialties are a clown twirl 
and a Russian comic dance, Stewart 
gives a trick and box-hurdling rou- 
tine. 

Tango and jitterbug routines are 
furnished by Harriett Arvan and 
McClusker. Miss Franey Is on In a 
dance number with Stewtfrt and Mc- 
Clusker supporting; she later leads 
the ballet and singles as a sailorette 
doing various figure-skating- special- 
ties to •■'Sailor's Hornpipe.' She re- 
turns to lead the finale. A former' 
U.S. champion speed skater and 
member of two Olympic teams, she 
took up the figure work in 1937. 

Dancing Is provided between floor 
shows by means of laying a panelled- 
floor over the Ice. Casa Manana 
orch (10), local crew, handles the 
musical score and furnishes the 
tunes for dancing, Qv(n< 



60 



LEGITIMATE 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



Inside Stuff-Legit 



Vincent Astor, for the Astor interests, is reported prepared to handle 
(he St. James and 44th Street theatres, N. Y., which were conducted under 
lease by the late Boris Said. Latter, who was essentially in the oil business 
and dl^ not use his name in connection with the theatrical ventures, oper- 
ated them under the corporate name of the Nesca Realty Co. Executors 
of th« Said estate decided they were nOt qualified to enter show business 
and turned the properties back to the Astors. 

Plan is to book shows into the theatres following technical proceedings 
necessary before actual possession reverts to the Astors. 

Understood that Mrs. Harrington Hull, the former Mrs. Vincent Astor, 
proposes a six-week season of light opera at the 44th Street. Originally, 
arrangements were made with Said, whose leases oh the houses were dated 
to expire Septtmber, 1942. Reported that an offer to rent the properties 
under a deal to guarantee the fixed charges plus 50% of the profits was re- 
jected by the Astors. Before Said rented the theatres, the Astor office 
through a Broadway representative operated them. 

Leila Ernst, ingenue lead in 'Pal Joey,' at the Ethel Barrymore, N. Y., 
wears a wedding ring in the show, although she plays an unmarried girl 
who's in love with the hoofer-heel, Joey Evans. Actress was married a 
couple of weeks ago and apparently has sentimental reasons for refusing 
to take off the ring on stage, although it looks unprofessional to wear it 

June Havoc's web-silk stockings in her scene with Jack Durant are rag- 
ged; biit otherwise the costumes for the show look remarkably fresh. Stage 
manager Jerry WhyteJias kept the performance fresh and clean, too. One 
other notable fact about 'Pal Joey' — because of the network taboo on 
ASCAP music, the Rodgers and Hart tunes have not been played to death, 
so are surprisingly unspoiled. Such songs as 'Bewitched, Bothered and 
Bewildered,'. 'I Could Write a Book' and 'Den of Iniquity' retain , their 
original appeal. 



Philip Merivale, who was, snared by execs of the Ciyic theatre, St. Louis 
County strawhatter, to play the role of Dr. Axton ,Talley 'in "The Talley 
Method,' the part he created in the initial Ne\<^'Y!>rk presentation, thought 
he was to appear In St Louis' Forest Park alfresco playhouse, where. noth- 
ing but light operas are dished out Merlvale's statement to local rags 
upset Gordon Sommers, biz manager of the strawhatter, who flashed corre- 
spondence with the star and Equity to establish the fact that nothing under- 
handed had been done to obtain Merivale's p.a. here. 

Merivale said he had heard of the huge 10,000-seater in Forest Park, but 
not of the 700-seater in the county. However, he did not attempt to balk 
on 'going through with the contract. - The Civic theatre spent plenty of 
coin in advance bally, raised the scale from $1.12 top to $2.24. 



APPLE-STORAGE 
THEATRE IN DET. 



in 



A golf foursome in Florida when they went on winter vacations con- 
sisted of Arthur Hopkins, Arthur Hammerstein, Joe Leblang and Sam H. 
Harris, survivors being the first two named. Around Great Neck, L. I., a 
foursome for years was Harris and his deceased wife, Alice, Hopkins and 
his deceased mate, Eva, Hopkins being the only survivor. 

Hammerstein, who Is a gentleman farmer at Evanston, III,, and says he 
likes it, learned of Harris' passing in 'the dailies and planed to New York 
for the funeral. 

Widow of Harris is resting at New Hope, Bucks County, Pa., where 
the couple had planned to spend the summer, not far from the homes of 
George S. Kaufman, Moss Hart, Jack Kirkland and others in show business. 



The Hunterdon Heights Players, a summer outfit spotted at Jutland, 
N. J., is again operated by lone Hutaine. Venture tbis-season, however, 
has the backing of Tom Johnstone, cartoonist and Illustrator who wrote 
'Snookie,' a comedy that opened and closed quickly last month at the 
Golden, N. Y. 

Johnstone's deal called for placing WiUlam B. Friedlander with the out- 
fit. Latter staged 'Snookie,' produced under cover by the Shuberts and 
Olsen and Johnson, who ordered their names oft the bill, following adverse 
notices. Friedlander is said to be an instructor in the drama school 
connected .with the Jutland strawhat 



Plays and Cider 

Detroit, July 15. 

Emphasizing its unique set-up 
an apple-storage warehouse, the 
Will-O-Way Playhouse, this area's 
first strawhat opened its Second sea- 
son with Eddie Nugent in 'George 
Washington Slept Here.' Extending 
its season this year to eight weeks, 
the theatre, manager by William 
Way Merrill, will follow for two- 
week periods with Beatrice Terry 
and Geofrey Marks in 'Mr. Pirn 
Passes By,' Gene Reynolds in 'What 
a Life' and Doris Bull and Joseph 
Laderoute in a yet untitled musical 
comedy by Celia Merrill, sister of 
the project's director. 

Sealing only a few hundred, the 
playhouse boasts of an air-con- 
ditioning outfit (used wintertime for 
the apple storing) . Cider is served 
and the tiny house is plentifully 
decorated with murals on the apple's 
place in history. Youth Orchestra, 
under. Miss Merrill, also plays 
matinee concerts on Saturday and 
Sunday and the general public is in- 
vited to use the locale as a setting 
for picnics. 



MNE'CUCKSINST.L; 
lUSKETEERS' N. G. 30G 



Classy Layout 

Among the summer stock spots on 
Long Island, Edith Gordon's Play- 
tibuse at Sayville is regarded as one 
of the best appointed. It was for- 
merly a country club, golf course 
now being used for other purposes. 
Miss Gordon's setup includes a 
drama school or workshop. 

An all-Equity cast is used for the 
presentations, none of the appren- 
tices being so assigned, as at .most 
other summer projects. 



St. Louis,' July IS. 

Evelyn WyckhofT, Is one of the 
big clicks in Harry Tierney's 'Irene, 
previously presented here In 1931, 
that began a one-week stand in the 
Alfresco theatre in Forest park last 
night (Monday) before an overflow 
mob of 10,200 that grossed approxi- 
mately $4,500. .Cool weather forced 
customers to don wraps. It was the 
largest opening night attendance of 
the season, 

Miss WyckhofT, on vacation from 
'Lady in the Dark,' made local debut 
and played role' of Irene O'Dare. 
Other, clicks are William O'Neal, 
Jack Donohue and Ethel Taylor in 
warbling stints, William Lynn, Helen 
Raymond, Dan Harden, Jack Wil- 
liams, Betty Bruce and Lynn, Hoyce 
and 'Vanya. 

'Three Musketeers' wound up 
seven-night engagement Sunday (13) 
with an estimated take of $30,000, 
below average. Cool weather and 
threats of rain on several nights 
offset raves tossed by local crix. 



'Babes Toyland' Opens 
Totedo Alfresco S<iason 



Death of Aurlol Lee, stager-actress, who was killed in a motor car 
accident in Kansas two weeks ago, recalls the death of Vice Admiral 
Sefton Brancker, to whom she was said \xy have been engaged. English 
officer was aboard the R 101, British dirigible which exploded In the air 
over France, after starting Its first flight to India, around 12 years ago. 
' Brancker had told friends he wished to be' buried 'wherever he droppedr 
If that happened, and Miss 'Lee left the same instructions. She was in- 
terred in Hutchinson. Kans.; but it's .possible that the remains will be 
brought east. 



Despite stories to the contrary, Mrs. Dora Valentine, wealthy widow of 
Philadelphia who backed 'Johnny Belinda,' is on cordial terms with Harry 
Wagstaff Gribble, who produced the show. Although the play ran through 
the season, opening at the Belasco and moving to the Longacre, it is- esti- 
mated to have ended In the red upward of $60,000. Understood that she 
favored keeping the show going through summer. It is now playing sum- 
mer spots. 

Mrs. Valentine's husband is said to have made a fortune in the drug 
busmess. Her jon, Stewart Valentine, is known in Phllly financial circles. 

Paul J. Cahill, manager of the Municipal Memorial Auditorium and ad- 
Joinmg little theatre, Worcester, Mass., points out that the latter seats 704, 
which IS more than reported. At $1.65 top, capacity in nine performances 
approximately $5,700. Auditorium has a seating capacity of 3,500. 

Little theatre is being used by touring shows as a spoke i the planned 
rotary stock in New England. 



Summer Prenueres 



(July 16-26) 



'Family Honeymoon,' farce by 
Owen Davis, based on novel by 
Homer Croy, at Lakewood theatre, 
Skowhegan, Me. (16-19). ♦ 

'Two-Story Uoose,' comedy-drama 
by Parker Fennelly, at Bass Rocks 
theatre, Gloucester, Mass. (16-19). 
•JMr, TImpklns,' by David Carroll, 
J at Theatre-in-the-Dale, New'Mllford, 
Conn. (16-19). 

'Masked Ball,' new version by 
Edith Ellis of Clyde Fitch farce, at 
Westchester playhouse, Mt. Kisco, 
N.Y. (16-19). 

'Goldfish Bowl,' play about the 
Roosevelt family, by Vincent Mc- 
Connor, at Woodstock (N.Y.) play- 
house «7-19) 

•Danny Olther,' musical by Jeremy 
Gury and Alex North, at Tamiment 
playhouse, Bushkill, Pa. (19). 

'Little. Dark Horse,' adaptaUon by 
Theresa Helburn of Blrabeau's 
French play, at Country playhouse, 
Westport, Conn. (21-26). 

'Comedienne,' by Ivor Novello, 
•with Constance Collier, at Cape 
playhouse, Dennis, Mass. (21-26) 



Ford, at Pine Grove playhouse, Cam- 
bridge Springs, Pa. (21-26). 



Current Road Shows 

UvXm 16-26) 

'Accent on Tonth' ((Sylvia Sid- 
ney-Luther Adler)— Flatbush, Brook- 
lyn (16-20). 

'Cabin In the Shy" (Ethel Waters) 
— Biltmore, Los Angeles (21-26). 

'Charley's Annt' (Phil Baker)— 
Garden Pier, Atlantic City (22-27). 

'Hellzapoppln'— Erlanger, Chicago 
(16-26). 

'Jump for Joy' (Duke Ellington 
Mayan, Los Angeles (16-26). 

'Ladles In Retirement' (Florence 
Reed)— Brighton, Brighton Beach, 
N.Y. (16-20). 

'Life With Father' (Dorothy Gish) 
—Cass, .Detroit (16-26). 

'Man Who Came to Dinner— Wind- 
sor, Bronx, N.Y. (22-27). 

'My Sbtcr Eileen'— Harris, Chi- 
cago (16-26). 

'Bain' (Lenore Ulric)— Windsor, 
Bronx, N.Y. 16 (-20); Flatbush, 
Brooklyn (22-27) 



ShelU BarreU Spotted 

Pittsburgh, July 15. 

Sheila Barrett will be starred next 
month Mirith South Shore Players at 
Cohasset, Mass., in original revue by 
Charles Gaynor which is figured to 
have Broadway possibilities for fall. 
Show will be composed of best fea- 
tures of three annual musicals Gay- 
nor has done here for Pittsburgh 
Playhouse. 

It'll be directed by Frederick Bur- 
leigh, who during regular season di- 
rects Playhouse here and has staged 
all of Gaynor's shows in the past. 



Harpo Marx In 'Jacket' 

Marblehead, Mass., July 19. 
Harpo Marx is slated to make an 
appearance with the North Shore 
Players here the week of August 11 
He will play in 'Yellow Jacket' with 
Alexander Woollcott and Fay Wray, 
and then, according to plans of Blake 
Johnson, the producer here, it will 
be presented' next season on Broad- 
way. . 

Woollcott, particularly, is anxious 
to do the Chinese piece in New York 



Toledo, July 15. 
Third consecutive season of out- 
door musical entertainment spon- 
sored by the Toledo .Civic Opera 
Assn. opened last night (Monday) at 
the Toledo Zoological Park Amphi- 
theatre with Victor Herbert's 'Babes 
in Toyland,' the most ambitious pro- 
duction yet presented by the associa- 
tion. Feature of the opening night 
was the attendance of mayors of 22 
communities in northwestern Ohio 
and southern Michigan. 

Cast includes Sheelah DiUe and 
Elizabeth Houston, sopranos, and Lee 
Sullivan, tenor, in leading roles; 
Dean Dickens,. Detmar Poppen, W. J. 
McCarthy, Ted Meza, Peggy Alex- 
ander, Fred Harper and minor roles 
filled by localites and 40 youngsters. 

Other productions scheduled are: 
•The Firefly,' July 21; 'Good News,' 
July 28, and 'New Moon,' Aug. 4. 



B way Ticket 
BrokersFined 
$100to$SI)0 



Bntterworth's Big B.O. 

Ivoryton, Conn., July 15. 

Charles Butterworth, in 'George 
Washington Slept Here,' fractured a 
few records at Milton Stiefel's play- 
house here last week. Turnaways 
averaged 100 per show. 

Butterworth closed his strawhat 
tour of this one Sat (12). Current- 
ly he is rehearsing for two weeks 
for a July 28 opening of 'Western 
Union, Please' at "Paper Mill play- 
house. 



'siririi. f», o' r-u""«,. I "V'neR^r Tree* (BUlla Borke)— El 

btrlDtly for Sweeney/ by Rita I Capitan, Hollywood (16-26). 



Worcester N.G., Folds 

Worcester, July 15. 
Once again this city of 200,000 has 
turned thumbs down on legitimate 
productions and it is now quite evi- 
dent that Worcester does not want 
or does not appreciate shows of 
more than passing merit The Little 
Theatre in Municipal Auditorium 
folded July 5 after five weeks 
of road shows under management of 
H. Clay Blaney and Robert Marko. 
Season was expected to run 15 
weelcs. 

According to J. J, White, general 
representative, house has been In the 
red since opening night. 

Local consensus Is that Worces- 
terites in future will have to go 45 
miles to Boston to see legit. 



Maryland Strawhat Opens 

Braddock Heights, Md., July 15. 
The Mountain theatre will. open its 
fourth summer season July 16 with 
'It's a Wise Child," featuring June 
Brehm, understudy to Helen Hayes 
last season in 'twelfth Night' Thea,- 
tre Is under joint management of 
James Decker and Wlllard Markey. 
Director is Fitzroy Davis, author of 
the 'forthcoming Macmillan novel, 
'Quicksilver, a Novel of the Theatre'.' 
Subsequent biUs are: 'Ghost Train,' 



Bergman in 'Christie' 
Opens Selznick Barn 

Santa Barbara, July IS. 
'Anna Christie,' with Ingrid Berg- 
man in the title role, opens the David 
O. Selznick Summer Theatre at the 
Lobero July 30 for five perform- 
ances. 

Alfred d^Liagre, Jr., Is director. 



'Cabin' Repeats in LA. 



Los Angeles, July 15. 

'Cabin in the Sky,' with Ethel 
Waters and the original New York 
cast..j)lays a return date here at the 
Biltmore, opening July 21 for two 
weeks, and then disbands for the 
season. Al Lewis presents the show 
at $2.50 top. 

Negro show did smash biz on its 
recent two weeks at the Philhar 
monic and play-back is prompted by 
many requests. 



Duffy Taking 'Music' 

'More Than Music,' legiter by 
press agent Jean Dalrymple and her 
assistant, Phillip Bloom, is expected 
to be produced on the Coast during 
the summer by Henry Duffy, . with 
Francis Lederer In the principal 
role, understood to be a takeoff on 
pianist-conductor Jose Iturbi. 

Eventual opening on Broadway is 
planned. 



Spring Meeting,' 'The Male Animal,' 
Ah, Wilderness,' 'Wind and the 
Rain,' 'Ladies in Retirement,' 'The 
Man of Crystal' and 'Private Lives.' 



Stony Creek Tryouts 

Stony Creek, Conn., July 15. 
Stony Creek theatre's second sea- 
son under Ronald T. Hammond 
swings toward mid-season with two 
tryouts on the fire. First is Richard 
Hepburn's 'Love Like Wildfire,' said 
to be an autobiog on the Hepburn 
family. It's due July 28. Second 
break-in is Jack Levin's 'Good 
Neighbor,' which Sam Byrd will take 
to Broadway if its strawhat recep- 
tion warrants. 

Set for July 21 Is Sinclair Lewis 
In 'My Dear Children.' Novelist has 
a piece of operation hers this sum- 
mer. 



Imposition of heavy fines on 17 
ticket brokers Monday (14) In the 
federal court. New York, after they 
had admitted not having stamped all 
tickets sold by them with the price 
obtained, may curtail If not elim- 
inate telephone orderi from agen« 
cles to legit theatres hereafter. That 
Is fully expected unless the tax reg- 
ulations covering • such sales ar« 
changed. 

Fact that Judge Louis W. Strum, 
of Florida, who presided, is hardly 
cognizant of ^roadway is not perti- 
nent. There was no question of 
whether the law is applicable. The 
brokers plieaded guilty and the court 
meted out fines which varied only 
because one or the other broker had 
been implicated before In ticket ir- 
regularities. 

That the ticket people went into 
court without attorneys Is hardly 
understandable. They felt there was 
not alternative but to plead guilty. 
There were no allegations of over- 
charging and It was Intimated that 
the federal attorney conceded that 
that portion of the law Is Imprac- 
tical. There were no Indictments as 
first understood, but 'Informations' 
filed -against the brokers upon which 
the court acted. Ticket people were 
known to have been worried over 
the cases, but did not anticipate 
heavy imposts, and It is reported 
along Broadway that most of them 
have not the ready cash to pay the 
fines. 

Tickets By Phone 

It is the practice of agencies to 
order tickets for customers by tele- 
phone from the boxofTices, when 
sold out of allotments, but particu- 
larly close to time performances 
start. Law requires that all tickets 
sold by brokers be stamped on the 
reverse side with the price obtained, 
usually 75c over the boxoffice price, 
plus 10% tax 'on the premium. It is 
virtually impossible for the broker 
to stamp such tickets, since they are 
not in his possession and when 
picked up by the customer are im- 
mediately placed in the ticket box 
at the door. 

Fines, which ranged from $100 to 
$500 and totaled $3,700, were: City 
Ticket Co. (21 Club), $400;' Oscar 
Alexander, $500; Faber & Sutton, 
$125; Joey Deutsch, $250; T Everett 
Naughton, $250; Edward Reynolds 
and Wilfred -Betts (Jacobs Ticket 
office), $100 each; Saul Suber, $250; 
John W. Wachter (Grand Central 
Ticket agency), $100; Joseph Rosen- 
feld (Hollywood Ticket office), $125; 
Harry Shack (Rlalto Ticket office), 
$200; Sussman ticket office, $200. 

Yesterday (Tuesday) four more 
brokers pleaded guilty, with total 
fines being $1,100. The four were 
Leblang-Gray's Ticket Agency, $200; 
Mackey's Inc., $200; Park Theatre 
Ticket Service Inc., $200; and tlie 
Supreme Ticket Office Inc., $500. 

During this week pleas will be 
made by the Acme 'Theatre Ticket 
Office, (^orge J. Bascom,' Louis 
Cohen's Ticket Office, Inc., Gransky's 
Ticket Service, Inc., Leo Nevins The- • 
atre Ticket Office, Inc., and the 
Newsstand Theatre Service. 



'Soldier' OK As Shuberts' 
1st L'yilie Production 



Louisville, July 15, 
'Chocolate Soldier,' first of the six- 
week season of summer musical 
shows at Iroquois amphitheatre be- 
ing o£fered by the Shuberts, was a 
success from an artistic and financial 
standpoint. Local patrons are keep- 
ing a force of ticket sellers busy, and 
all six performances, beginning with 
the opening Monday (7) were nearly 
capacity. Open-air' spot seats 3,500. 

Leads in 'Chocolate Soldier' were 
Jane Pickens and Robert Shafer, 
both registering effectively. Comedy 
roles were handled by Florenz Ames 
and Melissa Mason, aod supporting 
players were John Patrick, Allen 
Stewart, Nina Varella, and Ethel 
Barrymore Colt. No performances 
were missed the first week, although 
rain threatened three nights, but 
held off during show time. / 
'Too Many Girls' opened yester- 
day (Monday), starring Dorothy and 
Carol Stone, Charles Collins, Jack 
Good, Fred-Llghtner, Nina Olivette, 
Florence. Ames. 



Wednesdaj, July 16, 1941 



USOimiATB fl 



DEFENSE tm BIG ROAD YR. 



Saroyan Burns When Cast Takes 
A Cut-Orders Teople Gosed 



Saroyan Is in again. William the 
Enigma ordered refunds to all 
patrons who see and don't like his 
'Beautiful People' at the Lyceum, 
N. Y., but that didn't bring a rush to 
the" boxoflice. Last week the cast 
and the staft thought they'd do the 
author-manager a favor by cutting 
■ salaries, but he seems to have be- 
. come miffed over that gesture and 
ordered 'People' to close Saturday 
(19). 

Players went to Equity Friday ill) 
and assented to the cut. Arrange- 
ment called for all in the cast to get 
$50 weekly, which is the Equity 
minimum, with regular salairies to 
apply it- the gross reached $4,000 or 
better, small enough money for a 
legit show. But when Pat Duggan, 
Saroyan's play broker rep, informed 
him ol the move, the author tele- 
graphed back from his California 
home: 'I don't want the cast salaries 
reduced.' 

At the Equity session the players 
spoke highly about Saroyan and they 
agreed on the slice with no discus- 
sion. When he engaged the cast at 
modest salaries, Saroyan said that a 
bonus would be paid each player if 
and when the gross topped $7,000. 
Understood they were paid the bonus 
once, average takings being under 
that level since opening with single 
week's exception 

Kickback Coin 

Amount of money given back at 
the boxoffice up to this week was 
a bit over $30l) in all, not a material 
percentage of the total. Indicated 
that some patrons didn't have the 
nerve to ask for the refund, but 
noticed that most who turned back 
their ticket stubs for oash took it as 
a matter of course. There were sev- 
eral who got the kickback who 
wanted to meet Saroyan. Sunday 
. (13), with the best Sabbath house in 
a couple of months, requests for only 
$7 were made at the b.o. 

Boxoffice staff has been kidded 
over the kickback, mostly over the 
telephone. One showman called up 
to say that he had seen the show on 
a pass but could he get the 20c sub- 
•way fare from the Bronx. Ticket 
seller replied in measured serious- 
ness: 'If your inquiry is genuine, I'd 
say no,' then the other guy laughed. 

^On Broadway would like to hear 
Saroyan's definition of a 'normal half 
wit,' which expression he used in a 
signed article that appeared in the 
N. Y. Times recently. 



CROUSE DISHES ANOTHEB 
24G 'ARSENIC MEON 



Lindsay and Crouae have cut up 
another melon amongst the 21 back- 
ers of 'Arsenic and Old I^ace,' around 
$24,000 being sent the successful 
angels last week. Despite the fact 
that the Chicago company fared 
mildly in comparison to the clean- 
up number one company at<the Ful- 
ton, N. Y., to date the backers have 
been paid profits which approximate 
160% more than their ..investments. 
Total amount divided among 'em is 
around $90,000, which includes only 
part of the picture rights coin. 

The checks disbursed were accom- 
panied by a letter from Crouse, the 
partners alternating in slipping the 
coin to their backers. The note, start- 
ing with 'Dear Customer,' thanlcs 
them for voting Russel Crouse, alias 
Buck, 'to be the most charming mem- 
ber of the duo,' though it was a shock 
to Lindsay. Crouse suggests they all 
write in, saying disparaging things 
about him and in that way probably 
'mollify' the other partner. 

In reporting the closing of the Chi 
company, partly because of the thea- 
tre's financial headaches, he sts^tes 
that the company will go to the road 
again and expects to play solvent 
houses. Also it is revealed that the 
Swedish rights have been sold, but 
if any of the backers happen to be 
in Stockholm next season and hear 
.the actors talking In German, it 



WOLFF'S WINDFALL 



Asst. Theatre Treasurer Cashes In, 
' Instead of Being Stack 



By a stroke of good luck, after he 
thought he was stuck for a sawbuck, 
Jack Wolff, assistant treasurer of the 
Majestic, N. Y., cashed in on a long 
shot at Empire track last . Thursday 
(10). He sells mutual tickets at Em- 
pire and pushed the wrong button 
when a better placed $10 on the 
favorite, customer declining to ac- 
cept the number that came up. 
Wolff was somewhat disconsolate, 
figuring he was working the day for 
nothing, rules requiring sellers to 
pay for any such errors. 

But, instead of having a ticket on 
a stiff, the nag poked his nose in 
front at the wire and Wolff sud- 
denly realized that he was the pos- 
sessor of $1,285, less the 10 smackers 
paid for the ticket. Odds on the 
horse was $257 to $2, longest price 
around New York tracks this season. 
Wolff formerly worked in the Le- 
blang agency. He is married and 
has several kids. 



In conclusion, he reports that 
Frank Sullivan, one of the backers 
and sometime press agent, when 
Dick Maney Isn't looking, 'has been 
shipped back to Saratoga. The heat 
was getting him. He was going 
around telling tj^ople he was Frank 
SuUivan.' 



Actors Temple Services 
For Sam Harris; Cohan 
Recalls Mgr/s Hmnor 



Memorial services were conducted 
at the Actors Temple, West 47th 
street, N. Y., Friday (11) afternoon 
for the late Sam H. Harris, Rabbi 
Birstein officiating. Jewish 'Theatri- 
cal Guild was invited to participate 
and, while two spokesmen were on 
hand, the Guild plans a memorial 
service under its 'own auspices, prob- 
ably to be held in a theatre later In 
the summer. Sam Forrest and 



MORE BIZ, MQIIE 





T 



Major Musicals and Plays 
Will Tour — Arms Fac- 
tories Putting a Lot of 
Coin Into Circulation and 
Appetites Whetted for 
Stage Entertainment 



BUT B'WAY N.S.G. 



The road is expected to be ex- 
ceptionally prosperous pasture for 
legit next season according to show- 
men familiar with touring condi- 
tions. Pointed out that there is 
much more money in circulation be- 
cause of the vast defense spending 
than at any time in many years, and 
most of that coin is outside of New- 
York. 

There is strong indication that 
people in localities bustling with 
arms activities have an increasing 
desire to see stage performances. 
That is one reason why there will be 
more major musicals on tour than 
for the past few seasons and exten- 
sive routes have been booked. The 
quality of other shows slated for the 
road is high, which should also mean 
larger audiences. 

There are approximately 200 the- 
atres and auditoriums throughout 
the country which want shows and 
it is expected that more spots will 



. , ^ ^ , ^ „ ^ ,^ seek bookings. Plans to play audi 

might be just as weU to pass It up., toriums. where big capacities per- 



mit short stays to get large grosses, 
appear to be gaining in favor among 
showmen. It was claimed last year 
that most of the out-of-town legiters 
earned little more than the amount 
of taxes because of frequent dark 
weeks. Operators of such houses are 
hopeful of little red during the 1491- 
42 period. 

Broadway Waiting 
It was predicted that defense 
spending would result in prosperity 
along Broadway this simuner, but 
it has not happened as yet Aiitici- 
pation was that shopkeepers, if not 
those earning substantial wages, 
would migrate to the metropolis 
during vacation time. That may oc- 
cur during the coming month, 
though its probable that th6 average 
person is too much occupied in his 
home community to leave; There. Is 
constant pressure from Washington 
higher-ups that defense plants main- 
tain an all-out work schedule. 

Currently Broadway has an even 
dozen shows, with grosses at the 
lowest level of the year. Tourist 



WiUiam Degon Weinberger spoke „„„„j„^ ,=„„,t „i.u«,o 
briefiy and affecUvSly at -th¥ Temple. H'e*"*^^^^ 



'Abie' Revival? 

'Abie's Irish Rose' revival in New 
York is a possibility this summer, it 
being proposed by At>e Ellis, opera- 
tor of the Manhattan Center (for- 
merly opera house, 34th street). If 
Anna Nichols' .comedy classic goes 
on again, it will be shown elsewhere, 
because the Manhattan has no theatri- 
cal license. Doubtful if one would be 
Issued,, as the spot has no fixed seats. 

Idea- was to present 'Abie' in one 
of the smaller spots in the building. 



Harris Sense of Humor 

George M, Cohan reminiscing In 
the N. Y. Times last Sunday (13), 
said that Harris was one of the wit- 
tiest men he has ever known. 
Writing in script form he mentions 
that the two former partners were 
sitting in the Lotos club about a year 
ago talking over old times: 

Harris: You know It's a surprising 
thing how many people have asked 
me why you and I ever parted com- 
pany. 

Cohan: I know! Tve had the ques- 
tion put to me a thousand times, I 
dare say. '. 

Harris: What do you tell them? 

Cohan: I tell them to ask you. 
What do you tell them? 

Harris (laughs): Same thing, I 
tell them to ask you. 

Cohan (after a moment of silence) : 
Well, on the square, Sam, tell me 
why did we ever separate? 

Harris (with a broad grin) : That's 
funny, 

Cohan: What's funny? 

Harris: I was going to ask you the 
same question, 



Just a few days before he passed 
away, I stood at his bedside. 

Harris (looking up at me with a 
smile): Well, anyway, we've had 
many a laugh in our time, haven't 
we kid? 

Cohan: Right Sam, many and 
many a laugh. 

Cohan also recalls a time when a 



is due to arrive late this month. 
Number of buyers is also mounting, 
but the theatres hav^ not gotten 
enough of such patronage, as shown 
by the receipts. 

Number of shows playing Sunday 
(13) was down to two, but with the 
announced closing of 'The . Beautiful 
People,' Lyceum, this week there 
will be but one — 'Separate Rooms,' 
Plymouth. , 'It Happens on Ice' re- 
sumed at the Center yesterday 
(Tuesday). 

This summer is bare of new shows, 
and none is due until some time in 
August. 



Abbott Lead 

Chicago, July 15. 
Maureen Cannon set for a femme 
lead in the George Abbott produc- 
tion of 'Young Man's Fancy' In the 
autumn. 

Set through Music Corp. of Amer- 
ica. 



fellow from a backwoods sent a play 
to their office, along with a 30-page 
closely written letter explaining why 
the play should be produced, how it 
should be produced and insisting it 
should be produced immediately, 
Seeing the author was so en- 
thusiastic that he wished to let him 
down easy, Harris added: 

'I think I'll wire him that we've 
read both his letter and his play, 
and that we've decided to produce 
his letter.' 



Serlin Notifies Mgrs. of Tather 
kings to Forestall Xonffictions' 



HAMLIN IN N. Y. TO SET 
SHOWS FOR CHI GRAND 



G. Eldridge Hamlin and John 
Schreiber are due in New York this 
week with the idea of arranging for 
the booking of the Grand, Chicago, 
which reverted to the Hamlin Estate 
after the lessee Sam Gerson went 
bankrupt recently. Schreiber is 
manager of Wizard Oil, patent medi- 
cine from which the Hamlin's made 
a fortune. 'The surviving Hamlin is 
a teacher in ^ Christian Science 
school at St. Louis. 

Keither is a showman, but are re- 
ported insistently opposed to leasing 
the theatre to the Shuberts, who 
formerly operated the house. They 
believe that Gerson, formerly gen- 
eral representative in Chi for the 
Shuberts, acted as a front foi: them 
when he obtained possession of the 
Grand about two years ago. Hamlin 
and Schreiber figure that with Ger- 
son out the Shuberts would angle for 
better terms for the Grand. In Shu- 
bert circles It is denied there was 
any 'deal,' also indicating that they 
are not anxious or don't wish to rent 
the house because it is too expensive 
to operate. 

Present plan is for the Hamllns to 
operate the house themselves, if as- 
sured of bookings. United Booking 
Office supplies the legiters in Chi- 
cago with the exception of the Black- 
stone, comeback bouse outside the 
Loop which flourished for more than 
a year with 'Life With Father.' Shu- 
berts are in on the UBO end it Is 
assumed they would get preferential 
bookings for their theatres in the 
Loop. 

How Gerson became . so. heavily 
involved financially is a mystery. 
Estimated that he owes $105,000, but 
what the money was used for is not 
known. Gerson is reported In rcr 
tirement, refusing to answer com- 
munications fi'om friends In New 
York. 



Reopened Ice' Gettmg 
Extensive Tienps; RJls 
Selling Tickets for Rem 



Virginia Smith Replaces 
Glenda FarreH in 'Rooms' 



An unusual notification has b«ea 
sent Broadway producers by the of* 
fice of Oscar Serlin in coiinectloa 
with the tours of his 'Llfa Witb 
Father' companies next -season. Let- 
ter, signed by Walter Fried, general 
manager for Serlin, gives the date* 
and stands independently booked tox 
'Father,' which wiU possibly be op- 
position to other touring shows. In 
pointing out that 'Father' will b* 
playing against the regular legit 
theatres in seven stands, it is ex- 
plained: 

' 'We not only wish to avoid direct 
(day and date) bookings with other 
plays, but we likewise feel that eves 
close bookings may be harmful foi 
all concerned. Accordingly we here- 
with submit our own bookings for 
any value that this Information may 
be to you in avoiding conflicts anil 
the resulting mutual losses that must 
necessarily follow... in all instance! 
where conflicts occur, we have book< 
ed independent or motion picture 
theatres that are the equal and il 
some instances superior to the leglti< 
mate theatre of tha city involved.' 
Conriesy TIpofT 
Notification is r'egardea rather at 
a courtesy and for ttie purpose o< 
suggesting that other managers maj 
wish to chanee routings of thelf 
shows to avoif conflicts. It is an- 
ticipated that 'Father' may absork 
the community patronage Jbefor^ 
during and immediately after play« 
ing the opposition dates, whidh ar( 
Pittsburgh, November (month); To. 
ronto, Oct. 20 (week); Columbus 
Dec. 1 (week); Providence, Oct. £►• 
10; Rochester, N. Y., Oct. 27-28; Cin- 
cinnati, Dec. 8 (week); Youngi- 
town, O., Nov. 27-29. 

Last season Serlin booked 'FaHier* 
Independently in Boston, Chicago, 
Philadelphia and Detroit, which 
precipitated a row with the United 
Booking Office, Erlanger - Shubert 
outfit. When dates were sought for 
next season the UBO is alleged to 
have demanded terms which Serlin 
regarded as "penance' exaction be- 
cause he had spotted his show in- 
dependently. 

'Father,' nearlng its second year at 
the Empire, N. Y., was thereupon 
booked Coast to Coast without the 
aid of UBO, even slated Into stands 
which the booking exchange is sup- 
posed to have exclusive rights. Repu- 
tation of the show is such that lit- 
tle difficulty was encountered. One 
of the bookings is the Cass, Detroit, 
where a 'Father' company is current. 
It regularly geto UBO shows, but 
contended that the deal did not 
cover the summer period. 

UBO receives 5% of the house end 
for bookings. It sought a similar 



PLAYING BOTH ENDS 



Heavy tourist trade, garnered via 
extensive tieups with railroads and 
travel bureaus, Is being counted on 
to hypo 'It Happens On Ice,' rink 
revue which Teopened at the Center 
theatre, N. Y., last night (Tuesday) 
after a month's layoff. 

'Ice' ducats are being lold by the 
Uc^et men at all stations of the N. Y. 

Central frbm N. Y.TiTy'^MtfaloT'Pg-'g'"**^'''^^"^ O'" "mi " W^ ' tvw ^ 
They coUect the money and wire Serlin declared no dice, 
reservations to their Manhattan 
headquarters, which sends the seat 
requests in bulk each day to the 
Center. Railrba'd'deduetij 'xC%"for Its 
-services. Five other railroads are 
also accepting ° reservations, but 
don't handle the-entire-trai>sactlcn as 
the Central does. 

In addition, 'Ice' is being included 
in all-expense tours coming into the 
city. Other attractions in these 
combo offers include railroad fare, 
hotel, sightseeing, Billy Rose's .Dla-r. 
mond Horseshoe, Music Hall, Radio 
City tour, LaGuardia Airport, 
Statue of Litierty and Empire State 
Building. 



Pappeta, Uve. . Sliq!K.a. 0.n__Qppo«tt« 
Sides of Tbeoire 



Virginia Smith replaced Glenda 
Farrell in 'Separate Rooms,' 
Plymouth, N.Y., Monday (14). She 
had been understudy for some time, 
and after playing the lead for one 
performance last week. Miss Smith 
impressed so favorably she was given 
the part regularly. Alan Dine- 
hart and Lyle Tabott, who were so- 
featured with Miss Farrell, remain 
with the show. 

This is Miss Smith's first leading 
part. She was formerly in musical 
comedy. 



Hollywood, July IS. 
The newest thing in town is the 
Turnabout Theatre, operated by the 
Yale Puppeteers, which opened here 
last week with a piippet show and • 
musical, jsjaifi.. iwJWi._ 11 ve_ actors) 
called 'No Strings.' 

The house Is a ISO-sea ter. It Is 
built so that there Is a puppet stage 
at one end and a stage for the actors 
at the other end. During intermis- 
sion the chairs are turned, like seats 
on a street car when it reaches the 
end of the line, to allow the patrons 
to view both shows. 

The Yale Puppetee:.i, headed by 
Harry Burnett, Forman Brown and 
Richard Brandon, are at their best 
in an elaborate marionette show. 
Frances Osborne, Dorothy Neumann, 
Shirley Van, David Stevens, Ted 
Kneeland, Eugene Dorian, Burnett 
and Brown's exceptional music ar* 
featured In the miniature re-vuel 



Jack Jordan, Jr., has been signed 
for 'a part in 'Young Man's Fancy,* 
forthcoming George Abbott musical. 
His previous activities have mostly 
been confined to radio. He's the son 



82 UBGITDfATE 



Wednesday, J11I7 16, 1941 



12 Shows Left on B'way; B.O. At Low 
Ebb; We,' $20,000, 'Joey,' 14G 



A dozen survivors remain on the 
lUt. At least one will drop out this 
week, but most shows are expected 
to stick. Not much change In 
grosses, now at low water mark, but 
several picked up alter the Fourth. 
Estimates tor Last Week 

Key: C (Comed«), D (Drama), R 
(ReDue), M (Muslcol), F (Force), 
O (Operetta). 

'Arsenio and Old Lace,' Fulton 
(27th week) (CD-938; $3.30). Sold 
out clean except Monday night of 
last week, with gross again around- 
$18,500; previous week the takings 
were $17,000, with an extra holiday 
matinee. 

'Ctendla,' Booth (22d week) (C- 
712; $3.30). Heat has affected at- 
tendance, but rates among the sea- 
son's best comedies and should play 
Irtto new season; approximately 
$10,000. 

'Hellzapoppln,' Winter Garden 
(147th week) (R-1,671; $3.30). Weak 
during first half, but draws excellent 
trade Friday and Saturday; around 
$16,000. 

It Happens On Ice,' Center (sec- 
ond repeat engagement) (R-3,027: 
$1.65). Rink revue, which suspended 
last month, relighted Tuesday (15); 
summer visitors to Radio City ex- 
pected to be attracted, with lowered 
ticket scale probable factor, 

XMe With Father,' Empire (87th 
week) (C-1,006: $3.30). Slightly bet- 
ter, with gross quoted at $12,800; 
some extra space ads to catch the 
eyes of visitors. 

Iffy Sister Eileen,' Biltmore (29th 
week) (CD-991; $3,30). Eased off, 
with takings quoted bit more than 
$9,500, profitable enough; Chicago 
company got slightly more for sec- 
ond time since opening there. 

'Pal Joey,' Barrymore (29th week) 
(M-1,104; $4.40). Rated around $14,- 
000, or a little more; should improve 
11 summer Is to be spanned; operat- 
ing costs not expulsive for a musi- 
cal, 

•Panama HaUle,' 46th St. (37th 
week) (M-1,347; $4.40). StlU the 

iiest money-getter among the lim- 
ted number of shows, but off plenty 




EDDIE 
GARR 

CO-BTABBUiO 
IN RECORD BREAKING 

ON TOVB 

Mat.t WM. KENT 
1776 B'way. New York 



from earlier part of engagement; 
around $20,000. 

'Separate Booms,' Plymouth (68th 
week) (C-1,107; $3.30). Will be only 
Sunday show, what with closing 
down of 'The Beautiful People"; 
around $4,000; intention is to stick. 

'The BeanUful People,' Lyceum. 
Final and 12th week; money-back 
stunt did not hypo business; around 
$3,000; may reopen before going on 
tour. 

<Tbe Corn Is Green,' National (33d 
week) (D-1,162; $3.30). One-setter 
was among earliest successes this 
season and is still making some 
money; around $8,500. 

•Watch on tbe Rhine,' Beck (15th 
week) (D-1,214; $3.30). Figured to 
play into new season, although busi- 
ness has been off recently; very good 
figure at $16,000 or better. 

CHI LEGIT B.O. 
OFFiHELLnSG 



Chicago, July 15. 

Trade remained generally slack 
last week, despite the Influx of con- 
ventioneers. There were only two 
shows to attract 'em, but neither at- 
traction got anywhere near its ca^ 
pacity potential. 

Estimates for Last Week 

'Hellzapoppln,' Erlanger (9th 
week) (1.400; $3.30). Way off, but 
still making s me profits; got $15,000 
last week. 

'My Sister Eileen,' Harris (21st 
week) (1,000; $2.75). Gross picked 
up .foi' some reason; may remain 
tlirough summer, touring from here 
thereafter; around $10,000. 

EHington Revue In 
$8,500 Pnsh-Off, LA; 
Burke's W Neat 9G 



Los Angeles, July IS. 

For the first time In months the 
town will have three legit attrac- 
tions, two of which are colored, 
when the Biltmore relights next 
week for a return engagement of 
'Cabin the Sky.' 'Jump' for Joy,' 
Dulce Ellington's revue at the Mayan, 
is headed for $8,500 the first week on 
the strength of the maestro's per 
sonal draw here and the large negro 
population. 

Billle Burke is currently going 
strong at the El Capitan in 'The 
Vinegar Tree,' with estimated $9,000 
for the fourth week after hefty $10,- 
000 on the third. 'Vinegar Tree' is 
slated , to stay for at. least another 
couple of weeks, with possibility 
that another vehicle will be lined up 
for Miss Burke to foUow. 



TWO STORY HOUSE 

Gloucester, Mass., July 15. 
Comedy-melodramn In proloff and thre« 
ncis by Purker Kennclly. Star« Kuren 
Money. DIrccled by Antolnoite Perry, wltU 
Beltings by William F. Si*oellor from de- 
slgna by Gene Moore. Preacnted by Brock 
I'einborton, al Biiaa Rocks theatre, Glouces- 
ter, Mnas., July 14, '41. 

Amos Rodick Woller O. HIU 

Lulu Pung.^ Belle Qanlner 

Charlotte Carlton Karen Morley 

Sheriff Preble Percy Kilbride 

Don Carlton Robert Shnyn* 

Zndoo Grimes .Howard Freeman 

Doc Geonto Matthews 

Professor John PaiTleh 

Evangelist Philip Tonga 

Peck Henry Jones 

Man from Pine View Arthur Marlowe 

Slate lYooper ^ Laurence Moore 

Another State Trooper John Oileneal 




Brock Pemberton not only tried 
out a new play by Parker Fennelly 
at Bass Rocks theatre here last night 
(Monday), but also entertained a 
plus-perfect strawhat audience with 
a curtain speech before it opened. 
Producer announced 'Two Story 
House' as a 'shudder play' and noted 
that he thought it 'very funny.' 

Audience reaction proved him 
right, but he must have concluded 
that the author, in the third act, had 
not quite maintained the excellent 
quality of the first two cantos, and 
that some rewriting would be need- 
ed to simplify matters. Fennelly has 
penned an intricate mystery-thriller 
with a big load of relief laughs. But 
he has mixed up too many ingre- 
dients for easy digestion. 

A young couple live in a lonely 
Maine farmhouse, and one wintry 
night the wife, temporarily aban- 
doned by her husband, is alternately 
menaced by an escaped lunatic, un- 
identified until the third act; and has 
three suspicious men blown in by 
the blizzard for shelter. Also there's 
a suspect writer come to do a mur- 
der mystery in the country quiet as 
a house guest, and a maid who's not 
too bright. 

To add to complications, Fennelly 
has a prolog commentator, on the 
'Our Town' order, who gives some 
background at the start, and later 
explains between second and third 
acts that events of act two are what 
the house guest imagined, and that 
the act three developments were 
what actually happened. 

Thus, there are two different ver- 
sions, and the effect is something 
like a double-header. When Fen- 
nelly has blended all the suspense, 
comedy and surprises into one sim- 
pler baU game he should have a 
good candidate lor Broadway. 

Perry directed a good all-round 
cast with a skill that gave the play 
a most advantageous tryout. Karen 
Morley came through with honors 
as the distraught wife, making her 
character constantly believable. Kil- 
bride, as a rural sheriff; Hill, as 
prolog commentator; Shayne as the 
young husband; 7onge, as a crook 
clergyman; Parrlsh as a spy; Mat 
thews -in a mobster role, and Free- 
man grabbing plenty ol laughs in 
character resembling 'Man Who 
Came to Dinner,' were standout per 
formers. Single living room set filled 
the bill. Fox. 



Liter a ti 



New Haven Itellle* and NLBB 

Preliminary report to the National 
Labor Relations Board in the case 
of the two New Haven dallies, morn- 
ing Journal-Courier and evening 
Register, finds that papers have com- 
mitted unfair labor practices. Re- 
port is an outcome of a hearing be- 
fore Trial Examiner Samuel H. 
Jaffee on charges filed by the New 
Haven Newspaper Guild (CIO). 

Finding recommends that dailies 
cease interfering with employes in 
regard to imion activities; that they 
stop discriminating in regard to hire 
or tenure of employment; that 
Gladys M. Solomon, Register Sunday 
feature writer and book reviewer, 
have her by-line restored, also that 
she be paid approximately $475, an 
amount representing a salary raise 
subsequently withdrawn. 

Register's contention was that 
Miss Solomon's by-line was removed 
^.hen it was learned that she had 
appropriated sections ol New York 
Times book reviews and had used 
them as her own in book reviews 
signed by her. This point was ad- 
mitted in the trial examiner's find- 
ing. Paper claimed the salary raise 
was only temporary, lor extra work 
during absence ol her superior. 

Counsel lor sheets wiU file , excep- 
tion to finding with NLRB in Wash- 
ington. 



ABO Ccnsnres Liberty 

Slap on the wrist was admin- 
ministered by the Audit Bureau of 
Circulations last week to True 
Story and Liberty (also the latter's 
Canadian edition) for fraudulent 
circulation practices.' Inasmuch, 
however, as the new officers of the 
publications had no part in these 
practices, cooperated fully with the 
bureau and made relunds to adver- 
tisers, ABC bulletin stated, punish- 
ment has been limited to censure 
and the mags will not be tossed out 
ol the Audit Bureau. 

ABC also ordered special audita 
made and published at expense ol 
the publishers lor six-month period 
ending June 30, 1941. It lound that 
circulation statements filed by the 
mags under dates ol April 20, 1940, 
Aug. 1, 1940j and-Oet. £3, 1941, 'con- 
tained imtrue statements ol circu- 
lation and lalsely represented the 
net paid circulation.' 



Pby Out of Town 



JUMP WITH JOY 



NORMAN 



HARRIS 



'FATHER; $13,700, 
TOPS $100,000 IN DET. 

Detroit, July 15. 
■Lile with Father,' in its sixth 
week at the Cass here, went over 
the $100,000 mark lor total grosses 
by adding an approximate $13,700 to 
its previous earnings. The week's 
earnings also reflected a bounce back 
from the preceding week's -$12,500, 
slashed by the Fourth and a heat 
wave. 

The run now may be extended 
into August. 



and 
SYLVIA 



SHORE 

Currently 
BAL TABABIN 
SAN FBANCISC^O 
HanaKcmenti WM. KENT 
1776 BroudiTa; Neir Voxk 



Los Angeles, July 10. 

Revue In two acts (30 scenes) presented 
by American Revue Theatre and starring 
Duke Ellington and bis band; staged by 
Nick Castle; supervised by Henry Blank- 
fort; mualc by Ellington, Charles Leonard 
*-and Hal Borne,' lyrics by Paul Webster: 
. I sketches bv Sid KuMer ^T\f Hot riirbrrff 

Otis Rene, Lnngston Hughes, Oimrlca 
Leonard, Ray Golden, Richard Well, Mer- 
cer Ellington. Freoented at Mayan theatre, 
Los Angeles^ July 10 '41 ; top $2.20. 

Cast: Dorothy Dandrldge. Ivy Anderi-on, 
Herb Jeffries, Marie Bryant, Al Ouster, 
'Garbo.' Roy Glenn, 'Wonderful' Smith. 
Pot, Pan and Skillet, Paul White, Fete 
Nugent. 



PRODUCERS 

On i-ci/. ..ury 17. 1941. a copyriijh't 
No. 7440] was Issued and received 
on a ,three-act modern adaptation 
and dramatization of Harriet Doeclier 
Stowe's "Cncle Tom's Cabin." 
Any subsequent versions that In- 
rrlngo on above mentioned copyright 
will be liable to the penalUes •pro- 
vided by lair. 

The Ne\7 Tork office of Leiond Hay- 
ward are sole agents. 

Sprague-Waiiama & Wohl 



CorneU's *Daeiimia' Will 
Tee Off PhiUy Season 

Philadelphia, July IS. 
Philly's legit season will open 
Sept. 8 at the Forrest with Kath- 
erine Ckirnell in The Doctor's Di- 
lemma-.' 

There's a possibility that 'Meet 
the People' will be revived early in 
the fall for two weeks at the Locust. 
Also tentatively skedded is 'Hellza- 
poppln.' 



'Animar $4,500 in A. C. 

Atlantic City, July 15. 
'The Male Animal,' with Phillips 
Holmes, grossed approximately! $4,- 
500 during the week ending Sunday 
(13) at Garden Pier theatre. This 
is about $300 less than previous 
week's show, 'George Washington 
Slept Here.' Rain hit resort two 
tights diving week. 
'Johnny Belinda' opened Monday 
ieht (14). . 



Main trouble with 'Jump with Joy' 
is that it doesn't jump. Rather, and 
more to the point, it lags. That's 
the severest indictment that can be 
drawn against a Negro extravaganza, 
which by its native nature should 
be hopping most of the .time. 

It sounded like a good idea to 
build a revue around a name band, 
but it doesn't come off in its present 
shape. It lacks most of the ingredi- 
ents of which successes are com- 
pounded. Ellington is there, to be 
sure, thumping the ivories with his 
usual suave virtuosity and his band 
is in the pit with its plaintive wails 
and occasional blasts, but it takes 
more than that to get across a revue 
in this tough iburg, critics all cinema- 
conscious. What surrounds Elling- 
ton is what's wrong with the show. 

Original score by EUington, Hal 
Borne and a few others hasn't a 
number worthy a reprise; skits and 
blackouts are, for the most part, 
pointless and not too funny, and the 
cast lacks finish and reputation. 
Best of the lot is Dorothy Dandridge, 
a pert youngster who has done duty 
in the local bistros. Ivy Anderson, 
vocalist with EIlington''s band, com- 
petently serves in the various ca- 
pacities demanded ol a revusical, 
but Herb Jeffries, also a singer with 
Ellington, is lost without a mike. 
(Continued on page 64) 



J. P. Lewis Vanning PM 

John P. Lewis was placed in com- 
plete charge ol PM last week by 
Ralph Ingersoll immediately belore 
the departure ol the New York 
daily's publisher and editor for 
China and Moscow. Lewis, who had 
been assistant managing editor Irom 
the time ha joined PM mora than a 
year before its inception, was upped 
to the title of managing editor. He's 
a former m.e. ol NEA and of the 
Buffalo Times. 

Ingersoll is imcertain how long he 
will be away. He hopes, however, 
to be back by September. He plans 
to interview Chiang-Kai-Shek and 
then to proceed to Russia. Erskine 
Caldwell is now' acting as PM's cor- 
respondent in Moscow, but it is un- 
certain how long he will remain. It 
depends in part on assignments of 
his wife, Margaret Bourke-Whlte, 



plus 
peal. 



its general professional ap- 



Mllltary Front Page Helps 

Long Branch (N. J.) Record has 
plied on quite a bit of circulation at 
nearby Fort Monmouth by putting 
out a special edition for the camp 
each Wednesday. Sheet switches 
its regular page one U the second 
page for the special and gives the 
front page over to news of the can- 
tonment. It also carries a couple ol ' 
inside pages ol Monmouth items. 

News on the camp pages is prin- 
cipally- gathered and edited by the 
public Relations Office, headed by 
Lieut. W. R. Evans, formerly a 
member ol the New York publishiig 
firm ol Carrick and Evans. 



135 Pages of Spanish Rloa 

Writer EUiot Paul, whose book, 
'Intoxication Made Easy,' is to be 
published shortly, devotes 133 pages 
ol the volume (which is about twice 
that long) to a recipe lor Spani.sh 
rice. To test him out on it, his pub- 
lishers (Modem Age), agents (Wil- 
liam Morris) and all those connected 
with it are hiring a hotel suite with 
a kitchen and having hinr rustle up 
concoction lor them 

Despite the '-ome's title, like Paul's 
other book, it is a serious work. It 
is being illustrated by Luis Quin- 
tanilla. 



Friday's Fiscal Problems 

Friday magazine, which recently 
slipped Irom a weekly to a bi-week- 
ly, goes to a monthly with the cur- 
rent issue. Mag has achieved a cir- 
culation ol 300,000, but its policy has 
prevented it from obtaining adver- 
tising commensurate with its sales, 
and it has been a heavy coin-chewer. 

Publisher Dan GiUmor's wealthy 
family has footed the notes so far, 
but the mag Is now asking financial 
contributions. It's very frank about 
the whole thing~printlng a horror 
picture of Rumanian dead in the 
front and suggesting that Friday 
may soon be equally lifeless unless 
aid is forthcoming. 



CoDsn Doyle Estate's Suit 

Tlie estate ol Sir Arthur Conan 
Doyle plans shortly to bring action 
in N. Y. supreme court against the 
Crolden West Brewing Co. Charges 
are that the Brewing company, 
wrongfully used 'Sherlock Holmes' 
material in connection with adver- 
tising. 

Fitelson 8c Mayers represents the 
plaintiff. 



LITEBA'n OBITS 
Edith DeWIU Cherrlngton, 46, 

writer ol poetry, died July 9 in Pasa- 
dena. 

Mrs. Lanra Cromer Hemmlngway, 

Charleston (S. C.) News and Cour- 
ier leature writer, died July 8 after 
brief illness. 

B. M. Strable, 62, former editor of 
the Sandusky (O.) Star- Journal,- 
died July 12. 



CHATTEB 

Lowell Brentano in Hollywood. 
H. T. Mcintosh, editor, Albany 
(Ga.) Herold, main speaker at cere- 
>nL h» U ««oronM»ili>-x^ monies dedicating WALB, paper's 



B, Allen Smith's Fatare 

H. Allen Smith, whose book, 'Low 
Man on a Totem Pole,' was recently 
published, started on an Indefinite 
leave ol absence this week Irom 
his feature-rewritff post at the New 
York World-Telegram. He'll do some 
sample columns lor United Features 
syndicate during his absence Irom 
the daily, resigning completely if 
the column clicks with editors to 
whom UF submits it. 

Smith is also writing a play in 
collaboration with James Street, au- 
thor ol 'Oh Promised Land' and 
other novels. He likewise has a 
couple offers Irom Hollywood since 
the sock made by 'Totem Pole' and 
his agent, Harold Matson, is now 
talking price. 



Thoda Cocroft's Book 

Thoda Cocroft, vet p.a.. Just closed 
at the Curran, San Francisco, where 
she handled the operetta season, and 
now back to the Erlanger, Chicago, 
gave considerable west coast im- 
petus to her new book, 'Great 
Names, and How They Are Made' 
(Dartnell; $3), via personals on lec- 
ture platforms and the like. 

Miss Cocroft's closeup of 'Great 
Names' whom she has publicized, 
and with whom she is otherwise fa- 
miliar, is an intimate study of lamed 
stage personalities Irom a 'backstage' 
perspective that makes this an un- 
usual book for the general laiety, 



H. C. Hiller, lormer' advertising 
manager, Macon (Ga.) News and 
Telegraph, joins Columbia (S. C.) 
State as advertising manager. 

Stuart Cloete has finished work in 
Florida on 'Hill ol Doves,' third in 
his "Turning Wheels Trilogy' being 
published by Houghton-MifTIin. 

Mayme Ober Peake pinch-hitting 
as Hollywood columnist for Sheila 
Graham, who has left for England to 
represent NANA for two months. 

Complete works of the late Sher- 
wood Anderson will be given to the 
Clyde (O.) PiAlIc Library by his 
widow, (ilyde was the boyhood 
home of the author. 

C. C. Ligon, former Spartanburg 
(S. C.) Herald city editor and St. 
Petersburg (Fla.) Independent wire 
editor, named executive editor, An- 
derson (S. C.) Independent-Tribune, 
morning and Sunday, and Anderson 
Daily Mail, evening. 

Sumter (S. C.) Dally Item has 
started construction ol large new 
plant to house news, photographic 
and business depattments, also new 
press building. Established 47 years 
ago. Item is combined with Watch- 
man and Southern, founded in 1850. 

Zipp Newman, sports editor, Bir- 
mingham (Ala.) .News, reelected 
president. Southern Association 
Baseball Writers. Other 1941-42 of- 
ficers are Bill Keefe, New Orleans 
Times-Picayune, v. p. and Bob Phil- 
lips, Birmingham Age-Herald, secre- 
tary-treasurer. . 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



P^fUETY 



CHATTER S3 



Broadway 



Kitty Doner resting from Roxy 
. dance production duties. 

Kurt Weill and John Latouche 
mulling a legit musical collaboration 
Idea. 

Jean Dale at Old Lyme, Conn., to 
do mag' stories already commis- 
sioned. 

Clifford Cv Fischer and Lee Sbu- 
bert may produce a Broadway musi- 
cal jointly this fall. ' 

Rose Alexander, assistant in 
RKO's h.o. story department, has re- 
signed to give more time to wifely 
duties. 

Ed and Polly East vacationing on 
their No. 2 farm (Dutchess county). 
Not to be confused with their No. 1 
estate (Manhasset). . 

May Johnson returned from her 
vacation last week to find her apart- 
ment looted by burglars. She's 
MCA's nitery booker. 

Bill Kostka, NBC press chief, back 
from vacation. His aide, Bill Miller, 
recuperating on Jersey farm from 
recent hospitalization. 

Maurice Morton, who shifted to 
the William Morris radio depart- 
ment in Hollywood last winter, back 
in town for a two-week stay. 

Max Milder, W managing di- 
rector in Britain, delayed a week qr 
10 days in Clipper hop-off for Lon- 
don. Difficulty in getting space on 
plane. 

H. William Fitelson planed for 
Florida Thursday (10) for a wedt's 
business trip, and on Wednesday (9) 
Bertram Mayers, his .law partner, 
planed for HoUywood. 

'Any Bonds Today?', Irving Ber- 
lin's song written at the request of 
the Treasury Department, is now 
part of the 'HeUzapoppin' score. The 
Charioteers sing the number. 

Billy Stein, MCA v.p.', how re- 
cuperating at the Charlie Millers' 
Tarrytown estate, was surprise- 
birthdayed last we^. J. C Stein, 
MCA prez, was in town to attend. 

Paul Draper and his bride, the 
former Heidi Vo: :eler whom he mar- 
ried in Rio, arrived on the S. S. Ar- 
gentina from South America Mon- 
day (14); He may go to Saratoga in 
August 

Mort Blumeastock moved up two 
In his Warner ad-publicity setup in 
the east Bill Beros goes from gen- 
eral publicity to radio contact and 
Mort Brill becomes assistant to Lee 
Blumberg in the theatre division. 

Joe Hummel, assistant to Robert 
Schless in Warners foreign depart- 
ment, heading -back tn U.S. after 
swing through South America and 
Central America which so far has 
included Brazil and Trinidad. Will 
ctop off in Puerto Rico on way back. 

Tonight (Wednesday) The Cru- 
saders will sponsor a testimonial 
dinner in honor of W. C. Handy, 
celebrating recent publication of his 
autobiography, 'Father of the Blues' 
(Macmillan), at the Port Arthur res- 
taurant in Chinatown. 

Helen Strauss, assistant eastern 
■tory editor of Paramount, doing a 
book, 'Full Measure of Devotion,' for 
Dial Press. Evelyn Hoch, another 
assistant on Par's editorial staff, re- 
cently completed an original now be- 
ing considered by the studio. 

John Byram, Par's r" V depart- 
ment chieftain; Paul Ns' n, his as- 
sistant; Tommy Ratcliflf it Metro, 
Phyliss Blum, of RKO, ..id Elihu 
Winer, of Universal, are among the 
story Booners off to New England 
this week to catch a flock of straw- 
hat tryouts. 

Atlantic Gty 

By Mllired Carter 



Atlantic City concert Aug. 16 at Con 
ventibn Hall. 

Frank Elliott (Elliott's Steel Pier 
Minstrels) under doctor's care few 
days last week for sinus. 

Charles Kemper, appearing with 
George White's 'Scandals' unit is 
leading comedian with Globe burlesk 
diow here. 

Ciro Rimac's orch completed two- 
week engagement in Round-the- 
World Room of President hotel 
Thursday (17). 

Rae ^ott, n-year-old socialite of 
Arlington; Va., joined Sylvia and her 
Washington Debs,' all-girl band on 
Hamid's Pier, as drummer. 

Joe Moss has inaugurated 'Star 
Night' at Bath and Turt Club on 
Wednesdays and rhumba contests on 
Sunday in addition to regular bill. 

William Connor, of New York, 
manager of Sarah Bernhardt until 
her death, renewing old friendships 
during stay at Shelburne hotel here. 

Joseph Nowlan, eight-year-old son 
of late Philip F. Nowlan, creator of 
Buck Rogers cartoon strip, was 
drowned here . Wednesday (7) while 
visiting his aunt 

Ina Rae Mutton's orch and Bea 
Wain head Hamid's Pier show for 
next week. Dick Rogers' band ended 
week's stay Saturday (12) and was 
followed by Gray Gordon. 

Mrs. George Hamid is chairman of 
Penny Drive of the National Show- 
man's Association, Ijadies' Auxiliary, 
for benefit ot summer recreational 
and Christmas needs of orphans. 

Adrian Rollinfs Trio playing 
Round-the-World Boom of Presi- 
dent hotel during early evening and 
then playing at Brlgantine hotel 



Treasure Island Room, across bay, 
for supper and dancing. - 

Abtaiott and Costello, who began 
career here, signed up for eight-oay 
engagement at Steel Pier beginning 
Aug. 22. ' Andrew Sisters head 
'Shoulder Arms' revue skedded next 
week in Music Hall. Tommy Dorsey 
plays Saturday and Sunday (19 and 
20). 

Carl Bickel,' of Scripps-Howard 
newq>aper ' chain, and Mrs. Bickel 
visiting "as guests of Samuel W. 
Gumpertz, general manager of 
Hamid's Pier, at Ambassador hotel. 
Bi(dcel, formerly president of the 
United Press, was honored guest at 
cocktail party given by George. A. 
Hamid at his pier residence. 

Bennett El Tousley, former man- 
ager of Traymore hotel, took over 
duties as manager of Ambassador 
beachfrontery' on Thursday (10), 
succeeding William Hamilton, who 
had been in charge for 11 years. 
Tousley, formerly president ot the 
N. J. State Hotelmen's Association, 
is member ot executive council ot 
American Hotel. Association. 



Paris 



It's denied that Paris Opera will 
go to Berlin. . . 

June 4-10 set aside as Cinema Week 
in Free France. 

Henri Cochet has written book 
covering all sports, 

Louis Delamarre named adminis- 
trator of the Odeon. 

Rene Birabeau's 'Dessarrori' to be 
given at the Rochefort 

EUlwige Feuillere to head 'Zaza' at 
Hebertot theatre, Paris. 

Bugene Larcfaer, director of Bouffes 
Parisians, died in Paris. 

Oeuvre theatre, Paris, to stage 
Closson's 'Le Faux Jour.' 

Operetta 'Sacha' to be next show 
at the Nouveautes In Paris. 

Jean Giono's 'Le Bout d^ la Route' 
playing at the No<;tambules. 

Pierr« Duvivier 'plans to do a 
series of Documentary picts. 

Playwri^t Robert Beuvais and ac- 
tress Gisele Party wedding. 

French writer, Guy de Pourtales, 
57. died' at Berne' after long Ulness. 

Paul Reboux just completed book, 
'Lizt ou Les Aipours Bomantiques.' 

Claude Andre Puget writing four- 
act play, 'Don Jan Tenorio,' at' Nice. 

Lisa Duncan made reai^arance 
on stage in dance recital at the Arts. 

Oooner Charles Terent feigned to 
go on road with Bouglione Brothers' 
circus. , 

Open air shows to be staged at 
Roland Garros Stadium, in Bois de 
Boulogne. First will be 'Eschyles,' 

Comedie de Champs Elysee to un'^ 
shutter with play by Bertheau and 
Semiser. 

Roger Ferdinand's 'Foire Aux Sen- 
timents' opened at Theatre Saint 
(jeorges. 

Jean (^valier, professor ot law at 
Grenoble, named director ot sports 
in Vichy. 

Prix Merimee given to Chantal de 
Gustthary for novel, 'Les Possedes 
d'Aragon.' 

Tino Rossi and wife, returned to 
Paris, appeared -in several charity 
shows there. 

Jean Worms to have top role in 
'Arsene Lupin' opening at the 
Edouard VII, Paris. 

Ravel's 'Bolero' last creation of the 
Paris Opera season, with chore- 
ography by Serge Lifar. 

Body of Julien Vervaecke. noted 
Belgian cyclist found. He was 
killed in action during war.' 

'Madame Capet' with Cecil Sorel 
in the role ot Marie Antoinette, suc- 
ceeds 'La Femme Nue' at the Gym- 
nase. 

Julien Bertheau and Georges Si- 
raerer have written 'Le Grand 
Rayon,' which is set for early stag- 
ing in Paris. 

best 'plays and musical dramas of 
5,000 francs each. 

Rairou will head show in Septem- 
ber at the Bouffes Parisiens. It will 
he operetta, "Cigaron,' already 
screened by Marcel Pagnol.< 

Robert Trebor, resigned president 
of the Paris Theatrical Directors .As- 
sociation, named by Darian to su- 
pervise all charity galas. 

French Academy awarded Grand 
Prix de Literature to Gabriel Faure 
for ensemble of his historical and 
travel works and novel prize to Rob- 
ert Bourget 

Mistinguett back In Paris for fort- 
night to arrange for an autumn ap- 
pearance either at Casino or Folies. 
To apoear shortly in musicale in 
Marseilles. 

Andre Luguet has gone into music 
hall. Appears shortly in a C^rge 
Charley Revue with Monique Hol- 
land as leading lady. Paris theatre 
not yet selected. 

First operetta to be created since 
Armistice opened at the Optimistes, 
Paris, under name ot 'La Tcndre 
Alyne,' with libretto by Michael 
Carre, music by Jean Berthomieu. 

Andre Gide. who was to give a 
lecture at Nice on poet Henri 
Michau, gave it up after receiving a 
threatening letter. Gide explained 
that this was not the moment for 
discord among Frenchmen, so gave 
up the lecture. 

Most successful revue in Paris' Is 
at the ABC wiih the Chesterfields 
(Gllles Margaritis end Roger Caccia) 
appearing as topliners. In same 
show is acrobat sineer Odette Mou- 
lin, the Pierroiys. Bob .Harley and 
Quintette Swing Crolla. 



London 



Morris Harvey, vet actor, in bank- 
ruptcy. 

Edward Chapman has' joined the 
Royal Air Force. 

Canon Freshwater's wife over very 
serious operation and now on road 
to recovery. 

Henry Sherek, who was aide de 
camp to a general, has been trans- 
ferred to the Intelligence corps. 

Frances Day has bought the Wol- 
sey Towers (Wyancliffe Towers) in 
Esher to use as private sanctuary. 

Oscar Deutsch to Cornwall to re- 
cuperate after his serious operations. 
Expects to return to work in six 
weeks. 

An Australian newcomer, Helen 
Barnes, plays femme lead in the re- 
vival of 'Me and My Girl' at the 
Coliseum. 

Maurice Ostrer in hubbub with 
Bud Flanagan (and Allen) on picture 
deal, in which he wants to give them 
solo starring. 

Peggy Ashcroft presented hubby 
with a baby daughter. She was for- 
merly married to Komisarjevsky, the 
film producer. 

Mrs. Alan Grogdn, sister ot Chris- 
topher Mann, recently out of a sana- 
torium, where she had been confined 
for three years. 

There's talk ot the revival of Sir 
James Barrie's 'What Every Woman 
Knows,' last done in the West End 
some seven years ago. 

Warners' next picture, 'Flying 
Fortress,'' will be directed by Walter 
Forde as result ot his recent effort 
'Atlantic Ferry,' tor same firm. 

Quaglino's restaurant consistent 
profit bearer since its opening some 
six years ago, has lost $800 in last 
year. Profit year before was over 
f 100,000. 

Harry Welchman, once notable 
musical comedy star in the West 
End, makes his debut in films for 
British National Films in The Com- 
mon l>ouch.' 

Phyllis Calvert, hailed as a dis- 
covery in the filmization ot 'Kipps,' 
wed actor Peter Murray Hill at a 
C!helsea church June 14. Groom now 
in the police force. 

Gainsborough-20th-Fox'-s 'Pitt the 
Younger,' starring Robert Donat be- 
ing held np due to .script, being 
written by Lord.Castlerosse, not yet 
completed. Imminent shooting now 
Ukely. 

Walter W. Ellis' play. 'Actresses 
Will Happen,' currently at the 
Ap«llo, London, has been tried out 
twice in the sticks. Once as 'Shoot- 
ing Stars' and then as 'Didn't Want 
to Do It' 

Mrs. Leslie Hiscott is production 
manager for her husband, wlio's di- 
recting The Seventh Survivor' for 
Shaftesbury Productions at Tedding- 
ton. It stars John Stuart Austin 
Trevor and Linden Travers. 

Barbara Mullen, who recently 
completed 'Jeannie' for Marcel Hell- 
man, has turned down offer to co- 
star with Wilfrid Lawson in 'Hard 
Steel.' which Norman Walker is pro- 
ducing for the Norman Walker Pro- 
ductions. 

Richard Norton's deal with Sam 
Eckman, head ot Metro in Britain, 
is for two films; one would star Ben 
Lyon (if he's available) and Judy 
Campbell, with story by Emeric 
Pressburger, which Metro acquired 
last year. 

I>igh Stafford, American, and 
Medlock and Marlowe, local act, join 
'.Applesauce,' the Palladium revue, 
replacing the Dolinoffs and Raya 
sisters, who were compelled to fulfill 
an old contract they had with Jack 
Taylor for Blackpool. 
L ^j gp ^^^ glci^ltn for mer German,. di- 



Villa Collegians at Laurel Villa 
Casino, Milford, Pa. 

Harry James orch at Baylor's Lake 
Pavilion tonight (16). Lou Breese 
follows Saturday (19). 

George Sebastian conducted the 
Scranton Philharmonic orch concert 
in the auditorium of The Inn at' 
Buck Hill Falls. 

Ravelli's at Mountainhome fea- 
tures the Patrini Trio for nightly 
dancing plus the Mountaineers for 
square dancing. 

Wyckoff dept. store advertising 
for talent for its Saturday a.m. 
variety hour, which etherizes via 
WSAN, AUentown. 

Fred Waring presented some of his 
Pennsylvanians in a British War 
Relief program at Buckwood Inn, 
Shawnee - on - Delaware. Admission 
was $230. 

Karl Emerson Williams Players 
currently offering' 'Simon Called 
Peter* in the Lutherland Casino, 
Pocono Pines. 'Hello Spring' sched- 
uled to follow on Friday (18). 

Don Ray. bandleader at Buckwood 
Inn, Shawnee-on-Delaware (William 
Henry Grumbles to his Miami Se- 
lective Service Board), inducted into 
the Army and sent to Foil Meade, 
Md. 



Bucks 'County, Pa. 



Katharine Locke placing her 
Ringoes, N. J., farm on the block. 

Sam and Bella Spewack turned 
down writing contract from Holly- 
wood to remain rest ol summer at 
their local farm. 

Mabel Hill Souvaine, editor of 
Woman's Day, left her home at 
Solebury, Pa., to vacation in Eleverly 
Hills. Back next month. 

Joseph Mc(5oldrick, N. Y. C. comp- 
troller, deserting his New Hope 
manse for city this season. Too iiusy 
with forthcoming election. 

Julian Gardy, drama editor of 
Buck County Times, acting in 'Rain' 
this week at Nat Burns' Yardley, Pa., 
Playhouse, starring Josephine Dunn. 

Halsey Rains, ot Metro press de- 
partment weekending at his Er- 
winna. Pa., shack. Ditto Herald Trib 
artist Ben Soloway. who is dabbling 
with a vegetable patch. 

Lawrence Davies, Philly head ot 
N. Y. Times "bureau, leaving to take 
over San Francisco office ot 'Times. 
Walter W. Ruch, formerly of In- 
quirer, succeeding in Philly. 

Don Walker, the arranger, work- 
ing on soap company musical pro- 
gram Saturday, WEAF, 10:30 a.m., 
from his New Hope farm, where he 
and father are in chicken business. 

Moss Hart in Dennis, Mass., play- 
ing fit Cape Playhouse. Due back 
Monday (21) .to rehearse for 'Man 
'Who Came to Dinner' with George 
S. Kaufman and Haipo Marx at 
Playhouse here, opening July 28. 

Finis Farr, Joe Bryan, m, Arlene 
Francis, Sam Taylor, CHIfford Gold- 
smith, the S. J. Perelmans caught 
'Good Fairy* at Playhouse last week. 
Nina Hill, p.a. Dili Doll's wife, mak- 
ing^ Playhouse acting debut this 
week in 'Golden Boy,' starring Hume 
Cronyn and HaiJa Stoddard. Bell 
Bendix, here to act in 'Boy* and 
'Mr. and Mrs. Nortti.' leaves for Coast 
July 27 to act for M-G in 'Return of 
the Thin Man.' 



Mexico City 

By Dewlaa t,. Grafasai* 



Pianist Sergio Golpuarts perform- 
ing at radio station XEW. 

Eva Bohr, Argentine actress, has 
applied for Mexican citizenship. 

Manuel Cardena;: is the new sec. 
gen. of the National Theatrical Fed- 
eration. 

^ , ^ _- Francisco Elias, Spanish pic dl- 



ists, is producer, in collaboration 
with J. B. Priestley, of colored short, 
ba.<>ed on English author's famous 
radio feature, 'Postscript' which Sam 
Eckman is buying for Metro's Ameri- 
can release. Eckman also interested 
in author's Ijest-seller, 'Wonder 
Hero.' 

Betty White, casting director for 
Gaumont-British, has been replaced 
by Weston Drury, formerly in same 
caparrity for Warners. Dorothy Head, 
formerly assistant to Miss Wliite. has 
become ca.<ling director for Gains- 
borough Films, subsidiary of GB, 
which goes over to its Islington stu- 
dios, vacated .since the war, with the 
shooting of 'Hi Gang,* this month. 



Stroudsbnrg, Pa. 

By Jehn BartboKinew 



Bill Tilden a visitor. 

Blue Barron at Donley's. 

Orrin Tucker hereabouts. 

Grand theatre started summer 
Sunday midnight shows. 

Tommy Chillen's orch in second 
season at Rock View, Montague, 
N. J. 

Hal Longenbach presides at the 
Hammond in Saylor s Lake Tavern, 
Saylorsburg. 

Pocono Manor Inn, Pocono Manor, 
has Boies Whitcomb Ensemble in 
Main Lounge. 

The Philadelphia Trio returned 
for tiie summer season (o The Inn at 
Buck Bill FalU. 

Don Luckenblll and his Laurel 



after four months of matrimony. 

Arturo de Cordoba, pic star, and 
Catalina D'Erzell, dramatist-novel- 
ist writing a script, 'Carmen,' which 
Filmex is to produce in the fall. 

Miguel N. Lira banqueted by the 
Theatrical Authors Union as homaee 
to the success of his comedy, 'Linda' 
('Nitty'), current at the Tcatro Fa- 
bregas. 

Andres Falgas' Argentine orches- 
tra ot 10, which was a smash here 
and revived the tango, has disbanded. 
Five of the Imys went home. The 
others are staying here. Falgas is 
among the stayers. 

Miguel Contreras Torres and Jesus 
Gpovbs have an invited eallery tor 
the filming ot 'Simon Bolivar.' film 
biog ot the Venezuelan George 
Washington, at CLASA studios. First 
gallery of the kind in Mexico. 

Mexican regional music is being 
studied on the ground by El H. Ca- 
hill. president of the American Fed- 
eration ot Music Clubs. He is here 
from Lo.s Angeles and is beinc given 
full facilities by the Mexican gov- 
ernment. 

Follies Bergere. revue house, to 
close down soon for repairs, at the 
reauest ot Its star cnmic, Cantinflas, 
tramp comedian. He insisted- uoon 
a revamped show winHow. He is 
.skedded to open at the Follies about 
Christmas. 

This town publishes 19B news- 
papers, reviews nnrt magazines, In- 
cluding two in Ehi^lish, two in He- 
brew, one in French, nn^ in Gennnn, 
one In Esperanto and three In Chi- 
nese. All are well sunported. The 
town also has 50 public libraries. 



Everett Riskln laid up at horn* 
with flu. 

William Porter joined RKO pub- 
licity staff. 

Duncan Renaldo got his final citi- 
zenship papers. 

Eill Danziger. newlywed, to domi- 
cile at Westport 

Richard Arlen wound up his 17th 
picture in two years. 

Many New Yorkers concede that 
they miss the World's Fair. 

Irving Engel, treasurer of Winter 
Garden, lost his mother last week. 

Vincent Mahoney on sick leave 
from his Universal publicity chores. 

Mike Goldreyer called the perma- 
nent press agent— Tobacco Road,* 
etc. 

Martha Raye laid up with flu 
whJe 'Hellzapoppin' shoots around 
her. ■ 

Jonie Taps, v.p. of Shapiro-Bern- 
stein, in town as guest of Abe Ly- 
man. 

J. J. Nolan was honor guest at a 
farewell dinner after 21 years at 
RKO. 

John O'Connor arrived from New 
York tor studio conferences at Uni- 
versal. 

William Brighton returned "to the 
George ■ Volck agency after six 
months. 

Lillian Roth obtained an annul- 
ment of her marriage to Eugene 
Weiner. 

Mack Gordon whittled off 100 
pounds with a new diet and is down 
to 222. 

Edward G. Robinson's stand-in, 
Dick Lamar, celebrated his 33d year 
in films. 

Jesse Lasky registered his 200th 
round trip between New York and 
Hollywood. 

Howard Hawks to New Orleans to 
buy Louisiana antiques for his Cali- 
fornia home. 

Milt Howe checked out of 20th- 
Fox publicity for a vacation before 
joming RKO. 

Jim TUIly writing another book, 
by arrangement with Max Perkins 
of Scribner's. 

Betty Jaynes, film singer, filed suit 
for divorce against Douglas McPhail, 
screen player. 

Frank Nugent returned from a six- 
week prowl of Broadway to resume 
picture writing. 

Margo sued Francis Lederer, her 
former husband, for $12,822 on a 
promissory note. 

Humphrey Bogart turned over his 
motor cruiser to the U. S. Coast 
Guard Auxiliary. 

Jack Crosby moved into the Hal 
Roach studio as dance director un- 
der LeRoy Prinz. 

Jane Barclay, RKO contractec. 
dianged her name to Mary DouglaA 
for western films. 

Nan Cochrane taking a fortnight 
vacation from her chores as chief of 
the RKO reading staff. 

Jeffrey Lynn drew ... draft defer- 
ment under the new ruling on se- 
lectees of 28 and over. 

Ben Piaca's daughter Rita has one 
of the leads at the Pasadoia Play- 
house in 'Dinner at Eight' 

Jack Otterson taking time off from 
his Universal art directorship to put 
on an exhibition of his watercolors. 

James Ellison bought 150-acre 
ranch in Red Rode canyon, within 
oommoting distance from the studios. 

Business ant'. Professional Women's 
Club handed David Hempstead en 
award for his production of 'Kitty 
Foyle.' 

Jack Roper, Art Lasky and Al 
Hill, former prleeflghters, are work- 
ing in the W. C. Fields picture, "The 
Great Man.' 

diaries Mayer In town to report 
on conditions In the Dutch East In- 
dies, where he Is managing director 
for 20th-Fox. 



Weslpoit, Conn. 



Claitwme Foster here. 
Tilly Losch a guest of the Jack 
Wilsons. 

Herbert Jacoby's rustic Ruban 
Bleu catching on. 

Virginia Dunning on vacation from 
•Life with Father.' 

Gilbert Miller's new home at New- 
town nearing completion. 

Helen Olheim sailing (15) to fill 
South American opera dates. 

Dorle Jaimel, concert p.a., here to 
see Mr. and Mrs. Frite Reiner. 

Grace Moore and Valentin Parera 
observing 10th wedding anniversary 
(15). 

EHeanoT French, socialite singer, 
back from engagements at Drake 
hotel, Chicago, and Chise hotel, St. 
Louis. 

Katharine Hepburn here for • 
couple ot days with the Lawrence 
Langners. 

The Judson Creens hosting for the. 
Richard Rodgerses, who are at their 
new home here. 

Ilka Chase In to plan broadcast of 
her radio program from stage ot 
QsnmlLTs Playhouse. 

Hilda Burice and Desire DeEVere 
weekending with the Wilfred Pelle- 
tiers (Rose Bampton). 

'La Belle Helene' CHelene') did so 
well at Country Playhouse extra 
matinee was added Saturday (12). 

Lee Shut>ert, Aline Bernstein. Clif- 
ton Webb, Mrs, Harrhon Williams, 
Fannie Hurst, Fania Marinoff, Carl 
Van Vechten, Edna Fober, Dorothy 
Mqynor, Norman Pincus, Andre 
Kostelanetz atid A. L. Bemvan caught 
"X^ Belle Helene.' 



54 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 




SAMUEL A. SCUBNEB 
Samuel Alexander Scribner, 82, 

died July 8 at hla home In Bronx- 

ville, N. Y. 
Further details In the vaudeville 

section. 



HUNTLET WBIOHT 

Huntley Wright, 71, veteran Brit- 
ish actor who apeared in scores of 
plays and musical comedies, died of- 
a heart attack July 10 at Bangor, 
Wales. During the past five years 
he had often acted In radio dramas. 

A member of a noted theatrical 
family, Wright was born in London 
the son of Frederick Wright, a man- 
ager and actor, and Jessie F. Wright, 
an actress. Several of his brothers 
and sisters were also connected with 
the theatre. 

After making his professional de- 
but in 'Fate and Fortune' at the 
Princess theatre, London, In 1891, 
Wright toured with several road 
companies and in 1896 went to South 
Africa where he apeared under the 
management of George Edwardes. 
He came to America in 1907 and had 
a role in The Dairymaids,' which 
ran at the old Criterion, N. Y., in 
that year. 

Upon returning to London, Wright 
was active in both legit and musical 
comedy until the World War , when 
he left the theatre to join the army. 
He held a captain's commission when 
discharged in 1919. Among the plays 
in which he appeared since the war 
were Too Young to Marry,' 'Madame 
Pompadour' and ' The Miracle at 
Verdun.' In recent years he ,played 
in one film, 'Look Up and Laugh.' 



WABBEN L. TRAVIS 

Warren L. Travis, 66, professional 
strong man who had been a weight 
litter at Coney Island, N. Y., for the 
past 20 years, died at the resort July 
13 shortly after he finished his final 
Saturday performance for the 
World's Circus Sideshows. 

Travis, who first became a per- 
former at the old Hubert's Mxiseum 
on 14th St, N. Y., had also appeared 



high standard of programs.' He 
headed corporation until six years 
ago when illness forced him to with- 
draw. 

He's survived by widow, two sons 
and a daughter. 



ABNO EBDBICH 

Arno Erdrich, 38, former musician, 
who gave up musical career with 
Rudy Vallee's orchestra to take up 
law, died July 8 in Cleveland from 
a hemorrhage. 

Erdrich, a native of Bellevue, O., 
became leader of campus Scarlet 
Mask band while attending Ohio 
State U. After getting his law de- 
gree at Yale, he joined Vallee's Con- 
necticut. Yankees and played sax 
with them for several years. De- 
cided to quiTmusic in 1929 and be- 
came a member of law firm of Jones, 
Day, Cockley St Reavis in Cleve- 
land. 



PHILIPPE GAOBEET 

Philippe Gau'bert, 62, composer 
and long director of the Paris Opera, 
died recently in Paris according to 
advices reaching Vichy July; 9. 

Born in Cahors,' France, in 1879, 
Gaubert received his early mUsical 
training at the Paris Conservatory' 
and eventually was named conduc- 
tor of the Conservatory concerts in 
1919. An accomplished flutist, he 
had composed several symphonic 
poems, a sonata for flute and piano 
and an orchestral rhapsody. He 
served in World War I and was dec- 
orated with the Croix de Guerre. 



ALICE CABMAN 

Alice Carman, 39,. former mu- 
sicomedy, vaude and burley finger, 
died at the Will Rogers hospital, 
Saranac Lake, N. Y., July 10, after 
a long illness. She had been an in- 
mate of the NVA and Will Rogers' 
sanatoriums for 16 years. . 

During her heyday Miss Carman 
had been a' feature in musical com- 
edy and. burlesque, and played the 
top vaudeville circuits as Carman 
and Wallace, Gilroy and Citrman and 
Alice Carman and her Bluebirds. 



IN MEMORY OF 

THE MINER BOYS 

TOM — ED — GEORGE 
■Barney and Gertrude Gerard 



with the John G. . Robinson and 
Ringling circuses. In the days when 
Theodore Roosevelt was police com- 
missioner ol New York, Travis was 
one of the department's physical in- 
atructors. 

Among the many feats of strength 
Travis accomplished regularly was 
raising a 1,000-pound cannon. He 
tipped the scales at 220 and was five 
feet eight inches tall. Early in his 
career he was reported to have 
hoisted a platform supporting an up- 
right piano and a team of horses. He 
claimed to have eclipsed the weight- 
lifting records of other strong men 
such as Sandow and Arthur Saxon. 



I 



died July 6 in HoUywood. As a 
member of the old Keystone Com- 
pany he played in Charlie Chaplin's 
films and appeared with Mabel Nor 
mand, Ford Sterling, Charles Mur. 
ray. Hank Mann and other comics 
of that period. Later he joined the 
American Film Co., Santa Barbara, 
as actor-director. 

In his directorial career Cooley 
piloted starrers for Harry Pollard, 
Irving Cummings and Alma Rubens. 
As a legit player in his younger 
days, Cooley toured with The Bird 
of Paradise' for 12 years and subse- 
quently played leads iii his own 
repertoire company, with his wife, 
Gladys Kingsbury, as leading lady. 

In his youth Cooley was champion 
sprinter of the Pacific Coast and was 
called the world's best amateur 
boxer by James J. Corbett, then 
heavyweight champion. 

Surviving are his widow, a daugh 
ter, two brothers and 6 sister. 



IB VINE J. KiniNGEB, SB. 

Irvine J. Kittinger, Sr, 68, pioneer 
radio executive and former head of 
Buffalo Broadcasting Corp,, which 
operates WGR and WKBW, died 
July 12 in Buffalo after an eight- 
week illness. 

Kittinger, head of a Buffalo furni- 
ture .firm which bears his name, be- 
came interested in radio in the early 
1920's and aided in welding Biilfalo's 
then four stations into one group 
lor, he pointed- out, "more efficient 
station operation' ahd 'a' -consistently^ 



CHARLES BALMEB 

Charles Balmer, 75, musician and 
composer of oldtime tunes such as 
The Skirt Dance,' and The Coli- 
seum Grand March,' died at his home 
in St Louis of pneumonia. 

Four daughters survive. 



MINNIE FABR^LL 

Minnie Farrell, former veteran 
vaudeville performer, who had been 
featured by Tony Pastor, died re- 
cently in New York. 



PAUL GOSSETT 

Paul Gossett, 45,' operator of a 
film theatre at Lyndon, Kas., com- 
mitted suicide by severing juglar 
vein July 7. 



Alonco, Jenks, 65, former flutist 
with Rochester Little Symphony and 
Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, Is^ter 
organizer of Genese6 Valley Concert 
Band, died July 5 In Dansville, N. Y. 



Mrs. Charlotte Nelson, 82, mother 
of Al Nelson, general manager of 
KPO-ICGO, San Francisco, died in 
Chicago, July 7. 



Guy LIvingftone, 37, film projec- 
tionist at Paramount, died July 7 in 
Hollywood. Police called it suicide 
by monoxide.'- • ' • ' 



radio commentator; father is stage 
and radio actor. 



Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Dane, 
daughter, June 19, in New York. 
Father is announcer at WOR, New 
York, 

Mr and Mrs. Rusty Gill, son, July 
6. Father is singer on WLS; mother 
was Caroline DeZurik, former mem- 
ber of DeZurik Sisters vocal team. 



Radio Diagnosis 

ssCoDtlnaed from page 17;^^ 



foreign minister Von Ribbentrop; 
Field Marshal Keitel, Chief of the 
Supreme Command, Hcinrich 
Himmler, the Gestapo Head, and 
othiers.' 

NO. 2—ISTANBUL-TVRKEY—'TtiT- 
. key is keeping one eye on the war 
next door in Greece, and the other 
on developments in Berlin. 

'There is much speculation as to 
the real motive of Josef Stalin in 
sending Premier Molotov to the 
German cai)ital to talk with Ifitler. 
It is agreed geTieraUy in AnlMra 
that /oT-reachtno results affecting 
the Balkans will come out of the 
meeting.' 

In order to define the gestalt.ot a' 
program it is first necessary to iso- 
late the program's primary audience 
so that the effect of the program 
on this group can be observed. 
' News, however, is not a specific 



FBANK COOLLY 

Frank Lucius Cooley^^Jl^JoflBsJ^ idl^^A 
■•--meFinmrmpiCnt^oflm »nd wdlo performer. Amencan^Broadway columnist and a BroadcasUng Corp. 

Survived by his mother, a brother "" 
in the Canadian Air Force and a 
sister attached to the Royal Air 
Force in England. 



'JELLY ROLL' MOBTON 

Ferdinand 'Jelly Roll' Morton, 51, 
known tor years on Tin Pan Alley 
as a composer of popular Songs, died 
July. 10 in the. General hospital, tios 
Angeles. ; He '. had moved to Cali- 
fornia two months agol 

Most widely heard of his compo- 
sitions was 'Jelly Roll Blues.' Among 
his numerous other tunes are 'Mama 
Mita' and The Wolverine Blues. 

Surviving are his widow and two 

sisters. . 

THEO LINDENBEBG 

Theodore Llndenberg, Columbus 
theatre operator and inventor, died 
July 8 in that city. 

Held patents on the revolutionary 
Llndenberg sound and projection 
equipment, used in his. duo-audito 
rium Bexley theatre. Survived by 
wife, son and daugljter. 

NOBMAN ALLEN 

Norman Allen, 27, Vancouver pi 
anist, drowned at B'-ven Island, B, 



MARRIAGES 

Lilly Kinder, daughter of Maurice 
Kinder, film trade reporter, to Arthur 
PoUak, son of Adolph Pollak, film 
veteran, in New York, July 20 next. 

Muriel Robinson to Don Dawson, 
in Regina, Sask, June 28. He's traf- 
fic manager at CKCK, Regina. 

Carolyn Lelberman to Gerald 
Goldberg in Pittsburgh, July 4. She 
was with WB theatre department 
and is a sister-in-law of Harry Kal- 
mlne, Warner zone manager in Pitt 
district. 

Isabelle Stuart to William Dan- 
zigcr, in New York, July 12. Groom 
is on the Metrj publicity staff. New 
York. 

Kathryn Grayson to John Shelton, 
in Las Vegas, Nev., July 12. Bride 
and groom are screen players. 

Sylvia "Welnsteln to Max Miller 
July S, in Buffalo. He's violinist in 
Tone Camevale band. 

Marion Irvine to Francis Lederer, 
in Las Vegas, Nev., July 10. He's the 
stage and screen actor recently 
divorced by Margp. 

Elizabeth Reltell to Adolph Green, 
Jun^e 20, in New York. He's, of The 
Revuers; stft's a costume designer. 

Edith Van Buskirk to Carlton 
Warren, June. 28, at Kent, Conn. 
Groom is assistant program director 
of WOR, New York. 

Brenda Marshall to William Hol- 
den, in Las Vegas, Nev., July 12. 
Both are. film players. 

Kathryn Orayson to John Shelton, 
in Las Vegas, July 12. Both are 
screen players. 

Hazel Caley to Lieut. K. C. Waite, 
in Toronto, July 14. Bride is member 
of Caley Sisters ice-skating team; 
groom a member of the 75th Scottish 
Battalion. 

Hazel H. Hyatt to Carl Benton 
Reid, in Cleveland, July 12. Bride is 
associated with Cleveland Playhouse: 
he's a legit actor who recently ap- 
peared in 'The Little Foxes.' ' 

Katherine Deere Wiman to Dawson 
C. Glover, Iii Greenwich, Conn., July 

11. Bride is an actress-daughter of 
Dwlght Deere Wiman, theatrical pro- 
ducer; he's circulation manager of 
GoU magazine. 

Arline Blackbufn to John J. 
Trimble, in Poundridge, - N. Y., July 

12. Bride is a radio and stage actress. 
Alice Craig to Walter Herlihy, in 

New York, July 12. Bride is a mem- 
ber of the chorus of 'Pal Joey*; he's 
a radio announcer for the Yankee 
network. 

Carol Irwin to Paul Hollister, this 
week, in Reno. Bride is head of day- 
time radio at Young St Rubicam; he 
is v.p. of J. Stirling Getchell agency. 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Monter, 
son, in S^nta Monica, July 9. Mother 
was Anna Stewart, • film actress; 
father is a talent agent 

Mr. and Mrs. Bert Lahr; son, In 
Hollywood^ July 12. Father is stage 
and screen comedian; mother is for- 
mer Mildred Schroeder, of the stage. 
- Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Lingle, daugh- 
ter, June IS in Schenectady, N. Y. 
He's a member of WGY's transmit- 
ter engineering staff. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kollmar, 
son, July 11, 1.1 New York. Mother 



program but. rather a type of pro- 
gram. The structure of news audi- 
ences vary accordiqg to contents of 
the program as well as availability 
of listener. 

The definition of the gestalt Is 
valid only for specific programs, not 
for types of programs. 

For example. Quiz Pro-ams, as a 
type, satisfy a number of psycho- 
logical desires, and the primary- au- 
dience for specific quiz shows prob- 
aWly varies in terms of the desires 
which each one gratifies. Studies 
show that there is a significant dif- 
ference between the audience of In- 
formation Please and that of Pro- 
fessor Quiz. One tends to reach a 
higher-Income and higher I Q. 
group than the other. The basic 
appeal of each is obviously differ- 
ent'. 

• 'Why People Llk* the Prof. Quiz Pro- 
irrain,' by Dr. HertK Herzoc." OfTlce of 
Radio Reiaaroh, Columbia Unlveralty. 

(To be continued next toeeic) 



Questions Out 



^Sm Continued from pace 

musical fare with unprecedented 
vigor. 

Within the past two weeks three 
new variety packages, have been put 
together for network commercials. 
One's the' Lever Bros.' stanza on CBS 
Saturday mornings, the second, the 
Bob Burns-Campbell Soup combina- 
tion, and the third, Ballentine Ale's 
entry headed by Milton Berle and 
Charles Laughton. 

Agency buyers admit to the belief 
that a variety show Pleaded by a 
name comic has always been the 
surest way to gather a substantial 
audience from .the start but, they 
add, there aren't many of them with 
accounts that provide enough money 
to allow for such , programs. The 
advent of the' quiz 'proved, an easy 
way out for the limited talent bank- 
roll, but now that the' qiiiz is in its 
last stages, state the agency men, 
the accounts in the lower moneyi 
brackets will have to resort either to 
dramatic shows of the non-big name 
calibre or to straight musical ses- 
sions. 

Too many programs of a given 
type is the sure harbinger of an 
eventual fall-off of that type, nature 
adjusting excesses of all kinds. The 
quiz programs have reached the 
reducto ad absurdum in recent 
months when the same questions be- 
gan more and more to be heard, 
when the method of presenting be- 
came increasingly complex. Al- 
though the C.A.B. ratings were rea- 
sonably good through the winter the 
public — not to mention the trade's — 
yawns began to grow like the brass 
in a Wagnerian overture. 



Cash Giveaways Off * 

Montreal, July 15. 
Five Quebec millers have appar- 
ently recovered from the fierce 
rivalry of the past season wherein 
each had a program whose chief ap- 
peal was its cash giveaway and each 
out-gave the others. 

Flour, firms will presumably fol- 
low the example of Oligivie in spon- 
soring entertainment Latter 



Nix TA Appeal 



sGontlnned from page I5 



to pay the Government's 10% admis- 
sions tax. This is said to total be- 
tween $6,000 and |7,000. and was paid 
in escrow pending the Commission- 
er's final ruling. 

In its essence, the Commission- 
er's decision means that any charity 
benefit that pays part of i-a gross to 
TA inust pay the Government the 
admissions tax. This, naturally, also 
includes the annual' President's 
Birthday Balls and shows. 

Hearings on the matter have been 
held on and off here for six weeks, 
with . Jaffee, especially designated 
TA attorney, Alan Corelli, executive 
secretary of TA, and Frank GiUmore 
appearing. 

it's reported here that the Catho- 
lic Actors Guild, part of TA, has re- 
signed from that organization and 
notified TA that it did not want 
Jaffee to speak for it. 



TA's Inlerpreiatlon 

Claiming that he had not yet re- 
ceived the decision of the Commis- 
sioner of. Internal Revenue, attorney 
Henry Jaffee claims that the ruling 
can only mean a taxation on benefit 
tickets if TA exacts a percentage of 
a benefit's gross. 

Jaffee stated that a benefit's ad- 
missions can remain tax-free if it 
only pays TA a flat fee, same as it 
would pay a fiat fee for rental of a 
theatre, auditorium, etc. 



Radio-ASCAP 



^Continued from pa^e 3; 



longer insures exclusivity to the So- 
ciety — providing the songsmith first 
places his rights under an employ- 
ment contract with the Ifilm studio — 
it's something else again. There are, 
of course, sundry , ifs, ands and buts 
from the ASCAP perspective, and 
the picture companies are not blind 
to the fact there's justification on 
both sides. Meantime they, the 
flimers, are stymied — and with a 
dwindling b.o. it's a costly stymie. 
The film men state they've been pa- 
tiently awaiting an accord between 
ASCAP and CBS-NBC, just as 
ASCAP and Mutual Broadcasting 
System entered into a pact. 

Meantime, also, as and when peace 
is finally reached, the^ music pub- 
lisher will be treated with perhaps 
a bit more respect from the film end 
which habitually complained Tin 
Pan Alley was .laying down on the 
plugging job. Hollywood vs. the east 
ha'5 always been a bitter subject, 
and many a studio changed writers 
and publishers when dissatisfaction 
cropped up anent the filmuslcal ex- 
ploitation of the score. 



Play Out of Town 



: Continued from page 52; 



JUMP WITH JOY. 



Bills Next Week 



Continued from pace 47 

Stan Ruchfr 4 



(Gay M'a) 
Torothy Neabltt 
Hot«l Ttb Avenno 

Httnif Saunders 
I4a lola- 
Bcorelt Havdii 
Betty Ronahoe 
Al Devin 

Erergrecn Cardeni 

Bevelers 
San\ Sweet 
AlU-e Sone 
Zelda 

Wicked Wllllee 
Hotel RooseTcIl 

.Tohnny ICaathue 

Royal Hawllana 
Hotel Ochenler 

Billy HInda Ore. 

Rita Seaman 

Buiiz flayer 

Jack CalhouD 
Hotel Wm reon 
(Continental Bar) 

Wanda 

Eaonrte 
Kennywood Park 

Harbia Holmes Ore 

Nancy Hutson 

(-romwell Sin 

Gene Babbitt 

reaches Revue 
Neur Pflim 

Gay Carllala Oro 

Bub Lewis 

Olane & Madeline 

Rhythm Rascals 

Sylvia Martin 
NIvon Cnfo 

Al Marlsco Oro 

Bob Carter 

.Carole & Sherod 

Kretlow OU ' ' 



His voice is inaudible beyond the 
10th row. 

Like most revues, the action skips 
along the usual route, but falters in 
pace and never stays in high for 
long. Poor staging on the opening 

rfi'maif "31X5' OTIr CiffiSSiSu wmcn nieaea plenty 01 nelp. Nor 

did a late curtain (9:10 p.m.) and 
Ellington's typical Hollywood en- 
trance, plus a slow overture, help 
matters any. And. out front was 
about as classy an audience as has 
been in the Mayan for many years. 
Film stars were out it) finery and 
the usual count of first-nighters 
decked the pews. A Negro revue 
always whips up an appetite in this 
town since 'Run Li'l Chillun' had a 
long run in the same house. This 
one looked like a winner and was 
heavily ballyhooed, but the verdict 
was negative. 

Best of the specialists is a Negro 
trio billed as Pot, Pan and Skillet 
Their/ comedy dahce routines and 
deadpan gri^iaces should win them 
recognition after this one quits 
jumping. Best of the song numbers 
is 'I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good,' 
which has a head start with a catchy 
title. There may be one or two 
others on the popular side, but they'll 
have to build and grow— and they'd 
better hurry. This Dandridge kid 
looks like a comer and with the 
right kind of material and support 
should be heard from. The others 
are just so-so and lack standout 
qualities. 

Revue is a potpourri of song, 
dance and farce, but woefully weak 
on the comedy side. There's a touch 
of the spiritual, the forte of colored 
performers, and also a body grind. 
Production ...;mbers whip up the 
fevered enthusiasm of the race, but 
they occur too rarely. 

Mebbe the piece can be tightened 
and whipped into acceptable form, 
but the chances are against it. Ma- 
terial and cast are off the big time 
beam and 'the dook* can't carry the 
show by himself. [Jack Robbin: 
^•publishes"the" score]; ' - Heln*.- 



Nut Boam 

Sherdlna Walker O 
Ted Blake 
Joe Klein - 
George Gngg 
livelyn NelUa 
Kay Bnlte 
Mllly Bradley 
Pat Burns 

Onsla 
Joe Vlllolla Oro 
John Con to 
•Ine Console 
Stu Braden 
Berry Anne 
fine* 
Howard Becker Ore 

TrelOD 
Billy Merle Oro 
June Collins 

rociit Clab 
H Middleman Ore 
Cy Landry 
Jackie Heller 
Manch GIs 
Anne LeVelle 
Shirley Heller 
SUy-Vno 
Fran Elchler Oro 

Vnton Gtill 
Art Taeello 
Kraric Natalo 
Mkt flandreito 

Villa Madrid 
Et/I Covato Oro 
Mark Lane 
Jon Tlo 

Kollette te Dean* 
}rat-cla Wayne 
Harriet Bront 
» .Terks 

West View Park 
Benny Burton Oro 
Betty 

Babe Riiodea 
Bee' KVte 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 



Variety 



55 



London Amusements Socko 



; Continued from page I; 



with their showmlndedness, custom- 
ers have .become more critical, and 
will not be palmed off any turkey 
that comes along; 

Tops are still George Black's two 
shows, 'Applesauce' with Steady in- 
take of $18,000, at the liOndon Pal- 
ladium, and 'Black Vanities,' star- 
ring Flanagan and Alien with 
Frances Day, at Victoria Palace, 
around $16,000. Both, are near ca- 
pacity, with former having edge due 
to its bigger size; 

Firth Shepard also operates two 
musicals which have made consist- 
ent money for him for some time. 
These are 'Shephard's Pie' at 
Princes, and 'Up and Doing' at the 
Saville. Former haa shot its bolt 
and at $4,000 is folding, to be re- 
placed by ' new dish, 'Fun and 
Games,' the purveyors of wliich are 
Manning Sherwin, an American who 
prefers to stay here and face it, and 
Douglas Ferber (English). Cast is 
strong, including Sidney Howard, 
Vera Pearce, Artbnr Riscoe, Rich- 
ard Hearne and Carroll Ray, a new- 
comer of whom great things are ex- 
pected. It opens middle of August 
' after tryout in the sticks. .Up and 
Doing' is. still way ahead with over 
$10,000, a^ which rate It is good for 
many more months. 

Tennent Baa Tbree 

H. M. Tennent, Iitd., which works 
in conjunction -with John C. Wilson 
from New Yorki have three: The 
Light of Heart' at Globe, 'No Time 
for Comedy,' Haymarkfct, and Noel 
Coward's 'Blithe Spirit' at Piccadilly. 
'Heart,' which has come back to the 
Globe after profitable toiir in the 
slicks, is new version which stars 
Emlyn Williams, the author. Most 
people prefer original version with 
Godfrey Tearle. Show has grabbed 
as high' as $3,000. but now near 
$2,000, and folding shortly. Will be 
replaced by The Kutmeg Tree,' by 
Margery Sharp, English, who wrote 
it in American vein for Broadway 
consumption, where it played a sea- 
son ago as 'Lady in Waiting' with 
cast headed by Gladys George. Show 
has been rewritten for ISngland. 
S. N. Behrman's 'No. Time for Com- 
' edy' is still making moneyi.at $3,000, 
although it has often exceeded $4,- 
000, and is staying on. To date the 
author has contributed over $8,000 
to British war charities. Coward's 
'Blithe Spirit,' just opened at the 
Piccadilly, has all the earmarks of a 
hit. Two weeks' tryout at Manches- 
ter ,and Leeds brought in respec- 
tively $10,000 and $7,200. 

New revue that's season's click- 
eroo" is 'Rise Above It,' by Leslie 
Julian Jones, with numbers by Man- 
ning Sherwin and Val Guest. It's 
plenty blue in spots, with some ma- 
terial already ordered out by the 
Lord Chamberlin. Killick and de 
Lion are presenting it at the Com- 
edy, and raking in the shekels. 
Started" to- $4,000, which means 
plenty standees, and dropped, to $3,- 
500, which still gives, it hefty profit. 
Looks good for 12 months, and even 
longer with new edition. 

Two opera seasons are playing si- 
multaneously in the West End and 
both doing well. These are D'Oyly 
Carte at the .Savnv ai\^itfi_tf;MIC^df 

iiewew. Former 
has been as high as $9,600, but heat 
has downed it to $8,000, which is 
•till good. Season has been extend- 
ed. Wells Opera folding this week 
after eight weeks, averaging $4,000 
weekly. Theatre opens with fort- 
night's revival of 'King John,' then 
Sadler's Wells Ballet returns for run, 
with house using orchestra out of 
profits made from opera and ballet 
season Just terminating. 

'Cottage* Moderate 

Revival of 'Cottage to Let' at 
Wyndham's is doing moderately, 
never exceeded $4,000, and now 
closing to less. O'Bryen, Linnet Sc 
Dunfee, presenting 'Cottage,' are 
bringing 'Quiet Weekend,' sequel to 
Quiet Wedding,' by Esther Mc- 
cracken, who authored both, to this 
house after provincial run. 'Me and 
My Girl,' just revived at Coliseum 
Mter prflvincial run, will gross $8,000 
which, with cheap cast, is still 
profit-yielding. 
, Resides the aforementioned new 
wiephard musical, only other leg. 
enow scheduled for West End is 'the 
Jack Hylton-Stanley Lupino-BiU 
MoUison musical, "Lady Behave,' 
whith Is jiaviog its tiyout in Man- 
chester and is due at His Bfejesty's 
jnjddle of July. From reports, show 
^ best thing Lupino has done to 
oate. a M, Tennent, Ltd, Is also 
«een on presenting Vivien Leigh in 
we West End, and wonld like it to 
Be in 'Claudia.' Tennent is awaiting 
word from John Golden and Rose 
«anken, producer and author, re- 
spectively,, pf the current Bropdjypy 



hit. If show does ntaterialize, it will 
be done in conjunction with David 
Henley, local head of Myron Selz- 
nic)c office. Bound to have provin- 
cial tryout before hitting town. 

Minor happenings are another re- 
vival of 'Chu Chin Chow' at the Pal- 
ace; also talk of Payne-Jennings & 
Killick's revival of Ered and Adele 
Astire's 10-year-old musical, ,'Lady 
Be Good';. Eugene O'Neill's 'Desire 
Under the Elms,' which Rosalinde 
Fuller intends to- try out- in the 
stciks before venturing in the West 
End. Kunneke's oldie, 'Cousin 
From Nowhere,' -is also' being tried 
out by Bruce Carfax, with Xiondon 
as its final destination. 

With all show biz's activities in 
the West End, it seems surprising 
that vaude has been cold-shouldered 
in the last two years, with not . a 
vaude house open. Jack Davis, local 
10%er, has been trying hard to per- 
suade Tom Bostock, head of the 
Adelphi, to reopen this Strand spot 
with variety, but Bostock's experi- 
ment a few season^ ago with such a 
policy under the aegis of George 
Black is- far from a pleasant mem- 
ory. Now Lncien Sammet has an 
idea he might try this policy at the 
Phoenix, figuring he Is about ripe 
for a hit after his many flops. 
'Gone* Tops Fix 
There's nothing outstanding in 
picture theatres to counteract the 
heat wave, with attendances off. 
Only house withstanding adverse 
condition^ is Metro's smaRie, Ritz, 
with 'Gone With the Wind,' now in 
its 74th week in the West End, in- 
cluding eight weeks at Metro's other 
house. Empire, _and seven at . the 
Palace. Still displaying 'house full' 
signs, twice daily, tQ $6,000 per 
week. Ritz is very much behind on 
quota, and to catch up is including 
'Busman's Honeymoon,' Metro-made' 
English epic, and another English 
film. Upshot of it. is, last house 
customers are given over seven 
hours of celluloid, which is proving 
trying too many. 

Paramount's 'I Wanted Wings,' 
having' dual prenuere at Par's Plaza 
and Carlton, is expected to last four 
and eight weeks, respectively. Ini- 
tial stanza, despite aJl drawbacks, 
grossed, respectively, $12,000 and 
$8,000. If intensive heat gives out 
it's likely to comply witli^schedule. 

Metro's 'Men of Boys Town' at 
Empire, is in second week, with first 
week's intake below $14,000, which 
warrants holdover. 'Nice . Girl' (U), 
at Odeon, was in for two weeks, and 
stretched another week on Its own. 
legitimate pull. Copped average of 
$9,000 in three weeks, good. Could 
have stayed fourth week, but house 
committed to 'Pimpernel Smith' 
(British National). Gaumonf dis- 
playing 'Western Union' (20th), to 
mediocre response. Once ~ again 
proving that West Enders not inter- 
ested in American biographies. Pre- 
vious flops were 'Union Pacific' and 
the Edison series, although in latter 
cases there were star values in 
Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney. 
Not likely to exceed $5,000, if that 
.Wi^ J^ondoner.' having, experl- 
•y!0'^f/6^.r^TlBhlffjr''''alefK; one 
would imagine that lull time would 
be made good use of to catch up on 
wakeful nights. But judging from 
business done at hotels and bottle 
parlies, Londoners have either got 
out of the sleeping habit, or are too 
hot, under present heat wave condi- 
tion, to sleep. These niteries are still 
filled mostly with men about town, 
with only difference they are now in 
uniform, instead of civvies. Also 
goodly portion of butter and egg 
men who, although not making such 
fabulous fortunes as in the previous 
shindig, have plenty to spend, with 
heaps of time in which to spend it 
Most of the latter, unlike in the last 
war, have no family or wifely re- 
sponsibilities, most of these having 
been evacuated abroad or far from 
the ° metropolis. Result for the 
stronger sex is ennui and loneliness 
which they try to drown' in these 
night spots, and some of them are 
succeeding admirably, although the 
process is making big dents in their 
pockets. 

Rationing 

Important thing that's helping the 
hoteU is rationing scheme, which has 
made eating at home anything but a 
pleasure. Places such a^ the Savoy, 
Berkeley, Dorchester, Grosvenor 
House and Piccadilly hotel, don't 
need floor shows to entice 'em. Best 
Inducement is now the menu and 
smokes, which may be imobtainable 
elsewhere, bu( always to be gotten 
at hotels. Savoy and Berkeley, for 
old time's sake, have cabaret once 
per week, and do a capacity trade. 
Only place tha^^ has nightly ;floor. 



show Is Mayfair hotel, and stlU 
claims it's an Inducement. 

Bottle parties are doing better 
than ever. The 400, once the acc 
of fhem' all, has decl&ted in favor. 
Some claim it's due to death of its 
host, Martihus Poulsen, - who was 
very popular among the nigbt hawks. 
This spot has been replaced in popu- 
larity by lie Suivi, a comparative 
newcomer, which is drawing all the 
town's socialites. The Cpcoaniit 
Grove, operated by 'Diana Ward, has 
steady clientele who go there in 
either civvies, soup and fish, and 
even battle dress. Run on strict 
lines, with leg show and Miss Ward 
often entertaining. Nut House, in 
which Al Burnett entertains nightly, 
and has a third interest, is doing 
even better since it was blitzed out 
of Soho into Regent street. It's 32 
feet underground and is never so 
quiet that one can hear a bomb drop. 
It's making easy money for Alma 
Warren and Burnett, partners in the 
venture. 

If further proof is necessary that 
bottle parties are making plenty 
ieck, best evidence can be found by 
fact there is quite a few reopenings 
down for consideration. Most im- 
portant is the Embassy, due for re^ 
vival in early August by same man- 
agement as the 400. Another is the. 
ritzy Gargoyle, operated by the Hon. 
David Tennant Spot has been closed 
since last September. The Paradise 
club, shuttered by the police over a 
year, is another due for a comeback. 
'Goodie' Godfrey, who used to op- 
erate the El Morocco, is looking over 
the once-famed Silver Slipper, in 
Regent street, which in its declining 
days was renamed the Slip In. 

But the above' do not complete by 
any means the spots for pleasure- 
seeking Londoners. Dog-racing takes 
place daily, with most days two 
tracks at least with six on Satur- 
days. It's amazing to see the many 
thousands at every track, 'with every 
race track jamn\^<}. No sign of war; 
only fights to ' get to the ' Tote' to 
strike the bet before the dogs are 
'off.' 

. The nightly gambling parties are 
still more rampant than ever, al- 
ways in the neighborhood of May- 
fair and Belgravia. Many a big- shot 
has been reputed to have lost as high 
as $50,000 at one sitting. But still 
the game goes on. 



EX RINGLING EMPLOYE 
CRUSHED TO DEATH 



-Worcester, Mass., July 15. 
Ringling circus pulled out of here 
early Friday (II) morning for Hart- 
ford with plenty of headaches — 
brought about by the death of a 
former employe, serious injuries to 
a current worker, a shortage of ex- 
perienced labor and a delayed 
matinee. 

Thomas Puckett, 28, of Clarendon, 
S. C, was crushed to death while 
the circus was loading to leave. He 
apparently was attempting to cross 
a flat car to another string of freight 
cars when he was hit by a rolling 
wagon loaded with poles. Alex 
Kaiier, superintendent of horses, 
said Puckett had left the big top in 
Cincinnati a month ago. William 
■> -ilkU' -'■ 51, of Decatur, Ind., with 
the organization for 20 years, suf- 
fered severe back injuries when he 
fell in the railroad yard as train was 
leaving. He was taken to hospital. 

Train was three hours late reach- 
ing Worcester from Fall River, 
Mass., a hop of only 55 miles. Cars 
were shunted to siding so U. S. de- 
fense trains could have right of way. 
As result, matinee was delayed 
more than an hour and it was well 
after 6 p.m. before audience left the 
tent 



More Rodeo Beefs 



Buffalo, July 15. 

When Dick Ryan and his partner, 
Joseph Demarest, rodeo promoters, 
both of Hollywood, were arraigned 
in city court here on a charge of 
larceny for selling tickets to a wild 
west show which did not put in an 
appearance, a number of additional 
warrants sworn out by purchasers 
in connection with other ticket sales 
were served upon them. 

Both pleaded innocent and a week's 
adjournment was taken so that all 
complaints may be disposed of at 
the same tiine. 



Everett Balston, arranger for Or- 
rin Tucker, left to join Army, neces- 
sitating a trip from Totem Pole Ball- 
room, Auburndale, Mass., where 
band closed, to Los Angeles, where 
h'e registered. His home is in Rock- 
fo^d,lU.., , , . .. 



UA's Theatre Circuit 



i Continued from page Ij 



sum was sufficient to buy into a 
tremendous number 'of houses, as 
there could be additional local 
financing. 

Reason for the all-out campaign 
to obtain theatres, Kelly indicated, 
is VA's difficulty in obtaining sat- 
isfactory playing time in suitable 
houses. 'Sometimes we resent the 
runaround,' he remarked. 

'We feel,' he declared, 'that we can 
show our pictures to better advan- 
tage than other exhibitors. We 
know the product and can give it 
the proper treatment for best re- 
sults.' 

UA, once before in its 22-year ex- 
istence, was tied up with theatre 
operation. That was in the United 
Artists Theatre Circuit, although 
Kelly carefully differentiated be- 
tween tliat and the present setup. 
UA as a company had no interest 
whatsoever in United Artists "Hie- 
atres, he pointed out. Its only in- 



Music Hall— UA's 1st Ruit 



In making his announcement 
of United Artists theatre-buying 
activity yesterday (Tuesday ), 
Arthur Kelly hedged on com- 
pany's intentions about obtain- 
ing a first-run on Broadway. 

'We . already,' he remarked 
facetiously, 'have a first run — 
the Music Hall.' He said that 
the Rivoli was available for pur- 
chase but indicated UA wasn't 
interested in it 

Possibility is seen that one of 
the minor (Brandt) houses wiU 
be acquired and rebuilt, as 
Kelly stressed that only 1,000- 
1,200 seaters are desired. 



solidating its interests in the 250- 
theatre Odeon Circuit in England. 
Activity in this regard will consist 
of seeing that.it is properly financed, 
as mortgages are required and war 
conditions make it impossible to- 
float them publicly as before. 

UA directors have also ordered ■ 
survey of South America, Kelly said, 
with the aim of widening theatre op- 
erations down there. 



CARRMIO M.C.S INTl 
SHOW IN NORTHWEST 



terest derived from the fact that 
some of its owners were also large 
investors in the circuit. On the 
other hand, it will actually be UA 
itself which now goes out and ob- 
tains houses. 

Buckley to Operate 

Harry Buckley, UA v.p. and a 
former theatre man, will be in 
charge of theatre operation for the 
company, Kelly said. He asserted 
that the intention is to obtain as 
many first-runs as possible as show- 
cases for UA product but where 
necessary to get proper representa- 
tion in key cities UA will also take 
second and subsequent run houses 
when the circuits being 'acquired 
own them as well as first-runs. 

UA may not operate the theatres 
itself in every case, Kelly said, but 
in the majority of situations is seek- 
ing managing and operating control. 
However, in some spots 'where we 
believe in the exhibitor,' he said, 
'we may buy in only to the extent 
of 25%.' 

Circuit will not go into competi- 
tion with RKO, Loew's and other 
major chains, UA mahatma stated, 
or wherever it feels it b now getting 
a fair break In the exhibition of its 
pictures. 

'We will feel justified, however,' 
avowed Kelly, 'in making inroads in 
those situations where we cannot get 
satisfactory runs.' 

Eztcndei H'luia 

Houses acquired, so far as pos- 
sible, will be small ones of about 
1,200-seats, said Kelly. Desire is 
to get theatres with low operating 
overhead so that maximum possible 
runs can be milked from pictures, he 
explained. 

Some of the theatres obtained will 
be rebuilt, Kelly indicated, while 
others may even be built from the 
ground up by the company. Stress- 
ing the aim to keep 'em small — 1,000 
seaters in some cases — he declared: 
'We don't want to build memorials 
to ourselves.' 

Policy will be single features 
wherever competition makes it pos- 
sible, said the exec, and use of 
UA 'product 'exclusively as far as 
feasible. Shortages and double-fea- 
ture situations will naturially make 
some outside product a requisite, he 
explained. 

UA owners have been figuring for 
a long time on theatre acquisitions,. 
Kelly disclosed, and even tried to 
obtain the United Artists Circuit. 
This was given up, however, when it 
was ascertained that management 
control couldn't be had because of 
partnership deals into which the cir- 
cuit had entered. 

Worldwide Bldg. 

Along with the domestic theatre 
plan, Kelly disclosed a quickening of 
exhibition activity around the world. 
In addition to the theatre in Cape- 
town, South Africa, vhich UA an- 
nounced last week it would become 
^ partner in, Kelly said UA,,Jf con- ^ 



Portland, Ore., July 15. 
Leo Carrillo is here as m.c. of 
'International Fiesta,' three-day ' 
jamboree for annual convention of 
Pacific Coast Law Enforcement Of- 
ficials. Show opened yesterd-ay (14) 
with a parade at noon, Carrillo as 
grand marshal. Multnomah Stadium, 
big downtown field, is stage for 
three nightly performances by Ca- 
nadian, Mexican and American tal- 
ent Program under direction of 
Ted Gamble, owner-manager of 
Capitol theatre, and Police Chief 
Harry M. Niles. 

Took a lot of personal goodwilling 
by Chief Niles to get the Mexican 
entourage out of Mexico City. 
Seems the police there are also army 
men and they didn't want their 
army traveling. Niles made a per- 
sonal call on the Mexican president 
and he - got the famous Mexican 
police-army. 'Their daredevil motor- 
cycle riders stopped the sh<5\v. 

Canada sent Air Raid Precautions 
Wardens from British Columbia, 
who had been trained under real 
war action in London, to do a turn 
in a mock air raid when planes from 
Portland's army air base 'attacked' 
the stadium. 

Rest was an international variety 
show. 



Tourest Influx 



: Continued from page I; 



plenty of coin, all right, but in, the 
process they are losing vacations and 
much of the time they would ordi- 
narily have «S. 

Result is seen in the abnormal 
pattern of what influx there is to the 
city. Wheireas it used to be a seven-, 
day affair, business is now strictly 
Saturday - Sunday, We^days are 
painfully slow, while the weekends 
are tremendous. Unfortunately, how- 
ever, two days can't make up for 
what used to be done in seven. 

Two of the surest checking points 
on tourist biz are Radio City and 
the Empire State Building. Strange 
phenomena were that while they ex- 
perienced 15% more patronage -dur- 
ing May of this year than they did 
last season, June was off 26%. There 
has been an upturn in July which 
it is hoped may bring tourist biz at 
the two points up to that of 1940. 
Figures take in the $l'trip to the 
top of the Empire State and the NBC 
(50c) and Radio* City ($1) tours. 

Rubberneck agencies, a n o I h e r 
standard checking point on tourist 
biz, are ' said to be doing 30% less 
than last year. They're doing bet- 
ter than the pre-Fair seasons, how- 
ever, and hold that biz isn't so bad 
considering. 



Jesse Lasky 

; CoDtlnned from pace la 



had spoken to them. And every 
biography in sight was being of- 
fered him for production. 

A couple years ago, the vet pro- 
duction exec's friends recalled, 
Lasky to Hollywood was a 'has- 
been.' After 25 years In films, most 
of it in charge of production for 
Famous Players-Lasky and Para- 
mount Publix, producer attempted > 
comeback via 'Gateway to Holly- 
wood' radio show, searching for filjn 
Ulent. 

Now, with the words of Holly- 
wood's oldest adage ringing in his 
ears, ''Vou're as good as your last 
picture,' Lasky is in great demand. 
His 'Sergeant York,' an Idea which 
he had nursed for years, is in high 
gear at the b.o. and has been almost 
universally okayed by the critics. 

Lasky returned to the Coast from 
New York last t^eek 'with fi nancin g 
for three' more pictures. Whether he 
will continue with WB, which la re- 
leasing 'York,' or- will change bit 
affiliation, will depend upon the of- 
fers, Lasky said, although he would 
D^ef^r 49 rep»jin,.wittij Wf^f'JV.'i'i -w 



56 



Wednesday, July 16, 1941 





n n D HIS 0 Rl H E S f R R 

featuring 

EUGENIE BAIRD ★ JOHNNY McAFEE ^ 



JOHNNY (Paradiddle Joe) MORRIS 



On VICTOR BlUEBIRO Records 

sold over 80,000 records. 
"MARIE ELENA" and "GREEN EYES" In the top ten. 
Current favorltes~"BRAGGIN '"PARADIDDLE JOE" 
"I'VE GOT YOU UNDER MY SKIN" and "DINAH". 




In imAJRlS 

Sensational run at NEW YORK'S PARAMOUNT- 
slated for return. Broke records In leading 
thecrtres In the South and booked for Important 
theatres In the East, Middle West and West. 




InBAUROOiMS 

120,000 people In two days at HAMID'S MILLION 
DOLLAR PIER, Atlantic City, breaking all time 
record. Duplicating this recojrd In feoding ball- 
rooms consistently during current tour. 




A proven fcnrorlte and booked to return to many 
colleges such as WILLIAM & MARY, DUKE, 
BOWDOIN, HARVARD, BROWN, Universities Of 
MARYLAND, SOUTH and NORTH CAROLINA. 



for HOTELS -30 consecutive weeks of the LINCOLN, New York -with 6 NBC network broodcosis weekly 

NOW ON A RECORD BRtAKINO TOUR WITH ENGAGEMENTS TO INCLUDE, 
EASTWOOD GARDENS— Detroit AAANHAHAN BEACH— New York 

CAPITOL THEATRE-Washington EARLE THEATRE— Philadelphia 

CEDAR POINT— Sandusky, Ohio HIPPODROME THEATRE— Bahimor* 

CANADIAN EXPOSITION— Toronto 

Personal Representative— CY SHRIBMAN 
'. . (Exdusiv Aianagemenfj 



CONSOLIDATED 




SCREEN 



RADIO 




S TAG E 



Publlglwil Waaklx at 1C4 We«t 4eth Street, New Tork, N. T„ by Variety, Inc. Annual gubscrlptlon, |10. Slncls copies It cenla 
Entered aa Second-clan matter December 12, 190S, at the Poit Office at New York, N T., under tlie act o( March t, ISIt. 
COrniGBT, IMl, BX VABIBTX, IMC. AIX RIGHTS RKSERVED 



VOL, 143 NO. 7 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1941 



PRICE 25 CENTS 





Vaudeville "Revival' Given Impetus 
By Increasing Army Show Demand 



• Frequently- talked-of hope that the 
Ehows now touring army camps may 
hypo vaude by creating a taste {or 

• It among boys who had never be- 
lore seen live talent was given an 
unusually concrete foUowup this 
week. Morale officer at Fort Ben- 
ning, Ga., has sent one of the boys at 
4he caimp to New York to line up 
talent for a show — to be fully paid 
for — at least every two weeks. 

Demand for vaude by the soldiers, 
inost of whom come from Tennessee, 
Alabama, Louisiana and Florida, fol- 
lowed a three-day stand of a USO- 
flnance'd Citizens Committee mobile 
tmit at the camp recently. Flesh- 
and-blood actor stuff was entirely 
strange to most of the recruits and 
they ate it up with such relish that 

"the morale officer. Major George A. 

. Sossaman.^s going to unusual lengths 
to obtain shows regularly. 

Sossaman has plenty of coin to 
spend for the purpose, too. He has 
,taken most of the tremendous profits 
of the post film theatres and the 
(Continued on page 20) 



Dodger Rally in 9th 
Nipping Giants Put 
_ To. Symphonic Music 



Marital Stymie 



The. stork has Paramount 
temporarily stymied on Its 
plans for musicals for next 
season. Hurry call has been 
placed with the New York 
talent department to try to dig 
up femmes who can sing, dance 
and pass a screen test. 

Studio's three top terpers and 
vocalists are to have babies. 
They are Mary Martin, Veronica 
Lake and Constance Moore. 



Gertrude Niesen s 
}2,000,000 Mansion, 
Leblanged for $21,000 



By JOE SCHOENFELD 

"Wetos JVofe; Mr. and Mrs/Monte 
Niesen have presented the 22-bed- 
room, $2,000,000 /ormer Oelrichs 
villa in Netoporf, R. 1., to their 
daughter, Gertrude, singer, as a 
birtltdav present. Miss Niesen's 
mother bought the mansion for 
$21,000 at an auction. Gertrude 
Niesen toill spend tlie comijiff week- 
end in her new cabana. 



Gertrude Niesen, back from a fly 
ing visit to -her little sliack by the 
Florentine Gardens in Newport, 



FLAGSTAD RFHRING 
AT PEAK OF CAREER 



Russell Bennett's 'Symphony in D 
f<Jr the Dodgers' will be presented 

. Philharmonic Orchestra under the 
baton of Hans Wilhelm Steinberg, at 
Lewisohn Stadium. Red Barber, 
WOR's announcer for the Brooklyn 

-hall club, will be 'guest soloist.' de- 
scribing in the last movement a 
ninth inning rally as the Dodgers 
.come from behind to defeat the 
Giants. 

Steinberg, guest conductor of the 
NBC Symphony, and formerly gen- 
eral musical director of the Frank- 
fort Opera, will be making his first 
appearance this year at the Stadium 
■on that date. He was hunting for a 
. representative American composition 
•when his 13-year-old daughter, 
Sylvia, an ardent Brooklyn fan, sug- 
gested Bennett's Symphony. Other 
movements of .the work are called 
'Dodgers Win,' 'Dodgers Lose,' and 
'Larry McPhail Looks for a Pitcher.' 




U.S. 
TO BE REIILISTIC 



Mobile Units Accredited to 
Army Commands But 
Civilian Automobiles Not 
Wanted — ^Radio Announc- 
ers and Engineers in Uni- 
form 



REHEARSAL 



H wood Banks Heavily on New Talent 
To Lure New-Generation Film Fans 



MAY BE 'CAPTURED' 



Washington, July 22. 
Radio announcers and engineers 
covering this summer's unprecedent- 
edly broad riianeuvers by the newly 
expanded and partly mechanized 
United States army will find the 
easy-going ways of special events 
radically altered. The arms com-' 
mand wants maximum simulation of 
reatism and no clowning. Radio men 
will b« expected to (1) wear uni- 
forms as do regular war correspond- 
(Continued on page 27) 



DAME UFEGUARDS 
CARRY THE MALE 



Detroit, July 22. 
Last stronghold of the sheer male 
Went^down here when the state, be- 
cause of the shortage of beach heroes 
hauled away by the draft, hired 
women life-guards for several of its 
state parks. Rental beaches caught 
on flwlftly and also put in femme 
life-guards to exploit the possibilities. 
, There has been no falling off In 
beach attendance except that males 
now predominate among the bathers, 
formerly mostly feminine. 



Best 'Goodwill' 
Idea Yet: Just 



Opinion in musical circles is that 
Kirsten Flagsted Is using the war 
as an excuse not to return to the 
U. S. from Norway. Last word from 
her came via her husband, who in- 
formed Marks Levine, her NBC 
manager, that she would remain in 
Norway for 'the duration.' NBC 
has bookings totaling $200,000 for her 
and is still reluctant to believe 
she'll pass it up. 

A couple of years ago, when 44, 
she stated she would retire at 45. 
She made close to $1,000,000 in the 
past six years in America and, with 
a wealthy husband and family, is 
known to be desirous of retiring at 
her peak. ■ 



'BVay Rose' Glorified 

'Broadway Rose,' flower-peddling 
protege-pest of- Milton' Berle, is at 
last achieving the lull measure of 
fame. Saturday Evening Post has as- 
signed Maurice Zolotow to do a pro- 
file on her. 

Zolotow, former New York p.a., 
lias just sold a piece on swing to 
the SEP. Mag is said to be planning 
to plunge heavily on Broadway fea 
tures in the future. 



Foreign managers now favor bet- 
tering of the good-neighbor move- 
ment simply by shipping the best 
U. S. • film product to the Latin- 
Americas and forgetting about Latin- 
American themes. Films with any 
background, excepting Latii^-Amer- 
ica, are the sort appreciated in 
that market, in their opinion. 

It is also pointed out that so much 
stress being placed on the Latin- 
American 'good-neighbor' campaign, 
(Continued on page 20) 



Admirers of Lee O'Daniel 
Would Fmance Broadcasts 
From Washington, D. C. 



Austin, Texas, July 22. 

Admirers are seeking to organize 
a club to finance and sponsor regular 
Sunday 'pass - the - biscuits - pappy ■ 
broadcasts from Washington by 
Governor W. Lee O'Daniel, new 
Senator-elect from Texas,' who will 
take over the- toga in August. A 
proposed certificate of membership 
in the 'W. Lee O'Daniel Preserve^ 
Democracy Club' has been exhibited 
hereabouts. 

Membership fee to the organiza- 
tion to which anyone . would be 
eligible would not exceed $1 ac 
cording to present plans. 



'Twas Inevitable 



Philadelphia, July 22. 
Harold 'Buzz' Davis, WDAS 
program director, has composed 
a new song anent a certain gen- 
eral. 

It's called: 'Don't Lear at Me, 
Just Say Yoo-Hoo.' 



Carrillo's Scram-Oat 
On Int'l Police Cony. 
Makes Him Not Wanted 



Portland, Ore., July ^2. 
There may be a lot of places where 
Leo Carrillo can go, and be welcome, 
but It's doubtful that he will ever 
be welcoma in Portland again, fol- 
lowing his sudden exit last week 
after only one day of a scheduled 
three-day visit with the Interna- 
tional Police Convention. 

Perhaps {i Police Convention was 
the wrong event for Carrillo to at- 
tend anyway. But the local officials, 
if they had anything against him in 
the past, were willing to let bygones 
be bygones. Mayor Earl- Riley in- 
vited Carrillo to town, and Police 
Chief Harry Niles personally per- 
suaded Universal to let Carrillo be 
an honored figure at the Interna- 

He was flown up from California, 
feted and honored and lavished with 
gifts. Carrillo was scheduled to ap- 
pear as m.c. at the U.S.-Mexican- 
(Continued on page 24) 



By JACK JUNGHETEB ■ 

Hollywood, iuly 22. 
Pfcture producers are In a mood 
to gamble heavily on new or com- 
paratively unknown falent for im- 
portant and costly films. Recent 
ventures in spotting names new to 
screen audiences have paid hand- 
some returns and have established a 
fresh galaxy of potential stars. 
• Long-shots from the picture prov- 
ing grounds, from the' stage, from 
radio and 6ther entertainment fields, 
or without previous experience in 
any phase of shovy business, have 
romped in on hazardous assignments 
to. justify the official chance-takers. 
The practice of entrusting leading 
roles in even the most costly pictures 
to names totally unfamiliar to screen 
audiences has become widespread 
and in recent months has been great- 
ly accelerated. Hardly a major 
studio that hasn't thus added incal- 
culable player assets' to its money 
talent ranks during the past year. 
So fast has been the exploitation of 
(Continued on page 31) 



ACAPULCA WOULD BE 
MEX 'FRENCH RIVIERA' 



Development of the resort of 
Acapulca, Mexico, as a year-round 
resort to rival the French Riviera 
has increasingly become the idea of 
Emilio Azcarraga, Mexican show- 
man. Latter has for some years 
been a factor in the hotel-building 
and scenic-development setup there. 

Mexican capitalists have invested, 
reportedly, $30,000,000 for the pro- 
gram. 



Joan Crawford-P. Draper 
Concert Tour via Hurok? 

Joan Crawford and Paul Draper 
as a duo for concert appearances is 
a strong possibility for the coming 
long-hair season. S, Hurok is cur- 
rently on the Coast negotiating with 
Miss Crawford, who, it is expected, 
would give a song recital comple- 
menting Draper's hoofology. 

If it's no dice with Miss Crawford, 
Hurok will try to sign Eleanor Po\y- 
ell and make' It an all-stepping pro- 
gram. 



Hughes' Posable Defr 
To Hays Scissoring 
In 'Outlaw' Testing 

Possible deft to the Hays office on 
'The Outlaw' is behind the film's sub- 



Pennsylvania last week. If the cuts 
ordered are fewer than those de- 
manded by the Production Code Ad- 
ministration, Hughes intends to 
withdraw from his distribution con- 
tract with 20th-Fox and send th« 
dim out minus the Hays office seaL 

Hughes has been battling for 
months with the Hayslans, refusing 
to give in to what he considers their 
'inane demands' for scissoring. To 
send the film out without a Hays seal 
will mean it will have to be state- 
righted through Indle exchanges, as 
no major can handle the $600,000 
picture unless approved. 

Hughes' Idea in submitting the pic- 
ture for censorship in N. Y. and 
Pennsy is to find out how much they 
(Continued on page 48) 



SIX OF THE FOYS MAY 
'CARRY ON' IN STAGER 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Six of Eddie Foy's seven boys ara 
plotting to restore memories of their 
father to Broadway next fall in ■ 
stage play, 'The Foys Carry On,' to 
be written by Charlie and Eddie, 
Jr. Dick Krakauer, associated with 
Vinton Freeley and Horace Schmid- 
lapp, is here negotiating with th« 
younger generation of Foys. 

Only absentee in the family re- 
union is Bryan, who Is too busy as 
a producer at Warners to return to 
the stage. 



MISCELLANY 



Wednesdaj, Jnl^ 23, 1941 



Hollywood s Sports Cycle 

Hollywood, July 22. 

Hollywood Is reaching out Into the field of sports to snatch names 
outside of the film star list to decorate marquees. In work now are 
Tom Harmon and Forest Evashevski of Michigan and Sllngin' Sammy 
Baugh of Texas, who burst into publicity at Texas Christian, and 
Billy Conn, the white hope of the knuckle business. In addition, 
Samuel Goldwyn is about to screen the life of Lou Gehrig, the least 
theatrical of baseball stars. 

Spencer Tracy Is Mrs. Lou Gehrig's suggestion for the title role in 
Goldwyn's forthcoming film biog of the Yankee first baseman. Al- 
though there Is no physical resemblance, the widow says, Tracy is her 
choice of an actor who can portray her late husband's ideals most 
clearly. Goldwyn had his contractee, Gary Cooper, in mind when he 
made the deal. 

Life of the late James J. Corbett, heavyweight boxing champion, 
Is about to be filmed by Warners, with Errol Flynn in the name role 
and Robert Fellows as associate producer. 'Ktle of the picture, 'Gen- 
tleman Jim,' was Corbett's appellation as a legit actor between fights. 

Gene Fowler Is understood being slated by Goldwyn to screenplay 
the Gehrig film, but whoever does the screenplay will probably be 
assisted by Richards Vidmer, N. Y. Herald Trlb sports columnist, who 
was one of Gehrig's closest friends and was doing a biog of him at the 
time of his death. Mrs. Gehrig is anxious that Vidmer have a band 
In preparation of the pic to preserve accuracy. Paul Galileo, who at- 
tended Columbia University at the time Gehrig was a baseball star 
there, has also been mentioned as a possible writer on the pic. 



Ty Power StrawiiaU With 
AnnabeUa in Ulioiii' 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Tyrone Power takes a yaoetion 
from pictures by planing to West- 
port, Conn., for two weeks of straw- 
hat acting with his wife, AnnabeUa, 
in 'Liliom,' under direction of Eva 
LaGalUenne, starting Aug. 11. 

Following the rural Interlude, 
Power reports for film work in 
Benjamin Blake' at 20th-Fo]c, 



OUNT BASIE'S 
ANTHROPOLOGY 



Lamborn, Swedbh Editor, Clippers 
Home; Dot Thompson Lradon-Bomid 



By GEOBOE FBOST 

It was mostly 'newspaperman 
ctufC on the airlines in and out o\ 
Mew York's LaGuardia Field th^s 
week. Columnists, publishers, editors 
and writers pushed . the tinsel and 
moonbeam contingents Into the back- 
g'round so that the Press might get 
to and from the great theatres of 
news packing the world of today 
Ttrith the headaches- of tomorrow. 

.Perhaps, of. all the- words poured 
Into the . collection baskets of the 
airdrome's squadron of scribes, the 
most Important phrases came from 
the lips of Rolf Karl A. Lamborn, 
editor of the Stockholms-Tidningen, 
Sweden's largest daily newspaper, 
who said that fireedom of the press 
Is still the people's pride in his na- 
tive' country. 

. Aboard the same Clipper with 
Lamborn, who was retunding after 
eix ' weeks here on business, were 
Paul Patterson, publisher of the 
Baltimore Sunpapers; and Dorothy 
Thompson, New York .Post and Bell 
Syndicate columnist 
' Patterson was London-bound to 
'see what can be seen and hear what 
can be, heard" In three weeks. He 
may do a series of articles on his 
return, if he° can obtain . any 'in 
formation beyond the superficial re- 
tkjrts* and he declared that 
(Continued on. page 27) 



Author 



The Chi Trib of July 17 re- 
ports: , 

A man entered Paul Romaine's 
book shop and ' Inquired for 
dream books and joke boolis. 
The saleswoman, who, noticing 
he was well dressed and curious 
because of the type of books he 
had asked for, inquired if he was 
in the show business. 
- 'I'm a writer,' said the man, 
proudly. He pulled a Varistt 
out of his pocket, opened It up 
and showed her an article. 

'I wrote that,' he said proudly 
and pointed to his by-line. 

He was Milton Berle. 



Boston, July 22. 
Count Basic will lecture on mod- 
ern American music in several col- 
leges close to cities where he is being 
booked for the fall. Arrangements 
are being made by his personal man- 
ager Milton Ebbins with Harvard, 
Amherst, Princeton, Yale, Cornell, 
of Chicago, U. of Pennsylvania, 
Columbia, ^tamford «nd the U. of 
California. 

This was brought about by the 
success of his lecture last April be- 
fore the student body at Washington 
University under Professor. James S. 
Slotkin head of the university's phy- 
siology and anthropology depart- 
ments. 

Basic's talks will be illustrated 
with the following septet from his 
orchestra, featuring himself on piano, 
Joe Jones at drums, Walter Page on 
string bass, Freddie Greene on gui- 
tar. Buck Clayton on trumpet, Tab 
Smith on alto sax, and Buddy Tate 
on tenor sax. 



ProdiKer-Director-Writer 
Deal for Oboler at 20th 



> Hollywood, July 22 

Arch Oboler, radio writer and 
producer, inked a 'three-way picture 
deal with 20th-Fox as producer-di- 
rector-writer. 

. First triple-credit job Is an un- 
there | titled original, to be filmed in asso,- 
elation with Mark HeUInger. 



Lambs' Wash Origin Recalled 

Ist American Wash, at Bayside, L. I., in 187S, 
Stenuned from British Lambs 



By JOE LAUBIE, JR. 

It was a far cry from the first 
Lambs' Washing, held on the estate 
of the late Clay M. Greene, Bayside, 
L. L, in 1875, to the one that the 
L.ambs held Sunday (20) at the 
Percy Williams Home, East Islip, 
L. L A special train conveyed over 
400 merrymakers to the 1941 .version. 

Quoting from Wallace Munroe's 
'History of the Lambs' Wash': 'One 
evening in the early spring of 1875, 
Montague, Harry Backett, Arthur 
Wallack and a couple of congenial 
cronies, who, a few months prior, 
bad organized a little supper club 
known V as the Lambs . . . sauntered 
from Wallack's theatre, then at 13th 
^eet and Broadway, Into Delmon- 
ico's Restaurant on 14th street, to 
have their nightly bite and chat in 
the Blue Room. Montague, while 
telllng^stories of the London Lambs, 
(Continued on page 29) 



Warner, Bryan Foy In 
Studio and Yacht Deals 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Bryan Foy and Warners are con- 
cluding a new three-year producer 
deal, although the current Foy con- 
tract has not yet expired. 

Off-the-lot deal, meanwhile, made 
Foy possessor of the yacht. Pasha, 
formerly owned by Jack L. Warner, 
who recently bought George Brent's 
boat, Southwlnd, and didn't want a 
fleet on his hands. 



Cook Sells 'Sle^ess 
HoHow/ Endnig 17 Yrs. 
Of Hopatcong Laughs 



Joe Cook, the host of Lake Ho 
patcong, N. J., has sold his famous 
estate, 'Sleepless Hollow,' and, ac' 
companled .by his Four Hawailans, 
is leaving for a long-cherished trip 
by motor to the northwest He will 
return in a couple of months by way 
of San Francisco, then deciding on 
future plans. Though he will prob 
ably go through with a pet ambl 
tion or two, Cook will not leave 
show business. 

The place has been bought by 
Frederick Stocker, who cleaned up 
manufacturing gummed paper. Mr, 
and Mrs. Stockers live nearby on the 
Jersey Lake and have done a certain 
amount of developing, but they in' 
tend keeping the Cook estate in' 
tact, maintaining the tradition es 
tablished by the coniedlan-juggler, 
'There are fabulous stories about the 
tricks and gadgets on Cook's place, 
but the facts are that it always was 
most orderly and the novelties wei'e 
for laughs.' The grounds and houses 
will remain as is, Including the golf 
course with Its surefire hole-In-one. 

'Hollow' was sold for close to $43, 
ODD. It was placed on the market 
slightly more than a year ago for 
$1,000 less. About the time the 
Stockers sought the property four 
(Continued on page 62) 
:.i.-..-r..-ri Ij.ii jj^i.- l-iii ioiii 



.'♦»♦»♦♦♦♦♦»♦«#»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦I MMM «>» ^ ; 

THE BERLE-BVG POINT i 

By Milton Berle 

^^♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦«««« M «« ♦♦♦«♦♦ 



4 Ex-Showgirls Share 
Entire Wm. Guggenheim 
Estate of $1,000,000 



Four former showgirls are named 
as equal and sole beneficiaries of the 
entire estate of William ■ Guggen 
helm, millianaire- philanthropist, who 
died June 27 at 72 in New York, 
Will, to be filed In a few days, makes 
no provision for the widow, Mrs. 
Aimee Steinberger Guggenheim, or 
son, William, Jr. Estate Is esti' 
mated at $1,000,000 or more. 

'I give whatever property I have, 
wheresoever It may be situated, real, 
personal or mixed,' the will raids, 
to the following: Mildred Borst 
Lilyan Andrus, Mary Alice Rice and 
Florence Sullivan,' share and share 
alike.' In explaining the absence of 
a bequest to the widow or son, the 
will states, 'I have made ample pro- 
vision for them during my lifetime.' 
However, Mrs. Guggenheim's attor- 
neys declared that 'when the will Is 
filed Mrs. Guggenheim will assert 
her statutory right to receive onC' 
third of her late husband's estate.' 

Mildred Borst one of the bene- 
ficiaries, was in various Broadway 
musicals, including Ziegfeld and 
Earl Carroll productions. She lives 
in New York and North Haven, 
Conn. Mary Alice Rice and Flor- 
ence SuUivan also live in New York 
Lilyan Andriis, who was 'Miss 
America' in 1929, was subsequently 
married to Henry Komblum, a real 
estate broker. He committed suicide 
a few months later and Miss Andrus 
now lives on the Coast 



Rose's (PA) Chalenge 
To Lmdbergh; %\ Gate 



Chicago, July 22. - 

Still packing 'em in at the Chez Paree: What crowds! Now I know what 
kind of a life a sardine leads. 

Entertained a couple of Iowa farmers the other night.... I gave them 
back some of their own com. 

So hot here last week — m .order to keep cool I went to bed with my 
fan mall. 

Trained out to Arlington Racetrack. In the parlor car the porter brushed 
me off and on my way back he brushed my underwear. .. .lost my shirtl 

Met a wiseacre In the Loop that owed me $10. PJ5. — He now owes 
me $15. 

IBresdway Department 

Sonny Schuyler went on his vacation and sent his girl a post card: 
'Scenery is here, wish you were beautiful.' 

One Catsklll resort is getting rftzy this year. In order to go up there, a 
herring must come from a good family. 

Moss Hart went to the opening of a Broadway show that moved very 
fast but sad to say the audience moved faster. ^ 

Chuck Green knows a phoney who owes so much money he has his pic- 
ture in. every finance company, with a sign under it. , . .'N. G.' 

Hollywoodlana 

Mack Gordon knows a producer in Hollywood who was never success- 
ful because he never had a nervous breakdown. 

Phil Silvers asked his girl, 'How about some Gin-Rummy?' She 
answered, 'I'll drink, but don't call me naioes.' 

Know an extra m Hollywood whose mink coat was so cheap — the moths 
hired doubles to eat It up. 

Jimmy Fidler was at Giro's last Sunday. He was so tired he couldn't 
keep his ears open. 

Jack Benny, saw a sign on the Arizona border: 'Panhandlers are not al- 
lowed to enter California without picture contracts.' 

iknslo Department j 
Do you think B. M, I. songs will bring back minstrel shows? 
John Barrymore and W. C. Fields are forming a new musical organiza- 
tion to be called 'Tipping Rhythm.' 

. Bmdio Department 
Fibber McGee knows a radio comedian who has low blood pressure..., 
and Crpssley to match. 

The Brotherhood of Jlevator Operators are going on the air with a new 
program called ''Caught In the Shaft.' 

There's No Trnth to the Homer 
That Ben Bemie puts the hair on his toupee up in curlers every night 
..That Btnff Crosbv has his shirts made for him by an awning manufac- 
turer. .. .That Tiarrver Bros, is making a picture called: "The Bride Came 
C.O.D, F.03. via T.W.A.' 

Hangnail Desvlptlvns 

Cab Calloway — Crazy with the Beat. .. .Micfcey Rooney — Leo the Lion's 
Jockey... Broadwov Rose— the Pig-feld Girl. . .Rochester^Dark Victory 
Observation Department 
One good thing about the Conscription Bill It got my cousin out of the 
fifth grade. 

Saw a sign on the Harris theatre in Chicago: My Sister Eileen'— 
scientifically cooled.' 

Eavesdropped at The Ivanhoe: 'She's made a fool out of more men than 
a pin ball machine.' 

Eavesdropped at The Rhumba Casino: 'He's so illiterate he even speaks 
with an X.' 

Whatever Became of T T ? T 

Wanzer & Palmer The Rios 

Harry Hines Stanley & Birnea 

Luster Bros. Reed & Duthers 

Atterpleee 

Don't think writing this column hasn't been fun. . . .because it hasn'^ 



Quits on 'Hut Suf Profits 



Meantime Some S5 New Publishing Houses Have 
Started Since ASCAP-Radio Feud 



. Offer was made by Billy Rose to 
Charles A. Lindbergh on Saturday 
(19) to rent Madison Square Garden 
at Rose's expense if' the Colonel 
would make a speech 'condemning 
Hitler and his gang.' Midget show- 
man's only stipulation was that a 
feature of the. rally be a public heat- 
ing out of shape and melting down 
of the medal the flier was handed 
by the Nazis In 1938. 

Rose's offer, undoubtedly not done 
without the inspiration of Mike Mok, 
his p.a., followed Lindbergh's re- 
quest to the President that he be 
publicly vindicated Of ' charges by 
Secretary Ickes of pro-Nazi leap- 
ings. 

'I understand that your speeches 
are prepared by others,'. Rose con- 
cluded his wire. 'In the event that 
your ghost writer does not relish this 
particular job I stand ready to ask 
a rfal American like Robert £. 
Sherwood to write It for you . . 



Laura Lee Stil Has 
That Show Biz Urge, 
Helps On Army Siows 



Mrs. Lou Payne, the former Laura 
Lee of pictures and stage, has been 
quite active recently staging soldier 
entertainment at Fort Monmouth, 
N. J. For one thing, the Paynes 
have • home In nearby Elberon, 
N. J., and it's part of her civic in- 
terest Her show biz background en- 
ables her to Une up important talent 
such as the show that went to Mon- 
mouth Monday night (23), including 
Harry Richman, Ethel Shutta, Bert 
Wheeler, Emile Boreo, (^andra- 
Kaley Dancers, Al Bernie, Shep 
Fields, Pritchard and Lord. 

Mrs. Payne works with Major 
(Continued on page 10) 



HONOR TED LEWIS 

Oreh Leader Celebrates St.OMth 
Stage Performanoe 



Ted Lewis' 50,000th stage perfo'hn- 
ance was given a special sentimental 
celebration on the stage of Xioew's 
State, N. Y., Monday night (21), im- 
mediately following his lest regular 
performance of the day. Al Rosen, 
State's manager, planned the affair 
and a number of Lewis', show biz 
pals showed up to take part in an 
'afterpiece' that ran over an hour 
and was an extra show for the cus- 
tomers. 

Ted Friend, N. Y. Mirror's nit^ry 
columnist, m.c.d the anniversary pro- 
ceedings and Billy Vine, Yvette Ru- 
gel, Ted Straeter, Bee Kalmus, 
Henny Youngman, B^ock and Sully, 
Dolly Dawn, Belle Baker and Benny 
Fields participated. 



Since the ASCAP-radio schism ex- 
actly 55 new independent music pub- 
lishing firms have come into-- beings 

according to the Contact' Man's 
union. Of these, 45 are still active, 
with one, two or three songs. 

Perhaps.. .one of the most signally 
successful, Walter Scnumann of Lot 
Angeles, with 'Hut Sut Song,' Is quit- 
ting the busiAess with his profits 
from that nimiber which started as a 
hobby venture In the first place. 



RABINOWrrCH AWAITS 
DANIELLE DARRIEUX 



Gregor Rabinowltch, French film 
producer of Russian extraction. Is 
awaiting Danielle Darrieux, his 
star in France, who Is due over Aug. 
24. The French gal, formerly In 
America for Universal and who 
starred In 'Rage of Paris' until con- 
tractual committments to Rabino- 
wltch took her back to France, I* 
currently in Cannes. She plans to 
join her manager in U. S. unit pro- 
duction, . 

Rabinowltch, meantime, is going 
with his family to Lake Placid, 
N. Y., for the summer. He, because 
of his Russe background, and also 
because he was an honorary Aus- 
trian citizen (personally, made so by 
Dolfuss at the time he produced pic- 
tures . in Vienna), was personally 
tangled up on his passport For en 
entire year Rabinowltch was in en- 
forced Idleness In Cannes until his 
papers' were set in order, only ar- 
riving in the U. S. two weeks ago. 

His Clne-AlUance produced In 
Paris and Berlin, multi-lingually, 
and until the French occupation he 
was personally welcome to the Nazi 
picture business for reasons of in- 
dustry. 



Wednesday, July 2% 1941 



mSCELLANY 



LEGIT IN PICTURE HOUSES 

. . •♦■ 4 -■ 

Bands 'Convoyed' By Canadian Border 
Inspectors to Escape Long Delays 



Some bands going into Canada for 
dance dates have found a new way 
to get around border delays and red 
tape. Instead o( being held at ports 
of entry sometimes for as long as 
three to four hours by customs offi- 
cials, outfits go into the country un- 
der 'convoy' of a customs inspector 
who sees to it that no rules are vio- 
lated. His time is paid for by .the 
promoter who boolced the band. 

As it is now a group entering 
Canada is held at the borc|er while 
a manifest is filled out itemizing 
names of men, number of instru- 
ments and other property, and a 
cash bond is posted insuring that 
everything listed will be brought out 
again. Ann Richardson, of Consoli- 
dated Radio Artists, developed the 
■ 'cotwoy' system. She prepares 
proper manifest forms in advance, 
notifies Canadian customs of when 
end where the band will, enter and 
arranges for an inspector to meet 
It; latter simply climbs aboard the 
outfit's bus and sticks with it as long 
as it remains in Canada. The cost, 
-usually about $20-$30, is borne by 
the promoter. 

Advantages of the idea are many. 
It eliminates posting a bond (some- 
times as much as $400, which is tied 
up for weeks before it's returned), 
loss of time at the border, and the 
job of turning out baggage for in- 
spection. For the promoter, it's 
worth it to him to know that a long 
border delay won't be a factor in 
making the band late for his job, 
especially if the group is making a 
long jump from a previous night's 
stand. 



MIAMI IS HAYING ITS 
FIRST SUMMER BOOM 



Miami, July 22. 

Just because school teachers from 
Georgia and the Carolina's can't go 
to Bermuda or on cruises, plus other 
elements, midsummer boom times in 
Miami are surprising everybody. 
Many hotels which remain open the 
year round, because visiting school- 
marms are a time-honored custom, 
now find ' that not only the short- 
budgeted educators but others have 
decided to holiday in Florida, heat 
or no heat. 

Result is that cafes like the 
Dempsey-Vairderbilt's Toorn, Club 
Bali, the . Wit's End, Kitty Davis' 
Airliner and others, also the vaud- 
fllm Olympia in downtown Miami, 
«. all doing exceptionally well. 



From $50 to $750 Wkly. 
In Radio in Two Years 

Bob Hannon will substitute for 
Lanny Ross starting next Monday 
(28) on the Franco-American Spa- 
ghetti quarter hours daily at 7:15 
p.m. on CBS. Substitution is for 
two weeks and follows Hannon 
stepping in some moiilhs ago when 
Ross took ill. 

There is a success story behind 
Hannon's rise from an NB(5 sustain- 
ing tenor, at around $50 per less 
than two years ago, to .his present 
reported weekly stipend of $750 
weekly for the Young & Rubicam 
special engagempnt. 



10-YEAR RUN MAY END 



Smillnr Ed McConnell's Contlnaed 
Tenure With Acme Is Dooblfal 

Chicago, July 22. 
After some 10 years on the ether 
for Lin-X, the Acme White •'Lead 
product, Smilin' Ed McConnell may 
wse this sponsor. This follows in- 
•luines made for possible setting of a 
"rictly national spot schedule lor the 
•ccount. 

Henri, Hurst & McDonald agency 
°ere 13 figuring' on a schedule in 
™me 41 markets, with a show of a 
^libre entirely different from the 
«cConneU show. 



New Glamor Boyt 



Hollywood, July 22. 

The new aristocracy of Holly- 
wood are young executives in 
the aviation and other defense 
industries hereabouts, according 
to the landlords. They're the 
ones now leasing the smart 
houses in the film capital ' and 
motoring to the sundry aircraft 
centres for work. • 

Incidentally, even the picture 
bunch admits there's more show- 
manship in aviation than Holly- 
wood ever boasted, and is really 
making pictures a road company 
when it comes to fancy exploita- 
tion methods and romance-of- 
Industry stuff. 



CARLLAEMEE'S 
ESTATE WORTH 

$2,518,908 



Hollywood, July 22. 
Carl Laemmle estate has been ap- 
praised at $2,518,908, it was disclosed 
in Probate court filing. Property 
comprises stock in many corpora- 
tions, Hollywood business properties 
and real estate valued at $150,000 
which Includes a Beverly Hills 
home. 

Will, admitted to probate after 
Laemmle died in 1930, gave bulk of 
his estate to son Carl, Jr. and 
daughter Rosabelle L. Bergman, Re- 
quests also made to many charitable 
organizations. 

BRITISH WAR RELIEF 
GETS SONG ROYALTY 

First tie-in with the British War 
Relief Society is Thumbs Up* by 
Moe. Jaffe. and . Jack O'Brien, which 
Harry Linlc (Feist) set. 

He's paying BWRS Ic per copy 
royalty towards its fund. ASCAP 
has waived all restrictions and it's 
hoped tFie" British cause will induce 
the networks not to restrict it, 
whether or not 'peace' is made with 
the Society. 



ROBERT GESSNER TO COAST 

Professor of the Cinema at Colum- 
bU Visits Hollywood 



Robert Cessner, who heads a new 
Dept. of Motion Pictures at New 
York University, leaves for the Coast 
Aug. 21 where ha will sojourn until 
the semester starts Sept. 23. While 
in Hollywood Gessner will collect 
good examples of shooting scripts 
appropriate for classroom material. 

Incidentally, his new novel, 'Here 
Is My Home,' It being scheduled for 
fall publication by Alliance. Gess- 
ner's first book, 'Massacre,' was 
filmed by Warners some time ago. 
Myron Selznick is handling the new 
work. 



Clurman CoL Producer 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Harold Clurman checked in at Co- 
lumbia yesterday (Mom.) to start 
work under a contract as associate 
producer. 

Formerly a Group Theatre produ- 
cer in New York, Clurman was 
brought to Hollywood by 20th-Fox 
six months ago and has spent the 
intervening time observing film pro- 
duction. 




, SLRLIN IN 
DEAL ON TAIHEII' 



Will Play Number of RKO 
Theatre* Outside New 
York — Film Circuit Giv- 
ing Play 'Full Cooperation' 



NEW TREND ? 



What may be the forerunner of 
an affiliation between film interests 
and legit managers, particularly as 
applied to th6 road, is an arrange- 
ment entered into between George 
J. Schaefer, head of RKO Pictures, 
and Oscar Serlin, producer of 'Life 
With Father.' So far that is the only 
play concerned. 'Father,' which will 
show coast to coast next season, 
will be presented in a number of 
RKO houses, those booked being in 
Columbus, Rochester, N. Y., Provi- 
dence and several smaller stands. 

Schaefer, who is stated to have 
agreed that stage plays will be a 
welcome change of pace to contin- 
uous film fare. He is quoted saying 
that 'Father,' regarded as a standout 
for the experiment of placing shows 
in picture houses, will have the 'full 
support and cooperation of the. RKO 
organization.' 

Picture head does not go so far as 
to indicate the outfit will book plays 
indiscriminately, but ventures the 
belief that Broadway hits going on 
the road will be welcomed in film 
houses of most major Hollywood 
companies. 



CRITIC BACKS DOWNEY 
REFUSAL TO WARBLE 



Minneapolis, July 22. 

In his Star-Journal column, Cedric 
Adams took to task patrons of a 
downtown nitery who booed Morton 
Downey, there as a guest for relaxa- 
tion after his local 'Aqua Follies' 
appearance, for refusing to sing. He 
had taken a bow, but two- or three 
tables of other guests insisted that 
he vocalize and were responsible for 
the booing when he indicated noth- 
ing doing, according to Adams. 

'Supposing some night you have a 
plumber over at your house for din- 
ner,' Adams pointed out in his col- 
umn. 'When the meal is over you 
say: Now, friends, I want to intro- 
duce Harry Hockelputch, the plumb- 
er. Let's all give Harry a little 
h9nd,. ..Harry: stand., up and take s 
bow and then go down and fix the 
leak in the laundry tub.' 

Adams also pointed out that Dow- 
ney had finished a hard liirn and 
that his pipes undoubtedly were 
weary. Besides, said the columnist, 
the performers' contract probably 
prohibits any outside singing. 

'There could have been a dozen 
reasons for his refusal,' concluded 
Adams. 'Booing , certainly had no 
place in the scene.' 



MENUHIN SHATTERS 
DELL'S MOB RECORD 



Philadelphia, July 22. 

The appearance of Yehudi Menu- 
hin as guest soloist broke the sea- 
son's record at the Robin Hood Dell 
last Tuesday (15) with more than 
11,000 persons laying about $10,000 
on the line to listen. 

Previous record was tha 10,000 at- 
tendance for the Bertny Goodman 
concert the previous week. 



Happily Missed the Boiat 



Hollywood. July 22. 

Kaaren Verne, -actress refugee 
from Germany via England, escaped 
deportation through a role in 'Kings 
Row' at Warners. 

U. S. Immigration Department had 
given her until Sept. 4 to get a job, 
or else. 



Nazis Encourage French Show Kz 
To Dispel Reports of Low Spirits 



Picket Line Show Biz 



Newcomerstown, O., July 22. 

Striking pickets at the tool 
plant of the Heller Brothers 
Co. at Newcomerstown, O., are 
employing professional enter- 
tainers to help them through the 
long hours spent on the picket 
lines. 

They are also sponsoring street 
dancing to break the monotony. 



METRO GETS FM 
RADIO OKAY 
FROM FCC 



Washington, July 32. 

Two California FM permits were 
authorized Wednesday (16) by the 
Federal Communications Commis- 
sion. Establishment of a transmitter 
in the Santa Monica Mountains to 
'cover the Los Angeles metropolitan 
district and adjacent basis trading 
areas of Los Angeles, Orange, and 
Ventura counties, as well as the 
westera part of Riverside County' 
was allowed Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 
Studios, Inc. According to applicant 
more than 2,500,000 potential listen- 
ers reside in the 7,000-mile area cov- 
ered by the new area. Pending ap- 
proval of the antenna site by the 
Civil Aeronautics Administration 
(which rides herd on antenna lowers 
which might interfere with the op- 
ertion of planes in an area where 
aviation operations are of paramount 
public interest). FCC added that 
Metro could 'arrange' to use the 46,- 
100 kc frequency. 

Class C station construction permit 
was awarded Columbia Broadcasting 
of Hollywood for 'extended urban 
and rural service from an antenna 
planned atop Mount Wilson, Pasa- 
dena, subject to certain engineering 
and legal requirements.' CBS is au- 
thorized to use the 43.100 frequency 
for this purpose. 



MARIA KORDA SUES ON 
PROPERTY SETTLEMENT 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Maria Korda filed suit in superior 
court for. $143,000 and interpretation 
of her property settlement with film 
producer Alexander Korda. 

Action amended a previous com- 
plaint asking her divorce decree be 
set aside. Complainant is producer's 
first %*i(e. He's now married to 
Merle Oberon. 



WITH GENERAL LEAR 



Barney Oldfleld, Critic Turned Cap- 
tain, Has P. A. Assignnienl 



Lincoln, July S2. 

Capt. Barney Oldfleld, former film 
reviewer for the Journal, goes to the 
job of director of radio publicity for 
the Second Army — that's Lt. Gen. 
Ben CYoo-Hoo') Lear's outfit. As- 
signment carries for three months 
through the Arkansas and Louisiana 
maneuvers, and may become a per- 
manent berth. 

This is the sixth place for Oldfleld 
to light in less than eight months 
exercise of his reserve commi-ssion, 
all of the assignments having to do 
with public relations. The Captain's 
year is up Nov. -24, if that means 
anything. 



Paris,' June 25. 

Defeat and occupation, blackout 
and curfew, restrictions and ration- 
ing, poverty and unemployment and 
moral and physical depression not- 
withstanding, the biz of entertain- 
ing Parisians continues to show a 
steady, definite upbeat. 

With the unshuttering of the Navy, 
a Russian boite, and tlie Parnasse in 
Montparnasse, Paris now boasts of 
66 niteclubs ..nd danceries. In Oc- 
tober of last year there were about 
35 hotspots. By the end of Janu- 
ary the number had increased to 
55. 

The bull market, however, is not 
limited to boites only but to legits, 
music halls, variety houses, film the- 
tres as well, while restaurants, 
cafes and bars are more than hold- 
ing their own despite stricter re- 
strictions and other hampering leg- 
islation brought on by present exig- 
encies. 

There are some 175 cinemas In- 
cluding nabe houses exhibiting Ger- 
man and French films. In the last 
few months the Nazi authoritiies have 
permitted the French to release som* 
of the productions completed be- 
fore and during the ill-fated war 
which were collecting dust in tha 
(Continued on page 24) 



HARRY JOLSON'S CLAIM 
ON BROTHER ALKAYOED 



Harry Jolson's $25,050 suit against 
his brother, Al Jolson, was tossed 
oXit of N. Y. supreme court Monday 
(21) when Justice Samuel I. Hof- 
stadter granted summary judgment 
to the star. Suit claimed breach of 
contract in that Al allegedly failed 
to pay Harry $150 weekly to stay 
off the theatrical stage. 

Harry claimed Al was desirous of 
being the only actor in the family, 
and offered him $150 weekly for life 
not to act. Money asked represented 
what was allegedly owed under the 
contract. Court found the contract 
to be oral, and that it was not per- 
formed within a year of its making, 
which Justice Hofstadter found was 
'repugnant to the Statute of Frauds.' 



New Laugh Team 

Hollywood, July 22. 

Jack Carson and Jackie C. Glea- 
son, comic duo in 'Navy Blues,' con- 
tinue as a slapstick team in 'You're 
In the Army Now' at Warners. 

Picture starts July 28, with A. Ed- 
ward Sutherland directing. 




Trad* Mark Reiclstereil 
FOUNDED BT BIME SH-VERMAN 
rublliilied Weekly by VAHIbTV, Inc. 

8ld Silvormah, President 
1S4 Went 4C[h Street, Nuw York. N. T. 



SUESCRIPTION 










.2( Cenia 


Vol. 143 tiitgl^* 


No. 7 



INDEX 

Band Reviews 50 

Bills 57 

Chatter 61 

Coin Machines 50 

Concert 48 

Exploitation 14 

Film Booking Chart 13 

Film Reviews 8. 

Film Trade Showings 24 

House Reviews 56 

Inside — Legit 58 

Inside — Orchestras 49 

Inside — Radio 43 

International .News. 19 

Literati 60 

Legitimate 58 

Music 49 

Night Clubs 53 

Night Club Reviews 54 

Obituary 62 

Orchestras 49 

Pictures 4 

Radio 34 

Radio Markets 40 

Radio Reviews 46 

Vaudeville 53 

DAJT.T V.tnlFTT 

(Fulillnbcd In llnllywood br 
Dally Variety. I..td.) 
tlO a year— tl2 foreign 



PICTUBES 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



CoUegiate Writmg Amateurs OK 
h Metro's Post-Grad Scriptery 



♦ ♦♦♦ M »««» MMMMM < 

The screwball "Mr. and Mrs." com- 
edies. 



Hollywood, July 22. 
Universities are proving ideal test- 
ing grounds for Metro's junior writer 
search to develop new scribblers 
•who have something to oder Holly- 
wood with original ideas, Xreshne.'^s 
of characters and dialog. Metro's 
program of starting a group of new 
pen and typewriter pushers, fresh 
from the country's colleges, each 
summer, so far has paid off hand- 
somely for the two years it has been 
in operation. Idea of training script 
newcomers was launched a number 
of years ago by the late Irving Thal- 
berg but vas dropped for several 
years before getting underway again. 

Success of three writers who got 
their original start during the Thal- 
'berg days played a part in the re- 
newal of the school. Trio now have 
a number of individual screen credits 
and have been responsible for aiding 
in several money-making pictures, 
proving possibilities in store- for a 
studio that takes the trouble to bring 
■long new scribes. 

Studio points with pride to Waldo 
Salt, Hugo Butler, both from Stan, 
ford, and William Ludwig from Co- 
lumbia. Trio has Chalked up a good 
score of writing points and proven to 
the studio that bringing youngsters 
^resh from universities can pay divi- 
dends if properly developed. 

Metro's recruiting begins around 
March of each year when student 
material, selected by some 37 unl 
versities, is submitted to the studio 
for reading and selection of the best 
possibilities. After considerable 
weeding of the poems, short stories 
(Continued on page 31) 



LIKE FATHER, LIKE— 

TouDt Fairbanks BranclieB Ont as 
Frodnccr-Stsr 



Endorses Picture Biz 
Glorifying Itself, But 
Not in Reverse English 



The trailers for coming 
feature programmes. . 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Douglas Fairbanks is about to at- 
tain his ambition to follow in his 
father's footsteps as a producer-star. 
In his next picture, "The Corsican 
Brothers,' Fairbanks gets credit as 
associate producer with Edward 
Small as well as double star in the 
brothers roles. 

Gregory Ratoft Is in the middle as 
director. 



The newsreel bathing - beauty, 
motorcycle race, ship launching and 
rodeo clips. 



PETROL CUT-DOWN K.O.'S 
CANADIAN TOURISM 



Indianapolis, July 19. 
Zdttor, Vabiety: 

Some weeks ago I saw your story, 
I think it stemmed from the Allied 
organization in Chicago, that the mo- 
tion picture business could help it- 
eelf a bit more by self-exploiting it- 
self via its own medium — i.e.,thepic- 
tures it produces. 

It was argued then that the movies. 
Instead of glorifying the aviation in- 
dustry, the trouble-shooters of the 
telephone company, or sundry 
branches of our own national mili- 
tary branches, or historical heroes of 
other lands in other times, might. 
Just once or twice, do something to 
represent the film industry in a sym 
pathetic light. It wasn't stated in 
your story, but I might add for my 
self, tbat whenever Hollywood and 
Its product is treated at the source, 
It's invariably in reverse-English, 
i.e. with a satirical, anti-industry 
stance. 

Try and do that to any other bust 
ness and we in the picture business 
hear plenty of squawks. What I'm 
leading up to is the new Tom, Dick 
and Harry' illm (RKO) which I just 
caught at a screening. Already 
hear that the automotive industry is 
burned up over that scene whereby 
a car, advertised at under $600, is 
satirically utilized in a comedy se- 
quence to point up that with FOB, 
extras, financing, etc., it actually 
costs the ultimate consumer almost 
twice as much. 

On the other hand, Tom, Dick and 
Harry' does open with a scene in a 
cinema, with Ginger Rogers and 
George Murphy as the typical boy 
and-girl fans, thrilled by the feature, 
hissing Hitler in the newsreels, etc, 
I think that's one of a few good 
usages that are pro-Hollywood. But 
speaking of another argument, also 
advanced In Variett some months 
ago — this time from somebody in 
Detroit— that the films are foolish to 
play up the favorable aspects of 
their chief competitors, such as bowl 
ing, night baseball, etc., this same 
picture certainly gives the tenpin 
game a great buildup. I should think 
the Brunswick-bowling alley people 
would urge every one of its customers 
to see 'Tom, Dick and Harry' because 
of this «lone. 

Anyway, it's curious to me how 
one film points up three of these 
points: a plug for bowling, a some- 
what satirical sequence about auto- 
flnanclnj, and just' d casual buildup 
for our own business. 

Why hot a little more of the last? 

S. W. Jenkins. 



Detroit, July 22 
Tourist business to Canada has 
neared collapse following the new 
Dominion, ban on sale of gasoline 
from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and on Sun^ 
days, according to the observation 
at this major entry point. Even the 
'amusement business in the numer- 
ous border cities has fallen off be 
cause footloose Americans, who pa 
tronized the Canadian niteries and 
dance spots, refuse to take the 
chance of being stranded. 

G, R. Cottrelle, Dominion oil con 
troller, has declared that tourists 
will" receive no concessions in Can- 
ada, On the day following his ah 
nouncement, the Automobile Club of 
"Michigan reported that four out of 
every five telephone inquiries were 
from prospective Canadian tourists 
who wanted to get 'exemptions' or 
a new route in this country. 

At the bridge and tunnel here it 
is reported that the nightly flow of 
Detroiters, who formerly shot across 
the border to take advantage of the 
16% increase on the money because 
of favorable exchange and also the 
better liquor prices, .-are staying 
home. 



Jerry WaM's New Hitch 
As Producer at Warners 



Hollywood, July 22. 
Jerry Wald, former writer, cur 
rently co-producing with i Jack Saper 
on The Man Who Came to Dinner* 
at Warners, drew a new seven-year 
contract as associate producer. Cur, 
rent picture in his second co-produc 
tion job with Saper. His first >yas 
'Navy Blues.' 

Initial picture under his own steam 
will be a tale of the evening prowl- 
ers, 'Jook Girl.' • 



Nix for Pix 

By SIDNEY BURTON 



The Bnishoff Is the Same Whether 
It Happens in H wood or on B way 



double- 



The depressive 
comedy' shorts. 



inanities of the 



The flack fancy double-talk for the 
latest flopola. 

* • * 

The synthetic blurb buildup for 

the latest blonde starlet. 

■ • • « 

The average director's conception 
of love, romance and marriage. 

* * * 

Screen stars who imagine them- 
selves authorities on world prob- 
lems. 

* * * 

Producers who tell exhibitors how 
to run theatres. 

* ♦ ♦ . 

Exhibitors who tell producers how 

to make pictures. 

* « * 

The eye-for-an-eye moral payoff 
decreed by the Hays office. 

* • * 

The producer brainstorm that 
practically dny bandleader or radio 

star is a bet for pictures. 

* * • 

The daffy stories dreamed up by 
the studio hacks in the attempt to 
prove it. 



San Francisco, July 22. 

Insidious influence of motion pic- 
tures was embarrassingly revealed 
here during luncheon in honor of 
Lady Halifax at Palace hotel. Prom- 
inent socialite, making speech of 
welcome, upset decorum by twice re- 
ferring to the Ambassador's wife as 
Lady Hamilton.' UA's 'That Hamil- 
ton Woman' recently had its first 
run here. 

Proceedings were being waxed by 
NBC, which edited out the touchy 
portions before delayed airing. Or- 
dinarily, program would have been 
broadcast direct but facilities were 
tied up by more important address 
of Lord Halifax which took place 
simultaneously in another dining 
room. 



The Hollywood 
mike- tattlers. 



poison pen and 



The stufTed-shirt, 
lem solvers. 



industry-prob- 



U.S.-CANADIAN PIC ON 
HEMISPHERE DEFENSE 



Toronto, July 22. 

With the cooperation of the U.S. 
Government, the Canadian National 
Film Board will immediately under- 
take the shooting of a picture, as yet 
untitled, dealing with American 
Hemisphere defense and covering 
the interlocking arrangements from 
the Arctic in the Gulf against poten- 
tial enemies, whether these come 
from the Atlantic or the Pacific. 
With the Department of Information 
(Canada) footing the bill, the film 
will be shot 50-50 on locales here and 
in the U.S. 

John Grierson,- former director of 
British-made pictures and "now ap' 
pointed Canadian Film Commis- 
sioner, will supervise. 



Perlberg's 'Gents' 

Hollywood, July 22. 

William Perlberg will produce 
'Ten Gentlemen from West Point,' 
at 20th Century-Fox, with Randolph 
Scott starred. 

Richard Maibaum Is scripting, 
from an original by Malvin Wald. 



PIX INFLUENCE 



Lady Hamilton' Beference to Lady 
Halifax Embarrassing 



NEWSREELS IN A SPOT 
ON RUSSO-NAZI CLIPS 



American newsreels thus far are 
holding the bag on coverage of the 
Russo-German warfare. U. S. news- 
reel companies months ago quit ac- 
cepting material from Nazi govern- 
ment sources, because not permitted 
to use it as they saw fit. The reels 
have received information that ex- 
cellent camera work is being done 
by the Russian government crews 
with the troops at the front, but no 
material has been made available, 
and thus far the Soviet agents have 
refused to make any commitments 
regarding these films. Hence, this 
has closed up all sources of Supply 
tor the present. 

New York newsreel editors have 
be^n trying to line up some sort of 
deal whereby they can receive a 
steady flow of action material from 
the Russians, feeling that American 
audiences would prefer to see the 
Russian side of the fighting than the 
propaganda material from the Nazi 
side of the line. Efforts are being 
made to get the material through to 
England, and then by plane to U. S. 



Geo. M. Cohan Fifan 
Biog Scripting in N. Y. 



Nils Asther's Play 

Hollywood, July 22. 
After finishing his picture assign- 
ments at Metro, Nils Asther goes to 
New York for stage work. Actor is 
wanted by the Theatre Guild to ap- 
pear with Helen Hayes in 'Candle in 
the Wind,' the new Maxwell Ander- 
son play which Alfred Lunt will di- 
rect. 

Also being sought for a forthcom- 
ing show called 'Social Security.' 



Script on the life of George M. 
Cohan, which Warners wi)} film, is 
rounding into form and will be 
among the biographical film output 
during the coming season. Writing 
is being done in New York, Robert 
Buckner having come from the Coast 
to do the scripting. It's understood 
that Cohan has no intention of 
changing his mind about going to 
Hollywood personally. 

According to the agreement with ) 
Warners, a certain amount of fiction 
in the story will be okay, with 
Cohan having the last say on the 
story. James Cagney will play the 
lead in the picture. 



By GEORGE McCALL 
When the Broadwayite hits Holly, 
wood he usually hands us natives a 
line like this, 'What's with this 
burg? Whatta ya got here to rave 
about, eh? So ya got sunshine. All"' • 
right who needs that stuff? What 
else ya got? Nothin' but conversa- 
tion. You fuys had aughta come to 
New York. That's the place. Ac- 
tion. That's what ya get there, ac- 
tion. We got everything in New 
York. Yes sir, everything. But this 
here Hollywood . . . it's strictly the - 
bunkaroo.' 

' Maybe I came to New York ex- 
pecting too much. t>erhaps it's the 
wrong time. To me, at present any- 
way. New York is pretty much like 
any other town. Same enthusiasms, 
same squawks. The Broadway the- 
atres are all beefing about business. 
So are the theatres in Los Angeles, 
Chicago, Cleveland and elsewhere. 
No difference there. 

Business houses say small stuff is 
stagnant, heavy stuff is moving. 
Same story everywhere. 

Night clubs are doing good busi- 
ness. They're doing good business 
everywhere. So you get a better 
floor show here. Maybe. In Hunt- 
ington, W. Va., I saw a floor show 
budgeted at $2,800 weekly. Of 
course you couldn't compare Hunt- 
ington with New York, could you? 

There's people here. Well, there's 
people everywhere. You have the 
milling crowds on Broadway, the 
smart crowds on Fifth Ave. So 
there's State street in Chicago and 
there's Michigan Blvd. There's 
Woodward Ave. in Detroit. There's 
Wilshire in Los Angeles. Perhaps 
the milling isn't so enthusiastic, but 
the native crowds are there. 

But Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, 
they're not the center of things. 
New York is. Don't forget, as far na 
the natives of those other burgs are 
concerned in their home towns, they 
are right in the center of everything, 
Tlie Detroiter can brag about the 
automobile industry, the Chicagoan 
about the stockyards, the Aiigeleno 
about the picture industry or perhaps 
the airplane factories . . . you know, 
the latter are stealing a little of 
Hollywood's thunder of late. And, 
of course, we always have the sun- 
shine, yes sir! 

There's Always the SunEhlne! 
All right, sell me New York. Sell 
me the action, the theatres, the night 
clubs, Broadway. Sell it with the 
enthusiasm which only the native 
New Yorker can whip up. I'll come 
back with the sunshine. 

I've got a few more things up my 
sleeve, too. I'll sell you the brush- ■ 
off. The same brushoff you get in 
Hollywood. It's here in New York, 
I'll sell you the 'call me' routine. 
You know — 'God but I'm glad to see 
you, we must have lunch. I'll call 
you or you call me.' You got it in 
Hollywood. We get it here. I'll give 
you, I won't selTyou, the action. 

You have to wait juSt as long here 
to get an answer as you do in Holly- 
(Continued on page 43) 



Heres How RKO Finances Units 



Chieay Studio Credit, But Otherwise Dieterle Raised 
His' Own Coin— Wilcox's Deal 



Contrary to general opinion, RKO, 
it has been learned, has not been 
financing, beyond studio credit, indie 
producers whose output it releases. 
Among the fllm-makers in this cate- 
gory are William Dieterle, whose 
'Here Is a Man' (formerly The Devil 
and Daniel Webster') is among the 
first block-of-five, and Herbert Wil- 
cox. 

Dieterle, who spent around $500,- 
000 on his. maiden effort as an inde- 
pendent, raised all of it himself ex- 
cept for credit allowed him by RKO 
for rental of studio space and equip- 
ment, which amounted to about 20%. 
RKO subordinated its demand for 
the coin to other cieditors. It also 
guaranteed completion money on the 
film. 

Wilcox worked the same way after 
his first on the RKO lot, 'Nurse 
Edith Caveli; which RKO wholly 



financed. It turned in a nice profit, 
incidentally, mostly in England, 
amassing $1,000,000 gross there as 
against $500,000 in the U. S. It cost 
$450,000 td make. 

Wilcox's three most recent pro- 
ductions, 'Nanette,' 'Irene' and 
'Sunny,' will have to gross a total 
of $3,000,000 in the world market for 
him to get any coin out, although he 
has been geiting a salary. First two 
did better than was generally sup- 
posed and the last, 'Sunnj,' from' 
indications so far in, will likewise do 
okay. With much of the proceeds 
tied up iirEngland, however, plan is 
to have 'Wilcox go into production 
on his next over there in order to 
use up this coin. He's now directing 
the feature in Hollywood to which 
all British players and technicians 
are contributing their services, and 
which will.be distributed at cost by 
RKO for the British War Relief. 



L. A. TO N. Y. 

Annabella. 
Larry Barnett. 
David Broekman. 
Harry Carroll. 
L. Wolfe Gilbert. 
Edmund Gwenn. 
Parks Johnson. 
Alexander Korda. 
C. I. Menser. 
Henry Misselwltz. 
Joe Norden. 
Harry Norwood. 
Merle Oberon. 
Tyrone Power. 
Phillip Reed. 
Tom Revere. 
Robert Rossen. 
William Schneider. 
S. Sylvan Simon, 



N.Y. to L.A. 

Pat Casey. 
Jerry Danzig. 
Bernard L. Shubert. 



SAILINGS 

July 17 (Los Angeles to New 
York), Doris Gilbert (President Tay- 
lor). 

July 31 (Los Angeles to Honolulu) 



Ed E. Rigney Appointed 
Aide to Matthias Correa 

Edward Eugene Rigney, young at- 
torney who has been a deputy col- 
lector of taxes, third district, N.Y., 
has been appointed assistant to U.S. 
attorney Matthias F. Correa, who has 
been attracting attention as federal 
prosecutor for the southern district 
of New York, particularly the Joe 
Schenck-Joe Moskowitz case. Rig- 
ney's appointment was made by the 
Dept. of Justice in Washington. 

For several years Rigney was as- 
signed for duty in Variety's office to 
aid show people in filing their tax 
returns, he being teamed with W. 
Wayne Plerson. Rigney has been a 
protege of former Attorney General 
Robert Jackson, recently appointed 
to the U. S. Supreme Court. 



Lawrence Going Latin? 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Word Is going the rounds that 
Jock Lawrence is to pull out as as- 
sistant to Y. Frank Freeman, Pro- 
ducers Association prez, to team up 
with Jock Whitney's Latin-America 
good-willers. 

He is reported to have told inti- 
mates the $400 weekly he now draws 
would be 'chicken feed' compared 
with the coin he'll draw with the 
Whitney outfit, plus the prestige that 
goes with joining Whitney's depart- 
ment. 



Wednesday, July 28, 1941 



PIGTUBES B 



BUYERS ■ SELLERS' APATHY 



FM. s Blacklist of Pro- Axis Firms 
In Latin America Won t Atfect Pix 



Shattering ol the Axis economic 
link In Latin-America by President 
Roosevelt's order last week In pub- 
lishing a list of 1,898 blacklisted 
firms and individuals, deemed as 
serving interests of Axis powers, only 
affected American distributors In a 
minor degree even In the few in- 
stances where Latin-American ex- 
hibitors or distributing firms were 
named. The blacklist 1» welcomed 
by U. S. film distributors which pre- 
viously had used their own means 
to ferret out pro-Nazi firms. In the 
few instances where native exhibs 
or distrlbs are named, a new man- 
agement or successor doubtlessly 
will result. 

Although no Joint action ever was 
taken via the Hays organization, 
piany American distrlbs have an 
understanding not to service the- 
atres with pro-Axlj leanings. One 
distrib recently suggested that 
branch managers In this market 
check to see that no distributor coin 
(American distributors often pay 
part of theatre advertising bill in the 
Latin-Americas) went to firms known 
to be Axis-dominated or supported 
largely by Axis paid advertising. 
Halt Shipments 

Several companies also have halt- 
ed the supply of U. S. pix to exhibs 
showing Axis newsreels and so- 
called propaganda films. In spots 
where one-year contracts are in 
existence, these are being permitted 
to run out, but will npt be renewed 
with exhibitors having Nazi or Fas- 
cist leanings. Many major companies 
' attempted to duck long-term pacts 
before, and the new blacklist may 
actually outlaw the contracts which 
V. S. companies have been attempt- 
ing to eliminate for some time. 

American distributing companies 
have point-blank refused to spend 
money advertising in Latin-Ameri- 
can dailies with pro-Nazi editorial 
policies, even over the protests of 
exhibitors Who considered the news- 
papers good ad mediums. 

Crackdown on the Axis firms In 
Latin-America is not expected to 
change the status of U; S. distribu- 
tors in Axis-dominated European 
countries, nor the release of funds. 
The small amounts still due from 
such countries as France, Belgium, 
Netherlands, Norway and Denmark 
are continuing to dribble In as they 
are released whenever the Axis 
powers see fit. Amounta of $5,000 
and up to -as high as $30,000 have 
come out of this market in recent 
weeks, but they are from old ac- 
counts, just now being released to 
American companies. None of this 
represents new business, because "U. 
B. distrlbs aren't operating in these 
countries today. 

K-A-O'S ARREARAGE 
DIVDEND OF $17.50 

Carrying out Its previously an- 
nounced Intention of clearing up all 
arrearages of the 7% convertible 
^ preferred stock, Kelth-Albee-Or- 
pheum directors last week declared 
a dividend of $17.50 per share on out- 
standing stock, paying it out of 
operating surplus. This covers the 
10 quarterly periods ended ^une 30 
last. 

^ Company executives had announced 
that such action would be taken as 
part of the reorganization and sim- 
plification plan recently approved in 
toto. The payments eliminate all ac- 
crued dividends on this preference 
Issue. 

Divvy is payable Aug. 7 to stock 
on record July 31. 



Schaefer Not Dae In 
N. Y. Until Next Week 



George J. Schaefer did not arrive 
In New York on Monday (21) as ex- 
pected, but will be in from the Coast 
the early part of next week for a 
stay attending to affairs In the east, 
following Installation of Joe Breen 
as studio head. 

RKO prexy Is understood to have 
slipped out of Hollywood for a 
week's vacation prior to his return 
to New York. 



Major Studios 
Urge Return Of 
'Sneak' Previews 



Hollywood, July 22. 
Demand for the return of sneak 
previews, outlawed by the consent 
decree, is imder way at five major 
studios, all signatories of the com- 
pany and all complaining that the 
nlxiiig of sneaks was . sneaked over 
as a joker. Plaintiffs are Metro, 
20th-Fox, Paramount, Warners and 
RKO. 

Companies contend that a sneak Is 
an essential part of picture produc- 
tion, necessary in the final editing 
and in the elimination or addition of 
scenes to enhance entertainment 
values. 

Since the signing of the decree 
there have been several technical 
violations in the preparation of 1941- 
42 product for showing to exhibitors, 
but spokesmen for the majors assert 
their confidence that there wiU be 
no trouble, because the sneak clause 
was overlooked when the decree was 
up for signing. Counsel for the stU' 
dios majors Is preparaing a modiflca' 
tion for submission to the govern' 
ment. 



Reinhardt Enlisting 

Hollywood, July 22, 
Gottfried Reinhardt enlists in the 
U. S. Army after finishing Garbo's 
next picture at Metro. 

Producer was deferred several 
weeks ago for six months, but de- 
spite being beyond the 28-year age 
limit for inductees he will volunteer 
his services. 



milDESIIOiAIS GET 
m'[ BRUSHOFF 



Distribs Already Tiring Of 
Heavy Expenditures When 
Only a Projection Roomful 
Show Up— Metro Cutting 
From 65 to 32 Exhibition 
Centres? 



Trade Conjectures on UA s Proposed 
New Theatre Circuit Especially 
As to Whence Will Come the Houses 



JUST DON'T CARE 



Possibility, with the continued 
apathy of exhibs toward tradeshows, 
that distribs will abandon the spirit 
and stick only to the letter of the 
consent decree by cutting screenings 
from approximately. 65 cities to the 
required 32 keys, was being studied 
this week. Film companies, to make 
the showings more convenient, have 
been slating them In more than 
twice as many cities than required. 

Despite the efforts, however, to 
add to the attractiveness of coming 
to tradeshows by eliminating neces- 
sity of traveling to exchange cen- 
ter/), great majority of exhibs con- 
tinue to spurn them. Turnout has 
been about the same so, far this 
week as during the Initial stanza 
starting a week ago Monday (14). 

Metro and RKO, the only two 
companies to have had trade show- 
ings GO far, particularly feel that 
much money is being wasted in 
renting theatres and shipping film to 
cities where screenings are not re- 
quired by law if exhibs aren't to 
come. What appears to be certain, 
whether or not the supplementary 
(Continued on page 29) 



m KENNEDY BACK IN 
PIX' REPORT UP AGAIN 



Max Gordon Stays CoL 
Bat His Partner Goetz 
(Phis Ratoff) Go UA 



Announcement by Arthur W. 
Kelly, United Artists chieftain, at a 
press conference last week that Max 
Gordon was leaving Columbia to be- 
come associated with Harry Goetz in 
a UA production unit brought a 
squawk from both Gordon and Col. 
Kelly followed It up with a state- 
ment that he had erred In naming 
Gordon 'when he was actually refer- 
ring to Gregory Ratoff. 

Gordon and Goetz have long been 
partners in. legit production and both 
are now working at Columbia. 
They have separate producing units, 
but each is financially Interested in 
the output of the other. However, 
while Gordon takes active charge of 
his unit, Goetz is teamed up with 
Ratoff who handles the actual pro- 
duction. 

While Goetz and Ratoff leave Col 
for UA alter their first and only pic 
for the studio, Gordon will , remain 
on. Among other things on his 
slate is- filmization of 'My Sister 
Eileen,' legiter which he and Goetz 
produced and screen rights to which 
Col now owns. Criss-cross of his 
and Goetz's Interests are expected 
to continue despite the forthcoming 
switch in distribs. 



Baioff Incorporates 

Sacramento, July 22. 

Gregory Ratoff Productions filed 
incorporation papers here as a film 
producing company, listing 1,000 
shares of capital stock, without par. 

Corporate directors are listed as 
Ratoff, Harry Goetz and Harry 
Sokolov. 



Report that Joseph P. Kennedy, 
formerly U. S. ambassador to Great 
Britain, first head of the SceurlUes & 
Exchange Commission and previous 
to that long identified with the film 
business, would return to the pic- 
ture Industry in an executive ca- 
pacity, was revived again this week. 
In just what capacity is not men- 
tioned, but actual deal would be 
consumated within the next four 
months, latest report has It. 

If and v/hen Kennedy returns, it 
would be via a substantial buy-in 
into the company he would join 
Because Floyd Odium has been 
anxious to have him return to the 
picture biisiness, RKO is named as 
the company with which iie would 
re-affiliate. ' Exact spot he would fill 
thus far has not been divulged. 



Ericksen Preludes Gen'l 
Wanger Studio Shakeup 

General shakeup of Walter Wan- 
ger's Coast staff is expected to fol- 
low resignation; effective Aug. 2, of 
Clarence E. Ericksen, who has served 
as v.p. and g.m> for the past three 
years. Ericksen handled the bank- 
ing contacts for Wanger and was 
also the liaison man between pro- 
duction and sales, acting as go-be- 
tween for the studio and Harry 
Kosiner, Wanger's eastern rep, as 
well as with United Artists* h.o. 

Prior to joining "Wanger, Ericksen 
had for many years been associated 
with the late Douglas Fairbanks. Ac- 
companied by his wife he will motor 
east from Hollywood for a holiday. 



Roach On Deal With 

Banks for Pic Coin 



Nick Schenck on Coast 



Hollywood, July 22. 
Nicholas M. Schenck, Metro prez, 
gets in this weekend for seasonal 
visit. 

Will huddle with studio execs on 
production and sales matter's. 



Hollywood, July £2. 

Hal Roach' li expected to close a 
deal with two banks for the bank- 
rolling of five pictures. 

Financial institutions Involved in 
the negotiations are the Bankers 
Trust Co. of New York and Security 
First National of Los Angeles. 



Par s New CIn 
House (Not B&K); 
Other Building 



Chicago, July 22. 

Paramount li readying to build a 
theatre in Maywood, westslde sub- 
urb, for operation the first of .the 
year, to seat 1,600. 

House will not be operated by 
Balaban fic Katz here, but will be 
operated direct from home office in 
New York. 

This Is the first important . thea- 
tre building since the Esquire was 
put up on the near northside a 
couple of years ago, and is the first 
national circuit construction in sev- 
eral years. 



New 1,000-Seater 

Lincoln, Neb., July 22. 
New l,000-8eat State is going up 
here thii*summer. Replacement for 
T. B. Noble, Jr.'t and Howard Fed- 
erer's Variety which goes into_ the 
heap as part of a street widening 
program, new house will be operated 
on a class basis, whereas Variety Is 
subsequenter. Of stadiiun type con- 
struction, State will give Noble- 
Federer closer break with Lincoln 
Theatre Corp. now operating three 
A houses. Former have Variety, 
town's No. i house. Part of State oc 
cuples ground over which stood the 
Kiva, 4.3B-seater owned by NoblC' 
(Continued on page 63) 



Geo. Browne Loses 
Motion to Quash U. S. 
Indictment Vs. Him 



Arthur W. Kelly's announcement 
laat week of United Artists' plans 
to establish a theatre circuit has 
led to considerable conjecture in 
the Industry as to how completely 
such a program can be carried out 
under present conditions. Many 
execs close to the national theatre 
situation feel it will be almost im- 
possible for UA to organize on any 
large scale the type of chain it de- 
sires. 

UA's obvious need is for first- 
runners and, it Is pointed out, there 
are very few suitable such houses 
available. UA's solution Is to build, 
but theatremen ask: 'What will the 
houses do for product when there 
aren't enough UA pictures to play. 
Other distributors won't and can't 
sell away from their established ac- 
counts. 

Philadelphia situation is pointed 
to as an example of the impossi- 
bility of running on UA product 
alone. Under the agreement by 
which Warner Bros, operate the Al- 
dine there, it is strictly a UA show- 
case, as long as the latter company 
has films for It. It Is frequently nec- 
essary, however, to use other distribs' 
pix and the house shuts down alto- 
gether each summer, the lack of a 
cooling system being only one of 
the reasons. 

* Matter of Prodact 

Towns where other product is 
available are said to be virtually 
non-existent. 'Who's been waiting 
for UA to come along?' one exec 
queried. 'If it were possible to get 
product someone else would have 
been in there to build long ago.' 

UA's plan to get around all the' 
objections raised is to seek.out small 
downtown houses getting slough-pff 
product now and to buy in on the 
prospect of the exhlb getting him- 
self a lot Of extra coin by having 
UA pix. It is said that the $6,000,000 
which Kelly stated was available 
could be pyramided into a terrific 
number of Kouses by this process. 

Meantime, however, since the an- 
nouncement of its plans, UA has 
been receiving a flock of offers of 
partnership in houses. Most of 
them, of course, aren't desirable or 
the owners wouldn't want .to sell, 
but UA la going over the possibili- 
ties. ' ' 

One of the questions that has 
arisen Is: 'Won't UA be forced to 
come under the conditions of the 
consent decree if it becomes a thea- 
tre-owner?' Kelly answered that 
last week by saying it was the 'pro- 
ducer-exhibs' and not the 'distrib* 
utor-exhlbs' to whom the Govern- 
ment objected.' Most observers were 
at a loss to decipher the fine dis- 
tinction so far as the decree goes. 



George E. Browne, president of the 
International Alliance of Theatrical 
Stage Employees, yesterday (Tues- 
day) lost a plea to quash an indict- 
ment against him by the Govern- 
ment, in which he was charged with 
violating the antl-racketing act. 
Judge Louis Strum in N. Y. federal 
court denied the plea without writ- 
Browne and William Bioff, his 
western representative, are charged 
with extorting $550,000 from Loew's, 
20th Century-Fox, Warner Bros, and 
Paramount, in violation of the anti- 
racketeering laws. 

Martin Conboy, former U.S. attor- 
ney, argued Browne's motion and 
told the court that the Indictment 
was too indefinite, that the facts al- 
leged were insufficient to constitute 
a crime under federal law, and that 
the antl-racketeerlng statute Itself 
is vague, indefinite, and an imcon- 
stitutional exercise of Congress* 
powers under the Interstate com- 
merce clause. 

U.S. Attorney Mathias F. Correa 
in opposing the plea, cited the Su- 
preme Court rulings in upholding 
the statute in the Local 807 Team- 
sters Union, and In the Apex case. 
Bioff did not join in the motion. 



DIETERLE-GLEH SET 
FOR TWO MORE AT RKO 



Hollywood, July 22. 

George J. Schaefer, RKO prez, has 
exercised his option for .two more 
pix by William Dieterle and Charles 
Glett, to be made in 1942. Dieterle's 
'Here Is a Man' ('Devil and Daniel 
Webster') will be released in Sep- 
tember, while 'The Band Plays On' 
will be his second feature under his 
original pact. 

First film under the lifted' option 
will be 'The Life of Samuel Gom- 
pers,' Schaefer announced. Pic was 
originally to be made with coopera- 
tion of American Federation of 
Labor (Gompers was first prez), 
financing by AFL officers. 



Capt. Roosevelt West 

Hollywood, July 22. 

Capt. James Roosevelt Is due hera 
this weekend. 

He may be stationed here as lia- 
ison between Naval Intelligence and 
the film Industry. 



PICTUBB8 



Wcdnesdaj, July 23, 1941 



Biz Protests Excess Profits Tax 
Proposal as Tenalty on Success' 



Proposal to change the excess 
profits tax law, so that corporation 
taxation would be figured solely on 
company capitalization, is not viewed 
with favor by major picture com- 
panies, particularly those with thea- 
tre interests. The latge number of 
theatre properties naturally increase 
the capitalization of siich film com- 
panies. And 11 the excess profits 
tax is based solely on this, they 
would be forced to foot a heavier 
tax bill thaiv under the present two 
basis plan — on average earnings and 
also on capitalization. 

Many picture companies probably 
would register protests to a change 
In the excess profits setup, but 
latest indication is that any change 
will not gain enough support to push 
Jt through Congress. House Ways 
and Means Committee yesterday 
(Tuesday) rejected changes that 
would impose heavier taxes. 

Present excess profits tax align- 
ment was changed from the original 
proposal largely on the vdiement 
protests of Universal. U contended, 
through J. Cheever Cowdin, chair- 
man, that the original plan made 
no provision for a growing company 
—in fact penalized it for being suc- 
cessful and not through any connec- 
tion with national defense spending. 
Universal's theory was that the 
company just emerging from finan- 
cial woods should not be crippled 
by heavy taxes. In protesting, it 
acknowledged willingness to v pay 
whatever percentage was ordered 
just so that amount was the same 
for all corporations. 



Studio Contracts 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Dick Nelson drew player contract 
at 20th-Fox. 

Arthur Arent inked writer pact at 
Warners. 

.Diana Hill's minor contract with 
Warners approved by superior court 

Eddie Blatt renewed by Warners 
as dialog director. 

DeWoll Hopper, Jr., drew an op- 
tion lift at Warners. 

Dennis Morgan renewed by War- 
ners. 

Robert Planck Inked cameraman 
contract at Metro. 

William Shirley's player option 
picked up by Republic. 

Hugh MacMuUan renewed as dia- 
log director by Warners. 

Walter Pldgeon renewed by Metro. 



m ANNl FOR 
INTERSTATE 
IN AUG. 



Hay: 



s Reiterates Pix 
Should Amnse Only, 
Not Propaganifize 



WB'S ACTIVITY 
INTERESTS 
WALLS! 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Charging that national defense is 
the one vital thing to the motion 
picture industry today. Will Hays, 
president of the Motion Picture Pro- 
ducers & Distributors Assn., in a 
statement frankly declared that 'our 
present job is not only to figure 
stresses and strains of machines and 
material but to figure the margin of 
safety for stresses and strains which 
concern men, women and children.' 
He said citizens and soldiers must 
be equally ready for the present-day 
task, and that screen. entertaliMnent 
will play its deflnitelpart - 

Hays lashed out at the few on the 
fringes of the industry who think 
that if they could bre'ak the Motion 
Picture Production Code they could 
Improve the boxoffice appeal of pic- 
tures. 

'No real factor In the production, 
distribution and* exhibition of pic- 
tures wants to depart from the 
standards of wholesome entertain- 
ment,' Hays said, I that now mark 
the industry's earnest eSort for 
proper self-regulation. Only those 
in whom originality is dried up be- 
lieve they need to pick up themes 
or - treatments in the gutter . . . ' 

Regarding national defense, he 
said, 'Motion pictures have a definite 
service to perform and I have every 
confidence In ttieir ability to do the 
job. Pictures speak for pictures, and 
the coming season will show films 
which reach a more successful and 
more significant entertainment level 
than ever before. ■ The great f unC' 
tion of {he entertainment screen Is 
to entertain, and in both scope and 
variety the pictures now- planned or 
making in Hollywood studios wlU 
live up to that principle.' 

Hays fails to see eye to eye with 
those who' want the screen to sub- 
ordinate Its function of recreation 
for any cause, stating "There are 
those who would use the screen to 
bemuse, rather than amuse, the 
American public, The screen has no 
room .for such propaganda.' 



With Warner Bros, coixunon and 
preferred stocks making successively 
new highs In tbe stock market last 
week, c<msiderable Interest today Is 
being focused in Wall Street on the 
financial outlook for the company. 
Fact that several Investment houses 
have gone sll^tly bullish on War- 
ners' immediate and more distant 
financial prospects, largely becaxise 
the recent slxmonth statement shoW' 
Ing $2,780,000 net operating profit 
indicates a better financial setup, 
has helped both Issues to climb to 
new 1941 levels. Because few shares 
are outstanding, the move in the 
preferred, an advance of some 
seven points in six days, has been 
more sensational. The common 
has done well, nearly doubling Its 
low of the year ()2.7S) at the pres- 
ent level of H62V&. 

The conservative system of War^ 
n«r Bros, bookkeeping and the fact 
that gains in financial getup which 
have been made in the face of for 
eign losses is stressed in conversa' 
tlpns in financial circles lately. RC' 
ports are that theatre attendance 
for Warners Is running' about 
ahead of a year ago in U. S., al' 
though the theatre operations have 
not started to feel the affect of the 
defense boom. 

Same sources which are optimistic 
over the Warner outlook discount 
any early recapitalization for the 
company. Rather, some plan may 
be worked out ultimately which 
would enable preferred sharehold 
ers to receive the option of either 
cash In payment of its dividend ar- 
rears, or new preference shares 
with a market value substantially 
the same as the cash. However, ac' 
tion on Vbia likely will be delayed 
until the status of income in Great 
Britain and elsewhere throughout 
the British Empire is better known 
Also the company probably would 
not launch any such plan imtil 
has '■ clearer picture on domestic 
tax problems. 



San Antonio, July 22. 
August throughout Texas will be 
observed as 35th anniversary month 
by all Interstate theatres. . It will 
honor the 35 years of entertainment 
service to Texans by Karl Hoblit- 
zelle, head of Texas Consolidated 
Theatres, Inc. 

Special shows in all cities have 
been prepared for the occasion. Dur- 
ing the month there will be two 
stage units touring the Interstate 
circuit, one headlined by Abe Ly- 
man's orch. Special midnight show, 
sneak previews and outstanding pic- 
tures have been booked here, accord- 
ing to E. E. Collins, city maiiager for 
Interstate. 4 

All downtown theatres will co- 
operate in the giveaway of an auto- 
mobile to a patron. Suburban houses 
will contribute over $1,000 in house- 
hold merchandise. 

Special tiein with newspapers will 
trace the beginning and growth of 
Interstate Theatres in the state, with 
local angle brought in.' 
A special radio program to be 
aired through KABC here and on 
other stations throughout the state 
will also trace the growth of Inter- 
state and tie in with the. special 
shows. 



Tanrog Toms on His Heel 



Hollywood, July 22. 
Norman T^urog, originally as- 
signed to direct 'Kathleen' at Metro, 
shifted over to the pilot job on 
•Achilles' because the 'Kathleen* pro- 
duction has been delayed by story 
changes. 

Harold S. Bucquet took over Tau- 
rog's . chores . in 'Kathleen,' which 
stars Shirley Temple. 



Nme On the Line 
At WB m Month 
Keep 5,500 Bns] 

Hollywood, July 22. 
. Production surge at Warners calls 
for nine features to roll in four 
weeks and the continuation of em 
ployment for 6,500 persons on the 
lot. .In addition to "The Man Who 
Come to Dinner.^ which started yes 
terday (Mon), the pictures are "Re 
member Tomorrow,' 'Bridges Built 
at Night,' -Black Widow,' 'Back- 
ground to Danger,' 'Sing, Baby Sing,' 
"The Male Animal,' 'AH Through the 
Night' and •You're in the Army 
Now.' 

Aside from tte features, the Bur 
bank lot has 14 shorts in various 
stagp of production. 

Newest contract roster at War^ 
ners lists 21 stars, 72 featured play 
ers, 18 directors, 15 producers and 
six composers. Included In the con- 
tracted lineup are B5 writers. 



Not So Modern 

Hollywood, July IS. 

RKO's Unexpected Unclt' Is • 
modern film, but it brings un- 
expected memories to customers 
of a bygone era. 

In the picture are Clyde Cook, 
Lew Kelly, Jimmy Aubrey, 
Heinle Conklin, Russ Powell, 
Carl Stockdale and Jimmy In- 
graham, all of whom worked in 
the B. S. (before sound) age. 



Lyman's Texas Dates 

Abe Lyman's orch opens for Inter- 
state in Houston, Aug. 8, thence San 
Antonio and Dallas for full weeks 
and Fort Worth three days. 

A seven-act bill will surround the 
Lymanites. Charlie Freeman set 
that while In New York. He ' re- 
turned to Dallas Monday (21) by 
plane. 



RKO SPEEDING UP, 15 
TO ROLL IN AUGUST 



Lefty Wouldn't Know Whom to Bawl 
Out If He Buys Pix After Seeing 'Em 



By Joe Laurie, Jr. 

Coolaeres, Cal., July 23. 

bear Joe: 

Well, show business is just like the weather out here — one day it's hot 
and the nekt day it's oold. The next thlng^e know we'll have double* 
feature weather, hot. and cold in one day with hailstones instead of dishes 
as a premium. The other night it was so cold out here Aggie said: 'Thr6w 
a log in the> air-conditioning system.' To make it tougher the weather out- 
guessed mie and on the cold night I had an Arctic picture and on the warm 
night I had a Jungle pic. 

I read in Varibty where a smart manager in a nabe house in Detroit 
had a swell idea to get business; he put a lot of Ironing boards in his codi 
lobby and the local hausfraus did their ironing there while their kids were 
In seeing the show. I'll bet some of the kids after looking at. some of tht 
product they've been sending lately would rather do the ironing. Aggi« 
thought it would be a good idea for me to put cook-stoves in our lobby 
during this heat wave lyid have the women do their cooking there and 
have their family's supifer ready when they come out of the show. I told 
her the only trouble with that idea was that there would be an awful odor 
from all the different stuff cooking, but Aggie sez: 'The pictures smell, too| 
so that would make everything even.' 

Trsdeahows 

The Exchange has invited me to preview the fall producta, which they 
gotta do under the new law. It's a good thing in one way, then again It 
isn't. Aft.er seeing them and buying them, and "then If you don't do any 
business with them, who are you gonna blame but yourself? Under the 
old method we could swear and curse and blame it on everybody, from 
the Exchange managers to the actors. I used to look at the pictures during 
my spare time, but now when I know what they are, I'll have to find 
something else to do. Not that I got any spare time. 

Since this war has started I've been busier than a banjo player playing 
Toet & Peasant' Everybody in this town seems to be doing something 
for the War Relief or sohiething, and they all make me the head of theli 
committees. They figure me being a showman I would know how to raise 
dough for them, and the funny part of it, I get great Ideas how to make 
the yokels come across with contributions for almost anything, but I can't 
get 'em to spend a dime in my theatre. As I wrote you before we have 
a camp here with nearly 10,000 boys. At first they were great customers 
of mine and they figured even looking at bad pix was better than hanging 
around camp. But now it seems they have found other places to go. I 
guess they got acquainted and don't have to go to the theatre for recrea- 
tion. And they're getting so many F.F. (For Free) shows, besides putting 
on their own, which I am always helping them do, giving 'em gags, bits 
and skits, and I am glad to be able to help 'em, but it ain't doing my busi- 
ness no good. 

Panting^ Parachatlst 

Aggie sez maybe the soldier and sailor boys may bring vaudeville back. 
You remember the last war had 'The Singing Sailor,' 'The Gabby Gob,* 
The Syncopating Soldier.' This war should develop billing like "The Pant- 
ing Parachutist,' 'Tenor Tankers,' ete. During the old war there were 
more soldiers and sailors on the stage than in the Army and Navy. So 
who knows — maybe theyll do it again. 

Just read about two of my old pals going 'Upstairs,' Dick Carle and Sam 
H. Harris. I remember when Dick Carle was 'imitated' almost as much as 
Geo. M. Cohan. Dick was a great trouper and a grand man. Aa for Sam, 
he never said 'no' to a guy that asked a favor. He used the btot disinfect- 
ing fluid in the world, the milk of human kindness. Show business lost 
two of the grandest guys In the world. Aggie and me are sure 'bending a 
knee' for these pals. 

Well, Joe, Tm goin' home and read William C. Handy 's book, Tather of 
the Blues.' He just sent me one hot oft the press. It anybody can write 
about the 'Blues' he's a Blackbird that can. I know it's good before 1 
even start it. Handy never did anything bad in his life. He ain't 1b« 
Father of the 'Blues,' he's the whole family. Best to the gang SEZ 

Your Pal. 

Uftv. 

P.S.— John Golden sez: To travel hopefully is a better thing than to 
arrive.' 



Hollywood, July 22, 
RKO Is stepping up its current 
slow production pace and readying 
15 stories to start in August To 
date only three films are in work 
on tiie lot and six in the editing 
rooms. 

Slated for August filming are 
'Playmates,' 'Four Jacks and a 
Queen,' "The Marines. Are Ready,' 
'Unexpected Uncle,' 'Passage from 
Bordeaux,' 'A Date With the Fal- 
con,' 'Valley of the Sun,' 'Joan of 
Paris,' 'Mayor of 44th Street,' 'Jour- 
ney Into Fear,' 'Powder Town,' 
'Gwangi,* 'Army Surgeon' and 'I'm 
Dying to Live.' 



Hoofers Shuffle Back To 
Set After Brief Strike 



Hollywood, July 22, 
A strike of dancers at 20th-Fox 
was ended in less than 24 hours 
when the Screen Actors Guild not! 
fled the hoofers that the company 
was not violating its agreement by 
converting their pay to a weekly 
basis. When the studio advised the 
dancers their pay of $11 per day was 
being converted to $55 a week, 24 of 
them walked oil the set of 'Week' 
End in Havana.' 

The hoofers appeared in front of 
the 20th-Fox casting ofTlce the next 
morning to urge other dancers not 
to accept the call. A new call had 
been Issued -for SO dancers to appear 
for interview for the two weeks' 
work. Most of the hoofers returned 
to the set after the Guild ruling. 



sabheiIi's gbiueb 

Hollywood, July 22. 

Linda Darnell draws the top 
femme role in 'Law and Order, Inc., 
at 20th-Fox. 

Robert T. Kane production Is slated 
to start Aug. 18. 



Link Recent Pathe 
Strength to Reported 
Split-Up of DnPont 

Recent strength In Pathe Film Co. 
stock, which has pushed it to around 
peak price for the year, is attributed 
to supposed revival of the old plan 
whereby Pathe shareholders would 
obtain a split-up of DuPont Film 
Mfg. Co. shares. This plan has not 
been up for discussion in niore than, 
a year but the new version again Is 
pegged on the DuPont holdings 
Pathe Films always has retained. 

Under the latest reported plan, 
Pathe stockholders would receive 
one share of DuPont for every 10 
shares held. This would make Pathe 
stock worth around $16 per share. 
However, no definite plan has been 
agreed on, and the old stumbling 
block of getting what Pathe consid- 
ers a reasonable price for its pres- 
ently held DuPont stock (35% of 
total) may stall the latest proposal. 

Pathe Films now is strictly a hold- 
ing company, with actual operations 
carried on. by Pathe Laboratories. 
Because of minor income: from the 
latter the holding company has de- 
pended almost entirely on dividends 
from DuPont Film Mfg. tot profits. 



U IN RELEASE 
DASHTaJAN.1 



INDIE'S OWN BLOCXS-OF-6 

Philadelphia, July 22. 

Herbert Given, PRC exchange 
manager, ^ having his own 'blocks- 
of-flve' tradeshowing, although the 
Indie outfit doesn't come under the 
provisions . of the consent decree. 

He is sending out invitations to ex- 
hlbs to view his five pix Aug; 5, 6 
and 7. 



Hollywood, July 22. 
This year's production drive at . 
Universal is working so well that the 
release program up to next New 
Year's Day is practically set, some- 
thing new in the history of the stu- 
dio. By Sept 1, official start of ths 
new season, company heads assert, 
there will be a total of 32 features 
ready for delivery or In the cutting 
room. 

Universal winds up Its current 
season in August with the release 
of the Abbott and Costello comedy 
'Hold That Ghost' and the Frank 
Lloyd production, "This Woman I« 
■Mine.' First of the September re- 
leases is 'Badlands of Dakota.' 



Grant as 'Mr. Twilight' 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Top job in Columbia's 'Mr. Twi- 
light' goes to C:ary Grant with the 
studio negotiating to borrow Melvyn 
Douglas from Metro as a male spar- 
ring partner. Femme lead is still in 
the dickering stage. • - 

George Stevens directs the Ever- 
ett Riskin production. 



LEISEN DICTATES 

HoUywood, July 22. 

Paramount asigned Mitehell Lel- 
sen to direct 'Take a Lettfer, Darling, 
slated for early fall production. 

Claude Binyon has finished the 
screenplay, but the casting still 
goes on. 



Wednesday. Julj 23, 1941 



PICTURES 



IMPORTANT 'ER ASER MEN' 

RKO Draggin' Disney's Dragon Into 
N.Y. on Gumshoes and Picket Trailer 



Studio Gawkers Barred Out^y All 
Lots; Too Much Production Delay 



HoUywood, July 22. 

'No visitors' sign went up Monday 
(21) on all major studios and this 
time it goes for everyone, except 
working press. In a letter to studio 
heads, Y. Frank Freeman, Producers 
Association head, declared the mea- 
sure had to be taken due to inter- 
ference with studio production and 
to keep from pubUc gaze certain 
Army material used In making 
training films. 

Freeman pointed out more than 
, 83,000 requests for visit privileges 
were received by studios during 
June and an even greater number 
this month. He said the financial 
burden, due to production delays oc- 
casioned by set visitors, was a most 
serious one. 

Producers Association board de- 
cided on the withdrawal of all visit- 
ing privileges Indefinitely after an 
exhaustive study. 

Germanic Milwaukee 
Gets'SiegimWesten/ 
Also Free -for -Alls 

Milwaukee, July. 22. 
Although late in reaching this so- 
called German city, due to the lim- 
ited number of prints available, 'Sieg 
Im Westen,' a Reich propaganda 
film, following weeks of neighbor- 
hood ballyhoo, was at last imspooled 
' c here at the German Kino and the 
first week of the showing has been 
marked by varying reactions, with 
the picture now in Its second week 
and slated for an indefinite run. It's 
no secret that the FBI and local po- 
lice keep an ever-watchful eye on 
the black, white and red fronted 
Deutsches language theatre for pos- 
sible trouble, as well as checking on 
the audiences. 

Vigorous resentment .that the 
showing of this propaganda should 
be permitted here has found open 
expression so far only in letters to 
the hewspapers, although the bitter 
feelings engendered have had in- 
spired numerous brawls away from 
the theatre. One recent evening in 
' the Schwabenhof, a German atmos- 
phere restaurant, a woman's request 
to the Bavarian orchestra to play 
'God Save the King' provoked a free- 
for-all, patrons of both sexes min- 
gling in the melee before order was 
restored. 

Its reception in Milwaukee is as 
might be exi)ected— boos and hisses 
for Churchill and HaUfax and out- 
bursts of applause when Adolf Hit- 
ler's likenesis appears. 

Although editorial comment lo- 
cally has been withheld, the Milwau- 
kee Journal devoted practically a 
full column to letting its readers 
know what the Deutsches Kino is 
showing— under the. headline 'City Is 
Host to Na2l 'Sieg'.' 



He No like— Bounced 



.. Hollywood, July 22. 

Dennis OlCeefe drew ■ suspension 
at BKO for his refusal to play the 
role of Kay Kyser's manager In the 
musical film, 'Playmates.' 

Peter Lind Hayes was signed for 
the replacement. 



M-G RESTRICTS 
FIRST GROUP 
T03PIX 



Comin;: 'Bismarck' 

'Bismarck,' Nazi propaganda fea- 
ture, picturing Hitler as even 'out- 
Bismarcking Bismarck,' will be held 
until fall before its opening at the 
86th St. theatre. New York, and its 
release to German-language 'film 
houses throughout the country. Film 
arrived in this country about a 
month ago, and was okayed by cus- 
toms authorities last week. 

George Nitze, prez of UFA, which 
distribs the Nazi flbns In the U. S., 
declared release of the picture was 
being delayed because attendance Is 
oft at the German-language houses 
during the summer. The 96th St. 
and most of the others are not air- 
conditioned. 

General opinion Is that 'entertain- 
ment' films, which Nitze says are the 
only kind he orders, won't be com- 
ing, but that expense won't keep the 
propanganda pix out Nitze admit- 
ted that shorts and newsreels will 
-continue to come by air. . 

A second factor which anti-Nazi 
organizations claim will hinder arri- 
val of Deutsche pix is the recent 
closing of Reich consulates. Immun- 
ity from search and seizure of mate- 
rials addressed to them is thought to 
have been an Important factor in 
safe arrival of some German films. 



First group of films offered for 
sale imder the consent decree by 
Metro won't number five features, 
but three. Companies are not per- 
mitted imder the decree to offer 
more than five, but can offer any 
number less than that that they* 
choose. "Three pix are 'Lady Be 
Good,' 'JekyU and Hyde' end 'Down 
in San Diego.' 

One of the objects of holding down 
to three films is apparently to test 
exhib reaction to tradeshows and 
to a fountain pen when the sales- 
men get around. Just as exbibs are 
feeling their w^y in buying under 
the new system,. Metro is groping 
its way in selling. 



SEE PAR QUARTER NET 
PROFIT AT R000,000 



Although Paramount's earnings 
statement for ' the quarter ending 
June 30 is not expected until the 
end of this month, Wall Street cur- 
rently is anticipating net profit 
slightly under $2,000,000. This would 
make nearly $4,400,000 for the first 
half of the present year and consti- 
tute e2U:nings at the rate around $4 
per common share annually. 

While no such earnings pace is 
looked for in financial circles in the 
third quarter, covering July, August 
and September, favorable fall sea- 
son probably would bring Para- 
mount Its greatest financial year 
since reorganized in the' present set- 
up about six years ago. Only a 
drastic reduction in revenue from 
Great Britain is likely to put a 
crimp in this prospect. 

'With such earnings, there is new 
talk in the Street alMUt Paramount 
retiring its first preferred stock or 
some retirement plan whereby a 
substantial portion might be called 
in. 'Reason for this is that Par Is 
covering Its $6 annual dividend re 
quirements many times over and has 
cash balances In the parent company 
and subsid treasuries nearly large 
enough to retire the whole Issue, 
slighUy less than $13,000,000 being 
outstanding. 



BLUEPRINT FOR A ROBBERY 

Theatre Treasurer Tells All In Side- 
walk Interview 



San Francisco, July 22, 
Film row Is nervously sitting 
around -waiting for somebody to 
hold up a certain downtown deluxer, 
Radio m.c, handling a man-ln-street 
show in front of the house, got the 
treasurer on the mike and forced 
financial details out of him. Treas 
urer continually tried to stall, but 
the m.c. blasted away until he has 
brought out fact that house always 
had several thousand bucks on hand, 
and that cashiers don't carry guns 
and are under orders not to resist if 
cornered, etc. 

Show was a perfect blueprint for 
a robbery and hits a new high in 
tactless miking for these parts. 





HERO OF PIX BIZ 



Closeup of a Film Booker at 
Work, Plotting Playdates 
and Keeping Distribution 
Machinery Operating 
Smoothly, Points Up Vast 
Importance of Exhibitor 
Relations 



LnbitscVs 20th Starter 



A 24-HOUR JOB 



By Al Selig 

Hollywood has its 'yes-men'— but 
has anyone heard of the industry's 
'eraser men?" The 'eraser men' are 
Icnown on the payroll of the dis- 
tributing organizations as bookers 
and here again we find another very 
important cog in the elaborate setup 
of motion picture distribution. There 
are approximately atraut 700 In the 
various exchange centers of the 
United States and Canada who have 
a most complicated job in ; a most 
complicated industry. 

'The booker is the pivot around 
whom motion picture theatres are 
able to give daily performances as 
per schedule and as advertised— the 
bookers are the individuals who 
prove the old legitimate adage 'the 
show must go on' — they are the men 
who have a deep responsibility for 
the flawless and foolproof routing 
of film shows throughout their re- 
spective exchange territories. . 

Ripley or not, their principal stock 
in trade is a lead pencil and — an 
eraser. Relieve him of these impor- 
tant tools, motion picture theatres 
would have to close, and all In all,, 
the entire industry would be in a 
mess. It is fascinating to watch with 
what expertness the booker wields 
his pencil and rubber. Before him is 
a large book — nearly as large as the 
Doomsday Book — in which is pen- 
cilled, the playdates of the theatres 
in his territory. This book Is as 
valfiable and as priceless as a copy 
of the Gutenberg Bible. Lose this 
book and chaos would reign, the- 
atres would be dark, and branch 
managers would hire rooms in the 
nearest sanatorium. 

Watching the manipulations of 
these adept 'eraser men,' one Is fas- 
cinated by the constant application 
of the rubber-tipped pencil — rub- 
'(Continued on page 29) 



Hollywood, July 22. 
First production by Ernst Lu- 
bitsch under his new deal with 20th- 
Fox is 'Self-Made Cinderella,' star- 
ring Ginger Rogers, on loan from 
RKO. 

Filming starts when Lubitsch 
winds up his present commitment 
with Walter Wanger, late in Sep- 
tember. 



DISNEY STRIKE 
SEHLEMENT 
IMMINEIfr^ 



Hollywood. July 22. 
Washup of the nine-week old Walt 
Disney cartoonists strike is believed 
imminent this week, with confer- 
ences scheduled for today and to- 
morrow (Wed.). Understood Willie 
BiofT has agreed to withdraw from 
negotiations and permit Screen Car- 
toonists Guild leaders to make their 
own deal, but he warned them it 
won't be as favorable as the settle- 
ment he would wangle out of Disney. 
There is some talk the International 
may move in and exert sufficient 
pressure to alarm Disney into sign- 
ing. 

Understood that the impasse block- 
ing the washup Is Disney's refusal 
to meet the demand for lOO^n retro- 
active pay after previously offering 
to meet artists half way, but is now 
said opposed to any back payoff. 

Central labor council executive 
committee Monday (21) voted to 
continue the AFL ban on Disney 
products. At the meeting today (22) 
union heads were slated to draft a 
plan of settlement and Insist that 
Disn.ey spokesmen approve the setup. 
Should SCG reject settlement terms, 
understood the AFL will withdraw 
from negotiations, lift the boycott 
ban and recommend a new charter 
covering workers at Disney plant. 



MiOs Soundies Sets Up Exchange 
System to Service Jukebox Pix 



Film exchange to service -Mills 
Novelty Co.'s Soundies machines in 
the 16 eastern states has been estab- 
lished in New 'Vork. Mills-financed, 
it Is labeled Soundies Distributing 
Corp. of America; Thomas E. Mahaf- 
fey is-manager. ^ ■ 

Exchange supplies film to about 
500 see-boxes in its territory, slight- 
ly under 50 of them in New York. 
Demands of - defense Industries for 
tools and materials is making it pos- 
sible for Mills to add only very 
slowly to the number of machines 
in locations. 

Twenty five Soundies reels, most 
of them containing eight three-min- 
ute subjects, are now available, with 
new ones being Issued each Monday. 
Experience hasn't been lengthy 
enough as yet to show how long film 
will last running through the con- 
tinuous projectors, some of the 
prints being torn to pieces after 
four weeks, others lasting for -three 
months. Film is inspected and 
cleaned on Its return to the ex- 
change, similar to the way regular 
35mm. product Is handled. 

Three of the 'eels have been or- 
dered cut by the New York Board 
of .Censors. Each time it has been 



for showing too much of the gal In 
dancing sequences. Soundies, be- 
cause it is impossible to just snip the 
kayoed footage In the short subjects, 
eliminates the entire three-minute 
portion. "Thus some of the machines 
are now showing reels with seven 
subjects Instead of eight. 

Labor Dispute Adjusted 

Akron, July 22. 

First coin-in-slot movies to break 
in here brought out pickets in order 
to get members of the Moving Pic- 
ture Operators' union to service the 
machines. 

After several days of picketing the 
union won out and now signs hang 
in the cafes so advising the public. 



Spotty Near Bochester 

Rochester, N. Y., July 22. 

Most of the coln-in-slot film ma- 
chines now operating hereabouts 
have moved Into the rural playspots 
with the coming of hot weather. 
Take Is reported spotty, with the 
quality of films important factor in 
popularity. 

Servicing is being taken care of 
by company, which uses union 
operators for projecting 16 mm. edu- 
cational shows. 



While "The Reluctant Dragon* 
limps quietly Into the Palace to- 
morrow (Thursday) under a public- 
ity damper brought on by .the 
Disney strike on the Coast, It appears 
likely that the opening will be 
greeted by pickets. And the picket- 
ing threatens to split the New York 
unit of the Screen Publicists Guild, 
which will be in a large part respon- 
sible for the pavement pounders. 

. 'Dragon' has been given slough-off 
treatment by both RKO and the 
Disney office in the east. After toss- 
ing around the selection of a house 
for the preem for a month. Palace 
was decided on with less than 10 
days' notice. That naturally gave the 
RKO press department little leeway 
for getting a campaign started. 

Aside from some breaks over the 
past weekend, the New York dailies 
have carried very little on the com- 
bination cartoon-live action picture. 
It is, as a result, by far the lea^ 
publicized of any Disney feature yet 
released. Cartoon-maker's press de- 
partment, which always has done a 
teftific job of drum-beating, has 
been reticent this time, because the 
picture Is just one big plug for the 
Disney studios, showing everything 
as sweetness and light. Strike n^ws 
from the studio doesn't jibe with the 
scenario. Puffery anyhow is 'con- 
centrating' on 'Dumbo,' to be re- 
leased around September, 

Threatened picketing and the SPG 
split follows the formation last week, 
at the call of the Guild, of the New 
York Disney Strike Comn)ittee. 
Organizations cooperating are 
Spreen Readers Guild, United Office 
and Professional Wbrkers of Amer- 
ica, League of Women Shoppers, 
United American Artists and the 
Screen Guild Council of New York. 

Greater New York Industrial 
Union Council, representing 400,000 
members, passed a resolution Thurs- 
day (17) in support of the Screen 
Cartoonists Guild strike against 
Disney. Council stated it will co- 
operate with- the N. Y. Disney strike 
committee to bring about early set- 
tlement of the dispute. Copies of 
the resolution were sent to Disney, 
George J. Schaefer, RKO prez, and 
to the Palace. 

Guild eruption Is set for the mem- 
bership meeting tonight (Wednes- 
day) when RKOites are preparing to 
launch a protest against the action of 
SPG leaders in . organizing the 
Disney Strike Committee without a 
referendum of the membership. 
RKO p.a.s who are in the Guild (24 
out of the 25 employes) are pretty 
much in sympathy with the Disney 
strikers but *eel tiiey a.re being put 
on the spot in teing made party to 
the picketing of a picture which 
their company is distributing. They 
are in the further anomalous posi- 
tion of having to publicize the film 
against which they are being' made 
to protest. 

'Dragon' publicity suffered another 
hard blow in the sudden death on 
Friday (18) of John McGeehan, who 
was handling the opening campaign, 
Film, in a few out-of-town dates, 
has done mild biz. 



Pemiy Detours 'Biondie' 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Penny Singleton shitted tempo- 
rarily ixom the 'Blondie' series at 
Columbia to step into the femme 
lead in 'Go West, -Young Lady,' her 
first departure from the series since 
signing her contract on the lot 

Director is Frank R. Strayer, with 
Glenn Ford in the male romantic 
role. Picture Is Columbia's fourth 
musical this year. 



FAB SCEIBES SET 

Hollywood, Jyly 22. 

Heavy writing schedule continues 
at Paramount with assignment of 
four scribes to new tales. 

Bradford Ropes is working on 
'Showbpat Sal,' Barry Trlvers on 
'The Wizard of Arkansas' and F. 
Hugh Herbert and Jay Dratler on 
'Dangerous - Holiday.' 



8 FILM REVIEWS 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



: TRADESHOW REVIEWS i 

; ; (Fi«e more Trtt<Ie«hoton /Urn rewieu)*, /or 1941-42 releoic, under the 
■ Cotuent Decree; 8 /rom 20th-Fox, one coch RKO and Metro.) 



Sun Valley Serenade 

(WITH SONGS) 

20th Ontupy-Fox releane of MlUon Bperl- 
tiiK puductlon. Stan Sonja Henle, John 
Payne: featnres Olenn Killer and orchee- 
tra, Milton Berle, Lynn Barl, Joan Savis, 
NIcbolaa Bros. Directed by H. Bruce Hum- 
beratone. Screenplay by Robert Ellla and 
Helen Logan; atory. Art Arthur and Rob- 
ert Hararl; camera, Edward Gronjaser; 
editor, Jamea B. Clark ; dances, Hermes 
Paa; songs. Mack Gordon, Harry Warren. 
Running time, 8S MINB. 

Karen Benaon SonJa Henle 

Ted Scott John Payne 

Phil Corey Glenn Miller 

Nifty Allen Milton Berle 

Vivian Dawn Lynn Barl 

Miss Caratairs Joan Davis 

Specialty NIctiolea Brothera 

Murray William Davidson 

Specialty Doroiay Dandrldge 

Nune Almitu Sessions 

Band Leader Mel Ruick 

Headwalter Forbes Murroy 

Customs Offlcer Ra^ph Dunn 

Process Server Chester Clute 



'Sun Valley Serenade' is reported 
to be the spontaneous brainchild , of 
Darryl Zanuck, 20th-Fox production 
chief, who got the background in- 
spiration during a vacation sojourn 
at the resort several months a^o. 
Resultant picture of Zanuck's orig- 
inal idea IS an excellent compound 
of entertaining ingredients, display- 
ing Sonja Henie as a sparkling 
comedienne of top rank without 
necessity of putting on the blades, 
and displaying boxofFce potentiali- 
ties of high calibre. Picture is a top 
attraction, which will catch plenty of 
holdovers in the key runs. 



deft handling of the compact script 
and story. It's his first A assignment 
after a post-graduate course with 
the programmers, and demonstrates 
he's competent for big league assign- 
ments. 



Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde 

Metro production and relence. Stars 
Spencer Tracy; features Ingrld Bergmnn, 
Lana Turner. Directed by Victor Fleming, 
Screenplay by John Lee Mahin from novel 
by Robert Loula Stevenson; onmora, Joaeph 
Ruttenberg; apeclal effects. Warren New- 
comhe; music, Franz Wnxmnn: editor, 
Harold F. Kresa. Previewed In Projection 
Room, N. T., July 21, '41. Running time: 
1«T MINS. 

Dr, Harry Jekyll 1 Spencer Tracy 

Mr. Hyde ) 

Ivy Peteraon Ingrld Bergman 

Beatrix Emery Lana Turiier 

sir Charlea Emory Donald Crisp 

Dr. John Lanyon Ian Hunter 

Sam Hlgglna Barton MacLane 

The Bishop C. Aubrey Smith 

Poole Peter Godfrey 

Mrs. HIgglns Sara Allgood 

Dr. Heath Frederic Woplock 

Interne Fenwlck William Tannen 

Marcia Frances Roblnuon 

i^reddle Denia Green 

Jlr. Weller .'..Billy Bevan 

Old Prouty Forreater Harvey 

Colonel Weymouth Lunuden Hare 

Dr. Courtland Lawrence Grant 

'Constable John Barclay 



Sonja Henle finishes her contrac- 
tual obligations with 20th-Fox at this 
point and, although studio l»sald to 
be 'trying to renew her, the skating 
star does not'>seem to be interested. 
Undoubtedly the boxoifice reaction 
to 'Sun Valley Serenade' will be a 
dominant factor. 

A plentiful supply of Glenn Miller 
music, a straight comedy perform- 
ance by Milton Berle, a dance by the 
show-stopping Nicholas Bros, and 
strong support all along the line, 
give Miss Henle major assistance. Adtl 
four songs by Mack Gordon and 
Harry Warren, and prescription 
blends into very palatable entertain- 
ment for wide attention. ~ 

Story revolves around the Glenn 
Miller band, which finds engage- 
ments spaced far apart But the 
group gets an audition through ef- 
forts of singer Lynn Barl, and nabs 
booking at the Sun Valley resort 
Before departure, pianist Jphn Payne 
Is advised the Norwegian r^ugee he 
signed to assume responsibility for (as 
a publicity gag months before), has 
arrived and is ready for delivery. Was 
Henie is the refugee, and Iminedl- 
ately falls in love with her guardian. 
Manager and p,a. Milton Berle sneak 
her aboard tfte westbound train, with 
result Payne is continually, pestered 
by her romantic overtures. After a. 
twosome matooning in a mountain 
ski hut, Payne realizes that love Is 
mutual, and everybody's. happy. 

Story carries the basic Cinderella 
qualities. It's light and frothy, in- 
terspersed with sweet and swing by 
Glenn Miller, some excellent com- 
edy by Milton Berle, and a mini- 
mum of skating bv Miss Henie aside 
from a finale production number. 

Picture presents new talents of 
Miss Henle not disclosed in previous 
appearances. She's a light comedi- 
enne, with a wealth of personal!^ 
and vivacious eyes that work con 
tlnually. Payne advances consider- 
ably as the romantic lead, in which 
spot he turns in a topnotch per- 
formance. Berle handles a straight 
...'■.016 to advantage as the breezy man- 
ager of the troupe. The material 
provided by the script focuses at- 
tention on him more prominently, 
- and his broadly slapsUck falls on the 
brevity effective for their 

Glenn Miller's orchestra provides 
musical accompaniment for ttie four 
tunes contrived by Gordon and War- 
ren In addition to a couple of spe- 

• V easily identified 
'^y.MIller fans. Songs are all good, 

J Kil"" and So Do You,' 
uZ.li \ ^PPen«d In Sun Valley' 
.likely to catch pop attention, Lynn 
Barl sings the two numbers, Pavne 

Nicholases use the novelty 

• Chattanooga Choo Choo' for another 
fast acrobatic dance routine that 
catches attention. 

Star's skating skill Is spotlighted In 

S^n vtifP'^'^^'J.e on an-lval at 
Sun Valley when she performs on 
the resort rink, and finale production 
number with ensemble. Latter Is 
not necessary, although It Is show- 
manly with white costumed skaters 
«?. i^i^r™"''^'' K^yhlch heightens 
the effectiveness of the routines with 
Images projected from the Ice sur- 
face. 

Vo^?it^**^.'■^*°'^ activities of Sun 

Th? mf- ""^i" ^""^ unreeling. 
The ski lifts and runs are used as 
acce^ories for the refugee to flnaUy 
f I are worked in 

logically. Production is exceUently 
moanted, with camera work by Ed- 
ward Cronjager highly meritorious. 
Director H. Bruce Humberstone 
rtofis much tn mnlntaln interest In his 



This one is for major first runs, 
profitable holdovers and equally 
strong t^xofflce in all types of sub- 
sequent showings. By virtue of a 
series of fine characterizations, 
Spencer Tracy has developed a sub- 
stantial money following. 'Dr. Jekyll 
and Mr. Hyde,' although twice be- 
fore produced, once in sound, is- 
standard material, offering a wide 
gamut for a dramatic actor. Itll 
draw 'em out in droves. 

The promise, however, of some- 
thing superlative in film making, in 
the combination of the star, the 
Robert Louis Stevenson classic and 
Victor Fleming's direction, is not 
completely fulfiUed. It won't matter 
much to the customers. The fact Is, 
that in the evident striving to make 
'Jekyll' a 'big' film, by elaborating 
the theme and introducing new 
characters and situations not found 
In the original story or earlier stege 
or screen adaptations, some of the 
finer psychological points are dulled: 
John Lee Mahin's screenscript is 
over-length, running two hours and 
seven minutes. 

Nevertheless, it has Its highly 
effective moments, and Tracy plays 
the dual roles with conviction. His 
transformations from the young 
physician, bent on biological and 
mental research as an escape from 
his ,own moral wealmesses, to the 
demoniac Mr. Hyde are brought about 
with considerably less alterations in 
face and stature than audiences 
might expect remembering John 
Barrymore and Fredric March in 
earlier versions. 

What is likely to happen when the 
new 'Jekyll' moves into general dis- 
tribution after Sept 1, is more 
generous recognition of Ingrld Berg' 
man as a screen actress of ex- 
ceptional ability. She plays the en- 
slaved victim of Hyde^s debauches 
In every scene in which the two ap- 
pear, she is Tracy's equal as a strong 
screen personality. In some of the 
passages Fleming has been extremely 
liberal with Miss Bergman's costume 
drapings. 

Other Important supporting - roles 
are played excellently by Donald 
Crisp, as Sir Charles Emery, a name 
new to 'Jekyjl' casts; Ian Hunter, as 
the more familiar Dr. John (Hastle) 
Lanyon, and Lana Turner, ingenue 
fiancee of Dr. Hyde. 

Despite the great amount of foot- 
age that is given to Tracy's two-jJart 
characterization, the script is meagre 
on the very important phase of 
Jekyll's inner struggle to free him- 
self from his deadly alter ego. 
Millions of Stevenson readers have 
long found exciteii)ent and thrill in 
the angle that Jelqrll's predicament 
was self-conceived to hide criminal 
and vicious desires. Mahin empha- 
sizes that misdirected scientific re- 
search was the cause of the good 
doctor's downfall. 

It may be that Fleming, keeping 
closer to the literal than to the spirit 
of the text missed some of the more 
subtle points. 

General production values are of 
the highest quality. Joseph Rutten- 
berg's photography Is splendid, his 
portraits finely lighted, and the Lon- 
don exteriors, with occasional wisps 
of feg, realistic. Fiianz Waxman's 
musical score never tires and ma- 
terially aids the illusion. 

'Jekyll' may be put down as one of 
the big ones for fall release. Flin. 



Miniatore Reviews 



<Son VaUey Serenade' (20th). 
Sonja Henle in topflight enter- 
teinment ahning for big groisM 
and extended bookings. 

<Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde* 
(M-G), Spencer Tracy In a box- 
office winner; Ingrld Bergman's 
performance also fin*. 

'Charley's Aunt' (20th). Jack 
Benny in roUiddng laugh hit 
Cinch for top biz and holdover. 

'Lady Scarf aoe' (RKO). Scara 
will be on the audiences who 
sit through this half-baked 
gangster meller. 

'Dressed to Kill' (20th). Neatly 
devised whodunit of program 
calibre; for dual support and the 
family houses. 

'Dance Hall' (20th). Poor Is 
the word for this Carole Landls- 
Cesar Romero sUrrer. 

'Kisses for Breakfast' (WB). 
Whacky amnesia victim comedy 
padded with needless hokum 
that dulls it even for dualers. 

'Arkansas Judge' (Rep ). 
Weaver Family in small-town 
comedy-drama, oke for dualers. 

'Atlantic Ferry' (WB-Britlsh). 
Yarn deals with launching of 
steamship traveling In 10th cen- 
tury. Falls short.- 

'El Cora Ganchs' (Argentine). 
Fine b.o. seen for native Argen- 
tine audiences. 

"EmbrDjo' (Argentine). One of 
the most ambitious films ever 
turned out by an Argentine 
studio. 

'Joven, VIndo y Estanolera' 

(Argentine). Top-rank Spanish 
languager. 



CHARLEY'S AUNT 

Hollywood, July 22. 
20th Century-Fox releaaa of William Perl- 
berg production. Stars Jack Benny; fea- 
tures Kay Francis. Directed by Archie 
Mayo. Screenplay by George Seaton, baaed 
on play by Brandon Thomaa; camera, Pev- 
erell Marley: editor, Robert Blachoft. Pi«- 
vlewed In Projection Room, July 90, 'U. 
Running time, W MINB. 

Babhs Jack Benny 

Donna Lucia .Kay Francia 

Jack Ctaesney James Ellison 

Amy Spettlgue Anne Baxter 

Stephen Spettlgue Edmund Qwenn 

Mr. Redcllffe Reginald Owen 

Sir Francis Chesney Laird Cregor 

Kitty Verdun Arleen Whelan 

Charley Wykeham Richard Haydn 

Brassett Ernest Coasart 

Harley Stafford Morton Lowry 

Babberly. I Lionel Pape 

Messenger Will Stanton 

Btderly Man Montague Shaw 

( . Claud Alllster 

Spectatora ( William Austin 

Octogenarian Maurice Caoa 



rait ar* amply taken oar* of with 
walr romanno aflairt, . 

Flotura ii a flick combo of farce, 
burlaaqua and straight slapstick. 
Tbara's nothing th«r« except long 
and haar^ laughs— with reaction 
from the woman just as explosive as 
from' the male sector. 

Benny clicks affectively In the title 
spot, oarrylng the burden of the 
story with a grand performance. 
Supporting players are selected for 
maximum results' from their respec- 
tive portrayals. Ellison and Haydn 
are the two undergraduates who get 
Benny Into the predicament; Anne 
Baxter and Arleen Whelan are the 
coy maidens whose hands 'are 
■ought by Ellison and Haydn. Miss 
Francis, although getting limited 
footage, carries off her assignment 
in top fashion. Cregar, Gwenn, 
Reginald Owen and Ernest Cossart 
add much comedy to the proceed- 
ings. 

Picture gets fullest advantage of 
'A' production mounting, with Pev- 
ereU Marley's photography of high 
standard throughout Watt. 



LADY SCARFACE 

RKO release of Cliff Reld production. 
Features Dennis O'Kssfe, Judith Anderson, 
Frances Neal, Mildred Coles, Eric Blore. 
Directed by Frank Woodruff. Original 
screenplay by Aniand D'Uoseau and Rich- 
ard Collins; camera, NIcholns Munraca; 
editor, Harry Marker, Previewed In Pr»- 
Jeotlon Room, N. T., July 18, '41. Run- 
ning time, 68 MINS. 

Lt. Mason Dennis O'Keefe 

Blade Judith Anderson 

Ann Rogera Frances Noal 

Mary Powell Mildred Coles 

Mr. Hartford Eric Blore 

Lefty landers Marc Lawrence 

Onslow .....Damlan O'Flynn 

Seldel Andrew Tombee 

Ruby Mnrlon Martin 

Jimmy Powell Rnnd Brooks 

Matt Arthur Shielda 

George Lee Bonnell 

Semenoff Harry Bums 

Mullen Horace MacMahon 



Another Line, Another Title 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Gene Autry goes south of the bor- 
der In a big way In Republic's high- 
budget feature, 'Down Mexico Way,' 
slated to start Aug. 11, with Harry 
Grey producing. 

Currently Autry la riding In 'Un- 
der Fiesta Stars.' 



Like Niagara Falls, '(Parley's 
Aunt' stands the test of time. A half 
century ago, its Initial presentation 
on the London stage started It on a 
healthy and wealthy career, with 
profitable revival on -Broadway last 
year catehing attention ' of Darryl 
Zanuck for a third film presentation. 
Solid farce of maximum laugh 
potentialities, and with Jack Benny 
in the title role, picture is a strong 
audience attracter that will roll up 
hefty grosses all along the line, and 
rate holdovers in the keys. 

Former film versions — in 192S 
with Syd Chaplin, and 1930 with 
Charles Ruggles— did well. But ac- 
quisition of Jack Benny tor the title 
spot was expert showmanship. 
Benny, playing with enthusiasm and 
romping merrily and crazlly along 
the route, takes fullest advantage of 
laugh opportunities. It's a new 
angle for the comedian's talents, 
whose previous film assignments 
comprised a lightly frameworked 
story background, on which gagmen 
built an overload of unassociated 
quips and blackout episodes. As a 
result, Benny demonstrates he can 
handle a straight, farcical assign- 
ment without recourse to his retinue 
of wisecrackers, gagmen and radio 
delivery technique. 

Under expert direction of Archie 
Mayo, there's no letdown In the fast 
pace maintained for rollicking re- 
sults. Many situations are double- 
barrelled for laughs— first when the 
audience Is given advance tipofl on 
what's going to happen; and a roar 
when it actually occurs. Only deft 
timing by both director and com- 
edian can achieve that result, and 
the Benny-Mayo team works in per- 
fect synchronization. 

Picture closely follows the stege 
farce In unfoldment carrying Ox- 
ford background of 1800. Perennial 
student Benny is forced to mas- 
querade as Charley's rich aunt from 
Brazil to provide chaperonage while 
Charley (Richard Haydn) and James 
Ellison have their girl friends for 
lunch and marriage proposals. The 
oldfashioned female getup tosses 
Benny into a series of complications 
that fall oh him in torrents. He's 
the recipient of amorous advances 
from fortune-hunting Laird (jlregar 
and fiustery Edmund Gwenn; en- 
counters troubles with his multl- 
petticoated ensemble; and wends his 
way through embarrassing passages 
with the real aimt Kay Francis. 
When he. gets through with It all, 
the Impostor finds he's engaged to 
the rich ai^nt from Brazil: and his 



A cheaple gangster meller that 
won't come near ringing the bell 
with even the Saturday afternoon 
juve trade, 'Lady. Scarf ace' is cer- 
tainly nothing to add to the sales 
value of RKO's first block-of-five. 
It will earn no more than slough- 
off dates as a bottom-runger in the 
subsequents. 

Idea of writers Amaud D'Usseau 
and Richard Collins In creating a 
femme 'Scarface' as topper of a mob 
Is okay, but they failed to develop it 
for sufficient suspense and action, 
prime necessity in this type product 
In addition to which, it suffers most 
of all from a series of holes In the 
plot through which an eight-year- 
old could drive a complaining 
wedge. Yam hinges on a ^mass of 
. exe^erating 'coincidences' which 
the authors contrived to save the 
trouble of thinking up a real series 
of incidents and climaxes. 

Jutllth Anderson as the 'Lady 
Scarface' Is at once excellent and 
pathetic. Her superior acting abil- 
ity gives the role lots more authen- 
ticity and substance than it de- 
serves, but to find this player [who 
is scheduled to do Lady Macbeth, 
opposite Maurice Evans on the 
Broadway stage in the fall] appear- 
ing in a bottom-6f-the-alphabet ac- 
tioner is a sad commentary on the 
status of both films and theatre. 

Miss Anderson's nemesis, the dick 
who tracks her down. Is Pennis 
O'Keefe. His vis-a-vis— a femme 
mag photog who trails him around 
and gets herself thoroughly mixed 
up In the plot— is Frances Neal. 
Smart-looking pair, they deserve a 
better break than this padded, over 
long, slow-paced vehicle. 

'Scarface,^ unsuspected as a wo- 
man by the coppers, heads a gang 
which commits a murder and rob- 
bery. O'Keefe trails her by means 
of a letter containing the 'take,' but 
an innocent couple (Rand Brooks 
and Mildred Coles) who have the 
same name as the addressee of the 
letter arrive at the hotel to which 
K is sent Just In time to receive it 
By odd coincidence they are Ir 
trouble, need monfey and get them- 
selves suspected, only to be saved 
in the nick of time by little Miss 
Neal. She, of course, in the mean- 
time, has faUen for O'Keefe and he 
for her, so everything's just cozy for 
the fadeout Herb 



ing attraction In the duals and fam. 
ily houses. 

A former legit theatre and adjoin, 
ing hotel serves as background for 
a mysterious dual murder under 
strange circumstances— with oppor- 
tunity-seeking Lloyd Nolan conven- 
lently around to start Investigating, 
He uncovers the family skeletons ot a 
stock company operating in the thea. 
tre a quarter century before,- and 
then proceeds to piece things to- 
gether to put the finger on the mur- 
derer. 

Nolan puta plenty of lightness into 
the role of the young super-sleuth, 
who beate the police inspector to 
every clue. By-play between Nolan 
and Mary Beth Hughes, whose mar- 
riage gets sidetracked when the dick 
stumbles on the murder mystery 
provides a nominal amount of ele- 
mental humor to lighten the pro- 
ceedings. Adequate support Is pro- 
vided by William Demarest Erwln 
Kaiser, Henry Daniel, Milton Par- 
sons and Virginia Brissac. Sheila 
Ryan is briefly seen, although fea- 
tured with Miss Hughes, who cap- 
ably handles her assignment as the 
burlesque dancer. 

Although picture carries same 
title as one turned out by Fox in 
1928, there is no similarity In story ' 
structure, and this Is not a remake 
of the previous issue of similar tag, 

Mort. 

DANCE HALL 

(WITH SONGS) 
20th-Fox release of Sol M. Wurtiel pro* 
duction. Stan Carole Landls, Cesar Ro- 
mora; features William Henry, June 
Storey, J, Edward Bromberg. Directed by 
Irving Pichel. Screenplay by Stanley 
Rauh and Elhel Hill based on hovel by 
W. R. Burnett; songs. Mack Gordon and 
Harry Revel, Jimmy McHugh and Hnrold 
Adamson; editor, Louis Loefder; camera, 
Luclen Andrlot. Reviewed at Roxy, N, T.. 
July 18. '41. Running time, 7S MIN8. 

Lily Brown Carole Landl* 

Duke McKay Cesar Romero 

Joe Brooke William Henry 

Ada June Storey 

Max Brandon J, Edward Bromberg 

Mr. Newmeyer Charles Hnlton 

LImpy. Shimen Ruskin 

Moon Wllllnm Haade 

Vivian TrudI Manilon 

Cook Russ Clark 

Turnkey Frank Fanning 



DRESSED TO KILL 

Hollywood, July 22, 
20th Century-Fox releaee of Sol M. 
Wurtael production. SUra Lloyd Molan; 
feature* Mary Beth Hughea, Sheila Ryan, 
Directed by Eugene Forde. Screenplay by 
Stanley Rauli and Manning O'Connor, based 
on. novel by Richard Burke and character, 
Michael Sbayne,' created by Brett Halll- 
d^; camera. Glen McWllllams; editor. 
Fred Allen. Previewed In Projection 
Room July 22, '41, Running time, 76 .MIN8. 

Michael Shoyne Lloyd Nolan 

Joanne La Marr ....Mary Beth Hughes 

Connie Barlo ..Sheila Ryon 

Inapeotor Pleraon William Demarest 

5»«,'>' Ben Carter 

5™"yi'- Virginia Brlssac 

Otto Kuhn ...Erwln Kaiser 

Jullon Davie ; w.. Henry Daniel 

• DIok Rich 

Max Allaron Milton Parsons 

S^-finnon ; Charles Ami 

David Earle Charles Trowbridge 

Reporter Hamilton MacFadden 

Phyllis Latbrop May Beatty 

'BUiot Charlea Wilson 

Manton Moreland 

This Is a neatly concocted and in- 
terest-maintaining whodunit detail- 
ing the furliier adventures of Mich- 
ael Shayne, private investigator. 
It's an acceptable program attraction 
that will stand ud okav ns suonort- 



If 'Dance Hall' is a criterion, the 
technique of making pictures is go- 
ing backwards instead of forwards. 
Hie direction, acting and thin story 
are all remindful of Hollywood's 
prohibition era 'B' output Instead 
of gangland, the setting here is a 
dancehall; what would have been the 
mugg 10 years ago is now the dance- 
hall's manager, and the moll is now 
a hardened singer. The only differ- 
ence is that this is billed as a com- 
edy, which it ijai't In quality it is 
a very poor 'A,' if meant as such, 
and the weak 'B' class is where it 
will wind up. It won't mean' much 
at the boxofflce anywhere. ' 

Neither Cesar Romero, who grins 
like an ear of corn, nor Carole Landls, 
the film's stars, is going to bene- 
fit by their showing in this picture. 
Romero, playing the part of a per- 
sonality wolf, and Miss lisndis, as 
the singer billed as Venus, play their 
parts in the jerky fashion of a tin- 
type. The script and direction are 
probably just as much at fault, but 
talented performers couldn't possibly 
look so bad. 

The plot is simple, Romero counts 
his conquests on an adding machine, 
but Is thrown for a loss by Miss 
Landls, who has as many curves as 
a roller coaster. Plus this, there's 
another plot including gold-digging 
June Storey, who has as many 
curves as two roller-coasters, and 
plano-playlng William Henry, who, 
in-between Jamming for the dance- 
hall's customers, has managed to 
save $2,000 ahd compose a brilliant 
symphony. It's not quite clear what 
h? accomplished with his left hand. 

J. Edward Bromberg, the best ac- 
tor In the picture, is in the role ol 
a good Samaritan lingerie tycoon, 
who wants to take Miss Landls out 
of her sordid surroiwidings. Like all 
good guys In bad pictures, he winds 
up behind the eight-ball. 

Picture's best features are the two 
songs, one of them. Mack 9°„1? 
and Harry Revel's 'There's a LuU m 
My Life,' now more than four years 
old, and -There's Something In the 
Air,' by Jimmy McHugh and HaroW 
Adamson, also old. Miss Landis sings 
them both in fair fashion. 

Although running 73 minutes, we 
direction gives the Impression that 
It's twice as long. Or Is it the tirea 
dialog, or could It possibly Jje tne 
unflatterhig photography? 5cho. 

KiMes for Breakfast 

Warner Bros, release of Harlan Thomp- 
son production. Featurea Dennis Morgan, 
Jane Wyatt, Shirley Ross, Lee PaW* 
Jerome Cowan. Uno O'Connor. 
by Lewis Seller. Screenplay by KenneiB 
Garnet from play by Seymour Kicks, bajw 
on play by Yves Mlrande and Anore 
Mouezy-Bon; camera, Arthur Edeson, eoi 
tor, James Gibbon. At Fox, Bfookbo. 
week July 18, .'41, dualed. Running time, 
SI MINS. ^ , .,„,.^ 

Rodney Trask D«nnls Morpuj 

Laura Anders roS 

Juliet Martden ^"'"L.rfS 

Betty Trent 

Lucius Lorlmer i^'^'X.r^l.Me 

ElUe Una O'Connor 

Phiiiip;::::.:;:...:... Ba™eti 

Dr. Burroughs Romalne Co"«"i'S 

Clara Raymond ^"o'^ "^STS. 

Chet Oakley °^r,? «^B«t 

Arnold .Willie 

Clotlldo LoulBO Beavers 

Old Jeff Clarence MUM 

What might have been, and what 
promised to be for the first 40 mui- 
(Continued on page 30) 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



9 



RKO SHOWS HOW TO MAKE 
P^Sf REVIEWS SELL PICTURES 



FORCED LANDING 



olui tevtnl fc— I 



,«„.DI.UJ.h-«»" "StaSSk 



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As keeps 

and dis- 

of Rob- 
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fclally on 
^s o! the 
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luddies in 
tbinson >s 

tng. Miss 

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leUing 

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It tabs her 
kn tails m 
marriage. 

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JUNGLE CAVALCADE 

pull H*"""*I*%.1 w C. Aiii»n«- A;,*.,'" 

Frank Buck's iungl. P^jctur" 
rated "daddy o*^f:„,u, compilation , 

" ently. this Snc« ,*=°om 'Bring thi 
SjouUtanding sequences ^^^^ 

•Em .Back AUve., new lFui 

'Fang and Claw. p«|» ^ musical 
material, new narrat^n a 

Cavalcade u fitn. if given the 
lor this tyP« ?*vaVK; •mpToyed toripm, 
circusy sort ot " en» picture Uou^ 

?his Broadway en8«««"J^.? cur- |^ 
Sy. " ^uS thf dlstrlbutorjw^ 

prised by the. compaci^^^^^j^ ft»n|2.*«D 



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, ov.t ^a, moulded tromj« b«t»^^j m^^^ 

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Lre displays 
St for max- 
^rilts into 
« Robm- 
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nanhannies 
^ets Miss 
a sicreo- 
ctip.}omt 
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I teeth into 
Alan Hale 
Ue several 
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trapping rf «"f«2»t t?om ,„oth« 
cue of a haby eiepriwi ^ 
Jungle »t. «d a brwW^ ^ 
tween another """JSriT^cIUBg mo- 
snarling i«ger ara ^'il^Saf t\ th« 
1 mcnts. Then, oi e*"»"^^^ Frank 

iEeS'tot^a'^SJ&orammunltK.nU^^^^ 
attherepUlt. — 
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pointed, running n'^^"^^ .gring 

•Em Back Ajw* • cargo.' and 

was at the helm on w" jir^tor of 
Buck, »f "f^JuU rata Uurata for 
'Fang and CUW.a»" ^ original 

lul scenes. ^ j^.,,. 

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Reprint of Film Review page 
from the July 9 issue of 

as mailed by RKO to its 
Sales staff and thousands 
of exhibitors 



10 



PICTURE GROSSES 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



Tanities' Unit Bolsters Draft' 
In 4th to $25,000; loon Pale 17G; 
lanpower Hefty 19G, LA Spurts 



Los Angeles, July 22. 
Business spurted upwards over the 
veekend, giving several houses 
robust grosses despite heat wave. 
Paramount is leading the town again 
with a nifty $25,000 in sight on one 
of those infrequent double feature 
bookings added to Earl Carroll's 
'Vanities' road unit on the stage. 
•Caught in the Draft' is holding over 
at this house a fourth week with 
'Forced Landing' (Par) the new 
entry. Length of bill limits house to 
four complete shows daily. Stage 
show Is credited with bulk of the 
draw. _ . . . 

^ 'Blossoms in the Dust' opening at 
the Four Star is another entry that 
looks promising with $5,000 or more 
likely for the week. Chinese and 
Loew's State are in the doldrums, 
heading for a combined total of 
around $17,500 with 'Moon Over 
Miami' and 'A Very Young Lady. 
Estimates for This Week 
Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1.615; 83- 
$1.10-$1.65)— 'Fantasia' (Disney) (25th 
wk) Long run champ still going 
strong after breaking the previous 
record held by 'Gone With the Wmd 
In this house. About .$5,000 indicated 
after healthy $5,500 on the 24th 
week 

Chiniese (Grauman-F-WC) (2,034: 
30-44-55-75) — 'Moon Over Miami' 
(2dth) and 'A Very Young Lady' 
(20th). Not very encouraging at 
around $6,000. Last week, 'Barnacle 
Bill' (M-G) and 'The Get-Away' 
(M-G), hit around $8,200, not so hot/- 
Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-44-55) 
—'Manpower' (WB) single billed and 
oft to a gpod start with hefty $10,000 
In sight Last week, 'Bride Came 
C.O.D.' (WB), soloed strongly on re- 
peat with $8,500. 

Fonr Star (UA-F-WC) (900; 30-44- 
65)— 'Blossoms in the Dust' (M-G). 
Strong, with approximately $5,000 
likely. Last week, sixth and final 
with 'Rage in Heaven' (M-G), petered 
out with around $1,200. 

Hollywood/ (WB) (2r756; 30-44-55) 
—'Manpower' (WB) in for a sub- 
stantial take with Edward G. Robin- 
son, Marlene Dietrich and George 
Raft the marquee draft About 
$9,000. Last week, ' 'Bride Came 
C.O.D.' (WB) wound up in the neigh- 
borhood of $8,000, on repeat book- 
ing, good. 

Orpheom (B'way ) (2,200; 30-44-55) 
— 'Liady from Louisiana' (RCp) and 
•West Point Widow' (Par) and stage 
show built around house orchestra 
leader Al Lyons' fourth anniversary. 
No better than $6,500 expected, after 
excellent $9,000 last we£k with Major 
Bowes unit coupled with 'Roar of 
the Press' (Mono) and 'Met in 
Argentina* (RKO). 

Fantages (Pan) (2,812; 30-44-56)— 
"Tom, Dick & Harry' (RKO) and 
•^ig Boss' (C^l). Pointing towards 
'Improved gross at $12,200. Last 
week, 'Adventure in Washington' 
(Col) and 'Blondie Society' (Col), 
not very satisfactory at $5,700. 

Paramonni (Par) (3,595; 30-44-55- 
75) — 'Forced Landing' (Par) and 
'Caught In the Draft' (Par) (4th wk) 
and Earl Carroll's 'Vanities' stage 
show. Heading for smash $25,000. 
Last week, with 'Will' Osborne, strong 
$14,500 on third week. 

EKO. (RKO) (2,872; 30-44-55)— 
Tom, Dick and Harry' (RKO) and 
The Big Boss'. (Col). Looking up, 
with $12,000 estimated. Last week, 
•Adventure in Washington' (Col) and 
•Blondie Society' (Col), anemic 
$5,800. 

State (Loew-F-WC) (2,204; 30-44- 
B5-75)— 'Moon Over Mianji' (20th) 
1^ and 'Very Young I>ady' (20iii). Ap- 
B proximately $9,500 estimated, n.s.g. 
■ Last week, 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) and 
W 'Get-Away' (M-G), about $11,000. 
lair. 

United Artists (UA-F-WC) (2,100; 
80-44-55)— 'Barnacle BUI' (M-G) and 
The Get-Away' (M-G). Poor $2,700 
estimated. Last week, 'Man Hunt' 
(20th) and 'Accent on Love' (20th), 
around $3,000. 

Wllshlre (F-WC) (2,296; 30-44-55) 
—'Man Hunt' (20th) (2d wk) and 
•Accent on Love* (20th) (2d wk), on 
the downbeat with possible $3,600. 
Last week, around $6,000. 



Broadway Grosses 

Estimated Total Gross 

This Week.... $280,300 

(Based on 12 theatres) 
Total Gross Same Week , 

Last Tear $230,400 

(Based on II VMatrei) 



(M-G) and 'Uncertain Feeling' (UA), 
Expect big $8,000. Last week, 
•Caught in Draft' (Par) and Monster 
Girl' (Par), second week, $3,900, on. 

Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 30-40- 
50)— -Bride C.O.D.' (WB) (3d wk). 
Expect good $2,500. Last week 
$2,300, okay. ^ 

Winter Garden (Sterlmg) (800; 16- 
30)— 'Boys Town' (M-G) and 'Free 
Easy' (M-G) (2d run). Anticipate 
only $1,900, slow. Last week, Dic- 
tator' (UA) and 'Sis Hopkins' (Rep) 
(2d run), $ 2,000, okay. 

(aNGERlFfY 
$19,000 IN HUB! 



Frisco Has AD Kinds Opposish to Pix; 
'Shepherd; $U> 'Blossoms,' IOI/2G 



Key City Grosses 



This Week 91,US,50« 

(Based on 27 cities, 172 thea- 
Estlmated Total Oroag 
tret, chiefly first runs, fncludfnu 
N. Y.) 

Total Gross Same Week 

Last Tear $1,327,900 

(Based on 26 cities, 168 theatres) 



'Barnacle BiU'-Teefing' 
Big $8,000 in Seattle 



' SeatUe, July 22. 
The heat wave was stupendous 
last week, but a cooler turn over 
the weekend is helping theatre biz. 
A stron? deterrent, however, Is night 
baseball. 

Estimates for This Week 
Blue Monse (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(850; 30-40-50)— 'Miami' (20th) and 
'Getaway' (M-G1. Moveover from 
Fifth Avenue looking for okay $2,500. 
Last week. 'Big Store' (M-G) (3d 
wk) and 'Woman's Face' (M-G) (5th 
wk). nifty $1,400, considering run 
and heat. . 

Coliseum (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(1,900; 21-35)— 'Love Crazy' (M-G) 
and 'American Broadcast' (20th) (2d 
run). Rated around $2,800. mild. 
Last week, 'Penny Serenade' (Col) 
and WWa^ons RoU' (WB) (2d run), 
slow $1,800. 

Fifth Avenue (Hamrick - Ever- 
green) (2,349; 30-40-50)— 'Shepherd 
Hills' (Par) and 'Accent Love' (20th). 
Anticipated good $7,000. Last week, 
'Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Getaway' 
(M-G), $4,000, slow. 

Liberty (J-vH) (1,650; 21-30-40)— 
'This Wav Please'. (Par) and 'Medico 
Painted Sorings' (Col). Likely to 
get good $5,500. Last week, 'Cock- 
eyed Sailors' (UA) and 'Richest 
Man' (Col), $3,400,. mild. 

MetropollUn (University Bldg. 
Corp.) (1.087; 58-$1.73) — 'Citizen 
Kane' (RKO) (2d wk, four days) 
Garnering around $2,800, tair, on 
brief h.o. Last week $5,300, fair. 

Mdsic Box (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(850; 30-40-50)— 'Caught Draff (Par) 
and 'Monster Girl' (Par). Extended 
run, from two weeks at Paramount 
exiiect good $3,400, Last weejt, 
'Bombay' (M-G) and 'West Point 
Widow' (Par) (2d *k), $2,100, bkiy. 

Orpheom (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(2,600; 30-40-50)— 'Bad Mah Missouri' 
(WB) and 'Out Fog' (WB). Big 
$7,500. Last week. 'Underground' 
(WB) and 'Kisses Breakfast' (WB), 
$3,800, slow. 

Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 21-40)— 
'Sunset Wyoming' (Rep) and 'Hit 
Road' (U), plus vaude. Heading for 
$5,000, neat. Last week, 'Tight 
Shoes' (U) and vaude, $3,100, poor. 

Paramonnt (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(3,039; 30-40-50) — 'Barnacle Bill' 



Boston, July 22. 
Ginger Rogers' escapades with 
'Tom, Dick and Harry' are attracting 
approximately the same attention 
and coin as Clark Gable's didoes 
with Rosalind Russell in 'Bombay. 

Otherwise the biz is pale, but 'In 
the Navy' is still making news by 
grabbing a sixth week in its notable 
holdover score". 

Estimates for This Week 
Boston (RKO) (3,200; 28-39-44-55) 
—'In Navy' (U) (8th wk in town) 
and 'San Antonio Rose' (U) (3d wk). 
Rating good $8,500, or better. Last 
week (third frame here after two 
at the Memorial), $9,500. okay. 

Fenway (M&P) (1,373; 28-39-44- 
55) — 'Bride C.O.D.' (WB) and 
'Nurse's Secret' (WB) (both con- 



"Miami'-Xrutches' Dnal 
Nice $10,000 in Omaha 



Omaha, July 22. 
Cool nights sent a lot of business 
to the theatres over the weekend, 
with 'Moon Over Miami' and 'Bride 
Wore Crutches' at the Orpheum 
likely to lead the town. 

Estimates for This Week 
Orpbenm (Tristates) (3,000; 10-30- 
ft'v_'M ■ ■" ~ ■ ■ 



40)— 'Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Bride 
Crutches' (20th). Nice $10,000. Last 
week 'Flame New Orleans' (U) and 
'Reaching Sun' (Far), lair $8,800. 

, BrandeU (Mort Singer) (1,509; 10 

tinued from Met). Aiming at strong 25-35-40)— 'Bad Men Missouri' (WB) 
$6,000. Last week, 'Moon Miami* and 'Shining Victory' (WB). Good 
(20th) (continued ru- from Met) and «5 Boo_ Last week 'Underground' 
Lady Louisiana' (Rep) (1st wk), (^q) ^^d 'Blondie Society' (Col), 



$4,500. 

Keith Memorial (RKO.) (2,900; 28 
39-44-55)— 'Tom, Dick, Harry' (RKO) 
and 'Beauty's Sake' (20th). Taking 



good $5,500. 

Omaha (TrisUtes? (2,000; 10-30-40) 
—'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) and 'Magic 
Music' (Par). Pretty fair $8,000. 



fine $19,000 and pointing to holdover. Last week 'Big Store' (M-G) and 
La.'t week, 'Reluctant Dragon | <vf ait for You' (M-G) neat $8,500. 

Slate (Goldberg) (900; 10-20-25)— 



(RKO) arid 'Dance Hall' (20th), | 
$13,000, off. 

Metropolitan (M&P) (4,367; 28-39- 
44^55 )_'Shepherd Hills' (Par) and 
'Get- A way' (M-G). Getting blah 
biz, $11,000. Last week, 'Bride 
C.O.D.' (WB) and 'Nurse's Secret*^ 
(WB), $17,000 good. 

Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 28-39-44- 
55) — 'Met Bombay' (M-dJ) and 
Sweetheart Campus' (Col). Flirting 
with dandy. $19,000 and holdover. 
Last week, 'Billy Kid' (M-G) and 
Adventure Washington' (Col), $12, 
000, okay. ' 

Paramonnt (M&P) (1,797; 28-39- 
44-55 )_'Bride .C.O.D.' (WB) and 
'Nurse's Secret* (WB) (both con 
tinued from Met). Commendable 
$8,000 indicated. Last week, 'Moon 
Miami' (20th) (continued from Met) 
and 'Ladv Louisiana' (Rep) (1st wk), 
double, $6,000. 

State (Loew) (3,600; 28-39-44-55)-^ 
'Bombay' (M-G) and 'Sweetheart 
Campus* (Col). Whizzing toward 
$15,000 and probable second stanza 
Last week 'SUly Kid*. (M-G) and 
'Washington Adventure' (Col), hold 
over, good $9,000. 

TranBlu (Translux) (OOOr 16-25 
44)— 'Angels Wings' (Col) (revival) 
and 'Double Cross* (Prod) (1st run). 
Under-par $1,800 promised. Last 



Great Broadcast*" (20th) and 'Great 
He* (WB), split with 'People Kil 
dare* (M-G), 'Knew Answers' (Col) 
and 'Life Henry' (Par) n.g. $800. 
Last week 'Ziegfeld Girl* (M-G) and 
'Affectionately Yours* (WB), split 
with 'Dead Men Tell' (20th), 'Man 
Monster* (U) and 'Horror Island' 
(U), ditto. 

Town (Goldberg) (1,500; 10-20-25) 
— 'Pirates Horseback' (Par), 'Invisi- 
ble Woman* (U) and 'Sleepers West' 
(20th), triple split with 'Hands 
Across Rockies' (Col), 'Shadow 
Stairs' (WB) and 'Two-Flster Sher- 
iff' (Col), and 'Emergency Squad' 
(Par) and 'Capper Returns* (UA)- 
Improved $1,000. Last week "Mutiny 
Arctic* (U), 'FQotiiglit Fever* (RKO) 
and 'Geronimo* (Par), triple-split 
with "Wild Man Borneo* (M-G), 
'Couldn't Say No' (WB) and .'Sea 
Wolf* (WB), and 'Blondie LaUn' 
(Col) and 'Singapore Woman' (WB) 
fair $900. 

Avenue • Military . Dmndee (Gold 
berg) (980-900-300; 28) — 'Oreat 
Broadcast' (20th) wid 'Great Lie 
(WB), lolit with Teople Kildare' 
(M-G>. 'Knew Answer^ (Col) and 
•Life henr/ (ftr). Good $1,000. 
Last week 'Ziegfeld Girf 0^) 
and 'AfleciJonately Yours* (WB), 



week ^Great Swindle' (Col) and split with 'Unoertaln Feeling* (UA) 
ffider Saoat' (M-G) (reissue), 'Man-Madp ,Monste?' W) and 'Hor 
$2,000, off. ' ror Island* (u), fair $900. 



Seiden's Negro Series 



Joseph Seiden, producer of Yid- 
dish and Negro pix on his own .in 
the past, is directing a series of six 
all-colored films at Cinema Studios, 
Inc., Palisades, N, J., for Jack Gold- 
berg, of International Roadshows. 

Studio, which has recently en- 
larged its stages, is also making a 
series of three-minute shorts for 
•Mini-Films,' jukebox pic device be- 
Jng distribute d by Charles Krollck. 



NATIONAL B. O. SUMMARY 

Ginger Rogers Joins Cagney-Davis, *Miaim', 'Shepherd', Taking 
Over as *Djraft', *In Navy' and 'Bombay' Relinquish First Runs 



standout product of early summer release is swiftly 
passing through the Insatiable mill of first-run show- 
ings. The newer releases that are coming Into the 
exhibition field are drawing somewhat lower grosses. 
The Indications point to wide weekly fluctuations in 
boxoffice figures until the new season's productions 
come to the screen after Sept. 1. 
~ 'Grdiip of four. or'Uve^'Strong attractions during the 
past two months has completely contradicted the trade 
complaints that the film business has lost Its public 
appeal. Survey of the exceptional grosses of 'Caught 
in the DrMt' (Par), 'In the Navy' (U), 'They Met in 
Bombay' (M-G) and 'Love Crazy' (M-G) furnishes 
ample refutation to misgivings. 

Following behind these features with satisfactory, if 
not smash business, are 'The Bride Came C. O. D.* 
(WB), 'Moon Over Miami' (20th), 'Man Hunt* (20th) 
and 'Shepherd of the Hills* (Par). 

Current week also brought first reports froin Variety 
correspondents on Ginger Rogers' new starrer, Tom, 
Dick and Harry' (RKO). It rates from excellent to 
fair. At the Music Hall, N. Y., the first week take 
reached .$105,000, phenomenal for midsummer. In 
Boston it rang up a fine $19,000; In Cincinnati a good 
$12,500; in Baltimore a smash $16,000, and in Chicago 
a fairish $12,000. It's the brightest of the new entries. 

'Caught in the Draft' (Par) will finish its 5th week 
on Broadway after the current stanza, having rolled to 
a remarkable $35,000 for the 4th session. Across the 
country the extended runs continue in a fewamportant 
spots. Chicago, 4th week, and holding up; Louisville, 
4th and still strong, and 3d weeks reported in Balti- 
more, Philadelphia, Seattle, Detroit, Minneapolis and 
Newark. Second week In Brooklyn is $15,000, follow- 
ing opening at $26,000. 

The Abbott-Costello comedy 'In the Navy' (U) in 
circulation ahead of 'Draft,* lingers at Boston for the 
6th week, at Detroit 5th; at Montreal, 2d, and opens 



San Francisco, July 22. 
Nothing very exciting along Mar- 
ket street this week, things being al- 
most as quiet as last week, which 
saw all pix dipping below expccta- ' 
tions. 

Warmer weather, the opening of - 
the Roller Derby, vacations, baseball, 
and general lethargy just about tell 
the b.o. story. 

Estimates for "tbla Week 
iFox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-40-50)— 
Shepherd Hills* (Par) and 'Dance 
Hair (20th). Doesn't look like much 
over average $15,500. Last (2d-flnal) 
week, 'Bride COD* (WB) and 'Singa- 
pore Woman* (WB), $10,000, fair. 

Golden Gatei (RKO) (2,850; 39-44- 
55) — 'Scattei^good* (RKO) plus 
Brenda and Cobina on stage. Selling 
the glamour-ghouls here, with March 
of Time and the feature getting equal 
second-billing, for so-so $13,50(). Last 
week, 'Reluctant Dragon' (RKO) and 
vaude, did better than hoped for at 
$17,000. 

Orpheom (Blumenfeld) t2,440; 35- 
40-50)— 'Monster and Girl' (Par) and 
Hit Road' (U). Five-day filler will 
do well to get within striking dis- 
tance of $5,000. Last week, 'Knew 
All Answers' (Col) and 'Blondie 
Society' (Col), fair $7,300. 

Paramonnt (F-WC) (2,470; 35-40- 
50)— 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) and 'Get- 
away' (M-G) (2d wk). Holdover 
won't do more than $8,000 after 
slightly above average first week of 
$13,500. 

St. Franpls (F-WC) (1,475; 35-40- 
50)— 'Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Las 
Vegas Nights' (Par) (moveover). 
Word of mouth good, but not more 
than $5,000 expected. Last week, 
Bombay' (M-G) and 'Shot Dark' 
(WB), fine $5,500 on second move- 
over week. 

United Artists (Cohen). (1,200; 35- 
40-50) — "Three Cockeyed Sailors* 
(UA) (2d wk). WiU be lucky to get 
$4,000. First week, n.s.g. $7,000. 

Warfleld (F-WC) (2,650; 35-40-50) 
— 'Blossoms Dust' (M-Cl) and 'Accent 
Love' (20th). Not' so forte here, with 
just average $10,500. Last week, 
Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Las Vegas 
Nights' (Par), aided by word of 
mouth to fine $13,000. 



MARX BROS., $8,000, 
HAVE B.O. IN L'VniE 



in Brooklyn to terrific $20,000. It's ahready in the sub 
icquents in a number of cities and registering big. 

'Bride Came C.O.D/ (WB) upholds the theory that 
there are audiences for the starring films. In this the 
combination Is James Cagney and Bette t)avis. Opens 
on Broadway this week. Out of town the receipU are 
uniformly excellent. In Philadelphia, the openhig Is a 
big $16,000. Holdovers In . many eitles, as per Provi- 
dence, 2 weeks;- Cincinnati, 2 weeks; Cleveland, 3 
weeks, and Baltimore, 3 weeks. Washington, 1st week, 
$20,000. \ 

Extraordinary are the figures on 'Shepherd of the 
Hills' (Par), illustrating territorial tastes In film fare. 
Through the middle and far west the film has drawn 
exceptionally. Kansas City, 2 weeks; San Francisco, 
good $16,000; Seattle, big $7,000; Cleveland, lusty,$12,000, 
and Louisville a lobby line at $8,000. In the east, how- 
ever, n.s.g. Philadelphia rings up poor $7,000, an;l 
Boston a weak $11,000. Evidently needs plenty of ad- 
vance-exploitation. 

Some sidelights. 'Sergeant York* fllnishes ito 3d 
capacity week at the Astor, N. Y., at $22,500. Soon to 
be switched to the Hollywood for extended engage- 
ment. 'Fantasia' perks up In lU 37th week at the 
Broadway, N. Y. 'Jungle Cavalcade' (RKO) responds 
to smart ballyhoo at th6 Woods, Chicago, and is off to 
a run, after $11,300 1st week„ and $9,000, 2d. 'In the 
Navy' (U) opens with a broadside in Minneapolis end 
Is pointed to smash the previous Abbott-Costello stay 
of 10 weeks In 'Buck Privates. '"Dare Not Love' and 
'Adventure in Washington' (both WS) team it for satis- 
factory $6,000 in Montreal. 'Reluctant Dragon' (Disney- 
RKO) showing stronger at the b.o. with each key city 
opening. Hit $17,000 1st week in 'Frisco. 

From now until the end of August it looks like a 
product scramble for the better type houses. Only 
snjart booking and careful selection of duals can make 
up for 'the dearth of heavy draws. Maybe the B's at 
last are coming into their own. 



LoulsvU16, July 22. 
Two deluxers, Rialto and Loew's 
State, are garnering the bulk of the 
coin currently, while biz at the 
others is just fair. 

Plenty of money being released In 
this area to defense workers, but 
very little of it finding it's way to , 
first-run wicketa. Department stores 
and other lines, however, are notic- 
ing . incases. 

Estimates tor This Week 
Brown ..(Loew's -Fourth Avenue) 
(1,400; 15-30-40) — 'Caught Draft' 
(Par)., and. 'San Antonio Rose' (U) 
(2d wTc). Fourth downtown week 
and still keeping cashier busy. Will 
ring up good $2,500. Last week, 
nice $3,000. 

Kentucky (Switow) (1,200; 15-25) 
— 'Penny Serenade' (Col) and 'Lady 
Cheyenne' (U). Biz in normal sum- 
mer tempo at this main stemmer and 
now feeling a little competlsh from 
the new Ohio, operated by Settos 
Bros. Pacing for medium . $1,200. 
Last week, 'Great Lie* (WB) and 
-Uncevtain -Feeling* (mvsrfllt with 
'Devil and Miss Jones* (RKO) and 
'Adam Sons' (Col), excellent $1,500. 

Loew's State (Loew's) (3,300; 19- 
30-40 )'Big Store' (M-G) and 'Dare 
Not Love' (Cgl). Marx brothers' 
stepping to healthy $8,500.. Last 
week, 'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 'Ad- 
venture Washington' (Col) (2d wk), 
mild $5,000. . 

Mary Anderson (Llbson) (1,000; 
15-30-40)— 'Bad Men Missouri' (WB). 
Oats opera In class house not getting 
any bumoer returns, probably fair- 
ish $2,700. Last week. 'Bride C.O.D. 
(WB) (2d wk). good $3,500. 

RIalto* (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 15r 
30-40)- 'Shepherd Hills' (Par) and 
'Forced Landing' (Par). New ver- 
sion of old .itory bringing in good 
number of oldsters and general b.o. 
pace okay at *8.000. ^Last week, 
'Moon Miami* (20th) and 'Ride Va- 
quero* (20thi. fine $8,000. 

Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400, 
15-30-40)— 'Dance Hall* (20th) and 
'Very Young Lady* (20th). Pair of 
so-so programmers getting medium 
$2,700. Last week. '.•?unnv' (RKO) 
and 'Meet Again* (RKO), ditto. 



Glued to the Saddle 

HoUywood,. July 22. 

Tim Holt gallops Into a new series 
of saddle shows for 1942-43 at RKO 
after he hops off his boss in the 
present sextet. 

Currently Holt Is doing the third 
o( his 1941-42 chores, titled 'Riding 
the Wind.' In the meantime he Is 
slated for a sea-going story, "fhe 
Marines Are Ready.' 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



PIGTUBE GROSSES 11 



Qu Crk DonH Like SEOW^^ 
liami'-Kaye Orch Fme 38G, Buck s 
'Cavalcade/ 2d Plenty Clicko $9j 



Chicago, July 22. 
Best money news on pictures, out- 
■ide of the sensational 'Caught In 
lha Draft," li the Frank Buck flicker, 
Jjungle Cavalcade.' Brought into 
the Woods, it came up with a great- 
flrat week and looks like a money- 
mtJcer for several more weeks to 
ooms. 

Terry Turner and Bob Hlckey of 
RKO turned in a fine exploitation 
Job. 

Critics took a couple of pokes at 
•Tom, Dick and Harry,' topping the 
Palace double bill, end, with mild 
word-of-mouth as another deterrent, 
this flicker is not in line for much. 

Sammy Kaye orchestria is the coin 
collector at the Chicago, tied in with 
•Moon Over Miami,' while the State- 
Lake has a reissue. This Way Please' 
on its screen, based on the new high 
radio rating of Fibber McGee and 
MoUy. 

Eitlmates tor This Week 

ApoUo (BAK) (1^00; 35-55-65-75) 
•Caught Dralf (Par). This is the 
fourw loop week for this sensational 
money-maker and will currently cor- 
ftl happy W.SOiO. Last week, 'Uncer- 
tain KSling' (UA), wobbly $3,700. 

dhloMO (B&K) (4.300; 35-55-75)— 
•Miami' (20th) and Sammy Kaye 
orch on stage. Kaye orchestra is 
Mie eoin-getter this week and will 
Tide house to $38,000, fine. liast 
week, 'Caught Draft* (Par) finished 
liree rousing weeks, tied in on the 
,nale with Rochester and the Dick 
Jtobile orchestra on the stage, to 
wind up with hotcha $44,400. 

Garrlok (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) 
—'Barnacle' (M-G). Not much for 
fiiii one and will limp in with $3,000. 
Last week, "Knew Answers' (Col), 
was a single-session item at $4,100. 

Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-44)— 
•Dietator' (UA) and 'Sunny' (RKO). 
Money this week will be around 
average at $6,000. Last week, 'Penny 
Serenade' (Col) and 'New Orleans' 
(tJ) was fine money combo at $8,300. 

ratoee (RKO) (7 500; 33-44-66)— 
Tom, Dick' (RKO) and 'San An- 
tonio' (U). Not much public ap- 
proval of this one, with the Ginger 
Refers name as the best b.o. pull, 
and the total looks like $12,000, fair 
enough. Last week, 'Dragon' (RKO) 
and 'Hurry-Charlie' (RKO), meagre 
$8,100. 

Aoosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 
76)— 'Man Hunt' (20th) (2d wk). 
Heading for okay $8,500, after 
ooming with neat $13,200 on its 
initial stanza. 

State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 28-44- 
B6)— This Way Please' (Par) • and 
Tim's Fun' unit With upped week- 
wd price, the house is getting $17,- 
MO currently. Last week, 'Hit Road' 
(U) and vaude, neat $17,900. 

United Artiste (B&K-M-G) (1,700; 
$5-59-85-75)- 'Bombay' (M-G) (3d 
frk). Clark Gable moniker still a 
magnet and this picture is making 
•oln, riding to $11,500 currently after 
tomkig up with healthy $14,400 on 
K8 second session. 

Weods (Essaness) (1,200; 33-44-55) 
—'Jungle Cavalcade' (RKO) (2d 
Wk). Proving a great freak item for 
mon«r, with powerful afternoon and 
qnoming business. For the second 
week will come in with $9,000, plenty 
flnc, aftar snagging bouncing $11,300 
on initial week. 

GDNSER-VAUDE HEAVY 
11f,000 IN BALTIMORE 

Baltimore, July 22. 

The combo Hipp reopened Ite doors 
last week (16) after a three-week 
period of alterations and is cashing 
m heavily on Tom, Dick and Harry,* 
Shore' * layout featuring Dinah 

Only other new entry in slew of 
h.o.g Is 'Barnacle Bill* at Loew's 
Century, where trade is fairish. 

EaUaMtea for This Week 
o.V>i';*"!Z (I^ew's-UA) (3.000; 15- 
Z8-44)— Barnacle Bill* (M-G). Hold- 
ing fairish pace to possible $10,000 
Mst week, second, 'Met Bombay 
(M<t). all right $8,900. - 
,,™PP»*rome (Rappaport) (2,240; 
^B'-2?;?^i*-"-M) - 'Tom, Dick 
is?0> plus stage layout headed by 
Oinger Rogers get- 
ting a big play. Big ballyhoo around 
J^P^nlne of elaborately remodeled 

$16Mb ^""^"^ ^^^'^^ 

SQ^'^SS'? (Schanberger) (2,406; 15- 
li;^^\~;<7"V8l'* l''*"' (Par) (3rd 
r«L-™'"*?'°'''8 nice pace to $6,000, 
aner mopping up in record-breaking 
style at fc8.700 for previous brace. 

New (Mechanic) (1,581; 15-28-35- 
SCrMopn Miami' (20th) (2d wk) 
™^yf " off rather steadily at Indi- 
40n^„*f reaching okay $6.- 
*00 on Initial sesh. 
IS? m (WB) (3,280: 15-28-30-44 
r'nir-^"^'* C.O.D.' (WB) (3d wk). 
"long fairly well at $5,500. 

of *L"?<S,"S'°« y«'y healthy total 
w ?^,300 for previous two rounds 



2-Day Vaude Helps 'Miami' 
In Newark to Fine $16,000 

Newark,' July 22. 

Closing of the Paramount theatre 
for repairs and modernization has 
boosted attendance at remaining 
three first-run houses here. 

Estimate* tor This Week 

Branford (WB) (2.800: 28-33-44-55) 
— 'Knew All Answers' (Col) and 
'Naval Academy' (Col). Good $14,- 
000 in sight. Last week, 'Under- 

f round' (WB) and 'Kisses Breakfast' 
WB), nice $13,500. 
Paramoont (Adams - Paramount) 
(2,200; 28-33-44-55) — Closed this 
week. Last week, 'Caught in Draft' 
(Par) and 'Country Fair' (Rep) (3d 
wk), pleasing $10,000. 

Proctor's (RKO) (2,400; 28-44-55) 
—'Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Very 
Young Lady' (20th). This dual, plus 
five vaudeville acta Monday and 
Tuesday evenings, wiU probably lead 
to swell $16,000. Last week, 'Devil 
Dogs' (WB) and 'Repent Leisure' 
(RKO) and vaude three days, fair 
$12,000. 

State (Loew's) (2,600; 28-33^-55) 
'BUly Kid' (M-G) and 'Cheers Miss 
Bishop' (UA) (2d wk). Mild $8,500 
expected. Last week, neat $14,500. 

'SHEPHERD' LOW 
$7,000 IN PHIUY 



Philadelphia, July 22. 

The vacation exodus has struck 
with full force here this week and 
outaide of a couple of houses along 
the Film Rialto. boxoffices have 
fallen oft alarmingly. 

Only bright spote are the Earle. 
vaudfilmer, and the Stanley, where 
some bright exploitation has helped 
to bring the house int<? the black 
ink side of the ledger. Best stunt, 
which received lota of attention 
from the dailies, was the stranding 
of a young bride-to-be in a New 
York hotel and sending her to PhiUy 
by cab, C.O.D. 

Estimates tor This Week 

Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 35-46 
57)— 'Mata Hari' (M-G) and 'Night 
in Lisbon' (Par) (2d run), split 
Scant $2,800. 'Met Bombay' (M-G) 
(2d run) opened today (Monday). 

Boyd (WB) (2,560; 35-46-57-68)— 
'Shepherd Hills' (Par). Scraping 
bottom for poor $7,000 — almost an 
all-time low for the house. Last 
week, 'Blossoms Dust' (M-G), poor 
$11,500. 

Earle (WB) (2,768; 35-46-57-68-75) 
— 'Big Store' (M-G) with stage show 
headed by Harry James orch. 
Pulling okay $20,000. Last week, 
'Knew Answers' (Col) and Gene 
Krupa on stage, hangup $21,000. 

Fox (WB) (2,423; 35-46-57-68)- 
'Caught Draft' (Par) (3d wk.) 
Slowed somewhat on third ride for 
$9,800. Last semester grabbed 
sunny $15,000. 

Karlton (WB) a.OOO; 35-46-57-68) 
— 'Kisses Breakfast* (WB). Vei7 
poor $2,300 for this weakie. Last 
week, 'Shining Victory' (WB). also 
in the turkey class with sour $2,500. 

Keith's (WB) (2.220: 35-46-57-68) 
— 'Blossoms Dusf (M-G) (2d run). 
OnJv mediocre success with even 
$4,000. Last week. In Navy' (U). 
showed eiTecta of milking with only 
so-so $2,500 for .second week of sec- 
ond run and fifth week downtown. 

Stanley (WB) (2.916; 39-46-57-68) 
-'Bride C.O.D.' (WB). Marquee 
names and good exploitation build- 
ing Cagney-Davis starrer to fine 
$16,000. Last week, poor $7,000 for 
second heat- of "Moon Miami' (20th). 

Stanton (WB) (1.457; 35-46-57)— 
'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) (2d wk.). 
Holdover of Berry's latest effort 
getting okay $4,200, after zingy 
$6,000 for initial try. 

PROV RAIN HELPS BM; 
'SHEPHERD' FINE $8,000 

Providence. July 22! 

Grosises are unusually high for the 
season, .but the weather, too, has 
been unusually dampish. 

'Barnacle Bill' at Loew's State, 
'Man Hunt' at Majestic' and 'Shep- 
herd of the Hills' at Strand are all 
running strong. 

Estimates for This Week 

Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400: 28-39- 
50)— 'Bride C.O.D.' (WB) and 'Shin- 
ing Victory' (WB) (2d run).' Step- 
ping along to neat $3,000. Last week 
'Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Cowboy 
Blonde' (20th) (2d run), nifty $3,000. 

Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 10-25-35)— 
'Gang's Here' (Mono) and 'Silver 



First Rons on Broadway 

CSubjeot to Change) 

- Week of July t4 

Ast»r— 'Sergeant York' (WB) 
(4th wk.). 

Broadway—Fantasia' (Disney) 
(37th wk.). 

Capitol— 'Barnacle BUI' (M-G). 
(Reviewed In VAineiv, July 2) 

Criterion— 'Stars Look Down' 
(M-G). 

(KeiHeuKd in Vauieiv, Jan. 3, 1940) 
Globe— 'Bulleta for CHara' 

(WB) (26). 
Mnale Hall— Tom, Dick and 

Harry' (RKO) (2d wk.). 

Palaee — 'Reluctant Dragon' 
RKO). 

(Revletoad in ViLSsm, Jim» 11) 
Paramount — 'Caught in the 
Draft' (Par) (5th wk.). 

Bialto — 'Murder -by Invitation' 
(Mono) (23). 

Boxy — 'Parson of PanaminV 
(Par) (25). 

(Reviewed <n VAmrrr, June 25) 

Strand— 'Bride Came C. O. D.' 
(WB) (25). 

(Revleioed In VAsiETy, July 3) 

Week of July 31 

Astor— 'Sergeant York' (WB) 
(5th wk.). 

Broadway — 'Fantasia' (Disney) 
(3Bth wk.). 

Capitol— 'Barnacle BlU' (M-G) 
(2d wk.). 

Criterion — 'Stars Xx)ok Down' 
(M-G) (2d wk.). 

Globi— 'Bulleta for O'Hara' 
(WB) (2d wk.). 

Mnslo Hall— 'Tom, Dick and 
Harry' (RKO) (3d wk.). 

Palace — 'Reluctant Dragon' 
(RKO) (2d wk.). 

Pararaonn t — 'Shepherd of 
Hills' (Par). 

(Reviewed in Vameiv, June 18) ' 

Rialto— 'I Waa a PrUoner* 
(Col). 

Strand- 'Bride Game C. O. D.' 
(WB) (2d wk.). 



GABLE -RUSSEU 
HIGH $19,000 
IN WASH. 



Washington, July 22. 

This time it's different; nobody's 
complaining. Grosses arent astro- 
nomical, but there's a solid spread of 
business all over town. 

Davis-Cagney 'Bride Came C.O.D.,' 
at Earle, has slight edge for lead 
over Palace's 'Bombay.' 

Estimates for This Week 

Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 28-39-44-66) 
— 'Moon Miami' (20th) plus vaude. 
Booted in by critics, but managing 
good enough $18,000. Last week 
'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) and vaude, fair 
$18,500. 

CoInmbU (Loew) (1,234; 28-44)-:- 
•Billy Kid' (M-G) (2d run). Second 
main stem week just average $4,700. 
Last week T^ove Crazy' (M-G) (2d 
run), third do-wntown stanza, sweet 
$6,200. 

Earle (WB) (2,216; 28-39-44-66)— 
'Bride C.O.D.' (WB) plus vaude. 
Davis-Cagney combo good for fine 
$20,000; Last week "Out of Fog* 
(WB) and vaude. weak $15,000. 

KeUh'a (RKO) (1,830; 39-55)— 'Re- 
luctant Dragon' (RKO). Good- no- 
tices and word-of-mouth boosting it 
to unexpected $9,000, and it may 
draw second term. "Last week 'In 
Navy' (U) (3d week), profitable 
$6,800. 

Metropolitan (WB) (1,600; 28-44)— 
'Plainsman' (Par). Revival smash- 
ing through to excellent $7,500. Last 
week 'Underground' (WB) (2d 
week), excellent $4,900. 

PaUee (Loew) (2.242; 28-55)— 
'Bombay' (M-G). Gable-Russell 
draw a sure magnet for top-notch 
$19,000. Last week, 'Caught Draft* 
(Par) (2d week), held ub to fine 
$13,500. 



Dog Days Hit Broadway Holdover Biz 
But Tom, Dick, Harry' Strong $105,000; 
Dance HaU' Drab 24G; Tork' $22,500 



Me' Hot $9,000 
In Cooler Indianapolis 

Indianapolis, July 22. 

Cooling breezes apparently having 
a good effect on the b.o. in the 
Hoosier Capitol this week. 

Estimates tor This Week 

Circle (KaU-DoUe) (2,600; 25-30- 
40)— 'Bride C.O.D.' (WB) plus 'San 
Antonio Rose' (U). Good $9,000. Last 
week, 'Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Very 
Young Lady' (20th). averaiga $8.00d. 

Loew's (Loew's) (2.400; 25-30-40) 
—'Big Store' (M-G) and 'Dare Not 
Love' (Col). Poor $8,000. Last week. 
'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 'Adventure 
Washington' (Col) (2d wk), okay 
$7,000. 

Lyrlo (Lyric) (1,900; 30-40-50)— 
'Paper BuUets' (Rep) and 'Wake Up 
America' on stage. Fair $8,500. Last 
week, 'Passage Hong Kong' plus 
Phil Harris orch, swell $17,000. 

GINGER, $im 
PEPPY IN ONCY 



Stallion' (Mono). Kids are helping 
plenty for good $2,800. Last week 
'One Million' (20th) (reissue) and 
'Men Tiberlands' (U), good $2,500. 

Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 28-30-50)— 
•Man Hunt' (20th) and Tight Shoes' 
(U). Nifty $10,000. Last week 'Bride 
C.O.D.' (WB) and 'Shining Victory' 
(WB), swell $12,000. 

State fLoew) (3.200; 28-39-50)— 
'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) and 'Prisoner 
Devil's Island' (Col). Looks I^ce 
good $11,000. Last week 'Met Bom- 
bay' (M-G) and 'Adventure Wash- 
ington' (Col) (2d wk.), great $11,000, 

Strand (Indie) (2,000; 28-40-50)— 
'Shepherd Hills' (Par) and 'Angels 
Wings' (Par). Proving attractive 
and shooting for swell $8,000. Last 
week 'Caught Draff (Par) and 'Bos- 
ton Blackie' (Col) (2d wk.), bright 
$7,500. 



Cincinnati, July 22. 
Cinema center's trade ttib week is 
holding to mid-year par, same as 
last week. » 

B.o. ace currently Is 'Tom, Dick 
and Harry,' at Albee. 

Estimates for This Week 
Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— 
Tom. Dick arid Harry! (RKO). Gin- 

fer Rogers' starrer nice $12,500. 
ame last week for 'Bride C.O.D.' 
(WB), which put on steam in last 
half. 

Capitol (RKO) (2.000; 33-40-50)— 
'Caught Draft' (Par). Held for sec- 
ond week of moveover run. Swell 
$6,000, following last week's big $8,- 
500. 

Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-28)— 
'Shot Dark' (WB) and 'Redhead' 
(Mono), split with 'Passage- From 
Hong Kong' (WB) and 'SUver Stal- 
lion' (Mono). Summer tampo $1,800. 
Ditto last week for 'Wranglers Roost' 
(Mono) and 'Big Boss' (Col), divided 
with 'Singapore Woman' (WB) and 
•Gang's All Here* (Mono). 

Grand (RKO) (1.430; 33-40-50)— 
'Bride C.O.D.' (WB). Moveover 
from Albee for second week. Good 
$4,200. Same last week on 'Moon 
Miami' (20th) (2d run). 

Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 33-40-50) 
— 'Blondie Society' (Col). Slow $3,- 
500. Last week, Tight Shoes' (U). 
disappointing $3,000. 

Lyric (RKO) (1.400: " 33-40-50)— 
'Moon Miami' (20th). Second move- 
over for third . week on front line. 
Fair $3,000. Ditto last week with 
'Met Bombay' (M-G) (3d run). 

Palace (RKO) (2.600; 33-40-50)— 
'Shepherd Hills' (Par). Getting $9.- 
000. under expectations based on 
pic's showing in other key spots. 
Last week. 'Man Hunt' (20th), slow 
$8,000. 

TLAME N O/ TORCHY 
18,500 IN BUFFALO 

slo, Jxilv 

Attractive film fare is keeping the 
grosses at summer par up and down 
the main stem. "Flame of New Or- 
leans' is stackin| up impressively. 
Estimate* for This Week . 
Buftalo (Shea) (3.500; 35-55)— 
'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) and IClsses 
Breakfast' (WB). Looks over $10, 
000.' satisfactory. Last week 'Kiss 
Boys' (Par). $10,000, oke. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-55) 
'Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Passage 
Hong Kong' (WB). May go to nice 
$8,000. Last week (8 days), 'Met 
Bombay' (M-G) and 'West Point 
Widow (Par), extended session drew 
over fine $8,500, 

Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 30-45)— ICiss 
Boys' (Par) (2d run) and 'Dance 
Hall' (20th). Indicates profitable 
$7,500. Last week ^.'Caught Draft' 
(Par) and 'Accent Love' (20tfi) (2d 
run), neat $8,500. 

Lafayette (Hayman) (3.300; 30-40) 
—'Flame New Orleans' (U) and 'Hit 
Road' (U). Bowling along for very 
gratifying $8,500. Last week 'Can^ 
Take It' (Col), (reissue) and 'Blondie 
Cupid' (Col), thin $4,500. 

20th Centary (Dipson) (3,000; 30- 
44)— 'Shining Victory' (WB) and 
'Wings SteeV (WB). Lean $5,500. 
Last week 'Reluctant Dragon' (RKO) 
and 'Here Comes Happiness' (RKO), 
under $6,000. 



Summer weather is plainly re- 
fiected at the Broadway wicketa this 
week although flock of holdovers, all 
past their second weeks, are standing 
up comparatively well. Newcomers 
varied from disappointing to power- 
ful, with 'Tom, Dick and Harry' at 
the Music Hall heading for a hefty 
$105,000, which means probably two 
more weeks. Disappointer is 'Dance 
Hair at the Roxy, liberally panned 
by critics. Likely will not top 
$24,000, lowest first week here in 
some time. Succeeded by 'Parson of 
Panamint' on Friday, house breaks 
away from recent solid 20th-Fox 
bookings with a Paramount picture. 

'Sergeant York' continues scaling 
the heighta at the Astor for near- 
capacity $22,500 on third session. 
Only booked for six weeks at this 
theatre; so moves to the 'Hollywood 
for extension of two-a-day after ex- 
piration of this term. 

Paramount's 'Caught in Draft" is 
the topflight extended runner, head- 
ing for a robust $35,000 on its fourth 
stanza concluded last (Tuesday) 
night. Picture and stage show, out- 
side of Will Bradley's band, stays for 
a fifth week. Joe Venuti crew opens 
today in place of Bradley. Cab Cal- 
loway and 'Manpower' managing to 
get around $24,000 for third session 
at the Strand. 

Ted Lewis and his Rhythm Rhap- 
sody revue, feeling the summer biz 
dip, is accounting for most of $19,000 
on tap at the State. 

Estimates tor This Week 
Astor (WB) (1,012: 75-85-$1.10- 
$1.65-$2.20)— 'York''(WB) (4th wk). 
Week ending last Monday (21) night 
heftys $22,500, mighty close to ca- 
pacity. Picture stays here to Aug. 
10, original booking, and then con- 
tinues run at Hollywood. 

Broadway (Disney) (1,895; 55-75- 
$1.10-$1.65-$2.20) — 'Fantasia' (Dis- 
ney) (37th wk). Running along at 
around recent levels, -with $8,800 re- 
ported for 36th week, sbghtly ahead 
of previous stanza. Present pace in- 
dicates it may stay untU fall season. 

Capitol (Loew's) (4,520; 35-55-85- 
$1.10-$1.25) — 'Bombay' (M-G) (3d 
wk). Sticking up close to second 
week level, $14,000, not so bad. De- 
cision to hold came after ads had 
gone out on 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G), 
coming in this week Film did better 
than expected at $17,000 second 
week. 

Criterion (Loew's) (35-44-55-75>— 
'Stars Look Down' (M-G). Opens 
here today (Wednesday) after 'In 
the Navy* (U) finished sixth week 
with $9,500. That's a comedown 
from recent takings, but nice profit. 
Previous week okay $10,000. 

Globe (Brandt) (1,180; 28-35-55)— 
'Navy Blue and Gold' (M-G) (re- 
issue). Satisfactory $7,000 or there- 
abouta. but stays only one week. 
'Underground' (WB) collected $7,500 
on fourth and final week. 

Falaee (RKO) (1,700; 28-35-44-5'5- 
65-75)— 'Jungle Cavalcade' (RKO) 
(3d wk). Fair $6,000 this week, after 
slick $10,000 on second week. 'Re- 
luctant Dragon' (RKO) opens to- 
morrow (Thursday). 

Paramonnt (Par) (3,664; 35-55-85- 
99)— 'Caught in Draft' (Par) (5th 
wk) and Joe Venuti band, plus Jane 
Froman, Danny Kaye and same stage 
show as with Will Bradley's crew on 
stage previous four weelcs. Rousing 
$35,000 for fourth week concluded 
last (l^iesday) night Bradley band 
out this week because of previous 
date. 

Badio City Haste Hall (Rockefel- 
lers) (5,960; 44-55-85-99-$1.65)— Tom, 
Dick, Harry' (RKO) and stage show. 
Ginger Rogers' latest bringing back 
happy days, with powerful $105,000. 
Stays at least two more weeks. . 
Blossoms Dust' (M-G) registered 
$68,000 for third week, in ahead. 

Bialto (Mayer) (750; 28-44-55)— 
'Getaway' (M-G). Only mUd $5,500 
in prospect. Time Out Rhythm' 
(Col) fairish $5,500 in previous ses- 
sion. 'Murder by Invitation' (Mono) 
opens today (Wednesday), after pre- 
view last night. 

Boxy (20th) (5.835; 35-55-85-75-85) 
—'Dance Hall' (20th) plus stage 
show. Highly disappointing with 
under $24,000 in prospect. Goes out 
in favor of 'Panamint' (Par), opening 
Friday. 'Moon Over Miami' (20th) 
and Bowes' Star Parade on stage, 
$28,000 in second and final week. 

State (Loew's) (3.400; 28-44-55-75- 
90-$1.10)— 'Night in Lisbon' (Par) 
(2d run) and Ted Lewis on stage. 
Lewis combo helping to get $19,000. 
okay takings, since film had extended 
run on Broadway. Last week, 'Love 
Crazy' (M-G) (2d run) and 'vaude, 
fair $19,000. 

Strand (WB) (2.767; 35-55-75-8S- 
99)— 'Manpower' (WB) and Cab Cal- 
loway unit on stage (3dwk). Sagged 
in final session to $24,000, after sturdy 
$32,000 on second week. 'Bride 
Came C>O.D.' (WB) and PhU Harris' 
ban^je^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 



11 PICTURE GROSSES 



Wcdnesdaj, Inly 23, 1941 



Defense Coin Unloosens in Geve.; 
lami'lZG, Underground' 61/2 G OK 



Cleveland, July 22. 
Defense money In airplane plants 
and tool-making factories is bemg 
thawed out at last by mid-summer 
crop of films. It's evident in fact 
that even the HKO Palace, which 
had been hitting bottom-scrapmg 
grosses up to now, is running 'Un- 
derground' up to a respecUble fig- 
ure. 

Estimates for Thb Week 
Allen (RKO) (3,000; 30-35-42-55)— 
'Bride C.O.D.' (WB). Off to races 
for moveover (3d wk), breezy . $4,- 
000 and a fourth round in sight. 
Last week, 'Man Hunt' (20th), fine 
$4,500 on third sUnza. 

nipp (Warners) (3,700; 30-35-42- 
B5)--^Moon Miami' (20th). House 
could stand more musical sunshine 
like this, heading tor strong $12,000 
Last week, 'Bride C.O.D.' (WB) (2d 
wk) jim-dandy $9,300. _ 

Palice (RKO> (3.700; 30-35-42-55) 
—'Underground' (WB). One of first 
all-out war thrillers to make money 
without any marquee help; augurs 
at least $6,500. Last week. Dance 
Hall' (20th), very poor ^.700. 

State (Loew's) (3,450; 30-35-42-55) 
— 'Shephetd Hills' (Par). Going oyer 
the $12,000 mark, more than satis-' 
factory, since It's Pu"'"?,!'?,"^/,/!?!;' 
last week's 'Barnacle Bill (M-Ci), 
which' caught nice $10,250 

Stillman (Loew's) (1,972; 30-35;42 
65)-'Barnacle Bill' (M-G)., FiU into 
Its shiftover niche her6 smoothly, 
good for $5,000. Last week, 'Caught 
Draft' (Par) (2d wk), Uaveled fast 
at $8.900. 

HEAT NIPS PORT., ORE., 
HAW DUAL GREAT 9G 



enough $2,200. Last week, fair $2,500. 

Cinema de Parls^ (France^Filrn) 
(600- 30-60)— 'Feu de Paille' (5th 
wk) About $700 U best outlook, 
after poor $900 last week. 

St. Denis (France-Film) (2,300. 30- 
40)— 'Le Petit Roi' and Donodoo. 
Average $2,500 In slgKl. Last week, 
.^eaux Jours' and 'Adhemar Avia- 
teur,' medi ocre $2,600. 

Odd Statistics 
(b Type of Fans 
For Drive-Ins 



PorUand, Ore., July 22. 

Heat struck these parts with such 
ferocity last week the burg just 
curled up — and biz died.. In spite of 
cooled theatres, people headed out 
of town fast as super-sixes and 
jalopies would run. 

'In the Navy' holding up well at 
the Broadway currently, with 'Moon 
Over- Miami' doing okay at the 
Paramount. Both are cooled houses 
•Ca,ught in Draft' still rolling along 
In a fourth stanza moveover at May 
fair. 

Estimates for This Week 
. Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 35-40 
50)— 'In the Navy' (U) ahd 'Flame of 
New Orleans' (U). Opened ahead of 
schedule and going over for great 
$9,000. Last 10 days, 'They Met in 
Bombay' (M-G), single, strong $13, 
000. 

Rbytair (Parker-Evergreen) (1, 
600; -35-40-50)- 'Cayght in Draff 
(Par) and 'Melody for.Three' (RKO) 
Moveover from Paramount for 
fourth week, satisfactory $4,000.. Ijast 
week 'Love Crazy' (M-G) and 'Suez' 
(20th) took good enough $3,100 ' 
third week. 

Orplieom (Hamrlck - Evergreen) 
(1,800: 35-40-50)— 'Man Hunt' (20th) 
and Time Out for Rhythm' (Col). 
Taking good $6,000. Last week,. 
'Bride Came C.O.D.' (WB) and 'Cow- 
boy and Blonde' (20th) closed a sec- 
ond week for nice $4,000. - 

Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(3,000; 35-40-50 ^— 'Moon Over Miami' 
(20th) and 'Reaching for Sun' (Par). 
Looks like nice $7,200 considering 
the weather. Last week, 'Caught in 
Draff (Par) and 'Melody for Thrfee' 
(RKO) ended third week at high- 
$5,000 and moved to Mayfair. 

United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 35 
40-50) —'Blossoms in Dusf (M-G) 
and 'Tight Shoes' (U). In line for 
high $7,500. Last week, 'Big Store' 
(M-G) and 'Singapore Woman' (WB) 
nice $5,500. 



Chicago, July 22. 

Click of the northsido Drlve-In 
has prompted N. S. Barger to obtain 
ground for two additional auto the- 
atres, one on the far southslde and 
the other on the west. Construction' 
Immediately is stalled by lack of 
materials caused by the various de- 
fense projects. 

Meanwhile the northsido Drive-In 
has corralled some Interesting show 
business facts in the month of Its 
operation. Initial point is the fact 
that the majority of the patrons use 
the more expensive autos. Statistics 
are checked through license num- 
bers carefully assembled for mailing 
Usts. 

Andther point is the steady climb 
of children patronage. Starting off 
at some 100 to 150 kids a day, the 
place is now playing to as many as 
600 minors nightly. On the other 
side is the predominance of the very 
old people, including many who are 
not generally seen in downtown or 
even nabe houses. 

Station wagons are popular and 
even trucks have been used to haul 
in parties of 10 people and more. 



BEERrS $9,500 LEADER 
IN DULL KANSAS CIH 



Kansas City, July 22; 

Light Is the word for film grosses 
currently. 

Three of five first-run houses have 
holdovers, and new films are of 
medium calibre. 

Weather over the weekend was 
ideal but biz held up better than ex- 

^^'^'^Estlmates for This Week 

Esanlre - Uptown (Fox Midwest) 
(820 and 2,043; 10-28-44 )— 'Man Hunt' 
(20th) (2d wk). Holdover Is not 
strong and may not last 'week out; 
$4,50ff. Last week, cheerio $8,000. 

Mldtend (Loew's) (4,101; 10-28-44) 
—•Barnacle BiU' (M-G) and 'Sweet- 
heart Campus' (Col). Beery doing 
above average $9,500. Last week, 
'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 'Adven- 
ture Washington' (Col), second week, 
acceptable $7,500. 

Newman (Paramount) (1.900; 10- 
28-44)-'Shepherd Hills' (P?r) "d 
wk) and 'Kisses Breakfast (WB) 
(1st wk). Combined pair should 
garner around $6,500, good. Last 
week, 'Shepherd', solo, cheery $8 300. 

Tower (Joffee) (2,110; 10-30)— 
'Many Blondes' (U) with Irene Ver- 
million heading vaude. Draw only 
fair $5,900. Last wfeek, San An- 
tonio Rose' (Rep) with LitUe Jack 
Little band, gave house one of its 
better weeks at $8,500. 



Pitt Upbeat Continues 

Phil Harrls-'Bad Men' Nifty $20,000, But 'Shepherd' 
Weak $10,000 



'BRIDE,' NICE $16,000, 
ONLY NEW PIC IN DET. 

Detroit, July 22. 
First-runs here, coming up to the 
new buying season, are Jockeying 
themselves into a nice spot by back- 
ing up plenty of product 

This week finds the town, which 
for weeks has been strong on- hold- 
overs, with only one house, Michi- 
gan, with a fresh biU, 'Bride Came 
C.O.D.' and 'Singapore Woman.' 
Estimates- tor This Week 
Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40-55) 
—'In Navy' (U) and "light Shoes' 
(U) (5th wk). Still moving briskly, 
this may tuck another $5,000 on last 
week's $5,500. ^ 
Foi (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40- 
)— 'Moon Miami* (20th) (2d wk) 



Goldsteins' Ontdoorer 

Holyoke, Mass., J>ily 22. 
The Goldsteins, Samuel and 
Nathan, of the Western Massachu- 
setts theatre chain, are not planning 
to erect any - outdoor - cinema on 
Easthampton Road. Land covers 
about 30 acres, situated near the 
lookout tower of Anniversary Park. 



HAVY'-TEELING' FINE 
$20,000 IN B'KLYN 

Brooklyn, July 22, 
Fine biz at Loew's Metropolitan 
with 'In the Navy' and 'That Un- 
certain Feeling.' 

Estimates for This Week 
Albee- (RKO) (3,274; 25-35-50)-- 
'Big Store' (M-G) and 'Girl News' 
(20th).- Mild $13,000. Last week, 
'Man Hunt' (20th) (2d wk) and 
'Young Lady' (20th), okay $14,500. 

Fox (Fabian) (4,023; 25-35-50)— 
•Manpower' (WB) and 'Angels 
Wings' (Rep). Quiet $12,000. Last 
week, "Underground' (WB) and 
'Kisses Breakfasf (WB), good 
$15,000. 

Met (Loew's) (3,618; 25-35-50)— 
'In Navy' (UA) and 'Uncertain Feel 
Ing' (U). Strong $20,000. Last week, 
'Billy Kid' (M-G). and 'HeUo Sucker 
(U), good $16,000.: 

Paramount (Fabian) (4,126; 26-35 
50) — 'Caught Draff (Par) and 
'PoUon Pel? (Rep) -(2d wk). Neat 
$15,000. Last week, good $20,000. 



55) 



Should 



and 'Blondle Society* (Col) 
top $14,000 heaUy. after last weeks 
$21,000 with 'Saint's Vacation' (RKO) 
in the secondary picture spot. 

Mlchlnn (United Detroit) (4,000; 
30-40-55>--'Bride C.O.D.' (WB) and 
•Singapore Woman' (WB). Makings 
of nice $16,000. Last week, •Caught 
Draff (Par) and 'Affectionately 
Yours' (2d wk), slick $18,000. 

Falms-SUte (United Detroit) (3.- 
000; 30-40-55)— 'Sea Wolf (Par) (2d 
wk) and 'Caught Draff (Par) (3d 
wk). Latter moved from two weeks 
at Michigan. Looks like $9,000, after 
the same figure last week when Sea 
Wolf was paired with 'Scattergood 
Balnes' ( RKO). 

Abbott-CosteDo 
Great $9,000 In 
Healduer Mpls. 



Pittsburgh, July 22. 
Recent pickup locally looks per. 
manent It's continued now for sev* 
eral weeks. In face of weather, day- 
light savings and all the other usual 
allbla, so everybody's considerably 
encouraged In these parts. 

OAly one exception currently to 
the upper brackets Is 'Shepherd of 
the Hills,' which Is nose-dlving at 
the Penn. Outdoor color drama took 
a beating from crix. ' 

Estimate* for HiIs Week 
Penn (Loew's-UA) (3.300; 25-39. 
50)— 'Shepherd Hills' (Par)r Pic- 
ture Isn't there and they aren't buy- 
ing. Doubtful if this one will hit 
$10,000, making it first film here In 
months that hasn't held over at 
either Warner or Rltz. Last week 
•(iaught Draff (Par), better than 
$16,000, fine. 

Kite (WB) (800; 25-35-50)— 'Brlda 
C.O.D.' (WB). Landed here via the 
usual Penn to Warner to Ritz route. 
Should grab around $3,500 or more, 
good at this small-seater. Last week 
'Met Bombay' (M-G), which played 
the same route, around $2,600. 

Senator (Harris) (1,750; 25-35-50) 
— 'Mata Hari' (M-G) and 'Time Out 
Rhythm' (Col). The old Garbo pic- 
ture is really an antique, but it's 
apparent they're eager to see the 
star again. No other way to explain 
surprbe $3,400, since 'Rhythm' can 
hardly be credited with any of it. 
House following it with another re- 
issue, 'Navy Blue and Gold' (M-G). 
Last week, second of 'Blood and 
Sand' (20th). way off at $3,000. 

Stanley (WB) (3,800: 25-40-60)— 
•Bad Men Missouri' (WB) and Phil 
Harris band. Jack Benny's maestro- 
assistant keeping up the recent pa- 
rade of hits at WB deluxer and 
drawing most of the very good $20,- 
000. Last week, Sammy Kaye with 
'Reaching for Sun' (Par), got blazing 
$24,000. 

Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-35-50)— 
•(3aught Draft' (Par). Moved here 
from Penn and banging away for 
$8,500. Will probably stick here for 
another stanza. Last week 'Bride 
C.O.D.' (WB), also on move-over 
from Penn, aroUnd $9,300, not up to 
■usual h.o. average. 



Ft. 



Wortli's 1st Drive-In 
Fort Worth, July 22. 
Fort Worth's first Drive-in theatre, 
which opened Friday night (18), 
played to capacity crowds the first 
two nights— the spaces for 408 auto- 
mobiles beln^ quickly taken. Henry 
A. Brownlee is manager. The Drive- 
in is the sixth to open in Texas, and 
all proving successful. - . 



ApoHon-mw' Blend 
For Big lO^G, . Memphis 



Dragon' Neat $6,500 
In Spotty Montreal 



Montreal. July 22. 

The 'A' houses along Main street 
taking all the picture biz currently, 
with the balance poor. 

Estimates for This Week 

Palace (CT) (2.700; 30-45-62)— 'In 
Navy' (U) (2d wk). Sighting good 
$5,000, after fine $6,800 last week. 

Capitol (CT) (2.700; 30-45-62)— 
"Dare Not Love' (WB) and 'Adven 
ture Washington' (WB). Juicy (for 
season) $6,000 ahead. Last week, 
'Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Bride 
Crutches' (20th), fair $4,500. 

Loew's (CT) (2.800: 35-53-67)— 
'Reluctant Dragon' (RKO). Pointing 
to good $6.5(H). Last week. 'Love 
Crazy' (M-G). h.o., fair $4,500. 

Princess (CT) (2,300; 30-40-53)— 
■fMata Hari' (M-G) and "Walt for 
You' (M-G). Weak $2,500 In sight. 
La-st week, 'Shinlne Victory* (WB) 
and 'Devil Etogs' (WB). DOor $2,200. 
Orphenm (fnd) (1.100; 30-40-60)— 



Memphis, July 22. 

A terrific local favorite, Dave 
Apollon has done a land office trade 
at the Malco the five da^s ending tO' 
day (22) with his '10th Anniversary 
Revue.' Straight film houses are also 
faring pretty well. 

Estimates for This Week 

Warner (WB) (2,000; 10-33-44)— 
'Underground' ( WB) . W i t h .o u t 
marquee names,- Nazi expose is no 
disappointment at $3,500. Last week, 
'Bride .C.O.D.' (WB) (2d wk), $4,200, 
swell. 

Palace (Loew) (2,200; 10-33-44)— 
'Barnacle Bill' (M-G), eight days. 
Good title for Beery Is priming to 
acceptable $4,700. Last week, 'Moon 
Miami' (20th) (2d wk), $4,300, great 
for repeater. 

State (Loew). (2,600; 10-33-44)— 
•Blossoms Dusf (M-G). Picture got 
rave notices, might nab $5,000. Last 
week, . 'Man Hunf .(20th), $4,700. 
okay. 

Malco (Lightman) (2,800; 33-44- 
55)— 'West Point Widow' (Par) and 
Dave Apollon stage show, five days. 
Tremendous Apollon appeal pulling 
this twin bill to socko $10,500. Last 
week, 'Shepherd Hills' (Par) h.o. 
three days, and 'Tight Shoes' (U), 
four days, $2,700, weak. 

Strand (Lightman) (10-22-33)— 
•Black Gaf (U) 'ahd 'Sweethearts 
Campus' (Gol), spUt week. Fright 
flickets good ahd Nelson-HIlliard 
following might-up this one to $1,7()0. 
Last week, 'Rouijdup' (Par), three 
days; 'Hoar Presses' (Mono), 'wo 
days; 'Was Prisoner' (Col), two days. 



'Answers'-Vaude Tops 
Denver, Strong 14G 



Denver, July 22. 
'She Knew All Answers' and 'Fun- 
zaflre' unit on stage is drawing one 
of the best grosses this week In 
some time. 'Shepherd of Hills' is 
strong In second week at the Den- 
ham, and staying. 

Estimates tor Tbii Week 
Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 25-40) — 
'Bride Came C.O.D.' (WB). After a 
week at the Denver, good $5,000. 
Last week, -'Moon Over Miami' 
(20th). after a week at the Denver, 
fair $3,500. 

Broadway (Fox) (1;040; 25-35-40) 
— 'Met In Bombay '(M-G) and 'Hurry, 
Charlie' (RKO). After two weeks at 
the Oroheum. fair .$2,600 here. Last 
week, -Hamilton Woman' (UA). after 
a week at each the Denver, Aladdin 
and Rialto, poor $2,500. 

Denham (Cockrlll.) (1.750; 25-35- 
40)-T-'Shepherd of the Hills' (Par) 
(2d wk). Good $8,500. Last week, 
•Shepherd' (Par), bie $14,500. 

Denver (Fox) (2,525; - 25-35-40)— 
'Knew- All the Answers' (Coll, and 
'Funzafire' on stage. Fine $14,000. 
Last week. 'Bride Came C.O.D.' 
(WB) and 'Nurse's Secref (WB) big 
$12,000. 

Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40) 
—'Big Store* (M-G) and 'Getaway' 
(M-G). Fair $8,000. Last week. 
'They Met in Bombay* (M-G) and 
'Hurry. Charlie' (RKO) dropped to 
$6,000 for their second week. 

Paramount (Fox) (2.200: 25-40) — 
'Kisses tor Breakfasf (WB) and 
'Lady from Louisiana' (Rep). Fair 
$5.000.. Last week. 'Shining Victory' 
(WB) and 'San Antonio Rose' (U) 
fair $4,000. 

Etolto (Fox) (878; 25-40) — 'Moon 
Over Miami' (20th), after a week 
at each the Denver and Aladdin, and 
'Men of TImberland' (U). Good 
$2,000. Last week, 'Million . Dollar 
Baby' (WB), after a week at each 
the Denver and Aladdin, and 'Affec- 
tionately Yours' (WB), fair $1,750. 



Maria's Top Perch 

Hollywood, July 22. 
. Maria Monte2 moves Into her first 
top role at Universal In 'Captive 
Wild Wo.man,' currently In prepara- 
tion with George Waggner as asso- 
ciate producer. 

Picture goes before the cameras as 
soon as Waggner finishes 'Bad. Lands 
of Dakota,' nearing completion. 



Minneapolis, July 22. 
The boxoffice' ikles continue 
brighUr and clearer. A number of 
respectable takings during the past 
fortnight has inspired the hope that 
a sustained turn from the long down- 
ward trend Is in the making. While 
rainy and cool weather and strong 
pictures undoubtedly are Important 
factors In the stimulated grosses, 
there- apparently is a generally bet- 
ter feeling and atmosphere, too. 

lioop Is still talking about the re- 
markable achievement of Paul 
Whiteman In pulling $17,500, which 
was $3,500 above the original esti- 
mate, into the Orpheum in the face 
of opposition from numerous, tough 
Aquatcnnlal celebration attractions, 
including five street parades. 
Estimates tor This Week 
Astor (Par-Singer) (900; 15-28)— 
'Met Argentina' (RKO) and 'Cowboy 
Blonde' (20th), dual first-runs, split 
with 'Nurse's Secref (WB) and 'Mu- 
tiny Arctic' (U). Galloping toward 
okay $1,800 in eight days. liast week, 
'Black Caf (U) and "Thieves Fall' 
(WB). dual first-runs, satisfactory 
$1,000 in five days. 

Century (P-S) (1,600; 28-39-44)— 
'Caught Draff (Par) (3d wk). Moved 
here after copping terrific $20,000 in 
fortnight at State. Still showing box- 
office vitality and should wind up to 
mild $2,600. Last week, 'Man Hunf 
(20th), good $4,300 in eight days. 

Esqntfe (Berger) (290; 28)— •After 
Main Kampf (Indie). Timely pic- 
ture grabbing some attention. Satis- 
factory $800 in prospect. Last week. 
'Race Suicide' (Indie) - and 'Sally 
Rand's Nude' (Indie) (2d wk), good 
$1,000. 

Gonher (P-S) (998; 28)— 'Pot 0' 
Gold' (UA).- Hitting Bood $3,400 clip. 
Last week, 'Lady Cheyenne' (U), 
$2,200, okay. 

Orpheom (P-S) (2,800; 28-39-44)— 
'In Navy* (U). « Abbott and Costello 
all the rage here now following 10 
week run of 'Buck Privates' and this 
comedy cashing in tor big $9,000. 
Last week, 'She Knew All Answers* 
(Col) plus Paul Whiteman*s orch, 
zoomed to stupendous $17,500. 

State (P-S) (2,300; 28-39-44)— "Met 
Bombay' (M-G).' Clark Gable greas 
Ing turnstiles, Picture well liked 
too, apd catehing plenty of feminine 
trade. Nice $7,000 In prospect. Last 
week. 'Caught Draff (Par) (2d wk) 
fine $6,500 after terrific $13,200 first 
canto. 

Uptown (Par) (1,300: 28-33)— 
'Wanted Wings' (Par). First neigh- 
borhood showing. Look.s like pretty 
good $3,000. Last week, 'Woman's 
Fpoe' (M-ff), bic $4,000. 

World (Par-Steffes)-(350i 28-39-44) 
— Cheers Miss Bishop* (UA); Heav- 
ily sold and highly praLsed by critics 
Looks like a natural for this car- 
rlape-trade house and likely to climb 
to •"-•nd $2,000. In ahead, 'Great Dlc- 
tetnr' (UA) (4th wk), satisfactory 
♦1?00. 



'Shepherd,' $4,000, Best 
In Very Poor Lincoln 



Lincoln. Neb.. July 22. 
'Shepherd of the Hills' is hogging 
the take here this week, proving that 
between June 15 and Sept 15 only 
one house can make any real coin. 

Only one other house, Lincoln with 
'Model Wife,' has a chance of break- 
ing better than even. 

Estimates for This Week 
ColonUi (Monroe-Noble-Federer) 
(750; 10-15)— 'Texas Marshal' (Mono) 
and 'Devil Comnvands' (Col), spUt 
with 'Phantom Submarine' (Col) and 
'Desert Bandlf (Rep). Off key $800. 
Last week, 'Melody Ranch' (Rep) 
and 'ElTery Queen' (Col), split with 
'Jane Arden' (WB) and 'Gangs 
Sonora' (Rep), average $900. 

Lincoln (J. H. Cpoper-Par) (1,503; 
10-20-25)— 'Model Wife* (U). Sum- 
mer prices still not in gear here. 
Maybe $2,500 iri six days. Last week, 
'Cowboy Blond' (20th) and 'Night 
Train' (20th), eight days for terrible 
$1,400. „ ^ 

Nebraska (J. H. Cooper-Par) 
(1,236: 10-15-20)— 'Get Away' (M-G) 
and 'Nurse's Secref (WB). Probably 
will pull not- too-bad $1,400. Last 
week, 'Power Dive* (Par) and 
'Beauty's Sake* (20th), fair $1,500 
considering price slash. 

Stuart (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,884; - 
10-25-40) — 'Shepherd Hills* (Par). 
Gobbling up all the shekels in sight 
for robust $4,000. Last week, 'Bride 
C.O.D.' (WBT,' dandy $3-,70(). _^ ' 
Varsity (Noble-Federer) (1.100; 10- 
20-25)— 'First Beau* (Col), split with 
Singapore Woman' (WB). Despite 
fancy jqggling of playdates, wont 
corr?l more than poor $2,100. Last 
week, 'Wagons Roll* (WB), dismal ■ 
$2,000. 

Par's Borschter 

Borscht circuit, incubator of scores 
of Broadway and Hollywood writers 
and players, takes credit for another 
hatching with the inking by Para- 
mount of I. A. L. Diamond to a term 
scripting pact at a comparatively 
fancy figure. Twenty-one-year-old 
scrivener, just out of Columbia Uni- 
versity, is currently serving as social 
director of Camp Copake, In the 
Catskills. 

Par, Metro and Columbia were all 
bidding for the kid as result of the 
Columbia varsity show he wrote last 
season. He scripted the undergrad 
shows* every one of the four years 
he was In college. They won spe";'*^ 
prizes donated by ASCAP In 1939 
and 1941. He was also editor of 
(!;olumbia*9 daily Spectator. 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 




6 >^»^**?K 



5 WEEKS 

NEW ORLEANS 



4 >W KS 



mi 



Mi 



4 WEBSe 

4 WEEKS 4 iVfew 
4 WEEKS SANFRANCseo p;^^«JS 

CINCINNATI * 

4 WEEKS 
4 WEEKS 

ST. LOUIS 



4 WEEKS 

ATLANTIC CITY 

3 WEEKS 

DETROIT 



3 WEEKS 

DAYTON 



3 WEEKS 

BALTIMORE 



3 WEEKS 

RICHiMOND 



3 WEEKS 

WASHINGTON 



3 weeics 

'OS ANGELES 





UNIVERSAL PRESENTS 



Bud ABBOTT & Lou COSTELLO 
DICK POWELL 

IN THE NAVY 

^HE ANDREWS SISTERS • GlaireOodd 3lck Fa .n 
Butch & Buddy • Shemp Howard • Siinnie O Dea • Cond3S Bros. 
Directed by ARTHUR LUBIN ■ Associate Producer ALF.X GOTTLIEB 




14 EXPLOITATION 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



Schreiber s Twin-Theatre Plan 
May Solve the Dual-Bill Headache 



Detroit, July 22. 
They pays mo'iev "'"I ">ew 

tnkes their choice. 

That seems to be the solution of 
the twin-bill evil as seen here by 
Alex Schreiber, president o£ Asso- 
ciated Theatres, who plaps to hark 
back to the World War days for a 
revival of the then-popular idea of 
building duplex theatjcs. 

Part of an extensive building pro- 
gram by Associate'd ' includes the 
dual-theatre idea for the solution of 
the dual-pictures problem. Numer- 
ous polls have been tried here, ex- 
periments with solo pictures nights, 
but Schreiber figures on suiting all 
the customers by letting them lay 
their money on the line, walk in and 
take their choice of two features or 
a single and shorts. 

The chain already has started con- 
struction of the 900-seat theatre 
which will adjoin and wing out from 
the present 1,200-seat Wyandotte, a 
nice location for the experiment 
since Associated owns the only other 
two houses in the suburb. 

The plot is that one boxoftice will 
serve for the two houses. The cus- 
tomer comes up, lays the admission 
on the line and can go into one sec 
tion where the double feature is the 
policy or branch off to the house 
where the main feature runs solo 
with a full bill of short subjects. No 
wear and tear on the management 
with fans grousing one way or the 
other on the policy. 

It also provides the management 
with a nice tab on the trend, what 
type of fare will stand up under solo 
treatment, various comparisons and 
contrasts which can be experi' 
mental. There will be no differ^ 
ence on admission. The duplex thea' 
tre idea also will lend itself to other 
types of experiment but for the in- 
itial work it will be toward sifting 
out some data on the possible solu- 
tion of the twin bill 'evil.* 

At present the Detroit area is 
colidly double-feature, although the 
downtown Fox experimented for a 
-while with soloing its major feature 
at night with some beneficial in 
dicatives. While nobody had broken 
with tradition yet, the single feature 
adjunct at the Wyandotte is ex 
pected to be a revelation on how the 
workers in the defense industries, 
-working long hours, will respond to 
another attempt to solo pictures 
here. There have been indications 
that despite the prevalence of bar- 
gain hunters here, strong single fea 
tures can do business. 

The chain In its building project 
also will spend f30,000 remodeling 
the Iris, newly taken over, for fall 
opening and will replace the Nor- 
wood, one of the oldest neighbor' 
hood theatres here being torn down 
for a street widening, with a new 
bouse. 



For Its Field Publicists— Elnfcld and 
Blumenstock the Profs. 



Detailed schooling in how adver- 
tising, publicity and exploitation 
must be geared to mesh with new 
conditions brought about by the con- 
sent decree' is being given Warner 
Bros.' field men this week. Mort 
Blumenstock, eastern pub-ad chief, 
Is instructing at the sessions in New 
York, attended by Monroe Ru'Bihger 
and Jack Yergin from Chicago, Sam 
Clark and Martin Weiser from Los 
Angeles, Bill Lewis from Dallas, 
Bill Brumberg from Washington, 
Phil Engel from New England and 
Glenn Ireton from Toronto. 

Men were addressed Monday and 
yesterday by S. Charles E|afeld, 
pub-ad head, and Joe Bernhard, WB 
theatre chieftain. Frank Seltzer, in 
charge of the 'Sergeant York' cam- 
paign, is slated to come up from 
Washington to explain what has 
been done for the opening there. 



Theatres, This Tone, 
CoHect (Don't Give) 
Utensils (Ahuninom' 

RKO circuit, in Greater New York 
last week placed its theatres at the' 
disposal of Mayor 'LaGuardia's com- 
mittee In the national aluminum 
drive. 

Result Is that starting this week 
RKO houses designated by the 
mayor and borough presidents serve 
■s collectioi) depots for pots, pans 
and other aluminum utensils in the 
four boroughs where circuit theatres 
are located. 



Lesser'* Alumlnnm Drive 

Hollywood, July 22 
Sol Lesser was appointed industry 
chairman in the drive to collect alu- 
minum for national defense. First 
move was to order large bins in 
every film studio and request for 
employes to donate old aluminum 
utensils. 



WB HOLDING SCHOOL 



Man-Bites, Etc. 



Washington, July 22, 
When columnists take their 
vacations and press agents sub- 
stitute for them, no one thinks 
much of it. But when the tables 
are turned— well that's news. 

And that's what happened 
when Dan Terrell, p.a. at Loew's 
Capitol here, took his summer 
time-out last week. Each of the 
Washington critics took over his 
chores for a ^ay, servicing op- 
position papers with stories on 
the Capitol. 



ANOTHER IN CHI 
GOES SINGLES 



6eo. T. Eager, of PhiUy 
Bnlletm, Tells More 
Of IHovie Vacash' Idea 



Philadelphia, July 22. 

Plan of summer sales promotion 
for the Evening Bulletin, one of the 
older Philadelphia dailies, by which 
George T. Eager of the staff con 
ceived the idea of stimulating pub- 
lic attendance at theatres through a 
series of 'movie vacations' displays 
has brought scores of inquiries to 
the publication from all parts of the 
country. Newspapers as distant 
from Philadelphia as the Pacific 
coast area have written for copies 
of the promotional material. 

Eager has been a member of the 
Bulletin staff for the past three 
years. He is a graduate of the Uni 
versify of Pennsylvania, and prior to 
coming here he was connected with 
B. B. D. & O., advertising agency. 

Eager's first promotional stint was 
to persuade the Bulletin to switch 
its editorial attitude on radio adver- 
tising competition. 

From a 'radio hater,' the Bulletin 
has become a leading propagandist 
for radio in this territory. The pub 
lication has an application pending 
before the FCC for an F-M license, 
If granted. Major Rol)ert McLean, 
publisher, will enter the air field on 
an elaborate scale. 

Commenting on the reactions to his 
'movie vacation' campaign, Eager 
says: 

'The amusement industry has i 
great need for high grade salesman 
ship of an idea that appeals to the 
public. If the thought that the films 
bring relaxation, change and an es- 
cape from daily troubles is put 
across, the public will believe it and 
subconsciously associate films with 
the pleasures of a vacation. 

'But this campaign cannot suc- 
ceed if the industry looks upon it 
as a nine-day wonder, and after a 
short time looks around for some- 
thing new. The idea must be ham- 
mered and hammered until it sticks.' 



Chicago, July 22. 

Still another nabe has joined the 
increasing switch to single features 
despite the general double-feature 
policy of exhibitors in Chicago. 
Latest to go to singles is the north- 
side Teatro del Lago, operated by 
Sam Meyers, veteran exhib leader in 
this territory. 

Other single-feature houses, the 
Schoenstadt southside Piccadilly and 
the far westside Essaness Lamar, are 
doing excellent business, particularly 
the Lamar, which is located in Oak 
Park suburb and has little competi- 
tion. More interesting to single- 
feature advocates is the click of the 
Piccadilly with its solo policy, since 
that house is surrounded by com- 
petition still running twin bills. 

Double features will be up for an- 
other discussion at the Allied gen- 
eral meeting, called for tomorrow 
(Wednesday) by leader Jack Kirsch. 
Anti-doubles bill, which was before 
the state legislature, was killed in 
the senate committee rooms after 
having successfully passed the house. 
This second failure now means that 
Allied must wait another two years 
before another attempt can be made 
to put over a bill which would elim- 
inate twin bills by ordering a 15- 
minute intermission every hour for 
every show which runs more than 
two hours initially. 



Giving 'Em Acdon 



Philadelphia, July 22. 

Joe Conway, operator of the 
Egyptian, in the swanky Main Line 
■ection, has Inaugurated a weekly 
father and son' night at which only 
action and Western films are shown. 

Conway evolved the idea after 
questioning 100 nien and boys on 
why they were staying away from 
pictures. Answer was: Too much 
fove stuff.' 



'John Doe' Suicide Hoax 
Upsets a Police Force 

Charlotte, N. C, July 22. 

Charlotte police last Wednesday 
(16) had several uneasy hours when 
it appeared that a real-life enact- 
ment of 'Meet John Doe' might be 
given local thrill-seekers, including 
a leap from a 22-story building. 

Two 19-year-old youths wrote the 
Charlotte Observer that they saw the 
pic, which played, here all last week, 
and that they had decided to'^jump 
off a local skyscraper on Wednesday. 
They asserted they had tried unsuc- 
cessfully to get work and were pen- 
niless. The story was played 
prominently by paper and next day 
crowds thronged streets to view de- 
velopments. Police nabbed two boys 
when they wandered to roof of Lib- 
erty Life building, where jump was 
to have taken place. They were re- 
leased when it was proved they were 
only curious and had gone to get a 
look. Incident finally wound up as 
a hoax. 



NATIONAL SCREEN'S 
NEW NEOART POSTER 



Minneapolis, July 22. 
National Screen here is launching 
an innovation in 'neon-effect poster' 
advertising, called Neo-Art display, 
for theatre lobbies. Poster is set in 
a shallow box and behind the poster 
is a fluorescent lighting setup which 
gives the poster lettering a neon look 
which can't be told from original 
neon. 

Considerable reduction in original 
and operating costs is claimed. 



CHURCH BINGO MOVES 
IN ON SHUTTERED A. C. 



Atlantic City, July 23. 

While the elaborately appointed 
bingo parlors remain closed on the 
Boardwalk here, local churches are 
attracting big crowds to their week- 
ly bingo games. 

At one of the largest churches 
announcement came from the pulpit 
that 'a bingo and card game will be 
held Wednesday night in the school 
hall.' Visitors were told they would 
be welcome. 

Commercial bingo parlors closed 
before July 4 weekend as result of 
underground dispute between groups 
vieing for control of Enoch L. 
"Nucky" Johnson's political ma- 
chine. 



Arch Reeve Returns to 
H'wood as Press Liaison 



Arch Reeve, former studio pub- 
licity chief for Paramount and Fox 
Films and later advertising manager 
of 20th-Fox in New York, returns to 
Hollywood after eight years as sec- 
retary of Publicity Directors Com- 
mittee of Association of Motion Pic- 
ture Producers. 

Working in,*onjunction with Jock 
Lawrence, Reeve will serve as di- 
rect contact with newspapers. Na- 
tional Defense agencies and charity 
groups. 



Warners in K. C. and RKO St Louis 
Revamp; Theatre-Exchange Briefs 



Kansas City, July 22. 

Warner exchange setup under- 
went some sudden changes last 
week in this area with Russell Borg 
being brought in from Omaha as 
exchange manager. On the road for 
same company in this territory. 
Jimmy Winn takes over as manager 
at the Betroit exchange, and H. R. 
Williamson, who has been K.C. chief, 
returns to Memphis, from whence he 
cam6 about a year ago. Winn was 
divisional manager with headquar- 
ters in K.C. 

Bob Suits is in from the Loew, 
N.Y„ office to handle the mana- 
gerial reins of the Midland, while 
John McManus, refular chief, jaunts 
to California for a vacation speU 
with his family. 



RKO St. Louis' New Setup 

St. Louis, July 22. 

Personnel Changes in the local 
RKO exchange resulted in the up- 
ping of Herman Gorelick from head 
booker to office manager; Heine 
Ahrens switched from office man- 
ager to salesman In North Illinois; 
Pat Byrne, former country booker, 
to head booker. Jack- AUender, for- 
merly with Universal in Salt Lake 
City, now city booker. 

Mike Godshaw, former" Chicago 
city . salesman for Universal, joined 
sales staff with Southern Illinois fgr 
his territory. He replaces' Len 
Greenberg, transferred to the man- 
agership of the Salt Lake City ex- 
change. Mark Raymon continuing 
in his Southern Illinois field as film 
seller. 



Winn's Detroit Post 

Detroit, July 22. 

James Winn, Warner Bros.' district 
manager in Kansas City until the 
district manager posts were elimi- 
nated by the company a few weeks 
ago, has been named branch man- 
ager in Detroit. He succeeds Fred E. 
North, who has resigned. 

The competition started much too 
soon for Raymond Freedlander, pic- 
ture operator in suburban River 
Rouge. 

He has filed suit for damages In 
Circuit Court here alleging that his 
own house caved in while they were 
excavating next door to him for the 
erection of a new theatre. He 
brought his claim against the Rouge 
Theatre Co. and Bernard Brooks, 
who was building the new house. 

Breaking up of the partnership of 
N. Dow Thompson and Albert F. 
Martin, who operate several south- 
ern California theatres, was re- 
ported by the former, who is re- 
turning here. The pair went to the 
Coast after Thompson had been a 
former house manager and Martin 
an auditor for the United Detroit 
theatres. ■ 

One of the numerous commercial 
film producers,- Industrial Pictures, 
Inc., is folding here. According to 
Herbert V. Book the company has 
suspended operations and will com- 
plete its final business arrangements 
within the next month. 

Warren A. Slee, Metro publicity 
director, here, appointed state chair- 
man in the same capacity for the 
National Defense Reels. 



Par's New Mpls. H.O. 

Minneapolis, July 22. 

Construction has started here on 
a new ultra modern all-steel and 
concrete Paramount exchange build- 
mg to be located one block away 
from the present structure and to 
represent an estimated $250,000 in- 
vestment. The new branch will be 
air-conditioned, much larger than 
the old one and will be ready for 
occupancy about Dec. 1. 

Martin Lebedoff, local indie exhit, 
with a net score of 67, was winner 
of the Twin City Varsity club golf 
tournament. Lowell Kaplan, Wel- 
worth <yrcuit booker, and Max Win- 
ters, night club owner, tied for sec- 
ond, chalking up 68. Tony Stecher, 
wrestling promoter, was medalist, 
finishing with 77 gross. The trophy 
for the exhibitor with the low gross 
went to Charlie Rubenstein, who 
had an 80. 

Odeon's Takeover 

Victoria, B. C, July 22. 
Odeon circuit leased Oak Bay 
theatre from Major R. F. Castle, 
owner, who will remain in charge. 

Levy Over 8 Houses 

Sioux City, July 22, 
Herman Levy, manager of the 
Orpheum here, leaves Aug. 1 to be- 
come manager of eight Ralph Gold- 
berg houses in Omaha, an indie 
chain. He'll headquarter at the -State, 
Omaha. No successor named to 
Levy by Mort Singer, who controls 
the Orpheum. 



Scbblfer Hospiiaiized 

San Francisco, July 22. 

Charles Schlaifer, manager of Her- 
man Cohen's United Artists, in Uni- 
versity •hospital, where he went un- 
der the knife Tuesday ( 15 ). 

RKO branch manager Red Jacobs 
has added Bradley Fish, former head 



of Grand National here, to sale<! ^taff 
to handle San Joaquin Valley " re- 
placing Earl Stein, moved into the 
city to fill gap left by George Seach 
on three months* leave of absence' 
Charles Crowley continues in Sacra-^ 
mento Valley territory. 

George Bole of the Golden Gate 
had the unique experience of being 
kept out of his own theatre this week 
until okayed through the door by his 
cashier. New doorman, who hadn't 
been introduced to the boss, was tak- 
ing no chances on gate-crashers. 

Joe Weiss Vpped 

Atlantic (Jity, July 22. 
Joe Weiss named manager for Capi- 
tol (Wielland-Lewis), formerly as- 
sistant of the Apollo. 

Balr's Toledo Spot 

Toledo, O., July 22. 
E. E. Bair, manager of the Valen- 
tine and Strand, Defiance, O., leaves 
there about Aug. 15 to become man- 
ager of the new Colony, I.700-seat 
house here (Associated Theatres 
Corp.). 

Lou Essick named assistant man- 
ager of the Savoy, Toledo nabe 
owned by Skirball. 

Tom Rogers to Metro 

Tom Rogers, for the past eight 
years associated with Loew's pub- 
licity department under Oscar A. 
Doob, has joined the Metro home- 
office publicity staff. He succeeds to 
the post recently vacated by Milton 
Weiss, who left M-G to join Frank 
Orsatti on the Coast. For the past 
two years Rogers was pre.-a repre- 
sentative for Loew's State, N. Y. 

Forty-four additional promotions 
among M-G field personnel brings 
the total of recent advancements, all 
from within the ranks of the organi- 
zation, to 91. Eight have been added 
to the selling staff: Frank Sculli, 
Philadelphia, formerly fourth book- 
er; Alex Arnswalder, from Jersey- 
Staten Island booker; Alt>ert Wheeler, 
Boston, from first booker; John P. 
Harrington, Cleveland, from office 
manager; "Thomas B. Kirk, Memphis, 
from office manager: Grover Liv- 
ingston, Oklahoma City, from first 
booker; LeRoy Smith, Minneapolis, 
from second booker, and Voight B. 
Trent, Omaha, from office manager. 

Appointed office managers, replac- 
ing Harrington, Kirk and Trent, re- 
spectively, are Dorsey Brown, from 
first booker; James F. Heard, from 
first booker, and Howard E. Clnrk, 
from checking supervisor. 

Robert Ellsworth, N. Y.. and 
Charles Repec, formerly master 
bookers, have been made circuit 
contact men. 

Edward Richter, formerly Jersey 
booker, made N. Y.-N. J. master 
booker, and Charles Lazarus, for- 
merly first booker at New Haven, 
becomes master booker at Boston. 
Others are new bookers. 



WB Akron's Facelift 

Akron, July 22. 

Strand, Warner downtown stand 
here, went dark Sunday night (20), 
for extensive facelift. Will reopen 
Aug. 14, Dick Wright, district man- 
ager, here for the repair work. 

Construction began this week on 
remodeling of the Clifford, Urbana, 
purchased recently by Warren 
Grimes, airplane light manufacturer, 
from Grant Wooley, longtime thea- 
tre owner and Ohio fair concession 
operator. 

Phil Chekeres, central Ohio opera- 
tor, will operate the Clifford for 
Grimes. This marks the first time 
any chain operation has gone into 
Urbana, a town of 8,000, although 
Schine and Warners are in other 
Ohio towns adjacent to Urbapa. 

Johnny Wagner, assistant man- 
ager. Palace, vaudfllmer, resigned to 
join the NYA office here. Paul Wil- 
liamson, at the house four years, 
made assistant manager. 

Fulton, Pitt, Shutdown 

Pittsburgh, July 22. 
Fulton (Shea) closed for remain- 
der of summer; according to John 
Walsh, manager, will reopen around 
Labor Day. Its an annual custom 
at this spot, due to shortage of prod- 
uct; house gets only half of U out- 
put and one-third of 20th-Fox in ad- 
dition to slufls from other first-run 
spots, although closing was later 
than usual this year due to recent 
two-month roadshow run of 'Fan- 
tasia.' 

Sammy Roen, asst. mgr. of White- 
hall theatre, transferred to WB pub- 
licity department, where he replaces 
Bob Laux, resigned recently to join 
Koppers Co. here. Roen with WB 
in various managerial capacities 
since his graduation from U. of Pitt- 
New setup in WB booking depart- 
ment, result of consent decree, 
brings Saul Bragan herefrom Cleve- 
land to share major booking chores 
with Tony Stem. Harry Fein.'ilcin, 
formerly head booker for circuit in 
this territory, becomes chief film 
buyer, working directly under Hin 'y 
Kalmine, zone manager. 
J. Eddy Wiliams, formerly of Hie 
(Continued on page 18j 



Wednesday, Jalj 23, 1941 



IS 



EUMINATE THE ? ? ? 
FROM YOUR BUSINESS! 





II » U !• 

■ft- • ^"t^ 



DATE FROM NOW TO NEW YEAR'S 
^ UNIVERSALS BONDED RELEASES! 





mill ATT a f*ACTVIff A 

. HOlti THAI QH0S7 




wit iHttMtft tift i ittit .^.j'Vfiii' mm'~««'(^ 



SiiMlfaHr computed! New being cditeiil 





IS 



PifiiA'ii'^ii 





■^w.w^-^^..^. . ,.. . . ..... 



Shootiav completed! Now being edited! 




Wlmm 



Now shootinf! 





1// 



/rem liy nnil Robert MONTGOMERY 

"DMFINISHEb BUSINESS 

Bmgene FatUtt* - Esther Dale • raftrr Cirffctf Clyde • i)if* Fonii» . Samuel S. Hinds "'^^tSV'ii^I^fTiSr^*^?^^ 



FmUued amd Directed hj 



CEEGORYLaGAVA 



Sbeoling completed! New being edited! 




IK 



milk 




Completedl 



DATE FROM NOW T O NEW YEAR 

— — — — ^M^^^^^^— i^^^^ 



fffmry Kostw PMMfaetlon 




ANGEL 



with 



CIIMMDIGS 



Always winning, Ihii Hms bnfi 

NAIMIKT TALUCHET • 607 BIBBCt 
CHARLES CQIENAI • WAIiTEl CATLETT 



Now thootiiigl 



lau FRUODB 
BMBiaiY ill 
LeoB BRBOL • Misda muni 



UtMrut • Orlginol ilefy 

DhMtvd by Chartci la- 
Mb Ooldtmlth 




€flimplet«d! 




At * ftr f 



stamng 



OLSEN ^ JOHNSON 
MABTHA BATE 



A MAYFAIR PRODUCTION PAIOE • LEWIS HOWARD v 



''New ■heetiBgl 



i4 title that's a heart'throk by itself . . . and a 
star vhose emotional depth will stir the country! 



m 



SCOTT * BER6NER 
PUIS GAUIIIIG' 



,v.,,,-..,v.....^v„.,^.^.w^^..„ 



(T»ntative Title) 



Produced tn 

BlHlAMlliHAIlt 




As Timely as Tomorrow's Headli 

BURMA CONV 

iTi'N'i viivi' mui" 

Chailei Biddotd • Evt lyn Anken • Ktyt. 
L«ke . Fiaak Albtitton • Cecil Kelbviy 

DU««t*4 fcy Ho#t M. Sritttti 
AMOClftU Bt«ai««*Y, Mkniwal axMit 



New sheotiBg! 



The 



CempItM 



CA<zr/^^- BOYEn Margaret SlIIlIlAV ANj 

^ APPOINTMENT/or LOVE 

Produced by Directed by 

Brace Blaiiiiliig WIlUaiBi A. Setter 

Who Produted Whit directed ' ^ Hired Wife' ' 

*^BadiStreee' ^ iin4'*m<^mrir* r 



Now vlieetias! 




Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



17 



UNIVERSALS BONDED RELEASES! 




VM' Here arc the most robust moments in the 
||tv Kfe of 0 rcqi man . . . a bifi »h«t v, ho dabbled 
▼ wth short shots— and put them j1! awaj! 

A. 

ia0viiibiii nAN 

"** GlOftIA JEAN, BurcM wi Buw)y 

OiTMtMi by EPWAKD ClIME 



New sheetiatf! 




Shooting starts September 2nd! 




llV-f T '~^:^Wf%is%t^'^ ' y- ' \ Anne Gwyuue - Saauel S. Suids 



i ! 



' i 




Now shooting! 




tors vf the motiim picture induitrs without 
some /Scare of grotesque horror stitHuiot' 
ing the BoxoMct to' surprising heights ... 

sy^^M" ^ - , „ , , . 



ihoeting starts August 4th! 




Shooting staxts September 8th! 



Shooting starts September 2nd! 



as AMEMCA WANTS HER 




m 



5* 




Shooting starts September iSth! 



1 




;flMril[vM<j0ii»' sweeping adventure picture? \ 
WrwlMiCK i^M^ AKDY DEWNE 

^TBE SOHORA KID" WzAMBEZr 





13 TECHNICOLOR 
CARTOONS 



by Wotfw Unt< 



ICach wltti <llff»r«nf IIH«) 



YOU NEED PICTURES... 



YOU NEED BOX OFFICE PICTURES 



and YOU NEED THEM REGULARLY! 



OCT. i,N,»«'0<,u, 




18 PICTUBES 

TRADE SHOWINGS 

(From July 25.Aug. 1) 

(AlphabetJcallv orronoed occordmfl to Exchanoe City, and chnmotoBtcony 
equenced accoTding to catenduT date and hour of 

e/erence /or all exhibitors, «mbroctng ALL th« fiv* trmSor dtitnttvten 
mder one table. This itnll U brouoht up to dot* taehwek. Uttiiw th« 
chedule of releases for the eiwwnfl 10 doys from Vameit*« date of pubBco- 
ion. Legend: T. for Theotre; P. R. for Projection Room.) 



WednettUy, July 23, 1941 



TED. 
VED. 
VED. 
VED. 



ALBANY 

JULY 23 (10 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt* (20th), Exchange PJL 
JULY 23 (11:30 a.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange Pit. 
JOLY 23 (2 p.m.), 'Caiarley's Aunt' (20th). Exchange Pit 
JDLY 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.H. 
THURS., JULY 24 (10 a.m.). 'Wild Geese CaUing" (20th), Exchange PJt 
THURS., JULY 24 (11:30 a.m.). 'Private Nurse' (aoth). Exchange PA. 
THURS., JULY 24 (2 p.m.). -Wild Geese Calling* (20th), Exchange P.H. 
CHURS., JULY 24 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchani(e P.R. 
'-RI, JULY 25 (10 a.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R,. 
" -RI., JULY 25 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade" (20th), Exchange PJl. 
"won., JULY 28 (11 a.m.), Down in San Diego' (MG), Paramount T. 
WON* JULY 28 (2 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Delaware T. 
WON., JULY 28 (3:30 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Delaware T 
rUES, JULY 29 (2 p.m.), 'Henry Aldrich for President' (Par), Delaware T. 
rUES., JULY 29 (3:30 p.m.). 'New York Town" (Par), Delaware T. 
WED, JULY 30 (2 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Delaware T. 

ATLANTA 

WED., JULY 23 (9:30 a.m.), 'Charley«s Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULY 23 (11 a.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange PJt 
WED, JULY 23 (11 a.m.), 'Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde' (MG), Rhodes Center T. 
WED., JULY 23 (2 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th). Exchange PJL 
WED, JULY 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange PJL 
THURS, JULY 24 (9:30 a.m.). 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange PJL 
l-HURS, JULY 24 (11 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th). Exchange PJL 
THURS, JULY 24 (2 pjn.), "Wild Geese Calling' (20tb), Exchange PJt 
IHURS, JULY 24 (3:30 p.m.). 'Private Nurse' (20th). Exchange PJL 
FRI, JULY 25 (11 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P. B. 
FBI, JULY 25 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th). Exiiiange PJL 
FBI, JULY 25 (2 p.m.), 'Dr. Jdiyll-Mr. Hyde' (MG), Belmont T., Nashville. 
MON, JULY 28 (11 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), S. Marco T., J'ks'nviUe 
MON, JULY 28 (1 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Paramount Exhge. 
i'MON., JULY 28 (2:30 p.m.). 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Par. Exchge. 
lUES., JULY*29 (10:30 a.m.). 'Henry Aldrich for President' (Par). Par. Ex. 
WED, JULY 38 (10:30 a.m.), "Hold Back the Dawn' (Par). Par. Exchange. 
WED, JULY 30 (11 a.m.). 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Rhodes Center T. 

• FBI, AUG. 1 (2 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Behsont T., Nashville. 

BOSTON 

.WED, JULY 23 (10 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange I"Jt 
■ Wed, JULY 23 (11:30 a.m.). 'Dressed to Kill' (20th). Exchange PJB. 

THURS, JULY 24 (10 a.m.). "Wild <3eese Calling* (20th). Exchange PJL 
r^THURS, JULY 24 (11:30 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange PJL 
^THURS, JULY 24 (2 p.m J. 'Wild (Seese Calling^ (20th). Exchange PJL 
' THURS, JULY 24 (3:30 p.nU. 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exehange P.B. 

rFRI, JULY 25 (10:30 a.m.), 'Swi Valley Serenade' (20th). Exchange PJL 
i.-FBI, JULY 25 (2:30 p.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange PJL 
i-MON, JULY 28 (11 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Capitol T., Augusta. 
I'MON, JULY 28 (2 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Paramount Exchge. 
r^ON, JULY 28 (3:30 Wf^.y, 'Nothing But the TYuth' (Par). Paramount Ex. 
i TUES, JULY 29 (11 a.m.), 'Heory Aldrich for Presideaf (Par), Par. Ex. 

TUES, JULY 29 (2 p.m.), *New- York Town' (Par). Paramount Sxchangeu 
; TUES, JULY 29 (2 p.m.), *DoWs in San Diego' (MG), Exeter Street T. 
' WED, JULY 30 (2 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par). Paramount Exchge. 

BUFFALO 

! WED, JULY 23 (10:30 a.m.). 'Charley's Aunt' (20th>, Exchange PJi. 
^WED, JULY 23 (12 noon). Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange PJL 
nWBD, JULY 23 (2:30 p.m.), "Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange PJL 
iiWED, JULY 23 (4 p.m,), 'Dicssed to Kill* (20th), Exdudge PJt. 
.ITHURS, JULY 24 (10:30 ajOB.). 'Wild Geese Calling' (asih). Exchange PJL 
, THURS, JULY 24 (12 noon), "Private Nurse' (20thr), Exchange PJL 

THURS, JULY 24 (2:30 p.m.). "WUd (Seese Calling* (2ttth). Exchange PJL 
: THURS., JULY 24 (4 pjn.). 'Private Nurse' (20th). Exchange PJL 
, iFRI, JULY 25 (10:30 a.m.). "Sun VaUey Serenade' (2mh). Exdiangc PJL 

;FBL, JULY 2li (2:30 p.m.), "Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exdiange P.B. 
I MON., JULY 28 (10:30 ajn.), "Buy Me That Town' (Par), Niagara T. 
; :MON, JULY 28 (12 noon), "Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Niagara T. 
: MON, JULY 28 (2:30 p.m.). Down in San Diego' (MG), Elm wood T. 

• iTUES, JULY 29 (2 p.m.), 'Henry Aldrich for President' (Par). Niagara T. 
; TUES, JULY 29 (3:30 p.m.). *New York Town' (Pax). Niagm T. 
: WED, JULY 30 (2 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Niagara T. 
;;THURS, JULY 31 (11 a.m.). 'Dowii in San Diego' (MG), Regent T,Syr'c'se. 

CHARLOTTE 



I Exchanges | 

^1 Cntlnped tiem paf a MsssJ 

Strand, Johnstown, Pa., manager of 
Alex Alexis' Ligonier (Pa.) theatre. 

Briefles; Carl Miller resigned U 
exchange ... Ray Allison, of Cres- 
son, ill for several montlis, in 
Miami hospital again . • - R«»y 
ordl, son of Frank Biordi, EUwood 
City exhib, entered Naval Academy 
as middjipman . . . BUgKerr, for- 
merly with RCA, now WB sal«man 
for Bobby Dunbar in Cnncinnati . . . 
Joe Moritz. of Olympic in Verona, 
back from a 

Hollywood . . . Jake Blatt (Blatt 
Bros, circuit) has left with his 
family for Wyoming where they wiU 
make their home for the next yrar 
or so. BUtt is ailing and during his 
absence, brothers Bill and Charlie 
will take over. 

Cleaves' Switch 
San Antonio, July 22. 
E. E. Collins, city manager of. In- 
terstate Theatres, appointed Maurice 
Gleaves, manager of the Broadway, 
tit manage the Empire. Vacancy 
caused by recent death of V. D. 
'Buddy* Welker. Lynn Krueger 
named manager of the Broadway, 
coming from staff of the Uptowa 

Another far L. * J. 

Atlanta, July 22. 
Arthur M. Liicas (t Jenkins) an- 
nounces construction will get under 
way immediately on new 1,600-seater 
tlieatre for Savannah. Hudson Ed- 
wards, local manager for^e chain^ 
hopes theatre will be finished in 
time for opening about first of year. 



FILM BOOKING CHART 



(For {nformatSm of Ihtotw and ftm «rclUngt Molcer. Vaubt prtMntt 
« entpMe chart f«ofur« rd«u« o# oU lh« Anurica* dutfitnitfiv coin. 
Fonies for m« current quorterty pertod. fMf* of retrfetw aa ffteen fn 
VAHiEtv and the rtrnnbtg time of print* ore incttt ded.) 
GonueaT. um. dx vawbti. inc. aix wfim ■■mmeD^ 
Key to rvp« Abbr«H(rtion»: M-JMclo«Tttm«; C-GmedK CD-CBm«d» 
Drema; V-Wtstm: D-Droma; 9D-Rom«rtie Drymo; MU-Mi«leat 
Fiottre* herewth Jitdtcat. date of VAtixn's retrteto ond runnino tfm«. 



WCBV OF BELEASB— S/3*/U 



A«v«bW* to Washtafto. <C«tf) 
Billy the KM (M-G> S/2> 
SOver Stallloa (Hobo) S/U 
I WaBtm WlBCS (Par) S'W 

l^aS »il San« (t»«i) 5/a 

MIUloD Dollar Baby (WB) S/2S 



«/4 



D U V. Bmcc-H. Mawlxll 

W M B-Taytoi-B-DoBlevy 

W (• D. Sharpe.^1. Walito 

D 131 B. MUIsbA-V. Lake 

MV Vt A. Ncaglc-BL. B»Icer 

D 123 L. DaiBcD-T. Powct 

C Abfeott-Costtilo 

CD 102 P.Lane-J.Lyaa 



WEEK OF RELEASE— </6/41 



Ifata Hail (H-G) 
Wtanclcr's ROos* (Hobo) 6/2S 
Saint's Vacatton (BKO> </lS 
For Bcan«r>s Sake (2Mh) 6/U 
Hea ol the Tlmbeitonds (U) 
DcvB Doss at the AlT (WB) 2/ U/39 
SlilnlBX Vlctoiy (WB) S/2S 



M 

CD 



G. Gaibo-B. Nevmn* 
ST B. Cm il(an-J. Klni 
SI S. Giay-B. Sinclair 
M H. Weavcr-N. Sparks 

B. Arlco-A. DcvtBC 
90 J. Casney-P- O'Brien 
n J. stepbens«n-G. Fltiierald 



WEEK OF BELEASB-C/13/41 



WB N. J. Oottlng 

Jersey City. July 22. 
Annual outing of the Wamer Ch* 
of New Jersey at Bertrand Island 
Park, Lake Hc^atcong, Aug. 11-12, 
will draw some 800. Under chair, 
manship of Cieorge Kelly, manager of 
the Stanley here, the outing wiU in- 
clude free transportation, lunch and 
dinner for the snployees ol Watner 
Bros.' 42 New Jersey theatres and 
lor the Warner office crew in 
Newark. • 



The Get-Away (M-G) S/ll 
Blcheat Blan in Town ,(Col) f/U 
Cane's All Here (Mono) S/ZS 
One Nlcht in Llsboa (Par) 5/14 
CydoBe OB Honeback (BKO) t/lt 

Ti«ht ShMS («) «/ll ^ . 
Broadway UmtUd (OA) C/U 
Oat at tka Fog (WB) S/U 



D 
CD 
C 
D 
W 
CD 
C 
D 
D 



SS B. Stcrllnc-D. Adams 

n F. Craven-J. Todd 

83 F. Dairo-M. Hoidand 

9« H. Canon-F. MacMoiiay 

U T. Holt-K. Whitlay 

M L. Bobcits-T. North 

ST ' J. Beward-B. Barnes 

TS T. Bf cLaslan-M. Woodwortb 

IS J. GarB«Id-L LaplBO 



WEEK OF BEUSASB— «/2t/4I 



Time Out for Rhythm (Col) 5/28 
Bands Across the Hackles (Col) 
The Blc Store (U-O S/U 
West Point Wldwv (Par) S/ll 
BohictaBt DncOB (BKO) (/U 
Nevada City (Sep) T/H 
Biaa Himt (2tth) S/ll 
San AntoBl* Bose (U) S/2I 
Passce.troB HoBskoBg (WB) 



jWED, JULY 23 (9:30 a.m.), "Charley's Aunt' (20th>, Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULY 23 (11 a.m.), "Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange PJL 
WED, JULY 23 (10:30 a.m.). Dr. Jekyll-Hyde' (M-G). State T, Asheville. 
iWED., JULY 23 (10:30 ajn.). 'Dr. JekyU' (MG). Wayne T, Goldsboro. 
iWED, JULY 23 (2 p.m.), '(^larley'S Aunf (20th). Exchange PJL 
WED, JULY 23 (3:30 p.m.). Dressed to Kill* (20th),_Exchange PJL 
THURS, JULY 24 (9:30 a.m.>, "Wild Geese Callhig* (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULY 24 (11 a.m.). "Private Nurse' (20th). Exchange PJL 
THURS, JULY 24 (2 p.m.). 'Wild Geese Callmg* (20th). Exchange PJL 
THURS, JULY 24 (3:30 p.m.). "Private Nurse* (20th), Exchange PJL 
FBI, JULY 25 (11 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade* (20th), Exchange PJB. 
FBI., JULY 26 (2 p.m.), "Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange PJL 
MON, JULY 28 (10:30 a.m.). Down in Sap Diego'. (MG). Dilworth T. 
MON, JULY 28 (1 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Paramount Exchge. 
MON, JULY 28 (2:30 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Par. Exchge. 
TUES, JULY 29 (10:30 am.). 'Httiry Aldcich for President* (Par), Par. Ex. 
TUES., JULY 29 (10:30 a.m.), "Down in San Diego' (MG), 5 Pts. T., Col'bia. 
TUES., JULY 29 (12 noon). 'New York Town' (Par), Paramount Exchge. 
WED, JULY 30 (10:30 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego* (MG). State T., AshviUe. 
WED., JULY 30 (10:30 a.m.), 'Down San Diego' (MG), Wayne T., (Mdsboro. 
ED, JULY 30 (10:30 a.m.>, "Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Par. Exchange. 

CHICAGO 

WED, JULY 23 (10 a.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling* (20th), Exchange PJL 
WED, JULY 23 (11:30 ajn.). "Private Nurse' (20th). Exchange PJL 
THURS, JULY 24 (10 a.m.). "Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange PJL 
■■ THUBS, JULY 24 (2 p.m.). "Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange PJL 
■ MON, JULY 28 (10:30 a.m.), Duy Me That Town* (Par), W«ld Playhouse. 
MON. JULY 28 (11:40 a.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth* (Par), World pryh*se. 
,. TUES, JULY 29 (10:30 a.m.). "Down San Diego* (MG), Madison T, Peoria. 
• TUES., JULY 29 (10:30 am.). Down San Dtego* (MG). Orph. T., Spr'gfteld 
; TUES, JULY 29 (10:30 a.m.), "Down in San Diego* (MG). Studio T. 
;; TUES, JULY 29 (10:30 a.m.), 'Aldrich for President* (Par), World Pl'yh'se 
1 TUES, JULY 29 (11:40 'New York Town* (Par), World Playhouse. 

X, WED, JULY 30 (10:30 am.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), World Pl'yhttusfc 

aNClNNATI 

WED, JULY 23 (9:30 a.m.>, "Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
I ' WED, JULY 23 (11 ajn.), 'Dressed to KiU* (20th), Exchange P.R. 
(Continued on page 20) 



Pklllyltea Into Service 

Philadelphia. July 22. 

Al Orodenker, assistant manager at 
Stanley-Warners* Uptown, Inducted 
into Army. Also set to dtm the olive 
drab in near future is' L arry Cohen. 
Warner accounting depaztmenL 

Lou Weisz, W[amer artist, has b€r 
come father of son. • 

Roland Haynes, manager of the 
North Philly Keystone, back after a 
hospital siege with his . appendix. 

(Seorgc Aarons,. Lewen Pizor and 
Bill Butler have just returned from 
a tour of. U. S. and Canada en route 
troi^the MPTOA conclave in Los 
Angeles. 

Fred Gladdedc, former exchange 
exec, now assistant tMoker fiir Pizor 

Mike Wolfish replaced Curtis Hil- 
debrand as booker at BKO. HUde- 
brand sent to WadiingtMi office. 

Al Fisher. Keswick, elected secre- 
tary of Tent 13. Variety (Hub. to flM 
the vacancy caused by the death of 
John Monroe. 

Ted Abner rejoins local Paramount 
ofUCe as salesman. 

Hal Dalfler'a Foal 

Seattle, July 22. 
Hal Daigler. farmer assistant to 
John Hamrick. city mgr. Hamrick- 
Evergreen theatres, now field man- 
ager for B. F. Shearer theatres. 
This includes Alaska circuit and 
house in Everett and the new Boxy 
in Bremerton, boom navy town. 
Boxy seats TSfi. 

Rivoll (Steriing) family vaude 
house and ex-burley spot, has 
opened with musical comedy stock, 
(jast includes Tony Hanlon, NelHe 
Clark, AUen Sher, Hal Harris. Lee 
Preedy and a line. Biz catching on. 
Current title is 'Bare Facts of 1941.* 



Sweetheart at the Cbb»m (Cd) MD 
aicdko at PahUcd Sptlais (Gal> S/2S 
WaBdereB at the West (Mono) 
They Blet tat Bagtbay (H-G> S/2S 
The PanOB at PaaaailBt (Par) S/25 
jBBf le Cavakad* (BKO) T/9 
A Voiy Tons Lady (Ztth> 4/3S/41 
Polsan Pen (Bep) T/Z 
Poddtn' Bead (Bcp> T/> 

BBS Cyclone (Ren) 
Bit the Boad (U) 7/9 
VBdercnaad (WB> S/ZS 



Two iB a Taxt (Cai) 
Navy Bin and CoU (H-G) (reiiaiie) 
Father Steps <m (Mono) 
Forced LaadiBc (Par) T/9 
They Meet Agala (BKO) 
Gaais at Soaota (Bep) T/lS 
^HaantaiB MeoBll(bt (Kcp> 
Accent w Lave (ZMh) 
Hello. SBCker (C) T/2 
Biide Cam« C.OJt. (WB) T/X 



Exhib A3e» GoU Pra 

Fayette. O.. July 22. 
George Wakely. who operates the 
Fayette here, has a sdcdine— is 
the professional at the Chippewa 
Country Club, near Toledo. vA 
swings a talented golf club. 

Patikim Ochsr Jab 

Burton, O, July 22. 
Irving Field, manager of Colonial 
Burton, O.. drafted in army; sue 
cceded Itf Patricia Ochs. 

Shaaiow VIca Bm^ 

Oinaha. July 32. 
Jack Shumow of- the Watner of- 
fice in Chicagot replaces Russell 
Borg as branch manager of the WB 
Omaha exchange. Shumow, 
younger brother of Harry Shumow 
of Metro's local exdiange, was here 
last 21 years' ago wh^ he was at- 
to thejocal General Motors 
Borg*s'pIans are not known. 



tacfaed 
setup. 



■en BUI'S TwfB Bay 

WaynesvlUe, O, July 22, 
Kenneth R. Hi». MarysviUe, O., 
purchased the Twin' theatre In 
WaynesvlUe, which was rcc^ened 
Wednesday (23 >. Hill, former .maa 
ager of the Avalon and Strand, 
MarysviUe^ will move here per> 
manently about Oct 1. The Twin, 
300-seat house, was named that be- 
cause it was originaUy owned by 
twin brothers. 



MU 
W 

c 

CD 



D 
HU 
B 



74. 

84 

63 
73 
58 
100 
62 



R. Vallee-R. Lane 
BUI Elllot-M. Daily 
Marx Bros.-T. MaitlB 

A. Shldey-B. CarlsoB 
Dbney Cartooa 

B. Bocers-G. Baycs 

t. BeBBCtt-W. Pidgeoa 

R. Palce-J. Fiasec 

K. Dooclas-L. FalxbaBka 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 6/»/41 



W 

D 



CD 
D 

C 
W 
D 
D 



64 B. Kcclcr-O. NeIsM 
59 C. 8tairett-T. WalkM 

T. Keena-B. HUca. 
92 C. Oable-R. Bnsien 
84 E. Diew^C. Baiclca 
76 P. Bock 
80 J.Wlthers-N.Kettr 
66 F. Robson-R. Newton 
80 J. Canava-F. Laderer 

D. Barry-L. Merrick 
62 O. OeorEO-B. HacLane 
es J.LyB».K.VetM 



WEEK OF B^LKASB— 1/4/41 



I was a PrtsoBcr ob DcvU'i labad (C<d) D 

nack Bia (M-G) T/2 CD 

Haider by iBvttatlaB (Mono) D 

Caacbt iB tte Draft (Par) S/a C 

Toai, Dick OBd Bany (BKO) 7/lS C 

HooB Over Mlaai (2Mh> 6/lS HU 
Bachaloi Daddy (11) T/Z 

KlSMS tor Breakfast (WB) 7/21 C 



D. Woods-S. EUcis 
W. Bcciy-V. WeldlM 
W.Foid-H. Harsh 
B. Bopc-D. LaiBoar 
6. Botets-G. Hwphy 
D. Aaieche-B. G^bla 
BabT SaBdy-B. E. BortOB 
D. Honan-J. Wyatt 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 1/11/41 



D- 

D 

D 



CD 
D 
C 

CD 



M 



A. Loalse-B. Haydca 

B. TooBC-J. Stewart . 

P. AlhottMB.!.. Gicy ' 

B. ArlSB-B. Gabor 

J. BankoB-D. Lavett 

3Mes4BitccTt 

Weaver Bros. Blvlry 

G. MOBtcOBMry-O. MaSMB 

B. Berbett-T. BiowB 

Bl Davb-J. CagBey 



WEEK OF BELBASE^r/18/4t 



Blondl* IB Sodety (Col) 7/1 C 

Son or Davy Crockett (Col) T/9 W 

SUrs Look Down (M-G)- l/3/4a D 

Arizona BooBd (Mob*) W 

Shepherd at the Bllli (Par) S/U D 

Burrlcane Smith (Rep) D 

Sunset la Wyoming (Bep) W 

Dince Ban((X«th) T/S D 

Balders of tba Desert (U) W 

Bawhlde Baaccis (V) W 

BoUeta toc -0*Baia (WB) D 



»T 
U 
1(4 



71 
SS 



P. SlBcletoB-A. Lake 
B. EUlott-L Hendlth 
H. Bedcn.vc-BL Lockwood 
B. JoBOS-T. HcCey 
S. Wayne-B. Field 

B. MlddtetoBrJ. Wyatt 
(>. ABtiy-S. BaiBetta 

C. Boaero-C. Landia 
B. AzleB-A. DeviBB 
J. BL Brown - 

J. Peny-B. Pryor 



WEEK OF BELBASB— 7/SS/U 


Tba oaieer aad Oe Lady (CM) T/lS 


D 


M B.BildsaD-B.Piyar 




BiBislde Malsla (M-G) 


C 


A. SotlMm.^. Hnrphy 




The Deadly Game (Mono) 


D 


J. LaBT-C. Fanril 




B>rty, CharUe, Bony (BKO) 1/9 


C 


SS L.ErroU-K.BaweD 




Tea Nlsktx Lb a Bar Boom (Bep) 


H 


B. ArmstroBS-L. Baycs 




Bad MOB ot MlxuMui (WB) 


D 


J. Wyaian-D. Hofgaa 




WEEK OF BE 


LEA. 


SK-S/l/tt 





Thunder Over the Prairie (Col) W 

Btemems In Diut (H-G) S/2B D 

Bawery BUtekdat (Hoaa) D 

FngMtre VUley (Mono) W 

Kiss tha Bay& Goodbye (Par) 6/ZS CD 

My Ule With CaroUae (RKO> T/H C 

Bags to Blchts (Rep) M 

Cracked Nats (U) C 

Threo Sob* o> Gobs (WB> CD 



C. Starrett-E. O'Bcam 
M G. GataOB-W. Pidgeoa 
W. BaU-L. Gattuj 
B. COrrlean-M. TeAima 
S3 H.Mart&a>.Ameche 
78 R. C0lnuBr.A. Lee 
A. Baxtes-M. Carllsla 
H.ABer-U.Harfcrt 
W. Honls-T. Biawm 



WEEK OF BELEAS£-a/9/41 



KUery qoaea and Peitect Cthaa 
Hary Naaus th* Day (M-«) 
Dyaamlta Caayoa (Hobo> 
WMa Opea Towa (Par) 
Stx Gaa GaU (BKO) 
Hold That Ghost (U) 
New WiB* (UA) 
Maapawez (WB) 7/f 



(Col) 



W 

w 

C 
HU 
D 



SS B. Bdaaor-U. LlBdsay 
lu Ayres-L. Barrymorm 
T. Keeae-E. Fteley 
,,W. Bear«-B. Baydoa 
a.lHil-L.whl«a 
Ahbott-CostcIIo 
L Massey-B. Barnes 

^^BSOBrH. DIatllA 



isa E. 



WEEK OF BELEASB— a/I5/U 



mUe the Teller (Col) C 

Hedlca Bite tb* TiaU (Col) W 

Ute Begins for Andy Hardy (M-G) C 

Aloma of the Sonth Seas (Par) RD 

This Woman Is Mine (U> D 



K. Hartb-W. Tracy 

C. Btanett 

M. Rooney-A. Batherford 

D, Lamoar-J. Hall 
F. Tone-C. Bruce 



•WARTKTtV LONDON OFnCK 
■ St. M»rtlii'« flaca, Tf fi>l«»r B<iaar« 



INTERNATIONAL 19 



U. S. Exhibs-Take Notke! 



Buenoi Aires, July 19. 

U. S. exhibs worried about duals should have > look at a program 
offered by the Metropolitan, second-run downtown B. A. house, lor 
one peso — two bits, U. S. 

On the bill were: 

'I Love You Again' (M-G), 99 minutes; 'North West Mounted Police' 
(Par), 125 minutes; "That Uncertain Feeling' (UA), 83 minutes; 'Danc- 
ing on a Dime' (Par), 73 minutes; 'Emergency Squad' (Par), 118 
minutes. 

Uncertain how many of the patrons actually sat through the cellu- 
loid marathon but house reported pretty good biz. 'Super-monster' 
program brought plenty of remarks from the trade, however, Heraldo 
del Cinematografista in particular pointing out that general custom of 
no protection on release of second-runs meant that patrons who ordi- 
narily would have to pay $1.50 for the picts shown were able to get 
them for 2Sc in less than a month: 

Paper called on Exhibs Association to take action, pointing out that 
they were helping kill everybody's biz by permitting suclr showings. 



Ex-Par French Chief 
Arrives in U. S. With 
Kin After Many Snags 

Adolphe Osso, his wife and two 
children, a boy of 17 and daughter 
of 19, arrived from Lisbon yesterday 
(Monday ), following a series of frus- 
trations in getting an exit visa frort 
Paris which, were it not for its per- 
sonal tragedies, would be almost 
farcical. Osso, longtime head of 
Paramount in France, and more re- 
cently a native film distributor, was. 
set lo leave Paris four different 
times over a period of several 
months, only to be halted by one or 
another technicality. 

Once Vichy presented some hurdle 
which the Nazi authorities in Occu- 
pied France had to follow. Thence, 
ell set, a civil court issue arose due 
to the fact that Osso's car had 
crashed wilh that of Edouard Bour- 
det, the French dramatist. Only 
Marshal Petain's personal influence 
offset that, else Osso might have 
had to wait around until trial ot 
the civil action. Then arose th^ fact 
that all French males under 40 are 
not supposed to leave the borders. 
Os.so's son is 17. 



Laura Lee 

Continued from page 

Alfred P. Walker, morale office at 
the Fort, and he provides U. S. Army 
conveyance to expedite swift trans- 
port ot Broadway talent to and from 
the camp. 

Last week Mrs. Payne lined up 
Belle Baker, Gus Van, Joan Merrill 
and others. 

The Monmouth camp has a lot of 
show people, including musicians 
from the Anson Weeks, Guy Lom- 
bardo and Tommy Dorsey orchestra, 
hence the professional bunch is very 
much at ease with the accompani- 
ment. 

Carson Kanin, RKO film director 
aiid former legit stager, is a new 
recruit to Monmoiith,. and already 
starting to help out on the entertain- 
ment. 



Hollywood and Vine Branch 

Fort Monmouth, N. J., July 22. 
This army post, which already 
looked like a hunk of Hollywood and 
Vine, has received another batch of 
Coastites. They're being assigned to 
the Photographic School and the 
Army's Training Film Production 
Unit. 

Among the newcomers is Frank 
Roche, Universal contractee who 
was featured in many of the studio's 
westerns. He had formerly appeared 
in stock and was married two days 
before he was inducted into the 
Army. His bride will follow him 
east later. 

Another addition is Chuck McKim- 
»on, an animator at the Harman- 
Ising cartoonery for the past nine 
years. Also William Marks, who's 
been a freelancer In pix and has ap- 
eared at the Pasadena Playhouse and 
on numerous Hollywood radio shows. 

Bernard Ofner, until recently in 
the Hollywood and Broadway pres- 
entations of 'Meet the People," has 
also checked in. He worked under 
the tag of Barney Phillips and he- 
fore the Hollywood 'Theatrical Al- 
liance offering made appearances in 
Shakespearian stock, on the Dr. 
Christian radio series, the Lux Ra- 
dio Theatre, Woodbury Playhouse 
and Hollywood Hotel. 

Dramatic group in Replacement 
Center here started rehearsals last 
week for 'Room Service,' which it 
will present at the camp and in 
"carby Long Branch. 



Third Finger' OK $7,100 
To Lead Buenos Aires 

Buenos Aires, July 15. 

Star appeal and good notices, plus 
the added lure of a theatre-going 
local Independence Day crowd, kept 
the turnstiles clicking energetically 
in a majority of downtown first run- 
ners this week and grosses were 
generally strong although nothing in 
the way of new records. 

Estimates, all given in pesos cur- 
rently at 26c. U. S. (4.19 to the 
dollar) follow: 

.Ambassador (Lautaret and Ca- 
valo) (1.400; $2, $1.50)— 'Sea Wolf 
(WB). Very nice $15,000 with no- 
tices particularly responsible. 

Ideal (Lococo) (1,046; $3, $2.50)— 
'Penny Serenade' (Col). Only fair 
$10,000 for this top-price house on 
the second week. First week drew 
an e.<!timated $20,000 and word-of- 
mouth apparently n.s.h. 

Rex (Lautaret, Cavalo and Cor- 
dero) (3,305; $2, $1.50) — 'Third 
Finger, Left Hand' M-G), $30,000 
(about $7,100 in U. S.), pretty good. 

Normandie (Lococo) (1,420; $2, 
$1.50) — 'Man-Made Monster' (U). 
Picked up after a slow first week 
to little over $10,000; worth the 
holdover. 

Monumental (Coll and DiFore) 
(1,830; $2. $1.50) — 'Viente Anos y 
Una Noche' ('Twenty Years and One 
Night') (EFA, Argentine-made). Ex- 
cellent $20,000, which, while not 
quite as good as the preceding na- 
tional 'Embrujo' CBetwitched") (Lu- 
miton), is very o.k. 

Opera (Lococo) (2,500; $2, $1.50) 
—'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' (RKO); 
$26,000 and about the best of the 
first-runs for the week. 

Broadway (Lautaret and Cavalo) 
(1,863; $2. $1.50) — 'Philadelphia 
Story' (M-G). Nice $10,000 for this 
second run. First showing at the 
Gran Rex was tops locally. 

Suipacha (Lococo) (950; $2, $1.50) 
—'Back Street' (U). Strong $14,000 
for the second run at this ordinarily 
first-run house. 



PEOPLE'S THEATRE FOR 
MEXICO READY IN AUG. 



Mexico City, July 22. 

A theatre of the people and for 
the people Is being readied for in- 
auguration in the headquarters hall 
here of the national electricians 
union by the Theatre Arts Group, 
headed by Seki Sano, Japanese im- 
presario who has recently become 
active in Mexico. 

The theatre to open early in Au- 
gust, will permanently present 'true 
Mexican dramas, comedies, dances, 
songs and music for all the people.' 



Perkins OK to Go East 

James E. Perkins, Paramount's 
managing director in the Orient, 
has recovered sufficiently from a 
minor operation in N. Y. to return 
to his headquarters in Shanghai. 

Perkins will take the China clip- 
per from San Francisco late this 
month. 



Mex Exhibs Elect 

Mexico City, July 22. 

Officers fpr the ensuing year have 
been picked as follows by the Mex- 
ican Film Exhibitors'' Uriioii, head- 
quarters ot which are here. 

President, Luis Alfonso Calderon; 
secretary, David M. Fierro, and 
treasurer, Alfonso Acevedo. 



RKO has made a deal with Argosy 
productions whereby it will distrib- 
ute 'That Certain Something,' Aus- 
tralian-made feature, throughout the 
Anzac territory. 



Anssie Theatre Deal 
Links Hoyts,.G.D.T. 
To Working Accord 



Sydney, July 4. 

Consummation of a new deal be- 
tween General Theatres and New- 
castle Theatres for 10 years further 
stresses the fact that Hoyts and 
Greater Union Theatres, which 
formed GT years ago, have a work- 
ing agreement despite their ap- 
parent opposition. The old GT setup 
carried a 10 years' agreement with 
Newcastle Theatres on a film-buying 
pool idea, and renewal for a further 
10 years' term indicates the close as- 
sociation of Hoyts and GUT without 
open announcement, 

Newcastle Theatres controls soine 
22 theatres in one of the major in- 
dustrial centers of New South Wales, 
headed by Charles Munro, Sam 
Snider and George Dean, with Stan- 
ley Crick on the directorate. Nor- 
man B. Rydge is the chairman of 
GUT, which runs houses in conjunc- 
tion with NT apart from its own 
major loop setup in the principal 
city spots. 

Varibty recently learned that, 
apart from the pool continuance in 
Newcastle, Hoyts and GUT have a 
working agreement in operation 
presently whereby each side will aid 
on film buys, plus opposition stay 
aways, in order to oust any added 
competition from making an at' 
tempt to break into the territory al- 
ready controlled by these two major 
loops. 



U.S. FILM COS. 
INMEXLABOR 
WRANGLE 



Labor situation in Mexico again 
came to the fore this week as the 
new union contract for employes in 
the film exchanges of that country 
was brought up for discussion by 
U. S. major company foreign man- 
agers Monday (21 ) at the Hays office. 
New pact is up for renewal on 
Aug. 1, with the unions again making 
demands. 

A. L. Pratchett, Paramount's for- 
eign manager in Central America, 
who arrived in N. Y. this week, out- 
lined the Mexican situation to the 
foreign chiefs. He has been closely 
in touch with conditions in Mexico. 

Subject was taken under advise- 
ment, with decision likely later this 
week on what joint action should be 
taken. 



Vrblna's UA Huddles 

J. B. Urbina, United Artists man- 
ager in Mexico, planed into New 
York Monday (21) from Mexico 
City for homeoffice confabs. 

Understood that part of these hud- 
dles will be over the pending union 
contract for exchange workers in 
Mexico. 



U to 0.0. Scripts at 
The Source to Spare 
Latin Sensitivities 



Joe Seidelman, Universal foreign 
distribution head, plans to name a 
Latin-American expert to supervise 
all scripts at the studio, when he 
goes to the Coast early next month 
as a means to eliminate any angle 
that might offend in South America. 

Up until now. Universal has been 
going over scripts at the N.Y. for- 
eign department office, but this Is 
tediotis and not altogether satis- 
factory. 



Argentina Pix Tai 



Buenos Aires, July IS. 

Despite protests by theatre own 
ers, producers and U.S. distribs, in 
dications are that the Ministry of 
Finance will push through a new bill 
slapping a 10% tax on grosses of all 
Argentine pic houses. 

Dwindling government revenue, 
due to lessening of import and ex- 
port trade resulting from the war, 
has brought about search for new 
sources of income. Currently film 
houses pay a tax of between 2-3% 
based on the capacity of the house. 



British Exhibitors Ask Jack Warner 
To Refrain From MaxweD Theatre Buy 



STOLL THEATRE GOES 
VAUDE IN LONDON 



London, July 22. 

Stoll theatre inaugurates vaude- 
ville plus films Sept. 1, the only 
vaudfllmer in the West End with 
such a policy. Vaude will be shown 
on a- twice-daily policy, at 3 and 6 
p.m., with five acts and a picture. 

Several names have been lined up, 
first being Billy Cotton's band, with 
Ronald Frankau following. 



London, July 22. 

Cinematograph Exhibitors Assn. 
has entered the pending Warner deal 
for John Maxwell holdings in Asso< 
elated British Cinemas, Ltd., with 
an outright request to Jack War- 
ner that he refrain from buying it. 
Cable sent to Warner said: 

'British exhibitors like Warner 
Bros, and would like them better if 
you would not buy into British cine- 
mas. British exhibitors ask you to 
call off the Maxwell deal, whicti 
they strongly oppose. 



Reception to Anti-Nazi 
Play in B. A. Indicates 
Pro-Democracy Feeling 



Buenos Aires, July 13. 

Surprisingly warm reception given 
the first strongly anti-Nazi play to 
be presented In this No. r metropolis 
of South America — an original ia 
Spanish called 'Inftllraclon' — is taken 
as a barometer of public sentiment, 
which indicates that the average 
man is lined up with the democra- 
cies and knows what Fifth Column- 
ists are up to in Latin America. 

Smash biz being registered by the' 
production current at the Teatro 
Comedia, is cited by many as proof 
that recent governmental bans on 
such picts as Chaplin's 'Great Dic- 
tator' and 'Pastor Hall' were not in- 
dications of public feeling. 'Infil- 
tracion,' which while it avoids nam- 
ing tha Nazis outright, leaves no 
doubt as to its intent end has so far 
drawn frowns from the German and 
Italian Embassies but to date there 
have been no formal protests. 

Audience response indicates that 
all the jibes at the blonde Ambassa- 
dor of a certain foreign country 
whose 'country aspires to the domi- 
nation of the world and needs South 
America for its granery' are com- 
pletely understood and that evidence 
of Fifth Columnists in Congress, uni- 
versities and the press as drama- 
tized are as telling as in newspaper 
headlines. 

Fact that an investigation of pro- 
totalitarian, anti-Argentine activities 
by a local 'Dies Committee' is now 
underway has aided the play con- 
siderably and the management hasn't 
been denying apparently well- 
founded reports ttiat some of the 
footlight goings-on are based on evi- 
dence already uncovered. 



PHIL REISMAN TREKS 
TO SO. AM. IN AUGUST 



Phil ReLsmah, RKO's foreign man- 
ager, has delayed his New York de- 
parture for South America until 
the end of August. 

Originally Relsman planned going 
to the Latin-Americas late this 
month. At that time, Reisman had 
hoped to accompany John Hay 
Whitney, head of the film commit- 
tee for the Latin-American hemi- 
spheric defense, but now latter may 
postpone his Latin-American trek 
indefinitely. 



Joe Hiinunel Returns 

From Latin-Am. Trip 

Joseph Hummel, assistant to Rob- 
ert Schless, Warner Bros.' foreign 
manager, is due in New York today 
(Wednesday) from a two-week 
plane trip through the Latin Amer- 
icas. 

Part of Hummel's trip was de- 
voted to readjustment of personnel. 
One change, already announced, is 
that i n Mexico, where Oscar 
Brooks, assistant manager, has be- 
come manager, replacing Jcscph C. 
Mullen, who's resigned. 



The Indian Sign 

Calcutta, June 1. 

Thirteen cinemas in Rangoon 
(Burma), all of which show Enftlish, 
American and Indian films, have 
closed down as a result of the enor- 
mous increase in customs duty on 
films entering Burma. 

Films showing Burmese Alms only 
are not affected and continue as 
usual. 



No Word Until Milder Returns 

No definite word on terms, or on 
whether the proposed Warner Bros, 
buy-in on Associated British is ac- 
tually going to be consummated, will 
be forthcoming until Max Milder, 
Warners' manag^ in Britain, returns.^ 
to London. Presently he is "still Tn 
New York awaiting approval of 
visas, which would permit him to 
clipper home. 



Axis Infhience Makes 
Portugal Tougher On 
Visas; Milder Stalled 



Delay in getting a visa from 
Portugal, which is holding up tha 
departure of Max Milder, Warners 
managing director in Great Britain, 
prompted Milder and Karl Mac- 
Donald, assistant in the company's 
foreign department, to plane to 
Washington this week in an effort 
to expedite' such papers. They hud- 
dled with the U. S. State Depart- 
ment. 

Refusal by Portugal to issue a visa 
to U. S. film company officials is a 
new thing and may be premilinary 
to general toughening up of visa 
regulations by the Portuguese be- 
cause of additional axis domination 
in recent weeks. ♦ 



3,000 Miles to Goodman's 
Just Like Commuting 



St. John, N, B., July 22. 
Touring Canada's 3,000 miles wide 
territory, on his first coast-to-coast 
inspection of Paramount exchanges, 
was just commuting for Del Good- 
man, new Paramount g.m. for Can- 
ada. 

He came to Canada from the lands 
across the Pacific, where he was gen- 
eral manager of distribution for 
20th-Fox, for almost 20 years. He 
spent about 75% of nearly 20 years 
in the Orient, in traveling on film 
sales missions. For about 25% of his 
time, he was at his Shanghai home 
and offices. 



BOOSTING U. S. 



Moore-McCormack Line Makes fix 
■ for S.A. Consumption 



Buenos Aires, July 15. 

Campaign "to show South Ameri- 
cans what the U.S. is really like — 
and possibly also to get a few cus- 
tomers — has been started here by 
Moore-McCormack Lines via a se- 
ries of specially-made films. Picts 
are being shown both in theatres 
and privately, houses here accept- 
ing commercial advertising shorts as 
a standard item. First pic deals 
with New York. 

William C. Neven, assistant pas- 
senger traffic manager of the line, 
determined on a recent survey trip 
that films would be a far better me- 
dium than radio. Shorts are 
dubbed in Spanish. Company has 
also made a series on S.A. for U.S. 
audiences, distributing these en- 
tirely on a non-commercial basis 
through eight key offices. 



Rose Preps Return 



David Ro.se, Paramount's man- 
aging director in Great Britain, is 
due to arrive in N. Y. from Holly- 
wood, Aug. 4, preparatory to clip- 
pcring back to London later in the 
week. 

He has been on the Coast look- 
ing at new product and attempting 
to signature new players for con- 
templated British quota pictures Par 
plans making in England. 



20 PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 23, 19il 



Trade Showings 



iContlnncd from page 18; 



WED., JULT 23 (10 a.m.), 'Dr. Jekyll-Hyde' (M-G), Capitol T., Charleston. 
WED., JULY 23 (1:30 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULT 23 (3 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULY 24 (9:30 a.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULY 24 (11 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULY 24 (1:30 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULY 24 (3 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRI., JULY 25 (10 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRI, JULY 25 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON., JULY 28 (2 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Orpheum T. 
MON., JULY 28 (2 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par)7Forest T. 
noU^ JULY 28 (3:30 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par,), Forest T. 
TUES., JULY 29 (2 p.m.), "Henry Aldrich for President' (Par), Forest T. 
TUES., JULY 29 (.f.30 p.m.), 'New York Town' (Par), Forest T. 
WED., JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Down San Diego' (MG), Capitol T., Charleston. 
WED., JULY 30 (2 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Forest T. 

CLEVELAND 

WED., JULY 23 (10 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th 1, Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULY 23 (11:30 a.m.), 'Dressed to Kill" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULY 23 (2:30 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULY 23 (4 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULT 24 (10 a.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULY 24 (11:30 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULY 24 (2 pjn.), 'Dr. Jekyll' (MG), Uptown T., Youngstown. 
THURS., JULY 24 (2 p.m.), 'Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hyde' (MG), Ohio T., Toledo. 
THURS., JULY 24 (2:30 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULY 24 (4 p.m.), 'Private Nurse" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRL, JULY 25 (10 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRL, JULY 25 (2:30 p.m.), 'Sua VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON., JULY 28 (1:30 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town* (Par), Lake T. 
MON., JULY 28 (3 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Lake T. 
TUES., JULY 29 (10:30 a.m.), 'Henry Aldrich for President' (Par), Lake T. 
TUES., JULT 29 (12 noon), 'New York Town' (Par), Lake T. 
TUES., JULT 29 i2 p.Yn.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Metropolitan T. 
WED., JULT 3* (1:30 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Lake T. 
THURS., JULT 31 (2 p.m.), 'Down San Diego' (MG), Uptown T., Yo'ngst'n. 
THURS., JULT 31 (2 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Ohio T., Toledo. 

DALLAS 

WED, JULT 23 (9:30 a.m.), 'Jekyll Sc Hyde' (M-G), Texas T., San Antonio. 
WED., JULT 23 (9:30 a.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (11 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th) Exchange PJl. 
WED., JOLT 23 (2 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULT 24 (9:30 a.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULT 24 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRL. JULT 25 (10 a.m.), 'Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde' (M-G) B'way T, Lubbock. 
MON, JULT 28 (10 a.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), White T. 
MON, JULT 28 (11:30 a.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), White T. 
MON., JULT 28 (2:30 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Roswin T. 
TUES, JULT 29 (10 a.m.), 'Henry Aldrich for President' (Par), White T. 
TUES.i JULY 29- (2 p.m.), 'New York Town' (Par), White T. 
WED, JULT 30 (9:30 a.m.), 'Down San Diego' (MG), Texas T., San Antonio. 
WED, JULT 30 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), White T. 
FRI, AUG. 1 (10 ajn.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Broadway T., Lubbock. 

DENVER 

WED, JULT 23 (10 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
WED, JULT 23 (11:30 aJn.), 'Dressed to KUl' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (2 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULT 24 (10 a.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
THURS, JULT 24 (11:30 a.m.). 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULT 24 (2 p.m.). 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULT 24 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse* (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRI, JULT 25 (10 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRI, JUlLT 25 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON, JULT-28 (10 a.m.), 'Buy Me That Town* (Par), Paramount Exchge 
MON, JULT 28 (2 p.m.), "Nothing But the Truth" (Par), Paramount Ex. 
TUES, JULT 29 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Paramount Ex. 
TUES, JULT 29 (1:30 p.m.), "Down In San Diego' (MG), Santa Fe T. 
WED, JULT 30 (10 a.m.), 'Henry Aldrich for President' (Par), Par. Ex 
WED, JULT 30 (2 p.m.), 'New York Town' (Par), Paramount Exchange. 

DES MOINES 

WED, JULT 23 (10 a.m.), 'Wild Geese CaUing' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
WED, JULT 23 (11:30 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange PR 
WED, JULT 2S (2 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20t'h), Exch&nge P H. 
WED, JULT 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse" (20th), Exchange PR 
THURS, JULT 24 (10 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange PR 
THURS., JULT 24 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade" (20th), Exchange PR. 
MON, JULT 28 (10:30 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn" (Par), IngersoU T. 
MON, JULT 28 (2 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Forest T 
TUES, JULT 29 (10 a.m.), 'Henry Aldrich for President' (Par), ikeersoll T 
TUES, JULT 29 (11:30 a.m.), 'New York Town' (Par), Ingersoll T 
WED, JULT 30 (1 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town* (Par), Ingersoll T ' 
WED, JULT 30 (2:30 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth" (Par), Ingersoll. 

DETROIT 

WED, JULT 23 (10:30 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt" (20th), Exchange P.R 
WED, JULT 23 (12 noon), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange PR 
WED, JULT 23 (1:30 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P R 
™,?iSo''"." " P""-^' 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
?SSSs • im? ^1 m",-'" ''■"W™ Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

JSSSI"' « ^]\^°°''h ^^"^^ "0th), Exchange P.R. 

?SSS1' jSlv ^ .V'^" •'wZ' .^^ l" Calling' (20th). Exchange PJl. 

i« ..y.'lJ"'^ " (3.p.m.), 'Private Nurse" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
™- .SI'l « m";?? 'Sun Valley Serenade" (20th), Exchange P.R. 

ik ^h'^V^JM^;}^ P""-^" Serenade" (20th), Exchange P.R. 

I ^ ^'"^^^ ■•'"•^" '^"y That Town" (Par) Vogue T. 

m MON, JULT 28 (12 noon), 'Nothing But the Truth" (Par) Vogue 

^ JJI^^L" P "*-^" '°°*'" San Diego' (MG), Majestic T. 

^11- 5m V « ^''^e^' (MG).Mich. T.'4inaw. 

^^,11" ^Vt P "' >" "^'"^y Aldrich for President" (Par), Vogue T 

TUES, JULT 29 (3 p.m.), 'New York Town" (Par), Vogue T 

" P ""-^' '°°*'" San Diego" (MG), E"st'wnT., Gr. Rapids 
WED, JULT 30 (1:30 p.m.). 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Vogue T. 

INDIANAPOLIS 

WED, JULT 23 (1:30 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Esquire T. 
WED., JULT 23 (3 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Esquire T 
THURS, JULT 24 (1:30 pjn.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Esquire T 
THURS, JULT 24 (3 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Esquire T 
FRL, JULT 25 (1:30 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Esquire T 
MON, JULT 28 (1:30 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Talbott T. 
222" 'IIJM S* ^P'^ P""-'' '^"y '^^^^ ^own- (Par), Hamilton T. 
xni?^" (3 P.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth" (Par), Hamilton T. 

iSio iSM" (1:30 pjn.), 'Down San Diego' (MG), Crescent T., Louisville 
JSSf" « P-r^l' President' (Par), Hamilton T. 

" P""'^" ^^^^ Town' (Par), Hamilton T. 
WED, JULT SO (1:30 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Hamilton T. 



KANSAS CITY 



** 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

WED, JULT 23 (11:30 ■.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 



WED., JULT 23 (2 pjn.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS#JULY 24 (10 a.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULY 24 (11:30 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20lh), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULY 24 (2 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULY 24 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20lh), Exchange P.R. 
FRI, JULT 25 (10 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRI, JULT 25 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON, JULT 28 fl0:30 a.m.), "Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Vogue T. 
MON, JULT 28 (1 p.m.), 'Down in San piego' iMG), Vogue T. 
TUES, JULT 29 (1 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Uptown T., Wichita 
TUES, JULT 29 (1 p.m.), 'Henry Aldrich for President' (Par), Vogue T, 
TUES, JULT 29 (10:30 a.m.), 'Hold Back Dawn' (Par), Uptown T, Wichita 
TUES, JULT 29 ( 2:30 p.m.), 'New York Town' (Par), Vogue T. 
WED, JULT 30 (12:30 p.m.), 'Aldrich for President' (Par), Uptown, Wichita 
WED., JULY 30 (1 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Vogue T. 
WED, JULY 30 (2:30 p.m.), 'New York Town' (Par), Uptown T.. Wichita. 
THURS, JULY 31 (12:30 p.m. ), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Uptown, Wichita, 
THURS, JULY 31 (2:30 p.m.), 'Nothing But Truth' (Par), Uptown, Wichita, 

LOS ANGELES 

WED, JULY 23 (10:30 a.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (12 noon), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (2:30 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (4 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULY 24 (10:30 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULY 24 (2:30 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenjde' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON., JULY 28 (10 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG). Strand T., Phoenix, 
MON, JULY 2« (10:30 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Victoria T. 
MON, JULY 28 (1:30 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Victoria T.. 
MON, JULY 28 (3 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Victoria T. 
TUES, JULY 29 (1:30 p.m.), 'Henry Aldrich for President' (Par), Victoria, 
TUES, JULT 29 (3 pjn.), 'New York Town' (Par); Victoria T, 
WED., JULY 30 (1:30 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Victoria T. 

MEMPHIS 

WED, JULY 23 (9:30 a.m.), 'Wild Geese CalUng' (20th), Exchange P R. 
WED, JULT 23 (11 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (2 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULT 24 (11 a.m.). 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULT 24 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON, JULT 28 (9:30 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Palace T. 
MON, JULT 28 (2 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Paramount Exchge. 
MON, JULT 28 (3:30 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Par. Exchange. 
TUES, JULT 29 (10 a.m.), 'Henry Aldrich for President' (Par), Par, Exch. 
TUES, JULT 29 (11 a.m.), 'Down San Diego' (MG), Prospect T.. Little Rock. 
TUES, JULT 29 (2 p.m.), 'New York Town' (Par), Paramount Exchange. 
WED, JULT 30 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Paramount Exch. 

MILWAUKEE 

WED, JULT 23 (10 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (11:30 a.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (2 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (3:30 p.m.), "Dressed to Kill' (20lh). Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULT 24 (10 a.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULT 24 (11:30 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULT 24 (2 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULT 21 (3:30 p.m ), 'Private Nurse* (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRI, JULT 25 (10 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRL, JULT 25 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON, JULY 28 (1:30 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Colonial T. 
MON, JULT 28 (2:40 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Colonial T. 
TUES, JULT 29 (10:30 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Varsity T. 
TUES, JULT 29 (1:30 p.m.), 'H. Aldrich for President' (Par), Colonial T. 
TUES, JULT 29 (2:40 p.m.), 'New York Town' (Par), Colonial T. 
WED, JULT 30 (1:30 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Colonial T. 

MINNEAPOLIS 

WED, JULT 23 (U a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (12:30 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (2:30 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (4 p.m.). 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULT 24 (11 a.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULT 24 (12:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R 
THURS, JULT 24 (2:30 pm.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULT 24 (4 p.m.), 'Private Nurse" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRI, JULT 25 (11 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRL, JULT 25 (2:30 p.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON, JULT 28 (1:30 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town* (Par), Rialto T. 
MON, JULT 28 (2:40 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Rialto T 
TUES, JULY 29 (10:30 am.), 'Down San Diego' (MG), State T., Sioux Falls 
TUES, JULT 29 (10:30 a.m.), 'Henry Aldrich for President' (Par), Rialto T 
TUES, JULT .29 (11:40 a.m.), 'New York T6wn' (Par), Rialto T. 
TUES, JULT 29 (1 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), West T., Duliith. " 
TUES, JULT 29 (1 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG). Pillar T., Valley City. 
TUES, JULT 29 (1:30 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Park T 
WED, JULT 30 (2:30 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Rialto T. 



NEW HAVEN 



WED, JULT 23 (11 a.m.). 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange PR 
WED, JULT 23 (1 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R 
WED, JULT 23 (3 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange PR 

^y^^ " "*'"<^ Calling" (20th), Exchange P.R. 

THURS, JULT 24 (11:30 a.m.), 'Private Nurse" (20th), Exchange PR 
^2I!Sf" '^^^ P "*-^' "''"^ Calling" (20th), Exchange P.R. 

THURS, JULT 24 (3 p.m.), 'Piivate Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R 
FRI, JULT 25 (11 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange PR 
FRI, JULT 25 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade" (20th), Exchange PR 
MON, JULT 28 (10 a.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Whitney T 
MON, JULT 28 (11:30 a.m.). 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Whitney T 
lUS?'' "Henry Aldrich for President' (Par), Whitney T 

TUES, JULT 29 (11:30 a.m.), 'New York Town' (Par), Whitney T 
WED, JULT 30 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Whitney i: 
WED, JULY 30 (2:30 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Lawrence T. 



NEWARK 



»»l » 'tW ''■'^■l- •'^^y" * "y**" <MG), Cameo T. 
THURS, JULT 31 (11 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Cameo T, 



NEW ORLEANS 

wed" iuL^ « «' "'-).,IWild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULT 23 (11 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th) Exchanee PR 
wed' 2*3 '^r'- ^"'•.'^r^Cal.ing' abth^ San^ge P.R. 

WED, JULT 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20lh), Exchange PR 

IZfs 'jS" H ?2'n m IT' ^''^'^^^ "oSTxcUge P.R. 

MON i'uLY L n n ^T-u y£^*y„^"*"'"^«' «»th). Exchange P.R. 
MOv" ivfl M i ^ \' ^- ^P">" Paramount Exch. 

MON, JULT 28 (2 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego* (MG), Clabon T 

TUES JULY M Mn^!,^■"■^•^''^;*,!i'"''u°."' <P»^>' Paramount Ex. 

Ivll" V II nV^^\"!-^^^^^V''^, ^^l' President' (Par). Par. Exchange. 
V^D''/vL^ifnn-',T''\^t'^J°^^7''^''' ^P*""^' Paramount Exchanie. 
WED, JULT 30 (10:30 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Paramount Ex. 

NEW yORK CITY 

wIS" « a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt* (20th), Exchange P.R. 

WED, JULT 23 (12 noon), 'Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange PR 

SrS" -Hii"' " "■•"•>' *^'- ^^^^ * ^- Hyde' (M^! k^oT T. 

WED, JULT 23 (2:30 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange PR 
WED, JULT 23 (4 p.m.), 'Dressed to KiU* (20th), Exchange P.R. 
(Continued on page 24) 



Back-to-Vaude ? 



Continued from pace 1 

canteens and decided to turn them 
back to the boys In the form of free 
entertainment What these profits 
amount to in a camp of 55,000 se- 
lectees and National Guardsmen 
where every tube of toothpaste and 
every pack of ciggies is sold at 
standard prices can only be guessed 
at. 

The major's action in handing the 
proceeds back to the boys in the 
form of entertainment is being 
highly applauded by privates at both 
this camp and other camps. Too 
often, disposition of the post ex- 
change profits s^ems to be a deep 
mystery, with indications that they 
buy furniture and other improve- 
ments for the officers' quarters. 

Major Sossaman's plan is to bring 
down a flrst-rate show and possibly 
a name band every 10 days or two 
weeks. Each show will play three 
performances at the camp, one for 
each division. - Start is scheduled 
for October with the season to run 
until the following May. 

Hep now in New York — formerly 
in show biz — is lining up availabili- 
ties and prices. He'll take his lists 
south with him and huddle with 
Sossaman before contracts are inked. 
Idea is to get two name performers 
for each of the regular shows, spac- 
ing these with the name bands every 
once in a while. Expenses from 
Atlanta to the camp (110 miles) and 
room and board will be provided. 

An angle to enable the camp to 
get better talent by, creating a south- 
ern circuit is under way by Sossa- 
man — who is getting his first taste of 
show biz. He wants to line up the 
five other camps in the vicinity of 
Benning to take the shows, too, so 
that traveling expenses for the acts 
will be pro-rated and it will make 
the trip more attractive to the per- 
formers. Other camps arc Stewart, 
McPherson, Wheeler, McClelland and 
Blanding. 

How anxious Benning is to have 
entertainment was evidenced by 
negotiations entered into by its rep 
in New York for Phil Spitalny and 
his all-girl crew to broadcast from 
there^ Sunday, Aug. 2. Spitalny 
agreed to go down if planes were 
provided for the trip. Sossaman 
okayed the $l,650-expense bill but 
it was then discovered that the Army 
and Navy had left commercial air- 
lines so short on planes there was 
none available for the flight. 

Soldier sent to New York from 
Benning is also shopping for lights 
and other stage equipment. Camp 
has a 6,S00-seat outdcKir stadium 
available, plus a giant tent and sev- 
eral 1,238-seat theatres (minus dress- 
ing rooms) . 

6th Unit Golnr Out 
USO-financed Citizens Committee, 
with purchase of the giant trucks it 
has been using to send vaude troupes 
into camps. wiU send a sixth unit 
out this week. It has had five on 
the road since mid-June, one having 
been caUed in but sent out again 
when it was discovered that field 
maneuvers wouldn't interfere with 
the shows, as expected. Excellent 
reaction to the shows from camps in 
all parts of the country has resulted 
in the War Department reque.<:ting 
the CC to keep them going indefi- 
nitely. 

Adjunct sent out on a 16-day tour 
with Unit E (Don Cummings. m.c.) 
this week is the Fort Dix (N. J.) 
band. Most of crew of 14 tooted with 
name bands before the Khaki got 
em. Maestro is Sergeant Herbert 
Bernfeld. who as Herbie Fields 
played sax and clarinet with Ray- 
mond Scott. Among others are 
Private Sidney Macey, former 
trumpeter and arranger for Hal 
Kemp; Mort Kahn, yclept pianist- 
leader Gerry Morton (Savoy Plaza 
and Hotel Pierre, N. Y.): James 
Morreale, trumpeter for Paul White- 
man; George Johnston, trumpeter 
for WiU Osborne; Don Malteson, 
trombonist for Jimmy Dorsey; Louis 
Counihan, trombonist for Otto 
Suzannos, and Jack Seery, trom- 
bonist for Reggie ChUds. 



Best 'Goodwiir 

SSContlaaed from page 1 



it is resulting in focusing attention 
on U. S. distributors, and later often 
producing additional taxes, restric- 
tions, etc. 

New restriction Jn . the Latin- 
Americas is a decree by Peru which 
would keep that nation clear of all 
propaganda pictures. Citing its de- 
sire to avoid taking sides in the pres- 
ent conflict, the edict would prevent 
the showing of any motion pictures 
favoring one side or the other in the 
present European war. Order vir- 
tually bans every American feature 
with an anti-Nazi theme. 



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adple oo*^*=f ^,,0^ out P*^"^,,, 
fof Septet" ^eao'wbi^*'' -si. 

its pt^*®^ vive up.^^ \«d 



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22 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



si 



K.nn.«h Hcrl on* 



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We dncBaay, July 23, 1941 P^filtft ^ 




24 PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



Trade Showings 



: Continued from page 20; 



THURS., JULt'24 (10:30 a.m.), 'WUd Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R 
THURS., JULY 24 (12 noon), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULY 24 (2:30 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULY 24 (4 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRL, JULY 25 (10:30 a.m!), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange PJt 
FRI., JULY 25 (2:30 p.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON., JULY 28 (10 a.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Normandie T. 
MON., JULY 28 (11:45 a.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Normandie T. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (10 a.m.), 'H. Aldrich for President' (Par), Normandie T. 
TUBS., JULY 29 (11:45 a.m.), 'New York Town' (Par); Normandie T. 
WED., JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Normandie T. • 
WBD., JULY 30 (10:45 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Astor T. 

OiCLAHOMA CITY 

WBD, JULY 23 (9:30 a.m.), 'Jekyll & Hyde' (M-G), Majestic T., Tulsa. 
WED., JULY 23 (10 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th). Exchange P.R, 
WBD.i JULY 23 (11:30 a.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WBD., JULY 23 (2 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULY 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Dressed to KiU' (20tk), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULY 24 (10 a.m.), 'Wild Geese CaUing' (20thl, Exchange PJt 
THURS., JULY 24 (11:30 a.m.). 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULY 24 (2 p.m.), 'Wild Geese C:aUlng' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULY 24 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRI., JULY 25 (10 a.m.), 'Sun .Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRI., JULY 25 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON., JULY 28 (10:30 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Uptown T. 
MON., JULY 28 (2 pjn.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Paramount Exchge. 
MON., JULY 28 (3:30 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Paramount Ex. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (10 a.m.), 'Aldrich for President' (Par), Paramount Ex. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (2 pjn.), 'New York Town' (Par), Paramount Exchange. 
WED., JULY 30 (9:30 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Majestic T., Tuba. 
WED., JULY 30 (10 a.m.), "Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Paramount Exch. 

OMAHA 

WED, JULY 23 (10 ajn.), -Wild Geese Calling* (20th), Exchange PJt 
WED, JULY 23 (11:30 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange PR. 
WED, JULY 23 (2 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange PJL 
WED, JULY 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
THURS, JULY 24 (10 ajn.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS., JULY 24 (2 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20Ui), Exchange PJL 
MON, JULY 28 (10:30 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Dundee T. 
MON, JULY 28 (1:15 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn* (Par), Dundee T. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (1:15 pjn.), "H. Aldrich for President' (Par), Dundee T. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (3 pjn.), 'New York Town' (Par), Dundee T. 
WED, JULY SO (1:15 pjn.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Dundee T, . 
WBD, JULY 30 (3 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Dundee T. 

PHILADELPHIA 

WED, JULY 23 (10:30 ajn.), "Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (12 noon), 'Dressed to KiU' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (2:30 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt"' (20th), Exchange P.R 
WED, JULY 23 (4 p.m.), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULY 24 (10:30 ajn.), 'WUd Geese CaUing' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
THURS, JULY 24 (12 noon), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRL, JULY 25 (10:30 ajn.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRI, JULY 26 (2:30 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON, JULY 28 (11 a.m.), "Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Aldlne T. 
MON, JULY 28 (2:30 pjn.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Aldine T. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (2 p.m.), 'Henry Aldrich for President' (Par), Aldine T. 
TUBS., JULY 29 (3:30 pjn.), 'New York Town' (Par), Aldine T, , 
WED, JULY 30 (2 pjn.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Aldine T. 
WED, JULY 30 (3:30 pjn,), 'Nothing But the Truth" (Par), Aldine T. 

PITTSBURGH 

WED., JULY 23 (10 aJn.), 'Charley's Aunt" (20th), Exchange PJL 
WED, JULY 23 (11:30 ajn.), 'Dressed to KUl' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULY 23 (11 a.m.), 'JekyU 4 Hyde' (M-G), Academy T., MeadvUle. 
WED., JULY 23 (11 ajn.), 'JekyU & Hyde" (M-G), Morgan T., Morgantown. 
WED, JULY 23 (2 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt" (20th), Exchange PJl. 
WED, JULY 23 (3:30 pjn.), 'Dressed to KUl' (20th), Exchange P.R 
THURS, JULY 24 (10 a.m.), 'WUd Geese (^Uing' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS., JULY 24 (11:30 ajn.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R 
THURS, JULY 24 (2 pjn.), 'Wild Geese CaUing' (20th), Exchange P.R, 
THUBS., JULY 24 (3:30 pjn.), "Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange PJL 
FRL, JULY 25 (11 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRL, JULY 25 (2 p,m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FRI, JULY 25 (3:30 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON, JULY 28 (10:30 ajn.), 'Hold Back the Dawn" (Par), Shadyside T. 
MON, JULY 28 (2 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego" (MG), Rialto T. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (2 pjn.), 'H. Aldrich for President" (Par), Shadyside T. 
TUBS., JULY 29 (3:30 p.m.), 'New York Town" (Par), Shadyside T. 
WED, JULY 38 (11 ajn.), 'Down San Diego" (MG), Morgan T., M"rg"nt"wn. 
WED, JULY 80 (11 a.m.), 'Down San Diego" (MG), Academy, MeadvUle. 
WBD, JULY 30 (2 pjn.), 'Buy Me That Town" (Par), Shadyside T. 
WED, JULY SO (2 p.m.), "Down in San Diego" (MG), RivoU T„ Altoona. 
WBD, JULY 30 (3:30 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth" "(Par), Shadyside T. 

PORTLAND, ORE. 

WED, JULY 43 (0:30 a.m.), 'WUd Geese CaUing" (20th), Star FUm Exch'ge. 
WED, JULY 23 (11 a.m.), 'Private Nurse" (20th), SUr Film Exchange. 
WED, JULY 23 (1:30 p.m.), 'Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde" (M-G), Esquire T. 
WED, JULY 23 (2:15 pjn.), -Wild Geese CaUing" (20Ui), Star FUm Exch"ge. 
WED, JULY 23 (3:45 p.m.), 'Private Nurse" (20th), Star FUm Exchange. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (10 a.m.), 'Sun Val. Serenade" (20th), Star FUm Exch"ge. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (2:15 pjn.), 'Sun Val. Serenade" (20th). Star F. Exch'ge. 
MON, JULY 28 (1:30 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Esquire T. 
MON, JULY 28 (3 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), ^uire T 
TUBS, JULY 29 (1:30 p.m.), 'H. Aldrich for President" (Par), Esquire T 
TUBS., JULY 29 (3 pjn.), 'New York Town' (Par), Esquire T 
WED, JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par) Esquire T 
WBD, JULY SO (1:30 p.m.), 'Down In San Diego" (MG), Esquire T. 

ST. LOUIS 

WED, JULY 23 (9:30 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
ED, JULY 23 (11 a.m.), 'Dressed to KUl" (20th), Exchange PJL 
ED., JULY 23 (2, p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
,„ED, JULY 23 (3:30 p.m.), pressed to KiU" (20th), Exchange PR. 

iE^'I ** ""^'^ " "^ "^^^ CaUing' (20th), Exchange P.R. 

THUBS., JULY 24 (12 noon), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange PJl 
THURS, JULY 24 (2 p.m.), 'WUd Geese Calling" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
TnURS, JULY 24 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
FBI., JULY 25 (11 a.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade" (20th), Exchange P,R. 
BBL, JULY 25 (2 pjn.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade" (20th), Exchange P.R 
MON, JULY 28 (10:30 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn* (Par), S'Renco P.R. 
MON., JULY 28 (1:30 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego" (M-G), Norslde T. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (10:30 ajn.), 'Aldrich for President" (Par), S'Renco P.R. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (1:30 p.m.), 'New York Town' (Par), S'Renco P.R. 
WBD,, JULY 30 (10:30 a.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), S'Renco PJl. 
WED, JULY 30 (1:30 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth" (Par), BTlenco PJL 



SALT LAKE CITY 



WED, JULY 23 (11 a.m.), 'WUd Geese CaUing" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULY 23 (12:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse" (20th), Exchange P.R 
THURS, JULY 24 (2 p.m.), 'Dr. JekyU & Mr. Hyde' (M-G), Fox T., Butte. 
FRL, JULY 25 (1 p.m.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade" (20th), Exchange PJL 



MON, JULY 28 (1 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town" (Par), Paramount Exch. 
MON, JULY 28 (2:30 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Paramount Ex, 
TUBS., JULY 29 (10 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego" (MG), Studio T. 
TUBS, JULY W (1 p.m.), 'Aldrich for President' (Par), Paramount Exch. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (2:30 p.m.), 'New York Town" (Par), Paramount Exch. 
WED., JULY 30 (1 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Paramount Exch. 
THUBS, JULY 31 (2 p.m.), 'Down In San Diego" (MG), Fox T,, Butte. 

SAN FRANCISCO 

WED, JULY 23 (10 a.m.). 'Wild Geese CaUing' (20th), Exchange P.R, 
WED, JULY 23 (11:30 a.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (2:30 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (4 p.m.), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (11 a.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULY 24 (2:30 p.m.), 'Sun Valley Serenade" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON., JULY 28 (1:30 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Paramount Exch. 
MON., JULY 28 (3 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Paramount Exch. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (1:30 p.m.), 'Aldrich for President" (Par), Paramount Ex. 
TUBS., JULY 29 (2 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Alhambra T. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (3 p.m.), 'New York Town' (Par), Paramount Exchange. 
WED, JULY SO (1:30 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn" (Par), Paramount Exch. 

SEATTLE - 

WED, JULY 23 (10:30 a.m.), 'WUd Geese CaUing" (20th), Exchange PJL 
WED, JULY 23 (12 noon), 'Private Nurse' (20th), Exchange PJl. 
WED, JULY 23 (2:15 p.m.), 'Wild Geese Calling" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED., JULY 23 (3:45 p.m.), 'Private Nurse" (ZOth), Exchange P.R. 
THURS, JULY 24 (9:30 a.m.), 'Down San Diego" (MG), State T., Spokane. 
THURS, JULY 24 (10:30 ajn.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20Ui), Exch. P.R. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (2:15 pjn.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON, JULY 28 (1:30 p.m.), 'Buy Me "That Town' (Par), Egyptian T. 
MON, JULY 28 (3 p.m.), 'Nothing But the "Truth" (Par), Egyptian T. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (10:30 a.m.), 'H. Aldrich for President" (Par), Egyptian T. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (12 noon), 'New York Town' (Par), Egyptian T. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (2:30 p.m.), 'Down In San Diego' (MG), Greenlake T. 
WED, JULY 30 (1:30 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Egyptian T. 

WASHINGTON 

WED, JULY 23 (10 a.m.), 'JekyU tt Hyde" (M-G), Park T, Roanoke. 
WED, JULY 23 (10:30 a.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (12 noon), 'Dressed to Kill' (20th), Exchange P.R. 
WED, JULY 23 (1 p.m.), 'Dr. JekyU ft Mr. Hyde" (M-G), Circle T. 
WED, JULY 23 (2 p.m.), 'Charley's Aunt' (20th), Exchange P.R 
WED, JULY 23 (3:30 p.m.), 'Dressed to KUl' (20th), Exchange PJL 
THUBS, JULY 24 (10:15 a.m.), 'JekyU & Hyde" (M-G), Rialto T, Bait 
THUBS, JULY 24 (10:30 a.m.), 'WUd Geese Calling" (20th), Exchange P.R 
THUBS, JULY 24 (12 noon), 'Private Nurse' (ZOth), Exchange P.R. 
THUBS, JULY 24 (2 pjn.), 'WUd Geese Calling* (20th), Exchange P.R 
THUBS, JULY 24 (3:30 p.m.), 'Private Nurse" (20th), Exchange P.R 
FBI, JULY 25 (11 a.m.), 'JekyU & Hyde' (M-G), Capitol T., Richmond. 
FRL, JULY 26- (11 ajn.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade' (20th), Exchange P.R 
FBI, JULY 26 (2 pjn.), 'Sun VaUey Serenade" (20th), Exchange P.R. 
MON, JULY 28 (9 a.m.), 'Buy Me That Town" (Par), Rialto T., Baltimore. 
MON, JULY 28 (9:30 a.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Sylvan T. 
MQN, JULY 28 (9:30 a.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Capitol T., Richm'd. 
MON, JULY 28 (10:30 a.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), RiaUo, Bait 
MON, JULY 28 (11 a.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Sylvan T. 
MON, JULY 28 (11 a.nv.), 'Nothing But Truth' (Par), CapUol T., Richm'd. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (9 a.m.), 'Aldrich for President' (Par), Riatto T„ Bait. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (9:30 a.m.), 'H. Aldrich for President' (Par), Sylvan i;. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (9:30 a.m.), 'Aldrich for President" (Par), Capitol T., Rich. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (10:30 a.m.), 'flew York Town" (Par), Rialto T., Baltimore. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (11 a.m.), 'New York Town' (Par), Sylvan T. 
TUBS, JULY 29 (11 a.m.), 'New York Town" (Par), Capitol T., Richmond. 
WBD, JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn" (Par), Sylvan T. 
WED, JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn* (Par), Rialto T., Bait 
WED.i JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn" (Par), Capitol T., Rich. 
WED, JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Park T., Roanoke. 
WED, JULY SO (1 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego* (MG), Circle T. 
THURS, JULY 31 (10:15 a.m.), 'Down San Diego" (M-G), Rialto T., Bait. 
FRL, AUG. 1 (11 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego" (MG), C^apitol T., Richmond. 



Franco-Nazi Show Biz 



jConUnned from page 3s 



archives. The occupants made a 
great effort to push across their own 
product but it was no go for French 
audiences, with the later showing a 
decided preference for old French 
pictures. Even with the release of 
relatively new pix, revivals have be- 
come very popular aU over France. 
AvaUability of the new film to audi- 
ences was necessary, however, to 
keep them from trekking to legit and 
music haU performances, where they 
were heading in ever-increasing 
numbers. 

There are about 60 theatres giv- 
ing legit music haU, variety, rev^e 
and operetta shows. Of this num- 
ber 28 alone stick to straight legit 
Each week sees several new plays 
.released and producers report in- 
creasing receipts and say that box- 
office returns compare favorably 
with those of pre-war days. 

Encoorsge' Entertainment 

'It's obvious that the Germans are 
encouraging any and all kinds of biz 
upbeat in the amusement line so that 
their propaganda ' can help dispel 
reports of drooping spirite and ever- 
decreasing morale in the Occupied 
Zone. 

If a curtain could be drawn on 
some of the grimmer aspects of life 
in the French capital, and judged 
only by what is going on in the en- 
tertainment world, things might be 
said to be normal Entertaining 
goes on merrily as if the war had 
taken place, on some neighboring 
planet and as if the German sol- 
diers seen about the boulevards were 
only visiting boy scouts or uniformed 
members of some lodge here on con- 
vention. Showcase, theatre and res- 
taurant owners even seemed to for- 
get about blackouts and marquees 
were beginning to shine conspicu- 
ously In the blackness of the night 
But now the authorities have finally 
put down their foot and warned 
everyone that the blackout Is just 
as much, in force as ever, and that 
In the future lighted marquees 



would be yanked down at the ex- 
pense of their owners. 

Food, drink and money may be 
short, but one would never suspect 
It to look at some of - the prices and 
menus at some of the boites. 

Maxim's, with Albert stiU nmning 
things, is as popular as ever, the best 
draw spot in town for the Germans. 
Leon Volterra's ' Lido with ever- 
changing floor shows, the Boeuf Sur 
Le Toit Henry Lartigue's Giro's, 
Lucienne Boyer'g Chez EUe, the 
Sheherazade, the oldest boite in 
town, and the Aiglon, built but never 
operated by Harry Pilcev, are aU 
doing a roaring business. Others 
that cannot complain are Agnes 
C^prl, Chez Mimi Plnson, Night Club, 
Boites a . Sardines, L'Imperaitrice, 
Badinage, Suzy SoUdor's, Monseig- 
neur. Eve, Grand Jeu, Monte Cristo 
and others. Some of the lesser lights, 
like the VUla, Gypsy"s, Jockey, 
Poisson D'Or and danceries like 
Melody's, Paradis, Olympla and Car- 
dinal are serving to a steady cUen- 
tele. 

liStcst Legit Freem 

The latest legit premiere was 
Jean Cocteau"s 'Machine a Ecrire" 
(Typewriter"), at the Theatre des 
Arts, and it was accompanied by the 
usual fanfare and scandal of all 
Cocteau openings. It was banned the 
second night and after a compro- 
mise between the management and 
author on one side and the authori- 
ties on the other, the play reopened 
on the third night and has since had 
a successful, uninterrupted career. 

Another truly Parisian, premiere 
was 'La Nult de Printemps* ('Spring 
Night'), at the St. George's, on the 
picturesque square of the same name. 
The play lasted one performance. 
The author, Pierre Ducrocq, who 
didn't Uke the crowd's reaction to 
his play jumped on the stage and 
accused the theatre director of hav- 
ing formed a cabal against him. The 
director also leaped the stage and 
pubUcIy denied the charge, but it 
seems that Ducrocq just wouldn't be 



convinced and before long the audi- 
ence was treated to a free-for-all 
with both Intent on mayhem. Police 
jumped on the stage and stopped 
flght and show. The St George's 
Is now having a more tranquil ex- 
istence with 'Les Jours de Notre 
Vie' (The Days of Our Life'). 

Several of the more successful 
plays now packing *em in are the 
Theatre Edouard VII with Steve 
Passeur's "Le Marche Noir* ('Black 
Market'), with Jany Holt, Mary 
Morgan, Suzet Mais and Jean 
Chevrier holding down top toles, and 
Bouffes Parislen, with Michel 
Duran's 'Bolero,* a thre^-acter with 
Jeanne Aubert Denise Grey and 
Daniel Lecourt < 

Sacha Guitry still holds down the 
Madeleine with another of his crea- 
tions, 'Vive I'Empereur,* with Guitry 
centering the play around himself, 
without his usual partner, Rou- 
manian Elvire Popesco, who found 
she couldn't get along with Sacha on 
money matters — or at least no better 
than anyone else ^ver has. 

CecUe Sorel, the latest of French 
thesps, who had to prove she was 
aU Aryan, is back on the Paris stage 
at the Ambassadeurs in a classic, 
'Andronfaque," with Tonia Navarre. 
Andre Luguet has top billing in 
'Carton Pate," first play by Pierre 
Brive and Robert Beauvais at the 
Michel. 

Other Legiters 

Alice Tissot and MUe. Darfeuil 
share top roles in Paul Nivoic's 
•Amour a, I'Ombre' ('Love in the 
Shade'),- an amusing skit at the 
Palais Royale. Edouard Bourdet's 
comedy hit 'Hymenee,' Is holding 
down the fort at the Michodiere. 
Jean Tranchat Is appearing in the 
latest version of the 'Vie de Boheme' 
at the Monceau. Megere Ap- 
prlvoisee' is at the Montpairnasse, 
Sarment's 'Mamouret' at the Atelier, 
'PavUlon Brule' with Marcel Her- 
rand and Jean Marchat at the 
Mathurins, Henry Bataille's Temma 
Nue' at the. Gymnase, -and Maurice 
Rostand'^ 'Enchanteresse" at the 
Oeuvre. 

On the lighter side there's a new 
operetta, |Le Scandale de Pithivlers," 
by Saint' Granier, with music by 
Georges Van Pary, at the Nouveautes. 
In the cast are St Granier, 'Ginette 
Leclerc, Robert Bumier Marled 
Chiard and Frank Aubert Another 
operetta is being staged at the Op- 
tiinlstes under the name of "La 
Tendre Alfne' 1}y Michel Carre. StiU 
another is the 'TTrois Jei(.nes FiUes 
Nues' ("Three Nude Girls'), by 
Alber.t WiUemetz, at the "Marlgny, 
with Suzanne Dehelly. 

The Casino de Paris and Folies 
Bergeres are still running along on 
their opening revue of the season. 
Charles Trenet and Victor Boucher 
head a miisic hall show at the Ave- 
nue, while it's ditto for Georgiua 
at the EtoUe, Mauricet and Edith 
Piaff at the Bobinp and Pierre 
Larquey at the Deux Anges. 

Cafe life also is doing weU, and 
although the drinks are not as strong 
or as plentiful as they were in the 
miUenium before the new order, the 
crowds are kept reasonably happy. 
The Triomphe, the largest and most 
gaudy of the cafes on the Champs 
Elysees, has reopened under new 
management The Rendez Vous la 
the latest thing in American bars in 
the same neighorhood. 

Restaurants are getting along as 
best as they can under an increasing 
number of restrictions. 



Carrillo 

sContlnned from page l; 



Canadian Grand Fiesta in Mult- 
nomah Stadium for three nights 
(14-16). He was there one night 
but then the 'Inside story" Is better 
left untold, Cliief Nlles and Mayor 
RUey poUtely explained that Mr. 
CarrlUo had an urgent oaU to re- 
turn to his picture work. Local 
radio man, Johnnie Carpenter, spe- 
cial events b-caster for CBS station 
KOIN, took over the m.c, job. 

It was the correct polite and of- 
ficial explanation of the host at a 
party explaining the missing guest. 

'It was a pity," said Mayor RUey, 
'that Mr. Carrillo should have been 
called away so suddenly,* That was 
Portland's dignified fareweU to Leo 
Carrillo. It was the language used 
by reporters who hunted down .the 
story and decided to leave It alone, 
UnoillclaUy, newsmen put it in an- 
other way. 



BBAHM'S FLTING DOC 

Hollywood, July 22, 
John Brahm was assigned to di- 
rect 'FUght Surgeon," the William 
LeBaron production at 20th-Fox, cur- 
rently in the writing mill 

Recently Brahm completed 'WUd 
Geese CaUing," 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



PICTURES 2S 



Tirst Runs Win Continue to Pace 
The Industry/ One Exhib s Idea 



Milwaukee, July 22. 

Exhibitors ior the most part don't 
know pictures and, regardless of 
tradeshows, Consent Decree or any 
other regulation, they will book, buy 
end exploit product just as they hav« 
In the past, blindly following the 
leaders like a flock of sheep. This 
■was the view of one veteran Wis- 
consin showman, following the first 
week of Tradeshows in which RKO 
screened its first block of five. 

'First runs will continue to set the 
pace for the others,' said this ex- 
hibitor, 'and what clicks in the key 
houses will be played on the as- 
sumption these pictures will likewise 
clisJi in the subsequent runs, the su- 
burban houses and the state towns.'' 

Some exhibs voiced their inten- 
tion of seeing every Tradeshow, not 
only to pick the good ones, but to 
spot the bad ones, figuring their 
time and money will be well spent 
In knowing for themselves just what 
to lay off of in making up their 
budgets and exploitation plans. 

Milwaukee operators seem to like 
the idea of screening only one pic- 
ture a day,- as this doesn't interfere 
much with their routine activities, 
while some of the out-of-towners 
think it would be to their advantage 
to show two or three pictures a day. 

.The secret screening committee of 
the Independent Theatres Protective 
Association of Wisconsin and Upper 
Michigan went into action for the 
first time and their confidential re- 
views of pictures shown went out 
today (Tuesday) to all state exhibs. 



Who's Who at Trades 



and haven't any confldenc* In thalr 

judgment on a film's quality or b.o. 
possibilities. 

Branch managers scoff at the claim 
that independent exhibitors can't 
spare the time for screenings. As far 
as most Twin City Independent ex- 
hibitors are concerned, they aver, 
time is one thing that bangs heavy 
and that they do have. 

One Northwest Allied district, 
comprising Independent exhibitors 
from a number of towns In the sec- 
tion, solved 'the tradeshowlng prob- 
lem' by delegating one of their 
number to attend and report back to 
the others. With considerable dif- 
ficulty they were able to Induce an 
exhibitor to take the assignment. 

Strom believes that, in conse- 
quence of the decree. Independent 
exhibitors will depend more on 
trade paper reviews to determine 
whether they want to buy particular 
groups of five and how the various 
groups will fit into their exhibition 
scheme. His own office has inaug- 
urated a service for Northwest AUled 
members in connection with the 
showings. It will furnish a report 
on every picture screened for the 
trade. The report will give a box- 
office and censorship rating and play- 
date and booking suggestion, and 
state the bracket allocation and type 
of picture along with other com- 
ment which it might consider perti- 
nent 



Unusual aspect of first week's 
tradeshowings in New York was 
lists sent out each day by dis- 
tribs of the exhibition people 
attending the screenings. Names 
were taken at the door of all 
persons attending and later sent 
out in publicity releases. 

RKO started the scheme with 
the initial tradeshow in response 
to demands of trade newsmen 
for a figure on number of those 
attending, and Metro followed it 
up at Its screenings. Idea is ex- 
pected to peter out after first 
blocks of five have been shown. 



ings in deciding whether a film will 
be profitable in his house and how 
he must sell it. 



Portland Likes Idea 
But Wants 'Em Bunched 

Portland, Ore., July 22.' 

Consensus so fat seems to approve 
the tradeshowing idea. However, Al 
Fink, Portland manager for Ham- 
rick-Evergreen, believes it is still in 
experimental stage and changes will 
be necessary. Both he and William 
McCurdy, manage of Parker's 
Broadway, agree that the present 
system of showing one picture a day 
Is too long drawn out. 

Distances are great In the north- 
west, and Portland is the only screen- 
ing spot for all of Oregon and small 
portions of Washington and Idaho. 
It's a two-day trip (or more) for 
many theatre men to come here for 
screenings. Fink's suggestion is that 
at least three pix be screened a day. 
Instead of stretching through the 
week. McCurdy believes it might be 
possible for five pix to be shown in 
one day, recessing for lunch, thereby 
permitting out-of-towners — particu- 
larly small house owner-managers — 
to hurry back to work. 

Portland sweltered under 103 de 
grees the three opening days of the 
tradeshows, but theatre men turned 
out strong in spite of the heat. 



Great for tbe Wives 
San Francisco, July 22. 
First week of consent decree 
screenings in Frisco's Alhambra 
didn't prove much except fact that 
wives and friends are finding the 
showings a nice chance to get an 
advance look at new pictures. High- 
est attendance for the week was 
around 125. On that day only 25 
actual exhibitors were present, the 
other 100 being along for the ride, 
A few exhibitors came from a 50- 
mile radius o'f Frisco, but there were 
no long-distance trips represented. 
Exhibitors and bookers who did at- 
tend (mostly circuit-affiliated), how- 
ever, come every day for the most 
part, and caught all plcttires 
screened. 



Only 3 at 1 Screening 

Minneapolis, July 22. 

Virtually ignored by independent 
exhibitors. Including even those in 
Minneapolis and St. Paul, consent 
decree trade screenings at the St, 
Louis Park, local 1,200-seat suburban 
house, continue to draw pathetically 
small crowds of 25 to 30 people, with 
only 'Citizen Kane' an exception and 
attendance for that none too gratify- 
ing, either. 

One of the decree tradeshowings, 
Metro's 'Lady Be Good,' drew what 
is believed to be a record low of 
three independent exhibitors. It was 
at Valley City, N. D. However, the 
screening went on as announced. 

At Duluth the attendance was only 
sev-en; at Sioux Falls. S. D., 12, and 
here In Minneapolis 2"?. This was by 
actual count. 

It's considered significant in trade 
circles here that 20th, sizing up the 
situation, is holding its first group- 
of- five screenings this week in .its 
own small screening room seating 
only 44. Both Metro and RKO, the 
only other two companies so far to 
Jiave the showings, rented the de 
luxe St. Louis Park for the 'purpose, 
expecting good turnouts, although 
Northwest Allied leaders had pre- 
dicted that the screenings would, 
prove fiops as far as attracting any 
sizable crowds of independent ex- 
hibitors is concerned. 

'Kane' Attracts More 

The fact that 'Kane' brought out 
approximately 75 exhibitors, as 
compared to the 25 to 30 for the 
others, sustained some exchange 
managers' contentions that the 
majority of independent exhibitors 
aren't enough interested in their 
business, dislike pictures generally 



Harry Arthur Calls 

Tradies a 'Nuisance' 

St. Louis, July 22. 
"More or less a nuisance, and cost- 
ly with exhibitors,' Is th« aupuna- 
tion of Harry C. ArHiur's reaction 
to the tradescreenings, now In prac- 
tice throughout the country as a re- 
sult of the governmental consent 
decree. 

Arthur, welting to St. Louis from 
Los Angeles, where he is conferring 
with his Fanchon tt Marco asso- 
ciates, is one of the largest Indi- 
vidual purchasers of film In the St 
Louis territory, operating for F&M 
and the St. Louis Amus. Cq. over 
30 first-run and subsequent run the- 
atres. 

'After awhile, exhibitors will re- 
sume choosing films In their old, es- 
tdblished way,' he wrote, 'via private 
screenings of several films at • time, 
and by means of trade paper ads and 
reviews, as well as tbe word-of 
mouth of other exhibitors.' 

Tradepaper Infloenee 

Hollywood, July 2Z. 
Metro's trade screening of 'Dr. 
Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' at the Am- 
bassador yesterday (Monday), drew 
the largest attendance of any of the 
showings to date. There were 139 
present with a checkup revealing 
118 exhibs, representing 836 the- 
atres. 

Opinions on the tradeshows of 
those Attending was divided. Opera- 
tors of houses In highly competitive 
territories requiring numerous week- 
ly changes do not feel It Is neces- 
sary to look before they buy as they 
need every available film, good, bad, 
or indifferent, to keep their houses 
open. 

Ops of deluxe houses are equally 
Indifferent to the consent decree 
screenings as far as final decision on 
picture buys is concerned. They 
say that buying is strictly a formula, 
especially with circuit-affiliated the- 
atres and that screenings simply give 
them a chance to see what they will 
get. 

One exhib stated that tradepaper 
reviews wield some Influence on 
picture prices In the final trading, 
but are not always the determining 
factor as to value. They are ad 
mittedly helpful to an exhibitor 
some distance from the trade show- 



Back to Projection Booms 

Philadelphia, July 22. 
Interest in tradeshowings con- 
tinues lukewarm in the Philly area, 
with exhibs staying away in great 
numbers. Even 'Citizen Kane' last 
Thursday (17) at the Aldine failed 
to stir up much interest with only 
an estimated 70 exhibs present. 
Other screenings did much, worse 
with as low as 35 theatre operators 
in attendance. 

In the future, it Is believed that 
distribs will hold screening in ex 
change projection rooms rather than 
go to the expense of rigging up and 
operating the shuttered Aldine. The 
theatre was hired because exchanges 
expected crowds too large for their 
own screening rooms. 



K. C. Distances and Costs 
Major Stumbling Blocks 

Kansas City, July 22. 
Consent decree screening was in- 
troduced in this area with great lax- 
ity, less than 10% of exhibs in the 
territory taking advantage of the 
filming schedules. Average attend- 
ance at the six screenings this first 
week was less than 50 per film, with 
more than 450 exhibs in the terri- 
tory eligible to the previews. 

CbarlotU Votes 'Em OK 

Charlotte, N. C, July 2"2. 

Charlotte distributors who showed 
their wares during 'the first week of 
tradeshowings were pleased with re- 
sults. Although the turnout of ex- 
hibitors was meagre, the distribs 
drew optimism from several ■ angles 
of the results. 

Farthest distance covered was 300 
miles by Roanoke Rapids, N. C, ex- 
hibitors who stayed four days seeing 
all showings but last one, and who 
expressed himself as pleased with 
tradeshow idea. 



Industry Prepared to Crack Down On 
Blackmail Tipster (Review) Sheets; 
Sound War at ZOth-Fox Convention 



Buyers-Sellers 

—Continued from page S; 




Tradeshows — a Holiday? 

San Antonio, July 22. 

First local tradeshowing here 
Wednesday (16) saw only eight out- 
of-town exhibitors in attendance. 
Local showmen believe that the next 
few weeks will tell the true story. 
It Is observed here that out-of-town 
exhblitors will only come in for 
some outstanding showing, and then 
it will be as a sort of a vacation from 
the home town routine. 

In some cases it was pointed out 
by local theatre men that the ex- 
penses Incurred on the trip, either 
here or to other showings In Dallas, 
will be more than what the profit of 
the picture will be after it is shown 
by the exhibitor. 



Northwest Kinks 

Seattle, July 22. 

Exhibs in this part of the N. W. 
have had a fair sampling of the 
tradeshows. And they like them, in 
general But there are some kinks 
to curl out. 

Biggest local chain, Hamrick- 
Evergreen, is passing them by, and 
will follow the tradeshows with 
showings for its own executives. On 
the whole it is still experimental and 
results thus far are mixed. 



WB Tradeshowing Tork' 
In AO Keys on Aug. 4 



Warner Bros, yesterday (Tuesday) 
decided to tradeshow 'Sergeant York' 
at all exchange centers, excepting 
Portland, Ore., on Aug. 4, as one of 
the 1941-42 pictures. Will be shown 
in Portland Aug. 6. 

As one of the pictures Warners 
will distribute under the consent de- 
cree, 'York' will be sold separately, 
and not in any group of three or 
five. Production probably will not 
be released for general showing un- 
til next year, indications being that 
all playdates will be at advanced 
prices, not lower than $1.10 at night, 
until well Into 1942. 



tradeshows are dropped, is that 
they will be moved to projection 
rooms wherever available. 

Decisions by Metro and RKO on 
the future of their screenings will 
probably be reached this week, with 
both companies gathering data and 
attempting to draw conclusions. 
RKO wound up screenings of its 
initial block-of-flve last week, while 
Metro is showing its second this 
week and its third next week. Its 
first group consists of only three 
films. 

Screening of 'Citizen Kane' last 
Thursday (17) was regarded by 
RKO as a test. If they didn't come 
out for that they wouldn't come out 
for anything, it was figured. And 
they didn't come out. Metro had a 
slightly more generous crowd than 
usual for 'Jekyll' in some spots this 
week, notably Los Angeles, but the 
national average was pretty much 
the same. 

General Apathy 

Reports from Variety correspond- 
ents for the second consecutive .^week 
sustain the view that exhibitors gen- 
erally have slight interest in ac- 
tually attending the showings and 
viewing the films, which are set for 
release after Sept. 1. Some observ- 
ers interpret the small attendance 
at tradeshowings to be indicative of 
the apathy of exhibitors to the new- 
ly imposed terms of selling under 
the consent decree. Others declare 
that, having won in the courts, the 
long-drawn-out fight against block- 
booking and blind selling, exhibitors 
are content with the situation. Their 
apathy, according to this theory, is 
ordinary buyers' reticence to start 
any trading. 

Par and WB to Go , 
More than likely, a full vision of 
the tradeshowings will not be 
grasped before late August. Para- 
mount and Warners have yet to 
show any of their new productions. 
Sales managers, always alert to any 
change In exhibitor attitude and in 
the effectiveness of their own sales 
forces, are not Inclined to let trade 
showings' apathy dull the boxofflce 
keenness of their product. Under 
the decree any of the five majors 
may place its films for showing in 
its own affiliated theatres prior to 
offering them for sale generally. 
Thus, the distribution departments 
are provided with the means of cre- 
ating commercial values for their 
films, based on actual performance 
before the public. 

'Ban Strooture' 
Because the 'run structure' of the 
exhibition fijild is well established 
through bartering practices over the 
past score of years, independent op- 
erators generally are reconciled to 
their spot In the sequence of feature 
showings. Experience of former 
years has been that any company's 
program of pictures Is not avail- 
able until first runs are set and 
clearance periods established. 
Longer Dlokerlng 
It may require a longer period of 
negotiations for the majors to set 
first runs in their own and com- 
peting affiliated circuits this au- 
tumn. Under the decree, such nego- 
tiations must be conducted In the 
various geographical trade centers 
instead of New York, as heretofore. 
Prices for film rentals and terms 
agreed upon in one section shall not 
bear upon terms in other sectors. 

JReports to home office sales' su- 
pervisors from branch offices bear 
out fears expressed a year ago by 
some sales managers that film sales- 
men, under the new conditions, will 
take the full Impact of the then 
proposed trade showings. Selling 
pictures unseen on the reputa- 
tion of players and directors 
already is being regarded as the 
'good old days.' It is tougher to ne- 
gotiate with an exhibitor after the 
latter has seen the film or films un- 
der discussion. It is practically im- 
possible to make the best deal, field 
reports say, until the pictures have 
proved themselves at the boxoffice. 



Los Angeles, July 22. 
Potential danger from dozens of 
blackmailing tipsters sheets that will 
spring up under the consent decree 
to condemn pictures by professing to 
give exhibitors advance notice of 
poor product has stung studios, dis- 
tribution offices and the Hays or- 
ganization into action. Lists of film 
row hangers-on, renegades from the 
exhibition, production and distribu- 
tioq ranks, daily, trade paper and 
fan mag writers, and others con- 
nected with the industry, are being 
scanned and doubtful cases will be 
carefully examined to establish 
whether they are bona .fide or likely 
to use pictures for racketeering pur- 
poses. 

Fearing that parasitical dope sheet 
peddlers would soon plague the Aim 
industry by wiring exhibitors or 
sending printed notices that would 
hold back product dsals, Herman 
Wobber, in the closing sessions of the 
20th-Fox sales convention, said that 
the need for expert advance exploi- 
tation will be greater than ever be- 
fore under the consent decree. 
In order to offset damage from 
racketeering tip sheets. Wobber said 
that the flrst-nms must be protected 
in order to give pictures a strong 
sendoff. The 20th distribution head 
said that adequate exploitation has 
now become as important to pic- 
ture as securing proper terms, a 
good theatre or favorable playing 
time. 

Charles E. McCarthy, publicity and 
advertising chief, re-echoed Wob- 
ber's opinion and told the delegates 
that 'nine field men, each with 
jurisdiction over three exchanges, 
have been engaged to protect A 
product in all key points and terri- 
tories. McCarthy announced that 
$2,000,000 will be spent in exploita- 
tion this year, about 65% of that 
sum being set aside for newspaper 
and advertising campaigns. 

Other Important trade practices 
to be followed during the coming 
year, as outlined by Joseph M. 
Schenck, Wobber" and Darryl F. 
Zanuck at the convention which 
wound up last Saturday (19), fore- 
shadowed a return to showmanship 
in theatre and studio operation. 
Zanuck impressed the delegates 
forcibly with the announcement 
that he Intends to build up relatively 
unknown studio contract players by 
gambling with them in big monej; 
pictures. 

EXCHANGES SAY 
EXHIBS ARE 
TOOlAZr 



Miniioapolls, July 23. 

L. E. Goldhammer, RKO district 
manager here, has a different slant 
on independent exhibitors' failure to 
attend decree tradeshowings. He In- 
sists they're remaining away 'in self- 
defense' so that they can maintain 
their 'sales resistance.' 

Other district and branch man- 
agers have still different explana- 
tions for the slim exhibitor attend- 
ance. 

One branch mnaager believes there 
are too many screenings at one time 
or bunched together. However, he 
doesn't see any • way to get away 
from the conflicting dates, pointing 
out that the decree requires the 
screenings and that he, for example, 
isn't going 'to back away' for his 
competitors. 

Another branch manager calls at- 
tention to the fact that independent 
exhibitors have been 'bellyaching* 
for years about blind and block 
booking. Their reaction to its elim- 
ination shows they were insincere, 
in his opinion. 
Still another manager acctises the 



TITLE CHANGES 

.11. u a. Hollywood, July 22. >j<,verage Independent exhibitor of be- 
nXt N^l^gK ^tS. ^"^^-^^^in^ 1-y-too lazy even to attend 

Monogram switched from 'Zis. 8C/eenings-and declares that's one 
Boom, Bah' to 'Give My Kid a "la'" thmgs wrong with the 

Chance.' 



( 



boxoTice 



26 



Wednesdaj, Julj 23, 1941 



AT THE PREVIEW OF RINGSIDE MAISIE 

(California Theatre, Huntington Park, Cal.) 




From the 
opening 
gong they 
cheered' 
her." 



"She's wading 
in for a 
knoclcouti" 



M'G'M's Gr«at 
iwniner Shows 
;paek one wallop 
niter another. 
Here's a new 
koney to sweeten 
the gate receipts! 
.And as we go to 
press, the wires 
are sizzling with 
reports of still 
another M-G«M 
hit just previewed. 
Watch for 
"WHISTLING 
IN THE DARK»'I 





Socle I 
She's got 
them on 
the ropes 1 




Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



PICTURES 



27 



Radio's War Rehearsal 



■Contlnned from page Is 



ents; (2) stay with the army they're 
assigned to; (3) operate under super- 
vision of Army Intelligence as in 
actual war. Radio personnel, as well 
as newspaper reporters, photograph- 
ers, newsreelers, etc., who fall In 
the path of 'panzer units' will . be 
promptly captured and treated as 
prisoners. 

While special consideration is be- 
ing shown radio, the scope of the 
operations and the insistence on 
realism will mean unavoidable head- 
aches. Announcers will not be turned 
loose and there will be an equivalent 
of real wartime censorship. . Lack of 
wire lines looms as one of the op- 
erating worries, though telephone 
companies in the Louisiana area 
have promised to do everything pos- 
sible to supply facilities. 

Tested on Smaller Scale 
Arangements for radio coverage 
of the biggest training exercises in 
U. S. history still are in the prelim- 
inary stage, but special provisions 
are being worked up to minimize the 
physical difficulties as much as can 
be done. Surveys are under way to 
see just what will be required in the 
way of special lines, how many mo- 
bile imits may be needed, what spe- 
cial programs can be devised, etc. 
The War Department, through the 
radio section of the Bureau' of Pub- 
lic Relations, seems disposed to go 
whole hog in helping radio get' fea- 
ture and color stuff, while the stra- 
tegists expect to use broadcasting 
stations for propaganda, morale, and 
information purposes as would be 
the case during a real conflict. Ideas 
were tested during the recent 
smeller scale maneuvers in Tennes- 
see, where various unexpected 
snarls occurred. 

For Instance, special attention 
probably wUl be given radio in re- 
gard to blackouts., 'While transmit- 
ters in some areas may have to be 
silenced to increase the realism, fea- 
ture programs may be possible, on 
the othpr hand, built around the ac- 
tual secrecy. 

It's uncertain yet, how ambitious 
the radio coverage will be, but the 
major networks are expected to have 
crews working with both 'armies.' 
Individual stations In the. exercise 
area probably will have to pool re- 
sources, since the Army can't be 
bothered with large crowds of en- 
gineers and announcers liable to get 
in the military's way. Special liaison 
officers will be on hand, however, to 
run Interference for the radio boys.' 
Censorship In* Operation 
Spot broadcasts will be restricted, 
just as press dispatches are due for 
formal blue-penciling. Military in- 
telligence officers will decide what 
can and can't be said, so that radio 
does not spill secrets. Partial off- 
set, though, probably will be round- 
robin programs, such as the webs 
have been staging from European 
capitals, so that dialtwisters can 
piece together information from dif- 
,. ferent areas and try to put the pic- 
ture together for themselves. 

While the Army will forbid the 
use of civilian automobiles ii\ gen- 
eral, mobile radio units will be ac- 
credited to different military units 
and given the utmost freedom of 
movement under close Army super- 
vision. Only authorized vehicles will 
be permitted to accompany troops, 
motor convoys, etc. In this connec- 
tion, it is hoped that "Stations will 
pool their resources to reduce the 
number of outfits that have to be 
accommodated. 

Radio will tie expected to help the 
Army. In such clrcumstapces as 
warning civilians to keep off high- 
ways, announcing emergency black- 
outs, and otherwise maintaining pub- 
lic morale. 

' Explaining the restrictions, the 
War Department Sunday (20) said 
'premature dissemination of such in- 
formation (about action as well as 
tactical plans) will vitiate the value 
of the maneuvers not only from the 
standpoint of training 6ut also from 
the standpoint of the expense in- 
volved. The maneuvers will be a 
real laboratory test of command and 
leadership. Any commander who 
can read in advance the detailed 
plans of his opponent In a news- 
paper or hear them on the radio — It 
has happened in past maneuvers — is 
not relying on his own resources. 
The venturesome correspondent, 
therefore, will be taking chances 
when he pushes too far forward in 
the combat zone. If he happens to 
be captured by the 'enemy' he may 
lose p4ce In the coverage of his own 
anny but he may have the consola- 
tion of writing his experience In the 
prisoners* . 'stockade.' Press repre- 
sentatives (this also means radio) 
who are captured will not be per- 
. mltted to transmit stories or photo- 



graphs until they are returned to 
their own army. They will not be 
Interrogated nor will their photo- 
graphic and other equipment be dis- 
turbed. And they will not be ex- 
pected to divulge information about 
their own army.' 

Applications for credentials must 
be filed with the War Department 
Public Relations Bureau by Aug. 4. 



Near Record ($75,000) 
Pre-Pnblication Price 
Set On 'Sun Is Undoing' 



Almost a ' record pre-publication 
price has been set on "The Sun Is 
My Undoing,' 1,200-page historical 
novel slated to hit the bookstalls 
next month. Figure being asked is 
$75,000, with Metro showing princi- 
pal 'intierest at the moment. 

Inducement in the price is that the 
author. Marguerite Steen, is Eng- 
lish and the payoff can be in pounds 
which all of the flUn companies have 
frozen in Britain. Literati dope- 
sters have volume picked as a sure 
best-seller. 'Viking Press is gambling, 
that it will be to the extent that it 
Is the only fiction work on its ^all 
list It's about 18th century slave 
trade. 



Story Bnys 

Hollywood, July 22. 

Sam Wood purchased 'BUI Haw- 
kins, Sailor,' by Carl Kemm. 

Stanley Roberts and Lynne Frank 
sold 'Penthouse Serenade' to Uni- 
versal. 

United Producers Corp. took an 
option on ''V for 'Victory' by Jacques 
Thiery. 

LOEWS WANTS ASTOR, 
SOTORK'TOWBH'WOOD 



'Sergeant York,' currently In its 
fourth week of roadshowing at the 
Astor, N. Y., moves to Warner Bros.' 
own theatre, the Hollywood, on 
Broadway, Aug. 12. WB deal for the 
Astor is limited to six weeks, and 
Loew's refuses to extend it as Metro 
has slated 'Dr. JekyU and Mr. Hyde' 
in the house for Aug. 12. 

Astor is now getting $2.20 for 
"York' on a two-a-day basis, while 
policy is yet to be determined after 
the switch to the 1,300-seat Holly- 
wood. Biz has been extremely 
strong at the Astor. 

When 'Sgt. York' goes into the 
Broadway Strand for its regular run, 
following roadshowing at the Holly- 
wood, it will probable be pre-booked 
for four weeks. Phil Spitalny's or- 
chestra is slated with It 



Red Fellows, New Filhi 
Salesmen's Cbb, Set Up 



Detroit July 22. 

Being groomed for a national set- 
up, the Reel Fellows Club has been 
organized by Michigan's flhn s§les- 
•men with Jack Stewart of Universal, 
heading the first officers. Present 
plans call for a national organiza- 
tion, with branch clubs in all ex- 
change cities. 

Aimed along fraternal lines, the 
Reel Fellows are setting up a fund 
from which members can borrow 
without Interest when sick or un- 
employed with the obligation to re- 
pay dependent on their future wel- 
fare. Because of their numerous 
contacts, the organization also plans 
to find employment for Jobless in 
the Industry. 

Besides Stewart the other officers 
are Jack Ryder, Paramount v.p.; 
Harold Sandelman, Metro, secretary, 
and Irwin Pollard, Republic,- treas- 



WeUes' 3 for RKO 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Orson Welles has three plx on his 
schedule for RKO, he disclosed yes- 
terday (Tuesday). First will be 
Booth Tarkington's 'Magnificent Am- 
bersohs,' which won 1919 Pulitzer 
prize. Shooting is slated for mid- 
September. 

Second is 'Journey Into Fear,' from 
novel by Eric Ambler, with screen 
adaptation by Ben Hecht. Third is 
'It's All True," his own original. 



20tli-Fox Snes 21st 
Century Film Co. On 
Infringement of Title 



Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp. 
Is suing Twenty First Century Film 
Corp,, Arpad Szemere, Juliette Brill 
and Emery I. Stern, officers of 
Twenty first, charging the defend- 
ants with attempting to capitalize on 
the established name and good will 
of 20th-Fox, and to deceive the 
public and trade Into believing the 
companies are affllialed. Defendant 
corporation was organized Oct 23, 
1940. 

Twentieth-Fox seeks an Injunction, 
accounting of profits derived from 
the use of the name, and damages. 



DANZ ADDS 2, MAKING 
IT 23 IN HIS STRING 



Seattle, July 22. 

John Danz, president of Sterling 
Chain, announces first expansion, 
outside of Seattle, by acquisition of 
two theatres In Anacortes,' fishing 
and lumber, town in northwest 
comer of the state. Inland and Em- 
pire are the houses Involved, bought 
from Bud Benson who operated 
them the past eight years. 

This makes 23 houses in the Danz 
string,' all in Seattle, except these 
two, and two In The Dallas, Ore. 

Anacortes Is, a burg of some 6,000 
pop., slightly under Dallas in size. 
Fred Lee, LA., will be Anacortes' 
manager. 



Airlines 

; Contlnned from page Z; 



exists 'a dearth of informative news 
from, the war areas,' with the com- 
muniques of the belligerents being 
sparse and, frequently, downright 
untruthful. 

Dotty Close Moothed 

Miss Thompson wasn't quite sure 
about it all. She was off to England 
to 'visit my friends' but beyond that 
reporters had little yen to penetrate, 
for Miss Thompson was rather close- 
mouthed. 

Another Clipper-tripper on the 
American was Evarts S. Scudder, 
the writer, off to collect himself a 
hatful of things worth penning In 
the land of four o'clock tea and 
midnight tn.t Among -the Bermuda 
vacationers off on the same flying 
boat were James Sherman, in, the 
actor and John Bigelow Clark, who 
averages better than coffee-and-cake 
currency on a typewriter. 

Hit of the week for the gals on the 
promenade deck came Sunday (20) 
afternoon ^yhen Tyrone Power and 
Annabella blew into town aboard 
American Airlines' Mercury from 
Los Angeles. The- girls didn't get 
out of the 'oh' and 'ah' stage, hoW' 
■sxtg, to.. tbfc...'-fiUfit_0l-EallsS.J3?Hn-, 
missioner 'Valentine's guard-of-the- 
port squad, who well remembered 
tales of Power's ardent — and rough 
admirers. The couple were off the 
port in a few minutes headed for 
Westix)rt, Cohhi, where, for two 
weeks, they'll play in 'LUiom,' be' 
ginning Aug. 11, to mark '(he first 
time they've appeared on legit 
boards together. 

The inbound Dixie Clipper wit- 
nessed the arrival at the Interna- 
tional Marine Terminal (16) of Ste' 
phen Laird; and his wife, Lael, who 
had been doing a PuUtzef in Ger- 
many for Life. Laird Indicated the 
RAT. wasn't hitting as well as Joe 
DlMagglo and observed that the Ger. 
man people have little 'heart' .for tiie 
war, taking their victories with.' a 
'so what' attitude. 

Taacal Off 

The mid-week outbound Yankee 
Clipper saw Sheilah Graham, Holly- 
wood columnist for the Nortb Amer- 
ican Newspaper Alliance off to 'get 
the war from the woman's point of 
view.' Gabriel Pascal, -the film pro 
ducer, off aboard the same flying 
collection of 42-tons, was so busy 
dictating last-minute notes to his 
secretary that he didn't notice that 
Max Milder, of the Warner produc- 
tion clan, had, at the last moment 
cancelled passage -back to England. 

Pascal planned, he said, to chat 
with the British Ministry of Informa- 
tion concerning his next pic, Paul 
Galileo's "The Snow Goose,' and will 
be back in four weeks to begin work 
— probably in Canada — on the film 
history. 

American Airlines this week 
ordered its flying freighters to steer 
clear of the Lewisohn Stadium, N. Y., 
area when concerts are being offered 
as 'the drone of the motors some- 
times interrupts the artists and dis 
tracts the audience.' 



Only 220 of ^wood's 20,000 Picture 
Workers CaOed for Military Training 



Reverse Prosperity 



It's the back-to-work move- 
ment brought on by the impetus 
of .defense Industries that has 
caused the slump in theatre at- 
tendance. That's the opinion of 
a number of RKO execs and they 
cite flgures from their own cir- 
cuit to prove it. 

Biz is off 25% at the mati- 
nees, they say, while only 1% or 
2% in the evenings. That's taken 
as indication that the idlers who 
used to be steady patrons are 
now no longer idle. 



U. S. Tax CoDector 
Loses $78,000 Cbim; 
Schines Ruled Legal 

The circuit court of appeals In 
N. Y,7 Monday (21), affirmed a rul- 
ing of .the federal court, . and dis- 
missed a suit by the Collector of In' 
ternal Revenue against. Schlne Chain 
Theatres, Inc., in which the Go'vem- 
ment had clalme<|, Schine had failed 
to pay proper income tax returns. 
Amounts sought were $68,056 on in- 
come, and $9,202 In excess profits. 

Action involved the Inclusion in 
income by Schlne of $629,809 re- 
ceived as unamortized advance rents 
on 12 theatres operated by Fox 
Metropolitan Playhouses under a 
1929 lease. Schlne claimed, and was 
upheld by both courts, that this was 
proper income in 1920 and not 1933, 
as the U. S. claimed, and since the 
statute of limitations barred the 
earlier date, the Government had no 
standing in court. Both courts 
agreed that no attempt at evasion 
had been made, and the the Govern- 
ment was too late in bringing its 
action. 



KreDberg Has U's Anzac 
Production for the U^ 



'Forty Thousand Horsemen,' Aus- 
tralian-made feature which Uni- 
versal acquired for world distribu- 
tion. Is not going to be handled by 
U in this country. Deal has been 
made whereby U.S. distribution goes 
to..£am Krellbergj indie distrib. Uni- 
versal, however, 'will distribute in 
the Latin-Americans. Film preems 
in N.Y. at the Globe probably Aug. 2. 

Feature, made by Charles Chauvel, 
glorifying the Australian cavalry of 
World War I, was partly financed by 
Universal and the New South Wales 
government Understood that ' U 
carried .a heavier portion of pro- 
duction load than originally planned 
when the Anzacis halted outlays for 
local film producing because of the 
European war. 



Close Calls at IMitchell 
Field Shooting Tank' Pic 

Hard luck, which Has dogged cam- 
era crews shooting- 20th-Fox's "Yank 
at Oxford,' continued .at. Mitchell 
Field, Lf X-, Monday A). Leaser 
barely escaped Injury, $12,000 camera 
was completely wrecked and a plane 
was damaged when cameraman crept 
too close in taking shots of a squad' 
ron of P-40'8 leaving the ground. 

Two photogs were recently killed 
over enemy territory while up with 
a British pursuit squadron getting 
footage for "Yank.' 



Republic's Coast Deal 

San Francisco, July" 22. 

James R. Grainger, Republic presl' 
dent, on a trip here last week closed 
a deal with Mike Naify and R. A. 
McNeil for Rep product in the 79 
houses in California controlled by 
them. It covers houses In the Golden 
State circuit United California The- 
atre circuit and the T'jc D circuit. 

Sid Welsbaum, Rep's S. F. branch 
manager, handled the deal with 
Grainger. 



Hollywood, July 22. 
' The draft has given the picture in.- 
dustry only a once-over lightly so 
far. A check of personnel in major 
studios reveals that of more than 
20,000 employess only about 220 
have so far been called to the colors 

with one of these, Major W. S. 'Van 
Dyke 2d, director, returning to 
Metro when the army tossed him 
back for health reasons. Aside from 
Major "Van Dyke the only outstand* 
ing actor personality currently on 
active service Is James Stewart al- 
though Wayne Morris has been 
called for the US. Naval Reserve, 
and Orson Welles is pencilled in. 
Likewise, Laurenc; Olivier, of the 
British contingent In Hollywood, Is 
In service overseas, stationed at an 
airdrome. Richard Greene, David 
Niven, John Farrow and others are 
also in some branches of the British 
service. Director Garson Kanin has 
also reported for army service. 

Of the 220 film employees in milU 
tary service there are a few actors, 
animators, property men, technic- 
ians, assistant directors, scrlpters, 
publicity men, and one 'inbetweener,' 
Sidney Searls, of the Leon Schles- 
Inger studios — an 'inbetweener' be- - 
ing the guy who handles cartoons 
In the phase between rough sketch 
and the completed drawing. 

Though comparatively untouched 
by the vast military schedule as yet, 
the film colony Is antlclpatiing a 
much heavier drain on Its manpower 
before long, as the training pro-am 
gathers momentuin, since numerous 
draft-age employees have already 
bee^ called upon to report for phy- 
sical examination within the past 
few weeks. . 

£!carcely any of the topnotch people 
In the more Important acting, direct- 
ing or writing posts seem likely to 
be affected, however, due to age 
limitations. Of the 220 men in the 
army to date, the preponderant' ma- 
jority Is from the laboring ranks, 
with the teohnlcal deparments the 
next to be most heavily represented. 

BKO's Lone Selectee 

RKO has only one employee, from 
the film cutting department, Sid 
Katz, in the ranks. The others in 
service, 17, are from construction, 
maintenance, messenger and electri- 
cal departments. - Universal has Ja- 
son Bemle, editorial department, and 
Norman Rlvkin, publicity. In service 
with the eight others from miscell- 
aneous departments, 

Metro has two from the editing de- 
partipent Marshall Nellan, J'r,, and 
Russell M. Selwyn; two from pub- 
licity, Emll Pepin and Reeve Spurr- 
ier; one from scenario, David' Shep- 
pard; four scrlpters, Charles Mau- 
cerl. Robert Hofmann, James Dale 
and Charles Crawford; one actor, 
James Stewart; five from production 
including William H. Ginn, Joseph 
Lichtman, Leslie Martinson, Jerome 
Bergman, Joseph E. Dushock. Others, 
numbering 48, are from police and 
fire department, transportation, con- 
struction, accounting, etc. 

The Warner studio list shows two 
actors, George Campeau and Keith 
Douglas, with Wayne Morris on call; 
one assistant director, Oren Hagltmd; 
one reader, Lester Cooper; one flack, 
Leonard Mark. Other 28 WB em- 
ployees In khaki are from technical 
and labor departments. 

Coltmibla has been least affected 
by the. draft with only four em- 
ployees called, all In the labor de- 
partments, out of an average of 1,000 
on the payroll Republic, with aver- 
age employment of about 900, has 10 
men In the service. Among them are 
three writers. Franklin Adreon, Sol 
Shor and Ben Roberts, and two as- 
sistant directors, Morris Abrams and 
Arnold Kunady. 

. Freeman, Jr., In Pai*a it 

A total of 22 Paramount employees 
are now In military service including 
Ensign Y. Erank Freeman, Jr., who 
was assistant to producer Jack Moss; 
Crawford L. S!orenson, art depart- 
ment; Algernon Mason, publicity; 
I^ancls Burgess, cameraman. The 
list from 20th-Fox equals that from 
Paramount numerically. All from 
20th-Fox are from the technical and 
labor departments. 

Under the United Artiste banner, 
those In the service, U. S. or British, 
in addition to "Laurence Olivier, are 
John Justin, actor, in the Royal Air 
Force; Basil Bleck, Korda vice-presi- 
dent in naval aviation; Lee Sholem, 
second assistant directot with Sol 
Lesser, and one or two from the 
(Continued on page 50) 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 






5D% belter f hon 

50% better than 
"lady Ev«"l 




38% better than 

''Eve" 

A(f% better than 
"VirgmiaVf 



mi^ 



fv St; touts 

^ ^ Theatre 




Out in front of "Eve" 

running neck to neck 
with "Virginia"'! 




78% better than '^Cve" 
20% better than '/Virginia" 
50% better than ^'Zanzibar" 
Andf Ahead of "Caught in 
the Praff" day ofter day 
* everyday I 




Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



PICTURES 



29 



Important 'Eraser' Men 



^Continued from pace 7; 



bing here, there and everywhere, re- 
entering with another set of hiero- 
glyphics in one space, rubbing dex- 
trously in another, thumbing pages 
with lightning like diligence that 
would put a magician to shame, an- 
swering the telephone from some 
irate exhibitor in one hand, while 
the other is rubbing and pencilling 
a playdate for another. All this 
time, too, trying to juggle the num- 
ber of prints he has on hand for a 
feature to cover his bookings, and 
jumping up from his desk several 
hundred time^ a day to talk over 
knotty problems with the office or 
branch manager. 

How It Works 

When a picture is sold to an ex- 
hibitor by the salesman, the next 
important step is to get a playdate, 
for no credit for a sale is given 
until the picture has been definitely 
booked and paid for. Once the play- 
date is set, the booker's job starts. 
He pencils in the date and the attrac- 
tion, but not before he has checked 
closely that it does not overlap an- 
other similar playdate — for he has 
only so many prints to go around, 
and they must be booked in such a 
manner ps to be circuited from one 
theatre to another. 

Now comes the part of the job that 
sends most of the bookers haywire 
and starts the sprouting of prema- 
turely gray hairs. An exhibitor, who 
has a picture booked and playd^ted, 
after deep study decides on the spur 
of the moment to advance the play- 
ing time of his picture or set it back. 
He doesn't bother the branch man- 
ager or the salesman — he makes a 
beeline for the booker and without 
any preliminaries asks brusquely for 
the desired change. The booker 
looks over his dates and finds that 
for the day the change is desired, 
all prints will be working. 'No soap,' 
says the booker firmly, placing his 
rubbered pencil, firmly inside of his 
vest pocket. But this does not feaze 
the exhibitor — as a matter of fact 
it makes him very belligerent. 

Over to the 'office manager he 
stalks and asks him to Instruct the 
booker to make the desired change. 
'How about it. Bill,' shouts the of- 
fice manager above the din of pound- 
ing typewriters. 'No can do,' shouts 
the 'eraser man' curtly, holding his 
pencil tight in his vest pocket. 

The next road leads into the 
branch manager's office. A buzzer 
buzzes near the ear of the booker, 
who automatically picks up the half 
ton volume, hoists it on his shoulder 
and marches into the boss' office. 
As he enters the exhibitor greets 
him with a malevolent leer. He'll 
get what he wants. Three heads then 
bend over the book, pages are 
turned backwards and forwards — a 
pinching of chins, a scratching of the 
head— and a stalemate — it just can't 
be done — just so many prints, just 
so many dates and not a print avail- 
able for the date wanted by the now 
bellowing exhibitor. Wearily the 
booker lifts his tome and trudges 
back to his desk to start all over 
again with another chap in the 
lineup. 

A 'Great Gay' Sometimes 

Once in a while an exhibitor gets 
« break; he can shout 'bingo,' he has 
the right number,' the rubber works 
effectively— a space is rubbed clean, 
a new date inserted, and in the eyes 
of the exhibitor the 'eraser man' is 
a great guy, a real friend In need. 
If there isn't a chance for the change, 
the booker Is a so-and-so, and the 
procession starts all over again, to 
the office manager, to the branch 
manager, the buzzer, the book, ad 
infinitum. 

The above just gives a faint out- 
line of the trials and tribulations 
that beset the 'eraser man.' Of 
course, one could get a more com- 
prehensive idea of it all with a 
sound film track, the choice and 
highly colored language and the re- 
partee back and forth. But, suffice 
to say, that after all these give and 
takes, windows are hastily opened to 
*et the sulphur out of .the air, and 
the gi([ls remove the cotton from 
their ears. 

But, like the good housewife, the 
booker's day is never done— he 
works from early morn to the set- 
ting of the sun — and after. Many 
nights will see him poring over his 
large volumes trying to catch up 
with his work, straighten out the 
snarls, so that the shipping room will 
get correct instructions and shows 
go out on schedule. Then he will go 
home, give the litUe wife a tired 
Kiss, take off his coat, kick off his 
bro^ans, and settle down to read 
Vabiettt (which he took out of the 
branch manager's office on one of 
his numerous trips). Comfortably 
esconced in his favorite easy chair 



(it still looks new— he has such little 
occasion to use it), he has just 
turned over the first page, when the 
telephone rings. The good wife an- 
swers, "Oh, Russ, you're wanted on 
the phone.' Russ lifts himself wear- 
ily from his chair, puts the receiver 
to his ear, and on the other end is 
Jack Jope, of the Jope's theatre of 
Punkytunk, who needs a picture im- 
mediately for the following day, as 
he's pulling the one he's playing. 'If 
you don't do this for me,' he pleads, 
'I'll have to shut up the theare and 
go into 77B.' Trying to contain him- 
self in the hearing of his wife and 
kiddies, our 'eraser man' tells Jope 
he can't do anything this late at 
night, but he'll see what he can do 
the first thing in the morning, and 
hangs up. 

With the agonized cry of the man 
still dinging in his ears, Russ starts 
back wearily for his chair — hesitates 
sees visions of a closed theatre 
and a lost account. Without a word, 
he goes to the clothes closet, puts 
on his hat and coat, tells the kids to 
goto bed, gets into his car (some 
of them have cars), and drives down 
to the darkened exchange. He 
switches on the lights, hauls out the 
big book and pores through it, his 
rubbered pencil in his hand. He 
finds a place, does the necessary 
erasing, calls up Jope to give him 
the glad tidings, leaves a 'must' note 
for the shipper, switches off the lights, 
jumps into his car and wends his 
wear? way home. He's saved an- 
other exhibitor and kept an account. 

Branch managers will agree on 
one pertinent and important fact 
about bookers — they ° can either be 
the means of bringing in extra rev- 
enue to their exchanges .In the 
amounts of from $20,000 to $30,000 a 
year, or also can be the means of 
that much loss. It is through the 
bookers' knowledge of their respec- 
tive territories and the exhibitors 
they come in contact with that they 
can manipulate the routing of shows, 
get earlier playing time and keep 
the prints working day after day. 
They are also the means of making 
the exhibitor either their staunchest 
customer »nd rooter or a bitter ene- 
my. The booker must be diplomatic 
yet forceful; he must know the Idio- 
syncrasies of each man he deals 
with, how to handle him and how to 
placate him when the occasion 
arises. 

Exhibitors are unanimous In say- 
ing that the bookers are the most 
valuable men they come in contact 
with in the exchanges. Once they 
have signed a picture contract, and 
playdates are needed, the booker 
reigns supreme. ' As Sid Bowdin of 
the Wilder Theatre Enterprises, of 
Norfolk, Va., summed it up: 
Also a Good Tipster 

'After we have bought the picture 
from the salesmen, we must make 
room for its showing. Salesmen get 
the playdates and turn them into 
the bookers. Then we discover that 
in playing a certain picture we are 
following one that had a similar 
theme. It is in one of these predica- 
ments that the booker can extricate 
us out of the situation end we de- 
pend upon him to do so. The booker 
also knows what a picture is doing 
throughout his territory, and he can 
be of value to us by tipping us off 
about the good business it is doing 
and switch us Ao an earlier playdate. 

'I believe that the distributing 
companies should have their booker^ 
attend the various exhibitors' con- 
ventions that are held regionally all 
over the country from time to time, 
so that they can mingle with us, for 
in many instances some bookers a{id 
exhibitors have never met— it is all 
done over the phone. Personal ac- 
quaintanceship would be valuable to 
both.' 

The booker's lob is with him 24 
hours of the day. He must have at 
his finger tips a complete picture of 
the contract playoff, clearances, 
availabilities, casts, in addition to 
taking care of the playdating of 
hundreds of short subjects. Errors 
are costly when hundreds of dates 
are to be filled and there are no 
prints available. For a valuable first 
run that wants to switch in a hurry 
calls are sent to the nearest com- 
pany exchanges for loans of a print, 
and then the booker must see to It 
that it is returned in time so as to 
not upset the other exchange sched- 
ule. 

All errors are kept to a minimum 
by these 'eraser men,' who continue 
to deftly, swiftly and surely rub out 
and repl^pe playdates that bring in 
the steady money from rentals 
which in turn are the life blood of 
Hollywood; for no rental money, no 
pictures. 



Rule Against Bluinenthal 
In Schenck Subpoena Case 

A. C. Blumenthal lost plea to set 
aside an order directing the service 
of a subpoena on himself in connec- 
tion with his failure to appear as a 
witness In the Joseph M. Schenck- 
Joseph H. Moskowitz trial. The pro- 
moter had been subpoenaed in 
Mexico, but, claiming illness, had 
failed to show up. 

Federal Judge John Bright in N. Y. 
federal court rejected Blumenthal's 
contentions of sickness, stating that 
'I am not convinced that Mr. Blu- 
menthal at the time of the service 
was physically unable to. obey the 
process of the court or that such 
obedience would have seriously en- 
dangered his life.' The court also 
rejected Blumenthal's statement that 
his fare had not been proffered, 
finding that vice-consul Ross had 
offered the necessary $300. 

As a result of the ruling the Gov- 
ernment may now proceed to attach 
Blumenthal's property in the U. S. 
up to $100,000, the amount being 
discretionary with the court. 



Lambs Wash 

; Continued from page 2; 



Of which he was a member, men- 
tioned that 'On some June Sunday 
each year they held an outing 
known in Lamb parlance as "The 
Washing'; this function t^as a gentle 
and joyous affair usually held near 
Dover, south of England, noted for 
its fine breed of sheep; and where 
at this season of the year the lambs 
were weaned and washed, thus mak- 
ing an ideal p''astoral and Arcadian 
setting to the frivolities, immersions 
and gastronomic evolutions of the 
human lambs and lambkins.' And so 
Montague's . suggestion found favor 
and the Lambs gave their first wash- 
ing on the Greene estate at Bayside, 
L. I., in 1875. It has been a yearly 
feature with the Lambs ever since. 
Flagpole Exercises 

After arriving at the Percy Wil- 
liams Home, the members and their 
guests, headed by ex-New Jersey 
Gov. Harold Hoffman's 115th. In- 
fantry Band, marched to the flag- 
pole, where they were welcomed on 
behalf of the Home by Harry G. 
Sommers, pinch-hitting for A. O. 
Brown. Latter is recuperating from 
pneurhonia. The Lambs' Shepherd, 
Fred Waring, then made an address 
of welcome and in turn was wel- 
comed by Ray Peck, the Boy of The 
Lambs and now acting head of the 
Percy Williams Home. Latter ex- 
tended the hospitality of the Home 
to the Lambs for the day. Walter 
Armin recited aA original essay, 'I 
Am An American,' after which the 
Stars and Stripes and the Lambs' 
colors were raised while everybody 
sang the National Anthenv 

From then on it was a case every 
man for himself. Tex O'Rourke, 
chairman of the sports committee, 
had a list of over 20 events ready, 
everything from bean-guessing to 
a hole-in-one contest won by Ed 
Locke, the playwright. Locke, 74, 
Is a guest at the Home. The sports 
program- ended with a treasure 
hunt in which over 50 prizes were 
given. 

Then the big feed started, after 
which everybody adjourned to the 
lawn of the main building, where 
an entertainment was given, with 
the guests of the Home as the guests 
of the Lambs. Hoffman emceed and 
was voted the one who contributed 
most to the entertainment of the 
day. He was given an appropriate 
prize. There was a theatrical quiz 
in which the guests of the House 
participated. They included Wil- 
liam S. Harkins, a noted leading 
man of the '90s; Fred S. Lewis, 
popular Shakesperean actor; Kate 
Blancke, a star of the '90ts; Jo- 
sephine Savel and J. Royer West 
(West and Van Sicklen), two vet 
vaudeville headliners. 

Entertainment 

Smith and Dale, 4 Esquires. Major 
Ray Perkins and the Lambs Glee 
Club under the direction of Bob 
Shaw entertained. Kenneth Daig- 
neau was chairman of the arrange- 
ments and financial committee. The 
affair was a b.o. click. Jerry Shea 
and Joe Sullivan were chairmen 
of the prize committee and got the 
greatest collection of prizes (nearly 
$2,000 worth) ever given at a Wash. 
Arnold Johnson and Fritz Loewe 
were the musical directors, while 
E. C. Lilley chairmanned the enter- 
tainment committee. Promotion was 
done by . Wallace Munroe, 'Victor 
Kiraly and Bruno Wick; tickets were 
in charge of Al Morgan. 

And so, about 10 p.m.. The Lambs 
called it a day and the boys limped 
to the train, a happy, smiling, tired 
'and sunburned bunch of troupers. 
Another great Wash was over. 



Allied Fights Majors Attack 
On Minnesota Anti-Consent Law 



NLRB Setback Miffs 
Screen Readers GnOd 



Sharp protest was launched by 
the Screen Readers Guild of New 
York this week against the National 
Labor Relations Board decision ex- 
cluding outside readers from col- 
lective bargaining. In a letter to the 
NLRB, SRG termed the findings 'at 
complete' variance with the facts.' 

Despite the setback. Guild mem- 
bers voted unanimously at an emer- 
gency meeting to seek a contract 
with the companies covering both the 
inside (salaried) and outside (piece- 
work) readers. NLRB decision that 
the outside readers are 'independent 
contractors' and thus not eligible 
for membership in the same collec- 
tive bargaining unit with the in- 
siders came as a particularly hard 
blow because there a^e only 20 in- 
siders to about 50 outsiders. 

SRG letter to the NLRB listed nu- 
merous points in the decision which 
are not in line with the facts, it is 
alleged. 



Extras' Com Sfaunps 
But Daily Average 
On Rise to $11.52 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Earnings of film extras continued 
to nosedive in June, although the 
players were handed a premium in 
the form of $32,004 for overtime 
work. There were only 16,346 job 
placements during the month, for 
which the extras were paid $156,407, 
plus .the overtime. This was $8,500 
less than the amount earned in May. 

The average daily wage scale was 
$11.52, an increase over previous 
months. This was caused by the 
large number of $11 calls, the classi- 
fications the Producers and Screen 
Actors Guild are proposing to elimi- 
nate, together with the $8.25 bracket, 
to be replaced fay a $10.50 classifica- 
tion. The SAG claims the switch 
would materially increase . the. an- 
nual earnings of a big majority of 
the regular extras. 

The calls, for. June were distributed 
as follows: 



Bate 

$5.50 
6.50 
8.25 
11.00 
16.50 



Nnmber. 

1,052 
1.158 
5.946 
7,471 
718 



Amount. 

$5,786 
7,527 
49,054.50 
82,181.00 

11,847 



Total 16,346 $156,407.50 



Pm PK DELIVERY 
STRIKE STALLS FILMS 



Pittsburgh, July 22. 

Film deliveries here were prac 
tically shut off Friday (18) when 
80 truck drivers employed by Ek- 
hibitors Service Co. went on strike 
demanding lOc-an-hour wage in- 
crease and other concessions. 
George F. Callahan, company presi' 
dent, said strikers gave only 48 
hour^ notice of their intentions and 
he emphasized that 'it was our first 
and only labor trouble in 30 years.' 

Men have been receiving $1 an 
hour for an eight-hour day. In ad- 
dition to pay hike, Callahan said, 
union demands pay for all holidays, 
whether they work or not, and 
double time for those who do work, 
also time-and-a-half over 48 hours 
a week and two-week vacations with 
pay. He estimated this would cost 
the company, if demands were 
granted, more than $75,000 a year 
since ' Exhibitors' Service operates 
seven days a week. 



ASC Wants Own Charter 



Hollywood, July 22. 

The American Society of Cinema- 
tographers is making a determined 
move to get a separate lATSE char- 
ter in the film industry. At a re- 
cent meeting the membership voted 
to contest any action to force them 
into lATSE Local 659. 

Leaders say they have no quarrel 
with Local 659, but picture respon- 
sibility and salary range place them 
in a different bracket from other 
659 members. 



Minneapolis, July 22. 
Northwest Allied, sponsors of th« 
Minnesota anti-consent decree law, 
will employ legal talent to aid the 
St. Paul and Minneapolis county at- 
torneys and the St. Paul county 
sheriff in defending the measure's 
constitutionality which i$ being at* 
tacked by five major decree com- 
panies in the Ramsay county district 
court. 

The long-delayed attack was 
launched in separate court actions, 
first by Paramount, Warner Bros, 
and RKO, and then by Metro and 
20th-Fox. Claiming the law is un- 
constitutional, they ask for a court 
declaration to that effect and also a 
temporary restraining order and 
permanent injunction against its en- 
forcement. It is expected that the 
Paramount, Warners and RKO ac- 
tions will be joined in a single hear- 
ing, with a similar procedure fol- 
lowed in the cases of M-G and Fox. 

Minneapolis filed its suit Monday 
(21), contesting the Minnesota anti- 
consent decree law's constitutional- 
ity, and seeking temporary and per- 
manent injunctions to restrain en- 
forcement. 20th-Fox's similar ac- 
tion will t>e ready for filing in a few 
days. Metro action is an exact re- 
plica of those of Par, RKO and WB 
previously filed. Suits are expected 
to be tried jointly. 

Since the law was passed 11 weeks 
ago, none of the major decree com.- 
panles has done any 1941-42 selling 
in ^Minnesota. Whether they will 
sell undestthe state law, if it is pos- 
sible to do so, in case tbat their ap- 
plication for a temporary restraining 
order is refused, has hot been indi- 
cated. RKO had intended to sell 
groups-of-flve under the decree in 
violation of the state law in order 
to invite prosecution that also would 
pave, the way for a fight against its 
validity. However, with the filing 
of the present action it has altered 
these plans and will continue to 
mark time for the present. 

Law's Stipniatlon 

The Minnesota state law contra- 
venes the consent decree's groups- 
of-five sales' plan by requiring dis- 
tributors to sell their entire season's 
product, the same as before the de- 
cree, subje^ to a minimum 20% can- 
cellation privilege. It also prohibits 
forced selling of any pictures. 

Hearing on the motion for a tem- 
porary restraining order has been 
set for July 29 before Judge Carl 
McNally in St. Paul county district 
court David Shearer of Minneap- 
olis 9nd Joseph F. Finley of St 
Paul and their law firms. Shearer, 
Byard & Trogner and Bundle, Kelly 
& Finley will represent RKO, Para- 
mount and Warners. 

In their complaints, the plaintiffs 
allege that the ^aw violates both fed- 
eral and state constitutions. It is 
claimed to be an undue interference 
with interstate commerce and a de- 
nial of due process of law. Another 
contention is that the classifications 
under the law are arbitrary and un- 
reasonable. So indefirfite and vague 
is the law that anyone cannot be ap- 
prised of the crime with which he 
might be charged in violating it, ac- 
cording to the complaint. 

Furthermore, according to the 
complaint, the law's objectives have 
no valid relation to any state police 
powers. The measure, too, is an un- 
authorized delegation of legislative 
power and an unauthorized inter- 
ference with rights guaranteed 
under copyright laws, it's alleged. 



U'S {8 TO BECOME ITS 
REGULAR DIVIDEND 



While no official announcement 
has been made, the $2 dividend re- 
cently declared by yniversal's di- 
rectorate on the $8 preferred shares 
is to become the regular quarterly 
declaration, it was reported this 
week. U directors would not have 
started payments on the preference 
issue unless feeling certain they 
could maintain quarterly payments 
of $2 per share. 

Although the regular quarterly ap- 
parently is assured for some time 
to come, no action is to be taken on 
clearing up arrears on Unlversal's 
a% preferred imtil the tax situa- 
tion In the U. S. Is clarified and the 
company knows more definitely 
how much money to expect from 
business In Great Britain. 



so 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 23, IQ^II 



Film Reviews 



^Continued from page i>s 



Kisses for Breakfast 



iites, a flrst-rate program comedy, 
'Kisses for Breakfast' turns out as a 
curious admixture of slapstick and 
farce comedy. Promising comedy 
angles of the altinesia plot are buried 
by silly hokum. Resulting overlong 
'B' film appears destined for minor 
business entirely. 

Metros 'I Love You Again' (Loy- 
Powell), made last spring, used the 
amnesia plot with real effect. 
Though far from being a carbon of 
this earlier film, this one might well 
have ■ profited from its smarter 
angles. Where Powell reverted back 
to habits of a con from that of a 
staid citizen, after being conked on 
the head, such potentialities are 
missing in this picture. 

Here, the just - married groom 
(Dennis Morgan) forgets his identity 
■when struck during a fight— all ex- 
cepting the address of his bride's 
cousin (Jane Wyatt), which he finds 
In his coat. He hoofs it to South 
Carolina, stops in for lemonade and 
stays a year to bring the southern 
gal's plantation out of debt, and 
finally to wed her, not knowing 
abnut his previous marriage. 

When these two go visiting the 
northern cousin. Morgan's first wife, 
things begin to happen because wife 
No. 1 has been told her hubby of a 
few hours Is dead, and she is about 
to marry another majh, and, of 
course, Morgan doesn't recall his 
previous marriage or first bride. 

The situations are there, and the 
comedy clicks along until it sud- 
denly goes slapstick when Morgan 
and Miss Wyatt are dunked in an ink 
shower bath. Later, b'ride No. 1 
(Shirley Ross) gels the same treat- 
ment. Also there is a pillow fight 
as the two femmes try to erab the 
guy. All far-fetched and extremely 
deadening, where intended to be" up- 
roarious. „ 

Morgan again convinces as a 
comer despite the stupid things he 
has to undergo, and some overdone 
ballading at the sUrt. . Miss Wyatt, 
as the southern cousin (wife No. 2), 
is thoroughly convincing in this 



characterization. Miss Ross is con- 
vincing. 

Lee Patrick, portraying her blase 
friend, is outstanding despite the 
subordinate role. Una (5'Connor 
plays an exaggerated maid charac- 
ter. Jerome Cowan, Barnett Parker, 
Louise Beavers and Romaine Callen- 
der head the .'support. Lucia Carroll, 
in a minor bit, apparently was over- 
looked by the casting boys. 

Dialog mainly is smart until the 
film turns completely slapstick. Di- 
rection and editing are uneven, al- 
beit Harlan Thompson has provided 
production values worthy of a bet- 
ter picture. Weor. 

ARKANSASJUDGE 

Rrpublic ri-lfuse of ArmnnU Srtiaefcr 
piiiJuclltin. Slurs Wi Bvor Bros, and Blvio'. 
Ulrected by Kmnk -McDonald. S'croenplay 
liy Uoircll nni! ."^luurl MrGowan; adapted 
by I:in llunlcr. ning Ijirdncr, Jr;. Cfrlrurte 
Purcell fi-oin Irving Stone's novel: cam^^ra. 
Ernest Miller: editor, Brnest NIrim: miisknl 
dil-cctcr. t'y b^euer. At New Tnrk. N. Y., 
week .Iiilv IC, 'Jl, dualed. Itunnlns lime, 
71 .MINIS. 

Abner I-epn Weaver 

Cicero Krank Weaver 

Kivlry June Weaver 

Tom y.-.irlol Hoy Kogeru 

Mary .fhoeinnlicr Sprlnit Bylnxton 

Margaret Pauline Moore 

August Huston I'rank M: Thomas 

Hcltle Husicii Veda Ann Dorg 

Widow Smithere Elly Malyon 

VIoley Loretta Weaver 

Miranda Woltson Minerva Urecal 

Mrs. Nelll Beatrice Maude 

Mr. Nelll Harrison Greene 

Mr. Melvany Barry Mncollum 

Mr. Beaurtry IJeorge Rosener 

Mr. Johnson Monte Blue 

Henry ytirsden Frank Darlen 

.Tohn Hoot RuBsell HIeka 

Judge Carruthcrs Edwin Stanley 



The Weaver Family, who have 
been brought along nicely in pictures 
during the last year, takes a fling at 
more serious drama in 'Arkansas 
Judge.' Shift trom absurd comedy 
is an Improvement. Employing a 
typical 'Way Down East' melodra- 
matic theme, picture shapes up as 
program fare suited for twin bills, 
either secondary or as the No. 1 fea- 
ture, as spotted at this Broadway 
grind house. Presence of Roy Rog- 
ers, generally starred in westerns by 
this studio, is a helpful marquee 



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ATLANTIC FERRY 

(BRITISH-MADE) v 

London, June 13. 

Warner Bros, production nntl release. 
SUrs Valerie Hokaon, MIchnel RedKravr, 
Griffith Jonea. Directed by Waller Korde. 
Screenplay and dialoi; by Gonlon Wollca- 
ley, Edward Dryhurst from orlidnnl atory 
by Derek Maclver, Wynne Maclver: adapt- 
ed by Emeric PressburRor: ntmera, Bnall 
Emmott. At Phoenix theatre, London. 
Running time, 108 MIN8. 

Chnrlea .Vaclver Michael RedKmve 

Mary Ann .Morlion Valerie Hobaon 

David Maclver GrltOth Jonea 

.Samuel Cunnrd Hartley Power 

Suaan Donnldann Margiirella Scott 

Bek'onla Boggol Besele T^ove 

George Burns .MlUon Rosmer 

Morlson Frederick Twister 

Robert Napier Edmund Wlllard 

Eagles (Irnry Oscar 

Grogan Charles Victor 

Donaldson Prank TIcJtle 

Slubba Dnvid Keir 

Bank President. Felix Aylmcr 



decoration in spots where he's a 
favorite. 

Outright meller yarn is not slowed 
down by rustic hoke generally asso- 
ciated with the Weaver Bros, and 
sister Elviry. Fable is that concern- 
ing Peaceful Valley, where the 
scripters describe everything has 
been serene for years. Theft of $50 
from Widow Smithers' cracker-bar- 
rel stirs up dissension, results in a 
slander suit (offering the chance for 
an absurd but funny courtroom 
scene), the anticipated mob sequence 
with the innocent scrubwoman near; 
ly run out of town, and the familiar 
capture of the real thief at the cru- 
cial moment. 

Judge Abner, the kindly influence 
in this rustic settlement, is faithfully 
portrayed by Leon Weaver, transi- 
tion from the comedy oldster to a 
sincere one being neatly done. The 
other Weavers go through their now 
familiar maneuvers, including the 
always present homey singing by 
Elviry, cast here as the loyal wife of 
the judge. Pauline Moore, as the 
chief heart interest, lends a refresh- 
ing note, and hints future possibili- 
ties. Veda Ann Borg, her rival, 
makes a comely villainess. Roy 
Rogers, as the young attorney who 
is befriended by the judge, has little 
to do, doing none of his western 
tricks. Spring Byington is the much- 
abused scrubwoman who is nearly 
run out of town. Frank M. Thomas, 
as the town banker, heads the sup- 
port. Both scrioting and direction 
are evenly paced. Wcnr. 



Latest entry in the lineup of big 
budgeteers from Warners' British 
studios doesn't reach the entertain- 
ment peak of some predecessors, but 
measures up -to something like 
achievement. Sketchiness in dra- 
matic outline holds it short of solid 
appeal. 

Acknowledged confines of British 
production have been minimized in 
eftect by the lavish treatment Max 
Milder has accorded his picture, 
dressiness nearly lifting it to epic 
standards. But in view of the spec- 
tacular background of a yarn con- 
cerning the heartbreak and chiseling 
which preceded the coming of steam 
to the Atlantic, its unfortunate 
screenplay should not have centered 
heavily on a weak, patchy romantic 
structure wherein too many scribes 
seem to have had a hand. Walter 
Forde's direction aces in the spec- 
tacular stuff of shipwreck, storm and 
free-for-all; is unable to shake oft 
lethargy of the script once away 
from these. Straight dramatics are 
unfolded ponderously and under a 
heavy hand. 

Yarn treats of 1837 and the incep- 
tion of last, clean travel to replace 
Miling,— With HOf-ymmg- Maelver 
Brothers eventually succeeding In 
launching the t)ioneer operator, Cun- 
ard. Michael Redgrave shares the 
pioneer brother role with Griffiths 
Jones. He- sutlers from restraint 
Jones is polished as the swankier of 
the brothers. Method of his sacrl- 
flcial demise is poorly handled in the 
writing. Valerie Hobsori is excellent 
as the magnet of both men, and gives 
picture much of its lightness. Com- 
edy is lamentably absent throughout 

Good performances come from 
Hartley Power as Cunard, Milton 
Rosmer and Frederick Leister as 
hard-nut bankers, Ian. Maclean as 
captain of the Britannia and Mar- 
garetta Scott. Acting standard Is 
high among the numerous speaking 
parts. In a bit as a Yankee, the 
American silent star, Bessie Love, 
seemingly has never been away from 
pictures. It's her first film role in 
years. 



EL CURA GAUCHO 

(The Gancho-Prlest') 
(ARGEN'HNE-MADE) 

Buenos Aires, July 10. 
Fampa Films production and Arlaton 
International release. Starring Bnrloue 
Mulno; featuring Alda AlbertI, Bloy Al- 
vare«, Homero Carpena, Salvador Lotlto, 
Mechu Lopez, Marino Sere, Jose Casa- 
mayor. Horacio PrIanI, Horaclo Torrea, 
Lllla del Prado, Qraclllano Batista and 
Jose de Angells. Story, Hugo Mac Dou- 
gall and Miguel Mlleo. Directed by Lucaa 
Demare. Reviewed at tlie Broadway the- 
atre, Buenos Alrea. Running time, 82 MIN8. 

(In Spanish) 
Fampa's most touted production of 
the season, 'El Cura Gaucho' (The 
Gaucho Priest') lives up to Its ad- 
vance billing and should be a top 
money-maker for Argentina although 
its handling has been kept so local 
that it's not likely to do much out- 
side the country. It's the first re- 
lease with a religious theme to be 
tried by the recently reorganized 
studio and has clicked with th« 
clergy, which should make It espe- 
cially solid In the provinces, where 



native fllmH are especially strong 
anyway. Dialog by Hugo MacDou- 
gall and Miguel Mileo is such that 
it's hard for any but Argentines to 
fully appreciate It. The localites 
seem to love it, but it means that 
Cuba and Mexico, customarily a No. 
2 market for the national product 
will be n.s.h. 

Story is based on the true adven- 
tures of an oldtime prie.<:t. Father 
Brochefo, who In the last century 
set up a church in a mountain vil- 
lage, fought against the apathy of his 
flock, and finally won their support 
by helping stamp out a plague and 
then atdjng them defeat a rich land- 
owner . seeking to drive them from 
their farms. Love story of a young 
boy he brought up and then lost to 
the wanderlust is a side note. 

Director Lucas Demare has han- 
dled the story with restraint, avoid- 
ing melodrama and making his char- 
acters very human. 

It's. Enrique Munio In the role of 
the priest who dominates the pic 
from start to finish. Horacio Praint 
as the lad brought up by the Cura 
Gaucho, and Aida Alberti as the girl, 
are excellent but chief supporting 
honors go to Eloy Alvarez, whose 
comedy, purely local and often 
earthy, draws plenty of laughs. 

Photography, work of Bob Roberts, 
only U. S. cameraman in an Argen- 
tine sludiO) is especially good. Many 
of the scenes were shot in the Sier- 
ras de Cordoba, wher.e the priest ac- 
tually lived, and full advantage has 
been taken of the locale. Director 
also depends on the camera for the 
finale and uses it to show the effects 
of the water just relea.sed for the 
farmers by the priest Handling of 
the details retains interest in what 
otherwise might have been an over- 
climax. Music is by director De- 
mare. Hay. 



EMBRUJO ' 

('Bewitched') 
(ARGENTINE-MADE) 

Buenos Aires, July 10. 

Lumltnn production and releaae. I'Vatures 
Jorge RIgHUd, Alicia Barrle. Peplta Ser- 
randor. Ernesto Vllchea. Sunliiigo Gon\i>z 
Cou. Cnrloa Tajea. Maria Runnuva. Aniery 
Darbon. Pablo Donudlo, Carlox Bonhler. 
Pablo X..aEarJe and Bolu de NIcve. .Story 
by Enrique T. Suslnl and Pedro Miguel 
Obllgado. Directed by Enrique T. Suslnl. 
Reviewed at the Monumental theatre, 
Buenoa .\lres. Running lime, 100 .MIN8. 



(In Spanish) 

One of the most ambitious picts 
ever turned out by an Argentine 
studio, 'Embrujo' ('Bewitched') is 
something never before seen here — 
a half legendary, half-historical film 
dealing lyith another South Ameri- 
can country that manages to pack 
in plenty of excellent screen fare 
while not getting to the point of 
causing diplomatic strain. Plot, 
which deals with the life of Pedro I, 
first emperor of Brazil, had many 
worried when it was first announced, 
but director Enrique T. Susini — who, 
with Pedro Miguel Obligado, wrote 
the story — has managed to avoid 
most of the pitfalls, A week after 
opening there were no protests; so 
apparently there'll be none. Uncer- 
tain now if the pic will be shown 
in Brazil, however. 

Film has no stars and depends on 
Pedro's color and background for its 
appeal, something that's also unusual 
in local pix. Story tells how Pedro 
proclaims the Independence of Bra- 



zil, then gets involved with one Do- 
mitila de Castro, for whom he loises 
over his wife. Affair leads hiiii to 
further mistakes In handling the 
thrpne and finally, when his wife 
leaves him; he sets off to the wars 
of the Rio de la Plata, then in force 
When he finally returns on the death 
of his wife, the mistre.ss, whom he 
decides to marry, refuses— for the 
good of the country. 

Period has been recaptured with 
music, ritual dances and African- 
Brazil ceremonies which may not go 
down so well In Brazil, where they 
don't like to remember too much of 
the primitive. But it should make 
the pic an excellept draw in other 
parts of Latin America and also a 
possibility for the States. Action is 
relatively fast with numerous histori- 
cal and imaginary personages intro- 
duced to liven the story. Details and 
period scenes are generally well 
handled although cost has crvused 
Susini to use miniatures which could 
be spotted across the Andes. Empha- 
sis on femme costumes has been 
strong, with handling far above the 
local average 

Alicia Barrle shines in the most 
difficult role of her career. .Torge 
Rigaud, an Argentine raised in 
France, got raps from practically all 
critics over his accent and general 
opinion is that he lacks expressive- 
ness ih a role that's perhaps too dif- 
ficult for him. Pepita Serrandor is 
tender in a featured role and Er- 
nesto Vilches and Santiago Gomez 
Cou get honors. Dances by Maria 
Ruanova are among best ever spot- 
ted in a local production and music 
supplied bv George Andreani is in- 
teresting elthoygh at times ex'-pssive 
and Inopportune. Ray. 

Joven, Viuda y Estanciera 

(ARGENTINA-MADE) 

Buenos Aires, July 8. 

KFA production and release. Stnr.>< Mi-clia 
Ortiz: Ceuturea Santiago Ari-lela. S:iiiliHt;o 
Gomez Cou, Scgundo I'omitr. I.ury Ciilliin. 
Paplla Munoz. PepUo J'l-tray. Knrlque 
Garcia Satur. llodolfo Rochu, Iria PorlMln. 
Billy Days. Mabel Urrlohi, J. K. Doniili,, 
Armando Bo. Antonio Maldu :tnd Luk Ptir- 
tenltaa. Story. Claudlo Marline/. I'uyvh. 
Directed by Luis Bnyon Ilervera. Re- 
viewed at Monumental the:iire. liut-iwi 
Aires. Running time, M .MI>'8. 



'Joven, Viuda y Estanciera,' Luis 
Bayon Herrera's latest for EFA, one 
of Argentina's Big Five, is another 
top-rank Latin film with a well- 
handled story, colorful background 
and flrst-rate cast that suffers only 
because the stage plot from which 
it was taken sometimes gets over; 
talky. Pic is based on the play done 
by Eva Franco's company two years 
ago, and in Mecha Ortiz' screen ver- 
sion plenty of traces of the footlights 
can be spotted. Once it gets away 
from this, the result Is excellent 
Action In outdoor shots moves with 
all the gusto of the oldtime U. S. 
westerns. 

Story Is about a young estancia 
(cattle ranch) owner who runs the 
risk of losing her fortune to an un- 
scrupulous administrator. Interven- 
tion of the foreman, who has loved 
her from childhood, manages to get 
rid of the villain. In this case a 
young university student, and at the 
same time -finishing off the love story, 
'rone Is that of a draniatic comedy 
which at times becomes melo- 
(0>ntinued on page 63) 



New York Theatres 



OPENS FBIDAT, iVI.Y t5 

JA MES CAGNEY 
BETTE DAVIS 

' In a New Warner Bros' Hit 

Hie Rride Came C.OJ).' 

pEiiVoN WflL HAHHIS 

■M HI* OrchMtrn 

STRAND B'waT&47St. 



COOL 



Fnnnltr Than 
IN ni am" 



"BABNACLE BILL" 

An M.O.M. Laugh Blot Starrer 
WALI,ACE BBERT 
Trith Ibrjorle HalB - JL«aCan(ll«l 



In Ptruo 
Tei LtWIt 
u< Hit Rmue 



|"ONt NIOHTIN 
I LISBON" 



Maris Tlmr., July 24 
Merle OBENON 
Malvya DOUflLAS 
"THAT 
UNCCBTAIN 
FIELINS" 

In Person 
Hairy RICHHAN 
Wlllli HOPPE. 
■Iltl»r< Chaw>li» 



NOW PLAYING 

GARY COOPER 

'SERGEANT YORK' 



A NEW WABNEB BB08. HIT 
BROADWAY 
and 45TH ST. 



AIB-CONDInONKD 



HOPE ■ Liv:.^ 



Oeert 
Omi _ 
i«) A.MJ 



In Ferwn 
JOE TENUTI 
■■d Bind 

DANNY KAVK 

JTANE fROMAN 



PARAMOUNT 



"nvLTMir AovniTuitE"-p« '^■na 




ETTOIf ESTATE HELD 

Los Angeles, July 22. 
Estate of Charles F. Byton, pio- 
neer film director, yields $10,000 a 
year to his divorced wife, Kathlyn 
Williams, star in many ot^hls silent 
films. 

Eyton died July 1, willing most of 
bis waalth to his former wife and 
the rest to his sister and niece. 



^l avn BROADWAY ^its;-.? 

«lro Show Suwdov ol ai4Q P. Mlt S^ 



c"^" MUSIC HALL 

HELD OVEB 

GINGER ROGERS in 

*Tom, Dick and Harry' 

SpBctaeular Stage Productions 



Wedaesday, JdIj 23, 1941 



PICTIillES 



31 



H'wood Gambles on Kids 



-CoBtliuic4 from i«m:c Is 



the new names that by the time they 
have their second or third role, in 
numerous instances, they already are 
favorably familiar to hordes of cus- 
stomers, and the gamble has been 
converted into a sure thing. 

Behind these ventures- 'with Urn 
novices, on whom often is risked a 
proportionate part of pictures budg- 
eted up to $1,000,000 and more — ven- 
tures requiring plenty of executive 
fortitude as well as showmanship — 
is, for one thing, the eilort and the 
necessity of enllstine new. motion 
picture audiences; i.e, an appeal 
especially to younger audiences. 

The youngsters are the lads 
and gals who -'are participants and 
fans of competitive amusentents, to 
whom pictures must be sold in com- 
petition with bojvling, night base- 
ball, the beadles, all kinds of sports, 
dancing, etc. These potential but 
not at all confirmed fllm customers 
look at most established players over 
30 as old people, the fllm producers 
discovered — their problems, their 
lun, tteir antics on the screen, writ- 
ten for mature and sophisticated 
characters, being not too closely re- 
lated to the first interests of the 
yotinger customers. 

Get 'Em TonnE and Groom 'Em 

In a recent canvass of college 
youngsters, it was found that many 
In two of California's foremost uni- 
versities didnH even know the iden- 
tity of two celebrated femme stars of 
a few years ago, and one who is at- 
tempting a comeback. Hence, to 
considerable extent, the concentra- 
'tion of produceis and talent execu- 
tives on grooming youngsters. Find 
promising ones and gamble with 'em, 
Is the slogan. Time moves faster for 
the pictbre biz. 

So, while the established older 
lights of the fllm firmament are not 
going to blaze out ilk sudden catas- 
trophe, they are going to get plenty 
and increasingly active corapetish 
from the novae. 

The gamble isn't cheap, at best 
Darryl F. Zanuck told the SOth-Fox 
sales conventioners here last week 
that, contrary to popular and perhaps 
most professional belief, it costs 
much . less to use a company's own 
top stars or to go out and borrow 
them from other companies, than to 
use a newcomer for an important 
picture. 

The added time, the preparations, 
the attempts to throw reasonable in- 
surance about youngsters or com- 
parative newcomers for the risky 
venture^ Zanuck told his associates, 
the dialog coaching, the wardrobe 
testings and all the technical experi- 
maitlng which In case of ^ the 
veterans, is all set, is very costly 'and 
taxes the ingenuity and the ability 
of every sttudlo department. The 
problem of winning the gamble re- 
flects to the cameraman, the direc- 
tor, the associate producer, to every 
major and minor employe on the lot. 

Instances of talent gambling on 
tht 20th-Fox lot In pictures just hit- 
ting cameras or soon to be released 
•re Gene Tierney in the title role 
of "Belle Starr.' Dapa Andrews and 
Anne Baxter in "Swamp Water,' 
Carole Landis with Victor Mature in 
•Hot Spot," Cobhia Wright, Jr., In 
the femme lead in 'Week-End In Ha- 
vana.* George Montgomery, un- 
known until he appeared with Mary 
Beth Hu^es hi 'Cowboy and the 
Blonde,' now has the lead with Car- 
ole Landls in 'Cadet GirL' Sheila 
Byan, obscure, gets the romantic 
femme lead with Laurel and Hardy 
In 'Great Guns.'' Bruce Edwards, 
an auto salesman, had never 
seen a, fllm camera when he was 
given the male lead opposite Brenda 
Joyce in "Marry the Boss" Daugh- 
ter.' noddy MacBowall, known in 
England, but virtually a stranger to 
film-goers here, was entrusted with 
one of the top roles in 20th's forth- 
coming budget biggie, 'How Green 
Was My Valley.' 

OverniKht Sensations 

Producers and talent executives 
do not pretend that many of the 
persona they take chances with are 
not good actors. They may or may 
not be. Many of them are, coming 
from the stage and from the little 
theatres. It isnt necessarily the 
possession of talent that determines 
the gamble. It's the almost incal- 
culable weight, which fllmgoers place 
on the name — names which will 
•Iraw them. But It has been proved 
over and over again recently that 
venerable names can't hold audi- 
ences if the material is poor, and, 
on the other hand, ycung unknowns 
can leap to prominence almost over 
itight, in one or two striking per- 
formances, if the vehicle is right, 
the direction good, the entertain- 
ment values there. So, while hurdles 
are not as formidable as they once 



were, for the upcoming talent, the 
hazards are stiU there, and to win 
public favor in the one or two roles 
which will justify the producers' 
gamble on instant success, is an 
enormous test of a novice player's 
capacities and showmanship. 

At Paramount, Stirling Hayden is 
the outstanding example of recent 
talent gamble with a complete im- 
kno'wn. This really was a chance- 
taker, when Y. Frank Freeman, op- 
erating head of the studio, as one of 
his first official acts, promoted the 
lanky young yachtsman from New 
England into one of the three top 
roles in "Virginia.' Hayden made it 
in one. Hell be seen next in Ed- 
ward H. Griffiths' "Bahama Passage,' 
co-starred with Madeleine Carroll, 
and is favored at Paramount for the 
role of Robert Jordan in 'For Whom 
the Bell Tolls.' Freeman's gamble 
thus far has paid big dividends. 

Veronica Lake at Paramount also 
made it in one — 'I Wanted Wings.' 
There also was a chance-taking ven- 
ture that meant money, one way or 
another, depending upon her capaci- 
ties. She consolidates her perform- 
ance in the forthcoming Preston 
Sturges picture, 'Sullivan's Travels,' 
co-starring with Joel McCrea. Su- 
san Haywatd had done nothing 
spectacular previously, having turn- 
ed in .her best job in Columbia's 
'Adam Had Four Sons,' but gets a 
zoomer in C B. DeMiUe's 'Reap the 
Wild Wind' as second femme lead. 
Martha O'Driscoll, 18. also gets a 
good chance in 'Reap* after having 
been at Paramount in minor assign- 
ments for two years. Philip Teny 
forges up in Harry Sherman's pro- 
duction, 'Parson of Panamint,* an4 
has romantic male lead in "Sweater 
Girl' on the strength of the "Parson' 
click. 

Par's Parade of Toangstcni 

Other" beneflciaries at Paramount 
of talent promotion, if not a gamble 
in every case, are Rod Cameron, 
who has played only in Tarson of 
Panamlnf but is regarded by execu- 
tives on the lot. as one of the com- 
pany's best contract bets; Hon Cas- 
tle, in the Bill Thomas-Bill Pine pro- 
ductions, 'Power Dive' and 'Torpedo 
Boat'; Donna Drake, young orchestra 
leader who was billed under the 
name of Rita Rio, making her fllm 
debut in 'Aloma of the South Seas'; 
Macdonald Carey, to be co-starred 
with Fred MacMurray, iiT Take a 
Letter, Darling"; Brad King, who 
succeeded Russell Hayden in Harry 
Sherman's Hopalong Cassidy pictures 
—right oft the ranch; Charles Smith 
'^and Jimmy Lydon as Dizzy and 
Henry in the Henry Aldrich' sedes; 
Eddie Bracken; Alberto Villa, Ar- 
gentine singer who will be starred in 
two pictures as his first efforts after- 
careful coaching in English— 'The 
Gentleman from Buenos Aires' and 
'Hula Honeymoon'; Richard Dennlnfe 
with Dorothy Lamour In 'Her Jun- 
gle Mate'; Eva Gabor, now up for 
femme lead opposite Ray MUland in 
'Channel Port.' 

Warners' examples in chance-tak-. 
ing, more or less, with unfamiliar 
talent on the screen In fecent 
months, include Richard Whorf, 
whose first fllm role is with Pris- 
cilla I^ne in 'New Orleans Blues.' 
He is a distinguished stage actor, 
but completely unknown to vast ma- 
jority of film patrons. 

Monty Woolley, who will have the 
title role in Warners' version of 'The 
Man Who Came to Dinner,' is, of 
course, a stage actor who has proved 
his Broadway mettle in the Kauf- 
man-Hart play, but is unknown to 
picture audiences — although he once 
tried to land in Hollywood previous- 
ly. Richard Travis, who will play 
the role of the reporter in 'Man 
Who . Came to Dinner,' also is unfa- 
miliar to pictures. These able per- 
formers are certain to give good ac- 
count, but they go into their parts 
without fllm draft Joan Leslie, who 
had her first comparatively good role 
in 'High Sierra,' has the star spot op- 
posite Gary Cooper' in 'Sergeant 
York'— and that, say Warners, de- 
spite the girl's promising gifts; was 
taking a real gamble in this studio's 
most expensive production of the 
year. 

Metro is a proverbial, proving 
ground for youngsters. Here, too, 
the acceleration recently in zooming 
talent has been marked. New names 
getting the Metro grooming and 
breaks are Red ' Skelton, seen in 
'I<Bdy Be Good' and now practically 
carrying 'Whistling In the Dark"; Ray 
MacDonald, who initialed in the 
forthcoming 'Life Begins for Andy 
Hardy' and featured In "Babes on 
Broadway';, Rise Stevens, a Metro- 
politan opera star, who has a star- 
ring role with Nelson Eddy in "The 
Chocolate Soldier'; Donna Reed, new 



in films, spotted in "The bet Away." 
Kathryn Grayson, first ' in "Andy 
Hardy's Private Secretary,' repeats 
in "Life Begins for Andy Hardy.' 

Most, of Metro stars were built 
from youngsters on the lot— and that 
includes Clark Gable, Robert Tay- 
lor, Joan Crawford, James Stewart, 
Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Lana 
Turner. 



Tyro Scripters 



^Continued from page 1; 



Inside Sfoff-Pictares 



and other forms of literacy efforts 
turned in, studio picks the most 
promising to undergo extensive 
interviews, which is the first per- 
sonal contact Metro has with the 
potentials. 

fntervlews delve deeply Into the 
personalities of the student finalists, 
as well as probing to find out if 
promise shown in their submitted 
work can be successfully turned to 
proflt for the screen. Checkup on 
personality is flgured necessary by 
Metro as newcomers must conform 
to studio practices without losing the 
freshness that will make them 
valuable. 

Tamed Loose on Their Own 

Those passing the rigid question- 
ing are handed six-month optional 
contraVb paying around $50 a week, 
shipped to the studio and put to 
work under the guidance of Richard 
Schayer. Juniors are not required to 
follow any particular pattern, but 
are given the freedom .to develop 
whatever material they ' feel they 
can best prepare. 

In selecting writers for the fllm 
try, Metro does not limit the field to 
newly graduated college students, 
but. will coiisider - recent graduates 
who migbl be recommended by their 
university. Metro is emphatic about 
its contact with writing possIbiliti&. 
It. must be a student or graduate, 
whose work is first recommended by 
a school board. Studio will read no 
material or have any personal con- 
tact with a would-be scribe ^except 
throu^ the university channel and 
the', interviews are given only to 
those remaining after elimination of 
material submitted from the colleges. 

Metro's writing department, imder 
Kenneth MacKenna, is budgeted to 
carry 10 of the . junior writers 
through six-month optional contracts 
each year and figures that if one out 
of Uie 10 makes the grade, the 
money has been well spent Two 
years ago, when training division was 
resumed, studio called in a total of 
12. and of this group two carry the 
tiUe of full-fledged writers now, Tom 
Seller of Yale and Annalee Whit- 
more pf Stanford, both having 
worked on a number of 'Hardy.- 
Family* features. 

Last season, studio started 10 
embryos through the writing mill 
with one, Devery Freeman of Brook- 
lyn College, having igraduated so far 
Into the ranks of term-contract 
writers. 

Seven Make the Grade 

This year only seven made the 
grade in the final selections and have 
arrived to start their six-month trial 
period. Newcomers were chosen 
after reading material of 47. Several 
of these join the studio with previ- 
ous writing experience, but their 
selection was made in^the same gen- 
eral manner Metro uses to chose its 
juniors. 

David Lang, U.S.C., drew his ap- 
pointment after a period tn the 
studio cartoon department and has a 
number of radio scripts to his credit. 
DeVallon Scott, same school, has 
previously done some studio writing, 
and Jolly James, Vassar, had been 
employed in the script department 
af Warners. 

Others in the new contingent are 
Brainerd- DulTield, University of 
California at Los Angeles; Jerome 
Kurtz, Carnegie Tech; Warren Law, 
California, and I. A. L. Diamond, 
Columbia. In making Its selections, 
Metro usually confines its search to 
eastern and Pacific Coast colleges be- 
cause of ease In handling the inter- 
views at either the studio or in the 
New York home offices, although any 
exceptional talent unearthed in the 
central states would not be dis- 
criminated against because of geo- 
graphical , location. 



Setter Calls Clinch 

Hollywood, July 22. 

William Seiter, director, gave the 
starting signal to 'Appohitment for 
Love,' co-starring Charles Boyer and 
Margaret Sullavan. 

Picture is a Universal production, 
but the flrst scenes were shot on the 
theatre set at the old Vitagraph stu- 
dio. 



New version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,' starring Spencer Tracy, pro- 
duced by Metro and directed by Victor Fleming, directs attention of 
scenario departments of all companies to the interesting history of the 
Robert Louis Stevenson story as the basis for earlier stage and screen 
productions. In the theatre, Richard Mansfield is the star most frequently 
associated with the dual characterization. 

First performance of the -.play, on which Mansfield collaborated with 
Thomas R. Sullivan, was at the Boston Museum, May 9, 1887. Version 
currently listed in the French catalog is credited to Luella Forpaugh and 
George F. Fish. 

It appears that 'Jekyll' comes to tke screen once every 10 years. Para- 
mount has made two highly successful adaptationis of the classic. First 
production (silent) starred John Barrymore, and was produced in 1920. 
The script was written by Clara Berenger, and John Robertson was the 
director. In the two leading femme parts were Nita Naldi and Martha 
Mansfleld. Their cast names were nierese and Millicent Carew. Neither 
character Is in the original Stevenson story, which probably accounts for 
the fact that scenarists have felt at liberty to invent new names in any 
adaptations. 

In the sound version of 'Jekyll,' produced also by' Paramount in 1932, • 
with Fredric March starred, the women leads were played by Miriam 
Hopkins and Hose Hobart That dialog version was written by Samuel 
Hoffenstein and the late Percy Heath, with Rouben Mamoullan directing. 
Cast names of the two women players were Ivy Parson and Murial Carew. 
Latest adaptation, jirepared by John Lee Mahin, provide; a new set of 
names. Ingrid Bergman and Lana Turner are designated as Ivy Peterson 
and Beatrix Bmexy, respectively. 

Readers of Stevenson will scan the characters In the new Metro version 
with some surprise to flnd that the character of Utterson, the lawyer, is 
omitted entirely from the screenplay. In the original story, Stevenson 
used the barrister as the main secondary figure. 



Sizzling monograph denouncing the fllm Industry majors and the Mo- 
tion Picture Producers & Distributors of America, citing the business as 
a "pattern for monopoly,' is on the best seller list at the Government 
Printing Office. Controversial booklet, which blasted the Justice Depart- 
ment consent decree and warmed over the old NRA hash, has. brought in 
(33525 since being put on the market under the imprint of the Temporaiy 
National Economic (monopoly investigating) Committee. 

Survey recently showed4,23S copies sold, with 3,064 still on the shelves. 
Docufnent retails for 15c. A dozen other TNEC titles have enjoyed a bet- 
ter response;, though few are selling in very much bigger quantity. The 
film industry study Is chiefly valuable for its historical data rather than 
its critteal contend which follow the pattern of evidence aired often at 
hearings on -blockbooking bills and shows marked, resemblance 'to the 
critique of the NBA code. 



Jesse L. Lasky's success with 'Sergeant York* recalls another tell-tale 
incident in his career, one of many that have been told about him since 
he 'came back.' Once- a top exec in pictures, Lasky was down to hia 
life insurance policy a year ago and borrowed $25,000 on It to buy the 
rights to the York-'story. It was a tough job to whittle the tale into a 
fllm play and a still tougher task to sell the idea to a producer. Now the 
pictiire is estimated to gross $3,000,000 hi the United States and another 
$1,000,000 abroad, meaning about $500,000 for Lasky and plenty of 'major 
executives offering him contracts. Many of them worked for him IS yeara 
ago when he was tops in Hollywood. 



Katharine . Hepburn's rooting from the sidelines is reported to have 
stimulated a new record for an original story and screen play. Price i* 
said to be $100,000, paid by. Metro to Michael Kanin and Ring Lardner. 
Jr., for "Woman of the Year.1 Actress had nothing to do with the writing 
of the yarn but'satin on several story conferences with the boys, and her 
influence as cheer leader had much to do with the final score. Naturally, 
the picture stars Katharine Hepburn. ' t 

Kanin Is an older broi]ier of Garson Kanin, RKO producer-director, 
now in service at Ft Monmouth. Miss Hepburn's reported romantic in- 
terest in Gar Kanin may explain her concern In this deal. 



Industry wasnt inclined to take at face-value the full-|»ge ads signed 
by Russell Bird well in I'ime and Newsweelf last weA 'aemanding that 
the U. S. declare 'war now. With the CToast preas ag^ about to open an 
office in New York, on the avowed Intent&n of getting Industrial clients, 
ads were seen as more of a publicity campaign for R. B. than as an appeal 
to war. One point raised was why the 'New York' after the signature 
when Birdwell's g.h.q. are still in Hollywood, 'Where he is much abetter 
known. ^ ' 



Eric Knight's novel, 'This Above AU,' written about the retreat from 
Dunkirk and other phases of the siege of England, Is slatedt'.for high- 
budget production by 20th-Fox. in London, using some of the company's 
frozen assets. Studio paid $30,000 for the film rights and hired R. C. 
Sheriff to do the soreenplay. Robert Kane, recently in Hollywood for 
studio huddles, is on his way to England to take over the production Job. 

Plan for 20th to dramatize "This Above All' for a Broadway presenta- 
tion before filming has died. 



Russia is going Hollywood In a mechanical way. After weeks of In- 
spection of major studios, Gregor Irsky, chief engineer of the Soviet Com- 
mittee on Motion Pictures, placed heavy vrders for Bfitchdl cameras, 
Teague background projector units and-Bell & Howell lab equipment 
Deliver}^, for cash at export shipment points, are being made through 
Amtorg, the Russipn buying, unit In New York. Russia, Irsky asserts, 
has 50 studios at w.ork and 40,000 film housesr 



Harry Hammer, Paramount's manager at Helsinki, states his office there 
is being operated by himself and a couple of girls because of the Finnic- 
Russian war. In addition, he has undertaken to nm the Savoy theatre 
there because the manager, a personal friend, has been called to the front 

Because of regular bombings of Helsinki, the 'various . distributors have 
been ordered to move all fllm st^^k outside the city limits. 

Known as a leisurely producer, John M. Stahl brought in 'Our Wife' at 
Columbia more than $50,000 below the original budget Total production 
costs were about $650,000, the lowest for Stahl In a dfcade; Stahl moves 
over to 20th-Fox this week. His associate,' Irving Starr, also checked oft 
the Columbia lot and is negotiating an independent production setup. 



Captain Flagg and Sergeant Quirt character names, remain in the 20th- 
Fox vaults . while Edmund Lowe and Victor McLaglen, who originated 
the picture roles years ago, carry on at RKO as Captain Curtis and Ser- 
geant McGinnis in The Marines Are Ready.' RKO tried to buy the 
names for exploitation purposes but 20th-Fox set the price too high. 



Victor Jurgens, former March of Time cameraman in the Far East, 
Australia and New Zealand, has been switched to South America, and 
will be there about six months preparing material for a release on the 
south of the border countries. Maurice. Lancaster, former London man, 
who was In the U.S. for two months recently, is now In Bombay. 



-I 



1 



i 



Richard HImber, the maestro, pulled a nitty ad In DAav Variett with a 
pseudorfllm review (as part of the paid ad. display) of a yam he authored 
with Mel Ronson. It's titled 'Root of All Evil,' and the pseudo-critique 
not only cast all the roles but also the prbducer, director, leaser, etc. 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 




r 



TWQ.FI5T6P p^^^g HAll 



All »he romance, in» 

ond thundering odM 
Edward Vlhlle's b. 



¥ ONDA 

STEWART EDWARD 



Directed by JOHIN ^^^^^^^^J^^ 



I' 1 



He's an Aunt 
in Pants! 



; .1 



11 



Raxter • Edmund 
James EUison • f^^^^^^'taird Cregacr 
LenB . ^^S^^ln . Richard Haydn 
A-^-^'^;!^:;^ Morion Lowry 

^'""mrec^d by Archie M«yo 





Wednesday, JuJy 23, 1941 



33 



AUG. 15 



AUG. 29 



* 



IP 



BARTON 
.ced by Harry joe Brown 



eMcCo> 



SONJA 
HENIE 



JOHN 
PAYNE 



--Sensational! 



glorious vacolionlandl 

«^ MILTON BERLE 
onrfLYNN BARI 
om/JOAN DAVIS 
ood NICHOLAS BROTHERS 

■ ffoducd by MUton Sptrilng • OlracM b» H a, u 



,he breath-takinfl 



.BLACK ICt BAUET 't 



84 RADIO 



Wednesdajt Jiiilj 23, 1941 



Unifonmty of Policy on Baseball 

as Mutual Saks Asset 



Sought 



St. Louis, July 21. 

Mutual, contemplating a possible 
uniform policy regarding local base- 
ball broadcasts, has asked its affiliate 
stations for suggestions on the ques- 
tions and has suggested that such 
broadcasts be scheduled so as not 
to conflict with network commer- 
cials. Action was taken at a meet- 
ing last week of the Mutual board 
of directors and operating board, in 
New York. Memorandum on the 
situation has been sent by Fred 
Weber, network general manager, to 
ell affiliates. 

According to the Mutual execs, 
the local baseball broadcasts, partic- 
ularly double-headers, frequently 
run overtime and thus disrupt other 
programs. In the case of network 
commercials, the shows must be re- 
broadcast later in transcribed form, 
usually at irregular hours. Sponsors 
naturally dislike that, so Mutual is 
hereby placed at a sales disadvan- 
tage in competing with the other 
networks, especially NBC-Blue. 

In its communication. Mutual asks 
the affiliates to outline their present 
policies regarding daytime baseball 
broadcasts. It notes that where the 
play-by-play accounts can be term- 
inated at 5 or 5:30 p.m, there is 
usually little interference with net- 
work commercials, most of which 
are kid shows that go off the air 
early in the summer, before most 
double-headers are played. Network 
therefore suggests that all daytime 
game broadcasts be ended by 5:30, 
local time, untU the first week in 
July. 

In regard to night games, Mutual 
notes that it expects to line up a 
number of evening variety programs 
with name casts and suggests that 
since 'sponsors of such shows would 
balk at Interference with the habit 
factor that all evening baseball 
broadcasts be delayed untU 10:30. 



SHELL BACK 

Coast Trial of Party-Goiiw FormoU 
— Aceonnt May Spread 



Hollywood, July 22. 

After five years off the network. 
Shell Oil is returning with a Coast 
regional hookup for its half hour 
program, 'Shell Goes to a Party,' 
Format is similar to 'Lite (mag) 
Goes to a Party,' with Art Unkletter 
busting in here and there with his 
yards of cable and a mike. CBS 
gets the show beginning Aug. 7. 

It's in the nature of a test and 
spreads eastward if it impresses the 
sponsor. Shell has been spottijig 
transcriptions since it parted with 
Joe Cook around five years ago. 



TELEVISION PARADOX 

^ t 

Famsworth Ezeo Se«i » Medern 
Hnmpty-Dampty Talc In SItwrflon 



CBS' Vnlferm Policy 

Columbia, which dropped baseball 
broadcasts at the end of last sum- 
mer, now has an extensive lineup of 
'terials scheduled during the after- 
noon hours. 

Latter contracts extend over the 
62-we^ period, instead of for the 
■ummer months only. 



WJR. DETROIT, 
SIGNS HARMON 



Detroit, July 22. 

Tom Harmon, the football player, 
signed today (Tuesday) as sports di- 
rector of WJR. G. A. Richards, 
president of the station, completed 
the deal in Hollywood, where the 
ex-gridder is making the picture, 
'Harmon of Michigan,' at Columbia. 
When the film is completed, Harmon 
will go to Chicago to train for the 
all-star game at Soldiers' Fields on 
Aug. 28. . 

Following that, he will come to 
Detroit to assume his job at WJR. 
First assignment is likely to be cov- 
ering Michigan's «iigfat home games 
this fall. 

Harmon majored in ^eech and 
radio at the universi^ and his con- 
tract with the station is in line with 
his determination to pursue a radio 
career. 



Fort Wayne Ind., July 22. 
E. A. Nicholas, president of the 
Farnsworth Television Ac RatUo 
Corp., said that the ruling of the Of- 
fice of Production Management— that 
owing to defense priorities, there will 
be no more aluminum for civilian 
purposes for the remainder of 1941, 

effectively vetoes the long-awaited 

'green light' for commercial televi- 
sion. 

He pointed out that when ma- 
terials basic to the television indus- 
try were abundant, the FCC would 
not permit commercial use. Now 
that the desired permission has been 
given, another branch of the govern- 
ment feels that it cannot release the 
necessary, materials. 



G. E.'s Channel S License 

Washington, July 22. 

Another experimental television 
station for the Albany-Schenectady- 
Troy area was on the way last week 
when the FCC granted a construc- 
tion permit to General Electric for 
a transmitter to be operated on tele- 
vision channel No. 3 (66,000-72,000 
kc), which is expected to serve 3,320 
square miles and approximately 
572,000 residents. 

Application (which suggests re- 
modeling its present experimental 
station, W2XB, in the Helderberg 
Hilis, New Scotland, N. Y., for com- 
mercial purposes by Sept. 1) pro- 
poses 'incidental . experimentation' 
with color television tot the new 
venture. 



Hill, 



Jean Paid King Back 
h Tacoma On Pobfidty 
For Btfckley-King Fnrm 



Taconyp, July 22, 
Jean Paul King has joined the firm 
of .Buckley-King here as director of 
public relations. ' This represents 
return to his home town by the ra- 
dio announcer, who has been Identi- 
fied' with dozens of network shows 
out of Chicago and New York in the 
past decade. Lately King ha^ been 
prominent In Lambs Club activities. 

Originally King was a dramatic 
stock actor for Henry Duffy in San 
Francisco. 



RINTOUL'SWSRR STARTS 
SEPT. 7 IN STAMFORD 



Stamford, Conn., July 22. 

WSRR, new Stamford station be- 
ing hoisted by Stephen R. Rintoul, 
starts puffing Sept. 7. 

Slocum Chapin, ex- W|JC B N, 
Youngstowki, O,, and WOC, Daven 
port, will manage ~exhaler, which 
will be nearest Connecticut exhaler 
to Bronx. George Backus, formerly 
at KOY, Phoenixi Ariz., heads com- 
mercial department 



Ed Wolfs Click 25 



The Ed Wolfs celebrate their 25th 
anniversary today (Wednesday) and 
Wolfs radio production colleagues 
around New York are throwing 
them a banquet. 

Songwriter-brother L. Wolfe Gil- 
bert is fiying in -from the Coast for 
the occasion. 



FIDDLE, BANJO RALLY 
IN CAROLINA HILLS 



Asheville. N. C, July 22. 
With more than 500 performers en 
tered, a fiddle and banjo show will 
■ get under way here July 21 for three 
days and nights. Event' is 14th- an 
nual Mountain Dance and Music 
Festival. Draws crowd of around 
20,000. ^ 

No ASCAP worries as most tunes 
date baclr 100 years or more, being 
of Revolutionary period and some 
having been brought over by settlers 
from England, Scotland and Ireland. 

WWNC, Asheville, will ether large 
portion of show. 



Philadelphia, — Edward Allen, for- 
merly of WBFG, Altoona, has joined 
the announcing staff of WFIL. 

WCAU- *farm system' has brought 
in Neal Harvey to take the place of 
Lew Fisher, who went on active duty 
as an ensign in the Naval Reserve. 



KVOS IN COURT 
TO STOP LEE 
SPTODT 



Seattle, July 22. 
A dispute between KVOS, of, 
Bellingham, Washington, and the 
Pacific Broadcasting Co. .(KHO), of 
Tacoma, has reached the courts. AP' 
plication by KVOS for an Injunction 
to prevent Pacific (associated with 
the Don Lee network) from cutting 
off Don Lee or Mutual programs 
from KVOS \vas argued yesterday 
(Monday) before .Superior Court 
Judge Fred G. Remahn. No decision 
was announced and' further hearings 
are expected. 

Action seeks to prevent Pacific 
Broadcasting from terminating 
five-year '.contract signed a year ago 
and providing for KVOS to use. net- 
work programs. Station claims the 
agreement permitted it to use ^the 
network service any way it saw fit. 
However, failure of KVOS • to use 
the network shows before 9 p.m. 
dally was cited as reason for KMO's 
refusal to relay further broadcasts, 
the complaint stated, although the 
original contract is claimed to have 
a clause requiring one year's written 
termination notice. 



Disc Jockey Solves Vacation 

Buffalo, July 22. 

Turning a program over to the piiblic while the emcee Is vacation- 
ing Is big stuff from a listener's angle, WEBR is finding. Whole town's 
younger set Is talking about Pete Knig letting fans run his noon disc 
revile for next two weeks. First time such stunt has been tried here. 

Some 200 turned up at auditions to try out and more, seeing long 
line at studios, gave up without trying. A scorj^ ranging in age from 
a nine-year-old girl to a middle-aged Niagara Falls fireman and his 
wife are getting a chance to- spin discs and try out their own line of 
chatter, ' An announcer will stand by to help them out it they stutter, 
but all taking part in this new twist to audience-participation are 
pretty confident of their own mike prowess. 



Ontario Tourist Program May Go 
26 Weeks on Columbia Next Year 



SKELLY ROTATES SPIELERS 



HcNamee, Shirer Follow Me- 
Oibeny and Utiey 



CHiicago, July 22. 
Skelly Oil and the Henri, Hurst & 
McDonald agency are not yet finally 
set on a news commentator. They 
have now used two, Donald Mc- 
Gibeny and' Clifton Utley, as replace- 
ments for the date Capt E. D. C. 
Heme, but still others are to be 
heard before a long-term contract is 
awarded. 

Frank Ferrin, agency radio chief, 
leaves shortly for an eastern audition 
trip on the hunt for an outstanding 
commentator, . 

Follo'wing three weeks each of Mc- 
Gibeny and Utley, the show will 
hav* three weeks each of Edwin C. 
HiU, Graham McNamee and William 
L. Siircr. 

From theM five names and any 
othera that Ferrin can dig up,, the 
final oontract commentator will be 
selected. m 



NOBLE MUSK 
FOR BERGEN 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Ray Nobl* Is set to supply the 
music for the Chase tt Sanborn show 
with Edgw Bergen, which returns to 
-the air Sept 7. Contract will prob- 
ably be signed when Jules Stein, 
Miisle Corp. of Anterlca president, 
huddles in New York this week with 
John Reber, radio head of >the J. Wal- 
ter Thompson agency. 

Robert Armbruster directed the 
music on the show last season. No 
vocalist is set for the fall, but indi- 
cations are that John Dickinson will 
not return. 



Ontario Travel Bureau radio 
series, which folded with the July 
13 broadcast, is tentatively slated to 
return next winter on a 26-week 
schedule. Executives of the Walsh 
agency, of Toronto, are due in New 
York within the next couple of 
weeks to huddle with CBS on pre- 
liminary plans. Understood the ^ 
show will again be a variety offer- 
ing, originating In Toronto, with a 
couple of names piped in from New 
York and with different guests each 
week. Also a prospect of the' series 
being extended to the Coast. 

Sponsored by the tourist service' 
of the province of Ontario, the pro- 
gram started last April with Ned 
Sparks starred and with production 
handled from the Canadian end. 
After one week the setup was 
changed. Phil Cohan, of the CBS 
staff in New York, went to Toronto < 
as producer. Scripting assignment 
was given to Al Lewis and Hank 
Garson in New York. Stoopnagle 
and Keenan Wynn were added as 
regulars in the cast, t>elng^ piped .in ' 
from New York. Cast from the 
Toronto end included Sairljce, Dave 
Davies, Wally Armour octet and 
Lulgl Romanelli orchestra. 

Talent for next winter isn't set, 
but probably Cohan will again pro- 
duce, with Lewis and Garson re- 
suming the 'writing assignment. 



'Lone Ranger's' Plaque 

Detroit, July 22. 

For the second time -in five years, 
The Lone Ranger' program, pro- 
duced at WXYZ here for the Mutual 
system, has been presented 'with the 
annual award of the C.I.T. Safety 
Foundation. 

The previous plaque was pre- 
sented in 1937. 



Orson Welles Deal On? 



Hollywood, July 22. 
Orson Welles is<reported set to do 
a tadio series thl^ fall for Lady 
Esther. Exact nattuevjof the show 
Isn't known, but It's expected to be 
■ guest-star dramatic series. 

Account h9S previously been men.- 
tloned as Intending to sponsor Freddy 
Martin's orchestra. Its Guy Lom- 
bard6 winds up Monday (26) night, 
the orchestra switching 'to Colgate- 
PalmoUve-Peet sponsorship Aug. 2. 



Originate WBNY Disc Show in Dancery 

With I^esult Biz Picks Up and Musicians Union 
Demands Standbys for Recording's 



Tommy Bartlett Replaces 
Betts for Morrell Acct 

Chicago,, July 22. . 
Morrell & Co. will replace the 
'Doggy Dan' - series for Red Heart 
dog food with a shopper-interview 
program handled by Tommy ^rt- 
lett of WBBM. 'Doggy Dan' was on 
for three years- on WMAQ with 
Harold Betts. 

New show will be tagged 'Shop- 
ping With the Missus' and will con- 
sist of recorded interviews in stores, 
and will start early in August. 

Handled through the Henri, Hurst 
8c McDonald agency, the show will 
try to bting to life some laughs based 
oh the appearance of 'the talking 
dog' which was one of the key items 
in the 'Doggy Dan' show. In the 
'Missus' sho>v it will be used strictly 
for comedy, with a special comedy 
dog masquerade being prepared for 
the effects man. 



Buffalo, July 22. 

Running WBNY's platter show 
from a suburban dancery proved a 
big draw in its first try here and 
promoters hope to make ^ regular 
thing of it, if a musicians' union 
squabble can be cleared up. Union 
clamped down - right after first 
broadcast with demand that standby 
men be hired and matter Is pending 
at that point Spot is dancery at 
Wllllamsville Glen, which has a 
union band, led by Bemle Sandler,, 
on other nights of the week. 

Experiment was tried on Mondays,, 
when Sandler band is off. Previous 
try at Monday shuffling drew only a 



very slim handful," but 356 guys and 
gals showed up to watch Roger 
Brown run platters on a regnote 
pickup. Park plan dancing to the 
discs was tried at 3c a throw and 
very few stood around. Promoters, 
Brown aiid Harry Altman; who luns 
dancery, netted an- encouraging sum. 

At this point union stepped In with 
demand that disc show employ stand- 
by men. Brown claims union has no 
rules stipulating regular musicians 
as a standby for recordings, and mat 
ter is up in air. Possibility exists 
broadcasts, done ordinarily from 
WBNY studios, may be moved for 
winter months to vacant ballroom, 
where no union band .plays. 



^ebe« Abo Interested 

Quebec, July 22. 

Success of the Province of On- 
tario in drawing tourist trade this 
spring with a- radio program in the 
U. S. has the Province of Quebec 
interested in trying a similar splurge. 
Officials are sounding out several 
advertising agencies for suggestions 
for such a venture. 

When and if a likely prospectus 
is presented, networks and producers 
in the U. S. will be asked to submit 
possible shows. 

Pyi Sphaky Breab His 
Ride Not to Record 
Any Radio Anrangements 

Hie Columbia album, for which 
Phil Spitalny broke his rula against 
recording anything he does on the 
radio, goes into tjte wax works next 
week. It will be 'Hymns of the 
Hour of Cijiarm,' eight secular songs 
ha has broadcast for" General Elec- 
tric with his all-girl orchestra 

Hie hymns are 'Now the Day's 
Over,' -Lead Kindly Light,' 'In tha 
Garden,' 'Abide With Me,' 'Holy, 
Holy,' 'The . Day Is Dying in the 
West,' 'Old Rugged Cross' and 'Hock 
of Ages.' 



WHN's 50 Kw. Ad-Rates 



Station WHN, New York, starting 
operation under its Increased power 
of 50,000 watts within a couple of 
months, has issued a revised rate 
card, effective Oct, 1. 

Basic rates for the periods be- 
tween 6 pjn. and 11 p.m. weekdays 
and 1 p.m. and 11 p.m.. Sundays are 
to be $750 per hour, $450 per half- 
hour, |300 per quarter-hour, $150 per 
five-minute spot, $75 per one- 
minute spot and $45 per haU-minute. 
Rates for all .other periods are to be 
just one-half the above. 



FIVE WEEK EXTENSION 
FOR LUM&ABNER SHOW 



CnUcago, July 22. 

Wade, agency for the Miles (Alka- 
Seltzer) Laboratories, has okayed 
five more weeks for Lum & Abner 
on the coast- NBC-Red web of six 
stations, as of Aug. 25. 

It's a foiur-week 15-minute show 
on the Coast and in addition on the 
burp capsules, Lum & Abner will 
sell One-a-Day Vitamins for Miles. 



^y Hedhmd Off WnC 

Hartford, July 22. 

Guy Hedlund's leaving WTIC on 
Aug. 1 after 10 yettfs In charge of 
drama production. Veteran stager 
founded Playhouse stock troiq>e aiid 
directed more than 1,000' broadcast 
performances as well as acting in 
many of them. 

Troupe recently wound up series 
of week^ sustainers on NBC-Red. 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



RADIO S5 



FIX WAR SHOW PRIORITIES 



THE LAZY WAY 



The following is from the schedule for Monday, July 7, 1941, 
of a radio station on the Pacific Coast : 

?• a.m. — News — Sponsored by soap. 

7:45 a.m.— News — Sponsored by clothing store. 

8:30 a.m. — News — Sponsored by department store, 

9 a.m. — News — Sponsored by headache remedy. 
10 a.m. — News — Sponsored by sizz-phizz,. 
12 noon — News — Sponsored by participation. 

2:30 p.m. — News — Sponsored by bakery. 

4 p.m. — News — From New York. 

4:30 p.m. — News — Sustaining. 

6 p.m. — News — Sponsored by cigar company. 
6:30 p.m. — News — Sponsored by wine company. 

7 p.m. — News — From network (sponsored). 
9 p.ni. — News — Sponsored by sizz-phizz. 
9:15 p.m. — News — From Network. 

10:30 p.m. — News — Sustaining. 

Note that the above schedule is not a formal 'every-hour-on- 
the-hour' policy such as some stations follow and which might 
be justified as 'public service.' The schedule is strictly hit-or- 
miss, indiscriminate dotting of the log with news. 

But extended editorializing on the above program schedule 
would merely labor the point. It is presumably laziness by 
the station's salesmen and inertia or disinterest by its manage- 
ment that permits such a disproportionate emphasis upon news- 
casting. It's the easy way, news being so beautifully plausible 
during these times. 

And laziness, too.-or disinterest may also explain the adver- 
tising agencies' blind buying. 

Isn't it warm? 



McAVITY QUITS 
LORD & THOMAS 



Thomas A. McAvity has resigned 
as vice-president and radio head of 
Lord & Tlicmas. Future connection 
Is unknown, but- before doing any- 
thing else he will take a three- 
weeks' vacation In Canada. Mrs. 
McAvity, film and radio actress 
Helen Mack, plays Marge In the 
'Myrt and Marge' serial, so she can- 
not accompany him. 

Carl Stanton, In charge of the 
Lucky Strike account, is temporarily 
in charge of the department, but a 
permanent successor may not be ap- 
pointed. 



ROYAL COLA BUYS PART 
OF WSM'S YAM SESSION 



Nashville, July 22. 

Another national account has pur- 
chased time on WSM's Grand Ole 
Opry. Royal Crown Cola began par- 
ticipation (19) with a half hour. 

Contracted by BBD&O, New York. 

Paul Phillips at NBC 

Paul Phillips, formerly a writer at 
CBS and author of 'Golden Treasury 
of Song' for Squibb, has joined the 
NBC script staff and is working on 
programs for fall production. 

He wrote Columbia's 'Flow Gently 
Sweet Hhythm' series, so he is now 
sharing on the authorship of NBC's 
'Chamber Music Society of Lower 
Basin Street' show with Welbourn 
Kelley, who recently resigned the 
NBC staff to become radio script 
head for the Navy Department. 



Lochman Heads Callers 

Kansas City! July 22. 
Walt Lochman, of KMBC, is new 
head of the American Association 
baseball broadcasters organization. 
Connie Desmond of Toledo is the 
new vice-prexy. Occasion for the 
annual election was the convening of 
all broadcasters of American Asso- 
ciation teams in Minneapolis last 
)veat. at-the annual lea'gue all;Star 
game. 

Retiring president is Alan Hale, 
now of WBBM, Chicago. 



VBONSKY, BABIN ON KBAFT 

Vronsky and Babin, duo pianists, 
interrupted their summer schedule 
of composing to appear on the Kraft 
show Thursday (17). 

Pianists open a 60 date concert 
tour. Oct 14. in. East Lansing, Pa. 



Crosley Mobile Unit To 
Follow Army Maneovers 
For Spanish Shortwaving 

Cincinnati, July 22. 

In cooperation with the War De- 
partment's radio publicity division, 
WLW-WLWO and Cadena Radio In- 
ter Americana, Cvosley's shortwave 
network, will do special daily 
broadcasts of the war maneuvers by 
the U.S. first, second and third 
Armies during September in a 20,000 
square-mile area of Louisiana. 

Plans for the airings were worked 
out last week in Washington be- 
tween Cecil Carmichael, assistant to 
James D.' Shouse, general manager 
of Crosley stations, and Ed Kirby, 
of the War Department's bureau of 
public relations. 

Crosley's newest and largest mo- 
bile unit, with a crew of five men, 
will do the radio coverage job. Men 
are Joe Ries, coordinator of defense 
broadcasts; James Cassidy, director 
of special events; Jorge Mayoral, 
Spanish language announcer for 
WLWO; Dave Conlon, engineer, and 
Carmichael. In ranging the field 
with the mobile unit, the crew will 
make recordings of highlight action. 
Two 15-minule discs, one on Eng- 
lish and the other in Spanish, will 
be cut each day and air-expressed to 
Cincy. Ries and Cassidy will do the 
English chatter and Mayoral, the 
Spanish. 

JOHN HUrCHENS NEW 
N.Y. TIMES RADIO ED 



John Hutchens, formerly in the 
N. Y. Times drama department, has 
been appointed radio editor of the 
daily. Several years ago he re- 
signed from the staff to write a 
book, then went to Boston where he 
joined the Transcript. When that 
publication suspended he returned 
to the Times, being assigned to the 
city department. 

T. E. Kennedy, Jr., who has been 
acting radio editor since Orrin Dun- 
lap went RCA, remains, handling 
technical and feature material. 
Also on the staff are Sid Lohman 
and Rudy W. Stewart. 

Dick Gilbert on Wax 

Dick Gilbert, night manager of 
WOV, New York, and conductor of 
a record program during which he 
sings vocals with the various rec- 
ords he plays, cut a special record 
with Xavier Cugat's band Monday 
(21). 

Platter will -not be released com- 
mercially by Columbia Records, for 
whom Cugat records. 



N.y. IRKS OUT Radio': 





Broadcaster* Tire of Wait' 
ing for Government 
Agencies to Agree on 
What's Most Important at 
This Time — Recruiting 
and Defense Bonds Rate 
1, 2 — Programs Not Con' 
cemed With Defense Least 
Considered 



•PREFERENCES' 



Washington, July 22, 
Since the Federal Government 
doesn't seem . to be making much 
headway, the National Association 
of Broadcasters Wednesday (16) de- 
cided last week to set' up a schedule 
of priorities for gratis broadcasts, 
Taking things in their own hands, 
the industry's National Defense 
Committee declared members hence- 
forth should give preference to 
agencies concerned with prepared 
ness. 

The N.A.B. group, noting that gov- 
ernment outfits are swamping many 
stations with requests for cufTo air' 
ings, explained a balanced program 
structure is imperative and acknowl 
edged listeners may get fed up with 
Federal ballyhoo, information, and 
propaganda. Requests from public 
servants should be filled in the fol- 
lowing order, the industry commit 
tee advised: 

1. Programs relaline to enlist- 
ment of manpower for both the 
armed services ^nd defense In- 
dostrles. 

Z. Defense financing, such as 
sale of bonds and stamps. 

3. Morale builders. — 

4. Programs of other Federal 
nnlti not primarily concerned 
with (he defense program. 

Under the enlistment category the 
committee listed four subgroupings. 
First, requests for men for the 
Army, Navy, and Marine Corps; 
second, workers in industries carry- 
ing out defense orders; third, candi- 
dates for industrial training for de- 
fense jobs; fourth, workers for gov- 
ernment bureaus. The committee 
reiterated managers' right to use 
their own judgment but urged ac- 
ceptance of this formula in the pub- 
lic interest. 

Impatient 

While showing signs of impatience 
at the Federal gimme outfits, the 
N.A.B. body repeated the Executive 
Committee's declaration that radio 
should make facilities available 
without charge for broadcasts relat- 
ing to defense efforts. They also re- 
minded members of the need for im- 
partiality in scheduling talks on con- 
troversial public questions — meaning 
the war issue, which has been a 
major headache what with isolation- 
ists and interventionists both yowl- 
ing for gobs of time. 

'Radio is playing one of the major 
roles in national defense, giving un- 
sparingly of its time and talent to 
arm the nation in all respects,' 
N.A.B. said. 'It has taken a leading 
part in recruiting soldiers and sail- 
ors and in making selective service 
successful. It is selling defense 
bonds. It is collecting aluminum. It 
is helping to find the right man for 
the right job in defense industries 
and to train manpower for these in- 
dustries. These are but a few of 
many defense activities the industry 
is engaged in.' 

• Chairman of the group is John 
Shepard of Yankee-Colonial. Other 
committeemen are H. Vernon An- 
derson, WJBO, Baton Rouge; Leo J. 
Fitzpatrick, WJR, Detroit; A. J. 
Fletcher, WRAL, Raleigh; Ben Ludy, 
WIBW, Topeka; Frank M. Russell, 
NBC, and Harry Butcher, CBS. 

IDA B. AIXEN OFF WMCA 

Ida Bailey Allen winds up at 
WMCA, New York, this Saturday 
after about a year of household- 
hinting for the station. 

Was heard at 11 a.m. 



s Lavish Support of U.S. 
Defense Bonds Given Much Credit 
For $707M000 Sales to June 30 



Winchell's Staying 



Some radio editors around the 
country have . gratuitously read, 
'warmongering' implications into 
a recent Vabiety story ■ concern- 
ing a possible switch of Walter 
Winchell away from the NBC- 
Blue network. The supposed 
switch became a prospective 
problem in the light of the 
FCC's anti-monopoly orders un- 
der which the Blue web would 
be sold under compulsion. 

Jergen's will continue Win- 
chell and, it now seems likely, 
right where he has been on the 
NBC Blue. The original story 
concerned theoretical network 
switching and reported Mutual 
as eager to have the Winchell- 
Jergen's show should desirable 
time not be available on NBC 
or CBS. 



SET PACT FAST 
BY MEDIATION 
ATWKRC 



Cincinnati, July 22. 

Signing of a 25-page agreement, 
following a 12-hour session that 
ended Sunday (20) at 10 p. m., con- 
cluded mediation proceedings which 
bright final settlement in the pact 
between the American Federation of 
Radio Artists and WKRC, Mutual 
affiliate. Inking was done by Hul- 
bert Taft, Jr., general manager of 
the station, and his attorney, John 
Clippinger, and by Emily Holt, na- 
tional executive secretary, and Hy- 
man R. Faine, national field repre- 
sentative, of AFRA. Mrs. Lillian 
Poses, of New York, was the media- 
tor, by appointment of the U. S. Me- 
diation Service. 

Of the issues decided upon, one 
set the rate of salary for local and 
network sustaining programs at $8 
per quarter hour during the first 
year of the contract, the scale upping 
to $13.50 with termination date fixed 
at Nov. 1, 1943. Another clause ad- 
vanced the pay of staff announcers 
$2.50 to $42.50 per week. 

The arbitration adjustment was 
reached six days after WKRC com- 
plied with an agreement between 
AFRA and Mutual applying to the 
net's affiliates. The earlier settle- 
ment halted an AFRA walkout at 
WKRC, which had been in effect 25 
days. 



(It's expected that Muttuil may 
propose thot Mrs. Lillian Poses, 
who mediated the AFRA-WKRC 
settlement, be named permanent 
arbitrator under the recent ar-r 
bitratton agreement between the 
Tiefworfc and AFRA. Union's at- 
titude on such a possible tugges- 
. (ion isn't indicated.^ 



Dan Sutter, Frances Carlon 
To New York From Chi 

Daniel Sutter, former Chicago 
radio actor, has joined the NBC pro- 
ducer-director staff and is now sit- 
ting in on various network shows 
out of New York to familiarize him- 
self with production. Has no defi- 
nite director assignments so far. 

Sutter was accompanied to New 
York by his wife, Frances Carlon, 
formerly on 'Mary Marlin,' 'Kitty 
Keene' and other Chicago programs. 
She is now appearing regularly on 
'Ellen Randolph' and The Gold- 
bergs,' with occasional spots on 
other shows. 



The private licensees of American 
radio stations have been lavish in' 
their support of the Defense Bonds 
of the United States treasury. Sta- 
tistics for the first two months. May 
and June, that these bonds have been 
on the market reveal the following 
arresting evidence of radio coopera- 
tion: 

May June 

One minute an- 
nouncements . . 79,293 72,800 

Sponsors assist- 
ing 25 40 

Announcements 
on sponsored 

shows 65 81 

Foreign language 
announcements. 10,090 22,802 

Special programs. 23 12 

Sadlo stars aid- 
ing IS 30 

All of this radio publicity, which 
does not include the full hour Treas- 
ury programs on CBS time donated 
by Texaco and the Frank Hummert- 
Frank Black show 'For America We 
Sing' on the NBC Blue (which be- 
gan during July), has been arranged 
and serviced by a radio press di- 
vision of the Treasury Department 
which includes Vince Callahan, 
Charles Gilchrist, Mar jorie Sprigg.s, 
Irving Sulds and Frank King, all of 
them recruited from the broadcast- 
ing industry. 

$707,000,000 In Sales 

As of June 30, the Treasury has 
disposed of som,e $707,000,000 in De- 
fense Bonds, a total said to mor* 
than meet sanguine estimates. Ra- 
dio is credited with doing much to 
roll up this continuing public In- 
vestment in the future of the coun- 
try. 

It is highly significant that the 
foreign language stations are going 
to town for the Defense Bond pub- 
licity. WGES, Chicago, is carrying 
150 announcements weekly. WJBK, 
Detroit, is averaging 400 a month. 
WBNX, New York City, spots 10 
every day, and WHOM, Jersey City, 
tops that with 15. 

Personages who have helped pro- 
mote Defense Bonds and Stamps 
over radio Include: 

Ilka Chaiie, Fibber McGee and Vo\\r, 
rxnace Padcrewskl, Cscll B. DeSdille, Helen 
Menken, aene Autry, Kate .Smith, Ev* 
Curie, Helen Kayei, aimone Simon, Edna 
Ferber, Tyrone Power, Miaeha Auer, Jack 
Benny, Dorothy Lamour, Kdward Arnold, 
Johnny Mack Brown, Ronald Reman. Jan* 
Wymnn, Edward C Roblniion. WlUlam 
LundlgHn, . Wayne Morria, Prlecllla I-«ne, 
Fred MacMurray, Penny BInsleton, Brian 
Donlevy, Ruth Hueaey, Fred Waring, Fred 
AliRn, Eddie Cantor, Irvlns Berlin. Ben 
□ernle, Bob Hope, Bins Croiby, Bob Burn*, 
Barry Wood, Carole Landli, Ceear Ro- 
mero, Joan Blondell, Rudy Vnllee, Uury-i 
Martin, Lynn Overman, Dick Powell. Buk 
Rtack, Hush Herbert, Dennli Iforian, 
Jack Haley, Oeorara Raft, Jeltrey Lynn, 
Donald Crlap, Allan Hale, Melvyn Dous- 
laii, Olaudette Colbert, Joe Louie. 



BLOCK, SUUY 
ONWMCA,N.Y. 



Block and Sully will tea off In 
Joe and Ethel Turp,' Damon Run- 
yon's series, on WMCA, New York, 
July 29. Program will air thrice- 
weekly, Tuesday, Wednesday and 
Thursday. 

At least one sponsor Is reported 
nterested, a final deal dependent on 
the initial reaction to the program 
as a sustainer. 



DELEHANTY INSTITUTE 
SPONSORS PAT BARNES 



Pat Barnes started another com;^ 
mercial this week. He has the Dele- 
hanty Institute, civil service training 
school, as sponsor M-W-F at 7:45 a.m. 

Use.s a band of week phonograph 
record stunt and interviews. First 
interviewee: Schoolman Delehanty. 



36 RADIO 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



THIRD INSTALLMENT 

Continuing from the July 9th and July 1 6th issues of VARIETY the 
Research Director of the Raymond Spector Agency further elaborates 
the tests he has conducted over a considerable period oi time using 
the Stonton-Lazarsfeld program analyzer mechanism which enables 
research to obtain tap6 readings oi audience reaction to specific con- 
tent of radio programs. 



BY HORACE SCHWERIN 

RESEARCH DIRECTOR 
RAYMOND SPECTOR AGENCY 



Reaction to Public Affairs Program 

What Studio Audience Response Traced on the 
Stanton-Lazarsfeld Program Analyzer 



TEST NO. 4 

The Show: A program urging the 
preservation of Civil Liberties in 
the United States. It presents, 
through* dramatizations, monologs 
and narrations a series of situations 
in which freedom of the press and 
the right of free speech have been 
curtailed during times of crisis. 

The method of presentation is 
complicated. It includes, in addi- 
tion to the short dramatic sketches, 
a narrator who points out the les- 
sons which the program attempts to 
teach, and a voice chorus, used to 
emphasize some portions and to act 
as a bridge between various parts 
of the program. 

Audience Reaction: Audience re- 
action to this program was definite 
and tended to be extreme. Favor- 
able impressions were consistently 
recorded . whenever the narrator, 
speaking alone, expressed some' 



able reaction. At various points, an 
organ interlude was used as a bridge 
between sections of the program. 
The music .tended to be loud and 
discordant. Listeners commented: 
'It was too weird' and 'I don't think 
organ music was fitting there.' 

The chprus of voices also caused 
strong, unfavorably reaction. This 
chorus would repeat parts of the 
narrator's words to provide empha- 
sis. It was also used as a transi- 
tional step from one part of the pro- 
gram to another. The audience 
tended to find this device difficult 
to understand and generally ,con- 
fusing. Some said that the chanting 
effect frightened them. The com- 
ments were: 

'I dislike the qualitv of the 

voices and the seTisationalism.' 
'It sounded awfuily stilted.' 
'It was going ntcelv and all of 

a sudden you got that rasping 

crowd.' 



1 WO 



60 



40 



VARIATION OF INTIREST 
IN A PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROCRAM 



20 




\iota)cmxD 



IM 



to 



to 



O/Vr BKOADCAST 



GRAPH 'G' — ^Here surely is one of the most significant, 
showmanship-wise, of all the program analyzer graphs. 
Note the jagged dips when a program dealing with in- 
volved abstractions (civil liberties) attempfed to use sound 
effects and a Greek chorus 'arty' background effect. 



limple, direct thought. (See graph 
*G'.) Both the voice and the thought 
were important to this response. 
The audience would make such 
"comments as:' 

•It is the principle that under- 
Itei that thought. X believe in it 
fiTmXy: ^ 

'I know that is true.' 

'/ Ithe the voice. It too* very 
camect.' 

'I like (he loordlng of it. Wc 
all feel we- have the riflht to li/e, 
libertv, etc.* 

'I like the uwy he appealed to 
vou personal!]/ when he said 'lis- 
tener'.' 

'His was the only voice in the 
. . broadcast that seemed real.' 
'He made me feel patriotic' 

Other narrator portions, however. 
Involved abstruse statements which 

I tended to confuse the audience. 

I Though the voice was still liked, the 
listeners objected to such portions 
•s; 

'Listeners— we are aU guilty, we 
shout hatred after other dreams than 
ours— call every 'ism' from the limbo 
of abortive hopes, and in a nervous 
world, fear for our own safety, the 
safety of the world we made. BUT, 
when we deny these men the right 
to talk In public places, we deny 
free speech, the right to peaceably 
assemble. Only In death does man 
Jeny himself, and democracy lies 
dying if the people are afraid of the 
dreams that blossomed In their 
father's blood!' 

These are days of witches flying 
In the minds of men, and lear and 
ruipor spread from mouth to mouth 



like November blown taste of snow.' 

Certain portions of the program 
tended to evoke a strong, imfavor- 

Though an attempt was made to 
ascertain the exact gestalt or total 
pattern that this program produced 
in the listener's mind, the results 
were so complex and contradictory 
that no satisfactory conclusion was 
reached. Quite possibly the listener, 
himself, was too confused by the 
diversity of content aiid by the in- 
tricate form of presentation to Jiave 
any coherent or consistent reaction 
pattern. 

As evidence of this confusion, we 
have the answers of listeners to the 
question: 'What ideas was ttiis pro- 
gram attempting to put over?' Al- 
most Invariably, the answers were 
confused and uncertain. Typical 
responses were: ' 

'The program shows that it is • 
wonderful to live in the United 
States: 

'It was simply a patriotic pro- 
gram.' 

Actually, the program was at- 
tempting to explain ttiat in times of 
crisis, like the present, civil liber- 
ties are often curtailed. The appeal 
was to prevent this from happening 
in the United States today. 

This message was lost to the au di- 
ence. It did not get over because 
the manner of presentation was 



GESTALT DEFINED 



Gestalt, a term of psychologists, 
is employed throughout these re- 
ports as indicating the total pat- 
tern of emotional and intellec- 
tual reactions which the listener 
experiences while listening to a 
radio program. 



cate what many advertisers have 
found through experience — that the 
best presentation is a simple, direct 
one. 

It dramatizes a point often over- 
looked in writing radio shows and 
that is the average audience can 
only absorb straight-forward sim- 
ple ideas. This factor of a com- 
plexity and conjfusion has been 
found time and time again in 
shows and' commercials that we 
have tested. 



5. A SERIAL STORY 

The Show: A serial story, spon- 
sored "by a large industrial associa- 
tion. 'The purpose of the sponsor 
was to portray a typical American 
family that listeners would associate 
with themselves and their neighbors. 

Our study indicated 'hat though 
the audience to this program en- 
joyed and wanted to hear future in- 
stallments, it by no means thought 
the family portrayed typical. In 
other words, though the sponsor had 
all the outward signs of a successful 
program, he was failing totally to 
get over his message. 

The particular gestalt or total pat- 
tern produced by this program is, of 
course, of no importance, since the 
program failed completely to hit the 
intended mark. 




THIS IS WHAT YOU DO'— Researcher Schwerin explains 
the program analyzer mechanism to a member of the test 
panel audience in a recent experiment. Not shown: the 
mechanism which punches telltale marks on the tape. 



CONTRIBUTIONS TO 
SHOWMANSHIP 



hopelessly complex. The only por- 
tions ' tliat made a clear impression 
on the audience were those in which 
-the narrator spoke simply and di- 
rectly. 

This program would seem to Indl- 



On this and the facing page appears the 
third installment of Horace Schwerin's sum- 
mation of his audience reaction studies using 
the mechanical device developed by Frank 
Stanton of the Columbia Broadcasting Sys- 
tem and Paul Lazarsffeld of Columbia Uni- 
versity. A fourth— and final— installment 
will appear in next week's Variety with 
Schwerin at that time stating some of his 
conclusions. 

Many radio research men believe that the 
'push-button' technique of tracing audience 
'likes' and 'dislikes' in instantaneous correla- 
tion to specific parts or moments in an enter- 
tainment or a commercial is one of the most 
provocative advances in trade history toward 
bringing the methods of science to the sup- 
port and elucidation of the practices and de- ■ 
cisions of showmanship. It is out of regard 
f6r this interesting possibility that Vahiety 
has published this data. 

Author Schwerin and Variety said in the 
first instalhnent of the series, and it is per- 
haps desirable to repeat it again, a word of 
warning, namely, that nobody should sup- 
pose that radio research is, or can ever be 
in programming or copy-writing a substitute 
for imagination, for judgment, for creative 
ability. Research is instead more intel- 
ligently considered a stimulant of imagina- 
tion, a fortifier of judgment, a confirmation 
of creative ability. ^ What these Schwerin re- 
ports represent is fairly clear. They are 
scientific contributions to the better under- 
standing of the arts of broadcasting. That 
is a lot but that is all. Neither Schwerin, 



the Spector agency, nor this publication as 
the medium of trade and general publicity 
for the data suggest that herein lies a radio 
showmanship panacea or a magic shortcut to 
high ratings in the popularity surveys. 

Schwerin in his preface declared that he 
believed^these experiments do shed light on 
such matters as: 

1. How the public reacts while listening to 
various types of radio programs. 

2. How to increase the number of people 
who listen to commercials. 

3. How to gain more regular listeners to 
a program. 

4. How to determine in advance what ma- 
terial should be stressed and what omitted 
in a program. 

5. Where to place commercial announce- 
ments so that they will be most effective. 

6. How to evaluate the propaganda effect 
of a program. 

7. How to edit news. 

8. How to make programs and com- 
mercials sell more merchandise. 

The purpose of this series Schwerin has 
said, and Variety echoes, is to help the radio 
entertainment-advertising trade to carry out 
the showman's goal: 'Give the public more 
of what it likes; less of that which it dislikes.' 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



BADIO S7 



HOW TO DIAGNOSE YOUR 
RADIO COMMERCIALS and PROGRAMS 



Regular vs. Occasional Listener? 



Whom should your program strive 
to please, the regular or the occa- 
Blonal listener? . 

CBS has recently released a bro- 
chure, based on studies compiled by 
Dr. Frank Stanton, Director of CBS 
Research, titled The Passing of the 
One Night Stand.' This work is a 
study of the extent ot audience turn- 
over. 

Dr. Stanton presents facts which 
suggest a problem long discussed by 
radio men— Should one attempt to 
make his program more attractive 
to those who are already regular lis- 
teners, or should he put his prin- 
cipal efforts into gaining new audi- 
ences? 

Stanton shows, that every radio 
program has a large audience 
which hears the program occasion- 
ally. This phenomenon he- calls 
'Audience Turnover.' He points out 
that this group of occasional listen- 
ers is usually larger than the num- 



of the reaction varies. (See graph 
'H'.) But the same portions of the 
program which produce high and 
low points for regular listeners pro- 
duce them for occaslnal listeners as 
well. 

There Is, therefore, no conflict be^* 
tween making your program more 
Interesting and more intensely lis- 
tened to by your primary audience 
and in making it more attractive to 
new listeners. Both ends will be 
served by one policy, that of mak- 
ing your program more Interesting 
to your regular audience. In this 
way, you will raise the high points 
of your program and increase their 
number. Since occasional listeners 
tend to react in the same way as 
your regular ones, you will find that 
you have also increased the inter- 
est of the group which listens oc 
caslonally. 

There is, of course, another ap- 
proach to the problem of Increasing 



REGUIAH LISTENEHS REACT MOKE 
INTENSEIY THAN OCCASIONAL lISTINEni 




audience. This approach is from the 
programming angle and involves the 
question of the hour, days and sta- 
tion- that will be best for your pro- 
gram. 

For the purposes of this study, 
however, we are only considering 
the increase of audience as it may be 
affected by the program itself. 



HOW TO INCREASE THE AUDIENCE AND MAKE 
COMMERCIALS SELL MORE EFFECTIVEY 



SUMMARY 



GRAPH *H' — The sho-wmanship^ lesson implioit In thio 
study is that -while both group>s react Bimilorly the pattern 
of interest of regular' (i. e. habitual) listeners starts and 
stays at a higher point than the jJattern of 'casual' listeners' 
interest. ' 



Summarizing briefly the practical 
significance of our work, 

(1.) That every program produces 
a mood or thought pattern in the lis- 
tener's mind which we call the 
gestalt, or total pattern of the pro- 
gram. The listener will tend to re- 
sent and dislike any portions of the 
program which violate this gestalt. 
Conversely the greater the amount 
of material which you present" in the 
gestalt or. total pattern of the pro- 
gram, the higher will be the Inter- 
est of your audience. 

(2.) The gestalt of any program Is 
ascertained by studying the reac- 
tions of that program's pfimary au- 
dience while listening to the pro- 
gram. 

(3.) Because of the 'carry-over' 
effect, any part of a program will 
affect those portions which follow it. 
Thus, a portion of a program to 
which your audience reacts favor- 
ably will tend to improve their re- 
actions to the remainder of that pro- 
gram. Likewise, if the reaction is 
unfavorable, it will tend to color 
negatively the reaction to what fol- 
lows. 

Therefore, It Is always advisable 
to put your most interesting Items 
first. In the case of a news broad- 
oast, this means putting your 'hot- 
test' news in the beginning of a 
newscast. As we shall see in the 
next part of this report, the 'carry- 
over' also influences the reaction to 
oommerclal announcements. There, 
too, the first reaction to your com- 
mercial colors all subsequent reac- 
tions. 



For the sponsor, oommerclals are 
probably the most important part 
of any program. 

The character of this problem can 
be better appreciated by taking the 
actual situation of a certain sponsor, 
whose average middle news com- 
mercial contains 218 words . . . his 
average closing news commercial 
188. 

This average middle commercial 
times one minute — 14 seconds (1:14 
sec.) . . ..and the average closing 
times one minute — six seconds (1:05 
sec). Therefore, his total effective 
commercial time, including the 
opening, is approximately two and 
a half minutes. 

The. Iowa Radio Audience Survey, 
as well as other authoritative sur- 
veys, indicate that the average radio 
set is on daily for approximately five 
hours. 

This sponsor's commercials, there- 
fore, take up two and a half minutes 
of the five daily listening hours — 
which is about 8/lOs of one percent 
of the listening time providing, of 
course, that one of his programs is 
heard. Furthermore, his commer- 
cials take less than'i 3/lOs of \% of 
the 16 hours wakinj time — of the 
time in which people are consciously 
receiving impressions. 

Hence we find that people are re- 
ceiving multitudes of impressions 
and that the sponsor's coflnmercials 
can, ' at best, have an inflnlteslmal 
part of the audience's conscious time 
in which to make a sufficiently vivid 
impression to motivate the listener 
toward purchasing the product 

BASIC CONSIDERATIONS 

We have seen before that every 
radio program selects it's own audi- 
ence. Commercial announcements 
are part of a program. Our studies 
show that commercials, as well as 
programs, select their own audience. 
However, the audience for commer- 
cials is limited to the people listen- 
ing to the program. Obviously, 
therefore, both comrfSercials and 
program must appeal to the same 
people or the . commercials are 
doomed to failure from the start. 



ber of regular listeners. While, for 
example, approximately 8,000,000 
people listen to a certain national 
program every Sunday, approxi- 
mately 20,000,000 DIFFERENT peo- 
ple hear the program in the course 
of a month. Here th,e turnover ratio, 
to use Stanton tertninology. Is 2.5 
since 2% times as many people were 
reached In a month as in a week. 

Every program has this large bor- 
derline fringe of listeners. We may 
assume that this group does not lis- 
ten regularly for a number of dif- 
ferent reasons. Some of them may 
not always be available at the time 
of the broadcast. Some keep chang- 
ing from one station to another, 
seeking a satisfactory program. 
Others— and this is the group which 
has special significance for every 
commercial sponsor— do not listen 
regularly because they do not enjoy 
the program enough to make a point 
of listening to it each time that it 
Is on the air. We are all familiar 
from our own experience with this 
. attitude toward a radio program. It 
may be summarized with the state- 
ment; 'If my radio happened to be 
tuned to this program, I would not 
turn It off, but neither would I 
make it a point to actually tune In 
the broadcast.' 

■If a program' Is to increase the 
size of its regular audience, that 
Increase will come from this group 
of occasional listeners. The problem 
for every radio sponsor is: 'How can 
I attract the greatest percentage of 
this transient audience and make 
these occasional listeners regular Us 
teners?' 

The answer to this problem Is not 
so complex as It may seem. 



iNTENsrrr of beaction 



In actual tests, we have found that 
occasional listeners to a program re^ 
act In the' same way as do regular 
listeners, except that the Intensity 



Deciding . What They Like 




Therefore, the first rule in creat- 
ing successful commercials is that 
the program and the commercial 
must select the same audience. 

A nationally known reducing prod- 
uct, for example, has a weekly dra^ 
matic program which attracts one of 
the smallest listening audiences of 
any national program. In spite of the 
small number of listeners, this pro- 
gram sells large quantities of the 
product. The explanation for this 
seeming paradox Is .that the audi- 
ence selected by the program is com- 
posed almost exclusively of poten-' 
tial buyers of the product. The pro- 
gram has been so conceived that it is 
psychologically sound in its appeal 
to stout women. Therefore, though 
few people listen — those who do are 
the ones whom the sponsor wants to 
reach. 

This consideration -is fundamental 
to the creation of good commercial 
announcements. 

THE PROBLEM: Assuming that 
you have met the fundamental re- 
quirement that your commercial* 
and your program audience are the 
same, so that you do not run the 
danger of attempting to sell cigars, 
let us say, to a feminine audience, of 
books to illiterates — assuming that 
you have solved this problem, the 
rest of your difficulties may be di- 
vided into two parts: 
I 1. How to get a larger percentage 
of your audience to LISTEN to your 
commercial, and: i 

2. How to make your commercial 
SELL a greater percentage of those 
who hear it. 

As with advertisements in visual 
media, both elements of the problem 
are Important. It is never enough 
to know how many people a maga- 
zine ad, for example, succeeds In 
'stopping' — you must also know how 
many people are sold the product. 
Often one finds that an ad which 
many people see and read still pro- 
duces small sales. Or, conversely, 
that an ad which sells a high per- 
centage of those who read it, at- 
tracts few readers. 

For convenience, we will discuss 
these two phases of the problem 
separately. 

I GETTINO IIOBE LISTEITEBS I 



NEW STYLE RULE OF THUMB — Another photograph of an actual studio audience at 
WOR, New York. The representatives of the listening audience hove been equipped 
with push-buttons, which connect by cable with a moving tape. One press of the thumb 
for 'I don't like this'; another for 'I do like this.' 



Turning to the first problem, we 
find that when the listening be- 
havior of over 3,000 radio families 
was observed, often families having 
their radios tuned to an evening 
broadcast, 4)nly two attentively 
listened to the commercials when 
they came on.** Eight out of 10 
families were Inattentive; that is, 
probably failed to hear the sponsor's 
messages. Although attention is not 
fundamentally the same as listening, 
it is a convenient yardstick which 
seems to indicate that a large part of 
the listening audience does not hear 
commercials. 

Therefore, our first problem Is to 
increase the size of the group who 
hear our commercials. 

Fur a detailed dlBCUiuilon by Ihe nulhor 
on how to find the people niOHt upt to buy 
n product; that Is, the Ideal commcrclnl 
oudloncq, «ce 'Spotting ot Prlmory Mar- 
kets KHHtntlal to Prontuble Advcrllstng 
Ivjnphojilfl.' Printer'!! Inh. .Sept. 27, IWO. 



•* Recently neveral J(urv<fy« have Mhown 
that ug hiKb u (>(l% to 110% of the regular 
llHtencril to Jioverul wer^kly broudcaijla pur- 
rha-ied the sponaor'n product. ,\ccordlng 
to our roport, CT% of the rCRjIar tlHlonora 
to a popular newe reporter, have the apon> 
flor'B product In their homeu. 

Thlfl might appear InconslHtent with the 
fact that only one out of five famlltes 
llHlen Attentively to a particular news 
commercial. 

The apparent InconRl.itency la eliminated 
by noting that we are dlwcUBSlng the 
llHtcnIng to each Individual prngrrfm— and 



not the elCecl of an enilie series of pro* 
gramH, 

(Fourth and /inal XnsioXlment next 
week.) 



Editorial Note 

J- 

The author of these articles of 
which the final one will appear next 
week Is now in the United States 
Army, stationed at Ft. Dlx, N. J. - 

There Is also a Mrs. Horace 
Schwerln as'of June 14. 



88 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



PUBLISHER-OWNER HEARINGS START; 
FCC EXPEQED TO SPRING SURPRISES 



Newspapers in 'They-Can't-Do-This-to-Us' Mood on 
Eve of Showdown — Commish May Charge Press 
Plays Favorites Editorially, Can't Be Trusted 



Washington, July 22. 
Vigorous resistance to the anti- 
press bias of the FCC is promised 
lor the hearing on licensing policy 
due to open tomorrow (Wednesday). 
Two separate publisher groups are 
operating on a they-can't-do-that-to- 
■ vs theory. Regulators indicated last 
week they have no intention of put- 
ting off the sessions until cool 
weather, though some of their own 
membership would like to have 
things deferred until after Labor 
Day. 

With only six members In office 
and one or two likely to be absent, 
the Commish declared it will sit 
from 10 to 4:30 daily at the National 
Archives building auditorium and 
indicated expectations that several 
days will be required for everybody 
to unload. Chief questioA is the 
amount of evidence the /kilocycle 
cops will offer, since they have been 
holding their cards close to ihe chest 
while snoopers have been digging 
into private files and pencil pushers 
have been quietly extracting data 
from the tell-everything question- 
naires. 

The Commish has amassed a 
mountain of data through the quiz 
blanks and the prowling carried on 
under the protection of subpoenas. 
AH industry people expect the FCC 
will confront protestants with a 
bunch of conclusions along the line 
that newspapers, accustomed to play- 
ing favorites editorially, can't be 
trusted to serve public interest. All 
Indications are that the New Deal 
faction on the Commish will ap- 
: proach the question from the have- 
you-stopped-beating-your-wife view- 
point. 

Faint Hope 

Faint hope Is entertained that the 
proceedings will be called off as 
asked by the American Newspaper 
Publishers Association through 
Elisha Hanson, ANPA general coun- 
sel. 

Second challenge of the FCC's 
right to prescribe station ownership 
by any class of individuals was 
docketed Saturday (19). The News- 
paper-Radio Committee (Harold V. 
Hough group) did not ask for any 
further delay, though originally they 
squawked that insufficient time was 
allowed to prepare for such funda- 
mental proceedings. Houghites said 
they would offer voluminous testi- 
mony designed to prove newspapers 
are particularly well equipped to de- 
liver high quality service. 

The Hough group, like the ANPA, 
declerecl the Commish lacks author- 
ity to discriminate between publish- 
er-applicants £tnd other license-seek- 
ers. Rules must be the same .for 
everybody, the notice of appearance 
contended. Any attempt to put the 

^ press-broadcasters in a special dog- 
house will violate the Constitutional 
guarantee of free speech, the FCC 
was told, . Strong hint was thrown 
out that, the Newspaper-Radio gang 
at the start of the hearings will 
move. to have the proceedings called 
off — even though it is acknowledged 
there is no chance of success. Hough 
notified the FCC his group will pre- 
sent a 'statement' at the opening of 
the hearings. 

14th Amendment 
The petition alleged that imposi- 
tloh of further restrictions in the 
broadcasting field directed solely at 
publishers will violate two provi- 
sions of the VS. Constitution— the 
14th Amendment involving 'due-pro- 
cess ' of law before taking away 

k . 'property and the free-speech clause 

\ In the bUl of Rights. 

Others have shown clearly they 
wiU ask the FCC where It gets legal 
authority to single out newspapers 
for any kind of Special treatment 
Among these is WGN, the outlet of 
the violently antl-Roosevelt Chi- 
cago Tribune. 

Brief delay In opening the inquisi- 
tion may result, Fly indicated at a 
press conference Saturday (19) there 
Is a possibility the Commish wIU 

j^rant the oral arguitient — on the 
question of jurisdiction raised by 
Banson and .the AJfAP^but few 
watchers think there is any real 
prospect the Commish will back 
dowa The regulators Insist they 
have not made up their minds 09 the 
basic Issue and the proceeding is 



only to. get information on which to 
base decisions whether (1) there is 
authority to draw a line between 
newspapers and applicants and (2) 
newspaper ownership is or is not 
in the public interest 

Wishful Thinking? 
Reports that possibly a majority 
of the regulators have changed their 
minds abo.ut going ahead with the 
proceedings do not seem to have 
much foundation. Trade circles heard 
that Commissioners Ray C. Wake- 
field and George Henry Payne were 
wavering. But that gossip seems to 
be wishful thinking. Payne reputedly 
has told intimates he thinks the hear- 
ing ought to go on, inasmuch as 
there are no commitments one way 
or the other, implied or actual, con- 
cerning basic policy. Wakefield is 
the member who signed the catch- 
all subpoenas which FCC snoopers 
waved as justtiflcation for demand- 
ing that all records be laid on the 
Uble. 

Disclosure that a new EVequency 
Modulation web is in the offing was 
one result of filing of appearances 
in connection with the press-owner- 
ship prowl. Numerous publishers 
are interested in an enterprise known 
as the American Network, Inc., a 
Delaware corporation formed by. 23 
Individuals and organizations putting 
up $500 each toward cost of survey- 
ing the prospects of making money 
through combined operation. This 
erew said it wants to present evi- 
dence showing that prohibition of 
newspaper ownership or operation 
would havg an adverse effect on^the 
promotion of FM. 

Test of the Commission's right to 
insist on examining private files may 
be an outcome of the inquiry, though 
the regulators generally seem to have 
been anxious to avoid a showdown 
on the validity of the subpoenas. In 
one case, FCC attorneys were told 
they could not wander through the 
records and invited to make forcible 
entry under a subpoena, but the 
snoopers reputedly withdrew. Ap- 
parently the Commish did not want 
to have the question of power to de- 
mand exposure of records inter- 
mingled with the issues of jurisdic- 
tion. 



Geographic Stumbles 



Radio announcers have been 
doing a better job on those jaw- 
breaking Russian towns than on 
some of their American burgs 
with Indian names. 

Recent stumbles: Oswego, 
Muskegon, 



BAYUK MAY SPONSOR 
TINNEY ON MUTUAL 



Bayuk cigar will probably revise 
its radio lineup some time next 
month. Account' may sponsor (Tal 
Tinney on en extensive Mutual 
spread, likely originating out of -WIP, 
Philadelphia. There may also be a 
change in the setup of its' 'Inside of 
Sports* show. 

Ivey & Ellington, Philadelphia, is 
the agency. 



Strotz West to Attend 
The Bohemian Gro?e 



San Francisco, J\ily 22. 

Sidney Strotz, NBC v.p. in charge 
of programs, i? here to attend Bohe- 
mian Grove hijinks Saturday (26) as 
guest of Harry Anderson, former 
NBC coast sales chief now heading 
public relations for General Mills 
out of Minneapolis. 

.Local radio folks participating in- 
clude William Pabst KFRC, stage 
manager, Larry Allen, Consolidated 
Radio Artists, production manager 
of the affair Frank Denke, NBC 
wljo wrote the music; Cameron 
Prud'homme, NBC actor, DTnty 
Moore and Red Knorp of CRK. 
Book is by Bud Landis, Shell oil ad 
manager. 



Walt Gonnan of Yank Net 
Joins Compton Agency 

Walter Gorman, formerly with the 
Yankee network in Providence, has 
joined the Compton agency as a pro- 
gram supervisor. Assignments so 
far include "The O'Neills* and 'Vic 
and Sade.* 

He succeeds George Brengle, who 
resigned to take several technical 
courses at Columbia University in 
anticipation of call for active service 
in the navy, in which he Is a mem- 
ber of the reserve. 



Newspaper Flea Denied 

Austin, Texas, July 22. 
The Federal Communications 
Commission has dismissed the ap- 
plication of J. M. West, J. Marion 
West T. H. Monroe and P. M. Stev- 
enson for a new station here using 
the facilities of station KTBC, here 
on 1,120 kilocycles with a power of 
1,000 watts. Station to operate on 
specified hours. At present time 
station operates on a frequency of 
1,150 kilocycles with 1,000 watts 
power. 

J. M. West owns the Austin 
Tribune and the Dallas Dispatch 
Journal. 



Nathan Flelaher, WDAS, Philadel- 
phia, news analyst, recuperating 
from a recent illness, will make his 
daily newscasts for the rest of the 
summer from the Breakers hoteL 
Atlantic City. 



Keith McLeod at NBC 



Keith McLeod, veteran broadcaster 
from the pip.neer..days,.of. radio, lias 
joined the NBC production staff un- 
der Wilfred Roberts, production 
director. For the last five years he 
has been production manager for the 
Henry Souvaine office. 

Joining station WJZ, New York, 
right after the last war, McLeod be- 
came musical supervisor when NBC 
was formed, resigning in- 1933 to be- 
come program director of WFIL, 
Blue network outlet in Philadelphia. 



♦ ♦ - ♦♦♦f»»»»»»»»»t»»»»»»»t»t»»* MM »« MM »4. 



From the IVoductioD Centres 



♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»«♦♦♦♦ ♦v 

m mW YORK CITY ... 

Dorothy Iiowell, the title actress on 'Our Gal Sunday,' due back from, 
cruise next week. . . .Fay Wray, Jimmy Jemall and Ella Logan join Keenan 
Wynn and Stoopnagle on the Schaefer beer show Tuesday (29) night.... 
Gertrude Niesen guests Friday (25) night on 'Double or Nothing*.... 
Bryan Field will cover the Saratoga race meet for W71NY, FM outlet for 

WOR 'Court of Missing Heirs' retitled 'Are You a Missing Heir?' 

Dick Dudley upped to NBC's senior announcing staff. 

John Connery added to 'Amanda of Honeymoon Hill' cast . . . Hugh 
Marlowe joined 'Stella Dallas' troupe . , . Elspeth Eric into 'Front Page 
Farreir cast . . . Clayton CJollyer added to 'Just Plain Bill' lineup . 
Boyd Crawford, 'Amanda' Juve lead, doubles next week in 'Western 
Union, Please,' at iPaper MiU playhouse, Millburn, N. J. . . . Vic Knight, 
producer-director of the. Cantor show last season, -^Ul shift to the Fred 
Allen series this fall . . . Howard Rellly will continue to assist on the 
latter . . . William j. Moore, secretary and commercial manager of WBNX, 
to South Hero, Vt; for vacation . . . House Jameson added to 'Our Gal 
Sunday* cast . . . ESie Palmer and Richard Gordon returned to 'Orphans 
of Divorce* . . . Lester Gottlieb, Mutual publicity rep, vacationing in New 
Hampshire. 

William Ramsey, Procter St Gamble radio chief, in New York last week, 
but won*t return until early September . , . Meanwhile, he'll vacation at 
Gloucester, Mass. . . . John Hunter, of th« Blackett-Sample-Hummert 
editorial staff, left last week to become assistant to Sanford Griffiths, of 
the Temporary Committee for Shortwave . . . Jerry Danzig, WOR press 
department headj visiting San . Francisco, due back in about two more 
weeks . . . Charles Baltin of WHOM to be married Aug. 10 to Evelyn 
Gertrude Hoffman, a school teacher of New Market N. J. . . . Eleanor 
Brogan, of the WHOM secretarial staff, will marry Edward A. Campbell, 
a non-pro, Aug. 2 . . . She'll remain at WHOM. 

Jack Runyoh, radio head of Ted Bates agency, sending Guy Lombardo 
record albums to managers of all CBS stations carrying the band's series 
for Colgate-PalmoUve-Peet, starting Aug. 2 . . . Selena Royle's private 
party Friday (18) for the cast of 'Woman of Courage' was turned into 
a big benefit blowout for USO and defense bonds and stamps . . . Trudie 
Becker, WWRL vocaUst changed her name to Babs Bolton . . . Earla 
McGiU, CBS. director, treks to Ann Arbor to produce radio shows Aug. 

9- 11 at the drama Festival there . . . Edna Garrity, 'WWRL vocalist, back 
from trip to Duluth . . . Procter & Gamble began last week using 'news' 
commercials on its Ivory soap serials . . . Paul Stewart, ambusk«d be•^ 
hind a week-old beard he let grow to play the part of Duke Mantee, th« 
gangster in 'Petrified Forest,' at White Plains, drew uneasy glances from 
the waiters in Louis & Armand's last week . . . Incidentally, that res- 
taurant is known among the radio gang as '10% East S2d Street.' 

Ralph Edwards bought place at Bedford Village, N. Y CBS audition- 
ing a variety show with Frank Fay for Chesterfield Because she'll be 

rehearsing preliminary to the reopening of 'Lady in the Dirk,' Gertrude 
Lawrence will be unable to do one of the 'Forecast' shows for CBS, as 

originally planned Virgil Thomson composing the score for 'Samson,' 

one of the Biblical trilogy for '26 by Corwin' Deems Taylor and Lyn 

Murray are scoring the other two Albert Morgan, \writer-director of 

WWRL's Studio Players, also producing 'Memoirs of Caroline Brooks' 

serial over WBYN Frank Hanna and Sherman Atwood joined NBC 

technician staff ... .Jarmila Novotna and Burgess Meredith guest Friday 
(25) night on the Ilka Chase 'Penthouse Party' ... .Cornelia Otis Skinner 

will be on the same show the following week, Aug. 1 Walter Lurie, 

free-lance producer-writer, has . incorporated under the name of Radio 
Showmanship, Inc. 

Clifford Goldsmith vacationing in the Canadian northwest Robert 

Bright returned to the NBC television production staff as a scenic artist 

Maria Pichler, ex- Viennese actress, in cast of recorded serial, 'As tha 

Twig Is Bent* Barbara Kent, English legit-fllm actress, will be on 'War_ 

Letters from Britain' program Friday (25) night via WMCA NBC-Red 

airing Grant Park (Chicago) ^mphony concerts Saturday and Monday 

nights Roy Shield will baton the Women's Symphony on the series 

Saturday (26) June Hynd starts "What Can I Do?" a women's defense 

series July 31 on NBC-Blue Florence Reed guests tomorrow (Thurs- 
day) night on 'Sky Over Britain' via WOR William Kitay, who does 

'Just Bill' series on WWRL, wiU marry Ida Eisman, his secretary, Aug. 

10 Prescott Robinson and Alois Havrilla taking over Mark Hawley's 

two WOR news programs. .. .Hawley has free-lance plans Cab Callo- 
way's 'Qulzzicale' series on WOR,- spreads to the network Sunday night 

(27), with the band going on tour Lars Skattebol, of NBC special events 

department, has resigned to take a job with the AP. 

Alvin Josephy in charge ol WOR special features during Dave Driscoll's 

vacation in Minnesota Phil Cohan, who produced the recent Ontario 

radio program, back on the CBS staff and readying a musical show for 
the "Forecast* series. .. .Gene King going on the road to produce-announce 

the Cab Calloway 'Quizzicale* Phillips Holmes will be guest-lead 

Wednesday (30) night on 'Grand Central Station* Jane Kllbourne, for- 
merly secretary to John McMillin, Compton agency radio head, now with 
the John Blair station rep office. 



NBC AppoinU Magidoff 

Robert Magidoff^ U. S. newspaper 
correspondent in Moscow, has been 
appointed NBC representative there. 

He succeeds Herman Habicht who 
returns to the U. S. soon. 



Two-Year License for Stations? 

* 

James L. Fly Is Apparently Sympathetic — Would 
Meet 'Stabilizing Needs' of Industry 



Washington, 'July 22. 

Chances that the present one-year 
license term may be doubled was 
suggested Saturday (19) when FCC 
Chairman James L. Fly reported to 
the press on conferences with web 
executives bbout adjusting th^ mo- 
nopoly reform piles. 

Though he would not commit him- 
self Fly suggested some of the fear 
about stabilizing network-affiliate re- 
lations until the controversial com- 
mandments could be diminished by 
extending the permit tendre. The 
CommtmicBtlons Act allows licenses 
up to three years, and papers last- 
ing for this period have been urged 



repeatedly by broadcasters and by 
Commissioners Norman S. Case and 
T. A. M. Craven. 

The two-year license idea is get- 
ting study. Fly acknowledged, as a 
means of overcoming objections that 
there would be insufficient sUbility 
with affiliation pacts limited to 12 
months. He seemed sympathetic to 
loAger permits. ' 

Two years ago the FCC e^rtended 
the. license term to a full year. From 
Ihie inception of strict government 
control in 1937 until then, papers had 
to be renewed every six months, 
burdening both the regulatory 
agency and the industry. 



tJS HOLLYWOOD . ., . 

Hal Hudson, Pacific network commercial program manager for CBS, has 
again turned to profit his hobby of fiction writing. Last week he sold That 
Uncertain Woman* to Republic after having previously received checks 
from Paramount and Universal. ,. .Ed Helwick, writing partner of CarroU 
CarroU on Kraft Music Hall, and Nathan Scott NBC page, having their 

ditty, 'You Ain't Kiddin,' published Lewis Alien Weiss back from two 

weeks' eastern sojourn with daughter. Patsy, a Stanford sophomore 

Frank Healy, radio agent Joined the army air corps at Moffett Field, near 
Frisco.... Bert Praeger sits In for the summer at Benton St Bowles while 

Mann Holiner rests up for the fall Sam Hayes starting his 11th year in 

radio as a newscaster and third for Sperry flour, his current sponsor 

Isabel Randolph ('Mrs. Uppington' of Fibber & Molly) set for two pic- 
tures Haven MacQuarrie closes out his 'Marriage Club' series for Con- 
tinental Baking Aug. 7, doing the last four programs from here.... Parks 
Johnson taking in the sights on his first vacation from vox-popping in nine 
years. .. .Charlton Morse hitting the gypsy trails tlU September. Mike 

Rafetto and Myron Dutton looking after his 'One Man's Family' Al 

Jarvis resumed his 'Syncopated Summer School' over KFWB under spon- 
sorship. .. .Newest wrinkle in gratis guesting is the Inveiition of George 
Fisher, Mutual's film gabber. Wblle he lolls at Lake Tahoe for a month 
his program wUl be sparkled by Shirley Ross, John Payne, Bruce Cabot 
and Mitchell Leisen.... Pete De Uxna, who held various executive posts 
with major networks and artists bureausjn the past 15 years, has joined 
the writing staff for KFI-KECA.. 



IN CHICAGO . . . 

Evelyn I^nne of NBC vocal joins the -Russel M. Seeds agency stock com- 
pany as vocalist for the 'Uncle Walter Dog House' and 'College Humor' 

shows, ireplacing Virginia VeirlU early in August Dick Baker has taken 

over the m.c. job on the "Fun, Incorporated' show on WJJD"! . . .Peggy Wall 

in from Miami for a ride on the 'Betty arid Bob' disc show Carolyn 

Montgomery, pianist and vocalist, added to musical staff of WJJD.... 
Lum and Abner will guest on the Alka-Seltzei National Barn Dance show, 
cutting in from the Coast 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 . 



RADIO 89 



TALKS CONSTRUCnVE'-RY 



IIEBS GET FCC 
TO SEPT. IB 



Nothing Very Specific Settled 
Yet as Industry-Regulators 
Huddles Continue : — But 
Chairman Says He's Sym- 
pathetic and Willing to 
Modify — But He's Suspi- 
cious of 'Dilatory Tactics' 



r 



C. Butcher of CBS; Louis G. Cald- 
well and Fred Weber of MBS. 

Fly eaid the talks were 'construc- 
tive' with all parties in a 'splendid' 
frame of mind. The discussions were 
on a give-and-take basis, with Fly 
Insisting he was not trading for the 
Commish or in a position to make 
any binding pledges. He declared 
the Commish will be 'sympathetic' 
If there is evidence of efforts to con- 
form to the rule, repeating assur- 
ances the regulators will not be un- 
reasonable in requiring disposition 
of stations. While no attempt was 
made to fix the period needed to un- 
load properties,' Fly said whatever 
time Is .needed will be allowed, indi- 
cating, he by no means makes any 
concession about the regulations for- 
bidding dual network operation or 



M. AND O. TAXES 



Washington, July 22. 
Postponement of the FCC's an*i- 
monopoly orders for six weeks was 
^equested by the three national 
chains Monday (21) following four 
days of direct parleys about possi- 
ble agreement on mutually accept- 
able changes in established business 
practices. The webs asked the 
regulators to delay enforcement of 
the rules from Aug. 2 until Sept. 16. 

Announcement was made by 
Chairman James L. Fly, who said 
NBC and. CBS, without opposition 
of Mutual, was taking this step to 
provide more time for discussions 
In the hope of reaching some kind 
of accord, Fly earlier had given 
clear indication he would agree to 
put off application *of the command- 
ments, if requested by any of the 
affected parties. 

FCC formally postponed ef- 
fectiveness of monopoly reform 
as requested ontll Sept. 16. 
Meantime there is no action on 
challenge of the FCC's authority 
to hold press ownership hearjne. 
With only sketchy information 
available about the nature and re- 
.sults of the huddles last week Fly 
voiced appreciation for 'the coop- 
erative attitude of the network offi- 
cials and for their willingness to 
devote themselves continuously to a 
discussion of tlie problems.' He 
added the web executives are hope 
ful that with another six weeks to 
thrash out the Issues 'a satisfactory 
solution of the various problems in- 
volved' will be reached. 

After several confabs In New York 
end conversations- with (Chairman 
Burton K. Wheeler, of the Senate 
Interstate Commerce Commission, 
— leading , officers- of the three- sksins 
tackled Fly Wednesday (16). Ses 
sions were held the next two days 
and again Monday (21), most of 
' them lasting several hours. 

There was little information In 
trade circles about the progress be- 
ing made, although decidedly minor 
points had perhaps been settled. At 
the same time, the two webs fight- 
ing the principal regulations re- 
putedly kept on insisting the rules 
are invalid. Both CBS and NBC 
were said to be armed with for- 
midable opinions by nationally- 
known New York law firms called 
In to reinforce their own regular 
attorneys. No move has been made 
10 far, however, to challenge the 
FCC's action In court, the reason- 
ing of NBC and CBS seeming to be 
that it Is better to explore the pros 
pects of some compromise. 

Most of the discussions to date 
are understood to have revolved 
around the time option question, 
with NBC and CBS' adamant in re- 
fusing to agree that the principle 
■ should be thoroughly scrapped but 
Indicating a willingness to dicker 
about_a formula either limiting Jhe 
earmarked hours on a quantitative 
basis or granting affiliates more 
latitude In filling periods reserved 
lOr but not used -by the networks. 

"Very considerable progress' was 
reported by Fly, Saturday (19), and 
the head whlpcracker stated at 
press conference he Is 'pretty optl 
mlstlc about the ultimate outcome' 
• of the parleys. He admitted, how' 
ever, no definite conclusions or un- 
derstandlngs had been reached and 
any possible revision of the rules 
Will require formal requests from the 
affected parties. Conferees Included 
Niles Trammell, Frank Mullen and 
Frank M. Russell of NBC; WilUam 
S, Paley, Edward Klauber and Harry 



limiting the number of chain-owned 
outlets. 

On the question of option time, Fly 
seemed a little more disposed to ad- 
mit this business practice is funda- 
mental and vital to stable operation. 
Remarking this issue is a tough baby, 
he suggested the number of outlets 
in individual markets might have 
something to do with the final de- 
cision. Implication was that the 
Commish might be willing to allow 
the chains to' reserve specific num- 
bers of hours if it feels sure there is 
ample competition and program 
service will not be curtailed. 

Conflict between the FCC regular 
tions and the tax laws loomed in the 
talk about network ownership, which 
Fly said is of secondary importance 
at this stage of proceedings. He 



hinted that each instance of a web 
having its own outlet will be taken 
up separately and threw out the idea 
that the chains can get around a 
limitation by incorporating their 
transmitters separately. Practical 
objection to this, however, is seen 
in the revenue statutes, which .pen- 
alize corporations with numerous 
subsidiaries and which encouraged 
CBS in recent years to shift all 
its licenses to the parent company, 
liquidating the operating offspring, 
offspring. 

Fly wants to put reforms — what- 
ever their nature — into effect speed- 
ily, the Industry discovered. He 
will not tolerate any action he deems 
dilatory and time-consuming, though 
so far he has been more lenient than 
many industry people expected. 



NBC JUNIORS 
PRESS ONWARD 



Four members of the NBC page 
staff have left to take other jobs, 
three In radio and the fourth with a 
magazine. Latter is Evan Wylle, 
who has gone with Newsweek. 

Others are Webb Tilton, now with 
the Yankee network; Mervyn Piatt, 
who became an announcer at WAIR, 
Winston-Salem, N. C:, and Lester 
Bachrach, who Joined the Chekhov 
Theatre, at Rldgefleld, Conn. 




"MEET THE PAUL GEARHART FAMILY" 



^1 



and hli Md fix* Hmfoid i«n. 

MyT«n, « toll l«l«f h, AAA, >>• t *>r' C'""™'*'" 
fMhirt— "FortsiM't Waihtd Awoy." 



Paul Wendell— 
yeunfltil ibn h«fpi 
Dad al harvail 
lima. Paul llkai 
PIbbw McOaa and 
Molly. H«nry Aid- 
rich, lea. 



The Paul Gaarhoit't or* pregraislv*; 
practical farm psopU who live In Ross 
County, R. R. No. 1, near ChiWcoIha, 
Ohio. Hera Is another family who; 
living one hundred miles from WLW's 
towers, In the rich, fertile lands of the 
Midwest rely <oastanrty.jWlJW.WJot. 
complete Weather and Market Reports; 
News and evening •nieifainment. 
Mr. Goarhart Is, at prasent, suMvatlng 
250 acras. Approximately one-lhlrdof 
this area Is devoted to wheat, the re? 
mainder to com and soy beans. 

Mr. Oeorhart Is a straight-forward Indi- 
vidual, who Is a firm believer In "such 



modemitm" as is deemed practicable 
for the farmers of the Midwest. As a 
•launch member of the' AAA Com- 
miflee, he heartily endorses the Gov- 
ernment's policy In this vast farm 
progran. 

There are Ihree.children In the Geaihart 
Family, Fred, 19, Myren 17, and Poui 
Wendell, the youngest, 14. Mrs. Gear- 
hart soys, "Believe It or not, when we 
get up we turn on the radio at 6H)0 
A. M. and it slays on WLW till 10 
at night." The whole family agrees 
that WLW panics as their favorite station 
both collectively and individually. 




WLW 



THE NATION'S 
STATION 



40 



RADIO MARKETS 



Wednesday, Jnly 23, 1941 



Heat Wave Blues Sidewalk Gag Is 
Sold to Apparel Shop by KOL Seattle 



Seattle, July 22. 
KOL sold a stunt broadcast to 
Franklin's, local apparel shop, usiiig 
record heat wave to focus attention 
on sidewalk proeram in front o£ the 
store, on Wednesday (17) at three 
o'clock. Roy Grandey, production 
manager, and Bill Ward, continuity, 
were outfitted in heavy overcoats 
and hats, Johnny Forrest, announcer, 
bowed to the weather with swim- 
ming trunks, tie, straw hat and um- 
brella, and Fair Taylor, publicity 
and continuity head, wrapped her- 
self in a long fur coat, with H-2len 
Lund, receptionist, attired in bath- 
ing suit and short fur coat. Titled 
•Heat Wave Blues,' program got 
statements from passersby on the 
weather, hitting 100 degrees, an all- 
time high, and plugged Franklin's 
stock of new fall clothes. 

KOMO-KJR is doing a job on pro- 
moting and publicizing Aluminum 
Roundup Weak in cooperation with 
Washington State Defense Council. 
Stations sent six men, headed by 
Hugh Feltis, manager, and Charles 
Bailie, promotion and advertising 
manager, out into the state- to call 
on editors of dailies and weeklies to 
get papers' support in drive. Radio- 
ites visited all editors within a hun- 
dred-mile radius of Seattle, doing 
the job in three and a half days. 
Followed up by notifying editors of 
appointments of local chairmen and 
invited newspaper men to 'Editorial 
Rally' held in Seattle, Sunday night 
(20). Editors were guests of station 
for dinner and ball game, followed 
by hour program aired over KJR at 
8 p.m. Half-hour show was also 
broadcast over KOMO on Monday 
night wtih a daily 15-minute spot at 
noon on KJR to be used for the rest 
of the week to report progress and 
stunts in cities throughout the state. 

KIRO showed increases in all 
categories to up total units this week, 
with radio biz surprisingly good in 
face of heat Station is -putting on a 
big local campaign to plug increase 
in power, using 37 billboards and 
bulletin boards on a year's contract, 
and placing space in 18 Washington 
and three Alaska daUles to call at- 
tention to station programs. Not do- 
ing anything in eastern trade pub- 
lication apparently. 



J- 



Comparative Unit Connt 



Jniy 19, 
Network .. 7,365 

Local «391 

Natl Spot.. 761 
Total 15,017 



July 12. Cliance. 
7,188 \Zi 
633S -1-0.8 
742 +2.6 
14,760 -t-1.7 



(Included: KIRO, KOL, KRSC) 



Chamberlain Uses 
WFIL to Adyertise His 
Aircraft Workers Acad. 



Philadelphia, July 22. 

Clarence Chamberlain, trans-At- 
lantic flier and director of an aircraft 
workers' training school he re, sig ned 
a contract last week with WFIL for 
eisht spot announcements weekly ad- 
vertising the course. The deal was 
set through the Stewert Jordan 
agency. Other new business re- 
ported by the stations: 

Procter & Gamble Co., three spots 
weekly, through Compton advertis- 
ing; L. Nachman (business school), 
18 participation's weekly in 'service 
period,' through Philip Klein; Morris 
Plan Bank, six 15-minute musical 
programs, through Philip Klein; 
Lydia E. Pinkham Co., 130 e.tj, 
through Erwin, Wasey; Sley System 
Garages, 234 spots, through Adrian 
Bauer; Bandler's (furniture), 130 
spots, through Harry Felgenbaum; 
Biseglio Bros, (wines), 18 spots 
weekly, through J. .M. Kom; Knox 
Co. (crystex), two 15-minute tran- 
scribed programs weekly, through 
Barton A. Stebbins; O'Shea System 
(employment agency), three spots 
weekly, through Albert H. Dorsey; 
Ferrymen (men's clothing), 18 spots 
weekly, through Philip Klein. 

WIBG reported: Roys, Inc. (elec- 
trical appliance), 182 spots; German- 
town Fur Co., five-minute musical 
program daUy, 13 weeks, through 
Thos. F. Harklns; M. E. Arnold (elec- 
trical appliances), 15-minute partici- 
pation on 'Danceland,' 13 weeks, 
through Julian Pollodc; Equitable 
Auto Loans, IS-minute participation 
on 'Danceland,' through Harry Feig' 
enbaum; Dubrow & Sons (furniture), 
15-minute musical program daily, 13 
weeks; Greystone Wines, 273.'e.t.s, 
through Harry Kom. 



Comparative Unit Cennt 



% of 

July 19. Jaly 12. Cluuice. 
Network ... 9,698 9,668 — «Je 

Local 20,431 19381 +2.7 

Natl Spot. 4,679 4,953 +ej> 

ToUl '. 34,608 84,087 +1.5 

(Included: WCAU,KYW,WIP, WFIL, 
Wr>AS, WIBO, WPEN) 



Blah Time in Detroit 



Detroit, July 22. 

Doldrums have set in here with 
the heavy vacation season, even lo- 
cal business, a bulwark here, having 
slid off during the week. Sustained 
high above last gear's level, local 
business hit the greatest skid for the 
week, dropping off two percent 

However, seasonal dip still is not 
as drastic as those in the past, and 
if the six stations can continue to 
record gains on the heels of the dips, 
Detroit wiU go into fall in the best 
position ever attained, more than 
2,000 units above the past peak. 



ComparatlTe Pnit Count 



% of 

July 19. July 12. Cliange. 



Network ... 7,723 7,823 

Local 12,239 12,490 

Nat'l Spot.. 4,669 4,718 

ToUI 24,631 25,031 

(Included: CKLW, WJBK, 
WJR, WW J, WXYZ) 



-1.3 
—2.0 
—1.0 
—1.6 
WJLB, 



SAN ANTONIO 
SEU^ ACTORS 



FM UCENSE GRANTED 
UNlVERSiry OF ILLINOIS 



San Antonio^ July 22. 

A little upswing in local units and 
a leveling off of national spot and 
network imits is found here this 
week. An on-the-spot broadfcast of 
the local Soap Box Derby by KTSA 
was the week highlight. 

WOAI: Shuptrine Co., through 
Harvey-Massengale, three one-min- 
'ute e.t.'s per week. Aurora Apart- 
ment Hotel, through Marion John- 
son, 14 spot announcements per 
week. Corpus Christi Chamber of 
Commerce, two spot announcements 
only. Tom Houston Peanut Co., 
through Tucker, Wayne & <?o.. Inc., 
three one-minute e.t.'s per week. 
South Texas Cotton OU (Crusten 
shortening), 25-minute program over 
the Texas Quality Network, through 
Segall & Weedin. Liberty Mills of 
San Antonio, through Coulter- 
MueUer - Grinstead, twice weekly 
quarter-hour studio program for 52 
weeks with Red River Dave. Patri- 
otic Plaques, through Pitluk, one 
announcement per week. 

KABC: Novadine Chemical Co., 
three quarter-hour newscasts per 
week. Arthur Baird Real Estate Co., 
one five-minute program per week. 
Alamo Distributing Co.,' 10 announce- 
ments per day. First Federal Sav- 
ings and Loan Association, through 
Coulter-Mueller-Grinstead, one five- 
minute program per day. V 



-FCC^lnspector Rffi^Dewn- 



San Antonio, July 22. 

S. C. Pancoast Is in a serious con- 
dition in a local hospital after being 
struck by a car la^t Wednesday: ' ~ 

He is an insi>ector for the Federal 
Communications Commission. 



Edward E. HUI, managing director 
of WTAG, vacationlDg' iir Nova 
"Scotia: 



/ Washington, July 22. 

Supplemental non-commercial edu- 
catlon al br oadcast facilities for the 
t/inversity br'Illlndii' were granfe3 
by the Federal Oommimications 
CommissioiL College which already 
operates an educational service un- 
der the- non-profit -laws «f the; State 
institution proposes the addition of 
a new FM station to be operated on 
42,900 kc with 250 watts power. 

Urbana, IlL, institute will use the 
antenna of its existing standard 
transmitter, WILL — South, of Cham- 
paign, _Ill.— for the new senrice. Ac- 
I cording -fo TKe FcC. 



Comparative Unit Cennt 



% Of 

July 19. July 12. Clumce. 
Network ..5,502 6.105 —9.9 

Local 104)67 9,582 —4.4 

Natl Spot. . 1,826 2,039 .—10.4 

Total 17,335 17,726 —2.2 

-aiudiidedi-.KAEC,~J£MAC,_KONa. 
KTSA, WOAI) 



Salesmen WiD Hear About This 



Will Aubrey Was, Good So Newcomer Closed Deal 
For Him — ^Just Easy-Like 



San Francisco, July 22. 

WiU Aubrey, 'Bard of the Byways,' 
has been sold to Dr. Phillips Grape 
Juice for three flve-mlnute shows 
weekly on KPO at 8 ajn. starting 
Tuesday (20). Sale is significant, 
due to fact that Aubrey, although a 
heavy fan-mall draw, has ridden sus- 
taining for years, largely because he 
has been offered around- for so long 
that salesmen and agencies have 
taken him for granted. Radio row 
reeled when word broke that a junior 
NBC account executive, Bill Shea, 
had tied the bard to a breadwinner. 
Bewildered Shea explained apolo- 
getically that he just happened to 
hear Aubrey, thought he was good, 
so went out and sold him. Shea for- 
merly was with KYA. 

KGO: Standard Beverages, Oak- 
land, through Emil Reinhardt, three 
participations, Ann Holden Home 
Forum; Denalin Co. (plate cleanser), 
through Rufus Rhoades, 26 Monday 
spots; Sommer St. Kaufmann (for 
shoes), through W. J. Wilkin, 16 spots 
(two daily); Golden Gate theatre 
(for RKO-Disney), through Milton 
Weinberg, five spots; Marvelous 



Stewart, Schilling, Fitzer 
Reports Sonuner Not- 
Dippy As Last Season 



Kansas City, July 22. 

Summer lifroads are showing up 
in all departments, but only slightly 
all around. This is in contrast to 
previous years, and slimmer biz gen- 
erally better than past two years. 
Jack Stewart of KCMO states his 
outfit is 20% ahead of last summer, 
while John Schilling of WHB and 
Dean Fitzer of WDAF have both re- 
cently checked in with similar ^com- 
parisons, and trend is general 
throughout the town's six stations. 

KCKN reports contract with Van 
Camp's Pork and Beans placed by 
the company here, and verified by 
Calkins & Holden of New York City. 
Sked calls for, eight announcements 
per week- for 13 weeks. Flneberg 
Ice Cream Co', bought half-hour mu- 
sical variety program on Saturday 
for 13 weeks. 



Comiiarative Unit Cennt 



% Of 

July 19. Joly U. Cliance.' 
Network ... 7,105 2,710 — IJi 

Local 6,347 " 6,407 —1.1 

Natl Spot. 6,857 7,113 —3.6 

Totol 19,309 19,730 —2.1 

XT.ncli\desi..KCKN, .XCMO, . KITE,. 
/ KMBC, WDAF, WHB) 




TIME 

ACCOUNT AGENCY PUBCHASES 

Anacln Co ;'Blackett=Sample-Hummert' ... .'. . 5-Mins. 

American Cliicle Co Badger, Browning & Hersey, 

Announcements 

American Home Frodncts Blackett-Sample-Hummert y4-Hour News 

California Fmlt Growers Lord it Thomas Announcements 

California Fmlt Growers Lord & Thomas Announcements 

Carter Products Spot Broadcasting Announcements 

Clicquot CInb N. W. Ayer & Son ..Announcements 

Consolidated (Kolorback) Benson 6i Dall..; % Hours 

Doyle Packinr (Dog Food) H. M. Alexander .Participations 

Florida Citrus Growers Arthur Kudner Announcements 

Gardner Nursery Northwest Radio Adv Participations 

Becker Products Maxon, Inc % Hoxirs 

Lee * Perrins George Bljur Participations 

Lehn * Fink William Esty Announcements 

Lever Bros. (Rlnso) Ruthraufl St Ryan Announcements 

Lydia Pinkham lErwin, Wasey Announcements 

Dr. Lyon's toothpower Blackett-Sample-Hummert Hours 

Haofadden (True Story). Arthur Kudner Chain Breaks 

Manhattan Soap (Sweetheart). Franklin Bruck V^-Hour News 

Marlln (razor blaf'es) Craven & Hedrick Announcements 

Job. Martinson tt Co .' Neff-Rogow Hour News 

Northwestern Yeast Hays MacFarland Vi-Hours 

Pabst Beer . . ..Lord tt Thomas. . . j Announcements 

Fepsi-Cola Newell-Emmett Announcements 

PhUlips Soup Aitken-Kynett Announcements 

Price Flavoring Extract Co. . . N. W. Ayer Announcements 

Procter A Gamble Blackett-Sample-Huomiert. .Announcements 

Procter A Gamble (Dash) Pedlar & Ryan %-Hours 

Trocter & Gamble (Duz) Compton Adv %-Hours 

Boma Wine Co Cesana & Associates % Hour» 

Serufan Co Raymond Spector % Hour News 

Southern Pacific Bailroad Lord & Thomas Announcements 

Trn-Ade Beverages Beaumont tt Hohn.an Announcements 

Wilson A CO. (Ideal Dog Food).U. S. Adv. Corp Temperature Reports 

B. C. Williams (Royal Scarlet ^ 
coffee) Alley & Richards % Hour News 



Marin, Inc., through Theodore H, 
Segall, two spots. 

KPO: Standard Beverages, through 
Emll Reinhardt three participations, 
International Kitchen; Kellogg Co 
Battle Creek (for "Pep), through 
Kenyon & Eckhardt, N. Y, 90 spoU 
(renewal); Sommer & Kaufmana 
(for shoes), through W. J. Wilkin, 
eight spots; Marvelous Marin 
through Segall, three spots. ' 



Comparative Unit Count 



% Of 

July 19. July 12. Cliaoge. 
Network ... 8,916 8,975 —0.7 

Local 3,998 3,964 +0.9 

Natl Spot. 1,766 1,588 +7.6 

Total 14,619 14,525 + 0.6 

(Included: KFRC, KGO, KJBS, KPO 
KSFO) 



WHEELING 



31,427 
Strong 
They 
Came! 



Talk about your livinar 
breathing, downright action- 
provoking Interest In a radio 
station and its personalities— 
WE HAVE IT m MEASURE 
GALORE AT WWVAI 



During the month of M^X 
31,427 persons from 60 thriv- 
ing towns in Western Penn- 
sylvania, Eaetern Ohio and 
Northern West Virginia, the 
Steel and Coal Belt of the 
Nation, visited and paid ad- 
mission 'to~tlieir own local 
auditoriums to see and hear 
WWVA entertainers appear- 
ing In such spots. 



It's great to enjoy such loyal 
support — great for our own 
satisfaction and GREAT FOR 
THOSE RADIO ADVERTIS- 
ERS IN OUR MARKET 
WHO DEMAND RESULTS! 



N.B.C Basic Bine 
Blair Repreeents Us 






Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



RADIO MAHKBT8 41 



IGLOO BOOM HELPS SEAITIE 




ONLy TO RUSKIl 



As With Nearly Everything 
Else, Radio Advertising 
For Alaska Clears Through 
Puget Sound Metropolis- 
isolation and High Wages 
Are Unique Aspects 



RADIO IS VITAL 



By DON BEED 

Seattle, Julyja. 
Alaska, to the average American, 
and parUcuIarly the Easterner or 
Mid-westerner is still a iai away 
land of ice and snow, where people 
live in huts and Igloos made of ice, 
and get their entertainment in fron- 
tier saloons such as Lou's where Dan 
McGrew was shot Like many pop 
ular suppositions, based mostly on 
novels and pulp-paper fiction, these 
ideas are far from the truth. 

Alaska Is a territory as large as 
one-ftfth of the United States, where 
the population has grown more than 
60% in the past year, and where a 
boom is in' progress that makes the 
gold rush of '98 look like a backyard 
expedition. The U. S. Army and 
Navy, various branches of the Fed' 
eral government and individual 
businesses are spending millions in 
the Territory, so that Alaskans, al' 
ways far above the U. S. in per^ 
capita income, are receiving more in 
wages and salaries than ever before. 
Government and private expendi- 
tures are of such vastness and are 
being expanded so rapidly that it is 
Impossible at present to get any ac- 
curate figures as to the amounts be- 
ing spent. However, It is a matter 
of record that in 1940 exports to 
Alaska from the States were val- 
ued at more than $46,000,000. It is 
also certain that Alaska will con- 
tinue to receive much money and at- 
tention during the next few years. 
90% Badlo 
All of which means much to radio 
in AliAa, and radio in Alaska is a 
much more important medium both 
as to entertainment and advertising 
than it is in the States. Less than 
25% of the population live in towns 

■ where there Is a daily newspaper 
and a substantial percentage live 
where mail is received very irregu- 
larly. Also, there are more than two 
radio^ receivers in Alaska to each 
newspaper subscriber; witK more 
than 90% of the homes radio 
equipped. 

In this huge territory there are 
four commercial radio stations. 
KINY, Juneau, with. 1,000 watts 
power; KFAH, Fairbanks, with 1,000 
watts; KFQD, Anchorage, with 250 
watts; and KGBU, Ketchikan, with 
COO watts. These stations are in 
competition very little, each having 
a vast territory, and a mountain 
range separates the territory of 
Juneau and Ketchikan from the two 
further north stations so that there 

■ Is not much overlapping. 

.Radio has an importance in Alaska 
unknown In the States and the sta- 
tions and personnel are much closer 
to the daily life of the Territory than 
Is the case in most other sections 
All stations maintain emergency ser- 
vice in broadcasting messages, and 
each station can cite many instances 
of the use of its facilities in saving 
lives or otherwise being of help in 
time of need. Alaskans depend on 
radio not only for music, entertain- 
ment and news, but for vitally neces- 
sary things such as weather reports, 
arrival and departure of ships, and 
airplanes. KFAR, Fairbanks, broad 
casts daily schedules for airplanes, 
*hlch Is no small - job with 14 air 
Unes serving the oity. Incidentally, 
the use of alrlanea Is much more 
widespread . in Alaska than in the 
States. In addition to much pas- 



senger travel airplanes are used for 
freight shipments in the Interior to 
an extent far ahead of such use in 
other parts of the world. In 1939 
there was one airplane for each 382 
persons in the Territory and one for 
each 100 persons in Fairbanks. A 
similar scale would give New York 
city about 70,000 planes. 

The necessary place that radio 
holds in the life of Alaskans malces 
it also a potent advertising force in 
the far north territory. Other facts 
make it a great and expanding mar- 
ket for United States industry. 
Alaska has a tremendous favorafble 
trade balance with the States, and 
the per capita earnings of its in- 
habitants run far ahead of those in 
the States, with the purchasing 
power of each Alaskan estimated to 
be at least three times that of the 
average American. Due to high 
freight charges prices are compara- 
tively high in- Alaska, and for this 
reason it is not a market for 'sec- 
onds.' Buyers want the best quality 
and the nature of the market makes 
them very loyal to tested brand 
names. Also, -there are many points 
where the spirit of life and trade in 
the territory is the same as it was 
years ago; a spirit analagous to that 
of the west during pioneer days. 
Workers in Alaska command high 
wages and spend money freely. 
Quality Goods 



Ms $450,000 Spot Budget 



Vick Chemical has begun letting out contracts for Its 1941-1042 spot 
campaign. Th^ appropriation for spot alone will this time run to 
around $450,000, a new high for the company. Meanwhile Vick has 
bought a hookup test on CBS, taking over the 3-3:15 p.m. for a pro- 
gram tagged News for Women. The obligation Is for 13 weeks and 12 
stations and will entail pickiips from abroad. The remedies for sum- 
mer colds that it will plug are Vaporub and Vatronol. 

The number of stations involved in the spot campaign will also be 
of record proportions tor this account. The list so far runs to 198 
outlets. In many instances the announcement spread calls for three- 
fa day five times a week, while the local programs are scheduled on 
the basis of three to five times a week. 

The products covered by the Vick 'campaign this season are more 
numerous than ever before. In addition to Vaporub and Vatronol 
there's Vick Cough Drops, Vick Inhaler and Vick AQ Nose Drops. 



aOCK-TICKS 
CUCKFORKNX 



Outside of ' the demand for first 
quality merchandise Alaska is the 
same type of buying market as the 
United States, and as Alaska pro- 
duces nothing to wear and little to 
eat it is a great market for producers 
and manufacturers in the States. 
Most goods for Alaska move through' 
Seattle, but there is a certain amount ; 
direct from San Francisco, Tacoma, i 
and Vancouver, B. . C. Alaska is 
'Seattle's best customer,' and it is 
from the Puget Sound city that most 
of the advertising, promotion and 
merchandising done in the territory 
is directed. 

KINY, KFAR, and KFQD have 
representatives in Seattle. KFAR 
having a full time representative, G. 
A. Wellington; Romig Fuller handles 
KFQD, and KINY has a news bureau 
and sales office in Seattle, where its 
owner, Edwin A. Kraft, also, head- 
quarters. 

Merchandising help by Alaska sta- 
tions is much more of a job than it 
is in comparable stations in the 
States, due to the vastness and scat- 
tered population of the territory. 
KINY, Juneau, maintains two mer- 
chandising men who cover the entire 
territory from Ketchikan to Nome. 
Their job is to call on all stores, help 
with window displays, see that- ad- 
vertisers' products are prominently 
displayed on the shelves, and in 
many cases, actually take orders. 
Many advertisers, due to the extent 
of the territory, are not able to af- 
ford their own personal representa- 
tives — it takes each KINY merchan- 
dising man about four months to 
complete a service trip, so this sta- 
tion cooperation materially aids in 
the sale of time. KFAR, Fairbanks, 
uses a double page section of the 
daily news-miner each month, al 
loting the space to station adver 
tlsers for both straight advertising 
and promotion stories. Incidentally, 
the news-miner is said to be the 
farthest 'north daily paper, just as 
KFAR is the farthest north of all 
America radio stations. 

As to programs, newscasts are 
naturally high in favor, and all sta- 
tions broadcast regularly several 
news periods a day, . making more 
use of short wave than stations in 
the States. KINY gets three short- 
wave periods a day from NBC, San 
Francisco; KFAR averages one 
shortwave newscast a day, and all 
stations pick up short wave news- 
casts from BBC. There are no tele 
phone cables to Alaska so there are 
no network hook ups, but some 
popular shows are transcribed, how- 
ever, and sent to Alaska for re- 
broadcasting, and naturally the sta- 
tions use transcriptions a great deal. 
There is much local production, and 
Alaska stations, due to smaller audi 
ences and type of service, are much 
closer to the daily life of listeners 
than are most stations in the States. 



Hollywood, July 22. 

Columbia's KNX landed another 
oil account for a studio-made pro- 
gram, ita fourth of the year, by sign- 
ing up Shell for a party prowl by 
the roving Art Linkletter. Others 
on the Coast web sponsoring shows 
compoimded by Russ Johnston's 
KNX production staff are Seaside 
Oil, 'Spelling Bee Liner'; General 
Petroleum, 'I Was There'; Union Oil, 
Pete Pringle's *X-Ray of the News.' 
Shell had been oS the networks for 
five years, using only spot discs. 

Units fluctuated only mildly dur- 
ing the week and the total was less 
than 100 points over the previous 
week's aggregate. 

KNX: Iris canned foods, renewal 
of 1,820 time signals, throu^ Robert 
Smith agency; Kaufman furniture, 12 
participations in newscast, through 
Dan Miner; Beckman furs, 12 time 
signals, through Glasser-Gailey. 

KHJ; Ever Dry Corp., 90 announce- 
ments, through Torrey & Torrey; 
McCauley Bottling Works, 92 quar- 
ter-hour broadcasta of 'The Lamp- 



KSTP, Minneapolis, has sold 
quarter hour of its morning 'Sunrise 
Roundup,' a hillbilly show headlined 
by David Stone, to Stott Briquets, a 
local fuel concern. 



lighter,' tiirough Caesana , Assoc. 
Gilmore Oil, four flve-min. broad- 
casts of 'War Letters,' through Ruth- 
raufl & Ryan; Dr. John Matthews, 12 
half-hour periods, through Tom 
Westwood. 

KFI: Adohr Milk Farms, 39 par- 
ticipations in Art Baker's 'Notebook,' 
through Lord & Thomas; Douglas 
Oil, 52 one-min. transcriptions, 
through H. W. Eastor; Bullock's de- 
partment store, 26 one-min. tran- 
scriptions, through Dana Jones. - 

EECA: Bullock's department store, 
27.- one-min. transcriptions, through 
Dana Jones; Pelts- Furs, 52 one-min. 
transcriptions, through Adolpfa Wein- 
steln. 



WENR BAGS 12 
NEWSCASTS 
WEEKLY 



Comparative Unit Cannt 



% t 

July 19. July 12. Cbange. 
Network ... IMK iUKl +•£ 

Looal 4.422 4,378 + 1 

Natl Spot. 1.69S 1,7U — 1 

Total 17,932 17,842 +$£ 

(Included: KECA, KFI. KHJ, KNX) 



Swift Shortenins Tests 

Chicago. July 22. 

Swift & Co. Is testing a new cam- 
paign for Ito Jewel Shortening prod- 
uct. Has p^chased a flock of an- 
nouncementa throughout the south- 
ern territory. 

Set through the J. Walter Thomp- 
son agency. 



Chicago, July 22. 

New season is rushing forward 
through the calendar, the purse- 
strings are unwinding and the new- 
accounts sheet of the various stations 
begin to take on a glow. 

Walgreen Co. made the NBC local 
group mighty happy last week when, 
through the Schwimmer & Scott 
agency, it signatured for 12 news 
periods weekly on 'WENR starting 
Sept 29. Will present two strips of 
five-minute news across the board, 
one in the late afternoon and another 
in the late evening. This is quite a 
sales argument on behalf of WENR, 
which for years has been the tough 
nut among the key stations for local 
and national time salesmen. But 
Walgreen, which has been on the sta- 
tion now for more than two years 
with various typ^s of shows, indi- 
cates an award of merit for WENR 
In handing it the prize coin contract 
of the week. 

WENR also obtained a renewal of 
its deal with the Chicago Daily News 
for 26 weeks, starting Aug. 13.- It's 
a 15-minute three-b-week show titled 
•Getting the Most Out of Life.' 
Newspaper and station buy q>ace 
and time In exact money measure- 
ments to cancel out purchases , and 
sales. 



Comparative Unit Count 



"I 



% of 

- Jaly 19. July 12. Chsngcw 
Netwark ... 8,340 9,345 «... 

Local 6,398 6,388 -f-OJI 

Nat'l Spot.. 11,440 11,416 -1-0.3 
Total 27,178 27,143 -f 0.1 



* No change. 
(Included: WBBM, 'WENR, WGN, 
WIND, WJJD, WLS, WMAQ) 



WKY IS StXA/^U^AVlL^ IN OKLAHOMA! 




fhirtis 'i('!.'V ' 



WKY'OKLAHOMA CITY 



Hi- i'Ki -i N 



42 RADIO MARKETS 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



California Banking Chain Sponsors 
Civic Events of Various Types 



San Francisco, July 22. 
Archie M. Closson, American Le- 
gion chieftain of Lodi, Cal., h«s sold 
Bank of America on sponsoring a 
special event broadcast from the 
Lodi Grape and Wine Festival in 
September. KSFO probably will be 
used. 

Banking chain has been under- 
writing rodeos, frog-jumps, etc., on 
various outlets this summer, be- 
lieved first time a financial institu- 
tion has gone in for state-wide spot 
<:overage of local events. 



WGN's temporary FM 

Chicago, July 22. 

WGN will have its FM station in 
operation within two weeks, follow- 
ing okay from the Federal Com- 
munications Commission for the con- 
struction of W59C. Will broadcast 
on 1,000 watts from the top floor of 
the Tribune Tower. 

This equipment to start will be 
strictly temporary, with power ex 
pected to be hopped to 50,000 watts 
by December, and with that wattage 
the Tribune station is flgiired to 
cover a radius of 70 miles. 



Topper' (For Delicacies) 
Goes After Home Trade; 
Testing on KMYR, Denver 

Denver, July 22. 
L. De Martini of San Francisco is 
using KMVR for a test for their 
'Topper' — topping for ice cream, cakes, 
etc. The company is going after the 
home business after confining past 
elTorts on wholesale trade, such as 
hotels, fountains and the like. 



Comparative Unit Connt 



% of 

Joly 18. Jnly 12. Change. 
Network . . 1325 1.965 —1.8 

Local I^OZ 1,046 +2.2 

Nat'lSpot.. e,43t 2,407 +1 

Total 11,469 17,417 -(-0.2 

(Included: KFEL, KLZ, KMYR, 
KOA, KVOD) 



Practices What Sho 
Teaches, Wins Contests 

Builalo, July SB. 
Helen King, -./ho ran Gotham con- 
test judging firm and wrot« book on 
how to win 'em, isn't letting grass 
grow under her feef at WEBR, where 
she's putting on ^ handwriting se- 
ries. 

She is entering contests on other 
local outlets and winning everything 
in sight. To date her list includes 
three cash prizes, watch and sun- 
dry merchandise bits in her own 
name, plus wins in the name of al- 
most e.veryone else on WEBR stafT, 



Wcg( Coast LIfo iDsnranoa Co. has 

begun a spot campaign on KINY, 
Juneau, Alaska, through Long Ad- 
vertising Agency. CaUs for seven 
announcements weekly, indefinite. 




Yount's Garfield Pharmacy sells tooth brushes, cosmetics, shaving 



cream . . . and drugs — in Glendale, California. 

Glendalc's 82,582 consumers are typical of the 3,732,500 radio 



Mr. Yount knows what brands people demand— knows by 



WBAL BALLY 
BALTO'S BIG 
EVENT 



Baltimore July 22. 

WBAL put on an ambitious shin- 
dig at the formal opening of its 50,. 
000 watt full tlma boost here- Sun- 
day (20) with a giant barbecue and 
glorified lawn party at its transmit- 
ter location. With the three 500 foot 
towers overshadowing the 76 acre 
plot upon which is located the new 
transmitter house and equipment, 
station played host to representatives 
of advertising, radio and civic cir- 
cles. In all some 400 visitors. 

Howard C. Burke, managing direc- 
tor of WBAL, used considerable pro- 
motion building up to WBAL gradu- 
ation, now has Leslie Peard, Jr., as 
sales manager and Jack Mayers as 
promotion director. 

Otherwise everything still oft 
hereabouts with national spot count 
alone holding its own. Hochshiel- 
Kohn department store renewed its 
early a.m. quarter hour airings on 
WBAL and High Rock Gingerale 
bought a fullsome spot schedule on 
same station. Rest of town rather 
uneventful. 

WCBM: Fisher Fur Co., through 
S. J. Lichtman, 50 spots; National 
Upholstering Co., through Leon Gol- 
nick, 50 spots; Overbrook Distilery 
through Leon (jiolnick, 52 one hour 
shows to start in August. 

WCAO: Fisher Fur Co., through 
S. J. Lichtman, 52 one minute spots. 

WBAL: Goetze Packing Co., 
through Harry J. Patz, 312 spots; 
High Rock Gingerale, through Jos. 
Helprin, 800 spots; Auman & Wirk- 
meister (furs) via Katherine Mahool, 
101 spots; Hochschiel-Kohn Dept. 
Store, renewed 312 quarter hour 
airings; C. E. Kimmel (tires) 
through Elliot Buse, 201 spots; Pinex 
through Russel M. Seeds, 264 spots. 



Comparative Unit Count 



% of 

July 19. July 12. Change. 
Network .. 7,410 7,665 —3.3 

Local 4,487 4,739 —5.3 

Nat'l Spot. . 1,925 1,936 —0.6 

Total 13322 14,340 —3.6 

(Included: WBAL, WCAO, WCBM, 
WFBR) 



BENDIX WASHERS USE 10 
DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 



Salt Lake City, July 22. 
Utah's metropolis last week re- 
ported: 

KDTL: Flint Distributing Co. 
(Bendix Washer), 10 announcements 
daily; Ralner Brewing, througli,. Bu- 
chanan, five-minute newscastsi 
Chamberlain's Lotion, through Cary- 
Ainsworth trx^jv 'bed an- 

><*iSiSSSJE%iJSie8fe» ''■>'?«^ through 
Arthur Kudner. 

KUTA: Whipples Ladies Ready to 
Wear, 52 lO-mlnuta programs; Dr. 
Keller, 26 participations, 'Musical 
Quiz.* 



daily experience how brand preference is won and held by KNX. 



IT 




KNX 



lOS ANGELES 



50,000 WATTS 



Ask anyone on the Southef n California sales 
front. Ask the merchants who first sens* 
the swing to your brand — or a competitor's. 
They'll tell you of the KNX power fo sell 
in Southern California. The station listened 
to by most people sells most . . . naturally! 



COLUMBIA'S STATION FOR ALL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 

OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE COLUMBIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM 
REPRESESTED BY RADIO SALES with officts hcat4d in New York • Chicago • Detroit • St. Lottis • Charlotte • San Francisco 



I Comparative Tnlt ConMt | 

% of 

July 19. July 12. Change. 
Network .. 6346 6,524 -{-0.2 

Local 2,001 2,213 —5.6 

Nat'l Spot. . 1,171 1^27 —4.6 

ToUl 9,807 9,964 —1.6 

(Included: KDYL, KSL, KUTA) 



Sponsors Farm Hashes 



Fort Worth, July 22. 

'Farm Flashes,* a series of 18 flve- 
mlnute early morning pro-ams, 
will be aired through KGKO imder 
sponsorship of the Transit Grain and 
Commission Co., of this city. Latest 
wire news from Washington on agri- 
culture and livestock will be aired 
by Charlie Tabor. 

Account is handled by Southern 
Advertising Agency, Fort Worth. 

'Livestock Market Roundup,' broad* 
cast over same station, li under 
sponsorship of the Port Worth 
Livestock Market Advertising Com- 
mission. Ted Goudy gives trend« 
direct from .the Fort Worth Stock- 
yards. 



WOATi Farm Views 

San Antonio, July 32. 

WOAI will present 'Farm View* 
and News' by Bill Shomette. 

Broadcasts will consist of inter- 
views with county agents, game 
wardens and others on rural matters. 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



BAOIO 4S 



Inside Stuff-Radio 



Further changes in NBC's national programming setup are in the wind, 
according to inferences drawn from remarlcs dropped In San Francisco by 
Clarence Ik Menser, national production chief, on an Inspection swing of 
local units. Only phase on which he elaborated, however, is a general 
plan to assure sponsors production comparable to New York in every 
center where the web operates studios. 

'Sometimes you become so wrapped up in the problems immediately 
surrounding headquarters that, you forget the f«IIows out around the 
country have . production problems, too,' Menser told Varieiy's Frisco re- 
porter. The completion of the new KGO-KPO studio building here will 
give us one more city in which we can give clients every production 
facility to be found in New Yorli, on a smaller scale, of course, but en- 
tirely complete otherwise. With this will go a general synchronization, 
nationally, of production.' ^ 

Columbia University has just published 'Radio's Listening Groups,' 
which consists of a report by Frank E. Hill of the American Assn. for 
Adult Education and a report by W. E. Williams of the British Institute 
for Adult Education. It deals with efforts in both democracies to organize 
listening groups of the kind most familiar to the radio trade as an adjunct 
to the NBC Town Hall forums. Levering IVson of Muhlenberg College 
has written a preface. 



C. A. Siepmann, radio advisor to the president of Harvard, has been 
conducting a summer course in radio at that university, which k«s not 
heretofore taken much note of the new medium, Siepmann, long with 
the British Broadcasting Corp., originally came to the U. S. A. on a fel- 
lowship. After the radio course the Siepmanns will spend balance of 
summer loUing in Vermont 



Phil Spitalny, who has broadcast his General Electric commercial from 
two army camps, Fort Monmouth (N. J.) and Pine Camp (Watertown, 
N. Y.), the latter this past Sunday (13), will do his next show from the 
S, S. Carolina at an unidentified, anchorage before an audience of some 
1,300 olTicers and men. Spitalny will ask ASCAP for a waiver on 'Anchors 
Aweigh' in view of the occasion. 



Max Jordan, long-time NBC representative in Berlin, has gone back to 
Europe after a prolonged visit In America and after it seemed probable 
he' would not return while the war lasted. Jordan has headquartered in 
recent years in Switzerland rather than Germany. There is a good deal of 
secrecy surrounding his destination and plans this time. 



J. Walter Thompsonites in New York got a giggle out of a newspaper 
syndicate error in reporting 'the new child of their colleague Tom Luck- 
enbill. Latter was described as former U. S. minister to Roumania and 
ambassador to Chile. Mistaken identity. The diplomat in the family is 
Luckenbill's father-in-law, William S. Culbertson. 



Friday may be flsh day the world over but at Columbia's KNX in Los 
Angeles it's gossip day. Three of the net's top gabbers spray the mikes 
with their choicest pickups of the week on that day. Hedda Hopper leads 
off, followed by Lifebuoy's Louella Parsons, and then Jimmle Fidler. 



K. W. Hasted to WLOL 



Minneapolis, July 22. 

K. Wallace Husted, assistant gen- 
eral manager of WCCO for many 
years, has been appointed general 
manager of WLOL, Mutual outlet 
here, succeeding E. P. Shurick. The 
latter resigned in order to partici- 
pate with Judge J. P. Devaney, one 
of WLOW owners, in national de- 
fense activities. 

He had managed the station ever 
since its inception more than a year 
ago. 



PRIVATE POLLY* 
WITH AUDIENCE 
OF 30,000 



Monterey, Cal., July 22. 

KDON has daily full-hour show 
aimed exclusively at draftees. Gen- 
eral Manager Howard V. Walters has 
put Polly Connell in a 6 to 7 a.m. slot 
as 'Private Polly.' She spins discs 
(granting soldier requests only), be 
tween which she dishes draftee chat- 
ter, cooperating with the Morale 
Branch, Army Hostesses, chaplains 
and athletic directors. 

KDON primary area has a poten- 
tial military audience of 30,000. 



NBC-Blue Inaugurated its broadcast of prizefights in PhUly's Shibe Park 
last night (Monday) with a party for spor|s writers, advertising, agency 
execs, trade paper reps and news editors at the studio of WFIL, Philly 
Blue outlet, prior to the fight. The series is bankrolled by Adam Hats.' 



Betty Jane Tyler, 11-year-old radio actress who also specializes in "baby 
cries,' has appeared on some 55 different radio series in New York. One 
of the child's latest exploits was ad libbing a full program at the Bronx 
Zoo for NBC. 



Coca-Cola will abandon its 'classical' series after the next 13 weeks and 
will replace its present program with popular singers and orchestra. Andre 
Kostelanetz and Jane Froman are mentioned as the replacements. 



1 Am An American' , 

Wichita, Kans., July 22. 

Aluminum already collected by 
drivers of DeCoursey Cream Co. 
here which was a result of 'I Am An 
American' program over radio sta- 
tion KFBI, will be turned over to 
United Service Organizations. 

Contributions followed request 
during program which dramatized 
life of some noted American. Na- 
tional drive for aluminum has just 
started here so any additional dona- 
tions will be added to local collec- 
tion. 



'Radio Primer for Congressmen, 'recently published in VARiErrr, has been 
one of the most widely-quoted pieces of this sheet in the past year and 
has been used in several radio classes as a text. 



Standard of California 
Renews With Don Lee 

San Francisco, July 22. 

-m^ir *f.?l-Ott- of Calif 0MiieLl).e4_rffr 
newed Its Standard- Symphony Hour 
and Standarc) School Broadcast for 
another year on Mutual Don Lee. 
William B. Pabst, general manager 
of KFRC, represented the web in 
dickers with" the sponsor's agent, Mc- 
Cann-Erickson. 

Oiler is spending about 12% more 
for its radio this season than last. 
NBC tried hard to recover the ac- 
count but Don Lee got the final iiod. 



Swope Sold 400 of CBS°| 

Washington, July 22. 

Herbert Bayard Swope's Keeway- 
din Corp sold 400 shares of Colum- 
-Wft-Slffadcastinf!!. Class A. common 
during May'r the SecurRIfel 'A" Ex- 
change Commission disclosed Sun- 
day (20). 

Outfit still has 3,600 tickets, while 
Swope has 400 in his own right di- 
rectly. 

Hale Sparks will handle the Frisco 
end of 'Quiz of Two Cities' at KFRC, 
replacing Mark Goodsen, resigned. 



Keeps |Jp Gronp Insnranee 

Boston, July 22. 

Yankee network employees now 
serving in the defense forces, or 
those that may be drafted later, will 
continue to receive the protection 
of the company's group Insurance 
policy. Arrangements have been 
completed with the Travelers' Life 
Insurance Company, Hartford, 
whereby the Yankee network will 
pay the employee's portion of the 
regular monthly premium for the 
duration of his term of service. 

In turn, the employee is bound to 
return to the network on his dis- 
charge from the army. There will 
be no future obligation for the em- 
ployee to repay his portion of the 
premium. 

SIX-WEEK LAYOFF 
FOR mET MR. MEEK' 




Stroh Brewery, Detroit Junkets 
Concert Troupe to Nearby Towns; 
Unusual Local Sponsor Policy 

I Same Brushoff 



L'ontlnaed from pace *sss 

wood and you can't piddle around in 
the sunshine, meanwhile. 

Theatres? You got me there. 
Night clubs? You have a slight edge 
but the system is just the same. 
There's two orchestras in every night 
spot, the same sour waiter, the same 
table behind a post, the same hat- 
check girl, the same doorman. May- 
be the entertainment is a little bet- 
ter here but after all Joe E. Lewis 
and Danny Kaye finally get to Holly- 
wood. The check? A close rela- 
tion of the guy who completes it 
here uses the same method of as- 
trononucal multiplication in Holly- 
wood. 

Same Faces, Gags, Et«. 

" The same faces you see on Broad- 
way you see on Vine street. The 
same gossip you hear on Broadway, 
you hear on Vine street. Here they 
are sour about Hollywood. There 
they - turn their noses up at New 
York. The beef usually comes from 
some guy who didn't make good in 
the other town. Usually' he's a guy 
who couldn't make good In Omaha, 
so if you're sharp, you pass up the 
beef. 

When you hear the expression, 
'Hollywood thinks that nothing ex- 
ists east of Pasadena' you can put 
the switch on it and say that Broad- 
way thinks nothing exists west of the 
Hudson. Of course if you are inter- 
ested in facts you can look at a map. 
Amazing how much space there ' is 
between the two points, the Hudson 
and Pasadena. 

Must be someone living in It. 

Suckers, I guess. 



Detroit, July 22. 
Still working on a lavish basis 
that is costing as much for a single 
station production as for many a 
nationwide hook-up, Stroh Brewing 
here has been taking its centers in 
this area. 

Brewery attracted trade consider- 
able attention a year ago by laying 
heavy money on the line to fly in 
Gus Haenschen, Margaret Daum and 
Thomas L. Thomas weekly from New 
York for a half-hour show and us- 
ing expensive arrangements, a 36- 
piece all-string orchestra recruited 
from the Detroit Symphony, etc. 

For the past five weeks, after a 
check which showed auditoriums 
seating from 2,500 to 6,200 available, 
the company has taken its show to 
Flint, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Las- 
sing and Jaskson, Mich., for an hour 
and a half show. The premise was 
that people in the smaller centers 
got no opportunity to see a big-time 
broadcast. 

The audience gets a half hour 
'peek in' at the dress rehearsal, the 
broadcast itself carried via WJR for 
another half hour followed by an- 
other half-hour concert. The show 
remains pegged in the semi-oper- 
atic style with Miss Daum using such 
material as 'One Fine Day' and 
'Italian Street Song;* Thomas singing 
the Prologue from PagUacci and 
duets in the same field. 

The Zimmer-Keller Agency, hand- 
ling the account. Is enthusiastic over 
the results obtained by lavishing the 
same kind of money on a single SO, 
000-watt station in a key area. In 
putting its expensive company on 
tour moving large amounts of props, 
leasing three wires to the broadcast 
point, etc., the brewery feels the Im- 
pression and response warranted th« 
expenditures. ' 



Ehbanks Joins Makelim 

Chicago, July 22. 
Hal Makelim last week brought in 
Eugene Eubanks, formerly with 
NBC, to take over production man- 
agership, for Covert Radio Produc- 
tions. - 

Covert firm is currently handling 
radio campaigns for Florsheim shoes 
and Gargoyle coffee. 



'Shadow' Rack Sept 28 



'The Shadow,' weekly whodunit 
thriller, returns Sept 28 to WOR- 
Mutual, in Its former 5:30 p.nh. Stm- 
day spot D. L. & W. Coal (fo. will 
again be the sponsor, with Ruthrauff 
fc Ryan the agency, in the east and 
midwest 

Show will be co-operatively spon- 
sored west of the Rockies. 

==^= I ■ 



'Meet Mr. Meek,' Lever Bros. 
(Lifebuoy) series Wednesday nights 
on CBS, takes a six-week lay-oft 
after the Aug. 20 broadcast, return- 
ing Oct. 8 with a 60-station hookup. 

Esty is the agency. 



Turns Renews Heidt Show 



Chicago, July 22. 

Lewis-Howe firm has renewed Its 
NBC-Red contract for Tums, using 
Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. COST, 
currently occupied by the Horace 
Heidt orchestra with the "Treasure 
Chest' show. 

Renewal is dated Sept. 23, and set 
through the Stack-Goble agency. 



Gene Hamilton Promoted 

Gene Hamilton, announcer of 
'Chamber Music Society of Lower 
Basin Street' the Adam hat pro- 
grams and other NBC ahows, be- 
comes a member of the NBC pro- 
ducer-director staff next Monday 
(28). He has been given no assign- 
ments as yet 

Jack McCarthy will take over his 
present announcer stints. 



Ho£F With Souvaine 

Harry Hoff, with Transamerican 
recently, has joined the Henry Sou- 
vaine production office in New York. 
He's a salesman-director. • 

Writers John M. Young and Irving 
Zendig have been assigned ta work 
With Hbfl. 



^^News of Our Neighbors^^ 

Goes to Siunmer School 

WHEN Western Reserve Universitf introduced a 
new course this siunmer, * course embodpng 
the history and development, the social, business and 
industrial life of the great original Western Resery« 
territory ; : t "News of Our Neighbors," that breezy 
quarter-hour WGAR public service feature which covers 
the news of some 20 small town communities in North- 
eastern Ohio, was called in as the lead-o£f feature. 

As the common denominator of all pafties interested, 
Ralph Worden, news editor of WGAR, broadcast this 
Saturday noon feature before a luncheon group of repre- 
sentative citizens of the Western Reserve area, and served 
as chairman of the meeting. 

Why? Because "News of Our Neighbors" is truly 
representative of the life of this commoni^ of two and 
one-quarter million people . : because radio listeners of 
the area have been studying this same course through 
"News of Our Neighbors" for more than three years. 



WGAR 



THE FBCNDLY ST*T10II 

CLEVELAND 



BASIC STATION ... COLUMBIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM 

G.A.kkhard$,Pn%. • ftfcvon/ Pehy A Cft/ Inc, Nof/ Repr. 



44 RADIO 



Wednesdaj, July 23, 1941 



PayroD Traffic 



LouIstIUc— New additions to 'an- 
nouncing staff at WGRC, Albany- 
Louisville, are Paul Huddleston, from 
WLAC and WSIX, NashviUe, where 
he was the Esso reporter, and Brad 
Bransford, local. Irma Coffron is 
new at WHAS. Formerly with 
WGRC handling copyright clear- 
ances and library. 



navy duty, and Charles Batspn and 
Phillip Pollard, called to army few 
days previously. Batson was pro- 
gram director. Pollard was his as- 
sistant. 



Atlanta.— Lee Bennett, WAGA an- 
nouncer, named program director of 
station. 

On vacation from WSB: Bill Wrye, 
Bill Spencer, Walter Paschall, Mrs. 
Leola Brown and Kay Woodhurst. 

Fannie Segal Goldstein, WSB pian- 
ist for the last two years, leaving to 
make her home in California. 



San Francisco.— Changes at KPO- 
KGO: Don Monett drafted; Niel 
Shaver and Jack Ulrich into sound 
effects; Bill Emery new head of guest 
relations staff. 



Lethbrldre, AIU.— Arthur J. Bal- 
four, former salesmanager of CKCK, 
Regina, Sask., and more recently 
manager of CJAT, Trail, B. C, has 
taken over managership of CJOC 
here. A. H. NichoU, station manager 
for the past two years and formerly 
salesmanager of CJOCi to Trail as 
manager. 



Vanoonver, B. C. — Ernest Morgan, 
senior CBC producer, upped to post 
of production manager at CBR, Van- 
couver. He was formerly with the 
CBC's Toronto studios. 



Beglna, Sask. — New spieler at 
CKCK, Regina, Is Jack MacRae. 



Boston. — Roland Carpenter added 
to WEEI's control room as engineer. 



Springfield, Mass. — WMAS has 
new program director, Jerry Ijans- 
Ing, formerly of WTRY, Troy. He 
replaces F. Turner Cooke, called to 
eervice. 



Tonn£st<rwn, O. — Thompson Rob- 
erts, formerly with WFMJ, YoungS' 
town, O., is now on the sales staff of 
WBLK, Clarksburg, W. Va. 



Buffalo.— Jack Schaefer, WEBR ac- 
tor, left to spiel on WERC, Erie, Pa. 



Kansas City. — Switching of person- 
nel at KMBC takes Don Macon from 
the announcing staff to' handle work 
as assistant program director under 
Felix Adams. Steps into work han- 
dled' by Bob Levy (Bert Lane) ' who 
left last month. 

LilUan .Thorpe left KMBC last 
week to become a senior secretary 
In the navy department. New mem- 
ber of the KMBC publicity and pro 
motion department is Doris Leeds 
from New York, who takes over 
. work 'On Sally Deane, who goes to 
Wichita. 

Bill Mcintosh has leh th« conti- 
nuity staff. 

Atlantic City, — Hugh Mercer 
Curtler ha* been named commer- 
cial manager of WBAB, owned and 
operated by Press-Union Newspa- 
pers. Curtler, for six years, was 
general manager of WCHV, Char- 
lottesvUle, Va. He has been with 
the Joseph Katz Advertising Agency 
In Baltimore recently. 

John L. McClay Is station manager 
of WBAB. 

Greenville, S. C— National defense 
has cost WFBC thre« staffers— Ed- 
ward L. Martin, engineer, who re- 
irted at Norfolk, Va.. July 12 for 



Seattle. — Roy Grandey, formerly 
program director at KHQ, Spokane, 
and before that with KNX, Holly- 
wood, is now production manager 
at KOL, Seattle. 



San Francisco. — Announcers Mark 
Goodson and Arthur Van Horn both 
resigned this week to seek greener 
pastures in New York. First re- 
placement is Howard Culver, com- 
ing over from KGEI. 

Windsor, Ont.— Don Fletcher, 
transmitter technician at CKLW, 
Windsor, Ont., is leaving to take a 
similar position with the CBC at 
Toronto. 



San Antonio— Doris Hill Is new at 
KTSA. Other staff changes includes 
Mary Ruth Huntington in the- con- 
tinuity department and Burr Sulli- 
van from continuity to the financial 
department. 

Amarlllo, Texas— Kim Kimmell, 
former program director and mer- 
chandising manager at station 
KFDA, has taken up new duties in 
the sales department. Succeeding 
Kimmell as merchandising manager 
is Jerry Brookman. Bill Dickson 
has been added to the announcing 
staff. 



Lonrvlew, Texas — Edward J.' Tail 
has been appointed acting program 
director for station KFRO. He re- 
places Jesse G. Turner, who left the 
station staff to join KRHV, Sherman, 
Texas. t 

Jack Blister has been added to the 
announcing staff. 



Philadelphia — Robert Benson has 
Joined the staff of WDAS as news 
editor, replacing Joe Novensen, now 
with WFIL. 

Frederick Pollock, formerly with 
WTEL, is a new relief announcer at 
WHAT. 



casting mag., has assumed th* man- 
agement of WPAT, Patersoa H« 
was previously publicity head at 
KNX, Los Angeles, and with the 
sales and publicity staff ob WBAJp, 
Baltimore. 



New York City.— Bill Taylor, for- 
merly with WPAY, Portsmouth, 
N. H., has joined the announcing 
staff of W71NY, FM outlet of WOR, 
New York. He is an ex-actor. 



Akron — Jack Looker has joined 
WJW's announcing staff here. 



Seattle — Two new announcers at 
KIRO, Seattle. Ted Baughn, former- 
ly with KMPC, Beverly HiUs, and 
Kani Evans, formerly KFI and KNX 

New Tork City James W. Le 

Baron for the last two years eastern 
advertising manager of Ciilld Life 
mag, has joined the New York sales 
force of Joseph Hershey McGillvra, 
station advertising rep agency. 



Wichita, Kan. — Jack Grimmlson, 
gag writer and performer at KFBI, 
Wichita, to Ft. Leavenworth for 
army duty. 

Vic Rugh, left KFBI for Omaha 
where he will do newscastlng for 
stations KOIL and KFAB. 



Hutchinson, Kans. — Elton Pieplow, 
continuity writer and chief an- 
nouncer for KWBW, to Aberdeen, 
S. D., to Join KABR, Mutual affili- 
ate. 



Marlon, O.-r-Charles F. Beardsley 
has Joined ' WMRN, Marion, O., as 
merchandising manager. He is new 
to radio. 



Beglno, Sask.— BiU Walker, CJRM, 
Regina, announcer has Joined the 
Royal" Canadian Air Force and 
George Robertson, announcer-, as ac 
cepted other employment. New an 
nouncers are Bob Hill and G«orge 
Kergan from vaude!* Beatrice Seller 
fleijr is doing continuity, replacing 
her sister, Lillian, who was married 
recently. 



V Radio Daffodils * 



New York City— WBAL, Baltimore, Is treating agency time buyers and 
advertisers located In New York to drinks by a novel routa as part of the 
station's celebration of its recent power boost. Recipients are told that 
the enclosed card upon presentation at any Longchamps restaurant or the 
Raleigh Room, Hotel Warwick, will entitle them to two special 'WBAL— 
50,000 Watt Cocktails.' 

On another portion of the card there's the cocktail's recipe. Latter is 
a mixture of gin, Cointreau, lime, mint and fine Ice. 



Boston— Bill Elliott, 'Singing Cop' on WEEI, has been honored by his 
home town, Hampton Beach, N. H., where every Tuesday will be 'Bill 
EUiott Day.' 



San Franolseo.- Bennie Walker, KCO Amateur Hour m.c, has long 
passed the stage of surprise, but had to admit an act on his show last 
week was a bit different: A Chinese boy In cowboy costume singing. Oh 
Susannah,' while spinning • rope. 

MlnneapolU.— Mayor-elect M. L. Kline asked and received permission 
of WCCO to broadcast that he was as much In the dark as the general 
public over the abtupt resignation and disappearance of his police chief, 
E. B. Hanson, after the latter had served only nine days. In his radio talk. 
Mayor Kline accused the 'tmderworld' of trying to discredit his adminis- 
tratlon and promised again that, despite all embarrasments, he'd rout 
the racketeers. He asked tha publlo to withhold Judgment until he located 
Hanson, (Further details in Vaudeville department.) 



NESTLE'S NEW COFFEE 
NOW TRYING CHICAGO 



San Francisco, July 22. 
Nestle, which has been jumping 
from market to market with its Nes- 
cafe (powdered coffee), is now taking 
a whirl at Chicago with a series of 
twice-weekly early morning quar- 
ters on WBBM.' Deal was set by 
Gordon Owen of Radio Sales office 
here, 

St. Louis and New York markets 
got the previous shots. 



West Tarmontb,' Mass. — Louis 
Dearborn has Joined the announcing 
staff of WOCB, West Yarmouth 
Cape Cod, replacing Richard C. Kil- 
bourne, who enlisted in the army. 

Marjorie Gates Alley, formerly 
with the Yankee network in Boston 
and WPRO, Providence, has Joined 
W(X;B to handle women's and chil- 
dren's programs and conduct inter- 
views. 

Frank L. Miller, formerly with the 
advertising department of Bird & 
Sons, Boston, has joined WOCB as 
chief continuity writer. 



Jersey City, N. J.Way Harris, 
Cornell stude and relief announcer 
at the university's station, WHCHJ, 
Ithaca, N. Y., has joined the an- 
nouncing staff at WAAT, Jersey Citjr, 
as summer relief man. 



■ New Tork City— Samuel Panham, 
formerly with Donahue & Coe and 
previous to that copy director of the 
Wendell P. Colton Co., has Joined the 
copy staff of the J. M. Mathes 
agency. 



New Tork City— H. Arthur GU- 
bert, former singer, actor, produc- 
tion and sound effects man at WHN, 
New York, has shifted to WAAT, 
Jersey City, as engineer. 



Paierson, N. J.— Edward Cool, 
formerly midwest manager of Broad- 



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Pittsburgh— Walter Thompson, en- 
gineer at station WCAE, to WGN; 
Chicago. His wife is Delle GIIlIs, 
radio actress. 



Toledo— Roy Smith and his Ten- 
tesseeans, hiUbilly musical group, 
left WSPD, Toledo, for the summer 
July 20, and will return to the sta- 
tion about Sept. 1. 

Jon Ames new announcer at 
WSPD. He has had four years' work 
on the university station, WKAR. 



Chicago— At WJJD, Al HoUender, 
press, chief, - moves into post as as- 
sistant to the president, but will 
continue handling the handouts. 

Herb Sherman has been named 
national sales-manager, while Dave 
Bennet, who formerly had his own 
agency, joins WJJD as local sales 
chief. 



Buffalo — Cliff Jones, erstwhile 
WGR-WKBK announcer, appointed 
general manager of WBTA in near- 
by Batavia. 

Sig Smith leaves WGH- WKBW 
spelling staff this weekend to do 
spots at WIS, Columbia, S. C. 



Atlantic City— Earle Godfrey,-for 
merly chief engineer of WBAB, 
Press union Newspapers' Station, 
has been named manager. He suc- 
ceeds John L. McCIay. 

Nashville — ^Don Murray Is new Esso 
Reporter and Russell Wyly is new 
announcer at WLAC. 

WSIX has added George Anderson 
to announcing staff, Anderson re- 
placed Wyly. 

Minnie Pearle, Grand Ole OfMry 
performer, has Joined Joe Frank's 
Golden West Cowboys on their tours 
during the remainder of the summer. 



St. Lonis — ^Warren Champlln has 
returned to gabbing berth at KXOK. 
Left this station to go to WKRC in 
Cincinnati. Harry K. Renfro has 
been upped to News Editor and 
Publicity Director at KXOK. Suc- 
ceeds Bruce Barrington who now is 
in khaki. 



Dea Moines— Betty Brlggs, who has 
been with WOI, the Iowa State Col- 
lege radio at Ames, for four years 
quits Aug. 20. to Join KSO-KRNT, 
Des Moines, 



Soheneotady.- Merrill C. Phillips 
transferred effective Aug. 1 to KQ^ 
the GE International short-wave sta- 
tion in San Francisco. 



Burlington, la,— Ken Lufkln sum- 
mer prograth director at the Drake 
University radio school, Des Mohies, 
has. Joined KBUR as an announcer 
and continuity writer. 



More Radio Attorneys 

Washington, July 22. 

Eight more applicants to practice 
radio law before the Federal Com 
munications Commission were bun^ 
died up by the FCC Bar Committee 
last week with three New Yorkers 
heading the list. 

George Keenan Hourwich, Bennett 
Frankel and Paul Andrew Lands- 
man were the three Manhattanites 
swelling the forces of Washington 
lawyers tak^ care of the bedevilled 
industry. Others were: Thompson 
Kurrie, Indianapolis; Robert H. 
Fowler, Detroit; Kenneth C. Davis, 
St. Paul, Minn.; Denham A. Maupin, 
Washington, D. C, and J. A. Prit- 
chett, Windsor, N. C. ' 



WRUL's New Hub Quarters 

Boston, July 22. 

Shortwaver WRUL Is moving Its 
studios from the University Club to 
Commonwealth . avenue here. Ex- 
pect to take over Aug. 1. 

This station has recently received 
congressional funds to expand its 
shortwave program to South 
-America. 



KDAL, Duluth Ups Power 

Chicago, July 22. 

Free & Peters rep outfit last week' 
was handed contract as exclusive 
national representatives of KDAL 
Dulutk-Superlor. 

This Is simultaneous with FCC 
okay Jor station to build power to 
1,000 watts on 610 kilocycles. ' Sta- 
tion, a d;olumbls affiliate, has been 
operathig at 230 watts on 1,490 
waveband. 



KTHS Now Full Time 

Hot Springs, Ark., July 22. 

Station KTHS, local NBC-Blue 
outlet. Is now operating full time. It 
has 10,000 watts power daytime and 
1,000 watts at night. 

Formerly th« station was off the 
afar part-time and had 6,000 watts' 
power at night 



WIZB POWEB UPPED 

Springfield, O., July 32. 

SUtlon WIZB, Spriijgfleld, O., 
basle Blue network outlet of NBC, 
has hiereased Its power from 100 
watts to 280 watts. 

The station continues on (i |re- 
quener of 1340 kilocycles. 

•Bue Principal*' ('Main Street') 
Oxydol-fl)oniored Procter & (Samble 
show on CBF, dKAC, CBV (Quebw: 
City), and all over (juebeo province 
hi Frenoh, cliebtd off 1,000th broad- 
oast on Jttlr 10. Eddl* Beaudiy 
writes serlaL 



WEAVER SCHOOL 
FTC-REBUKED 



Washington, July £2. 

The Federal Trade Commission has 
Issued a crease and desist order 
against Howard S. Weaver, head of 
the 'Weaver Real Estate Appraisal 
Training Serviced of Kansas City, 
Mo. Radio and published adver- 
tising that land appraising Is an 'un- 
crowded' field, lacking qualified men' 
and that 'various loan agencies of the 
Government, as well as private in- 
dustry' are waiting impatiently to 
employ 'men trained by the re- 
spondent' was dismissed as pure 
bushwah by the Commish. 

It was also stated that salaries up 
to $3,800 a year and earnings of from 
$175 to $300 a month are extremely 
unlikely for Weaver graduates. 

mi KPRC IN TEXAS 
SHARE ONE ANTENNA 



Houston, July 22. 

The Federal . Communications 
Commission has granted an okay 
for station KXyZ and KPRC to 
make joint use of one antenna for 
day and night operation. 

At the present time KXYZ ope- 
rates on 1,470 kilocycles with a 
power of 1,000 watts, while KPRC 
broadcasts on 950 kilocycles with a 
power of 5,000 watts daytime and 
1.000 watU nighttime. KPRC Is 
slated for operation on 1,320 kilo- 
cycles with 9,000 full time power 
when KTRH, present occupant of 
that frequency shifts to 740 kilo- 
cycles with 90,000 watts within th* 
next few months. 

KPRC Is controlled by the Hous- 
ton Post while KXYZ is owned by 
the Harris County Broadcasting Co. 
of which Tilford Jones is president. 



San Diego's FN Station 



San Diego, July £2. 

First FM station here (and second 
In California) went on th* air this 
month. It's W6XEP on 31.48 mega- 
cycles, operated by San Diego Con- 
solidated Gas & Electric Co. with 20 
watts power. Statlcless Juicer being 
used as part of a radio communica- 
tion system between headquarters 
and servio* trucks In the field, three 
of which have already been fitted 
-with mobile equipment oi>eratlng on 
33.08 megi. 

First Tin station In th* stat* was 
that used by Gomper's trade school 
In Frisco. 



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Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



DfTERNATIOMAL RADIO 45 



Those English Family Names 

Toronto, July 22, 

Radio announcers always get the pronunciation ot names correctly — 
that being part of their job — but sometimes such news-mentions leave 
newspaper readers bewildered. In England, for instance, certain. sur- 
names baffle not only foreigners, but the natives themselves. That 
goes for Beauchamp (Beecham), Cholmondeley (Chumley), Marjori- 
banks (Marchbanks), 

Replacing General Sir Archibald Percival Wavell as Commander of 
the Middle East Forces is General Sir John Claude Eyt .> Auchinlc :k. 
This registers with your newspaper-reader as phonetically simple as 
it looks, but the family pronunciation of their surname is 'Affleck,' and 
when that pronunciation is punctiliously used by radio announcers, 
radio-listeners may be forgiven for wondering who 'Affleck' is when 
they thought it was Auchinleck (pronounced by them Okinlek), who 
was announced as taking over the Middle East job. 



Soviet Embassy Erects Equipment 
To Pick Up Moscow Broadcasting 



Washington, July 22. 
Those queer-looking poles which 
suddenly sprouted from an area of 
pastureland, directly in back of a 
swanky estate in Washington's 
Chevy Chase area, were explained 
Sunday (20) when it was learned 
that the Russian government — con- 
scientiously patty-caking with the 
U. S. Department of State — has built 
a powerful short-wave radio for the 
purpose of contacting Moscow di- 
rectly. 

On the well-kept estate of the 
late Rudolph KaufTman, leased by the 
Soviet Embassy, numerous crudely- 
chopped posts, of varying lengths, 
have been intriguing Washingtonians 
who pass the place each morning en 
route to downtown jobs. Looked 
like the efforts of a radio ham, until 
taller and more efficient looking 
poles were established. 

Horse-trade between the U. S. and 
the U.- S. S. R. was seen when it was 
alleged that this Government would 
demand similar facilities in Russia, if 
America wanted this done. 

Spokesman of the Soviet Embassy 
here could not see anything news- 
worthy about the erection of the 
mysterious poles. 

'Just some people listening in to 
the news from Moscow,' he ex- 
plained. 



WBOS, BOSTON, AMS 
PROGRAMS AT EUROPE 



Boston, July 22. 
WBOS, Westinghouse shortwave 
station here, yesterday (21) began 
broadcasting an hour of news and 
music in English beamed at Europe 
and Great Britain. This brings sta- 
tion's daily broadcasting hours to 
nine. 

An hour in Portugese will be 
added next Monday (28), a second 
hour in French on Aug. 4, and an ad- 
ditional hour in English on Aug. 11, 
will bring its broadcasting hours to 
12 daily. 

F. P. Nelson is manager of interna- 
tional broadcasting for Westinghouse. 



HENRY SHAPIRO REPS MBS 

Alice Leone Moats Vnable to Ar- 
xaoft Shortwave Fkcllltiea 



Henry Shapiro, UP correspondent 
in Moscow, is now also representing 
Mutual there. Made his first short- 
wave broadcast Monday (21) night 
to the U.S. 

Assignment was first given to 
Alice Leone Moats, correspondent 
for Collier's mag. However, she was 
unable to arrange use of shortwave 
facilities there. 



MEXICO OKAYS 
FOUR STATIONS 



Mexico City, July 22. 

Ministry of Communications has 
granted permits for four more com- 
mercial stations and 37 amateur out- 
lets. New commercial allocations 
are to be in Ciudad Juarez, across 
from El Paso, 1,000 watts; Navajoa, 
located in the northwest border 
state of Sonora, 500 watts: Orizaba, 
industrial center of Vera Cruz state, 
250 watts, and Tuxpan, Vera Cruz 
oil port, 250 watts. 

All are slated to be In operation 
by the end of the summer. 



Gen. Motors' Mex Musicales 



Mexico City, July 22. 

General Motors of Mexico and its 
distributors throughout this republic 
are intensively publicizing their cars 
and trucks by a radio campaign from 
local sUtions XEQ (50,000 watts) 
and its short wave radio outlet 
XEQQ. Program is for an hour 
every Sunday evening and features a 
48-piece symphonic orchestra con- 
ducted by Dr. Ernest Roemer. Out- 
standing Mexican soloists perform. 

These concerts are to be given for 
three months. 



- 

(uufffwet/luidur 



i T«n •■- CUuff> i>IU> H 



I London Calling 




London, July 1. 
Pianist Mark Hambourg and 

daughter, Michal, bracketed in pres- 
entation "BBC Presents.'' It marks 
50th year of his playing for the pub- 
lic. 



Royal Command performance of 
variety, at the Palace in 1912 (the 
first) wUl be aired by BBC as an 
experiment Recording unit has an 
actual impression made at the time, 
and where this fails to fit will use 
discs of the acts concerned. These 
cover George Robey, Vest Tilley and 
Alfred Lester, among other a.k.'s. 



Bernard Miles in another radio 
spurt, this time in a dialect monolog. 



BawlcE and Landancr, piano team, 
guesting on 'Monday Night at Eight.' 



Geraldo unable to fulfill his annual 
visit to the Palace, Blackpool, due 
to his BBC commitments. 



Harry Foster crashing radio script- 
ing biz. Has just completed 15 min- 
ute musical show which has been 
auditioned by the BBC, and is wnit- 
ing to hear okay for six sessions 
with option. Topping cast is Leigh 
Stafford (and Louise), American 
dancer who is making his d«but as 
singer, with the BBC impressed. 



Cyril Ritchard, musical - comedy 
lead and now with Firth Shepherd's 
current West End show, featured 
artist in 'Stars in Their Courses.' 



Nat Gonella back to radio with his 
swing outfit. . 



Yankee Shortwave Programs Now 
Logged for Info of Latin Listeners 



RETURNS TO PERU 

Robert Stigllcb at Mntual Since 
February Studying Radio 



Robert SUglich, in New York 
since February to familiarize him- 
self with U.S. and Mutual network 
radio, has returned to Lima, where 
he'll set up Mutual headquarters for 
Peru. 

When he arrives home, Stiglich 
will get his first look at his child, 
born during his stay In the U.S. 



Argentine Would 
Study Its Radio to 
Aid Advancement 



Sonnle Hale and Doris Hare are 
returning with their comedy session 
'Send for Doctor Dick,' after a lay- 
off. 



Harry P.fe son, clarinetist with 
Jack Payne's outfit, guesting on 'In 
Town Tonite' and telling of his col- 
lection of odd instruments. Has a 
double-bass clarinet — only one in 
England — and demonstrated for rug- 
cutting. 



Adele Dlxoa and Syd Walker 
signed, by BBC to support film 
comics Lucan and McShane in their 
new airer. 



Joe Marsala drawing a special disc 
session under sponsorship of Radio 
Rhythm Club. 



KABC NEWSCASTER TO 
SHORTWAVE FROM MEX. 



San Antonio, July 22. 

John W. Scott, KABC news 
analyst, who airs the nightly Schlitz 
newscast to the Texas State Net- 
work from here will make flying 
trip on Aug. 1 to Latin-America 
countries and will present his views 
from Mexico and other countries by 
short wave which will be relayed 
to the KABC listening post and re- 
broadcast at his regular news period. 

Preliminary tests have been com-, 
pleted with short wave stations in 
Mexico City for the first broadcasts. 



The Ahhnde Problem 



Mexico City, July 22. 

The staff and artists of local radio 
station XEQ and the numerous pub- 
lic that attends its shows are rejoic- 
ing for soon they will no longer 
have to climb four flights of stairs to 
the studios, severe exercise at this 
altitude of 7,450 feet. 

XEQ is to install an elevator in 
late summer. 



Return O'Hearn to CFCF 

Montreal, July 22. 
Five - minute talk by Walter 
O'Hearn on 'Stories Behind the 
News' sponsored by National Brew- 
eries which had been dropped for a 
time by its sponsor and had been 
held as sustaining program by CFCF, 
has been renewed until end ot year, 
•Many letters of regret when 
dropped and high program rating 
led to renewal which is for six days 
per week, Monday through Saturday, 
on Canadian Marconi station CFCF. 



Allen'a Csaa4laa CcHric 

Vancouver, B. C, July 22. 
University of British Columbia is 
teaching radio script writing this 
summer. 

l/ccturer is Dr. Robert B, Allen, 
of Indiana University. 



Buenos Aires, July 22. 
Formation of a Congressional 
Committee to study all local and 
foreign broadcasting legislation has 
been proposed in the Chamber of 
Deputies here. A. Rodriques Araya, 
Radical, from the Province of Santa 
Fe, who presented the motion, said 
that radio here was currently 'oper- 
ating under a transitory system that 
must end in view of technical ad- 
vance.' 

Added that iQcal broadcasters and 
associated companies have worked 
for some time under precarious per- 
mits that have not allowed them to 
develop satisfactorily. All but three 
or four of the 42 Argentine stations 
operate under the same sale of time 
for advertising purposes as do sta- 
tions in the U. S. and a one-year 
license as in U. S. 

During recent weeks Radio £1 
Mundo, one of the two most im- 
portant Argentine stations and the 
only one with a IS-year permit (won 
in a government competition), was 
severely warned for broadcasting 
several comedies 'which contained 
expressions not adjusted to the cul- 
tural precepts imposed by our 
rulings.' 

Radio Belgrano — which is the 
other top leader — was suspended for 
six hours for 'reiterated breach ' on 
the regulations on broadcasting ex- 
cessive amount of advertising.' 

Radio CalTao, only B. A. station 
regularly broadcasting pro - Axis 
Stefani (Italian) and Transocean 
(German) news bulletins, was re- 
cently ordered oft the air for 48 
hours for breach of Argentine neu- 
trality laws. 



Program schedules oi U. S. short- 
wavers, wnlch the Council for 
National Defense (Rockefeller Com- 
mittee) will begin sending to South 
America on Aug. 1, will be issued' 
in six editions in three languages. 
Council two weeks ago received a 
$50,000 appropriation from Congress 
for the project. 

Pocket-size pamphlets will come 
out once-a-week in English, Spanish 
and Portuguese. Half-dozen editions 
will cover all the S. A. time zones, 
so that local audiences will have 
none ot the difficulty ot transposing 
eastern standard time to fit their 
particular area. 

About 50,000 copies a week will be 
shipped south. They will go to em- 
bassies, consulates, American expor- 
ters, banks, chambers of commerce 
and every other possible distributing 
point. It was originally hoped to 
air-mail them down, but that has 
been found to be impractical. In- 
stead, printing schedule will be ar- 
ranged so that the deadline im- 
mediately precedes sailing date of 
boats, which take about 2<^ weeks to 
reach Buenos Aires. 

Don Francisco, chief of the com- 
munications division of the CND, 
said last week that a plan is afoot to 
rotate the privilege among the short- 
wavers of slipping, an insert into the 
pamphlets each week to announce 
new programs or special broadcasts. 
Otherwise the logs will be limited to 
listings. 

Commerce Department last week 
discontinued the short-wave pro- 
gram skeds it was sending to S. A. 
These were only in English, all in 
eastern standard time and were 
printed more than seven weeks in 
advance, making them of little 
value. 



Ballyhoo for Insurance 
Plan of Mex President 

Mexico City, July 22. 

Radio Is being used for the first 
time in Mexico to plug insurance. 
That is being done by the Federal 
Government on the weekly 'National 
Hour,' broadcast by the official sta- 
tions with the cooperation of some 
private studios for the national so- 
cial insurance law, sponsored by 
President Avila Caipacho, which is 
being prepared tor the new con- 
gress which opens Sept 1. 

Insurance experts explain this law 
and its advantages are pointed out 
by labor leaders. These pro^grama 
are aimed particularly at workers. 



Helen Biett, commentator on NBC 
blue, to Toronto last week for a sur- 
vey ot conditions in the Dominion, 
and broadcast to the United Stated 
from the Canadian Broadcasting 
Corp.'g Toronto studios. 




46 



RADIO BEVIEWS 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



Follow-Up Comment 



Louis Fischer, author of recently- 
published autobiographical, 'Men and 
Politics,' in a guester on Columbia, 
offered pertinent, revealing comment 
on German-Russian war. Fischer, 
who spent 14 years in the Soviet as 
well as some time In Germany and 
other countries, seems a good bet as 
a commentator during this phase of 
the war. He declared Russia could 
not 'defeat' Germany but might stave 
oft the Nazis untU October, thus 
keeping Germany from an attempted 
invasion of England this year— the 
only way in which"T!ermany can wui 
the war. Morale of the German 
people will be affected, he thought, 
what with the many men killed, the 
long trains of wounded, etc. Said 
Fischer: "Many countries but rela- 
tively few men have gone down 
under Hitler . . . this is the first time 
Germany has had big battle losses. 

Lisa Sergio, who does a 'Column 
of the Air' five mornings a week on 
■WQXR, New York, is also subbing 
as news commentator on the same 
station for the vacationing Quincy 
Howe. As heard Thursday (10) 
night, she's doing an impressive job. 
Shrewdly shunning the headline 
topics that nearly all the network 
commentators discuss, she takes sig- 
nificant but lesser-known subjects 
and Ulks of them informatively and 
authoritatively. Miss Sergio has 
distinction of voice, pronunciation, 
expression. Discussed diplomatic 
and economic ramifications growing 
out of the Stalin-Hitler break, in 
particular the chances of a new set- 
up of nations after the present war 
—such as a Pan-Slav bloc, Latin 
bloc. Western bloc and" an Atlantic 
bloc. It was a fascinating discussion 
and one no other radio commentator 
has been heard to mention. Second 
topic, stemming from the departure 
of Axis diplomats from the U.S., was 
the Nazi-Fascist propaganda roots in 
America and the German penetra- 
tion, particularly by patent control, 
of American industry, Miss Sergio 
revealed that her information was 
based on a report by the -Attorney 
General's office and she announced 
that she had a few copies, which 
listeners could obtain. 



Pall Mall's 'Modern Design' re- 
corded spot announcement, commer 
cial radio's current migraine, got 
away from the WOR panel-man 
Wednesday (16) afternoon. Imme- 
diately following the 'We Are Al 
ways Young' serial, the announce 
ment hit the ozone with enough vol 
ume to lift the roof off a dialer's 
home. After all these weeks, the 
flshbowl boys ought to have learned 
to turn down the volume before that 
platter goes on. Still hadn't finished 
when the announcement was over, 
for he never did get around to turn 
ing down the volume control. 



worse. Widder Brown and her 
young daughter Jane get . together 
for a good cry that cheers them both, 
however, and, anyway, the author 
would never let the heroine marry 
that heel Anthony. Installment 
caught was surprisingly rough, pos- 
sibly from sloppy direction or un- 
der-rehearsal. Commercials are the 
steady pounding sort 

'Wc, the Abbotts,' the author claims 
to believe, is "the story of an Ameri- 
can family in today's uncertain 
world— of a father and mother strug- 
gling to protect their home and fam- 
ily." As heard Wednesday (16) on 
NBC-Red. it's also a palpably-phony 
oicture of Broadway-show business 
life for yokel audience consumption. 
Seems John Abbott, a school teacher- 
playwright, has come to the wicked 
city to get his opus produced and has 
fallen into the clutches of an un- 
.scrupulous producer. While assorted 
hangers-on get soused in the Abbott 
apartment into the wee hours, a press 
?ent (overdoing a John Barrymore- 
ham impersonation) pets in a scrap 
with the producer rnd "oinc to get 
even by ruining Abbott. Yarn is 
painfully transoarent and only the 
producer, Abe Brenror, was credible 
on the eoisode caught. Commercial 
copy writer for Bsst Foods aopar- 
entlv has a crush on the word 'de- 
lectable.' Repeated it endlessly 
about Hellmann's mayonnaise and 
sandwich spread. 

The Goldbergs' isn't one of the 
oldest and most popular serials on 
the air by' accident. It remains a 
believable, warm-hearted, actioii- 
flUed .story of lifelike people and in- 
herently human situations. And, not 
so incidentally, authoress Gertrude 
Berg is a subtle and convincing ac- 
tress in the leading role of Mollie 
Goldberg. Caught recently on NBC- 
Red, the show related an incident in 
the Goldberg home, with motherly, 
generous Mollie moving in and out 
of the action and through the lives 
of the other characters. ;There was 
one brilliant bit. .of scripting as 
Sammy Goldberg told his mother 
how good and wise she was and she 
grew philosophical for a moment. 
Then, without being overdone, that 
line of palaver was interrupted by 
the entrance of -another character. 
By underplaying the rest of the cast, 
Mrs. Berg creates a curious sense of 
impending drama and, incidentally, 
retains the emphasis on the impor- 
tant Mollie Goldberg character. Duz 
commercials make considerable use 
of the 'Duz does everything' kind of 
alliteration. 



. Leland Slowe, subbing Tuesday 
(15) night for Raymond Gram Swing 
over WOR-Mutual, provided an en 
lightening and absorbing analysis of 
the situation on the various war 
fronts. Without attempting hot- 
from-the-war-office scoops, sensa 
tional predictions, or even far-reach 
tng opinions, the UP war correspond 
ent offered a simple, factual and 
seemingly logical discussion of world 
events. Particularly interesting was 
his searching consideration of the 
'long-term factors' of the Soviet-Nazi 
war, which he was inclined to be- 
lieve may prove to be prohibitively 
costly to Hitler even if he wins it. 
Stowe likened Germany's position to 
that of Japan in China and called 
Chinese resistance as baffling as a 
•wall of feathers.' That was merely 
one of a number of bits of vivid 
writing in the script. Corresoondent 
has a nasal, but not unpleasant; 
voice, a deliberate mike manner and 
excellent enunciation. 



20 Winks 



Jerry Lawrence (WOR) is be- 
coming important on New York's 
night air. He's in there pushing 
on the reins. At 2:30 one morn- 
ing last iS)eck he plugged a line 
into Glep Island Casino to pick 
up a Charlie Spivak rehearsal. 
This half hour happened to curl 
up and lay there, but the idea is 
all right and could stand another 
try. It probably taught Law- 
rence two things — that these un- 
rehearsed affairs need rehears- 
ing, and don't let bandleaders 
pick the tunes . . . the a.m. 
rivalry between Lawrence and 
Stan Shaw has its daily dupli- 
cate in the Allen Courtney- 
Martin Block matinee duel. This 
endless 'Battle of the Disks' 
therefore comprises four boys 
and three stations, Shaw and 
Block wearing the same WNEW 
uniform with Courtney in charge 
at WOV. Latter is the most pro- 
fessional' of the group . . . One 
of Red Barber's assets is that 
he's not afraid of a dead mike. 
None of the other sports an- 
nouncers seem to have caught 
on, not even Al Heifer. The 
danger of 'voice monotony' is a 
double menace to the baseball 
faction ... If you had a band 
and as much air time as Mutual 
gives Teddy Powell and Les 
Brown, what would you do with 
it? . . . The announcer work- 
ing with Lopez, ifor those hotel 
luncheon dansant^, deserves bill- 
ing. ' He's doin^ a nice light 
comedy job on material and de- 
livery. 

Shudders of the week. None, 
'baddy' is easing off. 



hillbilly vocabulary. She's been 
married to that aristocratic young 
Edward Leighton now for two or 
ihree years, but she still talks like — 
well, like Amanda of Honeymoon 
Hill. Series is apparently successful 
corn for the rural areas. Current 
sequence on NBC-Blue is about Ed- 
ward's friend, Walter, who's been so 
morose since Olive died. He won't 
even see his baby daughter, whose 
birth presumably cost her mother's 
life. Amanda is doing some devious 
plotting to right matters, but no dice 
so far. Meanwhile, husband Edward 
is away. Haley's M.O. will, as the 
copy writer delicately puts it, cure 
the 'condition for which you take 
a laxative.' 



I 



.Cornelius Vanderbllt Whitney, 

board chairman of Pan-American 
Airways, spoke Tuesday (15) night 
over WABC-CBS on "The Struggle 
for Inter-American Trade 'Wavs'.' 
Talk was under the auspices of the 
Inter-American Commercial Arbitra- 
tions Assn. Obviously reading from 
a self-prepared script, he gave a 
carefully-reasoned, on-the-conserva- 
tive-sid^ authoritative picture of 
Axis penetration in Latin America. 
But' although his material was meaty, 
the program was progressively dull. 
Whitney has what might be called a 
cultivated New York accent, appar- 
ently a repugnance for pushing him- 
self forward and, perhaps as a con- 
sequence, little sense of showman- 
ship. Just a trifle more colorful writ- 
ing would have given the script some 
life. Or a zingier speaker could have 
made the same script sound more 
vital. 



'Just PUIn BUI' (the title) is just 
about the only plain thing in the 
NBC-Blue serial. Even the product, 
Anacin, hasn't just one ingredient, 
but three. And the headaches it 
cures aren't just plain headaches. 
They're neuritic or neuralgic head- 
aches. As for the script, well, all 
the characters are running around 
from crisis to crisis like crazy. First 
thing they know, they'll all be taking 
Anacin. In a way, they're taking it 
now — and for plenty. Just Plain 
Bill Davidson is , an exception, 
though. He isn't like that. He's 
calm and quiet and gentle and sym- 
pathetic and tolerant and under- 
standing and kind, but still firm and 
strong and wise. It seems Clay was 
jealous of his stepson. Tommy, so 
the kid ran away. Now Faith is 
through with Clay and he's des- 
perate. But only Just Plain Bill 
knows that Edgar, Faith's legally- 
dead first husband, is really alive, 
though dangerously ill. But BiU 
ain't talkin'. Things are in a fright- 
ful fix. Pass the Anacin, pardner. 
There ' was a sly chuckle on the 
Wednesday (16) stanza caught when, 
amii^ the hopeless despairing search 
for young 'Tommy, a bit of back- 
ground music was recognizable as 
'Nellie Gray' (which has the lyric, 
'And I'll never see my darling any 
more'). Musical theme for the show, 
'Polly Wolly Doodle,' is supplied by 
harmonica and guitar. ^ 



'Orphans of Divorce,' according to 
the intro spiel, is a 'story of a uni- 
versal problem, the problem of di- 
vorce — the story of Mother Nora, 50 
years old, with several children, for- 
saken by her husband and left to 
face • the world alone.' That gives 
the general idea of the show. Ac- 
cording to the Wednesday (16) chap- 
ter. Mother Nora was almost ruined 
again by dastardly Cyril Worth'ing- 
ton, the man . who shamefully de- 
serted and divorced her. But she 
and attorney John Winter outsmart- 
ed the knave, so Dick and Gladys 
will have their house, while Barbara 
can go tell Alex he's a partner in 
Hobson's dairy. But hold on there. 
A telephone call from Mark Findley, 
the real estate man? That looks 
like more trouble ahead. In other 
words, a serial. And a pretty melo- 
dramatic and old-fashioned serial, 
too. 



KAT THOMPSON 

•51 East Slat,' with Erik Bhodes, 

Lionel Stander, Everett Sioane, 

Archie Bleyer Orchestra 
Music, Plot, Comedy 
30 Mlns. 

CBS FORECAST No. t 
Monday, 9 p.m. 
WABC-CBS, New Tork 

Forsaking all hesitation for hur- 
rahs this review will attempt to say 
why '51 East 51st' Is a very nice pro- 
fessional job of writing, producing 
and performing. If a slightly super- 
cillious undercurrent of surprise 
runs through the comment, the CBS 
program department will perhaps 
understand that old impressions are 
not easily gotten rid of. And the old 
Impression abcjoit netwqrk pi^ogram 
departments was that they never led 
the way but followed. 

This program has the good sense to 
discover Kay Thompson in a bigger 
and better way than this first-rate 
artist has heretofore been dis- 
covered. Both as a song stylist, 
where she is among the best, and as 
a leading lady in featherweight 
gaiety (oh, blessed breeze in a heavy 
world!) Miss Thompson is about the 
most plausible candidate in her class 
for general discovery hereabouts. 
Part of her singing included special 
song lyrics, a kind of material that 
vaudeville appreciated but radio 
seldom has. 

The goings-on of a program 
formula involving music, plot -and 
comedy occur in a mythical smart 
Manhattan cafe called 51 East 51st, 
of which Kay Thompson is the sing- 
ing star. The program, as written 
and directed by the team of Leonardo 
Bercovici and Robert Sioane, pos- 
sessed on this showcasing a quality 
of engaging urbanity. Action 
stemmed from a series of hokey 
'interruption' telegrams from Kay 
Thompson's boy friend in Hollywood. 
Most of the telegrams were framed 
by two members of that usually ob- 
noxious breed, practical jokers, who 
managed in this case to be amusing 
heels. These roles were handled by 
Lionel Stander and Everett Sioane. 

A charmingly wacky Latin man 
about town, with the debonair patter 
of a William Powell, was played by 
Erik Rhodes. How easily this role 
could have been over-written and 
over-played and how cleverly it was 
neither. Rhodes emerged here as an 
actor of marked radio po5sibilitie.<;. 
to match his clicks on stage and 
screen. At the end of the trial epi- 
sode Ramon, the Latin wack, bought 
the night club, to put an end to his 
frequent ejections. 

It's nothing but romantic nonsense 
as frivolous as champagne. It has no 
social significance whatever. Just an 
enjoyable half hour with a nice assist 
from Archie Bleyer's music. JLattcf. 



•Young Widder Brown,' on NBC- 
Red ^r Bayer asperin, is 'the story 
of a young mother's conflict with the 

. dictates of her heart.' In other 
words, she's one 6i those beautiful 
and loving, but oh-so-Iong-sulfering 
serial heroines. And as heard re- 
cently, the show is something of a 
trial to the listeners as well as to 

' youn^ widder Ellen. It appears she 
has lust helped a couple of her 
friends elope, which burns her pros- 
pective ma-in-law,. soui: old Mrs. 
Loring. Anthony Loring, the fiance, 
takes his mother's part, the dope, 
which makes things that much 



•John's Other Wife,' on WJZ-NBC, 
has well-defined and rather likeable 
characters, which should prove a 
steady pull for listeners. As heard 
recently, there appeared to be a 
growing ripple on the normally- 
serene surface of the Perry household. 
Seems Elizabeth is typing a manu- 
s.cript for a handsome young play- 
wright (any serial fan knows all 
playwrights are young and hand- 
some) and that means working in 
the living room .with John tossing 
and turning fretfully upstairs in bed. 
Now, under Elizabeth's sympathetic 
inspiration, the author is doing some 
rewriting, so that'll delay comple- 
tion of the job. But, as the day's 
teaser tag explained, 'We all know 
how badly the Perrys need the 
money.' Anyway, Granny' is there. 
And the Perry children, with two of 
the sguawliest kid voices in AFRA 
history, have gone to visit Mr. and 
Mrs. Manners in the country. It all 
has the sound of an approaching 
tempest in a studio. But good com- 
mercial serial material. There's a 
guitar and vocal musical theme. 

Eclna Wallace Hopper commercial 
copy about blackheads is pretty re- 
volting. 



'Amanda of Honeymoon Hill' may 

live to be as old as 'Ma Perkins,' but 
she'll obviously never improve her 



'Helen Holden — Government Girl,' 

Mutual sustaining serial produced 
out of WOL, Washington, is 'dedi- 
cated to you, or to anyone who has 
a relative or friend in the Govern- 
ment service,' which gives it just 
about the largest potential audience 
of anything on the air. Regardless 
of that, wljen heard last week the 
show seemed to have become stalled 
in a backwater. Heroine has given 
a blood transfusion to Miss Berger, 
but when the latter recovers she'll 
have to take a long vacation. That'll 
keep Helen on the job, so she can't 
visit her aviator sweetie. That's all 
right for the audience-rating, but 
every one in the story is pretty up- 
set. Yarn is terribly talky and repe- 
titious. Direction is also lax. Actress 
playing Helen has a pleasant voice, 
though not much expression in per- 
formance.' Gal called Janey has a 
rough voice and without apparent 
reason reads every line with ' a 
chuckle. Part of Billie doesn't 
sound as young as dialog would 
indicate. 



BARBER SHOP QUARTETS' 

With O. C. Cash, Wilbur HaUh. Don 
Prindle, Wen Niies, 'The Fiatfoot 
Four, 'Four Toppers,' Smiley Bur- 
nette, San Fernando Valley Silver 
Bugle Corps 

25 Mins. 

Sustaining 

Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. 
WABC-CI^S, New York 

First program of the Gay Nineties 
Society for the 'Preservation of 
Barber Shop Quartets as an integral 
parfof American life' was a- distinct 
disappointment. Singing was sub- 
ordinated to a cheap forced kind of 
humor, badly presented and asinine 
in general effect. Program origi- 
nated from St. Louis, where 'The 
Fiatfoot Four' were heard in a none 
too good routine rendition of 'Annie 
Laurie.' 

Shift- to Hollywood for the San 
Fernando Bugle Corps, which can 
make plenty of noise (mostly ob- 
noxious), and wisecracks dating to 
the pithecantropus erectus. Smiley 
Burnette was introduced as a tenor, 
baritone, bass, or what have you, 
and sang with a trio selected from 
the audien(%. 

Stuff was pretty poor. Idea de- 
served more than it received. 



•Portia Faces Life,' serial on NBC- 
Red for Post bran flakes, is the 'story 
of how one woman met and con- 
quered life.' Program itself isn't 
quite as bad as that. It's concen- 
trated melodramatic claptrap about 
a femme lawyer (she's understand- 
ing and sympathetic, but also wise 
and firm with her kid son — get it, 
mother dialers?) who wants to 'help 
those poor people of the tenements.' 
But she may be disbarred because 
of perjured testimony, except that 
it now appears she'll be vindicated 
by a ninth-inning confession. She 
mutters grim slogans at herself, such 
as 'You can't right a wrong by find- 
ing excuses for it; that's dangerous 
appeasement.' Then she repeats it 
later in the script, as if It were 
really that good. On the stanza 
heard there were - some poisonous 



HUBERT KREGELOH 
News Commentary 
15 Mins.— Local 
ALBANY PACKING CO. 
Dally, 7:15 p.m. 
WSPR, Springfield Mass. 

Kregeloh, tabbed as a world trav- 
eler and lecturer, is now doing a 
commentary on the war news from 
WSPR, Springfield, Mass., over a 
four-station, hookup. Latter is called 
The First Prize Network' (from 
trademark name of sponsors prod- 
ucts). Other commentators inune- 
diately ahead or behind newcomer 
may be handicapping considerations 
and repition by the plethora of com- 
mentators and news analyists seems 
inevitable. 

Kregeloh does a pretty fair job. 
Traces of a foreign-accent— so it 
sounds— may be the reason his dic- 
tion does not always possess clear- 
ness. Reading, too, could be a bit 
crisper. Kregelohs viewpoint is def- 
initely anti*dictator. Jacb. 



MISCHA AUER 

The Memoirs of Mischa the Mag. 

niflcent' with Wilbur Hatch's Or- 

ohestra - 
Comedy, Music 
30 Mins. 

CBS FORECAST No. 3 
Monday, 9:30 p.m. 
WABC-CBS, New York 

The comic Casanova idea has in- 
trigued actors, authors and directors 
before now. Sometimes with lame 
results. Great minds have noted that 
there is a certain monotony about 
mere sex; which means that it's got 
to be pretty funny. It was pretty 
funny Monday night from Holly- 
wood as No. 3 in Columbia's pro- 
posed series of 12 new program of- 
ferings. 

Only students of narrative tech- 
nique can perhaps understand just 
how risky this entertainment tangent 
is. The program unfolded as an 
interview about rent between his 
landlady and Mischa, self-styled the 
Magnificent. In an attempt to soften 
her dunning mood, the ego kid read 
a chapter from his autobiography. 
Fade-in on incidents. 

What carried the program off the 
ground were the wings of a buoyant 
script and a lively performance by 
Auer and by the assisting cast (no 
credits given). The successive 
'passions' of the hero are peppered 
with double meanings, self-exposing 
contrasts, sudden, unexpected changes 
of pitch and mood. The high-sound- 
ing romantic speech drops to the 
lowdown vernacular like a trapdoor 
in a Mack Sennett comedy under a 
pompous police chief. 

Especially diverting, was the so- 
liloquy in which Mischa considered 
appropriating somebody else's invi- 
tation to a wedding supper. It was 
the supper that intrigued him. First 
his bad self urged him' to steal the 
ticket and crash the party. Then his 
good self was horrified and said he 
mustn't. But in the descriptions of 
the food that will probably be served 
the debate ended by the good self 
becoming even more anxious to go 
than the evil genii. This made for 
mirth. 

Sterling Tracy directed the pro- 
gram from a script provided by 
Roswell Rogers and Carl Herzingcr. 
(Charles Vanda is the CBS Holly- 
wood production head). Wilbur Hatch 
filled in the musical bridges and 
background, all necessary 'and all 
workmanlike. 

A tough formula carried through 
with skill and an ingratiating humor. 

Land. 



dog-yapping sound effects. Title part 
was acceptably played, however, and 
there was a- notably animated bit by 
the lawyer's femme isecretary. Pos- 
sibly bunk, but probably effective 
merchandising was the stuiit of hav- 
ing the 'food expert' palaver about 
th; vitamin content of Post bran 
flakes. 



•STAR SPANGLED THEATRE' 
With Bert Lytell, Jack <Whlting, 
Gloria Stuart, Patsy O'Shea, . Gil- 
bert Martin, Paul Laval orch 
30 Mins. 
Sustaining 
Sunday, 8 p.m. 
WJZ-NBC, New York 

Announced new policy on the 
'Star Spangled Theatre' on NBC- 
Blue (WJZ) Sunday nights is to 
bring to the mike the unsung people 
of the theatre^ and radio. That 
sounds like, but isn't precisely, the 
familiar talent-discovery or new- 
personalities theme. Instead, it ap- 
pears to be to feature names in legit 
or pictures, but unfamiliar via radio, 
or some of the host of unbilled 
people on network shows.- Bert Ly- 
tell is the permanent m.c. for the 
series. 

Recent Sunday chapter in the 
series brought Jack Whiting, of, mu- 
sical comedy; Gloria Stuart, of films, 
but now straw-hatting, and Patsy 
O'Shea, unbilled moppet on various 
serials. Play was 'Beyond Tomor- 
row,' a sentimental fantasy with a 
supernatural twist, adapted by Irving 
Strouse from a story by Norman 
Daniels. Charles Schenck directed 
and Paul Laval conducted Ernie 
Watson's atmospheric cue music. 

Although the yarn was overboard 
on pulp-mag gallantry, it had sev- 
eral effective moments. Production 
was a trifle- skimpy and rough in 
spots, but was expressively directed 
in the key scenes. Whiting sounded 
nervous and flat at the start, but 
improved slightly toward the close. 
Miss Stuart was rightly tremulous, 
but both she and Whiting played too 
much in the unchanging key. The 
O'Shea youngster registered in a 
bit part. Hobe. 



'AMERICA MAKES UP HER MIND' 

Dramatic 

45 Mlns. 

Monday, 10 p.m. 

BBC, London 

Documentary going-over of the 
rise of war opinion in the U. S. was 
compiled by Robert Speight, radio 
player who was in America up till a 
few months ago. Script attempted 
chronicling American attitude in 
general to what was flrst considered 
strictly Europe's business and then 
seen as spreading into everybody's 
business. 

Not presented with particularly ar- 
tistic skill, program was jumpy in 
its episode?, and rather loosely knit. 
Upon, the narrator was thrown most 
of the explanation, as against dra- 
matic formula. Succeeded to extent 
its actors were able. Whoever han- 
dled the Roosevelt speeches was a 
vocal ringer. Personages took lip 
most of the fare, politicians, diplo- 
mats, etc.; man-in-the-street playing 
only a minor part and thus leaving 
impression it was more Washington 
making up America's mind. Opening 
few minutes did, certainly, create the 
Idea it was plain . John Citizen i^ho 
was concerned here. 



' Wedne«lay, July 23, 1941 



RADIO REVIEWS 47 



mnLLAND HO0SEWABMING' 
2St Merle Oberon. Dj. M«NjlI, 
Benny GoodmM 0^cIlertn^ The 
fSiothiM. Bobby JdlUon, Ed 
prentlM, Cnrt Eoberia, ShMon Lee 
Smitb, HUdwa GndiuB, Verne 

jlfsfe" G»n, FUylet 

Sot^AND FDENACE 

^AF-NB'', New^ York 

(RuthTOuff & Kvatv) ^ ^ , 
Aoropos the reported trend back 
to Uve Ulent: here Is a rather pre- 
tentious newcomer. And from Chi- 
MEO. The producUon lormula was 
^vised by Ross Metzger, radio head 
of he Chicago office of Huthraufl 
& Ryan, and It represents clear-cut 
Yflith of agency and sponsor in en- 
tertainment by entertainers, not en- 
tertainment with a quesUon mark 
(double entendre on that) and use 
if parlor tricks. The first br«>ad- 
MSt Thursday (17) proved fairly 
tight and diverting. There wiU be 
room for improvement In the weeks 
to come, but as a job of organizing 
and starting a series from scratch 
■ the getaway was okay. 

Programs originate from the 
Goodman theatre. ChiMgo. This is 
the Grant park rathskeUer of the 
arts which the sponsor has equipped 
with scenery especially designed to 
simulate a home. Benny Goodman s 
orchestra functions in an alcove, two 
steps up with fancy lighting. One 
side of the set opens on a garden 
behind whose canvas hedges and 
grass matting is hidden the control 
foom. Orchestra and cast are work- 
ing in summer formal. It's all 
pretty dressed up for tending fur- 
naces. . , 

Each week some personality has a 
•housewarming,' by which produc- 
tion-advertising ' device the Holland 
product" is tied in with the pro- 
gram's setting and the rotation of 
stars. First week's personality was 
Merle Oberon. Joan Bennett fol- 
lows. This program presumably will 
make Chicago more than a change- 
trains stop for L-A. to N.Y. and vice 
versa. 

Wallace Gould provided a rather 
skimpy script in which Miss Oberon 
struggled with a husband who 
seemed to suffer from the manic- 
depressive kind of insanity. He was 
alternately a Jealous Ivmatic and 
a lovey-aovey let's-not-answer-the- 
phone swain. In the process of not 
answering the phone the husband's 
factory apparently was taken over 
by the man of- whom he was jealous. 
That brought (m a revival of brain 
fever and a wild pistol shot 'What 
a fool I have been!' Said hubby a 
moment or two later. Ed Prentiss 
did what he could with the fool role. 
Curt Roberts, as the lover-that- 
wasn't, put feeling Into 'don't shoot, 
man, don't shoot' Sharon Lee 
Smith was a plot-explaining sister. 
Hildwa Graham, as a maid who had 
brought up the jealous husband from 
a child, revealed a distinctive radioi 
voice, one that would always Iden- 
V(y itseU. Which must be a busi- 
ness asset in radio. 

The inaugural program had bet- 
ter script luek wHIi the quips of 
Fred Kress, several of wbidi were 
quite amusing. This light comedy 
vein will presumably win friends as 
it can stand developing. The pro- 
gram can also probably extract more 
from Chicago-devel(q)ed Don Mc- 
Neil, who has hints of the dynamic 
in "his delivery and' his microphone 
authority. Be discharged with big- 
time eclat a spoofing, nervous rou- 
tine In close propinquity to Merle 
Oberon. 

'. Literary talent may well be the 
program's numb^ one week-to-week 
probleno. Otherwise it seems to have 
a plausible basis as blueprinted by 
aMetzger and directed and produced 
by Fritz Blocki. It aims at urbanity 
and smart professionalism. 

Benny Goodman's music presum- 
ably is a concession to younger lis- 
teners. Most programs selling 
things to the homes— paint electric 
bulbs, radiators, plate glass and 
whatnot— have traditionally chosen 
more orthodox music. The theory of 
yore was that people with homes to 
spruce up and coin to spend for that 
'purpose were middle-aged. Holland 
Takes a departure ftom that notion In 
buying the fame and special appeal 
of Goodman, who Is given several 
chances to wham over some hot 
ones. Orchestra also gave a musical 
background (a trifle too prominent) 
for the playlet 

Bobby Jellison did a kidding bit as 
a Western Union singing messenger 
who broke down from stagefrl^t 
and In mock humiliation feared he 
would be drummed out of the serv- 
ice. But he would remain, come 
What might, loyal to the khaki and 
would not shift to the cwnpeUUve 
blue of Postal Telegraph. 

Verne Sqilth is the Holland Fur- 
lace man. The advertising an- 
nouncements .on this first show were 
•traightaway attention-callers with 
stress on' how to locate a dealer and 
the wisdom of making arrangements 
•wly. They were clear and not 
•hrlU; Lond. 

iesse H. Briftua, WEEI, Boston, 
mm director, , will break in for five 
minutes during the Saturday noon 
CBS network Country Journal pro- 
Brams, so that farmers In other parts 
the country can keep itosted on 
the New England market 



'BRINGING VP FATHEB' 
WItii Mark Smith, Agnea Mevrehcmd, 
Helen Shields, Craig HeDonoell, 
Walter Klnaella, NeU O'MaUey, 
Charles "Slsttery, Morgan Farley, 
Ann Thomas, Ernest Chappell, 
' Merle Kendrick orch ' 
3* Hlns. 
LEVEB BBOS. 
Tnesday, 9 p.m. 
WJZ-NBC, New Tork 

(Ruthrauf <t Ryan) 
During the summer lav-oft of 'Big 
Town,' Lever Bros, has moved 
'Grand Central Station' from Tues- 
day night on NBC-Blue to fill the 
Wednesday night spot on CBS and, 
in replacement, is offering this radio 
version of the George McManus car- 
toon strip. It's an artfully produced 
piece of hokum with similar broad 
comedy appeal (and with the same 
audience limitations) of . its newspa- 
'per original. Fair enough by sum- 
mer standards. 

Episode dealt with the crisis in the 
Jiggs household when daughter Nora 
decided to get a job at Baxter's de- 
partment store, tnerebjr threatening 
Maggie's social ambitions. When 
Maggie put the flx-in with Baxter 
for the gal to get fired, Jiggs and the 
boys in the backroom at Dinty 
Moore's outmaneuvered her by buy- 
ing $200 worth of toothbrushes at 
Nora's counter. Piece was a trifle 
attenuated, despite (or possibly be- 
cause of) a succession of capsule 
scenes, and the double-surprise tag 
was not too surprising. However, 
its persistent clowning tended to 
wear down listener resistance, finally 
creating a reasonably pervading 
mood of fun.. That despite pretty 
obviously contrived situations and 
ultra-broad characterizations. 

Production, direction and per- 
formance are skillful and, clean, and 
the illustrative musical cues also 
helpful. Mark Smith is plausible as 
Jiggs and Agnes Moorehead as Mag- 
gie, particularly in her shrewish mo- 
ments. Helen Shields is satisfactory 
as Nora, Ann Thomas' timing of 
laugh-lines is uncannily right while 
Craig McDonnell, Walter Kinsella, 
Neil O'MaUey and Charles Slattery 
give accurate portrayals of Jiggs' 
lowbrow pals. Morgan Farley is 
properly prissy as a store section 
manager. 

Show is produced by the Henry 
Souvaine office. David Shaw, Frank 
Tarlofif and Ijeo Rifkin are the au- 
thors. Carlo DeAngelo directs. Merle 
Kendrick arranges the score and ba- 
tons the orchestra. 

There are three major plugs for 
Rinso. All stress its 'anti-sneeze' 
quality as helping the housefrau 
avoid 'dishoan hay-fever.' Product 
is also claimed to be quick-acting, 
able to get clothes '10 shades whiter^, 
and to be amazingly economical 
Middle blurb, a dramtized fit ,of 
sneezing by an AFRA actress, Is silly. 

Hobe. 



'BED BIVEB DAVE' McENEBT 
With Johnny Anderson, John Stead- 



l5 Mins.— Local 
LIBEBTT MILLS 
Tnesday, Friday, pJB. 
WOAI, San AntonU 

(Coulter-Mueller-Crinstead; 
Down here the theory is they never 
tire of cowboy ballads. Positively 
never. Hence one more. This show 
uses a new combo, guitar and organ, 
with songs by 'Red River Dave' 
(Dave McEnery), and is tailored for 
the Texas, mornings rather than the 
nights. 

McEnery sang songs of the range 
mixed with a few oldies and one 
hymn. He handled all patter him- 
self. Pleasant speaking and singing 
voice but awfully heavy on that 
southern drawl. Also gives the com- 
mercials. 

Johnny Anderson is heard ilwough- 
out the program at the keyboard of 
the Hammond organ. Does a fine job 
and should be given a bit of a solo 
job to break up the monotony of the 
patter and songs by McEnery. 

Commercials are slightly indigest- 
ible for Hearts DeU^t Flour, 'the 
choice of the Texas housewife for 
over half a century.' John Stead- 
man is program announcer and does 
what he can. Andy. 

BERKSHIRE BROADWAT 
Scrtol 

1$ Mlns.— Local 

BABBT P. OBLSBN. INSDBANCE 
Thursday, 7:46 p.m. 
WOEO, Albany 

William Miles' troupers, who for 
seven years have come from Stock- 
bridge, .Mass., to Albany in singles, 
pairs, larger groups, to be inter- 
viewed and do scenes from plays, in 
promotion for the strawnat are 
broadcasting this summer .from the 
theatre itself, via a line to WOKO. 
A serial on the experiences and ad- 
ventures of a young actress striving 
to make Broadway from small as- 
signments in Playhouse productions, 
Is really a loose framework in which 
to encompass the mike appearances 
of guest stars and permanent mem- 
bers. Most of the performers play 
themselves, the 'names' offering ad- 
vice to the fledgling. Miles himself 
is written into the script, as are al- 
lusions of . Stockbrldge ■ spots. 

Although it plugs the company, 
current and coming guests and at- 
tractions, the serial does not perhaps 
could not under the formula, tell 
much of an engrossing story or have 
an attention-holding plot Illusion 
of drama is hardly there. It's mildly 
episodic at best. Continuity and 
scene shifting are jerky at times. 

Jaeo. 



'HAP HAZARD> 

With Ransom Sherman, Edna Odell, 
ClUr Saobler, Elmlia. Boenler, 
Hary Fatton, Ray Grant, Dnrward 
KIrby, BUIy Mills orch 

30 Mlns. 

JOHNSON'S WAX 
Taeaday, 9:30 pjn. 
WEAF-NBC, New York 

(Needham. Louis & Brorbv) 

This slapstick outburst probably 
isn't as bad as it sounds. Intended 
to hold the 0:30 Tuesday night spot 
on NBC-Red (WEAF) during the 
summer layoff of 'Fibber McGee and 
Molly,' it can only l>e called a stand- 
in— by no means a replacement or 
even a substitute. It's strictly ersatz. 
Fact that 'the Chicago studio audi- 
ence was so hilarious at the Tues- 
day (15) night's stanza merely 
proved Chicago studio audiences will 
lau^ at anything. But then, studio 
audiences everywhere are notorious. 

Principal comedy formula for the 
show is lots and lots of puns, heavy- 
handed and ranging from infantile to 
odorous. All are presented amid 
frantic uproar and ponderous coy' 
ness: Whole business is supposed to 
be localed at a summer resort called 
Crestfallen Manor, with m.c. Ran- 
som Sherman playing the proprietor. 
Hap Hazard. CliS Soubier is his as- 
sistant and stooge, Mr. Pittaway, 
while Elmlra Roessler and Mary 
Patton are diinwit gals. Ray Grant 
does a Stepinfechit characterization 
called Cyclone. All of this is broken 
up into short bits, separated by mu- 
sical numbers, commercials; etc. 

Edna Odell, with two -vocal spots, 
is the redeeming item on the show. 
She's a forte rhythm singer, with 
good enunciation and infectious 
style. Her arrangements are per- 
haps over-elaborate. Billy Mills' or- 
chestra is merely passable. Dur- 
ward Kirby reads the commercials 
with aggressive breeziness. . There 
ar4 numerous plugs for Johnson's 
Camu polish, liquid wax, paste wax 
and, in a hitch-hike blurb at the 
close, also cream wax. Show is 
scripted' by Ransom Sherman, Len 
Levinson and Jack McKnight. CecU 
Underwood directs. ' 

Autumn seems far away. Hobe. 



THE CBVSTENE RANCH PAKTT 
With Jim Sanders, John FanI Good- 
win, Barfleld Weedin, Floyd Till- 
man, Saddle Pals (6) 
25 Mlns.— Regional 
SOVTH TEXAS COTTON OIL CO. 
Friday, 8:35 pjB. 
WOAI-mN, San Antonio 
(5eoaIl & Weedin) 
From tho mythical Flying C Ranch 
(in the studios of KPRC, Houston) 
comes this bit of horse opersT. Prob- 
ably okay for Texas after a few kinks 
are taken out 

Main burden of the program falls 
on the shoulders of Jim Sanders, the 
boss of the ranch. Not only does he 
m.c. the proceedings but he plays 
four distinct comedy characters and, 
also gives out with a bit of a song. 

Music is furnished by Floyd Till- 
man and the Six Saddle Pals. On 
airing caught two tunes from the pen 
of Tillman were aired, 'Don't Be 
Blue' and 'Daisy Mae.' 

Commercial announcements are 
handled by Harfield Weedin and 
John Paul Goodwin, producer of the 
show. If program clicks it's expected 
to tour Texas theatres as a unit. 

Andy. 



'AUCTION QUIZ* 

WIUi Bob Brown, Chnok Aercc, Dais 
DonaldsoB 

Qnlc 
30 Mlns. 

STANDARD OIL 
Friday, 7 pjn. 
WLS-NBC. Chicago 

(JIfcConn-EricfcJon) 

Having had a successful four-week 
trial as a sustainer, this show moves 
Into the commercial brackets. It 
offers another variation of the popu- 
lar radio game 'give away the spon- 
sor's money,' and in doing so gives 
the listener more of a break than 
many of its predecessors. 

Show is dependent upon questions 
sent in by listeners, written on 
blanks obtained from Standard Oil 
dealers. Then the studio audience is 
divided into seven sections, each sec- 
tion represented by a different sub- 
ject matter, such as 'Past Presidents,' 
'Land,' etc. Each group is confined, 
to its particular subject matter, and 
can only answer the quesUon per- 
taining to that subject Questions 
are auctioned off to the highest 
bidder in each group, with each 
question having a maximum value, 
which is never reached due to a time 
limit on the bidding, and the bid- 
ders being confined to $1 raises, 
"niis leaves a balance from which $5 
is sent to the dealer, on whose blank 
the question was written, and $5 to 
the Ustener who sent in the ques- 
tion. Balance is put into a jackpot 

Then the highest bidder attempts 
to answer the question, and if suc- 
cessful, receives the amount he bid. 
If unsuccessful, the money goes to 
the party who submitted the ques- 
tion. Questions . are sufficiently dif- 
ficult to insure that the major part 
of the money will revert to the lis- 
tener. In addition, once during the 
evening the jackpot question is auc- 
tioned off, with the sponsor adding 
-an additional $100, and all partici- 
pants throughout/ the program are 
awarded a $5 gift coupon. 

Bob Brown as the auctioneer and 
Chuck Acree as quizmaster turn in 
good performances, and commercials 
by Dan Donaldson are brief and to 
the point" This is. a strong merr 
chandising set-up, and In view of the 
fact that in excess of $500 is glv^n 
away every week, all quiz contest 
devotees are sure to go for it: 

Gold. 



PAUL FRY 
Gossip 

5 Mlns.— -Local 

EAGLE VINEYARD PRODDCTS 
Tnes., FrL, 5:55 pjn. 
KSFO, Sam Fnneisc* 

f<3or/infc«l> 

This is an Imitation of an imita- 
tion, a five-minute copy o* Herb 
Caen (Regal Amber Beer), the town's 
spiUer. Main difference Is that Pry 
has a fair voice as contrasted to 
Caen's often incomprehensible 
tongue-stumbling. Both, however, 
dabble in the same lame word-dis- 
tortions in strained attempts at clev- 
erness, althou^ Pry seemingly 
doeant stretch facts quite as far yet 
In an effort to score a scoop. 

References to local radio and en- 
tertainment talent dealt largely with 
people affiliated with NBC, odd for a 
CBS outlet although not surprising 
In view of fact that NBC has most of 
the talent in these parts (including 
Caen). Wem. 



Television Reviews 



'OPEN HOUSE' 

With Helen Morgan, Frank Barto^ 
Helen Kleeb, Charles Oemr^ 
Sam Moore, Gladys Simpson, Men^ 
Mohn, Blesrdo's Orehestm 
Variety 
30 Mlns. 
Sustaining 
Saturday, C:30i|^,B. 
KPO, San Fraiiebco 

It's finally happened, a ' variety 
show with a change of pace. Origi* 
nating in the de luxe War Depart- 
ment theatre at the . Presidio, pro- 
gram goes transcontinental on the 
Red starting Aug. 2, bringing it into 
New, York at lS:30 p.m. Skits, music 
and gags were the basic ingredients 
of any variety bill, but there was 
something about the way they wera 
grouped which took them out of the 
familiar pattern and gave the show a 
freshness. Gene Grant credited with 
the script job and Bob Seal pro> 
duced. 

Ingredients included phony com- 
mercials, two m.c.s, a Topsy-Tuivey 
.<;kit, 'Horace and Hattie' comedy 
team, a gag using two unsuspecting 
draftees, plus legitimate vocals by 
Gladys Simpson, and interludes by 
Ricardo and his violin. 

First surprise was the blank com- 
mercial. Grant putting a twist on the 
bogus blurbs .which pulled beUy 
laughs from the soldier audience. 
(After it was over a femme in the 
guest section was heard to remark 'I 
never did find out who the sponsor 
was.') Copy was delivered straight 
by Frank Barton,.. one of the twin 
m.c.s, other being Helen Morgan, 
who was so far ahead of any femme 
m.c. yet miked locally that she may 
not be staying here long after Xhia 
show gets out of town. 

'Topsy Turvey' slice was written bv 
Sam Moore who enacted It with 
Monty Mohn — in this case it was the 
st^'ry of a draftee pleading with his 
sergeant to let him drill some more 
Instead of going - out to a dance, 
which had the army audience howl- 
ing. Horace and Hattie sesh (Charles 
Gerrard and Helen Kleeb) was also 
in c^p vein, Horace appearing in 
fatigue uniform while Hattie told 
him to tell the general how to run 
the army. Grant has scripted bis 
intros so that although theatre audi- 
ence can't hear them, they explain 
the laughs on appearance of the 
comics,, overcoming the listener- 
irritation on variety shows which 
leave dialers in the dark although 
guffaws are audible. 

Highlight of the preshow Is 
selection of two soldiers to appear in 
a subsequent skit The. ways It's 
done here almost caused a riot; 
femme member of the cast doffed 
her garters and tossed 'em to the 
mob. The two who grabbed the hose 
holders got the nod. 

On the air, Helen Morgan does a 
masterful job of handling the boys- 
She doesn't know their names or 
what they'll say. The soldiers, like- 
wise, doij't know what they're sup- 
posed to do until they go on, when 
scripts are shoved into their hands. 
With La Morgan's adlibbing and the 
soldiers, though nervous, afraid' to 
show it before their buddies, a laugh- 
fest ensues which Is good both for 
sight and sound audiences. Skits of 
course are simple. . 

Aside from, the fact that 'Open 
House' is a good show, it's important 
to Frisco as proof this town can 
originate networthy entertainment 
Wem. 



COLOR EXPEBIMENT 
With Country Dance Society 
20 Mlns. 

Thursday, 9:30 p.m. 
WCBW (CBS) New York 

Mark the dater July 17, 1941. It 
proliably is a television 'first' At 
the conclusion of its regular black- 
and-white transmissions Thursday 
night there was a 2C>-minute over- 
the-air telecast by Columbia's me- 
chanical disc-type color television. 
It was the first viewing by outsiders 
not in a laboratory by coaxial cable 
relay. This incident was seen in the 
board room of CBS at 485 Madison 
avenue, and came from the Chrysler 
tower. 

As just what it was called— an ex- 
periment — the offering was provoca- 
tive and arresting. Color definition 
was quite clear and the camera re- 
vealed detail surprisingly weU. It 
was helpful to have seen the same 
Country Dance Society and Ukra- 
nian costume dancers in black and 
white just ahead of the demonstra- 
tion. 

Many problems remain, of course. 
Whole clusters of problems, in fact, 
have not even been considered. But 
as of July 17, 1941, it is something 
remarkable to see and report this 
CBS color television developed by 
Peter Goldniark. Land 



DANCING LESSONS 

Rath Hopktu, Frank Ueblcr, PhylHa 

Gray, Billy Upton 
30 Mlns. 
Afternoon. >:45 
WCBW (CBS) New York 

Not yet commercially licensed, Co- 
lumbia's WCBW nevertheless went 
to a full 15-hour weekly television 
schedule as of July 1. It is using 
the opportunity to continue program 
experimentation shooting with high- 
ly mobile iconoscopes. The produc- 



tion interest of these dancing les- 
sons, in which quite literally two 
Arthur Murray instructors will teach 
two beginners, lies in the wide 
spaces, the lack of camera lines, the 
informality of the whole proceed- 
ings.* Dick Coogan, as a sort of rov- 
ing emcee, wiU walk across the floor 
every now and then and make some 
comment on (he lessons. All easy- 
going, unhurried, unstiff.- Similarly, 
a cameraman with a h?nd film set 
does his shooting in full view of the 
tele, . , 

The informality loosens up and 
makes interesting a routine filler 
that could so easily be as rigid as a 
German train dispatcher. Land. 

•BOTTLENECKS OF 1941' 

Soldier Show 

WNBT (NBC), New York 

This may have been funny to the 
soldiers, and it may have had some 
'punch and zip in an auditorium. But 
before the NBC -television cameras 
it was unbearably dull. Every item 
was dragged out nearly evei^thing 
was in slow tempo. The humor was 
too local, too special for more than 
an occasional half-smUe's-worth' via 
st^-picturcs. 

Fort Monmouth Signal Corps Re- 
placement Training Centre wrote, 
directed and performed the various 
skits, songs, etc. Although billed as 
'excerpt' the suspicion was inevit- 
ably aroused that nobody at NBC 
exercised any of the ruthless cutting 
that might have made this a pass- 
able filler on the novelty value. 
One-third its rambling nmning 
length would have been more suit- 
able. But then, of course, every- 
body couldn't have been seen or 
heard or gotten an of those pointless 
'credits' which ermy morale or free 
show courtesy seems to demand. 



•HIDDEN HISTORY' 

With LoaU Van Baoten, Alfrci 

Blnknoff, Henry Gnrvey, Crrella 
Dorn, Sidney Castle, WIBIain 
Podmore, Vema Bacbnrn " 
15 Mlns. 
Sastalnlng 
Snnday, 2 pjn. 
WJZ-NBC, New York 

In cooperation with the Library of 
Congress, from whose files material 
for the scripts is.. taken, NBC Is of- 
fering this I5-mlnute sustainer Sun- 
day afternoons on the Blue (WJZ). 
As explained on the Sunday (13> 
chapter, the material isn't complete, 
but listeners are asked to send to the 
Library of Congress any documents, 
papers or letters in thdr possc^on 
which , bear on the same subjects. 
Scripts for the series are written in 
Washington and sent to New York, 
to be produced by Charles Warbur- 
ton, of the NBC staff. 

Show caught was a confused piece, 
written by Osca:^ Saul, about Immi- 
grants, where they came from, why 
they came, what they found and 
what they gave. It told three un- 
connected and little-related stories — 
of a Pole who came to the Virginia 
colony, a Scandinavian pioneer in 
Minnesota, and a Portuguese fisher- 
man settler in New England. There 
was also a brief and somewhat in- 
comprehensible bit about a Bohemian 
woman who migrated to Chicago 
and finally returned to her home- 
land. 

Production was obviously handi- 
capped by the muddled nature of the 
script but did provide a certain con- 
tiniuty of mood and atmoshere via 
organ music and sound effects. I^pe 
of program didn't allow scope for 
any notable individual performances. 
In general, then. If the programs 
have no more definite idea and story 
line than the one caught the whole 
series seems so-whatish. Hobe. 



48 CONCERT 



fBTf 



Wednesd«7, July 23, 1941 



Mennhm Draws $14|)0 at Lewisohn; 
Weather Hurts Many Attractions 



Feature ol the Lewisohn Stadium 
concerts this week was the violin 
playing of Yehudi Menuhin who ap- 
peared Monday (21), and played the 
Mendelssohn Concerto in E Minor 
and the Paganini Concerto in D 
Major. The 24-year old violinist was 
in top form, dashing off the tech- 
nical passages with dazzling bravura. 
An audience of 23,000 jammed the 
Stadium, paying about $14,000 to 
h6ar the concert. Orchestral part of 
the program Included work.s of Lalo, 
Walton, Bruckner, and Shostakovitch, 
Efrem Kurtz conducted. 

Crowd of about 5,000 paying 
around $2,200 witnessed the Tuesday 
(15) concert of Franck, Smetana, 
Wagner, Warlock and Enesco works. 

Reginald Stewart on the podium, 
Wednesday (16), Mendelssohn, 
Brahms, Ravel, Mackenzie, Albaniz- 
Arbos, and Weinberger drew 3,500 
or $1,500 under Stewart. Thursday 
(17), was rained out, and Friday (18), 
drew 16,000 for the Ballet Russe De, 
Monte Carlo. Presentations were 
'Swan Lake,' 'Petrouchka,' 'Prince 
Igor,' Serenade,^ 'Scheherazade,' 
'Spectre De La Rose," and 'Capriccio 
Espagnol,' this also including Sun- 
day (20), when 22,000 admissions 
were tabbed. Total gross for the 
two was approximately $19,000. 

Saturday (19) was rained out. 



ITALY STILL HAS 
OPERA DESPITE 
THE WAR 



Edward Johnson West 



Edward Johnson, general manager 
of the Met, left by train for Chicago 
Thursday (17) on the first leg of a 
trip taking him to California. 

Johnson will also stop off at Cen- 
tral City, Denver, en route and re- 
turns to N. Y. the second week of 
August. 



CHI OPERA SET 
FOR NOV. 8 BOW 



Name Concert Dates 

(July 23-Aua. 2) 



Rome, June 22. 
Despite the serious war situation. 
Italian opera continues to flourish, 
fieasons during the summer are be- 
ing presented here, in Naples, Turin 
and Milan. Cost to vox pop is ex- 
ceptionally low, ranging from 25c 
to $1. 

Among the singers who have been 
heard at the Metropolitan, or 
throughout the U. S. who are ap- 
pearing are Beniamino Gigli, Maria 
Caniglia, Mafalda Favero, Giuseppe 
De Luca, Gina Cigna, Galliano 
SSasinl,>Alessandro Ziliani, and Ebe 
St^nani. 

Giacomo Lauri Volpi has refused 
to appear in Italy, having retired to 
lii£ estate in Valencia, Spain. 



The Chicago Opera Co. will 
launch a five-week season on Nov. 
8 with performances weekly on 
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Satur- 
day afternoon, and eyening. Scale 
of prices for Fortune Gallo's first 
season as impresario will be $1.10- 
$4.40. 

Artists who are expected "to ap- 
pear are Salvatore Baccaloni, Rose 
Bampton, Richard Bonelli, Karin 
Brandell, Vivian Delia Chiesa, Nor- 
man Cordon, Richard Crooks, Du- 
solina Giannini, Helen Jepson, Raoul 
Jobin.-Charles Kullman, Jan Kie- 
pura, Mobley Lushanya, Virgilio 
Lazzari, Lauritz Melchoir, James 
Melton, Giovanni Martinelli, Grace 
Moore, Lily t>ons, Ezio Pinza, Irra 
Petina, Elisabeth Rethberg, Tito 
Schipa, Gladys Swarthout, John 
Charles Thomas, Lawrence Tibbett, 
and Josephine Tuminia. Others will 
be added as the seasoi;^ progresses. 

A guarantee of $50,000 has been 
secured, against loss. No actual 
contracts with the singers have as 

yet been signed, and only opera defl 
nitely set is 'Daughter of the Regl 
ment.' 



Brian Aherne — (dramatic readings 
to music, with Phila. orch) Robin 
Hood Dell, Phila. (31). 

Jascha Helfeti— (with Phila.' orch) 
Robin Hood Dell, Phila. (29); (with 
N. Y. Philharmonic), L,ewisohn ' Sta- 
dium, N. Y, (31). 

Jose Iturbi — (cond., Los^ Angeles 
Philharmonic) Hollywood Bowl (31). 

Jan Kiepara— (with Los Angeles 
Philharmonic) Hollywood Bowl (24). 

Efrera Kurd— (cond., N. Y. Phil- 
harmonic) Iicwisohn stadium, N.Y. 
(23-26). 

Ychadl Mcnuhin — Ravina Park, 
Chi, (24- 26). 

Pierre Monieux— (cond., Phila. 
orch) Robin Hood Dell, Phila. (28-1). 

Jsrmlla Novotna-Clurlea Kollnuui 
—(with N. Y. Philharmonic) IjCW- 
isohn stadium, N.Y. (24). 

Lily Pons— (with N. Y. Philhar- 
monic, Andre Kostelanetz cond.) 
Lewisohn stadium, N.Y. (28). 

Alexander Smallens— ^(cond., N. Y. 
Philharmonic) Lewisohn stadium, 
N.Y. -(27-29). 

Gladys Swarthont-Jamei Melion— 
(with Cincinnati opera) Cincinnati 
(31, 2). 

Bruno Walter — (cond., Los Angeles 
Philharmonic) Hollywood Bowl 
(25-1). 

Hans Wllhelm Stclnbere- (cond., 
N. Y. Philharmonic) Lewisohn sta- 
dium, N. Y. (30-2). 



AGMA Decision Due Next Week 



Decision lo the American Qu[14 of Mu»io«I ArtlsU suit against the 
American f'ederatlon of MuiWrdbf and Jemrie* C. PetrlTlo, Its presi- 
dent, will be handed dowo neAt Tuefdsy im) the Hew York State 
Court of Appeala. Word to tnat effect was received from Albany early 
this week. . 

Case Involves AGMA'i application for an Injunction to restrain 
Petrillo and the AFM from earrgrlng out a threat to bar from radio, 
pictures, recordings, conoMie, optn, •Uj, any artiste continuing to 
refuse to resign from AGMA and join Al^. ACSilK't Injunction ap- 
plication was refused by the Appellate DlvislotL whloh also threw out 
its complaint. New York Supreme Court had previously given the 
concert group a temporary stay. 



AMEDEO PASSERI SUES 
FOR OPERA EJECTION 



TRAPP FAMILY, 
ONCE REFUGEES, 
NOW BIG 



Defendants in a $190,000 suit by 
Amedeo Passerl, have applied to the 
N. Y, supreme court to dismiss the 
action by the operati.c .Impresario 
against them. Defendants Include 
35 singers, almost half of whom are 
members of the Met Including l^aw- 
rence Tibbett, Frank Chapman, 
James Melton, Grace Moore, Lily 
Pons, Gladys Swarthout, etc., Se- 
lect Operating Corp., American 
Guild of Musical Artists, San Carlo 
Opera Co., Fortune Gallo, and J. J. 
and tiee Shubert. 

Passerl signed a contract with Se- 
lect, controlled by the Shuberts, to 
put on a month's opera at the Bos- 
ton Opera House Sept. 14, 1930. He 
claims - he was ejected from the 
house Sept. 16, as the result of a 
conspiracy between GallQ, AGMA, 
and Select to put him out of busi- 
ness. 

Some of the singer* sued are art- 
ists engaged for his season, while 
others are officers and directors of 
AGMA. 



SUMMER OPERA 
AT CINCINNATI 
BOOMING 



Serg 



e Prokofieff s Latest 
Piece Reaches Parmelee; 
Horowitz Will Introduce 



Horace J. Parmelee, vic^-president 
of Columbia Concerts Corp., has re- 
(ieived Serge Prokofieff's Sonata 
Number 6 for piano from the com- 
poser in Russia. 

Parmelee has forwarded the work 
to Vladmir Horowitz in California, 
and the pianist will present the 
American premiere next season. 



Hiesen's Mansion 



:Contlnueil from page I; 



Haarlem Season Opens 
Nov. 13 With Czech Star 

The Haarlem Philharmonic, N. Y., 
will open its season on Nov. 13, prC' 
senting Jarmila Novotna, Met sO' 
praiio, and the New. Friends of MU' 
sic Orchestra. In December, Salva- 
tore Baccaloni and Vronsky and 
Babin are booked. 

Others booked to apptear during 
the season are Rudolf Serkin, Jose 
phine Tuminia, Roland Gundry, 
and Kirsten Flagstad. A substitute 
for the Norwegian soprano will have 
to be secured in view of her inten-. 
tlon to remain in her homeland ^or 
the dura tion. 

Melchior to Alaska 



Laudtz Melchior, Wagnerian tenor 
of the Met, is flying to British Co- 
lumbia and Alaska the second week 
of August for a six-week hunting 
and fishing trip. 

He returns to the U. S. in early 
October for. appearances with the 
San Francisco and Chicago Opera 
companies before rejoining the Met. 



might be trying to brush off a re- 
porter because his sleeves are 
creased the wrong way. The re- 
porter is slightly persistent, how- 
ever. 

'Is it true, Miss Niesen, thai you 
are remodeling the ballroom into a 
bedroom for Paul Small?' 

'I've had an architect look at the 
ballroom and then at Small, but he 
thinks Small ought to be remodeled. 
Even (hen, he said it might be a close 
fit?' 

'Are you talking about the ball- 
room or Small's suit?' 

'If you're going, to get technical, 
both. By the way, why can't we 
leave my agent out -of this.' 

'That's no way to talk about your 
agent.' 

'Mnd that's no way to talk al>out 
my mansion.' 

'What's so- special about that?' 
asked the reporter. 

'It's not a bad little layout — and 
then there are the neighbors. For 
instance, there's Cornie:' 
'What's Cornie?'' 
'Cornelius.' 
'Cornelius who?' 

'Cornelius Vanderbilt, of course 
Don't you reporters ever get 
around?' 

'My mother never went to auc- 
tions, so I never had a mansion and 
a Vanderbilt for a neighbor! What 
do you intend to do with the place, 
now that you have it and your fancy 
neighbors?' 

'I suppose I'll have to keep it, un- 
less I want to run an auction myself 
and sell it to somebody else's 
mother.' • 

'Do you think there are many like 
them around?' 

'I'm not sure, but I do know I'm 
stuck with 22 bedrooms and no room 
clerk.' 

'Haven't you got enough relatives 
to flU them?' 

'Sssh! You're tipping off! Any- 
how, the upkeep is big enough with- 
out relatives.' 

'What do yoq think the operat- 
ing nut will be?' 

'I'm not too sure about that either, 
but you could get a pretty good idea 
by asking Billy Rose what Aquacade 
cost and then multiply by two.' 



The Trapp Family Singers have 
been booked by Fred Schang of Co- 
lumbia Concerts for 64 concerts for 
the 1941-42 season. The singers^ will 
have over 80 dates before the season 
is out at an average of $850 per en- 
gagement. 

Singers were unknown here three 
years ago when they arrived from 
Salzburg as virtual refugees. The 
famil^ is composed of 10 children, 
seven of whom sing; father, mother, 
and Dr. Franz Wasner, the con- 
ductor. 

They are booked in late September 
to open on the Coast, and will give 
three successive Town Hall recitals 
on the Sundays preceding Christmas, 
which are already sold out. Singers 
concerts are in four groups, the first 
classical, ihen folk songs, mountain 
calls and yodels, and finally with the 
accompaniment of spinnets. • 



Trenton, July 22. 

The Trenton Opera Assn. will 
present five operas this coming sea- 
son in place of the three given last 
year. The operas to be given will 
include 'Carmen,' opening the sea- 
son on Nov. 20, 'Barber of Seville,* 
'Traviata,' 'Butterfly,' 'Pagliacci' and 
Cav^leria Rusticana.' 

Singers engaged include Giovanni 
Martinelli, James Melton, Raoul 
Jobin, Vivian Delia Chiesa, Carolina 
Segera, Francg PeruUi, Claudio 
Frigario, Rosa Tentoni, Earl Wright- 
son, Pompilio Maletesta, Mildred 
Ippolito, Lorenzo Alvary, and An 
thony Marlowe. Series closes April 
3, 1942. 



TOSCANINI BACK JULY 28 



May Do a Few Guest Dates for Met 
and Philharmonic 



Arturo Toscanini returns to the 
U. S. from Buenos Aires where he 
has been conducting a series of 
symphony concerts on July 28. The 
conductor at 74 is understood to be 
considering a routine of semi-aC' 
tivity. 

Negotiations are in process with 
the Met to have him conduct there 
occasionally as he has not con 
ducted opera here since leaving the 
Met in 1915. It is also reported he 
may take over several guest shots 
with the N. Y. Philharmonic in that 
organization's 100th anniversary 
celebration this season. 



Hughes' Defl 

sContlnoed from page I5 



ask be snipped. If they ask as much 
or more than the PCA, he figures he 
will be better oft making the dele 
tions according to the Hays formula 
and thus earn the seal which will 
enable 20th-Fox to do the distrib 
uting as per the original contract. 

One of the producer's objections to 
the Haysites' treatment of his film is 
alleged inconsistency. In one scene, 
Jack Buetel ('Billy the Kid') says to 
Walter Huston (another outlaw) 
after being seen with the latter's gal: 
'It's okay; you stole my horse, I stole 
your «irl.' PCA objected to the line, 
whereupon Hughes switched it to: 
'It's okay; just tit for tat.' Again 
there was objection, and Hughes was 
ordered to put back the original line 



TRENTON WILL 
GIVE50PERAS 



LOHE LEHMANN'S IS 
. DATES BESIDES MET 



Lotte Lehmann opens her fall^con 
cert tour Oct. 22 in Boston, which 
is Immediately followed by two ap 
pearances with the Pittsburgh Sym 
phony. On Dec. 14. and Jan. 7 she 
will give Town Hall recitals before 
rejoining the Metropolitan. 

Soprano has some 39 dates set for 
the season. 



Concert People 



Ellen Ballon, pianist, will appear 
on January 8 as soloist with the 
Toronto Symphony orchestra. 



George ChaOchauavadz, Russian 
pianist, opens his season in. New 
port, July 31. The pianist is booked 
for some 15 concerts so far for next 
season, 



Milton Katims, violist, will be. 
soloist with Alfred Wallenstein's 
Symphony orchestra Aug. 21, over 
WOR and will present the viola con 
certo by Alessandro RoUa for the 
flrst time, Rolla was the teacher of 
Paganini. 



Lily Laverock, of Vancouver, wIU 
present Egon Petri, pianist, and the 
Metropiplitan Quartet, composed of 
Josephine Antoine, Karin Branzell, 
Frederick Jagel, and John Brownlee 
on ]ier concert program next season 



Cincinnati, July 22. 

The Cincinnati Summer Opera As- 
sociation, only organization of its 
kind in the country consistently giv- 
ing summer opera. Is having its best 
season financially in the 20 years of 
its existence. At the half-way point 
Saturday (19) of its six- week tsea- 
son, the company has played to 33,- 
910 admissions on 18 performances. 
It is a gain of more than 10% over 
last year's record .gate. 

Top audience, so far attended 
Grace Moore's 'Manon,' which drew 
3,363 persons, Sunday (20), Repeat 
will be given tomorrow (Thursday), 

Only a bit behind the soprano was 
the 'Rigoletto' Saturday (12), with 
Robert Weede and Jan Peerce, this 
drawing 3,336 admissions. Manage- 
ment is optimistic about the future 
since season generally, starts slow 
and draws big at ' end (last year's 
flnal performance drew 4,501 admis- 
sions). Seating capacity Is 4,000 
without the extra chairs, with scale, 
of prices from 25 cents to $2.50. 

Estimates for last week were 
'Samson et Dalilah,' with Giovanni 
Martinelli and Kirsten Thorborg Sun- 
day (13), 3,185, and Thursday (17), 
2,086; 'Barber of Seville' with Bidu 
Sayao, Franco Perulli, and Angelo 
Pilotto, Tuesday (15), 3,081, and Fri- 
day (18), 3,400; and 'Traviata,' with 
Rosa Tentoni, Michael Bartlett, and 
Claudio Frigario, Wednesday (16), 
1,850, and Saturday (19), 2,700. 



Nathan Rosen Seeks Court 
Reief From AFM Ruling; . 
Outgrowth of BaUet Deal 



A suit by Nathan Rosen, member, 
of the'American^Federation of Musi- 
cians for 35 years, against the A.F.M. 
and James C. Petrillo, president, was 
revealed last week in the N. Y. 
supreme court, when the plaintiff ap- 
plied to annul a fine of $4,000 levied 
against him, and sought re-instate- 
ment in the Union, He was ejected 
in March, 1041, for .allegedly vio- 
lating the price list of the A.F.M. 

In asking the court to set aside the 
union order, Rosen says he cannot 
appeal from the union ruling in the 
union; that he was never notified as 
to specific charges against him; that 
he never saw the witnesses who tes- 
tified against him; and that he was 
not present and received no trial, at 
the time of his fine and expulsion. 

Rosen declares that the charges 
against him apparently arose out of 
his turning over the contractoring of 
the Russian Ballet to one Pertchonok 
in the 1937-38 season. The latter, he 
says, failed to pay the musicians 
Iheir $100 weekly fee due under 
union rules, but that he was not re- 
sponsible, as he was connected with 
the Salzburg Opera Co. during thai 
season, and did not rejoin the Rus- 
sian Ballet until the 1938-39 season 



NBC Symph Conductors 

More conductors added to the lis' 
of guests who will handle the NBC 
Summer Symphony: 

Laszlo Halasz, Hungarian, on Aug 
30; Roy Shield, Sept. 6 and 13, anc' 
Fritz Kitzinger, Sept. 20 and 27. 



Hilde Burke's Fall Dates 

Hilda Burke, Met lyric soprano, 
opens her fall tour Oct, 17 in Black- 
stone, Va., Oct. 24, 25; she is booked 
for two performances of 'Faust' In . 
English with the Rochester Civic 
Music Association. 

Soprano then rejoins the Met. 



Wedneeday, July 23, 1941 



ORCHESTRAS 



49 



Rlixing of White and Negro Musicians 
Continues to Spread in Dance Bands 



Mixing of colored and white mu- 
{icians in white name bands seems 
to be Increasing. During the past 
weeic Benny Goodman added an- 
other colored player to his outfit 
when he took John' Simmons on 
string bass in place of Artie Bern- 
stein, who returned to his Cali- 
fornia home. Newcomer to the 
users of mixed ranks is Charlie 
Barnet who Is to add Jonah Jones, 
Cab Calloway's trumpeter. 

Third white outfit with a colored 
member is Gene Krupa'«, which has 
Roy Eldridge in its . trumpet section. 
Eldridge gave up a band of his own 
several months ago to join Krupa 
at the Pennsylvania hotel, New 
York. Goodman began the idea of 
mixing colored .and white, musicians 
several years ago before he became 
the country's No. 1 band. He then 
had Lionel Hampton on vibraphone 
and drums, and Teddy Wilson on 
piano. Currently, besides Simmons, 
he has Cootie Wilson, ex-Duke El- 
lington trumpeter, and Sidney Cat- 
lett, formerly with Louis Armstrong,! 
on drums. Charley Christians, col- 
ored guitarist. Is also with Good- 
man, but has been out of the band 
lately with lung trouble. * 



Anson Weeks on Tour 



:: Bands in N. Y. Spots :; 



^♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦f- 

Hotel Aator, N. Y. Roof has two 
kiUer-diller combos In the lissome 
.. f Ina Ray Hutton and Will Bradley, 
which makes it a case of 30 men and 
a. gal— and all plenty forte on the 
brass. It's a sort of double-featured 
trailer for Anacin the way Irath ride 
the beam with their overly forth- 
right swingopation which (1) isn't 
good showmanship for dinner trade, 
and (2) further misguided when the 
dinner sessions are light aivd there 
isn't enough population to absorb the 
beat-me daddy stuff. 

Miss Hutton, easily the sexiest 
looking musician in the business, 
makes ;a nic6 decoration for any- 
body's podium, but her combo of five 
brass, five reeds and four rhythm 
really socks it out. Her Astor stay 
' Is but for one week, to- assist Will 
Bradley, who's on the Erie from the 
nearby Broadway Paramount. The 
Etageshow at the Par holds over a 
fifth week but Bradley is bowing out 
and Joe Venuli concludes the mara- 
thon engagement next week. Brad- 
ley's ^etup is tiie same as Miss Hut- 
ton's, plus one more brass, but some- 
how horns are mellower and more 
under controls Anyway, they're sure 
cures for insomnia. But, apart from 
the acoustical balance, both give 
good account of themselves for hoof 
music. Lynn Gardner and Terry Al- 
len vocalize and, of course, Ray Mc- 
Kinley is the traps ace with Bradley. 



HoUl St. Regis Roof, (N.Y.) Is 
more polite with Its rhythms. Es- 
chewing any floor show divertisse- 
ment, the swank hostelry has been 
maintaining a fair share of business, 
where at first it was feared that the 
absence of an ice show or a Mitchell 
Leisen revue, as in former summers, 
would prove a b.o. hurdle. None 
the less, Hal Saunder's suave orch- 
estra (11), with emphasis on sweet 
syncopation, which at the St. Regis 
calls for plenty of waltzes, has been 
holding up all right. Gus Martel's 
relief rhumba combo plugs the waits 
equally well. Both incidentally, 
shifted to the Viennese Hoof from 
the downstairs Iridium (grillroom), 
an unusual holdover of bands by the 
management. 



sonny Kendls is now on a bicycle 
between two bands, both his, at the 
Stork Club, N. Y. Ever since Sher- 
man Billingsley, boss of the Stork, 
kayoed rhumba music, he designated 
Kendia to put in a No. 2 straight 
combo, with emphasis on forthright 
dansapation and only occasional 
L>atin sets, unlike the previous prac- 
tice of alternating both in sizeable 
gobs. Billingsley also now changes 
his femme vocalists with the bands 
every two woeks. Incidentally, the 
new Stork Cub, an Inside room, away 
from the dance music of the main 
interior, and inte'nded for would-be 
quiet diners, is getting great hide- 
' aw^ trade, especially for the gin- 
rummy addicts; tHit is if one can 
hide away in a nite club. . Abel. 



Johnny Lon; band booked for a 
Paramount theatre, N. Y., date some 
time in October. Band remains in 
Its current New Yorker hotel, N. Y., 
uniU Sept 1. 



Chicago, July 22. 

Indicating that he has recovered 
completely from his accident, Anson 
Weeks and his orchestra are on a 
tour throughout this territory. 

Goes Into the Highlands In St. 
Louis for two weeks starting July 27, 
followed by three weeks in the 
Meulebach hotel,* Kansas City. Set 
through the Weems office here. 

SHAW SET FOR 
THEATRE DATES 



Artie Shaw now plans letting 
back his concert^^ tour with a S2- 
piece band for a month and mak- 
ing four weeks of theatre appear- 
ances first. Leader will begin re- 
hearsing a 80-plece band next week 
with which he'll start theatre dates 
about Sept. 1. 

After completing the theatre 
work he'll rehearse for a month 
with the 52-nian concert outfit , and 
begin on that swing about Nov. I 
instead of his planned Oct 1 start. 



On the Upbeat 



Don Royale and t,atins (7) with. 
Jeanne Faulkner, vocalist, relief band 
at George Olsen's Casino Gardens, 
State Fairgrounds, Detroit, ' until 
Sept. 7. 



Pete Viera extended at Ka-See's, 
Toledo, until Labor Day. 



Mannel Lopei and his Don Amigos 
have been at Hund's downtown 
Detroit . eatery, since March 8, and 
extended to Oct. 1, a record run for 
any band at this spot. 



Skeeter Palmer, formerly with 
Meyer Davis doing society work, 
now working out of the Del Del- 
bridge-Ray Gorrell office, Detroit. 
He officiated a(F the recent Benson 
Ford-Edith McNaughton wedding 
there. 



Bob Pooley'a WTAG Worcester or- 
chestra has been increased to 14 
members and is currently on Can- 
adian Broadcasting Corp web_Satur- 
day mornings at 9:30 U.'S.A.*" "New 
England to You' program. 



Leighion Noble's orch, now at 
Dallas, returning Aug. 14 to Hotel 
Cleveland's Bronze Room in Cleve- 
land where it hit out a four-month 
run last year. 

George Duffy's crew, current at the 
Bronze, is going into local Euclid 
Beach's ballroom Aug. 18 after clos- 
ing. After three more dance hall 
dates in this section outfit Is' laying 
off two weeks for vacatkins before 
heading for the South-West again. 



Joe Sinatra has opened with his 
band for a indefinite engagement in 
the Herring Run Room of the Taun- 
ton Inn, Taunton, Mass. 



Lew Conrad at the Riptide, Mag- 
nolia, Mass., for the summer. 



Earl Hoffman ciirrent at Kin Wah 
Low's, Toledo. 



Clyde Knifcht opened two-week 
engagement Monday (21) at BlU 
Green's, Pittsburgh, succeeding Don 
Bestor outfit. 



Nelson Maples picked as regular 
house band for Colonial, new Pitts- 
burgh dancerie, which plays name 
bands one night a week. 



Bobby Annis band into the Oasi.<;, 
Pittsburgh, for an indefinite engage- 
ment, replacing the Joe VilTella 
crew. 



Bobby Byrne orchestra holds over 
at the Pennsylvania hotel. New 
York, until Glenn Mill6r"s opening 
Oct. 6. Miller goes on vacation be- 
(Continued on page 51) 



INSATIABLE DETROIT 



Cant Seem to Get EnoD(h of Glenn 
Miller's Bounce 



Detroit, July 22, 
Because of thousands of turn- 
aways as his engagement built up at 
Eastwood Gardens here, Glenn 
Miller played a 'matinee' dance here 
Saturday (19), the first attempted at 
any of the large outdoor shuffle 
spots. From a crowd of 3,500 hop- 
pers at his opening Tuesday he 
soared up to over 5,000 on Wednes- 
day night when the management put 
up the 'Standing Room Only* signs, 
used only once before during an Ar- 
tie Shaw engagement. 

Miller was making his first dance 
appearance here following a record- 
breaking engagement at the Fox 
theatre — also was tops in a recent 
record sales survey here — and with 
succeeding nights continuing to cram 
the floor with the 'SRO' signs going 
up and the spot unable to fill res- 
ervations it was decided to include 
the afternoon soiree. The 'matinee' 
engagement was run off from 2 to 6 
p.m. with the musicians back after 
an hour's rest for the long evening 
engagement. , 



STRICT UQUOR 
UWCAUSES 
LAYOFFS 



Montreal, July 22. 

Hard hit by the recently enacted 
liquor and entertainment laws of the 
Quebec provincial government which 
ban sale of liquor after midnight and 
have cut liquor licenses on a number 
of the smaller night clubs and caba- 
rets, forcing them to close, the Mu- 
sicians Guild of Montreal has ar- 
ranged a meeting with the 'Montreal 
City Council at which they will ask 
financial aid for Guild members. 

Atraut 200 musicians have been 
thrown out of work. The • Guild 
points out that up to date they have 
never allowed one of their members 
to go on relief but have taken care 
of their unemployed themselves, 
those who are in employment having 
looked after their less lucky col- 
leagues. 

The latest developments have re- 
duced the number of musicians in 
employment to such an extent that 
there 'are no longer enough of them 
to provide for the others and they 
are consequently asking the city to 
do something about it. 



Franlde Masters Tiiinks Afternoon 
Time Ideal for Dance Orchestras 



Not Asbestos 



Cedar Point," O., July 22. 

Frankie Masters, playing here 
with his orchestra, took a copy 
of VAniETY and a cigarette to bed 
with him the other a.m. at the. 
Hotel Breakers. )^ 

When fireman opened th« 
door, th^y found Masters and 
Vabiety unharmed, but the mat- 
tress burned 10 bucks worth. 



DRAFISCHANGE 
BALLROOM BIZ 



Russ Morgan Fetes Pubs 



Chicago, July 22. 

Russ Morgan, whose band just fin- 
ished engagements In the Edgewater 
Beach Hotel and the Aragon ball- 
room, gave the glad hand to the 
publishers last week by tossing a 
party for them. 

This was Morgan's first date here 
in some time and turned in fine biz 
for both spots. 



BUI Omcis has organized a band 
known as Ace and His Four Deuces, 
playing in the Youngstown, O., dis- 
trict. Personnel Includes Earl 
Brush, drums; Fred Klefer, piano; 
Bob Herman, trumpet; Vic Santors, 
sax and clarinet, and Omeis on 
trombone. 



Des Moines, July 22. 
Members of the newly organized 
Midwestern Ballroom Operators' as- 
'^oclation in meeting at Arnolds Park, 
Iowa, this week, agreed that the 
draft means the death sentence for 
hot swing music, but is revising the 
waltz. 'With a million and a halt 
young men In the army, we find that 
middle-aged patrons make up our 
customers,' according to Tom Archer 
of Des Moines. This means more and 
more sweet music rather thanvswing. 
At one. of our ballrooms we are now 
advertising 'every third dance, a 
waltz,' 

Carl Fox, Clear Lake, Iowa, presi- 
dent of the new group, said another 
draft problem is the shortage of 
young men at dances, causing the 
stag line to operate in reverse. 

The association decided to operate 
temporarily under officers of the 
Iowa association. Including Fox, 
Larry Geer of Fort Dodge, secretary- 
treasurer and Vearl Sissle, Oelweln, 
vice-president. States represented 
included Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, 
South Dakota, North Dakota, Mis- 
souri, Kansas, Colorado) Wyoming, 
Illinois and Wisconsin. ^ 



EU OBER$TEIN IN 
HOSPrrAL MYSTERY 



Eli Oberstein, former head of U. S. 
Records and lately with Consoli- 
dated Radio Artists, is . confined to 
Mt Sinai Hospital, New Yox^. 

A veil of secrecy has covered 
Oberstein's nsovementa for some 
five or six weeks. He walked out <tf 
CRA's N. Y. headquarters one Mon- 
day morning and never returned, at 
least not while any other member of 
CRA's staff was present. No one at 
that office has heard from htm 
either. CRA mailed him a regis- 
tered letter last week asking to be 
let In on what had happened, but so 
far has had no answer. 



Bob AHen About Ready 

Bob Allen, vocalist, who was with 
the Hal Kemp orchestra when Kemp 
died last fall ,18 currently putting the 
finishing rehearsal touches to a band 
of his own In Cleveland. He has 
taken over an outfit formerly led by 
VInce Patti, merely substituting men 
of his own choice in a few key posi- 
tions. 

Band's first job is to a location in 
upper New York State, opening in 
about two weeks. 



Inside Stuff-Orchestras 



Jack Leonard, vocalist, has gotten f i okay from Army and will record 
for Columbia Records during the year for which he was conscripted. 
Singer expects to cut a group of four to ' six sides In about two weeks. 
He's on the Okeh label. 

Leonard, formerly with Tommy Dorsey, was inducted Into the Army 
June 1. He's at Camp Dix, N. J. 



Jack Teagarden's mother, over 60 years old, recently showed patrons of 
the Plantation Club, Dallas, that Jack and Charlie Teagarden are not. the 
only musical members of that family. During Jack's recent stand at the 
Plantation his mother, living in Oklahoma City, visited him and sat in at 
piano during a jam session of the outfit. 

She formerly played piano in the pit of a Texas theatre. 



Through an error. Variety's Bands at the B.O. listed Bobby Byrne's 
combined dinner and supper cover-charge figures at the Pennsylvania 
hotel, N. Y. For the six weeks ending Saturday (26) the band's cover 
charge draw is actually between 5,000 and 5,025. 



Cedar Point, O., July 22. 

Frankie Masters is sold on after- 
noon time on the air as compared 
with evening broadcasting. He ex- 
pressed this opinion last week when 
asked to explain his draw at the 
Ballroom here, even though his band 
had played In New York for the last 
two years. In New York he aired 
over NBC's red network from 1-1:45 
p.m. six days a week (also night 
time) and feels matinees was the im- 
portant factor in introducing him. 

Says that by the time the evening 
air is available to orchestras, most 
people are asleep and that those still 
listening have a choice of so many 
that the name fails to register. In 
the day-time, listeners get tired of 
one soap-.opera after another. They 
yearn for music and receive a name 
band with enthusiasm. 



Union Suspends 
Gray Gordon 
For His Debts 



American Federation of Musicians 
slapped its sc^cond suspension within 
six months on a name bandleader 
last week when it ordered Gray Gor- 
don's name erased from its member- 
ship rolls. Gordon was expelled on 
charges of indebtedness assertedly 
brought against him by Consolidated 
Radio Artists for unpaid commis- 
sions, and others for various sums. 
Greyhound'Bus Co. is said to be one 
of the complainants. 

THough his suspension was ordered 
Wednesday (16) Gordon was al- 
lowed to finish the week's stand. ha 
had started at the Million Dollar 
Pier, Atlantic City, a concession to 
the Pier's operators. Four other one- 
nighters and a week's stand at Pali- 
sades Amusement Park, Fort Lee, 
N. J., have been cancelled by CRA. 
' Union officials refuse to comment 
on Gordon's expulsion beyond ex- 
plaining that it was ordered because 
of Indebtedness. He has not appealed 
the decision, but is making an effort 
to buy his contract from CRA and 
switch to another booking agency. 
CRA is said to want $7,500 to release 
him. Appiarently h« already has part 
of that amount because he has been 
.seeking a loan of $3,000.. 



CARL HOFF LAUGHS OFF 
TNnCEMeNT' ACTION 

When Paul Carley, singer with 
Reggie Childs* band, cams to Carl 
Hoff at Blue Gardens, Armonk, N.Y., 
and asked for a vocal audition, the 
latter tried him out one night but 
didn't engage him. However, Chllds 
heard of- this and is now suing Hoff 
for $50,000 for allegedly 'enticing' 
Carley away. 

Hoff laughs it off because (1) h« 
didn't hire the singer, and (2) never 
knew he was tied up with any other 
band. Nevertheless, Hoff has been 
served with papers In the suit, which 
is scheduled for supreme court 



Dorotby Claire's Operation 



Dorothy Claire, vocalist, with the 
Bobby Byrne' orchestra, was taken 
to Post Graduate Hospital, New 
York, Sunday afternoon (20) and 
operated on for acute appendicitis. 
Her condition was good yesterday 
(Tues,). 

Singer was stricken shortly be- 
fore a scheduled guest shot as m.c. 
of Perry Lafferty's CBS musical 
show, but went through the program 
and then to the hospital. Alice 
O'Connell, sister of Jimmy Dorse'y's 
vocalist, is filling In. 

Byrne's band has been plagued 
by appendicitis. First he was op- 
erated on during a Strand thea- 
tre, N. Y., dat« last year, then Kay 
Little, his former vocalist, now 
Miss Claire. 



^0 



com MACHINES 



Wcdncsdaj, Julj 23, 1941 



Nkkel Beer s Ent Is Foreseen As 
City Taxes on Jukeboxes Loom 



Milwaukee, July 22. 
Nickel beers will be a memory of 
the past, according to the tavern' 
keepers, if the common council con- 
curs In an ordinance launched by 
Aid. Clemens F. Michalski to in- 
crease municipal revenues by about 
$200,000 annually by placing new 

• license fees on juke boxes, soundies, 
vending machines of all types, and 
also on motion pictures taken by 
tavern men of their patrons in action 
and exhibited a few nights later to 
attract repeat business. 
Further, licenses would be denied 

" to anyone not a resident of Milwau- 
kee for at least three years— this 
provision to keep out Chicago coin 
maohine operators who have en- 
deavored to muscle in on the local 
Situation. 



Band Reviews 



Players in Army 



-Continued trom page 27 ; 



technical departments. From the 
Walt Disney and Leon Schlesinger 
studios have been drawn animators 
and artists numbering 20 and 7. re- 
spectively. 

♦Total of 220 men so far drawn 
from the studkis for service includes 
'Tarn working on a daily and hourly 
basis, who have put in enough time 
at the studios to qualify as regular 
employees.- 



OK tor Seand-ing BevclUe ^ 

Fort Hiley, Kans, July 22. 

Biding a horse instead of a mike 
is the future of Chick Gagnon, who 
arrived in the Cavalry Keplacement 
Training Center here a couple weeks 
ago directly from a tour with Sally 
Rand. Gagnon. from $125-a-weck 
m-c. with uie bubble-dancer's show, 
has plopped Into one of Uncle Sam's 
|21-a-month specials. 

Another recruit from show biz is 
Charles Moore, who comes, to Fort 
Riley from a I<os Angeles bft-ley 
house. Prior to that he was the guy 
who rode the front bumper, of a 
speeding car through a wall of flame 
in' a thrill show. 



WlIUs Hoack'a Service 

New Orleans, July 22. 
Willis Houck, v.p. of Joy Shows, 
Inc., operator of three theatres in 
New Orleans, and a chain of others 
throughout a number of other states, 
left Saturday (12) to becMne a U. S. 
Army Air Corps instructor at Stan- 
ton, Texas. Houck, 24, has 1,700 
hours and a commercial pilot's cer- 
tificate. 



TINT HILL ORCHESTRA (15) 
Melody Mill Ballroom, Chicago 

Tiny Hill has been on the verge of 
getting into the big time for several 
years now, but he has not yet made 
that grade. On the surface, it would 
appear that HiU is a natural for this 
rating, since his outfit Is novel 
enough to garner public attention. 
It is evident that what HiU needs Is 
things, ballyhoo, a song, a program, 
an angle, an idea. 

HiU is a big fellow, and has a hap- 
pily comic personality to go with 
his avoirdupois. He is down to 
earth and home-cooking for the 
mass of folks. 

Hill has that type of low-down fat 
personality that most audiences cot- 
ton to, and once enough people have 
seen Hill and associate him on the 
radio with a clear-cut picture of 
what he is really like, the name of 
HiU may be a potent monUcer In 
show biz. 

HiU's band Is good enough; it's 
solid and well-balanced. The set-up 
Is standard on brass, reeds and 
rhythm, and plays well and with 
plenty of precision. ' The arrange- 
ments are far from being on-the- 
stalk, and yet are basically commer- 
cial. The orchestra cleverly special- 
izes in bouncy tunes, with the 
bounce effect accentuated by having 
the beat scratched out on a gourd. 
It's good' salesmanship and fine 
showmanship. 

Bobby Freeman, tenor vocalist, 
and Nook Schrier, tenor sax and ar- 
ranger, are impressive on their own, 
with Schrier handling most of the 
solo instrumental assignments. 

Loop. 



JIHMT BAKER ORCHESTRA (15) 
With Sandra Wood, Ralph Donghty 
King's Ballroom, Lincoln, Neb. 

Gay and coUegiate is this combo 
of IS kids who are all registered at 
Oklahoma State U. at StUlwater. 
Baker, who fronts, is a better than 
average hoofer who's done a couple 
of years in HoUywood and returned 
to his native state for an education. 
Band, together 14 months, blares 
away on the swing edge and gets 
plenty of pattycakes from the ]-biigs 
who infest this spot 

Billed as a 'sweet swing' outfit, the 
combo was told to make it loud and 
solid by the management, so outfit's 
sweet ability wa^'t proved here. 
Even for the coUege kids,- though, 
the brass was. a little, stiff. 

Outfit Is nicely set up with a four 
and sometimes nve-man sax section, 
five brass and four rhythm. Beside 
their sweet-swing style, band takes 
oS occasionally on Glenn MiUer 



. Add BUarlce Kelly 

Toledo, Jily 22, 
Maurice Kelly, dance director of 
the Toledo Civic Light Opera, is due 
to enter the army when he finishes 
his Toledo engagement Aug. 11. 



OB to Unole Sam. 

Buffalo, July 22. 
Sterling Beath, 27. nitery emcee, 
answered draft eaU here last week. 



IN A SUBWAY 
FAR FROM IRELAND 

Columbia Record No. 36211 





RAYMOND 
SCOTT 

AND HIS ORCHESTRA 



JIMMY 
DORSEY 

' and Hi* Orchestra 

OunaHr 

COLLEGE INN 

OmRMAN MOOL, OmtfASO 
. Ot»» j me Ky««y Mttaj. 



with Doughty on sax for flve-man 

line backed by ride guitar. 

Sandra Wood, a dark-haired 
looker whose lyrics veer toward 
torchiness, handles aU the obviously 
femme vocals while Baker (who, in- 
cidentally, is a cousin " of Kenny 
Baker) spUts the straight numbers 
with Trumpeter Ralph Doughty 
and novelties with Saxman Dave 
Schwartz, 

Personnel, except for those listed: 
sax: Karl Kaiser, Windy Monroe, Ed 
Mauk; brass: Johnny Anderson, Bob 
Heath, Byron Bray. Bryce McFall; 
rhythm: Frank DeLong, Jim Yar- 
borough, Al Webb, Bill Greer. 
Pianist DeLong and Doughty, dream 
up the arrangements. 

Kids endorsed week-long run here 
but oldsters found tunes little too 
brassy, which shouldn't be a deter- 
rent if the orchestra was allowed to 
sweeten. " Art. 



DICK KUHN OBCH (5) 
Hotel Statler, Bnffalo 

Back for a' second Summer, this 
versatUe crew stUl is turning out 
herealx>uts. It's a solid brand, mostly 
on nostalgia side, heavy on sax and 
accordian leads, that sits well with 
the customers. Kuhn hasn't changed 
a man in five years and outfit is so 
used to working together, it plays 
with smooth blending born of ex- 
perience. 

Leader toots a sax. takes melody 
most of time. When he's not, accor- 
dionist Len Herman takes the lead. 
Herman also works the vibes and 
does bulk of the vocaUng. Rest of 
unit is Hugo Malonga, bass (also vo^ 
cals): Charlie Shaw, drums and Roy 
Seymour, piano who also pipes off 
on solovox. Outfit sticks together so 
weU it isn't noticed that only one 

BOBBT RAMOS ORCHESTRA (12) 
Chei Parec, Chicago 

PrimarUy designed for Latin tem- 
pos, Ramos and his crew is of the 
soft sweet variety. Three violins, 
four saxes, three rhythm and one 
trumpet. Rhumbas, tangos and con- 
gas predominate, with Ramos han- 
dling the vocal work both in Spanish 
and English. Voice is good and with 
enough schmaltz to give it plenty of 
romantic appeal. He should score 
well with the femmes, with good ap- 
pearance a material aid. . 

Aside from Ramos there are no 
outstanding personaUties in the 
band, with the possible exception of 
Fred Reid, who does- the vocal work 
on the rhythm tunes. EmU Pod- 
sada's fiddle work is good, as are Nat 
Farber's piano efforts, but the real 
sock is Ramos himself, for his sweU 
vocalizing and nice fronting job. 

Cold. 



Charlie Splvak 'Rose and Prayer'— 'Angels Came Thru' (Okeh 6280) 
Spivak considerably improved his standing recently with a version of 

Intermezzo;' first side here wUl go a long way toward consolidating those 
gains. An exceptlonaUy strong ballad melody Splvak's 'Rose' should find 
good reception in machines. Gary Stevens' vocal, the band and leader's 
trumpeting jell solidly. It rates almost on par with Jimmy Dorsey's, cur- 
rently hitting machines. Reverse is . overshadowed. Stevens vocals good 
tune, but It will be smothered , by 'Prayer.' .Aw way Glenn HUler tops 
Spivak on 'Angels' (Bluebird 11215) with Ray Eberle vocalling. Vaughn 
Monroe is hot currently and bis cutting of 'Prayer' Is bound to get atten- 
tion, though it's not as good as Spivak's. Monroe's vocal is slightly fast, 
accompanied. by neat muted band work. 'Worm Who Loved the Little Tater 
Bug,' a saleable item sung by Marilyn Duke, backs It. Miller's reverse of ' 

Angels' is Meredith WUlson's 'You and I.' It's okay. 

Jlmmle Loneeford 'Peace and Love For AH* — Vine Prelade' (Decca 3892) " 

Lunceford's crack crew hits soUdly with the 'Peace' side, a tune that 
gathers respect with extra spinning. It's a weird arrangement studded 
with a strong Dan Grissom vocal. Tune's only fault is that It's practicaUy 
a twin of 'EU Eli.' It can't do much for machines. Privately It should do 
welL "Prelude' is briskly played. One of Woody Herman's standards, 
Lunceford does It with a rhythmic waUop in confrast to Herman's subdued 
method. Grisson vocals again. 



Manny Prager'9 20 Days 

Omaha, July 20. 

Longest run of any outside band 
to be recorded at Peony Park and 
Royal Terrace, Omaha's largest out- 
door-indoor spot, was set last Sun- 
day (20)' when Manny Prager ended 
a 20-day engagement 

Band buUt . nicely and did so well, 
Joe Malec, head of the park plans 
to bring it back later. 



10 Best SeDers on Coin-Macbines 



(Records beloui are grabbing moH nickels this voeek in jukeboxes 
'throughout the country, at reported by operators to WAtarrt. Names 
of more than one band or vocalist after the title indicates, in order of 
populaHtv, lehose recordings are being plaved. Figures and names in 
parenthesis indicate the number of week* eoch song has been in the listings 
and respective publishers.) 

_ , , _ .1. J Sammy Kaye Victor 

Daddy (7) Repubhc J Andrews Sisters. Decca 

. „, „ ^. ( Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

Maria Elena (4) Southern ^ Pastor Bluebird 

Green Eyes (4) Southern.... Jimmy Dorsey..-. Decca 

- . ^ • - «^ c S Freddie Me'tln Bluebird 

Hut-Sut Song (8) Schumann jxing Sisters ...Bluebird 

( Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

8. Aurora (8) Robbms {Andrews Sisters Decca 

. J » T««^ (Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

6. My Sister and I (8) BMI {Benny Goodman.. .Columbia 

7. Intermezzo (10) Schubcrth (Woody Hennan... . Decca 

( Benny Cioodman. ... Columbia 

8. Goodbye Dear, Be Back Year (2) C, to C. { " • ' ' Columbia 

(Dick Robe' son Decca 

0. Rose and a Prayer (2) BVC Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

10. Yours (Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

■"*• (Vaughn Monroe,., ..Bluebird 

DISKS GAINING FAVOR 

(These records are directly below the first 10 in popularity, but. growing 
in demand on the coin machines.) 

Don't Cry Cherl. (Shapiro) . . . . ; ( J^S^" •»i'^^f**I 

• • (Glenn MiUer Bluebird 

Things I Love (CampbeU) ; Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

Yfs, Indeed (Embassy) Tommy Dorsey .Victor 

When the Sun Comes Out (BVC) ^."^^ 

, ( Charlie Spivak Okeh 

•Goodbya UtUe Darlin' (ChappeU) ^^'^ ...'..Decca 

((Sen* Autfy Okeh 

Kiss the Boys Goodbye (Famous) /^"^ J?**"*^ 

(Tommy Tucker ....... Okeh 

Til RevelUt (Melody Lane) JS'"* Crosby Decca 

iKay Kyacr Columbia 

Gu«M ru Hav* to Dream th« Sett (Block). . Glenn Miller .Blutblrd 

UHle Bit South of N6rth Carolina (Forgle). i 5'* Hobirtson Decn 

• (Gene Knip« Okeh 



Com-Catchmg Records-and Others 



Tommy Dorsey 'This Love of Mine'— 'Nelanl' (Victor 27508) 
Frank Sinatra, who sings the vocal of This Love,' collaborated on the 
tune. Done at extremely slow speed the side stacks up as one that operat- 
ors can find good use for; melody and lyric shine and so does the muted 
band interpretation. 'Neiani' is another stemming from the Dorsey family. 
Arrangers Alex Stordahl and Sy Oliver whipped It up. As suggested by 
title, it's Hawaiian number, complete with eflectrlc guitar. Sinatra and 
Pied Pipers vocal It's okay. 



Sonny Dunham 'Lament, to Love'— 'Down, Down, Down' (BIneblrd. 11214) 

TUne on the first side has all the earmarks of becoming a solid machine 
hit Catchy ballad melody, fltfed with impressive lyric, the tune seems to 
possess the requirements for wide commercial use. Of three releases, 
none are by established machine names. Ranking high is Sonny Dunham's 
nicely rounded version, with Ray Kellogg vocaUlng. His Is about on a par 
with Harry James arrangement (Col. 3S222), vocal by Dick Haymes. Les 
Brawn's try (Okeh 62S8) is close behind, but his would have been better 
ifthe band had had the services of vocalist Ralph Young when it was made 
and he had been used in place of Betty Bonney. She's .essentially a rhythm 
singer and while her vocal isn't bad tune would have fitted Young much 
better. There will probably be more releases of the melody, however. It's a 
marked money maker. Dunham's backing is an original that has been get- 
ting attention. It's nicely done. James' backing is a cuta original of his 
own tagged 'Dodgers' Fan Dance.' Brown's coupling treats another rising 
pop 'Do You Care,' in smart style. Miss Bonney vocals. 



Ja«k Teacarden 'St James InSrmary'— 'Blaek and Blue' (Deoca 3844) 

Operators might find a venture in the first side profitable. Teagarden has 
been exploiting the tune for years, as only he can, and this recording hits 
the mark. His vocal and trombonlng gets able band backing. Reverse is 
another blues vocal. It's very effective, but the first side Is best known. 



WUl Bradley 'Boogie Wooglle Piggy'— 'Love He LUUe Uttle' (Col. 3C231) 
Bradley's boogie woggie style is more advantageously employed on the 
first side than it has t>een tor a long while. He wraps a good tune, one 
that hasn't moved much so far despite several good releases, in a solid 
machine arrangement using vocals by Ray McKlnley and Terry Allen. 
Dance-tempoed pop backs it Lynn Gardner vocaUing, but 'Boogie' is best 
side. 



Woody Herman 'Hey Doo'— 'Night Watohmam' (Decca 3889) 
Herman could have found better material. Neither one of th^ sides 
amount to much commercially. 'Doc' has a few potentialities In its short 
chorusing by Muriel Lane and bandmen, but it's weaker by far than most 
of his past attempts. In situations where appreciation can be found for 
an exceptionaUy good insfrumental, 'Watchman' is a good bet. Side is an 
outstanding examiHe of Herman's style and capabilities. It'U probably seU 
best privately, however. 



Harry James 'One O'clock Jump'- Two O'clock Jamp' (Col. 36232) 
Maybe Columbia got the labels confused on these two. First side is an 
uninspired jive piece that goes nowhere, an undeveloped theme that fails 
to reach any peak and fades out weakly. Reverse apparently Is 'One 
O'clock' and it has been I done better before. ^For a band th.at has done 
well lately this release is a distinct letdown. Sales will be over-counter. 



Eddy Dachin 'Be Fair'— 'Wasn't It Ton' (Colnmbb 38229) 
Duchin is inconsistent After some of the neat things he has done lately 
'Be Fair' is miles in arrears. Johnny Drake's amateurish vocal makes the 
side an also ran, and in addition the arrangement is sloppy. Only saving 
point commercially, is leader's short piano interludes. Reverse Is an aver- 
age tune, but it's done much better, with Jime Robbins vocalUng. These ' 
are part of a batch Duchin waxed hurriedly before cUppering to Rio. 
They soimd It. 



Kay Kyser 'Any Bends Today'— 'Arms for Love of Ameilea' (Col. 36228) 
Irving Berlin's defense tunes haven't done too much in machines so far, 
Kyser's cutting of both, whUe not quite as weU done as Barry Wood and 
hynn Murray's chorus releauip, nevertheless is capable and should figure 
in the tunes' sales, 'Bonds' is done in swingy dance tempo, lyric by a 
quartet of singers. Reverse Is In proper marching speed, sung by Harry 
Babbitt and chorus. 



Gov.'s Island Seeks Cuffo 
Concerts oh Mondays 

Officials at .Governor's Island, 
New York, are trying to arrange for 
a series of name band concerts to 
take place each Monday night Ar- 
rangements are being made through 
Peter- Dean, musician and former 
manager of the Teddy PoweU band. 
He's head of recreation at the post 

Concerts would be of an hour's 
duration and for enlisted men only. 
Bands would play them on the cuff. 
Bob Chester's hand Is tentatively set 
for Oie first showing Monday (28). 



: HARRY : 
i JAMES 

AMD ms *. 
^ Music Makers OrchsStra ^ 

^ Columbia Reoorda ^ 

< ON TOUR y 

Dir.: — Haato Ctx»- at Amtrice . > 



SONNY DUNHAM 

HABSTBO AT HKADOWBBOOK 
COAST TO COAST — CBS 

"LAMENT TO LOVE" 

BiMfaM um 
ROE-KRIPPCNK MUeie CO. 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



ORCHESTRA GROSSES 



SI 



Bands at Hotel B.O/s 



NEW YORK 

(.Presented hcreuiith, as a weekly tabulation^ is the estimated cover 
charge business being done bv name bands in various New York hotels. 
Dinner business (7-10 PJM.) not rated. Figures after name of hotel give 
room capacity and cover charge. Larger amount designates weekend and 
ftolidav price.) 

CoTcrg Total 

„ . . "■ W»«U« Fant Cover* 

BHDd Hotel PlRTed Wrmh Od Oat* 

Bobby Byrne fennsyJvania. (.500;.75C'.$1) 6 1800 5,025 

XavierCugat Waldorf (375; $1-$1.50) 14 2,225 29,475 

Bradley-Hutton...Astor (1,000; 75c-.$l) 9 J2,225 2,225 

Ray Heatherton. . Biltmore (300; $1-$1.50) 6 475 2,525 

Ray Kinney* Lexington (300: 75cr$l.50) .....14 1,300 18,650 

Johnny Long*.... Uew Yorker (400; 75cr$1.50) 6 1,400 7,750 

Hal Saunders St Regis (400; $1-$1.50) 9 400 3,750 

*Asterisfc5 indtcote a supporting floor show, althouffh the bond is the 
major draw. iSee Inside Orchestras. tWill Bradley and Ina Ray Mutton 
«plit ilsfor stand Uist tueeJc because firndlev ukis held-o«er at Paramount 
theatre, N. Y. 



LOS ANGELES 

Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1-$1.50). Weekly haul continues 
around 2,500 covers, helped considerably by out-of-towners. 

Abe Lyman (Palladiuni: 6,000; 5Sc-$1.10). Finished strong on his four- 
week stand for around 16,000 admissions, plenty good considering the 
weather and the real surprise oT all bookings to date. Woody Herman 
opened last Friday (18) and hit second highest opening mark with approx- 
imately 5,300, topping all except Glenn Miller. 

Harry Owens (Aquatic Room, Hotel Miramar, Santa Monica: 500; 50c- 
$1). Soft Haw\yaiian strains by the calm Pacific soothing around 2,500 
covers a week. Owens stays as long as the trade keeps coming. 

HbI Grayson (Casina, Catalino Island: 4,000; 28c-44c). Playing to around 
12,000 payees weekly, not so good considering that the isle is overrun with 
tourists. Bob Crosby comes in Aug. 10 to close the summer spot after one 
of the Casino's worst- seasons. 

Ella Fitzgerald (Trianon, Southgate: 1,200; 40c-55c). First Coast shot not 
too auspicious, with the week rolling up around 3,000 paid admishes. 
Johnny 'Scat' Davis moved in last Monday (21). 

JImmie Lnnceford (Casa Manana, Culver City: 2,000; 55c). Picked up 
around 4,500 hoofers on the week, aided by two-bit passes. Charlie Barnet 
follows in for six weeks, then Ozzie Nelson, "Ted-Weems and Benny Good- 
man. 



SAN FRANCISCO 

Carl Ravaiza* (Rose Room, P.alace Hotel;- 500; $1-$1.25). Aided by a 
cmash opening and the DeMarcos, first week bucked the current quiet 
period with a splendid 1,500 covers. 



CHICAGO 

Jimmy Dorsey (Panther Room, Sherman Hotel: 700; $l-$2 min.). Despite 
the fact that there were no conventions in town this week to bolster busi- 
ness, the Dorsey band drew in a neat total of 5,900 payees, and continues 
to be one of the best money attractions to ever play the room. 

Sklnnay Ennis* (Empire Room, Palmer House: 600; $3-$3.50 supper 
min.). Another good week for the Ennis crew with 4,400 customers. Ennis 
has proven a consistent money puller. 

Boyd Raebnrn* (Chez Paree: 500; $2.50-$3.50 min.). With Milton Berle 
as the principal attraction, this nitery has been enjoying sensational busi- 
ness. Another great Week, with 5,000 guests, 

Jimmy Joy* (Walnut Room, Bismarck Hotel; 300; $l-$2 min.). Joy is 
building a nice following in this spot, and came through with a good week 
of 2,600 customers. 

. ^ 



Inside Stuff-Music 



Henry Morgenthau, Jr., secretary of the treasury, is the copyright owner 
of 'Any Bonds Today,' Irving Berlin's 'campaign song' for the U. S. Treas- 
ury Dept., and the Government Is handling all song exploitation. Copies, 
of course, are not for sale, and when Berlin, Inc., gets orders, general 
manager Saul H. Bornstein is a bit bewildered. Berlin tells his partner, 
'Just send 'em along to Mr. Morgenthau' who, likewise, has no copies to 
cell. 

There's a thought still on to give a copy gratis with every U. S. bond 
order, but since they're selling into the millions, it would entail a stag- 
gering printing bill for the Government. However, it may yet come to 
pass. 

Meantime, Berlin's 'God Bless America' fund for the Boy and Girl 
Scouts of America has now yielded $87,500 for the youth movement, which 
has been turned over to the Scouts. 



John Joseph Davilla lost a plea to have the United States pay for the 
filing of his record on appeal, and for an extension of time to file the 
record with the circuit court. Davilla sued hajf the music world In an 
action In which he claimed the plagiarism of his song, 'If I Were a Spider 
and You Were My Fly,' in 'The Desert Song.' Judge William Bondy in 
N.Y. federal court ruled against him Friday (18). 

Action was dismissed some months ago. Defendants included Harms, 
Witmark, Sigmund Romberg, Oscar Hammerstein, 2d, Warner Bros., Stan- 
ley Co. of America, NBC, CBS, RCA, American Record Co., Brunswick 
Record Co., Knickerbocker Broadcasting Corp. and Columbia Phonograph 
Co. Suit a.sked $250 statutory damages for each playing, or the equivalent 
of over $1,000,000,000 in damages. 



'Keep a V in Every Heart' is the first of the V-for-Victory topical pop 
songs that sprung up. Al Lewis, Larry Stock and Y'ncent Rose wrote 
this one. 

Another twist on England's "V for Victory* campaign is a song titled 
Three Dots and a Dash' written by Larry Adler and set to be played by 
him on CBS' 'MUlions for Defense' show next week. He'll also use it 
when h« goes longhair with the New York Philharmonic orchestra at 
Lewisohn Stadium Aug. 9. 

Southern Music Co.'s 'Time Was,' a Mexican melody by Miguel Prado, 
Spanish lyrics by Gabriel Luna, and English lyrics by S. K. Russell, 
clashes with an olji I^^rms (now Chappell) copyright of a similarly titled 
song, which Arina' Sosdnto "composed in 1932 for Hildegarde, whom she 
manages. Latter only recently started the Sosenko 'Time Was' tune to 
popularity, and will record it for Decca. But meantime the Southern 
Music composition has been widely waxed. 



Leeds Music Co has bought the popular catalog of the Jenkins Music 
Co., of Kansas City. The purchase will be incorporated in a new firm, 
Kaycee, Inc. The numbers involved in the sale include 'Piccolo Pete,' '12th 
Street Rag,' 'Nobody's Darling But Mine' and 'Trouble in Mind.' Shapiro 
& Bernstein recently announced that it had the renewal rights to '12th 
-Street Rag.' Leeds has also a subsid in the Pan-American Music Co. 



Band Bookings 



VauKhn Monroe, Aug. 1, week, 
Earle theatre, Philadelphia; 9, Sunny- 
brook B., Pottstown, Pa.; 10 week, 
Manhattan Beach, New York; 17, 
nine days. Million Dollar Pier, At- 
lantic City; 29, four days. Strand the- 
atre, Brooklyn. 

Blue Barron, July 25, Warren the- 
atre. Warren, Pa.; 26, Sunset Park, 
CarroUtown, Pa.; 27-31, Million Dol- 
lar Pier, Atlantic City; Aug. 1, Mis- 
sion Inn, Latrobe, Pa.; 2, Lakeside 
Park, Dayton, O.; 3, Buckeye Lake, 
O.; 4, Joyland Park, Lexington, Ky.; 

5, Ritz theatre, Clarksburg, W. Va.; 

6, Casa Loma Club, Charleston, W. 
Va.; 7, Warner theatre, Morgantown, 
W. Va.; 8, Fountain Ferry Park, 
Louisville, Ky.; 9, Castle Farms, Cin- 
cinnati; 10, RKO theatre, Huntington, 
W. Va.; 11, Rock Springs Park, 
Chester, W. Va.; 12, Dunbar Cave B., 
Clarksville, Tenn.; 13, Coliseum (con- 
cert). Colonial Gardens (dance), 
Evansville, Ind.; 14, Trianon B., Terre 
Haute, Ind.; 15, Paramount theatre, 
Anderson, Ind. 

Tony Pastor, July 25, Armory, 
Toledo, O.; 26, Conneaut Lake Park, 
Conneaut Lake, Pa.; 27, Geneva-on- 
the-Lake, Geneva, O.; 28, State the- 
atre, Uniontown, Pa.; 29, Ambridge 
theatre, Ambridge, Pa.; 30, Columbia 
theatre, Sharon, Pa.; 31, Columbia 
theatre, Erie, Pa.; Aug. 1, Burlington 
Beach, Hamilton, Ont., Can.; 2, Dor- 
ney Park, Allentown, Pa.; 3, Hunt's 
Pier, Wildwood, N. J.; 7, week, Capi- 
tol theatre, Washington, D. C; 14, 
Indiana th,eatre, Indiana, Pa.; 15-21, 
Cedar Point, Sandusky, O. 
, Alvino Eey, Aug. 1, Waldemere 
Park, Erie, Pa.; 2, Celeron Park, 
Jamestown, N. Y.; 3, Pier B., Geneva, 
N. Y.; 4, Mansion, Youngstown, O.; 
6, Sunset B., CarroUtown, Pa.; 7, 
Buckeye Lake, O.; 8, Coney Island, 
Cincinnati; 9, Lakeside Park, Dayton, 
O.; .10, Myers Lake Park, Canton, O. 

Frankle Masters, Aug. 2, Saylor's 
Lake, Saylorsburg, Pa.; 3, Babb's 
Park, SufTield, Conn.; 5, Canobie 
Lake, New Hampshire; 6, Old Orch- 
ard, Me.; 8, week, Earle theatre, Phil- 
adelphia. 

Tommy Dorsey, Aug. 20, Hershey 
Park, Hershey, Pa.; 21, Celeron Park, 
Jamestown, N. Y.; 22-23, Toronto Ex- 
position, "roronto. Can.; 24, Lake 
Compounce, Bristol, Conn.; 27, Para- 
mount theatre, N. Y. 

Cab Calloway, July 28, Planter's 
Warehouse, Martinsville, Va.; 29, 
Van's Warehouse, Abingdon, Va.; 30, 
Memorial Aud., Raleigh, N. C; 31, 
Aud., Charlotte, N. C, Aug. 1, Col|js- 
eum, Hendersonville, N. C. 

Larry Clinton, July 26, - Castle 
Farms, Cincinnati; 27, Modernistic 
B., Milwaukee; 29, Electric Park, 
Waterloo, la.; 30, Riverview Park, 
Des Moines; 31, Arnold's Park, la.; 
Aug. 1, Fairyland Park,'Kansas City; 
2, Municipal Aud., Okla. City. 

Al Donahue, July 26, Saylor's Lake, 
Saylorsburg, Pa.; 27, Hunt's Pier, 
Wildwood, N. J.; 30, Polish Com- 
munity Center, White Plains, N. Y.; 



Harris, $20,000 in Pitt, Lewis, lOG 
In N.Y., Heavy Band Draws; James 
Gets Marxes Help in Phiny, $20,000 



On-the-Upbeat || 

^^^^ Cononued irom page «« )| 

tween July 26, when he finishes two 
days at Surf Beach, Virginia, and 
Aug. 15. 



Nick D'Amico band replaced 
Johnny Messner's at the Essex House. 
N. Y., last night (Tues.), Sammy 
Kaye returns Oct. 15 or 20. 



Ted Straeter orchestra goes into 
the Arrowhead Inn, Saratoga 
Springs, N. Y., July 29 lor its sec-, 
ond straight season. 



Horace Heldt re-signed for two 
years with Columbia Records. Band 
is at the Edgewaler Beach hotel, 
Chicago. 



Paul Specht, pioneer maestro, has 
written a book, 'How They Become 
Nome-Bands' for Fine Arls Publica- 
tions. 



Billy Baer orchestra at Schroeder 
hotel, Milwaukee for three weeks. 
Set through the Weems agency. 
Fifth engagement for the Baer or 
chestra in this room. 



Slim Davts quit seat in Eddie 
Maggia band, Angola, N. Y„ to join 
Benny Cioodman on trumpet. 



Channing Barron vocalizes and 
leads his Blue Notes at Rocco's Villa 
Sunset, Lake Susquehanna, near 
Blalrstown, N. J. 



Bernle Whitman's band with 
vocalist Peggy Cannon is breaking 
records at Johnny DeSanto's Pocono 
Summit Inn, Pocono Summit, Pa. 



Artie Wayne at Luna Pier, Erie, 
Mich., with Bobbie Todd as vocalist. 



Glen Garr follows Pinky Tomlin 
at Anacacno Room, San Antonio. 



Aug. 1, week. Totem Pole B., Auburn, 
dale, N. Y. 

Jimmy Dorsey, July 26, Pier B., 
Buckeye Lake, .O.; 27, Myers Lake 
Park, Canton, O.; 28, Arena, London, 
Can.; 29, Mutual If^rena, Toronto; 31, 
Danceland, Sylvan Beach, N. Y.; Aug. 
2-3, Steel Pier, Atlantic City. 

Joe Vennti, July 31, Lakewood 
Park, Mahoney City, Pa.; Aug. 1, 
Geo F. Pavillion, Johnson City, N.Y.; 
2, Oriental B., Gallitcin, Pa. 



Unfamiliar Names, Weather Adverse 
FactorsinSome Cases; lUerWhammo 



iEslimates) 

Charlie Barnet (Turnpike Casino, Lincoln, June IS). Tuesday Is always 
bad night in this sector of Nebraska and bugaboo did Barnet no good- 
so-so $612 from approximately same number stubs at 85c-$1.10. 

Loa Breese (Saylor's Lake Pavilion, Saylorsburg, Pa., July 19). Prac- 
tically unknown here, Breese's Breezy Rhythm wafted $680 Into till; 800 
dancers at 85c. Not sock, but band well liked and repeat would probably 
do much better. 

Ina Bay Button (Saylor's Lake, Saylorsburg, Pa.; July 12). Rains came 
—and hurt. Still, Miss Hutton drew approximately 1,000 at 85c; not big, 
but $850 take profitable all around. 

Harry James (Saylor's Lake, Saylorsburg, Pa., July 16). James knocked 
out nifty $1,020 representing 1,200 stubholders at '8Sc. 

Frankle Masters (Waldemere Park, Erie, Pa., July 10). One of season's 
best crowds turned up neat $1,770 for Masters at 75c. 

Glenn Miller (Eastwood Gardens, Detroit, July 15-20). Miller chased 
every mark at this spot, pulling turnaway biz every night for total of 
26,310 customers in five nights and a matinee. At Yankee Liake, Youngs- 
town, O., Sunday (20) band followed suit, ringing up $4,305 with same 
number dancers at $1.10. 

Vangiin :.:onros (Roton Point Park, South NorwaiK, Conn., July 20). 
Personality star drew 982 at 85c, summer's best biz in small room. 

Ozzle Nelson (Fairmont B., Yakima, Wash., July 15). Hot weather 
melted anticipations; 1,100 at $1.10 was good, however. At Natatorium Park 
B., Spokane, next day (16) band's take was below par. Fair 1,300 at 85c. 

Tony Pastor (Arena, London, Ont., July 14). Pastor puzzling and prob- 
able deficit for promoters with poor 940 at $1. Ops blame Pastor's new- 
ness as a name headliner, '.not his work. At Lakeside Park, Dayton, O., 
two nights previous (12) crew popped 2,149 hoppers through gate at 75c. 

Alvino Key (Pleasure Beach, Bridgeport, Conn., July 20). Rey crew 
sunk Tommy Dorsey 's high mark here with well-aimed 2,250 dancers at 
99c. Three days previous (17-19) band got sock $5,400 at Boston's Totem 
Pole B., pulling 1,800 Thursday. 2,900 Friday, 3,300 Saturday at $1.35 
couple. 

Claude Thornhlll (Totem Pole B., Auburndale, Mass., July 14-16). Re- 
turn after a 7,200-$4,866 weekend (10-12) Thornhill continued good with 
$3,172; 1,000 Monday, 1,700 Tuesday, 2,000 Wednesday: 



(Estimates for This Week) 

Will Bradley, New York— (Para- 
mount; 3,664; 35-55-85-99) (4th wk). 
Still teamed up with 'Caught in 
Draft' (Par), which is accounting lor 
bulk of draw, and strong stage show, 
including Jane Froman and Danny 
Kaye. Rugged $35,000 on fourth 
week. Picture stays with this stage 
show, but Bradley leaves on prior 
commitment and is being replaced 
by Joe Venutl for fifth session start- 
ing today (Wed.). 

Cab Calloway, New York — 
(Strand; 2,767; 35-55-75-85-99) with 
'Manpower' (WB). Band unit tak- 
ing bows for most of business. Mod- 
est $24,000 on third session, after 
strong $32,000 for second stanza. 

Phil Harris, Pittsburgh— (Stanley; 
3,800; 25-40-80) with 'Bad Men of 
Missouri' (WB). Harris is drawing 
most of the biz, with the action film 
credited with the rest of very good 
$20,000 coming up. 

Harry James, Philadelphia — 
(Earle; 2.768; 35-46-57-68-75) with 
'Big Store' (M-G). Combination of 
the Marx Bros, and Jaines' hot crew 
drawing nice $20,000. 

Sammy Kaye, Chicago — (Chicago; 
4,000; 35-55-75) with 'Moon Over 
Miami' (20th). Kaye orch is key 
item in the excellent business com- 
ing into the town's ace theatre cur- 
rently, though reports on the picture 
dre fine. Kaye is not a frequent 
visitor to Chicago, but his occasional 
trips have- resulted in strong b.o. 
turnouts. Whirling the wicket to 
good $35,000. 

Ted Lewis, New York— (State; 
3,400; 28-44-55-75-90-$1.10). . Lewis 
and his 'Rhythm Rhapsody' revue on 
stage not being helped much by 
'Night in Lisbon' (Par) on screen, 
which was plenty milked by ex- 
tended run on Broadway. Fair 
$19,000 in sight, with most of it 
credited to Iicwls. 

Lanl Mclntire, Washington — 
(Earle; 2,216; 28-39-44-66) with 
'Bride Came C.O.D.' (WB), Buster 
West and Lucille Page and other 
acts. Bette Davls-Cagney marquee 
draw accounting for most of excel- 
lent $20,000. 




MANACEMCNT 

GENERAL AMUSEMENT CORP. 



DUKE 
DALY 

and hit band 

PLAYLAND CASINO 
UE BEACH, MEW TOBK 
WOB - Matoal 



MANACEMCKT 

GENERAL AMUSEMENT CORP. 



LOU 
BREESE 

And Hit Orchestra 

3TEM POLE BALLROOM 
AUBVBMDAIiE. HASS. 
Jalf 24-81 

Hutnal Network 
' P«rs. Mat. Sam Lnt« 



MANAGEMENT 

GENERAL AMUSEMENT CORP, 




52 



MUSIC 



Wcdnetdaj, July 23, 1941 



Mntual Deal Ksappoints Fobs 



Opening up of the WOR-Mutual Broadcasting System links to 
ASCAP Music has been a disappointment to music men, it is now 
Jrankly admitted, for a number of reasons. The bandleaders are th^ 
major hurdle through their fear of loading up with ASCAP tunes. 
While needing BMI for CBS and NBC outleU. Thus, even MBS bands 
play a predominance of BMI music, or the emphasis is put on oldies 
like 'Who' and 'Star Dust" which are good library stuff to the average 
band, on or oft the air, but it doesn't help to plug the new ASCAP 
output 

The pubs recognize that also and until the general music-radio situa- 
tion is adjusted all around, it's a stalemate. 

Another aspect, w.k. to the trade, revolves around the many little 
known bands that have cropped up of late over Mutual. They're 
naturally concerned chiefly with making a rep for themselves rather 
than with helping ASCAP's cause. These bands, taking advantage of 
■ situation, likewise lean more to the 'Hut Sut,' 'Intermezzo' and 
•Daddy' school of music since these are the contemporaneously estab- 
lished surefire tunes. 



ASCAP Admits 
26 Writers 
And 7 Pubs 



Board of directors of the American 
Society of Composers, Authors and 
Publishers voted last week to ad- 
mit to membership 26 sotig writers 
and seven publishers. Additions 
bring ASCAP membership to 1,192 
writers and 146 publishing firms. 
New Writer Members 
./ridor Achron. 

Alfred H. AcMev. 

Edgar W. Battle. 

Charles Carpenter. ; 

Robert Af. Crato/ord. 

Soxie Douell. 

Roger Edens. 

Afalvin M. Franklin. 

Iroinp Gellers. 

Mort Greene. 

Remus Harris. 

John ffoUer. 

Eddy Howard. 

Rogers Wolfe Kahn. 

Buddv Kaye. 

Richard S. (Dick) Kuhv. 

Bertha Mae WiUiams. 

FTedericfc I«euie. 

Frank Madden. 

Daoe Radford. 

Dick Robertson. 

Tony Socco. 

Arturo Somohano. 

Milo Allison Sweet. 

Abe Tuvim. 

Franz Waxman. 

New Publisher Members 

Broxon and Henderson. 

Cotolou) Music Co. 
1^ Dash, ComteUy, Inc. 

Edition Musicus, Neio York. 

Ensemble Music Press. 

Charles E. Kimg. 

Pan-American Music Co. 



Dr. Ralph Benatzky, Viennese 
composer of 'White Horse Inn,* etc., 
turned out 'Do I Dare?' (with Jo de 
Sylva) for BMI, and Hermann 
Leopoldi, another refugee tunesmith 
from mid-Europe, fashioned 'Speak- 
ing of an Angel* (with Milton 
Leews), for the same firm. 

Quite a few maestros, not With 
ASCAP, have lately authored new 
songs for BMI also. Fabian Andre 
('In a Corner of Kaloha,' with Nat 
Conney); Caesar Petrillo, the Chi 
leader, did the words with Edward 
Ross, music by Iris Shawn to 'We'll 
Never Know' for Peer (BMI affili- 
ate); Arthur Gershwin (brother of 
George and Ira) composed 'I'm Such 
Baby' (Eddie Pola's words) for 
Peer; and Floria Vestoft, nitery 
dancer, with Gordon Andrews, maes- 
tro at Club 18, N. Y., authored 
'Everyone Was There But Me' for 
BMI. 



Earl Pehz RecoTering 

Youngstown, July 22. 

Earl Peitz, assistant manager of 
Craig Beach Park, near Youngstown, 
O., is recovering at South Side hos- 
pital, Youngstown, from bead and 
back Injuries received when his au- 
tomobile plunged oft the road. 

Apparently fell asleep while driv- 
ing July 14. 



REFUGEE TUNESMTTHS 
COMPOSING FOR BMI 



Leyy's Kaycee Sibsid 

Lou Levy, head of lieeds Music, 
who also controls Pan-American 
Music (with Antobal Azpiazu, the 
leader of Antobal's Cubans) has 
added a third subsid, Kaycee Music 
Corp. This comprises some 400 
copyrights acquired recently from 
J. W. Jenkins & Co., the big Kansas 
City band instrument, music jobbing 
and publishing firm, hence the Kay- 
cee corporate name. 

The deal embraces some $20,000 
and Includes works like 'Piccolo 
Pete,' 'Trouble in Mind,* 'Night Time 
Nevada,' Willard Robinson's 
Peaceful Valley* and 'Deep Ebn,' 
Nobody's Darling But Mine' and 
sundry hillbilly tunes, many known 
as 'regional hits,* i.e. popular in cer- 
tain locales but selling into fancy 
figures. 

Leeds doesn't acquire the Jenkins 
name nor ASCAP rating,. ' since 
Jenkins continues as a publisher of 
standard and other music. Nor is 
12th Street Rag' involved, that tune 
now being the subject of legal dis- 
pute J^tween Jenkins and Shapiro- 
Bernstein over copyright renewal 
and will probably not fall to L«eds' 
lot in this deal. 
Mickey Goldsen Is g.m. for Leeds. 



Mosic Distrib Killed 



El Paso, Texas, July 22 
Joe B. Williams, 37, head of 
Dallas music company, and his wife, 
38, were injured fatally last week 
when their automobile overturned 
near Berino, New Mexico. A. M. 
Mendez of New Orleans, district 
manager of the Wurlitzer Music Co. 
which Williams represented in Texas 
and Oklahoma, and Mrs. Mendez, 
were injured but not seriously. 

The four were on their way home 
from a vacation tr^ in Canada and 
the West Coast. 

Williams maintained oftices in San 
Antonio, Houston and Oklahoma 
City. 




'MAKE IT m 
HINT BY ASCAP 
REPORTED 



15 Best Sieet Mu»c SePers 



iWeek mtdint July l», 1941); 

Hut Sut Song ..Schumann 

Daddy Republic 

Intermezzo Schubertk 

Maria Elena.. Southern 

Things I Love Campbell 

Green Eyes , Southern 

South of North Carolina Porgie 

Apple Blossom Tint* k Broadway 

*Dolores ('Las Vegas Nights') Paramount 

You Are My Sunshine Southern 

My Sister and I , 3MI 

'TUl ReveiUe Melody Lan* 

You and I WUlson 

Yours Marks 

Until Tomorrow Republia 



•FilmusicflZ, 



Music Notes 



Don Raye and Gene de Paul 
turned in five songs for 'Hellzapop- 
pin' at Universal. Numbers are 'Pig 
Foot Pete,' 'Watch the Birdie,' 'Con- 
garoo,' 'You Were Heaven For Two' 
and the title song. 



As evidence of the fact that 
ASCAP is 'in a mood to dicker,' the 
radio grapevine is that John G. 
Paine and E. C. Mills of the Society 
cued certain CBS and NBC. directors 
that 'if the broadcasters came up to 
2%%, we might be able to influence 
ASCAP to accept it' 

The Society has been holding out 
for 3%, same as the MBS deal; the 
other two networks have placed a 
2Vi% ceiling on their proffered 
terms. 



Ralph Balnxer' and Leo Robin 
wrote five songs for 'Cadet Girl* at 
20th-Fox. Ditties are 'She's a Good 
Neighbor,* 'My Old Man Was an 
Army Man,* 'It Happehed, It's Over,' 
'I'll Settle It For You* and 'Uncle 
Sam Gets Around.' 



ROBBINS CONTESTING 
GAY'S TAMP' SUIT 



Helena Home's Discs 

Tieing in with W» C. Handy's just 
published autolSiography, 'Father of 
the Blues,' Helena Home, sepia 
songstress at Cafe Society Down- 
town, N. Y., has recorded a 'Birth of 
the Blues' album for RCA Victor 
with Henry "Hot Lips' Levene's or- 
chestra. Naturally, Handy's famed 
'St. Louis Blues' is one of the ex- 
cerpts. 

Miss Horne has since done more 
waxing for Victor with Artie Shaw 
and is being negotiated for an NBC 
contract 



Robbins Music Corp. will ask the 
N. Y. supreme court today (Wednes- 
day) to vacate an application for a 
bill of particulars asked by Byron 
Gay, composer. Robbins will claim 
that the information sought is part 
of the allegations of the complaint 
and the burden of proof should be on 
the plaintiff. 

Other defendants are Leo Feist, 
Inc., aM 20th Century-Fox Film 
Corp., with $350,000 asked against 
the publishing houses, and . $100,000 
against the film ' compan]^ Gay is 
the composer of the song 'The 
Vamp,' published by Will Rossiter in 
1919. Subsequently the copyright 
was assigned to Feist and then to 
Robbins in 1039. They are accused 
of having failed to pay royalties 
and 20th-Fox of having used the 
song without permission in 'Rose of 
Washington Square.' 



» 



Mutual Network Plugs 



The /oUotointr tabulation of network popular music per/ormancei is not 
con/ined to WOR, New York release /or Mutual Broadcasting ^System, but 
includes the entire MBS chain. The compilation herewith covers the week 
be0innin0 July 14 (Monday) and ending July i20 (Sunday), from 8 a.m. to 
2 a.m., and based on daily recapulations igumxshed by Accurate Reporting 
Service and MBS logs. 

TITLE PDBUSHEB TOTAL 

Daddy Republic 

Hut Sut Song : . .Schumann 

I Understand Feist 

Kiss Boys Goodbye— *Kfss Boys GSoodbye Famous , 

Harbor of Dreams , . Miller 

Don't Ciy Chexle Shapiro . 

Maria Elena Southern 

Yours Marks 



PEEWEE IRWIN QUITS CBS 



OS 



Stndio Boll to Organize 
D»nc« Orchestra 



Own 



Sammy Cahn and Saul Chaplin 
finished six songs for 'Go West, 
Young Lady' at Columbia. Ditties 
are 'Pots and Pans on Parade,* 'Most 
Gentlemen Don't Prefer a Lady," 
'Somewhere Alorig the Trail,' 'Dog- 
gie Take Your Time,' 'I Wish That 

Could Be a Singing Cowboy,' and 
the title song. 



Max Stelner doing the score and 
background music for 'Dive Bomber' 
at Warners. 



Lnd GInskin wound up his scoring 
job on Edward Small's 'International 
Lady.' 



Frederick Hollander scored 'Here 
Comes Mr. Jorlan' at Columbia. 



Nevlll Fleeson 

collaborating on 
the Rhumba.' 



and Desi Arnaz 
'Many Thanks for 



John Leipold scoring 'Shiek 
Buffalo Buttes' at Paramount. 



of 



Dmitri Tiompkin signed to score 
Flying Blind.' 



Phil Boutelje completed the back 
ground music for 'Sweater Girl' at 
Paramount. 



MIklos Bossa conducting the or- 
chestra recording his original score 
for Alexander Korda's 'Lydia.' 



Dub in m As 
Bands Pass With 
ASCAP Melodies 



Minneapolis, July 22. 

WCCO was in a tough spot during 
its descriptive broadcast of the local 
Aquatennial celebration's big parade. 
It had two open mikes— one very 
near the procession — and its problem 
was to shut out ASCAP tunes or 
even drum rolls. With nearly ^11 
the pieces played by the numerous 
bands and even the drum corps 
sheets ASCAP properly, It was a 
difficult problem indeed. 

The station ingeniously solved the 
problem, however, by having its aca 
sound man. Jack Nadeau, standing 
by in the studio with recordings of 
BMI band marches and drum corps 
numbers. At every cue from an 
announcer, such as 'Here comes the 
Pillsbury Flour Mills band,' Nadeau 
would slip into a recorded band num- 
ber that went out over the air with 
listeners none the wiser as to its 
non-legitimacy. 

By this device, it was felt, a more 
vivid and colorful broadcast was at- 
tained than it the announcers. Rod 
O'Connor and Bill Wigginton, had 
been placed in a glassed-in booth 
and crowd noises shut out Of 
course, a parade without band mu- 
sic also would have been a dull af- 
fair for listeners, the station felt. 



Gall Kublk, 27-year-old American 
composer, who recently won the 
$1,000 prize offered by Jascha Hei- 
fetz for a new violin concerto, haa 
signed an exclusive, long-term con- 
tract for his orchestral works with 
Leonard Feist's Mercury Music Corp. 



NBC-CBS Plugs 



43 
37 
35 
33 
27 
22 
20 

IB 

•Intermezzo Schuberth ....... 18 

18 
18 
18 
17 
16 
15 
15 



Memory of a Rose Shapiro 

Tilings I Love Campbell 

Dolores— 'Las Vegas Nights Paramount 

Love Me a Little Little Mayfair 

Aurora Robbins 

Ma I Miss Your Apple Pie Loeb 

You're Dangerous— *B4>ad to Zanzibar Santly , 

You Stepped Out of Dream— *Ziegfeld Girl Feist " 14 

There Goes That Song Again ABC 

*Fi\m.it^ea\ excerpt, , 



•Peewee Irwin, trumpeter with the 
CBS studio orchestra in New York, 
has turned in two months' notice. 
He is quitting to form a band of his 
own. Notice is effective Sept. 1 and 
Irwin will immediately begin work 
of building a four sax, four rhythm, 
three trombone and four trumpet 
combination. Four trumpets will, of 
course, include his own. 

Irwin is widely known among 
dance band men, having been, with 
Tommy Dorsey for three years prior 
to the CBS studio job and with a 
flock of name outfits prior to that. 
He is supposed to have most of the 
men he will use in his group all lined 
up, major number of them coming 
from the midwest and Coast Corky 
O'Keefe, manager of Case Loma, and 
Freddie Martin, wiU handle. 



Bands Swap 'Drummers 

Detroit, July 22. 
Sandy Graff has left Claude Thorn 
hill's band and is now with Everett 
Hoagland. Gene Lenen has left 
Hoagland's band and is now with 
Thornhill. 

Pat Palmer also has taken Arnold 
Tenglund's place in the Hoaglund 
has gone 



Following compilation of pli^s on NBC and Columbia's Hew York out- 
lets covers the week beginning July 14 (Monday) and ending July 20 
(Sunday), from 8 a.m. to 1 a.lk., and is based oh daily recapitulations fur- 
nished by the Office of Research-Radio Division of the College of the City 
of New York. 

PCB- 

TITLE USHER 

Daddy Republic 

Maria Elena Southern 

Things I Love Campbell 

You and I Willson 

Yours Marks 

•Intermezzo ; Schuberth .., 

Hut Sut Song. Schumann , . , 

Green Eyes Southern .... 

I Went Out of My Way BMI 

Peaceful in the Country Regent 

Let's Get Away from It All Embassy . . .'. 

Lament to Love , . , . Roe . 

Do I Worry? Melody Lane. 

Do You Care? Campbell ... 

Time Was Southern .... 

Amapola Marks 

BoogUe Wooglie Piggy Mutual 

Two Hearte That Pass in the Night Marks 

Til Reveille Melody Lane 

We, Go WeU Together Regent 

I Guess I'll Have to Dream Rest Block 

Youll Never Know Sheldon 

Oh! Look at Me Now Embassy .... 

South of North Carolina '. Porgie 

Everything Happens to Me Embassy .... 

Walkin' by the River BMI 

Wasn't It You? BMI 



13 j combination. Tengluhd 
J into the Army. 



TOTAL 
. . . . 42 
.... 40 
. . . . 37 
.... 29 

.... as 

.... 27 

....2a 

. . . . 25 
.... 24 
. . . . 23 
.... 23 
, ... 21 
18 
18 
17 
17 
17 
IS 
15 
IS 
14 
14 
13 
13 
12 
12 
12 



,Kay Cee 11 



Jim 

Until' Tomorrow Republic 

You Are My Sunshine Southern 

Georgia on My Mind Southern 

Romantic Guy, I.. Nation Wide. 

What Word Is Sweeter Reis .......... 

You Talk Too Much Southern 

♦Filmusicat excerpt. 



11 
11 
10 
10 
10 
10 



M i . t, I (. " 



; -..i I i .'•us J > r- 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



▼AUDEVILLB 63 



Philadelphia, July 22. 

One of the most stringent bllU af- 
fecting show business was paissed by 
the State Senate last Thursday (17) 
and needs only the signature of 
Governor Arthur H. James before 
It becomes a law. 

The act, known as the Employ- 
nient Agency Law,. Is aimed at curb- 
ing all evils connected with the the- 
Btricel boolclng business, i.e., ending 
commission chiseling and stopping 
unlicensed agents, especially those 
with offices outside the state from 
doing business in Pennsylvania. 

Under the act, which was passed 
by the House of Representatives last 
May, investigators of the State De- 
partment of Labor and Industry are 
given the right to subpoena all 
books and papers of an agent. Book- 
ers must keep records of every job 
they obtained for an actor, commis- 
sions charged, etc. Failure to pro- 
duce these records makes an agent 
liable to being held In contempt of 
court. 

Violations of the new law are 
classified as misdemeanors and pro- 
vide fines of $25 to $250 and im- 
prisonment up to one year. 

Backed by the State Entertain- 
ment Managers Association, the bill 
has a clause aimed directly at the 
big New York offices (MCA, Wil- 
liam Morris, CRA, etc.). Unless 
these offices establish headquarters 
here, they will be unable to obtain 
state licenses and therefore forbid- 
den to engage in business here. In 
addition, x>ut-of-state bookers are 
prohibited from hiring performers 
here for work outside of th« Com- 
monwealth. Every branch of show 
biz Is covered under the act. 

Case History Reqalred 

An interesting proviso in the new 
law is one which requires that 
agents keep on file a case history 
of every prospective employer for 
at least two years back, giving his 
record for paying off; liis financial 
stability; whether he has been con- 
victed of any law violations, etc. In 
addition, this information must be 
attested to by at least two persons. 
This data must be shown to any 
performer upon request. 

Agents, too, must be of 'good 
moral character,' and furnish proof 
of being okay financially. To ob- 
tain a license a booker must put 
up a $1,000 bond. The license fee 
is $100 a year, with an additional 
$5 for each representative. Only 
persons ' whose names are on . the 
original applications may be classi- 
fied as agents' reps. 

Guard Minors 

Any performer under 21 years of 
age must obtain permission from 
parents or guardians and such per- 
mission must be filed in agents' of- 
fice. Under the bill every agent 
must be visited by a state investi- 
gator three times a month — if pos- 
sible — and his books audited by a 
state auditor at least once a year. 

Another evil curbed by the law is 
the practice of agents splitting com- 
missions with employers. Every 
contract, with the amount of fee 
marked thereon, must be made in 
triplicate and signed by the agent, 
employer and entertainer. In ad- 
dition, the cost of transportation — if 
any— must be paid by the employer 
and Included in the contract. 

To prevent the stranding of acts 
on the road, bookers must obtain 
permission from the state licensing 
agent before be takes a unit outside 
the state. Agents are forbidden to 
book an act into a place which 
forces entertainers to mix with 
guests, permits gambling or is used 
as a 'house of 111 repute.' This type 
of booking is subject to a fine of 
$100 to $1,000 . and a jail rap of a 
year. Schedules of commissions 
must be filed and approved by the 
Stat* Department. 



Mpls. Nitery (dves 
Away Defense Bonds 



Minneapolis, July 22. 

Curly's, local night club, has in- 
augurated a Tuesday 'National De- 
fense Night.' As a promotion stunt 
and to help the defense program, it 
gives the holder of a winning ticket 
a $25 defense bond. 

Stubs ar« collected during the 
week and the winner must be 
present to obtain the prize. 



FRISCO STRIKE 
MAY SPREAD 
TO CAFES 



San Francisco, July 22. 
Frisco restaurant strike, stretching 
toward Its first month. Is slowly 
spreading and now may engulf hotels 
and niteries. Nearly 70 eateries are 
closed, jamming 'lunch counters dur- 
ing the noonday rush and keeping 
diners away from accustomed haunts 
In the evening. Theatres Just off the 
main drag report a considerable 
slackening In after-dark sidewalk 
traffic. 

What may bring nlte clubs and 
hotels (which signed a 45-day truce 
with culinary unions) into a pro- 
tracted strike Is pressure from the 
Employer's Council, which counter- 
attacked union demands by insti- 
tuting 25% wage cuts and six-day 
\<'eek$, paving way for a general 
closing. Some of the places which 
are closed are dark in sympathy, 
management and staffs having no 
quarrel although representatives of 
each are clashing. • 

When strike started, Frank Martin- 
elli of the Bal Tabarin issued state- 
ments on behalf of kindred situa- 
tions stating they had separate agree- 
ments and would not be affected. 



CHANGES MIND, KEEPS 
'BENNY THE BUM' TAG 



Philadelphia, July 22. 
Benjamin Fogelman has decided to 
keep his 'Benny-the-Bum' tag iafter 
all. 

Fogelman unshuttered his bistro 
on the site of the old 21 Club last 
Wedne.?day (16) with his 'Bum' 
la6el despite a previous announce- 
ment that he was going 'respectable' 
henceforth. 

'I made my success as Benny- 
the-Bum," he explained, 'And If 
the name isn't worth anything, then 
I'm not worth anything anymore.' 

Fogelman's return to the nitery 
scene was sudden. He wasn't 
skedded to return until the early 
fall because of the seasonal slack 
and difficulty in obtaining a new- 
liquor license. But with an eye to- 
ward the Elks convention here and 
the coming national conclave of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fogel- 
man put a little pressure on and 
was able to unshutter to get a good 
hunk of the Elks biz before the 
parley closed. 

The spot is in his own name. (He 
was only the manager of the pre- 
vious location that bore his tag): 
HLs angel for his new bankroll is 
his father, a scrap metal merchant. 



The Esquire Opens 

Schenectady, N. Y., July 22. 
The Esquire, formerly Sonny 
O'Brien's, near Schenectady, has 
opened, with Haven Johnston, com- 
poser-pianist-singer, featured. 



MEXICO A TALENT MIRAGE 

■ • ■ ■ ; 4- X . 

Pa. Employment Agency Law Hits 
Bookers Hard; Gov. James' Okay 
Awaited; Major Offices Affected 





MISLEAD ACTS 



e Contracts Key To 
lod of Booking U. S. 
Acts, Mostly Small-Timers 
—Exploit Ignorance of 
Fact That 'Dollars' in 
Mexico Are Quarters in 
United States 



$5 PER WEEK 



By DOUGLAS L. GRAHAME 

Mexico City, July 22. 

Many American troupers are held 
to be victims of a racket that causes 
them much grief when they play 
Mexico. This 'racket' Is of purely 
American origin. It Is considered 
here uncommon for American or 
other foreign performers to have 
considerable difficulties in their 
dealings with officials and showmen 
of Mexico. All victims of this racket 
are small-timers, usually those of the 
profession who just get by in the 
U. S., need a job so desperately that 
they will take anything, anywhere, 
or irresponsible kids who have dab- 
bled in amateur shows and are eager 
to get pro bookings, especially those 
that will take them abroad. 

The contract causes most of the 
trouble of this racket. Chicago is, 
seemingly, the hub of this biz. 
Iliese players are so glad to sign 
that, it is found, most of them do 
not even read what they put their 
names to before using pen and ink, 
and only give the document atten. 
tlon when they are down here and 
things have begun to run In reverse 
for them. Those who do read the 
contract before they scramble for 
trains or buses figure that the pact 
is the McCoy and that It will be 
the open sesame to coin and glory 
for them in the land of sunshine and 
romance. 

These contracts are 'wilfully 
sketchy and vague. They would not 
stand up for a second for any kind 
of work north of the Rio Grande. 
Players with such paper get into 
awkward tangles down here because 
they have signed something that 
does not specify the kind of work 
they are to do, nor the theatre or 
theatres they are to play. Neither 
are these contracts plain about the 
players' payoff. They gloss over coin 
for the performers with, for exam- 
ple, the laconic mention of '25' per. 
When the performers begin to col- 
lect, there is usually a bitter disap- 
pointment for them. 

$5 Fer Week 

The theatre manager hands them 
$25 (Mex.) ($5 U. S.) and contends 
that as they are playing in Mexico, 
the 25 means pesos, the coin of this 
country. The players try to argue 
that as the contract was made in 
the U. S., dollars are meant — a big 
difference, currently 4.86 times more 
than the proffered pesos payoff. Play- 
ers have never been known to win 
this kind of argument. Twenty-five 
pesos a week is punk pay for even 
the punkest of Mexican tent show 
performers. It would hardly keep 
an American in cigarets down here 
Currently, the peso doesn't go very 
much farther in this capital than 
docs a dime in Gotham. 

Players are also flim-flammed by 
the 'neglect' of the contracti- to spec- 
ify the nature of their work. That 
leads to a lot of trouble and indig- 
nities for the performers, particu- 
larly the femmes. A current case of 
this was that of girls who were 
booked in Chicago to pTTiy the Fol- 
lies Bergeres, local revue house. 
Their show went floppo fast. The 
person who was sketchily in charge 
of the troupe, comprising 18 artistes, 
told the girls, .several of whom were 
under !S and a few even under 16. 
that they must do a strip tease to 
hypo biz, for if the show went en- 
tirely floppo it would be just too 
economically bad for them. The 
girls had to oblige. They had no 
comeback. 

Performers who get Into difficul- 
(Continued on page 63) 



Mpls. Baffled at Quick Powder Taken 
By New Police Chief After His Putsch 
Against Vice and Night Gub Gamhfii^ 



-4- 



Free Beer for Legion 
Worries M'w'kee Cafes 

Milwaukee, July 22. 

Nitery operators are perturbed 
over an announcement that all eight 
Milwaukee breweries will hold open 
house from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily 
during the American Legion conven- 
tion Sept. 14-18. The cafe men 
wonder where they come In if thoU' 
sands of visitors «re to enjoy free 
beer and lunches all day long in a 
spirit of gemuethllchkelt. 

The Jos. Schlitz Brewing Co. is 
closing part of Galena street to estab- 
lish a huge outdoor beer garden. 
Premier-Pabst Is devoting a big 
vacant lot to similar purpose. Blatz, 
Miller, Gettleman, Independent, 
Capitol and Fox Head also are mak- 
ing elaborate entertainment plans to 
show the legionnaires true Milwau- 
kee hospitality. 



NO GAMBLING 
EDICT FOR 
SARATOGA 



Albany, N. Y., July 22. 

Governor Lehman's action* in sum- 
moning to Albany the Saratoga dis- 
trict attorney, the sheriff and the 
Saratoga Springs commissioner of 
public safety, to inform th'em of com- 
plaints received about gambling In 
the Spa and other law violations and 
to insist that provisions of the penal 
law with respect to gambling be 
strictly enforced, is believed to fore- 
shadow another 'lid-down' season 
during the local racing season this 
summer. This may affect the plans 
of some well-known Saratoga night 
clubs. Several nitery men with 
gambling adjuncts, believing the at- 
titude of enforcement officials this 
year would be 'more liberal,' planned 
big-scale floor shows. 

In 1939, the then district attorney 
made a vigorous drive to stop gam- 
bling away from the track. Last year 
the lid was also clamped down. Min- 
isters and reform groups have dur- 
ing the past two years had investiga- 
tors checking on the night spots. Ap- 
parently, the same procedure is be- 
ing followed this year. 

The turf season is from July 28- 
Aug. 30, preceded by a 28-night ses- 
sion of harness racing, with parl- 
mutuel betting, at a new Saratoga 
track. 



Spa Roadhouse Shows 
Saratoga Springs, N. Y., July 22, 
The lines are pretty well drawn 
as to entertainment lineups at Sara- 
toga roadhouses, opening for season 
next Monday (28). 

Monte Proser, at Piping Rock, will 
headline Joe E. Lewis, Adelaide 
Moffett, the Copacabana Revue and 
Emil Coleman's orch. 

Arrowhead Inn will have Hilde- 
garde toplining a show incluuing 
Georges and JMna and Ted Straeter's 
bsTtd. 

At Riley's, as last year. Cross and 
Dunn will be the major entertain- 
ment. 

Mother Kelly's opened here this 
week (10) with a Boots McKenna 
production of 'Miami Revels,' staged 
by Jean Devlin. . 



Minneapolis, July 22. 

Town is in a furor as the result 
of the sudden and baffling resigna- 
tion and mysterious disappearance of 
Police Chief E. B. Hanson nine days 
after he had taken office, clamped an 
air-tight lid on all vice and an- 
nounced the lid was on to stay. 

Mayor-elect M. L. Kline had 
broken a precedent In going outside 
the police department to employ 
Hanson, who was police head at a 
big manufacturing plant working on 
defense orders here. The mayor an- 
nounced that his purpose was to re- 
store 'confidence' in the department 
and emphasize that 'the day of rack- 
eteers in our community Is at an 
end.' 

The chief executive insists that 
Hanson gave him no advance notice 
or warning of his quitting and that 
he is as much in the dark as the 
public. The chief left a brief note 
of resignation, without any explana- 
tion for his action, and then dropped 
completely out of sight. Kline 
charges that the underworld is try- 
ing desperately to discredit his ad- 
ministration at the very outset. 

When he took charge of police af- 
fairs, Hanson not only closed up all 
after-hour unlicensed liquor night 
clubs, gambling houses and resorts, 
but also stopped- cafe gambling mnd 
horserace bookmaking. It's the first 
time that horserace bookmaking, big 
here, ever had been hit 

'Felt Obliged to Qoit> 
'The conclusion In many quarter! 
was that this complicated situation 
in the underworld, with a lucrative 
take at stake, was so serious that 
Hansen felt obliged to quit in the face 
of conditions with which he felt 
powerless to cope,' one local news- 
paper declared. The same news- 
paper is calling for a grand jury In- 
vestigation of the reslgpatlon. . 

It had been reported in the news- 
papers that, in consequence of elec- 
tion results, the old 'combination' 
which had ruled the city's under- 
world and vice had lost out, that an- 
other 'syndicate, which has been in 
the background for a' number of 
years, would take over and that out- 
siders also were trying to move "In. 

There had been resentment within 
the police department when Hansen, 
en outsider, was appointed chief, but 
this is not believed to have been an 
Influencing factor. When he left he 
apparently confided nothing to any- 
body, but took his family along, de- 
parting In his auto. 

At the same time that the chief 
resigned and disappeared the Rev. 
H. J. Soltau, vice crusader, wa* 
(Continued on page 63 > 



SABION PAY UPPED IN 
PLAZA ROOM REOPENING 



Jean Sablon, at twice his salary 
since showcasing at Club Versailles, 
N. Y., recently. Is due to reopen the 
Persian Room of the Hotel Plaza, 
N. Y., Sept. 24. 

Dick Gasparre's orchestra returns, 
and Gower and Jeanne, currently at 
Ben Marden'stRiviera, will probably 
be the ballroomers. 

Gasparre's orch with Sablon get a 
warmup date together starting to- 
morrow (Thursday) at the Ritz Carl- 
ton Roof, Boston, for a minimum of 
three weeks. Hub show will also 
include the ballroom team of 
Maarcya and Rcnee Gunsett. 



La Conga, B'way Nitery, 
Folds After B'kptcy. 

La Conga, Broadway congarhumba 
nitery, thrown into involuntary 
bankruptcy last week by its presi- 
dent, Irving Zussman, closed Satur- 
day (19). 

It's slated to reopen the second 
week of Septefnber under the same 
management of Zussman and Milton 
Rubin. 



54 yAUDEVIUiE 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



SOLDIERS' YEN 
PUSHES DIXIE 
BOOKINGS 



Nitery Reviews 



1 



i 
?l 

J' 

B 
'I 



4 



Charleston, S. C, July 22. 
Soldiers have such a yen for big 
ilme entertainment that welfare and 
ether officers at various Dixie camps 
end forts are angling for more book- 
ings. 

Lieut. G. H. Garrett, in charge of 
Charleston recreational area, is ne- 
gotiating for a star-studded Holly- 
wood show for lall here. Star box- 
ing card is also sought. 

Officials point out that with cold 
weather men will crave more indoor 
entertainment, hence are striving to 
ink in as much as possible, follow- 
ing enthusiastic response to one mo- 
bile unit recently touring camps. 

Scarcity of name acts, units and 
bands has started many enterprising 
soldiers to creating their own. All 
available local song, dance and orch 
talent is roped in and soldiers sup- 
ply the rest. One at Fort Jackson, 
S. G., recently was so good that Cap- 
tain W. L. Bush, formerly of Pitts- 
burgh, said 'It was a lot better than 
some I've paid to see.' 

Camp Croft, Spartanburg, has re 
cniited sufficient talent for a weekly 
radio show ethered by WSPA, one 
of local stations. ASCAP music fre- 
quesntly used with credits given. 

Construction of theatres, still un- 
der way or planned, prior to winter, 
at several southern camps. 



PEACOCK GARDENS 

(KING OF PRUSSIA, PA.) 

PhiUidelphio, July 11.. 
Gil Fitch Orch (10) uiith Margxe 
George and Don Lee; no couer or 
minimum weekdays; $1-50 minimum 
Saturdavs. 

Situated near historic Valley Forge, 
this beautiful al fresco spot has taken 
a new lease on life this summer un- 
der the aegis of Charles Wagner, a 
former hotel waiter. . 

Spot caters to the younger Mam 
Line set and features Viennese 
waltzes and sweet' swing. This Is 
ably provided by Gil Fitch's orches- 
tra, one of the better local bands 
which includes among its members 
men who have played with some of 
the top name outfits. Fitch, a for- 
mer Temple University athlete, has 
a wide following in this territory 
built up by years of playing at col- 
lege proms and fraternity dances. 
This is the first regular stint the 
band has had. 

Gardens has been entirely re- 
furbished with a new bandstand, 
covered terrace and indoor cocktail 
lounge. 

It's a 10-man orch with four saxes, 
two trumpets, a trombonist, bass, 
drums and piano. Fitch occasionally 
solos on a sax. The bass player, 
Artie Singer, doubles on novelty vo- 
cals, with the other chirping done by 
Margie George, a brunet looker with 
okay pipes, and Don Lee, baritone. 

Business at show caught (Friday 
supper) was fair. ShaX. 



PAR, NEWARK, MULLS 
BRINGING VAUDE BACK 



Newark, July 22. 
The Paramount (A. A. Adams- 
Far), one of Newark's four large 
houses, closed its doors Wednesday 
night (16) so that it might be mod- 
ernized and repaired. The 2,200- 
ceater will remain shut for three 
weeks. 

Paramount's new manager, Ben 
Griefer, and Adams will consider a 
number of items. Including possible 
personel changes and the practicality 
Of bringing vaudeville back. 



Willows. Pitt Roadery, 
Hit by $10,000 Fire 



JIMMIE'S, MIAMI 



Miami, July IB. 
'WaUy Johl, Deuiey Southern, Vicki 
Lee, Jimmiettes (5), Les Robinson 
Orch (7); no couer or minimum. 



V,; 



Pittsburgh, July 22. 
Flre'iswept through one of Pitts- 
burgh's biggest roadhouses, the Wil- 
lows, Injuring two firemen and da'm- 
aging the big spot more than $10,000 
worth. That was the estimate of fire 
department officials and is consid- 
ered conservative. Blaze started in 
kitchen several hours after last of 
customers had departed and spread 
Into the spacious dance hall, razing 
practically all of the equipment as 
well as walls and bandstand. 

Two members of Oakmont fire 
lighting squad, Harris Bebe, 48, and 
Henry Mink, were severely, alttiough 
not seriously, injured when they 
were struck by the brass coupling of 
• hose as it was torn loose from a 
fireplug. Only persons in the build 
Ing when fire broke out were 
Edward Winkleman, the owner, and 
John Kecach, night watchman, who 
were asleep in an adjoining apart' 
ment 

In 1924, Willows, then the show 
place of Allegheny county, was 
iwept by a $40,000 blaze. 



Operator Jimmie Cornick is re- 
ported to be headed north to line up 
a new show. More likely he did a 
double-take on the current entry, de- 
cided it all must be a mirage and 
blew town. It's that bad. The show, 
not the heat. 

Whoever picked the gals in this 
line must be kidding. They look 
like a quintet of frustrated stenos, 
and hoof as though they had pogo 
sticks attached to their heels. It's 
one for all, and all for whoever gets 
through first, which is usually the 
band. Very gay though. They chew 
gum and gossip like mad. 

Vicki Lee is Introduced as a dy- 
namic song stylist: That is to say 
she sings with all the animation of 
an automaton. 

The local-boy-making-good-pltch 
is handled by Dewey Southern, who 
shows promise with his lightning 
tapology. He can shed that belted- 
back jacket though. 

Wally Johl is a standard local at- 
traction, making the rounds from 
one bistro to another under the bill- 
ing of "The Singing Ensign.' This 
tab gives him an excuse to sport a 
snappy blue and gold uniform that's 
quite rakish. Has a pleasant man- 
ner and robust pipes, but it's aliout 
time he climbed out of that Goering 
getup and into something comfort- 
able. As it is when he suddenly ap- 
pears on the floor, impression Is 
that the joint's about to be raided 
or somebody's going to get a singing 
telegram. 

Les Robinson's zippy combo plays 
for both the show and dancing. It's 
a versatile aggregation that up to 
now has provided all the divenise- 
ment necessary. 
That's all, brother. Leslie. 



Frank Barbaro Tumi 
Det. Fight Promoter 

Detroit, 7u]y 22, 
Frank Barbaro, owner-manager of 
the Bowery, huge nitery here, ia 
branching into a new field. Pre- 
viously the behind-the-scenes figure, 
he now has emerged as a full-fledged 
iBght promoter. 

He will put on the Al Delaney- 
Roscoe Toles bout 

RAIN SLOUGHS 
JERSEY SPOTS 



Asbury Park, July 22. 
North Jersey shore resort nlteries, 
from Seabright to Point Pleasant, 
have been hard hit by a long stretch 
of rainy weather which began with 
the July 4 weekend. One spot, the 
Rhumba Casino at West End, has al- 
ready folded and the long famous 
Ross-Fenton Farms here hasn't had a 
profitable week since opening June 
27. 

Latter may fold any day unless 
fresh money is poured into the ven- 
ture. Sheriff has already appeared 
on the scene and tied up about $1,500 
on behalf of creditors. The Farm, 
operated by Ralph Maurice, has cut 
its floor show, but Maximilian Ber- 
gere's society combo continues on 
a short week basis. Asbury Park 
Musician's local has ruled that two 
days salary must be paid in advance 
of band's appearance. 

Among class night spots. La Mar- 
tinque. West End, and the Seabright 
Yacht Club are going along to nice 
biz, latter spot being operated by 
Guido. Martinque, operated by Dario 
and Jimmy Vernon, gets the big play 
weekends, being the summer show 
case for their New York spot Name 
acts are used weekends. Other spots 
using weekend names are the Colony 
Surf Club, the West End Casino, 
and the Hollywood Hotel, 

"Tommy Tucker's orchestra is at 
the Berkeley-Carteret in Asbury 
Park in opposition to Johnny John- 
son's combo at the Monterey, across 
the street Sea Girt Inn, using name 
bands on a Weekend basis, is getting 
the mass play from the younger set 
Two late spots which operate all 
night are Paul's in Wanamassa, 



Herewith appeoM o Varieit review of a N. T. Palace bill of 20 veari 
ago. The Intention U to reprint these tveekly using the relative week of 
1921 With the current date of issue. No special reason in reviving these 
revieiM other than the interest thev may have in recalling the acts which 
were playinp at that time, the manner of putting together a big time show 
(booking), which radio stofions may find perftnenfi ond as a resume of the 
style of vaudeville reviewing of that day. ^ 

(Reprinted from Variety of July 22, 1921) 

PALACE, N. Y. 



Fechit Steps In Again 



Detroit, July 22. 
Is no slouch 



at 



Stepln Fechit 
counter-punching. 

On the heels of a suit filed by 
Sam Carver, who does theatre book- 
ing, for $70 in commissions which 
he said were due him for getting 
the actor a week^s engagement at 
the Granada, Fechit countered in a 
hurry. 

He filed suit for $1,000 damages 
against the 10%'er, claiming that 
Carver had promised him four 
weeks' work at the theatre but that 
he Was only held for one. As a re- 
sult of this his schedule was broken 
and he had to remain idle. Fechit 
filed the action under hif real name 
of Lincoln Perry in Common Pleas 
Coi^rt here. 



250G FT. WORTH DRIVE 
FOR AMUSEMENT SPOTS 



mile back of Asbury, and Dewey 
Rankin's in Spring Lake Heights, a 
mile back of the Spring I,ake beach, 
Both of these hideaways are doing 
socko business using low budget acts. 

Monmouth Hotel GriU in Spring 
Lake is doing nicely with Walter 
Feldkamp's orch, with Columbus and 
CarroU, dance team, and Charley 
FarreU, formerly of Endor and Far^ 
rell, providing the floorshow week' 
ends. 



Fort Worth, Texas, July 22. 
Petitions are circulating here ask- 
ing Fort Worth's City Council to call 
$250,000 bond election to raise 
funds for retention of Casa Manana 
and the building of an adjacent play- 
ground that would be open to 
soldiers. 

Petition backers, including pub- 
lisher Amon Carter, believe that the 
councilmen will call the election, that 
it will carry and that additional 
funds can be obtained from mer- 
chants who do not want to see Casa, 
the open air theatre die. 



Endor Benefit Sapper 
In N.Y. Nets Oyer {800 



The midnight supper tossed last 
Wednesday (16) at Toots Shorr's, 
N. Y., by friends of Chic Endor, seri- 
ously ill In St Francis hospital, 
Miami, netted over $800. Coin was 
sent the performer to take care of 
hospital expenses. 

Endor's throat condition is report- 
ed gradually getting worse, There's 
no hope held out for his recovery. 



The Good Old Days 



♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦*♦♦»(, 

N. Y. Nitery Followup :: 
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦««<♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 

El Chlco, still the No. 1 authentic 
Spanish nitery in New York, has 
ona nf its best revues current. Bar- 
dilla Sisters, Mexican Indian 
ranchero singers, to traditional self' 
accomp on the guitars, are personali- 
ties with their intime chansons. 
Teresita Osta, personality dancer 
and Anita SevlUa-Antonio de Cor 
dova, flamenco song-and-dance pair, 
alon^ with Don Alberto's band (8), 
holding over„ make for a gay floor 
show. Managing director Benito 
Collada has long been a pioneer in 
bringing new Latin talent to the 
States, long before hemispheric 
solidarity and 'good neighbor cam- 
paigns made it a more common type 
of showmanship. 



Adelaide MoSctt, today the sole 
'society' singer to continue, might 
just as well forget about her blue 
book background and not worry 
about competition in professional 
company. Heading the show at the 
Club Versailles, songstress sell a song 
as well as the next personality girl 
singer; in fact a shade better. Her 
effectiveness is predicated always on 
good choice of numbers, and she has 
done a good selectivity chore this 
season, ranginefrom 'Foolish Things,' 
an oldie, but still good and well done 
by her, to 'Dadd^'.' She brealis up 
the polite chansoning with a rhythm 
trio that steps down from the band- 
shell, with maestro Nat Brandwynne 
at the ivories. Added starter is 
Tommy Wonder, personable juve- 
nile from revuse and vaude, who 
impresses for cafes. He's a nice- 
looking lad and his business of 
dancing with the life-size manikin 
makes for a different sort of routine 
on the floor. Besides Brandwynne, 
Panchito and his Rhumba continue, 
and both bands are very oke for the 
hooL Abel. 



Kitty Gordon and Jack Wilson did not show at the Monday matinee, the 
official aUbi stating that both a.cts missed a train In from Atlantic City. 
Four Marx Bros, and the Watson Sisters replaced for the single perform- 
ance, the program running as biUed Monday night. 

The whole list, with the exception of Ona Munson, comprised Palace 
repeats. Miss Munson had the chance of a lifetime to take vaudeville by 
the ears and shake It into recognition of a spectacular arrival. She had 
the chance; she wUl never again have as soft a spot and she did not grasp 
There is probably not a prettier girl in vaudeville than this Munson 
peach. And when she played In a production act in which she had less 
to do, concentrating all she did well into a few minutes and crowning it 
with her startling beauty, she made this reviewer rave like a rummy. Now 
that she is on her own he sighs with regret. 

Accompanied by numerous men, all of them uninspired except a pair 
of dancing boys who shuffle and cut briskly, the turn wastes a lot of big- 
time with small-time specialties, such as two verses and two choruses of 
the over-tortured 'Mandalay,' ballads about sunshine-and-you and a three- 
man levee ditty with undistinguishable lyrics. Miss Munsoii capers and ' 
looks great, oh and off .and on again and off once more and nothing hap- 
pens until the last half minute, when she does her limited all in a kick 
and twirl dance and the drop falls in time to yield her several bows. 

If she did alx>ut eight minutes with the two dancers, made three rapid 
changes, cut out the useless mincing and prancing, and flnished as she 
did out west, in very brief clothes, she would sizzle it across. Now she 
has too much tepid breadpudding in what should be a snap of angel cake. 
The direction throughout is humpty dumpty, the beautiful girl's costumes 
are not striking, and number after number closes without a titter or a 
flutter. Cut it down, Ona. 

Boyce Combe, No. 2, had himself well started but did not hold up the 
speed. He began his vaudeville career hereabouts two seasons ago with 
a crack pianist, who stood out; as predicted he couldn't hold him. He now 
has a commonplace accompanist who works with the whole orchestra 
drowning him when he has the stage alone. Mr. Combe does several talk- 
ing songs familiar to his repertoire, and when he exists on his sneezing 
bit — which he does superbly — he is over. The pianist lets the act down 
while he is off, and Combe, returning in a shabby genteel, fails to pull it 
back through three or four lengthy verses about one Bertie, a typical mu- 
sic hall ditty, but not strong enough for his finish. Combe is perfectly 
tailored, and closing In character takes away from his strength there, too. 
He should reverse and do the sneeze for the finish, massing his assets for 
strength where it is most valuable. 

Dolly Kay worked her fast songs up to a wow and a stopper. She 
jockeyed with her accoippanist, Phil Phillips, for a tie-up and manipulated 
'the old stuff about as well as anybody does, except that she pushed it 
once too often, and the audience fooled her and quit. She didn't really 
need to spar, as her hit was healthy and legitimate from the start and was 
vigorous enough to have pleased almost any performer at the finish. Harry 
Watson followed for laughs with his household articles, the Battling Kid 
Dugan and the phone booth scenes, as familiar now as a team looking for 
a route. 

Kitty Gordon belted the audience right In both eyes with a gown of 
orange Irridescent that was a gasp. She was in fine fettle and extraordinary 
voice and her act ran aU class and speed and quality. When it seemed she 
had gone the distance In wardrobe, she reappeared for her finish in a 
Paris affair of coral that outdid the other. She was a distinct and dis- 
tinguished hit, and her support was swept along with the star to a tri- 
umph. Eddie Moran replaced Marvel, who was temporarily incapacitated, 
and went over decisively. 

Jack Wilson worked In black after being seen here the last several times 
in white. Whether it was the cork or the Palace, Wilson got his stuff 
home with what seemed more- than even his usual punch. The laughs 
were riots. An Artistic Treat, one of the most beautiful closing acts in 
the business, staged and dressed and operated with artistry as well as 
superior good taste and showmanship, held in the audience solidly and 
lived to close a show here with aii act all sUent except the applause bang. 

Lait. 



RECORD FOR GYPSY 



stripper's VSO AlamlnDm 
Cracks Dei. Keeord 



Act 



DeUoit, July 22. 
Patriotism and peeling seem to 
mix. 

Gypsy" Rose " Lee, who festooned 
her appearance here with a new act, 
peeling off aluminimi utensils in an 
auction which combined both the 
USO and the defense drive for old 
kettles, hung up a new attendance 
record for the Bowery. 

The Hamtramck nitery, a phe- 
nomenon In show biz with its con- 
tinuous shows and vast crowds, col- 
lared 11,000 customers during her 
first week's appearance. Poorest 
night drew 1,200— seating capacity. 
The figures topped the previous rec- 
ord h«ld by Lou Holtz. 



Rob Springfield, 0^ 
Niglit Chb of {5,100 

Springfield, O., July 22, 
Two men held up the Frolics night 
club in the factory district here last 
week and escaped with $5,100. Twelve 
customers and employees were 
herded into a back room while one 
robber forced Mrs. Timothy Shay, 
wife of the owner, to open the safe. 
About $500 was taken from William 
Rader, bartender. 

Shay was asleep in an upstairs 
room during the , robbery. The 
bandits escaped In an automobile. 



TWO EX-PERFORMERS 
OWN ARTISTS BUREAU 



Minneapolis, July 22. 

With the sale of WCCO's (CBS) 
Artists' bureau to John WilUams and 
Urbane Bowdin, former station em- 
ployees, Al Sheehan, who has been 
the bureau's head for the past seven 
years, has been assigned by Earl 
Gammons, W(XO general manager, 
'to a newly created operations' direc- 
tor post. In his new assignment 
Sheehan will undertake special work 
in the WCCO program and produc- 
tion division as well as continuing 
to handle all talent and music in 
connection with broadcasting. 

John WUliams, one of the bureau's 
new owners, was for many years a 
dancer in vaudeville and, before 
coming to WCCOi, was production 
director for the Midwest Theatres 
and for Publix. Bowdin also is an 
ex-performer, although during the 
last five years he has been a sales- 
man for the bureau. The bureau 
will retain Jack Kilmartin as stage 
director and Ann f'airbanks in 
charge of wardrobe. 



Mira Stephens B'k'pt 

Mira Stephans, actress, employed 
by Chester Hale, filed a voluntary 
petition of bankruptcy In N. Y. fed- 
eral court Friday (18) listing no as- 
sets and $1,488 in liabilities. There 
are no theatrical creditors. 

In 1939 the bankrupt owed $620, 
and from 1940 to July, 1941, she 
earned $2,169. 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



VAUDEVIIXE 55 



MCA Takeover 
Of NBC Artists To 
Be Provisional 



As and when J. C. Stein, prez of 
Music Corp. of America, works out 
his deal for the takeover of NBC 
Artists Bureau, it will be on a grad- 
uating downward basis, i.e., so that if 
Dorothy Lamour oi: Fibber McGee 
and Molly, or any other NBC client, 
balks at continuing with MCA be- 
cause of the takeover, the price falls 
down. 

Stein's deal with CBS was more 
or less on a similar basis, excepting 
that the $150,000 entailed was for 
the basic business, and another fee 
of around $75,000 was for unfinished 
contracts or new deals yet to be en- 
tered Into when radio time and other 
bookings were due on • a calendar 
basis. 

JACK POWttL'S SON, 16, 
JOINS FATHER IN YAUDE 

Second general of the blackface 
drumming Jack Powell act debuts 
Saturday (26) at the Steel Pier, At- 
lantic City, for nine days, when 
David Powell, 16, joins his father. 

Turn henceforth will be a two-act, 

JAY BROWER'S TRAGEDY 

Vet M.C.-Maestro Falls In Sd Suicide 
Attcmpt^In Mental Hospital 



Icecapades' Opens This 
Week in Atlantic City 

Philadelphia, July 22. 
'Icecapades of 1041,' presented by 
the Arena Managers Association, 
opens for a week's stand at Con- 
vention Hall, Atlantic City, Friday 
(25) after rehearsing here at the 
West Philly Arena for the past 
week. 

The show is being produced by 
Chester Hale with Charles Uksila 
handling the dance direction. Show 
has a company of 75. Principals 
include Belita, Vera Hruba, Lois 
Dworshak, Red McCarthy, Bench 
and Stewart, Serge Flash, Robin 
Lee, Joe Jackson, Jr., The Benoits, 
Al Surette and Jackson & Lynam. 

After the Atlantic City week, the 
show wiU lay off until November 
when It win open here. . Booking 
is being handled by (Jeorge Tyson. 



Bellta Rejoins Icecapades' 

Belita, starred in the current ice 
revue at the Hotel New Yorker, 
Y., will be succeeded by Adele 
Inge Friday when the former re- 
joins 'Icecapades' in Atlantic City, 
which suspended its tour when John 
Harris closed for its fllmization 
by Republic. Meantime Jo Ann 
Dean and Gene Berg, also at the 
New Yorker, will continue to double 
from the hostelry Into 'It Happened 
on Ice' at the Center, as will La 
Verne who succeeds Phil .Hiser, 
skating comic, now out of the nitery 
show. 

Incidentally, a minor casualty oc- 
curred at the hotel last week when 
Dolores Ziegfeld, on the whip of a 
line routine, suffered an ice burn 
when - falling, necessitating three 
stitches on her chin. However, she 
has continued working. 



San Francisco, July 22. 

Show biz tragedy is case of Jay 
Brower, once one of Frisco's top 
lii.c.-band leaders, who has been 
committed to Mendocino state hos- 
pital following his recent '(3d) at 
tempt at suicide. 

Brower, who started years ago at 
El Capltan theatre when it had a 
stage-show policy and later was a 
topfiighter at the Golden Gate, had 
made a real comeback this summer, 
doubling between the. Club Lido and 
the Embassy theatre. Popular with 
the public, he was sitting pretty 
when another spell hit him. When 
he came out of it, he was through af 
the Lido and the Embassy vaude re^ 
vival had collapsed, with resultant 
remorse causing a suicide try. Case 
is a heartbreaker for those who 
know him, friends pointing out that 
between spells he's perfectly nor- 
mal, which makes confinement In 
mental Institution enough to drive 
him really nuts. 



Saranac Lake 

By Happy Benway 

Saranac, N. Y., July 22, 
Every one in this actors' colony 
la pepped up with personal joy in 
learning ^that, after a siege at the 
general hospital, Mrs. William 
('Mother') Morris came out with fly^ 
ing colors. She mastered what was 
first termed a very serious accident 
that might have caused the loss of a 
hand. Mrs. Morris got her hand 
caught in a laundry machine. She's 
now resting okay at Camp Intermis 
•Ion. 

The Russell Bros. Circus hit this 
colony and it was S.R.O. both per 
formances. 

Bobby Graham, who overcame a 
setback recently, now commutes be 
tween Toronto and Hamilton, Can- 
ada, hospitals greeting the less for- 
tunate. He never falls to salute this 
colony. 

The Clarkonlans, bareback riders, 
■pent most ot their Idle time shoW' 
talking with Bob Cosgrove, whose 
father used to troupe with them. 
They were her* two days. 

Write to those who are 111. 



AINT NO 
JOKE — IT'S 

MOKE 

AND 

POKE 

OP ENING JULY 27 

STEEL PIER 

ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. 
DIr.i MAT NAZABRO 



Swing Club Waltzed 



AGVA Threatens 
To Picket Hirst 
On Stripper Ban 



Hollywood, July 22. 

John Iiaw swung on the Swing 
Club, an after-hours nitery, and 
swung a flock of employes into 
the clink, meanwhile cha.sing the 
customers out of the joint, many 
of them with their dinner checks 
un-picked-up. 

Club is one of the many al- 
legedly taking chances after 
2 p. m. 



PiiiHy Finds Utopia, Or Why Acts 
Battle to Worii at Sam's Cafe 



Philadelphia, July 22. 

Richard Mayo, business agent of 
the American GuUd of Variety Art 
lets' Philly local, last week an- 
nounced ha would throw a picket 
line arouhd the Troo ' and Globe 
(Atlantic City), burlesque houses 
operated by Izzy Hirst, If the latter 
persisted In his policy of forbidding 
strippers appearing at his theatres 
from playing local niteries. 

Mayo made this threat as several 
local night spot operators com' 
plained that doffers were being 
forced to break their contracts with 
them on the pain of forever be- 
ing barred from working at any of 
the Hirst-operated houses. 

'Our only aim is to keep AGVA 
contracts valid,' said Mayo. 'If Hirst 
forces entertainers to bust AGVA 
agreements, then we have to take 
action, and we'll picket his houses 
if necessary.' 

Mayo and Jimmy Walker, pres- 
ident of the AGVA local, will confer 
with officials of the Burlesque Ac- 
tors Association this week in an ef- 
fort to obtain a working agreement 
with that organization. 

Observers thought the feud be- 
tween the burlesque impresario and 
the niteries had wound up last week 
when Isobel Brown, a peeler, 
signed with Stanley Carroll's mid- 
town cafe, and opened last night 
(Monday). But it was learned that 
the Hirst setup had neglected to In- 
form her of the night club taboo 
when she was hired by the Troc. 



Bouche Placed 
On Unfair List 
By Chi AGVA 



Chicago, July 22. 
Effective July 19, Albert Bouche 
and the Villa Venice, roadhouse out- 
side the limits of Chi, were placed 
on the unfair list of the American 
Guild of Variety Artists. Acting on 
the complaints of several' perform- 
ers, AGVA notified Bouche that un- 
less he met with them to adjust the 
difficulties, this action would be 
necessary. Bouche refused to meet, 
and after first voting .on the mat- 
ter locally, and then appealing to the 
N. Y. office, which advised them to 
take action, AGVA issued the un- 
fair rating. 

Bringing the majority of his talent 
in from the east, Bouche allegedly 
fails to notify the performers that 
they must mix with the patrons. 
He's' said to Issue few contracts, and 
those he does issue are of such na- 
ture to allow Immediate cancellation 
for any cause. It's also charged he 
fails to advise the performers 'that 
the show is 75% nude, and Is de- 
pendent on the nudity for the b.o. 
pull. In addition, It's claimed per- 
formers are requested to act as shills 
for the casino. 

AU N. Y. and Chi agents have 
been notified not to book with 
Bouche or to allow their acts to ap- 
pear at the Villa Venice. The fol- 
lowing list of performers were noti- 
fied by registered mall of the ruling, 
and were told to act accordingly or 
they would not be allowed to appear 
with any other AGVA performer In 
theatres, cafes or hotels. They were 
also notified that AGVA would pre- 
fer eharges' against them before the 
Four A's if they didn't heed the no- 
tification. They are: Rosita Ortega, 
Poggl and Igor, Tana, Vanessa and 
Sandino, Jacqueline Mlgriac, Ted 
Adair, Buzzonnie, Rinaldl, Aurette 
Sisters and the line girls. 

Bouche also operates a cafe In 
Miami, and signed with the AGVA 
there after some difficulty. 



PhUly AGVA to Hold 
1st Charity Ball Dec. 4 

Philadelphia, July 22. 

The Philly local of the American 
Guild of Variety Artists will hoW its 
first charity ball at the Broadwood 
hotel on Dec. 4. All top-ranking 
AGVA officials have been invited 
and have tentatively accepted, in- 
cluding Morton Downey, Harry 
Richman and Henry Dunn. 

Emcees at night clubs will be 
given blocks of tickets to sell to 
patrons. Five AGVA members sell- 
ing the most tickets will be given 
prizes of defense bonds. Proceeds 
from the affair will be earmarked 
for the local's welfare fund. 



WSM Troupe Tentshows 
Profitably in Georgia 



Nashville, July 22. 

Lecx Wiles, manager of WSM's 
Grand Ole Opry Road show reports 
that despite rain every night last 
week, 16,500 Georgia crackers turned 
out for the tent show. Three week 
sojourn In Georgia played to 41,000 
persons for estimated $13,000 Intake. 

Opry company swings Into North 
Carolina for a week tour beginning 
Monday (21). 



Keeping the Face 

Detroit, July 22, 
Policy of George Olsen In setting 
up a combination outdoor night club 
and dancehall at his New Casino 
Gardens here has' brought swift re 
suits. 

Following his strong opening, an- 
other of the under-the-stars dance 
spots, Westwood Gardens, has opened 
with the Lamb-Yocum 'Ice Parade.' 



Iiowand's Great American Circus, 
Inc., has been chartered In Albany 
to conduct a theatrical business, with 
principal office In New York City 
and a capital stock of 200 shares, no 
par value. 



Extend* Proctor Vaude 

Newark, N. J., July 22, 
Proctor's theatre last week added 

Wednesday evening to Its Moa 

day and Tuesday evening vaudeville 

schedule. 
Latter policy has been In effect for 

about a year. 



AGVA Wins Out h 
Salary Wrangle 
With 2 Chi Agents 

Chicago, July 22. 
In a meeting between Entertain- 
ment Managers Association (bookers) 
and the local committee of American 
Guild of Variety Artists, serious trou 
ble between 'the AGVA and the Sam 
Roberts-Nick Boila Agency, which 
had theatened to result In Roberts 
and Boila being placed on the un' 
fair list, was averted. 

Trouble .came as.a.result.of JRoheris. 
and Boila underpaying a line of girls 
at the Lyric, Indianapolis. The line 
was booked at • salary for each girl 
of $30, and the minimum in . this ter, 
ritory Is $3B. Agency refused to pay 
the minimum, and local AGVA 
threatened unfair rating. However, 
in a three-hour session between the 
EMA grievance committee and ' the 
AGVA board, matter was straight-' 
ened out, with AGVA winning on all 
points. Only matter remaining to be 
settled Is tiie status of the Lyric 
theatre, owned and operated by Chas. 
Olson, who refuses to meet with 
AGVA officers. 

EMA hat • oontraot with AGVA 
calling for member agents to abide 
by the rules and regulations set up 
by the union. Roberts and Boila are 
members. 

Bob Price, a snwll eafe booker, 
not a membar of ^HA, ll tiie only 
agent In the entire vlemity who Is on 
the unfair Hst. 



Hare's Chi Takeover 

CUoago, July S2. 

Sam Hare, who iormerly operated 
the Dells, one-t^e BortfisMe road' 
house, has taken oyer the manage- 
ment of the 6\sib DaUt. 

New Cl^b Delli was previously 
known, u Club wierle, and is located 
just across the io«d Jroqa the old 
Dells. Spot features a £oor show 
policy. 



Philadelphia, July 22. 

A Philadelphia entertainer's Idea 
of Utopia has been found. It's a spot 
called Sam's Cafe, in southwest 
Philly, in the heart of the city's de- 
fense industrial belt. Sam Pototsky 
is the boniface. 

It's only a beer joint, but Philly 
nitery performers are battling to go 
to work' there. Working conditions 
are something undreamed of: 

1. There are comparatively luxu- 
rious dressing rooms. 

2. The pay is above the AGVA 
scale. (It's a class C spot paying 
class A and B wages). 

3. Actors don't have to mix with 
patrons — in fact that's strictly ver- 
boten. 

4. Each act gets a 'bonus' if the 
customers like them— and the cus- 
tomers like everything. 

5. Acts get free meals. 

6. Entertainers get paid off before 
going on for the last show — some- 
thing unheard of in a town where 
they're forced to wait days for their 
coin. 

7. The proprietor pays both the 
employers and employes share of the 
social security and uncmplcfment 
compensation taxes. 

8. Actors only play two shows a 
night. 

Asked 'how come' the Mr. Bounti- 
ful attitude in the hardboiled night 
club business, the proprietor, Sam 
Pototsky, explains: 

'The actors have made my busi- 
ness. It used to be a loser as a plain 
taproom. Now It's jammed every 
night. Why shouldn't I share my 
money with them?' 



STRAND, B'KLm WIU 
AGAIN PLAY VAUDE 



strand, Brooklyn, part of the 
Warner Bros. - Paramount - Fabian 
theatre pool there, wiU resume vaude 
In conjunction with films. House 
will use name bands and acts last 
four days of each week, beginning 
Aug. 29 with Vaughn Monroe's 
band. Iiatter booking, however, is 
tentative. No other bands have been 
set either. 

Harry Mayer, booker of WB vaude 
stands, will lay out the shows. 
Strand, currently dark, used stage 
shows two seasons ago, then fol- 
lowed a straight picture course until 
its shuttering this summer. 



Vaude Switch 



Springfield, Mass., July 32. 

The Court Square will change its 
policy from four days of duals and 
three of split vaudeville and fllm 
bill to straight fllitTs effective July 
26. Hot weather, which has cut into 
the crowds considerably, brought 
the change. 

Indlcatloot are that the theatre 
will resume its ipllt-week policy 
soon after Labor Day. 



BETURN SATE 

Chicago, July 22. 

Vic Abbs and the Four Califor- 
nians have been set to return to the 
Glass Hat of the Congress hotel here 
in October. 

Currently, holding over In the 
Book-Cadillac hotel, Detroit, set 
through the Weems agency here. 



Jack Hutchinson, Philadelphia 
nitery singer,- now under the man- 
agement of prize fight manager Jake 
Friedman, goes to 500 Club, At- 
lantic City. 




M HOUSE BEVDBWS 



Wednesdaj, July 23« 1941 



MUSIC HALL, N. Y. 



'Revuette,' produced by Florence 
Rogge, vxith Moriiwi liOrd, Hildo Eck- 
ler, Francis * Corter and Arthur 
Bowie, Hoi LeRoy, Robert Slionleu, 
Gil Maison, M. H. Glee Club (21), M. 
H. Ballet (22), Rockettes (36), M. H. 
Symphony conducted by Frank 
JVoroicki; 'Tom, Dick ond Hnrry' 
(RKO), reviewed in VABienf, July 
16. 

Music HeU achieves a nice com- 
bination this session of its usual 
breath-talcing sets and platoons of 
terping lemmes with some highly 
entertaining staiidard turns, at least 
one of them very unusual for Radio 
City. It adds up to pleasant, mid- 
summer diversion. 

Curtain-raiser brings the heaviest 
succession of ah's and oh's. Giant 
stage is covered . with a tremendous 
circular mirror simulating a Iskc, on 
which are the ballet girls folded in 
lotus petals. In tlie center is a large 
swan. While the ballet holds its 
position, Marina Lord does a solo toe 
stanza. Gals then break out of their 
flower-disguises to dance on the lake 
to the lead of terper Hilda Eckler. 
Miss Eckler follows by mounting the 
-cut-out chariot-like back of the 
swan, apparently fitted with an elec 
trie motor by which the dancer can 
make it zip about the glass pond. All 
this is accompanied, of course, by the 
Bocko lighting technique of Eugene 
Braun, causing the giant mirror to 
transmit all sorts of interesting re- 
flections to the cyclorama. 

Finale, as usual, featuring the 
Rockettes, has them accompanied for 
the fadeout by the femmes from the 
ballet, putting 58 gals, gowned in 
varied pastels, on the stage at one 
tirtie, quite a sight to behold. Rock- 
ettes' routine is somewhat more 
fluffy and flowery than the usual 
precision stuff, but they get in plenty 
of their standard kicking and cir- 
cling to win the as-always smash 
reception from the house. 

Unique for the Music Hall is the 
booking of Francis Carter and 
Arthur Bowie, Negro two-piano 
team. Obviously a stage wait while 
the big mirror is being removed 
after the first scene, boys exert their 
handiwork on a pair of 88's taken 
over from the pit crew. They're 
nifty on 'Beguine' and other tunes in 
a ragtime s^Ie bordering on, but not 
quite, boogie-woogie. 

'Stag Partj'.' with the Glee Club in 
B cafe setting, serves to background 
Hal LeRoy and Gil Maison in their 
turns. Warbling males, incidentally, 
again kid themselves and the M. H. 
with comedy lyrics by staffer Albert 
Stillman. Idea of taldng some of the 
frosting out of the bigness of the 
Radio City enterprise by self-kidding 
Is a good one. 

LeRoy's hoofing meshes nicely, 
with the screen and legit tapster 
handing 'em virtually every trick in 
the book. Maison's standard dog 
turn has been switched slightly. For 
merly he worked with his wife, 
Bemice, but now he has a monkey, 
Monk sits on a ohair diuing the en< 
tire .turn. Every time It .starts to get 
oft, Maison ^outs "Frank Buck' 
at it. With that it grits its- teeth 
and grasps ttie back of the chair, rock 
Ing it with indignation. Maison winds 
I . up by balancing the junior chimp 
I ° upside down on one of its paws, sim- 
i Uarly to what he docs with the -pups. 
His line of chatter is a big factor in 
selling the tu^i, although it k dif- 
ficult to see some of the canine stunts 
from the mezz and beyond. Woidd 
be a dandy turn for cafes. 

Warbler Robert Shanley provides 
•ilective background '^olos for the 
femmes, contributing a number of 
old semi-classical faves. Herb. 



follow with a ballroom adagio. Leon 
is surprisingly light on his feet for 
a husky six-footer. His slight part- 
ner, in silver-gray, solos next in a 
combo routine including endurance 
kicks on one foot, spins and wing- 
overs, with both on for a tango 
finale building to a speed finish as 
Leon whirls the gal and tosses her 
to the boards. 

Morey Amsterdam, another radio 
entry (he got his sUrt at KFRC with 
Al Pearce) ambles into the vacancy 
dragging cello and chair. Act con- 
sists entirely of disconnected gags, 
puns, vocal takeoffs, etc., some of 
which indicate a flair for grave-rotj- 
oing, to judge from the age. Doesn t. 
use his*You lucky people trade- 
mark here. Packs a good share of 
laughs (as well as a lot of pQund- 
age) but gets guffaws largely on 
blue stuff. 

Charles Kaley then bnes up nine 
members of the band to sing and 
solo in 'Daddy,' okay novelty, fol- 
lowing which Amsterdam returns to 
introduce Brenda and Cobina, from 
Bob Hope's air show, working with 
them for first couple of gags. 

With the team falling into the 
saine general category as Amster-' 
dam, edge is Uken off their act be- 
fore they ever get on stage due to 
the similarity. On top of which they 
offer essentially the same material 
used at the local auto show last 
year. , 
Gals are both hard workers and 
oersonally popular, however, as tes- 
tified by repeated call-backs accorded 
the team by the payees.. Took four 
bows at opener and could have 
stayed longer but show was already 
running over. A final goodbye gag 
of some sort would help, but pos' 
sibly they didn't expect such an ova 
tion. 

Winding things up is Alphonse 
Berg, lightning-like draper who steps 
in here after a week at the Bal Tab 
nitery. Uses house line girls as 
models for his hasty draping and 
makes nice curtain-closer. 
Opening pretty good. Wem. 

AUDITORIUM, MPLS. 

('SDMMEBTIME') 



Hi, Lo, Jack ond the Dame, Cookie 
Boujers, Enrico ond Novello, Peg-Leg 
Botes, Six Victorias, Goe Foster Girls 
(24), Paul Ash House Orch; 'Dance 
Hoir (20th), rewietued in this issue 
/ Variety. 

With Paul Ash's pit orch on the 
stage, the Roxy is presenting an ex- 
cellent stage show currently. There s 
better pace to the proceedings be- 
cause of the band setting, the usual 
stage waits attendant scene-shifting, 
etc., being eliminated. There's also 
some novelty in seeing Paul Ash 
again as a stage in.c, but he's much 
subdued in comparison with the old 

days- , J 

Cookie Bowers, whose broaa 
comedy impersonations are long 
standard; Peg-Leg Bates, socko 
monopedic colored hoofer, and the 
Six Victorias, crack cycling troupe, 
comprise the layout's entertainment 
backbone. All three are audience- 
pleasers and applause-getters. Bates 
and Bowers being especially strong 
opening night (Friday). 

The Victorias, originally four men 
and two girls, are now four girls and 
two men and have a great assort- 
ment of tricks on the one and two- 
wheelers. Turn, however, can be 
trimmed some, eight minutes l>eing 
too long for a novelty of this type. 
Bates tied up the show, the audi 



Minneapolis, July 19. 
Orchestro (17). Ted Leory, Done 
ing Girls (24), Mole Singing Chorus 
(8), Drake ond Marchc, Bert Lynn, 
Hector and Pols, Three Deons, St. 
Clair Sisters and Of Day (4), Ger- 
trude Lutzi, Three FloTnes, Joe and 
Jone McKenrui. 



ROXY, N. Y. 



James hitting the hot licks on his 
trumpet. Lynn Richards, bnmet. Is 

clicko with her vocalizing of 'Daddy,' 
'Amapola' and 'Mora Than You 
Know.' The male canary depart- 
ment is supervised by baritone Dick 
Haymes, wnose standout Is 'Old Man 
River.' • ... 

The two added starters, Trixle, 
adroit juggler, and Shea and Ray- 
mond, comic terpers, are hangup 
acts, but the show could use at least 
one more vum. Trlxie's standard 
stint registered solidly. The gal's 
got plenty of showmanship to go 
with her skill. Shea and Raymond's 
dancing act is reminiscent of Ray 
Bolger, with a rib-tickling version 
of the rhumba and an imitation of 
a couple of hepcats thrown in. 

House almost filled for the supper 
show Friday (18). Shal. 



TOWER, K. C. 



Kansas City., July 22. 
Irene Vermillion with the Stoing 
Harp Quartet, Bollord ond Hae, 
Bob Smith, Don Frye, Donny 
Meditz, Lester Harding, Herb Six 
Hovise Orch; 'Too Many Blondes 
(U). 



Variety bill is the stage offering 
this week with the semlslance of a 
headliner in dancer Irene Vermillion. 
With the four femme harpsters and 
DBies u«i up - — their piano accompanist, act gives 

ence refusing to let him go even the closing spot something of a flash 
ence reiusn e. <•. , ^|,ich is needed in Stage shows here, 

but in entertainment value it Is 
medium. Other acts are varying in 
degree of entertainment and the 
summing up is average. 

Band has the lead with Ravers 
'Bolero' and Lester Harding then 
takes over as m.c. to introduce Bal- 
lard and Rae as pair of inebriate 
hit 



after repeated bows, but he also 
made the mistake of including a 
speech and some wisecracks that 
aren't funny. He's a startlingly good 
hoofer on his one r.'~ nhd neg, but 
not a comic, especially when hes 
out of breath and dripping with 
perspiration. 
Enrica and Novello deliver 



STATE, N. Y. 



Ted Leiols Orch (14) with Gladys 
Tell, LeAhn Sisters (4), Chorlie 
'Snowball' WWtticr, Louisa Glenn, 
Kay, Kotya and Kay, Jean Blanche, 
Geroldlne Ross; One Night in 
Lisbon' (Par). 



Enrica and Novello deliver a lara ana iwe as P"" v u „» r 
couple of dance routines nicely near tumbling across. They hit Paf- 
the^flnale, while Hi, Lo,_ Jack, and 'Cowboy' Danny Medi ^ four-^e^^ 



the Dame, harmony quartet, are only 
fair'following Bates. Their voices 
and blending are okay, but they lack 
bounce in the arrangements. 

Gae Foster's line of girls gives an 
excellent account of themselves in 
opo rhythm routine. 

Show runs off in 54 minutes. At- 
tendance n.g. Friday night the film 
probably being mostly to blame. 

Scho. 



GOLDEN GATE, S. F. 



Son Froncisco, July 16. 
Brenda and Cobina (£ltHa AUman 
«nd Blanche Stewart), Gory Leon 
and Tut Mace, Ade Duooll, Alphonse 
Berg, Morey Amsterdam, Evelyn 
Tobey; Peggy O'Neill line, Chorles 
Koley Orch (13); 'Scottergood Pulls 
the String^ (RKO). 



The Golden Gate has virtually an 
NBC show this week, starting with 
a Bennie Walker KGO amateur-hour 
winner and finishing with Brenda 
and Cobina. On the strength of 
which the local outlets talked the 
management into using a KPO mike 
In all newspaper ads. Bill will need 
whatever draft radio can give It. 
V Curtains part on the Lne, which 
Idoes a tropical routine In front of 
■the band. Stage decorated In purple 
''^and bronze thG week and. looks rich; 

Opener Is Ade Duvall, magico who 
builds a handful of golf baUs into a 
production, following with a thumb- 
smoking gag using 'Invisible' tobacco 
and matches which is a honey. Mob 
gave him a real ovation when he 
drew smoke from, his diget as though 
pulling a briar, a new twist here. 
Closes with silks for nice bowoff. 
Duvall works with seemingly end- 
less flow of patter and is unique In 
possessing ear-easy diction. 

Deuclng Is the KGO amateur, 
Evelyn Tobey, who walks on cold for 
two numbers, 'Where You Are' and 
Two Heart* That Pass In the Night.' 
Low-pitched voice haa mike possi- 
bilities although It came out a bit 
flat 4ue to nervousness at opening. 

Tut Mace and Gary t,eon, recently 
at Stairway to the Stars, loctil nitery, 



The 'AquatenniaV festival's only 
Indoor stage show, 'Summertime' re 
vue, is one of the local celebration's 
25 attractions to which holders of $1 
buttons are admitted, reserved 
lower-floor seats In the huge Audi 
torlum costing extra, however. Put 
together solely for this single en 
gagement. It quaUfles, under the clr' 
cumstances, as an ambitious and pre 
tentlous effort furnishing consider- 
able entertainment during Its two 
and a half hours, sans Intermission. 

Probably working on a limited 
budget, Al Sheehan conceived and 
produced the creditable revue. 
Staging, lighting and costuming rate 
weU. Without, any considerable 
monetary expenditure, he has incor 
porated plenty of flash and spectacle 
into the proceedings by skilUul han- 
dling of production and ensemble 
numbers. Eight standard vaudeville 
turns uncorked during the - show 
have been wisely selected. 

Show follows the conventional re- 
vue iiattem, with the vaudeville acta 
interspersed between production 
numbers, or the latter built around 
the turns. Ted Leary, a genial and 
personable emcee, keeps the affair 
moving swiftly, indulges in some 
amusing patter. Introduces the acta 
and helps to coax applause response. 

Locally recruited, the 24 choristers 
exhibit considerable precision 
dancing ability. Their most out- 
standing contributions are fencing 
and rollerskating numbers which 
evidence long training. Colorful and 
sufficiently revealing garb makes for 
flash while lively routines and 
varied formations are solidly in the 
groove. The male singing octet lends 
impresslveness to the production 
numbers. 

Drake and Marche, man and 
woman, are adept conga dancers 
Bert Lynn creates unusual sound 
Imitations, Including that of an air 
raid, on his steel guitar. Much mer 
riment Is excited by Hector and his 
familiar trained dog act, which, in 
this Instance because of the flat 
Aliditorium floor, would have ap- 
peared to better advafktage on a 
platform. 

Thrilling and difficult balancing 
and tumbling letHs by the Three 
Deans are climaxed when the trio 
runs up tlie side of a door to somer- 
sault themselves. Yvonne Tattle 
warbles during the bicycling of the 
two St. Clair Sisters and O'Day. 
Gertrude Lutzi, former Minneapoli- 
tan, sings nicely and the Three 
Flames thrill with their rollerskatinf 



LYRIC, INDPLS. 

fndionapolis, July 19. 
•Woke Up Americo' with Gil 
Lomb, 12 Commanders and Lorraine 
West, 12 Dancing Codettes, The 
Albins. Claire and Hudson, Betty 
Lee; 'Paper Bullets' (Prod.). 



old amateur night winner, mikes 
'Seng of the Sadd'".' -mletp \v' i 
all verses and a yodel finish. Young- 
ster is far on the cute side and 
draws a big hand. 

Bob Smith begins to take the audi- 
ence through a novelty musical act, 
but when he is goihg good on the 
saw and toy balloons he suddenly 
changes to do a pair of handstands 
r-. - nr — t - Good stunt but 



For years Ted Lewis and 'corny' 
have been synonymous In the trade. 
One never seems to be mentioned 
without the other. Lewis admita it 
In his opening bit here, wherein he 
goes back into the past and pointa 
out the things' he did — 'and you 
liked It' — then goes on to provide a 
lesson In handling a show that's 
modem as today, all of It of click 
calibre. 

Lewis steers this hour or more 
with an ease and smoothness few can 
match, and throughout his audience 
is a pushover for his mood and pace- 
making. Near the finale he comes 
up with a sort of cavalcade of the 
past tagged 'I'm Stepping Out With 
My Memories In Good Old New 
York Tonight,' which reficRes back 
into Broadway's files. It's a bit that 
held this audience quiet, attentive 
and solidly appreciative at its finish. 

To "please everybody,' Lewis' 
combo of four sax, three trumpets, 
one trombone, piano, drums, bass 
and two violins is capable of all tem- 
poes and styles. For its purposes the 
band is excellent, and as a competi- 
tor in the band field it is also okay. 
Combo's one swing at a driving, jit«> 
terbuggy style is on 'Anvil Chorus,' 
and its proves a good arrangement, 
well played. 

Charile 'Snowball' Whittier, Lewis' 
perennial shadpw, fills several spoU. 
with the leader, coming on first to 
help vocal 'When My Baby Smiles 
At Me,' and later doing an imitation 
of Bill Robinson's leg work. Louise 
Glenn is up front in a short and ap- 
preciated ballet routine. Jean 
Blanche serves as a target for Lewis' 
yocalling of 'You're a Pretty Thing,' 
then stands on her own in an aero 
turn, executing flips, kicks, etc., to 
solid returns. 

Kay, Katya and Kay have played 
this territory before. Act is a win- 
ner from any angle, beginning with 
faultlessly done ballroom stuff to a 
Viennese waltz and ending up in a 
brisk and entertaining hiechanical 
doll bit. Two men transform the 



reverses the audience's attention. 

Harding follows with his baritoning 

on 'Goodnight My Love' and lifts the girl's costume uniquely for the last 



The Lyric has taken a handful of 
acts and tied them together in a 
revue patriotically titled 'Wake Up 

America. Even though the theme is, „ 

forgotten after the first number, and i "Stardust,' 'Maybe' and 'Hold That 
not remembered again until the Tiger' and Miss Vermillion contrlbut- 



pace. Bit of ventriloquism by Don 
Frye holds the tempo nicely as he 
exhibits a dummy replica of himself 
and later a second dummy in black- 
face to close the act with a song duo. 
Work is novel and rated well with 
the. Iiouse. 

Final spot is ^ given to the Ver- 
million act, with' the harp quartet 
opening and the dancer on in a toe 
and kick number. Form of the act 
is alternation, with quarts giving 
out with such numbers as 'Alone,' 



finale, the management . deserves 
credit for an attempt to something 
out of straight vaude. 

Gil Lamb emcees though first three 
turns are done without Intros. After 
Lamb gets on, the entire show picks 
up. He could be used advantage- 
ously >from the beginning. Lamb's 
drolleries and impossible postures 
pleased the onlookers, with his pan- 
tomime of the jitterbug going to see 
Benny Goodman at the N. Y. Para- 
mount a high spot. He's a smooth 
performer and with his aide. Tommy 
Sanford, who plays the harmonica 
excellently, was well received. 
Lamb's gag swallowing of a small 
harmonica was also good for plenty 
of guffaws. 

"The 12 Commanders and Lorraine 
West, good looking act, do a neat 
vocal job. Act is used in opening 
and tlose effectively. Okay is the 
acrobatic team of Claire and Hudson. 
Both work with apparent ease. 

The Albins do a ballroom travesty, 
with little gal taking a beating from 
her mop-haired oartner Act went 
over well. Betty Lee does some 
speedy work on a xylophone. 

Show ends with the chorines doing 
another routine in front of a military 
drop and the Commanders vocalizing 
'Aprhors Aweigh " 
Biz scattered at third show Friday 
(18). Kiley 



ing two other routines in the aero 
batic style. Fiiiale tom-tom nufanber 
is best effort and two or three other 
routines like this one would lift the 
act immeasureably. Musical person- 
nel of the turn lists Mary Jonnston, 
Donna Jean Miller, Toots- Bowman 
and Dorothy Spector on harps, with 
Dick Hoffman accompanying on 
piano. Quin. 

STATE-LAKE, CHI 



bit in full view of the audience. Act 
got— and rated — strong response. 

Geraldine Ross is another ap- 
plause-DuUcr. Rbe nrenedes more 
aero dancing with laughable twists 
like scratehing herself and appar- 
ently pulling on a girdle. Her stunts 
set her solidly even though she fol- 
lows too closely on the heels of Miss 
Blanche, a fault in that the acts are 
so similar. 

Le Ahn Sisters (4) get in only one 
short shot alone, but could be used 
more<. Tune Is an exceptionally good 
arrangement of 'Dinah,' done in a 
neat harmonizing style. Soloist with 
the group breaks In midway with a 
warm voice, clear and very listen- 
able delivery. Group ' should be 
watched as a comer. Wood. 



EARLE, PHILLY 



Philodelphio, July 18. 
Horrid James Orch (18) with Dick 
Haymes, Lynn Rtchords, Trixie, Sheo 
and Roymond; 'The Big Store' 
(M-G). 



The show's only smash comedy hit 
is chalked up by Joe and Jane Mc- 
Kenna, who return with their knock- 
about dancing and slapstick. The 
only fault to be found is that Joe's 
Impression of a dnmk and iome of 
the pair's cldPtaing are a little too 
long drawn out Rees. 



The talent budget has been shaved 
to the bone this week (50 minutes), 
with only two outside acta added to 
Harry James' crew. The manage- 
ment apparently is banking on the 
screen attraction, the Marx orothers' 
farewell .producti'^i. to take part of 
the entertainment load. 

James' band, musically. Is first- 
rate, but it lacks the triclcs and 
novelties needed to make it a top 
flight stage attraction by itaelf. The 
crew has built up a following here 
frorti its recordings, faves on jukes 
and platters at local stations. This 
was evidenced by the reaction among 
the kids in the pews whenever the 
trumpeter announced the name of 
some of the fave numbers. 

Evoking the biggest burst of 
whistling and cheering was the play- 
ing of 'Music Makers,' 'Carnival in 
Venice,' 'One O'clock Jump' and 
"You Made Me I ive You, with 



OLYMPIA, MIAMI 



- Chicago, July 18. 
Buck ond Bubbles, Charles New- 
man, Four Franks, Mazie and Broch, 
The RosstUionos (2), Doroth Hila 
Ballet (12); 'This Way Please' (Par). 

Packed with fine talent, this show 
rates well. In addition, there is some 
moneypulling power in Buck and 
Bubbles, who enjoy a good local fol- 
lowing. 

Dorothy Hild Ballet opens the 
show with a swing military routine, 
Gals are attractive and above aver- 
age in ability. Following this, the 
Four Franlcs take over with a varie- 
ty act of excellent calibre. Two 
femmes and two men mix up an as- 
sortment of tap dancing with some 
okay instrumental work, topping it 
off with some smash comedy. 

Charles Newman, harmonica vir- 
tuoso, is on for a couple of numbers 
which give evidence of good tech- 
nique, but offer little in the way of 
showmanship. An an encore, he 
plays a conga, which serves as an 
introduction for the ballet, in a 
colorful Spanish number. 

Unicycle turn, Mazie and Brach, 
has some good work, featured main- 
ly by feasta of balancing while on 
the machines. Gal is a looker and 
adds flash-to the act, A closing stunt 
performed by the man, wherein he 
keeps 11 hoops in motion while on 
the unicycle, is a nifty. 

Buck and Bubbles, making a rare 
local appearance, have made few 
changes in their routine, but remain 
a good solid act, with plenfy of talent 
and the ability to sell it. Without 
a suggestion of blue material, they 
manage to get a multitude of laughs, 
and the dancing and piano work 
still pack plenty of waUop. 

Rossilianos, Polish dance team, 
combine with the ballet girls topre- 
sent 'Polish Village Festival.' While 
it is .good entertainment, the team 
has been seen too much of late in 
Chi, having played the Chicago thea- 
tre less than eight weeks ago with 
the same numbers. 
Good biz third show Friday (18). 

' Loop. 



Miami, July 19. 
Morjorie GotTisworth, A r n a u t 
Brothers, Alan Carney, Chris Cross 
and Looie, -Statler Twins, Harry 
Reser House Orch; 'Kisses for Break- 
fast (WB). 



This Is one of the strongest line- 
ups this house has imported this 
summer, offering 60 minutes of 
standard vaude fare sufficiently di- 
versified as to be classed as potent 
b.o. even though handicapped by 
such trivia as 'Kisses for Brealcfast' 
(WB). 

It's a nicely routined bill, sparked 
by Alan Carney, a clever mimic, 
making his initial bow in these parts. 
Ceurney's impressions, while for the 
most part borrowed from the stand- 
ard album of vaude mimicry, are, by 
reason of his slick presentation, in a 
class by themselves. Windup is a 
Union Square sketch of soapbox ora- 
tors that is a riot. Also does a cred- 
itable job handling the intros. 

A showy coloratura soprano, with 
a fine range and nice quality,. Mar- 
jorie Gainsworth fails to click as 
solidly as she should because of ap- 
parent uncertainty in her choice of 
songs. Leads off with a standard 
ballad, takes a fiyer at 'Lo, the (gen- 
tle Lark,' tries a current pop and 
bows off with a musical-comedy hit 
Latter earned the biggest hand, and 
appears her best bet. Her pipes are 
definitely not adapted to torchy pops, 
and the classicists are few and far 
between on the summer circuit so it 
would appear that the musical-com- 
edjr field offers best choice of ma- 
terial. 

The Arnaut Brothers have been 
around for years, and are apparently 
well satisfied with tlieir slapstick 
fiddle and bird-whistle routine. They 
haven't changed a note since last 
caught It geta a giggle, but Its 
about time they whipped up a few 
variations. After all these years the 
brothers have to fall back on refer- 
ences to what a time they..had last 
p.m. for their encore exchange. 

Chris Cross, tried to crash radio 
here two years ago, but struck out. 
Finally clicked as a ventriloquist 
with a band unit Now he's, back 
with an atnusing ,skit employing a 
(Continued on page 63) 



Wednesday, Inly 23, 1941 



5T 



Variety Bills 



WEEK JULY 2S 



Numerals In eonneetlon with bills below Indleale epeninc d»y ot 
' show, whether fall or BpUt week. 



Paramonnt 



MEW Yons cm 

PBrsmoiint (23) 
Jos VenutI Bd 
Danny Kay« 
Jane Froman 
BVFFAtO 
Baffalo its) 
Vaughn Monroe Bd 
Oil I<amb 
6 Willy; 
Bvelyn Farney 



CHICAGO 
Chlnwo (ZS) 
The Seltera 
Tito Oulzar 
Coleman Clark 
Sue Ryan 

MIAMI 
Olympla (2S-M) 
31d Marlon . 
Bstelle Taylor 
Weuon BroB 
Larry Colllna 




MEW YORK CITY 

Btiaad (tS) 
Phil Harris Oro 
Ames & Arno 
The Bllllngtons 
Lime 8 

<18) 

Cab Calloway Ore 
Revue 
rHILAHELPHIA 
Earl* (25) 
Paul Whiteroan Ore 
Jack Ollford 
Robinson Z 
(M) 

Harry James Oro 
Shea & Raymond 
Trixle 



FI1TSBVBOH 
Stanley (tB) 
'Rochester' 
Dick Stabile Oro 
Oracle Barrle 
Walton & O'Rourke 
Kitty Murray 
Ruby Ring 
(18) 

Phil Harris Ore 
Ames & Arno 
Paul WInchell 
The Bllllngtons . 
WASHINGTOM 

Earle (26) 
LanI Mclntyre Ore 
B West & L Page 



Loew 



KBW YOBK CITY 

State (24) 
Oautler Steeplechase 
Carroll & Howe 
Willie Hoppe 
Harry RIchman 
Jack Cole Dano 



WASHINGTON 
Capitol (24) 
Rhythm Rockets 
Floyd Christy Co 
Dunbar & Rbymaire 
Cass Daley 
Talla 




MEW YOBK CITY 

Hnsle Hall (24) 
Hal L«Roy 
Marina Lord 
Hilda Bckler 
Francis Carter 
Arthur Bowie 
Gil Mason 
Robert Shanley 
Rockettes 
Corps de Ballet 
Glee Club 

Brno Rapes Symph 

Boxy (24) 
Peters Sis 
Bobby May 
Roily Rolls 
Stuart & Lea 
Betty Jane Smith 
Gae Foster Gls 
Paul Ash Ore 
AKRON 
Paltire (2(1-28) 
Count [Bernlvlcl Sh 
AIXANTIC CITY 
Steel ' Pier (24) 
Qae Foster Gls 
Joe ft J McKenna 
Jack Powell 
Moke & Poke 
,Gene Krupa Oro 
Raymond Scott Ore 
Willow, West & M'Q 
ChrlstlanI Tr 
Sharkey 
Oautler's Brlckl'yers 
Bobby Morris 
Richard Dana 
Pinky Lee 
Ryan ft Benson 
Ben Tost Singers 
Hnmld'a Pier (27) 
Blue Barron Ore 
Benny Toungman 



Patricia Bills 
Victoria Tr 
Ray & Harrison 
8 Harmonica Bees 

BAliTIMOBE 
Hippodrome (24-26) 
Dlnnh Shore 
Frank ft J Hubert 
Jim Wong Tr 
Pearl Robins 
Wally Brown ft A 

Stat« (24-26) 
3 Avos 

Joe Arena Co 
Anthony & Rogers 
Emerson Mounta'eni 
CAMDEN 
Towem (26-27) 
Jay Palmer Co 
Stone ft I>ee 
A Loyal's Stallions 
(Two to fill) 

FREEPORT ' 
Flrceport (20) 
Rio ft Rita 
Fred Rookie Co 

2 Sparks ft Flame 
Reed & Mack 
One to All 

Jones Beach (24-26) 
Reynolds & Skaters 

3 Swifts 

M Park GIp'' Club 
mn.ADFI PHIA 
Carman (26) 
Evelyn Brooks 
(Three to ml) 
WILLOW GROVE 
Willow Grove Park 

(27 only) 
3 Avos 

Anthony ft Rogers 
Emerson Mounta'ers 



Cabaret Bills 



HEW TOBK CITT 



Armando's 
Geo Morris Ore 
Pedrlto Ore 
Bhlrl Thomas 

BIU Bertolottl's 
Jane Churchill 
Annette 
Moya Glfford 
Ginger Ijine 
Don Sylvio Oro 
Angelo Oro 

BlU'a Gay M's 
Charles Strickland 
Lulu Bates 
Fred Bishop 
Spike . Harrison 
Harold Wlllard 
Harry Donnelly 
Bernle Grauer 
Cafe Society 
(Mldtown) 
Teddy Wilson Oro 
Bddle South Oro 
Linda Keene 
Aromons & Johnson 
Jack Gilford 
Golden Gate 4 

Cafe Society 
(TUlace) 

Henry Allen Oro 
Kenneth Spencer 
Sunny Price 
Art Tatum 
Helena Home 

Chateaa Modeme 
Annette Guerlrvln 
Covert ft Reed 
Luclle Jarrott 
Maurice Shaw Oro 
Gabriel 
Lou Splelman 
Dorothy Tanner 
Carmellta 



Oloremont Ina 
Joe Rleardel Oro 

CInb 18 
G Andrews Oro 



Peter Brent Ore 
Pat Harrington 
Jack White 
Roy Sedley 
Frankle Hyers 
Archie Robblns 
Stan Ross 

Club Gancho 
Don Avendano Ore 
Currlto ft Coral 
Luis Camachs 
Jose Perez 
Rosa Rln 
Harriet Carr 
Renee 

Cora A Irene's 
Joe Ellis Oro 
Ringo ft Harris 
Betty Froos 
Marcella Clair 
Nick Leeds 
Diamond Horseshoe 
Mae Murray 
Nlta Naldl 
Carlyle Blackwell 
Joe E Howard 
Ross Wyse, Jr 
June Mann 
Delta LInd 
Geo Fontana 
Llla Lee 
Gllda Gray 
Charles King 
Mangean Sis 
Clyde Hager 

ICI Chico 
Don Alberto Orr 
Benito Co.llada 



Tereslta Osta 
Anita BsTllla 
Antonio de Cordova 
Bardllla Sis 

Famous Door 

Babe Russin Oro 
Billle Holiday 
Dixie Roberts 
Sid Walker 
Mousey Garrer 

Havana-UailTld 
FroUan Maya Ore 
Juanlta Sanabria O 
Alberto Torres 
Ramon ft Luclnda 
Belen Ortega 
Alda Rodrlguex 
Fay Torres- 
Arturo Cortes 
Dolores DeLeon 

Hlckoiy Honss . 
Bill Turner Oro 
Mercedes 
Carol Boyd 
Rollln Smith 
JInja Wayne 

Hotel Aster 
Ina Ray Hatton Ore 
Win Bradley Ore 
Hotel Belmbnt 
Plan 
Arthur Ravel Ore 
Jos Pafumy Oro 
Bea Perron 
Gwen Gary 
Eleanor Bberls 
John Hubert 
Belmont Balladeer* 

Hotel BlItmoTC 
Ray Heatherton O 
Judy Clark 
Roily Rolls 
PIckert ft Ross 
Hotel Bosseit 
(Brooklyn) 
Bobby Parks Oro 
Imogen Carpenter 

Hotel Edison 
Blue Barron Oro 
Hotel Essex Hnnar 
Nick lyAmlco Ore 
Hotel Lexloston: 
Ray Kinney Oro 
Meymo Holt 
Napua 
LeIlanI laea 
Nan I Todd 
Lehua Paulson 

Hotel Lincoln 
Harry James Oro 
Hotel UcAlpIn 
Arturo Arturos Ore 
Wendy Bishop 
Hotel New Yorker 
Johnny Long Oro 
Helen Toung 
Bob Houston 
Paul Harmon 
Adele Inge 
Betty Ranow 
Anne Haroldon 
Peter Klllam 
Phil Hlser 
To Ann Dean 
Gene Berg 
Tee Ballet 

Hotel Park Central 

(Cocoannt Grove) 
Buddy Clarke Ore 
Alfonso Ore 
Jack Waldron 
Elenore Wood 
Htbbert, Byril Co 
WInton ft Diane 
Bunny Howard 
Ginger Dulo 
Wilson Lang 
Hotel Pennsylvania 
Bobby Byrne Oro 
Dorothy Claire 
Stuart Wade 

Hotel Flaxs 
Dick Gasparre Ore 
Chlqulto Oro 
Paul Haakon 
Maxino KIsor 
Hotel Snvoy-Ploia 
Howard Lally Ore 
Peggy Fears 
Milton Douglas 

Hotel St. Merits 
Ford Harrison Oro 
Cass Franklin 
Lolo ft Rnmon 
Florence ft Alvarez 
Betty Black 
Jays Martin 

Hotel St Begia 
Hal Saunders Orr 
Gus Martel Oro 
Hotel Tatt 
Vincent Lopez Ore 
Ann Barrett 
Sonny Skyler ' 
Hotel Woldort- 

Astorta 
(Starlight Boof) 
Xavler Cugat Oro 
Mlguellto Valdes 
LIna Romay 
Frakson 
Evelyn Tyner 
H Williams, a 
Hoirlcane 
Dick Satterfleld Ore 
Chlqulto Oro 
Billy Vine 
Iceland Restsniant 
Danny White 
Jack Lane - 



James ft Wilde 
Caroline Knight 
Teddy Eddie Oro 
Joe Hembree Oro 
Kelly'* Stable 
Hot Lips Page Oro 
Blllle Holiday 
Billy DanleU 
Stuff Smith 
King Cole Trio 
t» MartlnlqiM 
(West End, N. ».) 
Bddle Oliver Oro 
Herbert Corbello O 
Georgle Tapps 
Adrlenne 

Le Coq Rouge 
Jos Smith Oro 



Sugar Gelse 

David Marshall Ore 

Charlie Foy'a CInb 
Charlie Foy 
Leonard Sues 
Jerry Lester - 
Lorraine Elliott 
Red Stanley Oro 

Grace Hayes Lodge 

Mary Healy 
Neville Fleeson 
Peter LInd Hayes O 
Carlyle 
Grace Hayes 
Mary Rellly 
Mary Lee 
Mavis MIms 
Ineclta 

Honse of Morphy 

Frankle Gallagher 
Hal Chanslor Oro 
Jean Meunler 
Gordon Bishop 
Bob Murphy 



Cafe 

ft Lnellle 



at' 

Bumette 
Denlse 
Joe 

Pols Zorkan 
Vanlta 

Dave Forrestsr Ore 
Macambo Cafe 

Bdwardo Agullar O 
Phil Ohman's Ore 
Falladhua 



Pirates Den 

Henry Grant 
Gaby La FItte 
ShadracH Boys 
Marjorle Raymond 
Chet Record 
Nick Cochran Oro 

Bhnmboogie 
Four Tones 
3 Chocolateera 
Lovey Lane 
Lois Galloway 
Ceo Pee Johnson O 
Schehersxade Cafe 
Richard Smart 
Ina Mlraeza 
Tascha BorowskI 
Russian Gypsy Ore 

Seven Seas 
Lllla Kiplkona 
Sybil Thomas 
Benny Kaha 
PuananI Mathews 
Mlkl Wlkl 
Bddle Bush 
Charlie OpennI 
Bobby Mathews 
Johnle Bright Ore 

Slopsy Uaxles 
Ben . Blue . 
Cully Richard* 
Sid Tomick 
Rels Bros 
Benny Lossy 
Patti Moore 
Sam Lewis 
Pat Shaw 



PoggI ft Igor 
Tana 

Vaneaea ft Sandino 
Jacqueline MIgnao 



Ted Adair 
Buzzonnle 
RInaldl 
Aurette Sis 



ATLAimC CITT 



Ambassador Hotel 
(Bnrf Boom) 

Johnny Pick Oro • 

Babette's CInb 

Barbara 'Belmore 
Patricia Ryan 
Owen ft Parker 
Milton Huber Ore 
Dl Salvo Bros Ore 
Bath a Tart CInb 
Jerry Cooper 
Marie Austin 
Nanette Gerardo 
Jack Whitehead 
Thomas Rio Ore 

Benson's Cafe 
Johnny Norton 
Princess Whltewlng 
Rita Cunningham 
Roe Coletta's Ore 

Breakers Hotel 
(Ship Deck) 
Beale Street Boys 
University 3 
Pearl Williams 
Brignntlne Hotel 

(Trensare Island 
. Room) 
Adrian Rolllnl 3 



BOOKING THE NATION'S LEADING INDEPENDENT 
VAUDEVnXE THEATRIC 

EDWARD SHERBIAN 



I6I9 BBOADWAY 



NEW YOBK 



COL 54)930 



Belo BIzony 
Rudl TImAeld 

Leun A Eddie's 
Lou Martin Oro 
Nerlda Oro 
Eddie Davis 
Jerry Blanchard 
Dance Players 
Clay Bryson 
Barbara Perry 
Sherry Britten 
Shirley Uoyd 
Milton Dahlberg 
Jean Mona 

Place Elegante 

Ernest Franz Ore 
Bill Farrell 
Vincent DeCosta 
Art Tubertlnl 
Victor Harte 

Queen Uary 

Roy Stewart Oro 
Caroline Night 
Klml Toye 
Ginger Wayne 

Bnlnbow Grill 

Russ Smith Oro 
Ashburns 

Balnbow Room 

Barry WInton Ore 
Chlgulta Venozia 
SIgrld Lassen 
Clepiente Oro 
Mayla 

Russell Swann 
Aaron & Glanez 
Julian ft Marjorl 

Blvlen 
(Ft. Lee, M. J.) 

Pancho Ore 
Fausto Curbello O 
Helen Kane 
Qower ft Jeanne 
Whitson Bros . 
Everett Marshall 
Ches Hale Gls 
Edith Roark's CInb 
Joe White Oro 
Henry Marko 
Helen Fox 
Ruth Gallagher 
Russell HIrd 
Tex Gentry 
Pat Bennett 
Ruby Carr 
Edith Roark 
Ross Fenton Farm 
(Asbnry Fk, N. ■ 

M Bergere Oro 
Columbus ft Carroll 
Carole ft Sherod 
Sally Gay 

Rnbnn Blen 
Edwin Matthews 
Vera Sanoft 
Busslaa Kretchms 
Nicolas Malthey O 
Peter Neinlroff <Jro 
Olga Ivanova 
Naatia Poliakova 
Marusia Sava 
Adia KuznetzofI 
Senia Karavaefl 
Michel MIchoD 
MIshI Uzdanotr 
Arjslak Arafelova 

Stork Club 
Sonny Kendls Ore 
Ray Pennnn Oro 
Angellta Harmes 

Versalller 
N Brand Wynne Ore 
Panchlto Ore- 
Adelaide Moftett 
Tommy Wonder 

VUIage Bam 

Gene Jt.ustln Oro 
Sherrlll Sis 
Zeb Carver 
Bud Sweeney 
Don ft Ruth Lane 
Pappy Below 
Roberta Welch 
o Village Vanguard 
Belle Rosette 
Helen Thomas 



Wody Herman Ore 
Pnrla inn 

Kenny Henryson 
Marg'rite ft M'rtlnez 
Henry Monet 
Patsy Brlttaln 
Herman Lopez 
Fred ft Jerry 
Helen Miller 
Chuck Henry Oro 



J.) 



LOS MGELES 



Bar of Mnsle 

BUI Jordan 
George Kent 
Ann Harriett 
Tony Sharrabba 
Dick Wlnslow Ore 

Blltmore Bowl 
Margery Daye 
Jack Gywne 
Jimmy Castle 
Royal Guards 
Dorothy Brandon 
Armand ft LIta 
X Doe's 

Chuck Foster Ore 

Cass Manana 
Charlie Barnet Ore 

Cocoannt Grove 
Mary Parker 
Billy Daniel 



Jimmy Brierly 
Mitchell Lolsen Rev 
Freddie Martin Ore 

Barl Carroll 

Dr Rockwell 
B Minnevltch Co 
Helen O'Hara 
Gene Sbolton 
Barnoy Grant 
Dorothy F;ord 
6 Debonairs 
Beryl Wallace 
Reyes' Rhumba 
Bill Brady 
Manny Strand Ore 

Florentine Garden 
Corrlnne ft TIta 
NTO 

Billy Rayes 
Fred Scott 



Bd 



Joe Oakle 
Al Bard Oro 

Somerset Honse 
Grady King Oro 

Swane Inn 

Slim ft Slam 
Fred Skinner 



Johnny Davis Oro 



CHIOAGO 



Ambaasador Hotel 

(Fnmp Room) 
Vsl Oman Ore 
Maggl McNeills 

Bismarck Hotel 
(Walnnt Boom) 

Jimmy Joy Oro 
Betty Burns 
Maurice ft Maryea 
Art London 
Tune Tessers 
Hadley Gls 
Art London 

(Tavern Room) 
Dave Prltchard Ore 

BlacUiawk 

Art Jarrett Ore 
Gall Robblns 
Joe ft Betty Lee 
Pearl Islanders 

Blackstone Hotel 
(Ballnese Bm.) 

Bddle White Ore 
Drevoort Hotel 
(Crystal Boom) 
3 Nlbllcs 
Peggy Lester 
Lois LaChance 
Bob Billings 

Broadmont 
Wally Rand 
Pat Patterson 
Betty Coeds 
Anita Page 
June* Darling 
Sally Barr 
Herb Rudolphs Ore 

Brown Derby 
Harriet Norrls 
Jo Ann Dare 
Charlotte van Day 
Mary Earl 
Chlqulta 
Bvelyn Lee 
Virginia James 
Joe Franks 
Edith Mitchell 
Savage Trio 
Marsha DeLand 
Mary Grant 
Ethel Brown 
Mickey Dunn 
Advocates 
Sammy Frisco Or6 
Capitol Lonnge 
Modulators Ore 
Maurice Rocco 
Louis Jordan Oro 

Chrs Parse 
Milton Berle 
Jansleys 
Carole Rhodes 
Raqusl ft Tarriba 
Bill Gary 
Ben Tost Singers 
Boyd Raebum Oro 
Bobby Ramos Ore 
Even!« Gls 

CInb Alabam 
Larry Vincent 
Pancho ft L Roche 
Irene Burke 
Natasha 

Ramona Hughes 

Coloslmos 
Frank Qustrell 
Gale « 
Renee Villon 
Rose Perfect 
Tvette Dare 
Bobby Danders 
Congress Hotel 
(Glow Hat Rm) 
Jerry Shelton 

Del Shore 
Eddie Danders Ore 
Drake Hotel 
Camlllla House) 
Bob Grant Ore 
Peggy Fears 
Edgewafer Beach 
Hotel 
(Beach Wnik) 
Horace Hcldt Ore 
Donna ft Juans 
Ronnie Kemper 
Bornio Mattlnnon 
Minnie Cabanne 
Burton Pierce 
NIghthawks 
Dorben Gls 
Herb Foote 

8BS CInb 
Rogers ft Morris 
Jerry Bergen 
'Joan Hope 
Fin ileVlllerle 



Ore 



Dolores ft DeVago 
Julio Garcia Oro . 

SlOO CInb 
Danny Thomas 
Roberts ft Reynolds 
Mary Beth Sires 
The Bartons 
Bob O Un Gls 
Mark Fisher Oro 

Garrlck Stogebar 
Stuff Smith 
Clarence Profit I 

Gracmere Hotel 
(Class Honse Bm) 

Crusaders 
Dorothy Tlmmlns 
Betty Grey 

HI Hat 

Guy Cherney 
DeMarloB 
Jim Penman 
Andree Andrea 
J Manzaneres Oro 
Younger Gls 
Eddie Fens Oro 

Ivaohoe 
Florence Schubert 
Al Trace Orr 
Holly Swanson 
Vlerra Hawallans 
Helen Sumner 

L'Alglon 

Spires StamuH Ore 
Gwendolyn Veausell 
Edna Sellers 
Isobel de Marc'o 

Morrison Hotel 

(Boston Oyster 
House) 
Manfred Ootthelf 

New Yorker 
Ruth Craven 
McKays 
Ray English 
Vivian Marshall 
George Moore 
Kretlow Gls 
Arne Barnett Oro 
Al Mlltnn Ore 

Old Hcldelbera 
Hans Muenzer 4 
Doris WIttlch 
Cosmo Pusa-Terl 
Heidelberg 4 

Ratbskellar 
Louis ft Ore 
Palmer Hoose 

(Empire Room) 
Skinnay Ennis Ore 
Rosarlo ft Antonio 
Carlos Ramirez 
3 Pitchmen 
Johnny Mack 
Inez Qonan 
Carmine Calhoun 
Pedro DeLeon Oro 
Abhfift Dancers 

Sherman Hotel 
(Celtic Cafe) 
Gene Kerwin Ore 
Jaros Sis 

(Panther Room) 
Benny Goodman O 
Carl Marx 

Bhnmba Casino 

Joan Merrill 
Georgle Tapps 
Gloria Gilbert 
GalH Gain 
Fllipe de Flores 
Martinez ft Devlin 
Carlos Mollnae Ore 
Eduard & Diane 
Pan-Am Dane 
Don Pedro Oro 
<06 CInb 
Billy Carr 
Alyce Cerf 
Ceil von Dell 
Marlon KIngsley 
Cleopatra 
June March 
Diane Rowland 
Jean ModA 
Sparklet Gls 
Elayne 

Nannette Carmen 
Jimmy Ray 
Carrie FInnell 
Millie Wayne 
Sol .Lake Oro 
Tripoli 3 

Villa Modeme 
Bob Strong Ore 
Villa Venice 
RoRlta Ortesa 



Pedro AlbanL Oro 
Claridce Hotel 
(Haybdr Boom) 

Marty Magee's Oro 

Chelse* Hotel 
(l^mce Boom) 

Johnny Hamp Oro 
Billy Van I 

CUanot GInb 
Tony Glllard's Oro 
Mildred Gibson 
Ramona - 
Ann Howard 
Eddie Lang 
Cosmo ft Anita 
Eddie Brown 

Chex Paree 

Bothwell Brown 
Helen Jerrico 
Howard M'tgomery 

CInb Harlem 
Colerldge-Davis Oro 
Jackie Mablky 
Frances Brock 
Myra Johnson 
Anise ft Aland 
£erby Wilson 
Ths Beaehcombera 



Garland. Wilson 
Larry Steel 

Dade Ranch 
Endlcott Cowboy O 
Dude Ranch Str'g O 
Billy Lang 

Elephant Cafe 
Joe Armstrong 
Joe Doyle 
VtsKV Shields 
Rita Roberta 

SOO CInb 
Cross ft Dunn 
Henry Jerome's Ore 
Gateway Casino 
(Somers Point) 
Jack Miller Ore 
Paul Titus 
Bubbles Lawler 
Johnnie Farrell 
Jack Carleton 
Herman's Mnsle Bar 
Jack Arnold 
Jockey's Derby CInb 
Lenny Ross 
Bert Dagmar 
Bobby Dell 
KIkl Hall 
Lee Norre 
Peppl Carman 

Nomad Club 
Jackie Whalen 
Murray Wood 
Annette Ross 
Jean Rochelle 
Zola Gray 
Peggy Heavens 
Helen Colby 
Elena Martinez 
Charlotte Carlton 
Manny Davis Ore 
President Hotel 
(Bonnd the World 

Room) 
Anselnfto Sacasas O 
Adrian Rolllnl 3 
Marlon Powers 
Juanta'B Ore 
Johnnls Morgan 
Dslla Norella 
Franco ft Beryl 
Cheena de snmone D 
Phyllis Baker 

Paradise Club 
Bardu All Ore 
Wllma Middleton 
Hon I Coles 
Tampa Boys 

Paddock Intl 
Jal Llta 
Jackie Richards 
Viol Cooper • 
Marie KIbbey 
BItz-Carlton 
(Merry Go Bonnd 
Boom) 
Carmen Cavallaro O 
. Traymere Hotel 
(Stratosphere Bm) 
Bill Madden's Oro 
Buddy ft E Coll 
T. K. • Clob 
Alan Gale 
Grace O'Hara 
Bobby Lee 
Evelyn Madison 
Eddie Thomas 
Eddy Blum 
Reds, ft Curley 
Jndy Cummlngs 



Frances Carroll 
Dorothy. Casaler 
Mike Ray Ore 

Showboat 
Girard Ream 
Catherine Wolf Gls 
Dot Landy 
Billy Hamilton 
Harry Taylor 
Pryde ft Doll 
Tiny Harris 

Silver fleet Ina 

Phil Fletcher 
Rao ft Dale 
Chic Xauler 
^lax Levin 
Joe Lenny 
Harry Small 
Joe Scotty 

Silver 'Lake Inn 
Iris Wayne 
Goo Iteed 
Barney ft Longle 
Alice Lucey 
Frank Hessel Oro 

fltnmp's 
Margie Drummond 
Young Sis 
Hal Pfaff Oro 
Jack Griffin 
Stamp Trio 
Black-Eyed Peae 
Lucille Rand 
OOtlt St. Bathskeller 
Billy Chester 
Elaine Ellis 
Paul Allen 
Phyllis Calne 



PHILADELFHIA 



anb Ball 
RamonI Rhumba Bd 



Ore 



Cabin 



Adam ft Jane 
Alan Fielding 
Ball-lovelles 
J ft A DIGianto 
Virginia Ramoa 
Ellsse 
Roy Sedley 

Ben Franklin 
Ralph Eastwood 
Leo.Zollo Ore 
Ellen Mitchell 
Barbara Blane 
Betty & F Roberts 

Birmingham Inn 

(Pemberton, N. Jf.) 
Birmingham Ore 
Jean & R Carney 
Jerry Gordon 
Bob ft Mary 
Maude 4'Maliey 
Gene ft Roberta 
Gibsons (2) 

Cadlllae Tavera 
Harry Dobbs Oro 
Cadlllao Capereltes 
Sally Osborne 
Dimas ft Anita 
2 Dukes ft Duchess 
Henrique ft Adrl'oe 

Carroll;^ 
Charlie Gsjnest Ore 
Dixie Sullivan 
Wllma 
Al Parr 
Hurry Rose 
Jean Lee 
Carrolletles 
Jack Bhaw 
Cedorw'd Log 
(Malaga, N. 
Dale ft Willlaihs 
Ray O'Day 
Cynthia Evans 
Kay Lorraine 
Kay-dets 
Jackie Steers 
Grace Riider 
Virginia Lee 
Eileen Brennan 

Embassy 

Susan Lang 
Aillda ft ChIco 
Johnny Parrlsh 
Chlqulta 

Carlos Reyes Oro 
Evergreen Casino 

Brewsters 
Beth Chains 
Pete Hubino 
Vivian Vance 
Pat Shevlin Ore 

(H Walton Boot) 
Glamour Gls 
Helen Heath 
Earle ft J Leach 
Mary Sawyer 
Adrlenne 
Vera Neva 
Itose Oailo 
Lou Morrison 
Nell Fnntaino 
ChIco ft Chlqulta 
Jam BesHloB 
Geo Verrechia 
Mickey House 
Billy Krelchmer 
nopklns'Rothskeller 
Jimmy VenutI Oro 
Frank Lester 
Joe Compo 
Franchone ft C'ml'le 
Maury Sis 
Agnes Barry 

Llilo Venice 
Jerry Marcelie 
Wallv Vernon 



Marlta 

Roy Harkins 

Paul NefE 

20tb Centnrr 

Stylists . 
Rose VenutI 
Kenny Shaffer Trie 
Marjorle Hyoms 
Weber's Uof Breo 
Camden 
Pen Bannerman 
Jules Placco's Ore 
Marlon 
Eden 2 

Hunt ft Juliette 
Syd Golden 
Pumphandle Trio 
Al Goldecker 
Guardsmen (8) 
Harry Roch 
Jack Smith 
Signer Carmino 
Hatlis'r Bldoradlana 
Dave Plerson 

Wilson'* 
Joe Hough 
Blackle Johnson 
Mary Snyder 
Ruton 
Babs Roth 
George Downey 
Jess Altmlller 
Lou Kearns 
Geo Baquet Oro 
Vncht CInb 
Judy Renault 
MIdehlpman 
Dennis King 
MIml Stewart 
Helen Wilson 



CLEVELAND 



Alpine VlUase 
4 Sydneys 
Blondell Twins 
Gregory ft Raymond 
Bob Cupfor 
Oarl Mueller 
Otto Thurn Oro 
El Ihimpo 
Bob Manners Ore 
Sammy LIpman 
Antoinettes 

Freddie'* Cafe 
Gayls Parker 
Ray Rogers 
Harriet Grant 
Paul ft Thelma 

Gourmet Club 
Eddie Robinson Ore 

Hotel AUerien 
Joe Baldi Ore 

Hotel Carter 
Thlxlon Sprenger 
Ambassadors Ore 

Hotel Olerelaad 
George Duffy Ore 
Hotel Fenway HaO 
Johnny CowglU 



Grant Wilson 

Hotel HoDendea 
Glover ft LaMae 
Doralne ft Bill* 
Bob Ripa 
Sloan ft Gary 
Sorelll 

Sammy Watklas O 

Hotel Statlei 
Jules Duke Ore 

La Conga CInb 
Ramon Arias Oro 

Lindsay'* Skybar 

Jaun Florer 
Pearl de Lucca 
Monaco'* Cafe 

Jimmy Harl* Ore 
Regal Clob 

Duoky Malvtn Oi« 
.8760 Otab 

Art 'West 

Ruth Farrants 

Pat Jordan 

Don Walsh On 



DETROIT 



Carmenclto 
Estelle Sloan 
Marge & Carr 
Danny Versee Oro 
Little Bathskeller 
Muriel Kritlow Dan 
Bradfords 
Victor & Ruth 
De Lloyd McKay 
Jackie Hill 
Leon Fields 
Victor Hugo's Ore 

Uanoa Inn 
Gene Tobln 
Jlidy Lane 
Wade ft Wade 
Caslmlere Gls 
Dot Garcey 
Edythe Sallade 
Frank Cuneo Ore 
Nancy Newell 

Minstrel Taven 
Tony Callazo 
Bd MeGoldrlck. Jr. 
Margie Rose March 
ISIssy GInnle Loftus 
Bd McGoidriRk, Sr 
Helen Marriott 

MeU DIeghaa'* 
Leonard Cooks 
Bob ft B Brown 
Ernie Arno 
Sally La Marr 
Stanley Bros 
Havsnaires (4) 
Ray Hottlnger Ore 
Old ntll* Taven 
Sally Ann 
Billy Hayes' Ore 
Frankle Richardson 
Joan Carez 
Lillian Chaplin 

Open Door Cafe 
Harry McKay 
Jitterbugs 
Sunny Ruy 
Irving Braslow Oro 

Fat-Ji- 'Casino 
Tommy Blonroe 
Idols of Rhythm 
Feacoek GnrdeB* 
(Klng-of-PmMla, 
Pa.) 
Don Lee 
Gil Fitch Ore 
Margie George 
Artie Singer 
Balnbow Terrace 
(StralTord, Fa.) 
Cecil Golly Ore 
Margie Kelly 
Gene Hymsn 
Jimmy Bngler 
Hal Flfer 

Red IIIU Inn 
(Pennsanken, N. J.) 

Julia Cummlngs 
Iris Wayne 
Renaldo 
Warren Phillips 
Murray Ann 

Roman Grills 
Marino ft Devoll 
June Van 
Danny itlchards 
Gloria Dailo 
Peggy La Van 
Rol Parker Oro 
Jimmy ft Danny 
Rendezvous 
(Hold Heniiior) 

Tiny Knye 
Loumclie-Morg'n (3) 

Sam's rafe 

Frank Ponll 
Jack f/Hmont 
Kli-Uan 



Booh-Cadlllae Hold 

(Book Caslae) 
Loren Parsons 
Sanford Mandel 
Barry Wilkinson 

(Motor Bar) 
Vlo Abbs 

Bowery 

Willie Howard 
Carlos ft Van Hem 
Jean RIehey 
Guide 1ft Drsme 
Paddy Clilt 
Arden Dano 
Johnny King 
Chas Carlisle 
Benny Resh Ore 

Casanova 

Glamour Gls (6) 
Daro ft Davl* 
Lowry ft Russell ■ 
Lee Walter Oro 
Club Congo 
Betty St Clalr* 
Gladys Madden 
Alice Lyons 
3 Buds 

Snowball ft Johnny 
3 Aristocrats 
6 Reedettes 
King Perry Oro 
Cork town Tavern 

Billy Meagher 
Do.lly Stirling 
Be'th Farrell 
Ellen Kaye 
Joe B Kern* 
Cole ft Corte . 
• Vesters 
Les Arquette Ore 

Hand'* 
8 Old Timer* 
Manuel Lope* 
London Chop Hoiue 
Tenia ValentI 
Chet Bverhart 
Frank Whitman O 

Clob Mar-Jo 
Paul Regan 
June Carson 
Dancing Dietrich* 
Merrltt Lamb Oro 

Horoeco 
"Gay Nineties' Rev 
Buddy Duray 
Joe Foder Oro - - 
Madelon Baker 

Neblolo'* 
Beth Farrell 
O'Donnel & Loyce 
Estrallita 
Leonard Seel Oro 



Morthwood IBB 
Anita JacobI 
Woods ft Bray 
Harry Schllllns 
Roshee ft Lee 
Ray Carlln Ore 

Olde Wayne Clok 
Dinorah Ore 
Bernlce Bishop 
Hoffman Bros 

Palm Baaeb 
Bob Tolly 
Jame* Howard 
Donna Reece ' 
King ft Roch* 
Darro Bra* 
Don Pablo Oro 
Hack's Bedford laa 
Mao McGraw Ore 

CInb Beyal* 
Jean Travers 
Alberto Sergio 
Daongelo ft Forttr 
John Gallu* . 
Darlene Welder* 
Pamela Brltton 
Don McGrane Ore 
Statler Hotel 
Bande Williams Ore 
Maxlne Tappan 
Baa Diego 
Al Alexander Or* 
Udell ft Days 
Burns Bros 
Dolly Dawd 
Uarya ft Martyn 
The Tropica 
Betty Blair 
Jean Field 
Linda Brnce 
The Friars (3) 
Vincent Bragals Oro 

Verne'* 
Television Revue 
Four Novelteer* 
Dottle Jean 
Alto Fryer Oro 
Whittler Hotel 
(Cold Cob Boom) 
Herman Fine 

Wonder Bar 
Consnelia 
Hy Baron Ore 
Castrilibs Oro 
009 CInb 
Dais Rhodes 

Dl oiovaonr 

Margo Good 
Good ft Goody 
Verne Wilcox 
John ft Jesale Hois 
Olga Ray 

Horace Uouek Ore . 



BOSTON 



Beachcomber 
Harry Morrlssey 
Sandro D'Amex Ore 
Judy Ellington 
La'veme Lupton 

MlBCO 

6 Beachles 
Buster Kelm Rev 

Bllnstmb'e 

Karl Rohde Oro 
Boyd Heathen 
George Ross 
Allen Brown 
Mann & Thgmos 

Cusa Manana 
Al Tory Ore 
David Ballentln* 
Faye "Thomas 
Virginia Melford 8 
Ccaa Manana Gls 

CInb Mayfair 
Ranny Weeks Oro 
Bernle Bennett O 
George Libby Rev 
Julia Barbour 
Dr Marcus 
Pierre ft Rene* 
Doris Abbott 

Club Vanity Fair 
Kai NIra Oro 
Stella Ray 
Jane Miller 
Anno Gray 



Ceceaant Oiove 
Mickey Alport Ore 
Don Rico Oro 
Wally Wanger Rar 
Billy Paine 
Marlailne Francis 
Mata ft Harl 
Amapola Lope* 
Rose Morand 
Jack ft June Blair 
Hassan, 2d 

(Melody Loonge) 
Marjorle Garretsoa 
Herb Lewis 

Crawford Hons* 

Ray Collins Ore 
Miriam Johnson 
Crawfordstte* 
Carole Hall 
Bill Mahoney 
GypCT Nina 
Ralph Jame* 

Fox U nannds 
Hilton Georg* Ore 
Hl-Hai 

Pete Herman Ore 
Lucille Grey 
Frank Petty 

Hotel Bradford. 

(Clrcns Boom) 
Florence Hallman 
Runlds ft Lambert 



(Continued on page 62) 



S8 LEGITIMATE 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



Lew Fields Dies in CaL at 73, 
Joe Weber at His Bedside 



Death of I^w Fields Sunday (20) 
In Beverly Hills marked the passing 
of another personality who rose 
from the lower East Side of New 
York to the lights of Broadway. At 
his bedside was his stage partner 
Joe Weber, and his wife, Rose. 
Diagnosis was pneumonia, although 
it was known that he had a heart 
condition for several years. Fields 
was 73. 

Weber and Fields, along with the 
Rogers Brothers, were among the 
leading Dutch comedians of their 
day. That type of dialect started to 
decline during the first world war. 
Both teams were in vaudeville for 
many years, but it was in musical 
shows that they won stage tame. 
Their stock in trade was to make 
audiences laugh and many a howl 
was provoked by the Weber (Mike) 
and Fields (Myer) choking bit. 

Their stage appearances date back 
to the 1880's, Weber's first partner 
being Joe Fields, no relation to Lew. 
When the latter teamed with Weber, 
Joe Fields hooked up with one of 
the Rogers and in 1885 they formed 
a four-act, known as Weber and 
Fields and Rogers and Fields. Later 
the team of Weber and Fields de- 
veloped not only as comedians but 
as producers. All four started as 
blackface comedians, then through 
accident turned to dialect. 

Duo obtained the Imperial Music 
Hall from Sullivan St Krause and 
changed the name to their's. Season- 
ally they presented revues, a pattern 
ioT shows of the same kind that 
Were expensively presented later 'on 
around Times Square, then regarded 
as being uptown. The formula was 
to burlesque the dramatic hits, hence 
the titles such as 'Under the Red 
Globe,' 'Cyranose' and 'Zasu.' Among 
the other revues at Weber & Fields' 
Music Hall were 'Fiddle-Dee-Dee,' 
'Hoity Toity' and 'Whoa Vass Iss.' 
Their last professional appearance 
together was In the film of Lillian 
Russell's life, about a year ago. 
Stars Were Born 

Names to become famous were in 
the Weber and Fields' revues, such 
as Lillian Russell, David Warfleld, 
Sam Bernard, Pete Dailey, Willie 
Collier, Fay Templeton, Lew Dock- 
Btader, Elsie Janis, Frankie Bailey, 
Bonnie Maginn, Anna Held, Marie 
Dressier, Nora Bayes, Blanche Ring. 
Warfleld and Bernard were low com- 
ics and dialecticians who appeared 
in burlesque and the Eighth avenue 
concert halls, a district that some- 
what rivalled the Bowery. Warfleld, 
however, developed into a dramatic 
actor under the direction of David 
Belasco and starred in such suc- 
cesses as "The Music Master, The 
Auctioneer' and "The Return of 
Peter Grimm.' 

During a lull In their partnership 



Weber cleaned up a fortune with a 
four-person drama, "The Climax,' 
while Fields starred In 'Old Dutch,' 
'Midnight Rounders,' "The Girl Be- 
hind the Counter,' "The Henpecks,' 
'The Great Decide,' 'Summer 
Widowers,' 'Poor Little Ritz Girl.' 
shows, being a favorite rit the Heirald 
Square theatre. One of his most 
successful managerial ventures was 
with Vincent Youmans, they pre- 
senting 'Hit the Deck.' 'A Connecti- 
cut Yankee,' with Lyle Andrews as 
his partner, was another hit. Less 
successful were 'Present Arms' and 
'Hello Daddy.' There were periods 
when Fields earned big money in 
the theatre, but he liked to take a 
chance on the horses and roulette. 

Three of Fields' children have won 
attention in the fleld of amusements 
on the writing endj Dorothy Fields 
has contributed the lyrics to any 
nnmber of pop song successes, in- 
cluding the score of the first 'Black- 
birds,' written with Jimmy McHugh. 
Herbert Fields has been writing on 
the Coast and his most recent musi- 
cal comedy books were for 'DuBarry 
Was a Lady' and 'Panama Hattie' 
(46th Street, N. Y.). Joseph Fields 
collaborated on 'My Sister Eileen' 
(Biltmore, N. Y.) with Ed Chodorov. 
Fields' widow and another daughter, 
not connected with show business, 
also survive. 



Cremated 

Los Angeles, July 22. 

Private services, attended only by 
family and Joe Weber, were held 
here yesterday (Monday) morning 
for Lew Fields. Cremation followed 
per his wishes and ashes are to be 
taken east by his widow and placed 
in family vault in Union Field Ceme- 
tery, New York. 

Fields came to the Coast seven 
years ago and appeared in many pic- 
tures. He was fairly active in the- 
atrical aflairs up to his illness and 
rarely missed special nights at 
Masquers. 



Lynchburg, Va., July 22. 

Bob Porterfield's strawhat has 
taken a jaunt almost halfway across 
Virginia. Moved recently from 
longtime Barter theatre locale at 
Abingdon to HoUins College to be- 
gin a series of summer shows. 

Initial offering had Conrad Nagel 
directing and as a player in 'Petri- 
fied Forest.' His daughter, Ruth, 
was also in a lead role. Three other 
pieces are scheduled by Barter group 
at Hollins under auspices of college's 
alumnae association. 




Cnrrent Road Shows 

(July 73-Aug. 2) 



'Accent on Tontii' (Sylvia Sidney, 
Luther Adler) — Garden Pier, At- 
lantic City (29-3). 

'Cabin in the Sky* (Ethel Waters) 
—Biltmore, Los Angeles (23-2). 

'Charley's Annt' (I%U Baker)— 
Garden Pier, Atlantic City (23-27); 
Studebaker, Chicago (29-2). 

'Hellsapoppln' — Erianger, Chicago 
(23-2). 

'Her Cardboard Lover' (Tallulah 
Bankhead) — Brighton, Brighton 
Beach, N. Y. (23-26). 

•Johnny Belinda' — Brighton, 
Brighton Beach, N. Y. (28-2). 

'Jomp for Joy' (Duke Ellington)— 
Mayan, Los Angeles (23-2). 

•Life With Father' (Dorothy Gish) 
—Cass, Detroit (23-2). 

'Man Who Came to Dinner' — 
Windsor, Bronx, N. Y. (23-27); Flat 
bush, Brooklyn (29-S). , 

Itty Sister Eileen'— Harris, Chicago 
(23-2). 

'Native Son'— Maplewood,. Maple- 
wood, N. J. (28-2). .. 

'bid Aoqnalntance* (Jane Cowl, 
Peggy Wood)— Maplewood, Maple 
wood, N. J. (23-26). " " 

•Bain' Lenore ' XHrlc)— Flatbush, 
Brooklyn (23-27). 

'Vinegar Tree' (Billie Burke)— El 
Capitan, Holywood (23-2). 



NORMAN 



HARRIS 



and 
SYLVIA 



SHORE 

Camntly 
BAL TABASIN 
SAM FRANCISCO 
Maiio»«m«ntt WM. KENT 
Vflt Broadway New Zvk 



SAMUEL FBENCH 

8IN0E IBM 

AUTHORS' REPRCtlNT/tTIVE 
noa Im SUh, Rwhi tat tuHt 

is WmI *SV, WrMt Nn Vwk 
■II Wot Ttt SlMt IM Aawlw 



Sammer Premieres 

(July 23-Aw£r..2) 

l/lttle Dark Horse,' Theresa Hel 
burn's adaptation of Andre Birabeau 
original, at Country playhouse. West- 
port, Conn, (23-26). 

'Curtain Going Up' ('Comedienne') 
by Ivor Novello, with Constance Col- 
lier, at Cape playhouse, Dennis, Mass 
(23-26). 

'Strictly for Sweeney,' by Rita 
Ford, at Pine Grove playhouse, Cam- 
bridge Springs, Pa. (23-26). 

Untitled ptoy, by Jean Archibald, 
at Theatre-ln-the Dale, New Mil 
ford, Conn. (30-2). 



Added Snmnier Theatres 

(Equity-Bonded Only) 

Yardley Drama Festival, Yardley, 
Pa.— Nat Bums. 

Saratoga Players, Saratoga Springs, 
N. Y.— Ted Hammersteln (formerly 



Face to Face 



Unusual family reunion took 
place this week at the Hunter- 
don County Playhouse, Jutland, 
N. J., when two sisters who 
hadn't seen each other for 12 
years were cast in the same play. 

Gals are Veronica and Helena 
Fredericks. Veronica has lived 
in New York and Helena in Hoi-" 
lywood. Closest they had come 
together since 1929 was passing 
In trains going in opposite di- 
rections. 



MOSS HART BIG 
B.O. IN DENNIS 



Dennis, Mass., July 22. 
The Man Who Came to Dinner,' 
with Moss Hart in the title part, 
grossed $6,248 here last week. That 
establishes the top takings for the 
third week of the season, since the 
Cape Playhouse opened in 1927. 

Richard Aldrich, who Is operating 
the summer spot, reports that the 
first two weeks were 20% ahead^of 
last season and that subscriptions are 
30% bigger. 



Barter Moves 



Hedgerow's Shaw Festival 

Philadelphia, July 22. 

The Hedgerow theatre. Rose Val- 
ley, Pa., opened its eighth annual 
George Bernard Shaw festival this 
week (21), with the schedule run- 
ning to Aug. 2. The series opened 
with 'Candida'— the play which 
opened the house 18 years ago. 

Feature of the festival will be 
Hedgerow's first production of 'Back 
to Methusaleh,' on July 26, Shaw's 
birthday.- Only two parts of the five 
plays under this title will be pro- 
duced this season, 'In the Beginning* 
and "The Gospel of the Brothers 
Barnabas.' 



Cromwell Gnestlng 

Cleveland, July 22. 

John Cromwell is guest-headlining 
current strawhat production at 
Western Reserve U. theatre. 

Cromwell is appearing in 'Haste to 
the Wedding,' new version of 
Labiche's 19th Ontury^ farce origi- 
nally tagged 'Italian Straw Hat.' 



Dixie Strawbat's Big B.O. 

Hendersonville, N. C, Jvi^^SX-^. 

•Theatre of the Fifteen,' producing 
summer stock at Old Mill Playhouse 
here, is no sneeze at boxoflice. With 
strawhats scarce in Dixie, patrons 
are coming far,' some of them more 
than 100 miles, to pay 65c to $1.10 
for a gtinder' at drama. 

Current is 'The Importance of Be- 
ing Earnest,' set for tomorrow (Wed). 
Ibsen's 'Hedda Gabler' opens follow- 
ing day. 



Ann Corlo Recopes 

Fitchburg, Mas., July 22. 

Ann Corio, recovering from foot 
Injury suffered several weeks ago, 
will returh to stage July 28 at Lake 
Whalom strawhatter in 'The Barker.' 

House at Whalom, under direction 
of Guy Palmerton, opened this week 
with 'No.* No Nanette.' Evelyn Daw 
has lead, supported by Frank Lyon, 
Sheila Bromley and Louise Kirtland. 



Spa theatre, operated by Hope Law- 
der). 

Garden Pier, Atlantic City.— Jules 
J. Leventhal. 

Toledo Civic Opera Assn., Toledo, 
O.— John W .Ehrle. 

Michiana Shores (Ind.) Summer 
theatre— M. MacMahill. 
Louisville Stock Co. — Shuberts. 
Glen Hock (N. J.) playhouse— Paul 
Vroom. 

Hunterdon Hills (N. J.) playhouse 
—lone Houtaine. 

Brattleboro (Vt.) playhouse- 
Hairy Young. 



Inside Stuff-Legit 



Last week Oscar Serlin announced that Margalo GUlmore would re- 
place Lillian Gish in the Chicago company of 'Life With Father,' which 
tours next season. She will play opposite Percy Waram, who had the 
title part with Miss Gish. Miss GUlmore and Waram will step into the 
New York cast at the Empire during August, when Howard Lindsay and 
Dorothy Stickney take a vacation. 

It was not much of a secret that Miss Gish would not remain with 
'Father' after the Chicago run. Management took exception to her po- 
litical activity there. She took the Isolationist side in the local agitation 
against the Government's policy in the war crisis/ 

It was planned to shift the Chi company to Detroit for the summer. 
Suddenly the Philadelphia company, headed by Dorothy Gish and Iiouis 
Calhern, was sent there. Mai^agement Is said to have figured that the 
play's chances might be impaired in Detroit because of the Chicago agi- 
tation in which Lillian Gish figured. It was explained that the shifting 
of companies was brought about because she planned going to the. Coast 
for a picture assignment, but she is not known to have gone west. 



'Crazy With the Heat' having washed up as a unit, the book is 'closed 
on an unusual experiment with one of last season's flop revues. Estimated 
red was $160,000, including the showings in vaude theatres. Show opened 
at the 44th Street, N. Y., was withdrawn in 10 days after being panned, 
but relighted when Ed Sullivan and several others took over 'Heat.' Daily 
News columnist's group is said to have put up $20,000, Sullivan being con- 
vinced that the show could be put across. By reducing the operating nut 
'Heat' played for some time, then was converted into a unit. 

Understood the vaude bookings were profitable, but not enough for 
Sullivan to win back the investment. Revue was the maiden production 
of Kurt Kaszner, young Viennese showman. He has closed his office and 
mentions a Coast assignment, also planning another show on Broadway 
next season. 

Sullivan winds up some $4,000 in the red. He has a $2,600 lien on the 
costumes and scenery, which may get around $1,000 at forced sale. 



Moss Hart, who appeared In the leading part In 'The Man Who Came 
to Dinner' at - Dennis, Cape Cod, last week, drew press attention in a 
number of Massachusetts dailies. In the Standard-Times, New Bedford, 
he is described as looking sa'tanic with small mustache and beard. As^ for 
the show. It was regarded as 'that brash and howling farce,' also rated 
the best farce of the season, even though it is early in the season to 'fling 
such superlatives.' 

* 

Previously Hart had been interviewed and was asked why he wished to 
appear in the play. He answered: 'I lost my mind, now here I am in 
agony.' 



A. Edward Goldberg, who is operating the Brighton Beach theatre, 
should find out whether the resort's visitors will support legit this week, 
attraction being Tallulah Ba^ikhead In 'Her Cardboard Lover.' Spot's 
summer start went quite in the red with ITie Gay Divorce,' 'The Gorilla' 
and 'Mr. and Mrs. North.' Goldberg also has the house in Cedarhurst, L. I., 
which is reported faring somewhat better. 

While the brace of houses means two weeks booking, he had to guaran- 
tee a minimum of three weeks to the Shuberts before getting, the rights 
to 'Divorce.' Buster Keaton was brought from the Coast under a two 
weeks contract at $500 weekly, plus transportation, but business for 
'Gorilla' and 'North' in which he appeared was disappointing. 



Secretary of War Henry Stimson 'cast' the -drawee of the first number 
of the second selective draft by having Sergeant Robert Shackleton, mu- 
sical comedy tenor, now at Fort Dix, do the drawing. There was no pub- 
licity on Shackleton's photogenic appeal or show biz background until the 
ensuing Sunday's broadcast by WOR-Mutual from Fort Dix, emphasizing 
Shackleton's career with 'Keep Off the Grass,' 'Very Warm for May,' etc. 
He did 'All the t^hhigs You Are' from the latter musical as part of the 
radio program. 



'Bait for a Tiger,' which Bayard Veiller wrote_as a melodrama, is be- 
ing novelized by him after managers nixed it in script form. Novel will 
be published by Reynal & Hitchcock and it is possible that it will later be 
adapted for the stage, probably by another dramatist. 



Legit Followup 



'IT HAPPENS ON ICE' 

•■■ - At • $1:65 Mop- here's- -this -best ■ legit 
buy in the Broadway area. Replete 
with tuneful music, good comedy, 
dazzling costumes and expert skating 
by a large troupe, the Sonja Henie- 
Arthur Wlrtz produftion, 'It Happens 
on Ice,' has returned to the Center 
theatre. New York, after a month's 
respite, with even more zest, if that's 
possible, than its excellent prede- 
cessor. 

Two new featured personalities 
make their debuts with the show, 
the. singing June Forrest and the 
barrel-jumping Georg Von Birgelem. 
They're socko additions, particularly 
the Swiss jumper, who. In lieu of 
the hooped lumber, uses a chair, 
with Buster Grace, one of the Four 
Bruises, lending comedy values to 
the act. 

For laugh honors it's pretty nearly 
an even spilt between the Four 
Bruises and Freddie Trenkler. Their 
slapstick stuff remains among the 
high spots in the show. 

Skippy Baxter and Hedi Stenuf 
still excel with their ballet-type 
skating, with the 'Legend of the 
Lake' number outstanding among 
their duet numbers. 

Betty Atkinson, baton-twirler, 
whos also in a straight dance-skat- 
mg speciaUy with Charles Hain; 
Betty Jane Yeo, cute dance-skater; 
La Verne, rhythm skater; Fritz Dietl, 
on stilts; Jack Kilty, singer, and Dor- 
othy Allan, who also sings, go over 
also, among others. 

Al StiUman's and Fred E. Ahlert's 
tune, 'Between You and Me and the 
Lamp Post,' in which Kilty and Miss 
Forrest pair, remains one of the 
show's boff tunes. Ditto 'The Moon 
Fell in the River' (MltcheU Parrish- 
Peter DeRose). Naka. 



Strawhat Plays 



FAMILY HONEYMOON 

"" Skbwhegdri, "Me'.. July 19. 

Comedy In tlirco acts (two bcciics). 
adapted by Owen Davin from Homer Croy 
novel: gtaged by Melville Burke, with- sot- 
tlngrd by Chnrlee Perklne and Clarence 
Henderson, rreaentcd by Lakewonil the- 
atre. Skowhcgan, Me., July H-JO. '41. 
$1.10 top. 

Aunt Jo Flora Campbell 

Phylllii Ollle Durgoyne 

Abner Kenneth Cn.iey 

Cbarlle nobert I.ce 

Zocy ..Joyce Van Pntien 

Maude Patriclu Roe 

Hetty Armelrong.k Barbara nobblna 

Prof. Oram Jordan' Russell Unnllo 

Bill ArniKtronK Owen Davis, .Tr. 

Rev. Horace Miller ;..Owen Coll 

Marmaduke nrant MlUe 

Miss Joan Jason Margaret Itamlltim 

Mr. Broody Allan Toiver 

This is the 15th play by Owen 
Davis to be presented at Lakewood 
since 1931, and the ninth' tryout. 
Author happens to have been bo'"" 
In Bangor, Me., which was also origi- 
nal stamping ground of Herbert L. 
Swett, manager and principal owner 
of the Lakewood enterprises, and the 
two are said to have been play- 
mates there in 1891. Swett's choice 
of 'Family Honeymoon' as outfit's 
sole tryout for 1941 may therefore 
have been animated by friendly re- 
gard and generosity, which is surely 
laudable. But can Vinton Freedley, 
who has read the script and wit- 
nessed its production here (and who 
wasn't around Bangor, Me., in .1891), 
be serious when he says that he in- 
tends to bring it to Broadway later 
in the season? 

'Honeymoon' Is a variation on the 
Enoch Arden theme. This time the 
super-masculine errant husband, who 
arrives home on the eve of his aban- 
doned wife's marriage to a professor 
of horticulture, fails to regain his 
former status at bed and board de- 
(Contlnued on page 60) 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



USGimiAtB 



S9 



How Did Some Agencies Dod Tax 
Rap?; Speculation Rife on Fed Action 



Recent levy of fines against 17 
Broadway ticket brokers has aroused 
a number ot speculative guesses as 
to why the federal authorities 
cracked down on thfe agency men. 
They pleaded guilty of not stamping 
tickets ordered by them by tele- 
phone, their reason for pursuing 
that course being that had they con- 
stested the proceedings they might 
have fac^d more severe penalties. 
Iiaw provides a maximum fine of 
$100 for each ticket not - stamped 
with the broker's name and the 
amount paid by the customer. 

The fines were stifl enough and 
most of those Involved said they did 
not have the ready cash to pay. 
Court has permitted the brokers to 
remit the fines In part each month. 
What is not understood is that in- 
formation was not lodged against all 
brokers, because all sell at the last 
minute by issuing orders on the 
boxoflice. 

Two'' of the leading agencies were 
not summoned to Court One is said 
to have placed the matter before the 
tax division head in Washington and 
explained that the law could not be 
strictly adhered to when tickets are 
filled by phone. Another stated 
that the orders for tickets so sold are 
stamped -with the price paid and 
sent to the boxoflice. Some of those 
fined claimed to have followed the- 
same procedure, however. 

One .theory why the agencies 
we're punished is alleged chiseling 
on tickets for the Louis-Conn fight. 
That was not brought out in court, 
the non-stamping charge alone be- 
ing considered. 

There is provision in the ticket 
code (managers-Equity) which may 
have prevented the brokers' latest 
involvement It was designed to 
correct the apparent flaw in the tax 
law and calls for triplicates when 
tickets are ordered by phone, one 
copy to be retained by the boxoflice 
for checklng-up purposes by the 
code people or Government Agen- 
cies declined to use ~lhe triplicate 
system. ' 

Three more ticket brokers pleaded 
guilty to Government charges of fail- 
ure to fix prices on theatre tickets 
and were fined a total of $950 'in 
federal court, N.Y., Monday (21). 
Judge Louie Strimi fixed the fines. 

Brokers were Joseph Goldhart, 
doing business as the Joey Gold 
Theatre Ticket Service, Inc., $250; 
Louis Cohn's Theatre Ticket Office, 
Inc., $500; and Michael Atlas and 
Walter Friedman, as the Acme Thea- 
tre Ticket Office, Inc., $200. 



Dressing Up Hellz' 



Road company of Hellzapoppin,' 
which Is winding up in Chicago after 
another week, wUl be dolled up with 
new settings and costumes for the 
Coast showings of the Olsen and 
Johnson revue. Harry Kaufman has 
gone to Chi for the purpose of re- 
furbishing the show, which headed 
by Eddie Garr and Billy House, 
opens in Los Angeles Aug. 4. 

Show drew sensational business on 
the road before entering Chicago. 
Business In the latter stand, while 
profitable, was considerably under 
previous gross levels. 



ABBOn BLAMES H'WOOD 
FOR TAL JOEY' CLOSING 



'Pal Joey,' one of the musicals ex- 
pected to tour next season, will not 
go to the road, according to tiie an- 
nouncement by Its producer George 
Abbott early this week. He blames 
Hollywood, naming David Selznick 
for engaging Gene Kelly, one of the 
leads, and claims that he does not 
care to present the show out of town 
sans the original cast. Also opined 
that the show's chances with re- 
placements are too risky. 

Managers complaining about the 
Coast making inroads on Broadway 
talent was formerly a general 
squawk, but in recent seasons it has 
rarely been heard due to the flow 
of players back and forth. 

'Joey' is figured to terminate its 
run at the Barrymore, N. Y., early 
in Septemlier, since June Havoc and 
Jack Durant also have Hollywood 
assignments. Both, however, would 
be available for a 'Joey' tour, which 
was slated to start in October. 

In the early months 'Joey' aver- 
aged $22,000 weekly. It cost around 
$80,000 to produce, the investment 
having been earned back early in the 
spring. Business recently dropped 
to around $14,000. 



Selnlck'a 'Anna Christie' 

San Francisco, July 22. 

David O. Selznick is listed as pro- 
ducer of 'Anna Christie,' set for two 
weeks at the Curran starting Aug. 4 
with Ingrid Bergman and J. Edward 
Bromberg as cast toppers. 

Company will break in at Santa 
Barbara. 



Shoberts Add 3 More 
Broadway Theatres; 
2-Yr. Deal Starts SepL 1 



The Shuberts have added three 
more theatres to their Broadway 
booking string, houses being the St. 
James, 44th Street and Forrest First 
two named are' owned by the Astor 
Estate and were operated by the late 
Boris Said. Deal, understood to call 
for the Shuberts guaranteeing the 
fixed charges and splitting the profits 
50-50, 'is for a two-year term start- 
ing Sept 1. 

As they own the Shubert and 
Broadhurst, plus operating the Ma- 
jestic on percentage, the Shuberts 
will have every theatre on west 44th 
street, including the Bayes, an un- 
used roof spot, with the exception 
ot the Little. Latter is owned by 
the New York Times. AU the houses 
named are between Broadway and 
Eighth avenue. East of Broadway 
on the same street the Shuberts con- 
trol the Belasco and Hudson. 

Forrest has been in bank hands for 
some years. It last housed 'Tobacco 
Road,' which piled up the bulk of 
its record rtm there imder a straight 
rental deal. 



ARCH SEWYN MAPS 
LONDON WAR PLAY 



Arch Selwyn, inactive as a legit 
producer for several years. Is plan- 
ning a comedy-drama based on Eng- 
land's -war plight for this coming 
season. Play is as yet untitled. 

Edmund Gwenn will head the cast. 

Max Gordon also has been mull- 
ing a London-under-flre drama. 



Demands By Scenic Union Hold Up 
Production of Broadway Shows 



REVIVAL OF TCE' 
A SURPRISE CUCK 



It Happens on Ice' resumed for the 
second time at the Center, N. Y., 
Tuesday (15) last week and to the 
surprise of the front of the house 
the rink revue turned 'em away. 
Lowering of the ticket scale to $1.65 
from $a.7B la believed to be the main 
factor In the draw, which continued 
excellent through 'the balance of the 
week. Gross in seven times was 
$17,000, with indications that a high- 
er level will be reached this week. 
Highest figure possible at the new 
scale Is. around $29,000. When Tee' 
first opened It could get double that 
amount. 

Other factors in the furprlslng at- 
tendance for • show that went off 
twice before Is Its proximity to the 
Music Hall and Radio City, mecca of 
tourists. A tie-up with travel agencies 
is helping, too. 

Virtually all ticket sales except 
those by tourist agencies, are direct- 
ly at the b.o. Most popular in de- 
mand are tickets priced at $1.10, call 
for 55c being second, while those at 
$1.65 are disposed of last 'Ice' origi- 
nally played 22 weeks, going on for 
a month and then-^relighting for 12 
weeks. Relighting places a flock of 
people on the payroll, there being 
104 on the stage, -a fairly large crew, 
20 in the pit besides boxoffice staff, 
ushers and managers. 

'Ice' will resume Sunday after- 
noons, having scratched Sunday 
nights before shutting down. As the 
Beautiful People' remained lighted 
after announcing to close, there are 
also two Sunday night jperformances, 
the other being 'Separate Rooms.' 



Saroyan Changes 
Mind, So Teople 
Remaining Open 



Early last week WilUam Saroyan 
ordered the 'last week' advertised 
for The Beautiful People,' Lyceum, 
N. Y., but by Wednesday (16) he 
changed his mind, so it Is still play- 
ing. In fact, he changed it three 
times, liberally patronizing the com- 
munications systems from his re- 
treat near San Francisco. He re- 
scinded the offer to return the price 
of tickets to those who didn't like 
the play and, virtually at the same 
time, accepted the players' offer to 
take a salary cut 

Idea of the cast getting reduced 
pay was abhorrent to Saroyan, hut 
the actors asked him to listen to 
their side of it — they wanted the 
show to continue and wished to do 
their bit if necessary, so he relented. 
However, the cut didn't apply last 
week after all, because the gross 
went to $4,000 and the slice is to ap- 
ply only if takings are less than that 
modest legit figure. Improvement in 
attendance was okay as to percent- 
age but not real sugar, though it en- 
couraged the staff io believe the 
show will continue through sum- 
mer. 

Kick-back to the customers at- 
tracted attention to 'People' and the 
second week of 'money back and no 
questions asked' had the boxoflice 
guessing if the whole house would 
not eventually ask for the refund', 
for one evening $50 was returned. 
Thereafter requests for the mon^ 
back declined steadily. Thursday 
(17) only one 55c ticket was re- 
funded, that being the day when the 
show advertised that the stunt was 
over. Next night not a, solo kick' 
back was sought No money was 
obtainable on tickets purchased that 
day, reverse side being stamped 'No 
Refund; William Saroyan' but it did 
apply on tickets~~lhat had been 
bought in advance. It cost more 
money to advertise the refund than 
the actual amount of money re- 
funded, which amounted to $390, the 
average being $20 per performance 
for 17 performances. 

Around the front of the house 
Saroyan stands aces. The show is 
still open and while the author 
manager had them dizzy for a time, 
they keep on smiling at his stunts. 



Darst Quits SL L And 

St Louis, July 22. 
James E. Darst last week resigned 
as manager of the $7,000,000 Munici- 
pal Auditorium, a post he held since 
Dec. 1, 1933, and will enter the bev- 
erage business. Darst received a 
salary of $6,000 per year. 

If the Auditorium Commission does 
not select Darst's succtoor by Aug. 
1, Julius Karty, former manager of 
thtf shuttered Shubert-Rialto (legit) 
theatre here, will become acting 
manager. Karty, at $4,000 per year, 
is now assistant manager. 



Meehan, Morris Will 
Shuffle Back to B'way 



Hollywood, July 22. 

A pair of Broadwayites who de- 
serted the boards a dozen years ago 
for a fling at pictures will be back 
among the foots this fall They are 
John Meehan, Sr., who will produce 
'Friend for a Nickel,' and Chester 
Morris, who'll star in the piece. 

Authors of the homecoming vehi- 
cle are John Meehan, Jr., and Claude 
Stroud, of the vaudevilllan twins. 



Harris' Will Gives Beriin 
Control of Mnsic Box, 
Negating Shuberts' End 

During the week the three stock- 
holder interests of the Music Box, 
N. Y., will meet for the purpose of 
agreeing on the policy of theatre, 
operated by the late Sam H. Harris. 
It is beUeved the theatre will be 
continued, along the same lines as 
previously, by the executors, Mrs. 
Kathleen 'China' Harris, widow, Irv- 
ing Berlin and Dennis F. O'Brien. 

Berlin, the Shuberts and the estate 
of Harris have one-third each of the 



Some production contracts for the 
new season are reported being held 
up because of demand by the icenl* 
artists union, while a related situa- 
tion has the oostumers in a dither 
over wage increase demands. Scenic 
artists insist that a costume adviser 
be engaged for every production, 
whether a straight play or not While 
costume designers and 'advisers' arc 
members of the scenic union, it is 
the costume workers, who do the 
needle work, who have steamed up 
the costumer shop owners. It la 
alluded to as a rump union. 

Managers have been resisting the 
idea of an adviser on clothes, espe- 
cially for straight plays. They see 
no reason for an 'adviser* when only 
ordinary dressing is required. Scenic 
people are insistent so far. Minimum 
is the engagement of an adviser for 
one week at $75 pay. 

Managers asked the logic of such 
a rule. They asked if such an ad- 
viser was necessary for a show such 
as "Tobacqo Road' and. received the 
bland reply, 'there is an art in dirty- 
ing clothes.' 

Theatrical Costumer Assn., far from 
accord last week, are now reported 
making progress on a new scale. Cos- 
tumers claimed the increases sought 
and limitation on work hours would 
jump the cost 40% and would tend to 
limit the number of tatusical produc- 
tions, therefore affecting employment 
of stagehands, musicians and others. 

Stated that the costumers have not 
fared any too well in recent seasons, 



Music Box. It became known that 

the Shuberts posted their stock in | four having gone through financial 



Harry Brown Quits Nixon, 
Pitt, After 25 Years 

Pittsburgh, July 22. 
Harry Brown, manager of the 
Nixon here since 1916, is leaving that 
post Sept. 1 to make room for Sam 
Nixon, owner of the house and also 
the office building in which it is 
located. Brown's successor is the 
grandson of the late Samuel F. 
Nixon, who built the local playhouse 
in 1803. 

Brown has been with the Nixon- 
Erlanger firm for 36 years. He has 
no plans for Vhe future, but will 
probably remain in Pittsburgh, 
where a number of his sons are lo- 
cated, most of them in managerial 
capacities for Warner Bros. 

'Sinclair Lewis Festival' 

Stony Creek, Conn., July 22. 

Ronald T. Hammond's playhouse 
here will offer a two-week session 
of 'Sinclair Lewis Festival,' starting 
with current appearance of novelist 
in 'My Dear Children.' 

For second week (July 28) Lewis 
wiU stage his own play, 'Angela Is 
22.' Shift in schedule necessitates 
switch of premiere of Richard Hep- 
burn's 'Love Like Wildfire' from July 
28 to Aug. 4. 



the Music Box with the Reconstruc- 
tion Finance Corp. several years 
ago, along with other collateral,' 
when securing a loan, said to be up- 
wards of $500,000. That does not 
impair the voting power, however. 

Harris' will stipulates that the ex- 
ecutors give Berlin the prior right 
to acquire his estate's interest in the 
theatre for a fair value, "they are 
also instructed to vote Harris' stock 
as Berlin may direct That would 
Indicate that Harris-Berlin control 
of the property is to be continued, 
with the Shuberts continuing mostly 
as stockholders. 

There is no definite estimate of 
the value of the Harris estate. It's 
belived that, while the showman was 
substantially well off, his estate will 
probably not be as large as expected 
in some quarters. Despite the string 
of successes, in recent seasons his 
investments did not i>an out so weU. 
Known that he lost heavily in the 
Silver Rod chain drug (tores, one 
of which was located on Broadway 
near 46th street Harris became in- 
terested in the venture through the 
advice of the Marx brothers. Re- 
vealed, too, that Harris was inter- 
ested In two mines, one in California 
and the other in Nevada. No clear 
idea of their value has been ob- 
tained so far. Understood that iAt 
California mine, operated by bis 
friend, D. Walter Haggerty, shows an 
annual profit. Haggerty has favored 
expanding the property and most of 
the profits have been put to such 
use. 

Under the statutes, the widow has 
the right to accept one-half of the 
assets or the residuary estate re- 
maining after the bequests are paidi 
she having six months within which 
to make the decision. 

Virtually decided that Gordon will 
produce the Kaufman-Edna Ferber 
play, which was to have been first 
on Harris' production schedule next 
season.' Gordon has moved his of- 
fices to the Lyceuiq, where Kauf- 
man and the Harris press office are 
also quartered. .Kaufman is prepar- 
ing 'Mr. Big,' to be presented on his 
own, though the show is the subject 
of legal proceedings filed by Lee 
Shubert. Author is not essentially 
a producer, but has done the casting 
and direction of most of his shows. 



reorganization last falL They sug- 
gested that the dispute with the 
workers be adjusted by the state 
mediation board but allege the union 
sidestepped that solution. 



Equity Names Group 

On Basic Contract 

Committee to represent Equity in 
conferences with League of New 
York Theatres regarding terms for 
renewal of the present basic contract 
covering Broadway shows was ap 
pointed yesterday (Tuesday) by' the 
association's council. It consist^ of 
Bert Lytell, Paul Turner, Rebecca 
Brownstein, Walter Greaza, Paul 
DuUzell and John Lorenz. 

League committee will be named 
within a few days and the confabs 
will probably start in a week or t'vo. 



MYSTERY: HOW DID 
SAM GERSDN GO BROKE? 



One of the current mysteries of 
show business is how Sam Gerson, 
(^icago representative for the Shu- 
berts, went broke. Latest estimata 
of his liabilities Is around $200,000, 
but the disposition of only part of the 
money has been explained. Last 
week G. Eldrldge Hamlin and John 
Schreiber were in New York to make 
arrangements to book the Grand, 
Chi, which Gerson leased, 'and It is 
understood the house 'will be sup- 
plied with Aows by the United 
Booking Office, 

According to inside reports from 
Chi, when Gerson took over the 
Grand he assumed responsibility for 
$46,000 in back rent' claimed to be 
owed the Hamlin estate by the 
Shuberts, who had been operating 
the house. Why the Haj^ios .ac- 
cepted that arrangement is part of 
the mystery, but explains why the 
estate declined to consider leasing 
the Grand to the Shuberts again. 
I<atter are part of the UBO along 
with the Erianger Interests, but the 
Grand is an important Loop spot in 
handlihg next season's bookings. 

'Arsenic and Old Lace,' which 
ended its run at the Grand partly to 
avoid further involvement when 
Gerson became bankrupt was paid off 
short on the' final week, $2,000 in 
tickets sold in advance not being ac- 
counted for. Amount lost by the 
show was its share ot that sum. Mon- 
day after 'Arsenic' dosed, around 15 
attachments were placed against the 
theatre and contents. 



Ingrid Bergman For 

'Christie' Rerival 



Ingrid Bergman 'will play the title 
part in a revival of 'Anna Christie' 
at the Maplewood (N, J.) theatre the 
week of Sept 1 and, If the show 
looks promising, for a subsequent 
tour. It is possible the drama wHl be 
among the fall presentations on 
Broadway. Last season started with 
several revivals ffom the summer 
show-shops and remained for goodly 
engagements. 

Cheryl Crawford, who will sponsor 
the strawhat and road dates, re- 
ceived Equity permission yesterday 
(Tuesday) for appearance of the 
alien actress in Eugene O'Neill's 



60 



f^ARIETT 



weanesoa^, juj «i>, 1V41 



6 way Legit Steady; Ice' Good 
$17.0l)0mRepeat:Tatfaer;i3y2G.Up 



No further business declines were 
registered, wHile some shows again 
picked up. Generally better at- 
tendance is anticipated tor balance 
of summer. There are 12 shows, two 
more than same weelc last July. 
Estimates for Last Week 
Key: C (Comedy), D (DrajTia), R 
(Reuue), M (Musical), F (Farce), 
O (.Operetta). 

'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Fulton 
(28th week) (CD-938; $3.30V Sold 
out nearly all performances last 
week, with only Saturday matinee 
seeing empties; more than $16,000. 

'Claudia,* Booth (23d week) (C-712; 
*3.30). Proving its class by playing 
to consistently profitable business; 
fated around $9,000 level and should 
extend into fall period. 

'Hellzapoppin,' Winter Garden 
(148th week) (R-1,671; $3.30). May 
stay until 'Crazy House' is ready and 
that Is two months or more away; 
estimated around $16,000. 

'It Happens on Ice,' Center (second 
repeat engagement) (1st week) (R- 
3,027; $1.65). Resumed last week and 
In seven performances gross close to 
$17,000; very good at reduced scale; 
getting visitor support. 

'Lite With Father,' Empire (8Sth 
week) (C-1,006; $3.30). Again im- 
proved and prediction of stay into 
next winter looks bright; quoted at 
nearly $13,500. 

'My Sister Eileen,' Biltmore (30th 
week) (CD-991; $3.30). Held its 
mid-summer form lirith takings 
at'ound $9,500; good enough winner 
at the level for both house and show. 

'Pal Joey,' Barrymore (30th week) 
(M-1,104; $4.40). Around the $14,000 
level or slightly more. Figured to 
play into early September, but 
doubtful thereafter; won't tour. 

'Panama HaUle.' 46th St. (38th 
week) (M-1,347; S4.40). Picked up 
about 10%, with the gross estimated 
at $22,000 or bit more; length of stay 
not indicated for present top-grosser. 

'Separate Rooms,' Plymouth (69th 
weekV (C-1,107; $3.30). CTaira that 
stay would span second summer is 
proving correct; around $4,000, with 
some profit earned. 

The Beantitol People.' Lyceum 
(12th week) (C-1,004; W;30). Re- 
mained lighted after advertising to 
close last week; picked up to better 
$4,000, Which get3 It by. 

The Com Is Green,' National (34th 
week) (D-1,162; $3.30). Although 
considerably under winter and spring 
pace, run may hold over Into new 
season; $9,000 approximated. 

'Watch on the Bhlne/ Beck (16th 
week) (D-1,214; $3.30). Best grosser 



Strawhat Plays 



=Contlnucd from page 58; 



FAMILY HONEYMOON 



spite much display of rippling biceps 
and harum-scarum charm. Wife 
marries amiable prof, but it doesn't 
end there. Second act is laid in 
bridal suite of rural hostelry, to 
which newlyweds have hied, trailed 
by bride's four children, their dog 
and a colored maid. Of course, the 
frustrated Enoch blows in, armed in 
this version with not only a monkey- 
wrench, but with former wife's only- 
too-willing sister. And of course 
the inn has a prissy landlady and an 
earthy houseboy. What ensues must 
constitute the most prolonged and 
weirdly insensate run of .off-color 
lines ever authored by a writer to 
the family trade, and which includes 
the placing of choice examples in 
the mouths of kids and a clergyman. 

Margaret Hamilton and Grant Mills 
iSarner the few genuine laughs in 
i:he piece as the landlady and the 
houseboy, but these are on the stage 
but briefly. Kenneth Casey, Robert 
Lee, Joyce Van Patten and Patricia 
Roe, who comprise the moppet divi- 
sion, are dealt reams of quasi- 
humorous backtalk as well as a 
stuffed panda and a dog whose sex 
is constantly being remarked upon. 
Efforts of kids are embarrassing. 

Barbara Bobbins end Russell 
Hardie, as the central , occupants of 
the bridal suite, and Owen Davis, 
Jr., who plays the returned hus- 
band, struggle seriously with their 
material without making perceptible 
headway, although Hardie towards 
the end does manage to build someT 
thing out of the nothing he has been 
issued. Flora Campbell, in thankless 
role of bride's outshone sister, turns 
in standout performance. She is 
plenty attractive. 

Melville Burke's staging is weak. 

Don. 



among straight plays; drew $16,500^ 
• • ■ • ptlc " * 



which Is exceptional for drama . al 
this time. 



mLn4(;.iN 

LAST2CH1WKS. 



Chicago, July 22. 

•Hellzapoppin' will leave town 
Aug. 2, opening on the Coast a few 
days later. Currently at the ^r- 
langer, the Olsen and Johnson legit 
tmit will have completed 12 pro&t- 
able weeks in Chicago, five of which 
were in the big Auditorium. 

Shuberts begin operating the 
Studebaker seriously, now that they 
have lost out on the Grcmd Opera 
House, and on July 29 bring in 
'Charley's Aunt' with PhU Baker. 
Estimates for Last Week 

Hellxapoppin,' Erlanger (10th wk) 
' (1,400; $3.30). Held to good enough 
$14,000 last week, but should climb 
6bi3rply on final _tor.tnight due to 
closing notices. 

my Sister Eileen' (Harris (22d 
week) (1,000; $2.75). Pacing along 
nicely now and will stay on until 
September before hitting the road. 
Matinees continue on smash basis 
and aid plenty in corralling $9,000. 

ELLINGTON REVUE $9,500 
IN L. A.; W GOOD 9G 

U Los Angeles, July 22. 

W Two legits in town are clicking 
f strongly, . with Duke Ellington's 
'Jump for Joy' at the Mayan turning 
in hefty $12,000 on the first and 
heading for $9,500 on. the current 
week. Ellington's personal draw 
and large Negro colony here are 
largely responsible for the unex- 
pected, spurt. 

BUlie Burke In 'The Vinegar Tree' 
Is maintaining a fast pace at the El 
Capitan, with robust $9,000 in sight 
for the fifth after excellent $10,000 
last week. 'Vinegar Tree' Is slated 
to run two more weeks, after which 
Miss Burke goes into the cast of 
'Man Who Came to Dinner' at 
Warners. 

'Cabin in the Sky,' with Ethel 
Waters, relit the Biltmore last night 
(Monday) for a two-week engage- 
ment. 



TOO MANY GIRLS' GETS 
OKAY BIZ IN L'VniE 



Louisville July 22. 
'Too Many Girls,' second in the 
six-week series of summer shows at 
Iroquois Amphitheatre being offered 
by the Shuberts, .finished a success- 
ful week Saturday (19). Couple 
shows were threatened by rain, and 
Friday's (18) performance was de- 
layed for almost an hour until a 
heavy downpour ended, but no per- 
formance was cancelled. 

Prominent in the cast of princi- 
pals were Dorothy and Carol Stone, 
Charles Collins, Jack Good, Fred 
Llghtner, Nina Ollvettem and 
Florenz Ames. 

Meeting with favorable public re- 
action is the dancing session held on 
the stage of the Amphitheatre after 
the show on Friday and Saturday 
nights. Robert Hutsell's orch, which 
plays the shows from the pit (WHAS 
staff crew), plays for the dancing, 
which is complimentary to the show 
patrons. 

'Irene' opened yesterday (Mon- 
day) with' a cast headed by Carol 
Stone, Jack Good, Jack Whiting, 
Jack Sheehan, Fred Llghtner, Ethel 
Barrymore Colt, Nina Olivette, 
Florenz Ames, Franklyn Fox and 
Nora Williams. 



MR. TiMPKiNS 

New MUtord, Conn., July 19. 
Fantasy In tbre« acts, five scenes, by 
David Carroll. Directed by Hudson Faus- 
sett; settings, Lloyd Hallock. Jr. Presented 
by .end at Ttieatre-ln-the-Da1e, New &UI- 
ford, Conn., July 10-18, '41. 

Tlmpklns Hudson Fauaaelt 

Ego William .Robertson 

Mr. Claudius Grey Edmond Le Comte 

Mr. Smithera Russell Conway 

Comet Man Richard Bowler 

Bartender C. Otto Nelsen 

Waitress GIgll Ollpin 

Mr. Jonatbon Barclay William A. Hanft 

Miss Julia Winters Jane Huntington 

Miss Johnson Jeraldlne Dvorak 

Sa(e Expert Warren Amett 

Mrs. BaclgnluppI Mildred Blanke 



In this first of three tryouts 
skedded for '41 at this brookside 
strawhat they have the germ of an 
idea, but whether that germ be- 
comes contagious from an audience 
angle depends on how the thing Is 
handled from this point on. Pre- 
sented primarily on an experimental 
basis ,production fills the bill from 
that viewpoint in that it brings to 
light something a bit out of the ordi- 
nary. As straight entertainment, 
however, and partciularly summer 
entertainment, in its present state it 
leaves a wide gap to be plugged up. 

For stage consumption 'Timpkins' 
rates another try after doctoring has 
emphasized the better points more 
or less neglected in its strawhat bap- 
tism. Best act is second, with stanza 
one being on the lightweight side 
and stanza three overplayed. For 
pix, it's essentially intelligentsia fare, 
being the imaginary metomoirphosis 
of a man from a rut-dweller to a 
position of importance. 

Play is handled with a dream 
technique, although this fact is not 
clearly apparent until the final cur- 
tain. Presented wi(h Saroyanish 
tendencies, it offers sequences that 
seem to have little connection with 
each other and yet emerge In the 
development of the play as parts of 
the general pattern. A factor to be 
considered in regard to its possible 
popular appeal is the almost con- 
stant concentration required to fol- 
low the unraveling of its story. 

Plot shows Timpkins, a milque- 
toast bank clerk, being hounded by 
Ego, his inner self, to sidestep the 
traces, make off with the bank's 
funds and enjoy the life of freedom 
he has always yearned for. Circum- 
stances prevent his actual pilfering 
of the money, but a brief interlude, 
in which he realizes that the bank's 
continued existence practically 
pivots around him, gives Timpkins 
a flash of importance and a mo- 
mentary experience of the worm's 
turning. Play's curtain, however, 
brings out the make-believe angle 
of it all and Timpkins' awakening 
from his dream returns him to his 
milquetoast status. 

Hudson Faussett doubles as actor- 
director, his version of Timpkins 
being okay; Richard Bowler tops 
support as a screwy bank president 
who goes around selling comets. 
Other competent jobs are turned In 
by Edmond Le Comte, over-conscious 
bank teller; \rillip~ Robertson, the 



RECORD 47GFOR 
'IRENE' IN ST. L 



St. Louis, July 22. 

New attendance records, both for 
a single performance and for a full 
week, were hung up here at Mu- 
nicipal Theatre Assn's al fresco thea- 
tre during the seven-night engage- 
ment of 'Irene,' which ended Sunday 
(20) with an approximate gross of 
$47,000. On last night 11,107 payees 
registered a new high, total for^the 
run being 73,361, busted the previous 
banner of 72,364, set in 1938 during 
a one-week stand of 'Roberta.' SRO 
sign was oiit^ for every performance, 
with hundrTds turned away on five 
of the seven nights. ~ 

Bob Lawrence, baritone click here 
in 'The Three Musketeers' two weeks 
ago, and Caroline Segr^a, Cuban 
songbird making local bow, scored 
heavily in the Romberg-Harbach 
musical, 'Nina Rose,' which opened a 
one-week stand at the Forest Park 
theatre last night (Monday). De- 
spite hot weather, an opening-night 
mob that grossed an estimated $4,000 
turned out. Musical wa.s presented 
here in 1930, 193r and 1932. 

Another newcomer who socked 
over was Ted Gary, warbling and 
hoofing comedian from Broadway. 
Standout^ in support are Joseph 
Macaulay, William O'Neal, Charles 
Williams, Maryom Dale, Ethel 
Taylor, Jack Donohue, Ruth Urban 
and Frederic Persson. Terping rou- 
tines of Mahoney and Mara, also new 
here, won the mob. 



'Belinda' $6,200 in A. C. 

Atlantic City, July 22. 

'Johnny Belinda' grossed estimated 
$6,200 at Garden Pier theatre for 
week ending Sunday (20). 

Phil Baker in 'Charley's Aunt* 
opens six-day engagement tonight 
(Tuesday). Rube Bernstein, man- 
ager of Garden Pier, announced 
heavy advance ticket sale for the first 
time this season. \ 



Joe Brown 8G in S.F. 

San Francisco, July 22. 

Joe E. Brown's personal - click In 
'The Show Off' held the pace to 
estimated brisk $7,900 in its second 
week at the Alcazar here. 

Present indications are that the 
Duffy production will ride five 
weeks. 



inner self; Russell Conway, bank 
clerk. 

Carroll's writing is intelligent for 
the most part and in spots meaty. 
Bank interior and cocktail bar set- 
tings are adequate, though budget- 
conscious. Bone. 

CURTAIN GOING UP 

Dennis, Mass., July 21. 
Comedy by Ivor Novello. Stars Constance 
Collier, violet Homing, Gloria Stuart. 
Staged by Arthur SIrcom, settings by Eu- 
gene FItsch. Presented by Richard Ald- 
rlch, at Cape playhouse, Dennis, Mass., 
July 21. il; 18.30 top. ' 

Donna Lovelace Constance Collier 

Lady May Sambrook Violet Heming 

Winkle. Ethel Morrison 

Lord Bayfleld Phlllp Huston 

Vivian Morris Jinx Falkenburg 

Owen Sands Melchor Ferrer 

Julian Karley Loring Smith 

Aliin Crane Aleiander Clark 

Ruth Wilder Gloria Stuart 

Pavla.. Edwin Gordon 

Lucy Poyle-Aberlhaw Ivy Troutman 

Hawkins Wllllnm Stantoo 

'"Ki Angers Murlal Williams 

Call Boy... Francis Russell 

Roderick Elms Charles Bryant 

Ted Jones Roland Hoguo 

/Curtain Going Up,' (called 'Come- 
dienne' In England), by Ivor Novel- 
(Continued on page 63) 



Literati 



N. T. Poel OB the Upbeat 

For the second month in a row, 
the New York Post during June was 
the heaviest gainer in advertising 
lineage of all New York' papers. 
Sheet showed • 72,000-line upbeat 
over June of 1940, after registering 
a Ult of better than 49,000 lines In 
May, Figures are from Media Rec- 
ords. 

Times and News were the town's 
heaviest droppers of ads, while the 
two Hearst, papers, the Mirror and 
Journal-American, continued on 
their way upward. News, however, 
by far carried most advertising, 
sporting triple that of its tab com- 
petlsh, the Mirror. 

Times was down 26,000 lines. Her- 
ald Trlb up 4,600, News down 19,- 
000, Mirror up 42,000, Journal-Amer- 
ican up 31,000, Post up 72,000, Sun 
up 16,000, World Telly down 2,000. 
All Sunday papers gained but the 
J-A, which took • small loss. 

Total dally advertising for the city 
was up 117,816 lines , and Sunday up 
60,431. 

Emile Ganvreau Book Due 

Emile Gauvreau, editor of the de- 
funct N.Y. Graphic (Bernarr Mac- 
fadden) and later the N. Y. Mirror, 
tells all in his new book, soon due, 
titled 'My Last Million Readers.' 
Dutton will publish in late August. 

Gauvreau has been working on it 
for a solid year at his Bucks county 
farm, having left the Philadelphia 
Inquirer to devote himself to It. He 
corrected the last proofsheet last 
week, staying on his farm all that 
time. 

Newspapermen who have visited 
Gauvreau have seen advance chap- 
ters. Its general emphasis is on a 
glamorous era of high pressure 
journalism. A chapter on Brisbane, 
whom he calls 'the Great Illusionist,' 
is a highlight; also some Inside stuff 
on WInchell (with whom he has been 
feuding ever since). 



TVlnchell'a Navy Whirl 

For some reason, according to Joe 
Connolly, many of the Hearst editors 
and papers taking Walter Winchell's 
column, think he's resigning Aug. 1 
to join the Navy. Lieut.-Commander 
WincheU, U.S.NJl:, is merely going 
in for regulation training during his 
annual month-of-August vacation, 
when he. goes off - the air (W. L. 
Shirer and John Gunther substi- 
tuting) and also drops his column. 
Winchell resumes both Sept. 1. 

Hinson Stiles, managing editor of 
the Mirror, Is currently soliciting 
names to do guest column for Win- 
chell, but none of It will appear in 
the N. Y. key outlet. 

Incidentally, Connolly has been 
designated by the Hearst organiza- 
tion to handle and negotiate a new 
agreement with the columnist when 
the present one expires. 



Urge Beading of Miller Book 

Unusual ad signed by seven w.k. 
American appeared in yesterday's 
(Tuesday) . papers urging 'our fel- 
low-citizens' to read 'You Can't Do 
Business With Hitler,' recently pub- 
lished book by Douglas Miller, for- 
mer American commercial attache 
in Berlin. Strange part of the copy 
was that it was stated to have been 
placed without the knowledge or 
consent of the author or publishers 
and 'whose author we do .not even 
know.' 

It was signed by Raymond Clap- 
per, John Kieran, Albert D. Lasker, 
Mrs. Dwight W. Morrow, Carl Van 
Doren, Matthew WoU and Wendell 
L. Willkie. Book, published by Lit- 
tle, Brown, sells for $1.50. 

Fischer's '10 Crnoial Weeks' 

Louis Fischer, author of the cur- 
rent best-seUer, 'Men and Politics," 
clippered to Lisbon Saturday (19), to 
make a first-hand study of the war 
during what he terr-.s the '10 crucial 
weeks,' as he believes that unless 
Germany wins by October she will 
never be able to win the world war 
II. Fischer flys from Lisbon to Eng- 
land and wIU correspond on war de- 
velopments for American publica- 
tions. 

His book, 'Men and Polities' (DueU, 
Sloan & Pearce), deals with per- 
sonalities and events since world 
war I, 

Patterson Sacoeeds Block 
Grove Patterson, editor of the 
Toledo 'Blade,' has been elected 
president of the Toledo Blade Co., 
succeeding the late Paul Block. He 
will have the title of president and 
editor. Paul Block, Jr., has been 
named assistant editor. 

Other officers of the Blade Co. are 
F. E. Cottrell, vice-president and 



treasurer; S. C. Speer, vice-president 
and general manager; F. S. Newell, 
vice-president and business manager; 
William Block, assistant general 
manager, and Daniel Nicoll, associ- 
ate publisher. 



Kelnctant Collaboration 

Only second to Willie Bloff as a 
favorite point of attack by Wesl- 
brook Pegler In his column Is Mrs. 
Roosevelt. Which made It all the 
funnier on Monday (21) when the 
N. Y. World-Telegram makeup man 
made them appear to be collabora- 
tors under Pegler's by-line. Last two 
paragraphs of Pegler's pillar actual- 
ly belonged under 'My Day.' Result 
read like this: 

'. . . For Ickes to say that he was 
unaware of any issue of Communism 
In the Newspaper Guild and the 
Lawyers' Guild ... is to low-rate 
his own inteUigence, which Is not 
as low as that, and the intelligence 
of those who are asked to believe 
him, which Is not that feeble, either. 

'All of our guests were gone by 
4:30, but since I was expecting my 
cousin, Mrs. Hall Rathbone, and her 
two sons, I put off going In for my 
second swim until her arrival. 
We had quite a large picnic lunch 
today. . .' 



Dixie Tighe Off Post 

Dixie Tighe, feature writer for the 
New York Post, leaves the paper 
Friday (25). Newspaper Guild's 
grievance committee at the Post Is 
putting up a battle against Mia 
Tighe's dismissal, which the man- 
agement claims Is for reasons of 
economy. 

Writer is wife of C. V. R. Thomp- 
son, author of 'I Lost My English 
Accent' and New York correspondent 
for a London daily. 

Press Agent's Wall 

'Poor Man's Garbo' (Margie Hart) 
piece in last week's Collier's has 
aroused the stripper's ex -press agent, 
Eddie' Jaffe, to indignation over the 
'inhumanity' of mag writers to p.a.s. 
After furnishing his flies to writer 
Ted Shane and spending hours as- 
sisting him with material, Jaffe is 
mentioned as an anonymous p.a. 

He is accused of being run out of 
Boston, insulting a bishop and other 
misdemeanors. To add injury to In- 
sult, however, Jaffe claims his files 
were never returned. 



Lee Mortimer as Mag Ed 

Lee Mortimer, New York Mirror 
fllm critic is editor of a new 'cheese- 
cake' mag which hits the stands on 
Aug. 1. Labeled Beauty Parade, It 
top-bills drawings by Earl Moran, 
the calendar artist. It will sell for 
a quarter. Cover Is in color and 
there will be four-color full-length 
insert by Moran. 

Book is being published by friends 
of Moran In the mag fleld, reportedly 
Including Bob Harrison of Quigley 
(motion picture) Publications, 

E. J, Kahn's Book on the Army 
E .J. (Jack) Kahn, Jr., New Yorker 
writer who was recently drafted, has 
done a humorous book on the life 
of a recruit which Simon & Schus- 
ter wUl publish. 

Containing several pieces done for 
the New Yorker, volume hasn't been 
titled yet. 



LITEBATI OBITS 

John F. McLure, 61, president, 
treasurer and a director of the Gage 
Publishing Co., New York, which is- 
ues business publications, died July 
14 in an East Orange, N.Y., hospital. 

George Sibley Johns, 83, editor 
emeritus of the St. Louis Post-Dis- 
patch, died July 16 after a long ill- 
ness. 

Charlotte Snmner MoVlcar, widow 
of Julius McVlcar, musical comedy 
actor, died July 17 in a. New Ro- 
chelle hospital. 

Willis O'Brien, 44, feature writer 
on the San Francisco Chronicle, suc- 
cumbed to heart attack at Lake Ta- 
hoe, July 13. 

Kenneth Lord, 61, former city edi- 
tor of The New York Sun, who later 
became an executive of the New 
York Telephone Co., died at his 
Garden City, L. I., home, July IS. 
He was the son of the late Chester 
Lord, for years managing editor of 
The Sun. 

Dr. Lonls L. Syman, 70, first city 
editor of the Springfield (O.) Sun, 
died July 18. 

Mildred A, Evans Branham, 49, 
musician and newspaper writer, died 
July 18 In Los Angeles after a long 
Illness, 

George S. Johns,.85, editor emeritus 
(Continued on page 63) 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



CHATTER 



61 



Broadway 



visit 



•Buck' Crouse on two-week 
to Banff. 

Agent Monica McCall vacationing 
jn South Dakota. 

Herman Shumlin back from Maine 
fishing trip in his new cruiser. 

Herman Citron evidently much on 
the mend from recent illness. 

Charles J. Freeman scrammed 
back to Dallas yesterday (Tuesday), 

Arch McGovern, former agent lor 
Cohan Sc Harris shows. lost his wife. 

Chub Munster again company 
manager of 'It Happens on Ice," Cen- 
ter. 

Warren O'Hara has bought house 
on the Shrewsbury, near Red Bank, 
N. J. 

Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, In 
from the Coast, bragging they aren't 
on crutches— yet. 

Florence Fineman, of RKO press 
department, marrying Nate Cookler, 
a CPA, next month. 

Bosley Crowther, NYTimes film 
crick, has his left arm in a sling, 
result of a tennis collision. 

John Farmer, of the RKO exec 
staff, back from Michigan following 
death of his father-in-law. 

Sam Nixon - Nirdlinger leaves 
Manhattan this fall to manage the 
Nixon, his Pittsburgh legiter. 

Bill Raynor, Jr., Coast press chief 
for Producers Releasing Corp., in 
town for a couple weeks' visit 

Both Billy Rose and Nicky Blair 
commuting from their summer 
shacks on the South Jersey shore, 

Vincent Sardi, pere et fils, both 
cot new cars last week; Senior a 
Cadillac, Junior a Buick convertible. 

Hal Home, former Disney V.p. and 
eastern rep, planed to the Coast Fri- 
day (18) for huddles on a new affili 
ation. . , . . ^, 

Julie Dorr at her desk at the 
Shumlin office again after marriage 
to William Clayburgh, son of Mme, 
Alma. 

Max Scheck, former musical com- 
edy stager, producing revues, fashion 
shows and pageants for amateur 
groups. 

Joe Cook, Jr. (Jo-Jo), in Army 
Corps quartered at ■ Elgin Field, in 
hospital at Valparaiso, Fla., with 
broken shoulder. 

Mrs. Evelyn Hammitt named as 
sistant to story editor Leda Bauer at 
Columbia, succeeding Loretta Mac- 
key, recently resigned. 

WB story head Jake Wilk 'pro 
filed' in the current Liberty by 
Frederick James Smith as 'Holly 
wood's Tomorrow Man.' 

Jack Norworth is operating his 
miniature collection as a concession 
on the Coney Island boardwalk — 
passes by Joe I^urie, Jr. 

Ed Fadiman, film importer and 
brother of Clifton and Bill, has 
taken over Heywood Broun estate 
at Stamford for summer. 

William F. Floto, United Booking 
Office franchise-holder in Wichita, 
In town during the past week look 
Ing over the Broadway shows. 

Herman Bernstein subbing this 
week for Carl Fisher as g.m. of 
'Arsenic and Old Lace.' Fisher 
touring New England strawhats. 

Anna Wolcott Colvin, writer and 
publicity director, filed a voluntary 
petition of bankruptcy in the N. Y. 
federal court, listing no assets and 
liabilities of $3,0.';3. 

Bert Bloch, 20th-Fox's new east 
ern story chief, back at his desk 
Monday (21) after huddles at the 
studio and look-in on company' 
sales convensh last week. 

Teddy Carr, United Artists' joint 
managing director in England, guest 
of honor at lunch tossed by UA top 
per Arthur Kelly .Friday (18). All 
company execs and eastern reps at- 
tended. 

Republic has moved it's home office 
to tile building next door at 1690 
Broadway, occupying the two top 
floors. Swanky looking layout in- 
cludes a new air-conditioned projec- 
tion room. 

Chelle Janis, who was the first 
■woman theatre manager for Loew's, 
now managing director of the first 
U. S. Government-approved school 
for aviation ground instruction on 
West 57th street. 

Yvonne Chevalier, singer, suc- 
ceeds Milton Douglas at the Savoy- 
Plaza mid-August, latter having 
opened this week, and then Hilde- 
garde returns to the Cafe I,ounge 
lor the nth time, 

Ted Goldsmith, Dick Maney's as- 
sistant drunibeater, forced to post- 
pone his Tupper Lake, N. Y.. vacash 
from Friday (18) to Monday (21) 
becau.se draft board erred and called 
him up for physical exam. He's 
over 28. 



being run cerblly over COCO and 
CMCK every p.m. at four. 

'Gone with the Wind* (M-G) 
awarded prize by the local critics' 
federation as outstanding picture of 
the year. 

Sabates, Havana's other soap com- 
pany, has entered the field as radio 
rival to Crucellas (Colgate-Palm- 
olive-Peet), part owner of CMQ. 
Sabates has signed with RHC. 

The Matamoros Trio, who've ap- 
peared daily with Competidora 
Cigarets at 3 p.m., now appear night- 
ly at 9:30 in conjunction with Olga 
(^oehlo, the Brazilian singer; Alfredo 
Brito's orch and Aquilino, saxo- 
phonist. 

The Havana Rotary Club awarded 
cup to Paramount for its 'Ghost 
Breakers' with Bob Hope. Prize was 
sent to the Los Angeles Rotary and 
there awarded to Y. Frank Freeman. 
Tribute breaks jinx of local Latin 
complaints against Hollywood bung- 
ling. 



Anstralia 

By Erie Gorrick 

N. P. Pery lookseeing Melbourne 
for Columbia. 

Twenty-three members of the M-G 
staff here have joined the colors. 

Federal government certain to add 
amusement tax to pic biz as wartime 
revenue-getter. 

Fred Tupper making a bid with 
local vaude at Kine's, Melbourne, in 
opposition to Tivoli. 

Paul Jacklin, who handled major 
stage shows for the Australian 
Broadcasting Commission in Mel- 
bourne, has enlisted for service over- 
seas. 

The Four Skating Blondes have 
arrived here for a run around the 
Tivoli loop. Other U. S. acts dated 
include Marie HoUis, Gilbert and 
Howe, and Niobe. 

Federal government has decided 
not to suspend publication of the 
A.B.C. Weekly, radio fan mag, after 
a prior decision had been given to 
nix mag for the duration. It's said 
that over a span of 19 months, mag 
has been in red to tune of $360,000. 

Leslie Dare, nabe fllmery operator, 
has withdrawn his complaint under 
the Monopolies Act alleging that dis- 
tributors would not supply him with 

Eroduct. Withdrawal came about 
ecause attorney for Dare regarded 
the Monopolies Act as 'pitifully in- 
adequate.' 

Supreme court jury, Sydney, has 
awarded Tom O'Brien, indie theatre 
man, $25,000 damages against Stuart 
F. Doyle, Theo Dawson and Biigh 
Street Holdings Pty., Ltd. O'Brien, 
who claimed he was entitled to pos- 
session of the Savoy theatres in Syd- 
ney and Melbourne on a prior agree- 
ment, alleged that Doyle and Daw- 
son had 'unlawfully and maliciously 
combined and conspired together to 
injure him personally and in busi- 
ness.' 



Atlantic Gty 

By Mildred Carter 

'Rochester' Eddie Anderson signed 
for Aug. 2 and 3 at Steel Pier. 

Gateway Casino at Somers Point 
opened last week with Jack Miller's 
orch. 

Cross and Dunn heading new .show 
at 500 Club, coming from Ben Mar- 
den's Riviera. 

Outdoor concerts of famous or- 
chestra recordings will be given 
Sunday nights at Ventnor Pier. 

George D. Tyson, of Pittsburgh, 
arrived here for summer to direct 
'Miss America' Beauty Pageant. 

Phil Baker guest star on Lois 
Miller's Community Sing program 
Saturday (19) night on Heinz Pier. 

Surf Room of Ambassador hotel 
opened Saturday (19) with Johnny 
Pick's orch playing for supper 
dancing. 

John Lewis, son of Mortimer Lewis 
(Wielland-Lewis theatre chain) has 
left the company to open public ac- 
countant office. 

The Elephant, building in shape 
of huge elephant and a landmark on 
island for many years, reopened Fri- 
day (18) as nitery. 

Harold Baggs, for years publicity 
director and convention manager of 
Ambassador hotel, switched to simi- 
lar position at Traymore. 

Simone Simon and Phillips Holmes 
guested at Irvin Wolfs 'Ciuest Star 
Night' at Ship Deck of Breakers 
hotel Saturday (19) night. 

Georgie Woods and Ed . Wynn 
visiting friends in resort for few 
days. Former staying at Ritz-Carl- 
ton and Wynn at home of his mother, 
Mrs. Minnie Leopold. 
' Marty Magee's Royal Guardsmen 
playing in Mayfair Room of Hotel 
Claridge for- si^cth year. Roy Com- 
fort's concert orch returned for 10th 
season. Helen Everett vocals. 

Dick Bergsets, former manager of 
Ventnor theatre (Wielland-Lewis), 
who has been ill at Will Rogers 
Sanatorium, Saranac, has been 
joined as neighbor by his wife, Lil- 
lian ,who lives near the hospital. 

Tommy Dorsey played Saturday 
and Sunday (18, 20) in Steel Pier 
ballroom, followed by Bunny Beri- 
gan,. who opened Monday (21 ). Goes 
to Friday (25). McFarland Twins 
ended week's engagement Friday 
(18). 

Ina Ray Hutton played Sunday 
(20) at Hamid's Pier -^nd returned 
to play today (Wednesday) to Satur- 
day (26). Lou Breese's orch there 
Monday and Tuesday (21 and 22). 
Henry Youngman and Patricia Ellis 
head vaude bill for week beginning 
Sunday (27). 



Blaya Lozano has been well re- 
ceived. Last done here in Italian 
In "31. 

Pampa announced All Salem De 
Barajas newest will co-star Mario 
Ramon de Flores. Cast will include 
Fanny Navarro, Marino Sere, Al- 
fredo Pissano, Cayetano Biondo, 
Mique Coiro. R. Garay, Pedro Mara- 
tea, Eloy Alvarez, Isabel Figlioli, 
Chela Cordero, Claudio Martino and 
Judith Sulian. 



Madrid 



By Joseph D. Ravolto 



saw 



Tom Hamilton, N. Y. Times, 
wife and child off at Vigo. 

Now obligatory for cafes and bars 
to pose prices. Fines for violators. 

'Son of the Sheik,' with Rudolph 
Valentino, revived at the Avenida. 

Louis Foltz, AP, off to Lisbon to 
pick up wife and child, in from 
Stetes. 

Stage and screen actor Rafael Ar- 
cos died at Uneda, where he was 
touring in musical comedy. 

'Yola,' new Spanish musical, go- 
ing over big, with two snappy num- 
bers the rage all over Spain. 

Ritz again giving outdoor dinner 
dances, with scores dancing on side- 
walk without paying fancy food 
prices. 

Austrian cameraman. Bill Steiner, 
who was recently given the air by 
Fox' Movietone after many years 
service, dickering for production 
berth. 

French pict, 'Empreinte de Dieu' 
('Imprint of the Gods'), finished just 
before Germans came into Paris by 
Leon Moguy, soon to be released in 
Madrid under title 'Huella de Dios.' 

William Krieger, code clerk at the 
U. S. Embassy, was to make his pro 
stage debut as a flamenco dancer at 
the Espanol under name of Guil- 
lermo la Blanca on June 27 in Span- 
ish Red Cross Charity show. Show 
called off at last minute by Spanish 
authorities as Red Cross is now on 
black list. (It was second charity 
event called off for Red Cross with- 
in four days). 



Holywood 



Strondsbnrg, Pa. 

By John Bsrtholoincw 



Havana 

By Fred Whitney 



Amelita Vargas to Mexico City on 
night club contract. 

Oscar Lombardo, Cuban baritone, 
has returned from a South American 
tour. 

Stephan Levilz, of Robbins Music 
Co., here for three days on inspec- 
tion. 

'Primer Amor,' new song by 
Gabriel Ruiz, has been adopted by 
Southern. 

Alfredo Brito, composer and or- 
chestra leader here, has left Tropi- 
cana nitery. 

Havana PM folded again after 
three weeks' operation under new 
management. 

Emile Zola's 'Human Beast' is 



Bocks County, Pa. 



Muriel Camnbell, the actress, visit- 
ing in New Hope. 

Walter Craig. WMCA executive, 
dairy-farming near Doylestown. 

Clifford Odets in to catch 'Golden 
Boy' at Playhouse. Ditto Lee Stras- 
berg. 

Phil Cohen. CBS producer, and 
Faire Binney both looking for local 
homes. 

Theron Bamberger and Phyllis 
Perlman (Mrs. Bamberger) rented 
farm in Solebury, Pa., last week. 

Hume Cronvn off to Newport to 
appear in 'Male Animal.' Ditto 
Mort Stevens to Westport next week 
for "Liliom.' 

Paul Whiteman, opening at Earle, 
Philly, this week, commuting to his 
Stockton farm. Local gang trooping 
down to welcome him Thursdav. 

Bob Crooker. Campbell - Ewald 
agency exec, off Monday for home 
office in Detroit. Has chicken farm 
here, which he visits one month a 
year. 

Nat Burns' Yardley, Pa., theatre 
has antique hearse on front lawn 
painted in gay colors for hot dog 
.stand. Tony Sarg has built deluxe 
soda stand for New Hooe Playhouse. 

Jo.sephine Herbst scribbling pieces 
for the mags at her Erwinna shack 
Her last novel 'Satan'.s Sergeant, 
which is about Bucks County vil- 
lagers nnd bucolic city folk, a local 
be.st seller. 

Anne Kaufman. George and Bea 
trice's daughter, breaking into the 
bu5!iness the hard way. as proo girl 
at New Hope strawhatter. Daugh- 
ter of D. M. Freudenthal, Blooming- 
dale's v.p., doing costumes at same 
theatre. 

Harry Bannister's al fresco eatery 
and combination silent meller . pic 
emporium near Stewartsville, N. J., 
where you can eat your steaks and 
view the hams, is packing them in. 
Originally planned to operate only 
two days, now running .six per week. 

William McFadden, the lafe Sam 
Harris' stage manager, directing his 
bosses. Mo.ss Hart and George Kauf- 
man, in 'Man Who Came to Dinner,' 
opening Monday (28) at Playhouse 
here/ Edith Atwater. who went to 
.school in New Hope, reneating orig- 
inal Broadway role. Harpo Marx, 
co-starrine in .same bill, .stopoing 
local traffic. Edith King in from 
Cohasset to remain for re.st of sea 
son. SUrring Aug. 4 In 'Primrose 
Path.' 



Bnenos Aires 

By Ray Josephs 



EFA finished 'Candida Millonaria' 
('Simple Millionairess') with Nini 
Marshall. 

D. Joaquin Lautaret, theatre- 
own^r, to Brazil on biz, feted at 
luncheon. 

Comic company of Pablo Suero 
ended Metropolitan run. House re 
verts to pix. 

Moglia Barth's next for Sono Film 
to be Giocochea and Cordone's "La 
Boina Blanea.' 

San Miguel Studio's .'Catamarca,' 
done by Catrano Catraini's, to preem 
at Opera benefit 

Lumiton started grinding on 'Per- 
sona Honrada se Necesita' ('Honest 
Person Needed'). 

Sidney Horan, director general of 
20th-Fox in Argentina, Panaired to 
the States on first trip in years. 

Jose Bohr temporarily suspended 
plans for films at Studios Rio de la 
Plata. May have to go to Mexico. 

Luis Arata company passed SOth 
showing mark with 'Yo La Vi Guin- 
arte EI Ojo' CI Saw Her Wink at 
You:). 

Sono started shooting of 'El Her- 
mano Jose' ('Brother Joe') with 
comic Pepe Arias. Antonio Mom- 
plet megging. 

Mirta and Silvia Legrand to co- 
star in Luis Cesar Amadori's next 
for Sono Film. Francisco Alvarez 
will have the lead. 

Asociacion de Productores de 
Peliculas (Association of Picture 
Producers) .seeking reductions in 
tariffs on material needed for local 
film making. 

Believing they've been overlook- 
ing a good bet number of Argentine 
pic studios- have begun production 
of short subjeeti, many with local 
backgrounds. 

Samuel Eichelbaum, last year's na- 
tional prize winner, opened 'Ver- 
guenza de Qiierer' ('Ashamed to 
Love') at the Carconi. Crix called 
it interesting, but not one of his best 

'Infiltration,' sub-titled, 'Quinta 
Columnia' ('Fifth Column'), will 
follow "El Camino del Tabacco' ('To- 
bacco Road') at the Comedia when 
latter closes on yet unset date. 

Company of Joseflna Munoz and 
Jose Ramirez won 'longest title 
honors' with a film original by An- 
tonio Botta and Vicente. Cassano, 'No 
Comia, No Dormia, y EI Amor ,La 
Consuma* ('She Couldn't Sleep, She 
Couldn't Eat and Love Consumed 
Her'). 

Somerset Maugham's 'Constant 
Wife' given Spanish preem by com- 
pany of Mecha Ortiz at the Smart. 
Titled, 'Y Eso Es Portarse Bien' ('Is 
This to Behave Yourself), transla- 
tion of Edmundo Bianchi and Jose 



Ned Marin laid up at home with 
flu. 

Pandro Berman battling pneu- 
monia. 

Duncan Renaldo became an Amer- 
ican citizen. 

Herbert Marks in town for hia 
first look-around. 

Dolores Lee, film actress, sued At 
Monsour for divorce. 

Alan Gordon returned from three 
^.eeks on Broadway. 

Mary Boland paid $10,000 to settle 
an aiito accident suit. 

Felix Young reopening the Tro- 
cadero, his second try. 

Mickey Breen joined Lou Irwin'a 
agency as an associate. 

Sol Lesser returned back to his 
desk after a week's illness. 

Irving Reis back at his desk after 
three weeks in the wildwood. 

Sid Silvers divorced and ordered 
to pay $200 a month alimony. 

Raquel Torres settled $52,500' traf- 
fic accident suit out of court. 

Bill Bloecher shifted from the Co- 
lumbia to Universal publicity staff. 

Charles Starrett recovering from 
fractured shoulder, sustained in auto 
crash. 

Heather Angel, screen actress, di- 
vorced Ralph Forbes, stage and film 
player. 

Jimmy Broderick moving out of 
Metro's casting office to join the 
army. 

Katharine Brush, novelist, was 
granted a Reno divorce from Hubert 
Winans. 

Arthur Donovan is in Hollywood 
breaking clinches in the Billy Cona 
picture. 

Matty Kemp pulled out of the 
Cameo soundie outfit to return to 
film acting. 

Jack Holt's daughter, Jenifer, 
changed her screen name to Jac- 
queline Holt 

Judy Canova filed suit for divorce 
against James H. Ripley, army cor- 
poral in Hawaii. 

George Sherman, producer-direc- 
tor, to wed Corinne Goldenberg, 
non-pro. Sept 21. 

Jane Withers laid up with tonsil- 
itis, her first illness in her seven 
years at 20th-Fox. 

Warren William caught 250-pound 
marlin in Catalina channel and has 
picture to prove it 

Frank Leahy vacationing here be- 
fore reporting for work as football 
coach at Notre Dame. 

Alex Hyde, orchestra manager at 
the Metro studio, celebrated his 27th 
year with Loew's, Inc. 

James E. Perkins, Far East man- 
aging director for Paramount In 
town for studio huddles. 

Doris Davenport, film player, was 
granted a divorce from Garland V. 
Weaver, still photographer. 

Al Goldsmith, former Broadway 
press agent, joined Sam Coslow'a 
Soundies as a I6-mm. comic. 

Dorothy Lewis skated off for Min- 
neapolis, where she opens her own 
ice show at the Nicollet hotel Aug. 1. 

J. C. ■ Graham clippered to Aus- 
tralia to represent Fox-West Coast 
interests in the Hoyl theatrical cir- 
cuit. 

Wendell L. WUlkle asked Bob 
Hope to emcee tonight's (Wed.) na- 
tional unity rally in Hollywood 
Bowl. 

George Broadhurst, shunted off the 
Riviera by the war, is summering in 
Hollywood for the first time in IS 
years. 

Charles Bennett, screen writer, 
goes back to England in September 
to take a commission in the Royal 
Air Force. 

Richard Carroll moved out of his 
writing job at Columbia to become a 
captain in U. S. Signal Corps at Fort 
Monmouth, N. J. 

Guy J. Newhard, RKO cameraman, 
left for Dayton, O., to become a cap- 
tain in U. S. Army Air Corps Mo- 
tion Picture unit 

Charles H. Wuerz shifted out of 
the theatre operator field after IS 
years to hook up In the realty busi- 
ness with Phillip Norton. 

Gladys Mensch moved from Walt 
Disney exploitation staff to become 
a.ssistant to Whitney Bolton in David 
O. Selznick organization-. 
Robert Hopkins grew homesick 



Babe Ruth a visitor. 

Carl Lorch orch hereabouts. 

Barney Rapp orch at Dorney's. 

Ken Ritter at Devonshire Pines, 
Mt Pocono. 

Horton, the Magician, at Pocono 
Haven, Mt Pocono. 

Billy Diehl's band now playing at 
nearby Gap View Inn. 

Len Matzen and his Continentals 
at the Penn-Stroud hotel. 

Fulton's Marionettes in the audi- 
torium at Pocono Manor Inn, Pocono 
Manor. 

Earle Mayo's New York Players 
offered 'Apron Strings' at Dorney's 
auditorium. 

'Hello Spring' current with Karl 
Emerson 'WiUiams Players at Luth- 
erland Casino, Pocono Pines. 

Eric Greenwood's music - suc- 
ceeded Billy Diehl's band at Wilmer 
Vogt's Tavern, Mountainhome. 

Johnny Messner's orch at Saylor's 
Lake Pavilion, Saylorsburg, tonight 
(23). Al Donahue comes in Satur- 
day (26). 

Buck Hill Players inaugurated 
season with Turner Bullock's \Lady 
of Letters' at The Inn, Buck Hill 
Falls. Cornelia Stabler Gillam di- 
rected. 

Virginia Dale featured with vet- 
eran retired actor Bernard Fairfax in 
'Meet the Wife,' a Shawnee Players 
presentation at the Worthington 
theatre, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Fair- 
fax also directed. 

Fred Waring presented Donna 
Dae, The Four Squires, and Two 
Bees and a Honey from his Penn- 
sylvanians for a British War Relief 
Society benefit at Buckwood Inn, 
Shawnee-on-Delaware. 

Harry Schuerman, manager of the 
Sherman, set each show a half-hour 
later on account of daylight saving 

time and to make it more conveni- , 

ent for the various camps in the I after IB months as a gag man at 20th 



surrounding territory. 



Westport, Conn. 

By Humphrey Doolens 



Jessie Bridge back after tour. 

Marian Anderson now living at 
Mill Plain. 

Mrs. Mark Luescher back from 
New England. 

Willie Pogany residing at Norwalk 
the year round. 

Felicia Sorel In Norwalk hospital 
for appendectomy. 

Max Gordon weekending here to 
catch 'Little Dark Horse.' 

Clifton Webb gave luncheon In 
honor of Geraldlne Farrar. 

Grace Moore to Cincinnati to sing 
Tosca' for the first time (27). 

John C. Wilson at Gloucester last 
week to stage revival of Somerset 
Maugham's 'Our Betters.' 

Sheila O'Connor, the late Mrs. Wil- 
liam K. Vanderbilt's private secre- 
tary, has opened a restaurant here. 

Lily Pons and Andre Kostelanetz 
opened their summer concert tour In 
Philadelphia's Robin Hood Del) (21 ). 
Lewisohn Stadium, N. Y., will be 
next Monday (28) 



and went back to Metro, where he 
had worked for 13 years. 

Herbert Wilcox and Anna Neagle 
called oft their Canadian tour and 
leave for New York this weekend 
to catch a Clipper for London. 

Captain Barney Oldfield, former 
VAnjBTr mugg in Lincoln, Neb., 
shifted to Memphis in charge of ra- 
dio publicity for the Second Army. 

Darryl Zanucic shipping shooting 
script and production stills of 
'Grapes of Wrath' to Library of Con- 
gress, at its request, for the library's 
film archives. 

Dixon Fox Ryan, president of 
Union College, in Schenectady, N. Y, 
where (Charles Coburn runs the sum- 
mer shows, is casting a scholastic 
eye on the film studios, 

Ralph Hawkes, London music pub- 
lisher, and G. Cooper of Australia, 
in town huddling over the music 
situation with Dick Power*, 
ASCAP's Coast office head. 

Ming Ching Swen, Chinese writer, 
taking a slant at the Hollywood 
scene as part of the Rockefeller 
Foundation plan for education 
through films in the Far East 

Nicky Amstein. under his legal 
name, Jules Arnold, filed suit against 
(Continued on page 62) 



62 



Wednesday, July 23, 1941 



[ 



OBITUARIES 



LEW FIELDS 

L«w Fields, 73, 01 the comedy team 
ol Weber and Fields, died of pneu- 
monia July 20 in Beverly Hills, Cal 

Details in legit section. 



WILLIAM G. STEWABT 

William G. Stewart, 74, one 61 the 
best known comic opera baritones of 
his day and later resident manager 
ol the New York Hippodrome, died 
in Glendale, Cal., last Wednesday 
(16). He lived in Hollywood. 

Stewart numbered some 70 operas 
In the repertoire with which he 
toured the country around the turn 
of the century, one of the best 
known of which was 'When Johnny 
Comes Marching Home.' He was 
exec at the Hipp when it was under 
the management of Charles Bum- 
side and, as an authority of Gilbert 
& Sullivan, staged a number of G&S 
operettas there and at the Casino at 
Broadway and 39th St. 

Later, Stewart became stage man- 
ager and assistant to Samuel S. Roth- 
afel (Roxy) when the latter opened 
the Capitol theatre on Broadway. 
He was also an early singing teacher 
of Lawrence Tibbett's and more re- 
cently, staged G&S for the Federal 
Theatre Project in California. 

Born in Cleveland, Stewart was 
married three times. He had one 
£on, Richard, who was a film player 
before his death several years ago. 



JOHN J. McGEEHAN 

John J. McGeehan, 48, for many 
years in fllih exploitation, died sud- 
denly of a heart attack in a New 
York hotel Thursday (17) night. He 
had been assigned, just three days 
before his death, to handle the cam- 
paign on the opening of 'The Reluc- 
tant Dragon' at the Palace, N. Y. He 
had previously done publicity-exploi- 
tation on 'Frank Buck's Cavalcade,' 
current tenant of the house. 

McGeehan early this year joined 
the Walt Disney organization but 
had been recently transferred to the 
RKO payroll and assigned to the Al- 
bany territory on 'Fantasia.' He had 
also worked on the Broadway open-. 
Ing of 'Fantasia.' 

Born in Hazelton, Pa., McGeehan 
atarted his career as a newspaper- 
man and later was associated with 
Loew's, Van Beuren Company, Ra- 
dio City Music Hall and United Art- 
ists. He is survived by his widow, 
two brothers and five sisters. 



LOIS M. FANTAGES 

Lois Mendenhall Pantages, 57, 
widow of Alexander Pantages, died 
July 18 aboard her son's yacht in 
Avalon Bay, Catalina Island, follow- 
ing a heart attack .while swimming. 
Prior to her marriage in 1907, Mrs. 
Pantages was a violinist and met her 
future husband when she played in 
his Oaks theatre, Seattle, the first of 
the Pantages chain. 

Surviving are two sons, Rodney, 
operator of Panta.ies theatre, Holly- 
wood, and Lloyd Pantages, Holly- 
wood correspondent for a London 
paper; and a daughter, Mrs. John 
Considine, Jr., wife ol the Metro 
producer. 

Services yesterday (22), with en- 
tombment beside her husband in 
mausoleum at Forest Lawn, Glen- 
dale. 



KICHABD HILL 

Richard Hill, 34, district manager 
lor Warner Bros, circuit in Essex 
County, N. J., died Friday (18) after 
a lengthy illness. He had been with 
WB for 13 years, having been 
brought east by Spyros Skouras to 
set up service staffs in the theatres 
when the company first went into 
exhibition. 

A native of Chicago, Hill started 
]n the film business as a service 
employe for the Balaban & Katz 
chain there. Skouras then took hiifl 
to the' Ambassador, St. Louis, to in 
stall the service staff. 
Joseph Bernhard, chief ol WB the 
^atres, and other executives ol the 
■chain, were honorary pall-bearers at 
pthe funeral on Monday (21). Hill 
Is survived by his widow and two 
children. 

CLAIRE MATNABD 

Claire Maynard, 29, former stage 
and film player, suicided by ga; in 
her New York apartment last week 
after brooding for three years over 
the death ol her mother. Miss May- 
nard's real name was Marie Mc- 
Carthy, and she was the daughter of 
'James McCarthy, assistant manager 
Ot the Princeton Club in New York. 
According to police, Miss Maynard 
had attempted suicide before. 

Miss Maynard, who had appeared 
briefly in films alter being 'discov- 



ered,' had a meteoric rise in Holly- 
wood, but declined just as rapidly 
after a short-lived career there. She 
played in 'Bright Honor' on Broad- 
way In 1936. 

Surviving, besides her father, is a 
brother, a Brooklyn policeman. 



ALBERT E. BBOWN 

Albert E. Brown, 73, former owner 
of the Overbrook theatre, Philadel- 
phia, died in that city Monday (21) 
after a long Illness. 

Brown was a film pioneer in Phil- 
adelphia. 



EUGENE CINDA GBASSI 

Eugene Cinda Grassi, 54, French 
composer of the modern school, died 
penniless in Paris recently, accord- 
ing to a report from Vichy, France, 
last week. 



Mrs. Georf Ina Marray Paterson, 86, 

mother of Murray G. Paterson, man- 
ager of the Detroit symphony orches- 
tra, died July 13 at her home in 
Detroit. 



Martin Cassldy, 59, father of James 
Cassidy, special events director of 
WLW and WSAI, Cincinnati, died 
July 18 in that city. 



Father, 74, of Herman Bernstein, 
legit manager, died in New York 
Saturday (19). 



GeorEC W. Nlmms, Albany musi- 
cian, died in Albany July 16. 



Bills Next Week 



; Continued from page S^s 



Hotel ropier I'laxa 
(Slieratun Room) 

Stuart FrnzlLT Oro 

Hotel Kiutex 

Grneat ^rurray Oro 
Billy KkUv 
Jack Manning 
Al I.ewiu 
Victor Donato 
AOeia Corev 
Rita HcndevflOB 
-Mary Tmlor 
A lire Dane 

Hotel Uardner 
Burt Sha<r 
Evalyii Harvey 
Hotel ShemtoB 
(SU7 C.arden) 
Don Dudley Oro 
Hotel Stntler 
(Cafe Rouire) 
Salvy Cavlcchio Ore 



Hotel WeatmlDtter 
(Boot OardcD) 

Jimmy McHale Oro 
Harry Drake Rev 
Roof Garden Gla 
Alice 0'I.eary 
3 Chorda 
Hal Freed 
.Noll Sherman GIs 
Hotel RItr rarletoo 

(RItx Roof) 
Count Bflale Oro 
Haxel .Scott 
Jamea Rushing 

International daelno 

Henri Jobert Ore 

Xlie Cave 
Ralph Porrag Oro 
J<ick Fisher 
Taniara Dorlva 
Jerry & Lillian 
C'nilta & Corral 
PhU Barry 



PITTSBUBGH 



Anclioravo 

Hugh Morton Ore 
Maynard Deane 

Arlington iMdgt 

Phil Cavezza Oro 

BalcopAflea 
John Fontaine Oro 
Bill Green'i 

Clyde Knight Ore 
Janet I.ee 
Herb Rohrcr 
Uoogle-Woogle Club 
Boog Sherman 
Maxie Simon 
Harry Comorada 
Buddy Blaine 
Tubby Miller 
Reggie Dvorak 

Cork and BollI* 
Lloyd Pox 

Colonial 

Nelson Maples Ore 
3 Yachtsmen 

Kddio rerloB'a 
Betty Benson 
Art Shamberg 
Sandy MotMlnlock 
Marlon Muller 

Evergreea* 
Revelers 
Kay Burke 
Ray ValHme 
Nancy Grey 

Hotel ITort Pitt 
Kpn Bailey Ore 
Johnny Mitchell 
Harry Walton 
Hotel Jlcnrr 
(Silver ftrlll) 
Stan Ruclier 4 
(Gay M\) 
Dorothy N'esbilt 
Hotel Tth Aveaue 
Uhsb Snunders 
Ilia lola 
£v'«rett Hardn 
Betty Donalioe 
Al Devin 

Krergrcen Gardens 

Revelers 
Sam Sweet 
Alice Suhe 
Zrlda 

Wicked Willies 
Hotel RooHevelt 

.lohnny Kaalliuo 

Royal Hawlians 
Hotel M'm Penn 
(Continental Bar) 

Wanda 

EscorLe 



Ore 



Kennywood Park 

Herble Holmes Ore 
Nancy Hulson 
Cromwell SIh 
Gene Babbitt 
Peaches Revue 
Mew Peaa 
Gay Carlisle Oro 
Buddy Vl'llllamo 
Bobby Lee 
Marcelitt & May 
Guldo & Norma 
Betty King 

Mlion Car* 
Al Marl^ro Oro 
Bob Carter 
Carole & Bherod 
Volta 

Noella Storm 
KretloR GIs 

Kut HOIIRO 

Sherdlna Walker C 
Ted Blake 
Joe Klein 
George Gregg 
Kvelyn Nellis 
Kay Balfe 
Milly Bradley 
Pat Burns 

Oasis 
Bobby Annia 
Stu Braden 

Pines 

Howard Becker Ore 
Mae HarrlH 

Trelon 

Billy Merle Ore 
June Collins 
Bernard 

Yacht Club 

H Ikliddleman Ore 
.Masters & Rollins 
Beth Chandler 
Manch GIs 
Anne TxiVelle 
Shirley Heller 
Skv-Vn« 
Fran BIchler Oro 

Union Grill 
Art Togcllo 
Frank Natale 
Mike Sandreito 

Villa .Madrid 
EtrA Cnvalo Oro 
Mark T.aite 
ciirr Wlnehill 
Peter Hlggins 
Key Taylor 
t Antoinettes 

U'eat View Park 
Al Kavelln Ore 
Vivian Blaine 
Flying Beehees 
Rose Sullivan 



.MARRIAGES 

Ella Jordan, non pro, to Boyd 
Rippey, KFRC sales promotion man 
ager, in Reno, Nev., July 4. 

Phyllis Turner to Bill Hanmer, in 
Detroit, July 15. She is an inspector 
for RKO; he is chief shipper for 20th 
Fox; both work in Detroit. 

Mary Louise Smith to James 
Maley, July 19, in East Liverpool, O, 
He's announcer, for WSTV, Steuben 
ville, O. 

Rosemary Carver to Paul Speegle 
in San Francisco, July 15. He's film 
reviewer for the San Francisco 
Chronicle. 

Mary Brooks to Henry Jackson, in 
New York, July 19. Groom is west 
ern manager for Radio Sales (CBS) 
in Chicago; bride is copywriter with 
G. Lynn Sumner agency, N. Y. 

Peggy Nelson to Sam Hamilton, in 
Pittsburgh, July 12. She's an actress 
at KDKA, Pittsburgh. 

Marge Nelson to Nat Nazarro, Jr 
in Pittsburgh, June 26. He's the for- 
mer vaude and musical dancer, now 
secretary of AGVA in Pitt.; she's a 
singer. 

Janet Fineifein to James Parks, in 
Chicago, July 15. He's an agerxt. 

Kathleen Pinch to Girard (Jerry) 
Tepas, July 12 in Buffalo. He's a 
bandleader. • 



Ranny Weeks, maestro at Boston's 
Club Mayfair, spends daytimes act- 
ing as radio director for the Massa- 
chOsetts Committee on Public Safety 
and joined WEEI recently as civilian 
defense reporter, with several pro- 
grams weekly. , 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. (George 'Dink' Tem 
pleton, son, in Hollywood, July 12. 
Father is a screen writer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Denny Beckner, son, 
in Toledo, July ,17. He's an orchestra 
leader; she's the former Doris Gordy, 
accordionist. 

Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Rapf, daugh 
ter, in Hollywood, July 18. Father 
is a screen writer; grandfather is 
Harry Rapf, Metro executive. 

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin M. Eisenberg, 
son, in Detroit, July 16. Mother is 
the former Dorothy Crane, who sang 
with Bernie Cummins' band.. 

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Kuetcher, 
daughter, born in Detroit, July 19. 
Father is operator of Dexter theatre, 
Detroit, for the Sam Brown circuit. 

Mr. and Mrs. Judd McMichael, 
daughter, in Hollywood, July 18. 
Father is one of the Merry Macs. 

Mr. and Mrs. William Snyder, 
daughter, in Hollywood, July 14. 
Father is a Technicolor cameraman. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Gerlich, daughter, 
in Burbank, Cal., July 16. Father 
is a film editor lat .Walt Disney stu- 
dio. 

Mr. and Mrs. Al Taylor, daughter, 
July 16, in Buffalo. Father is WBEN, 
Buffalo, announcer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Dwan, daugh- 
ter, in San Francisco, July 15. Pother 
is a KGO-KPO (Frisco) producer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Mitchell, 
son, in Milwaukee, July 18. Mother 
was Diana Gaylcn, Hollywood film 
'ghost' singer; father is executive di 
rector of the Milwaukee Municipal 
Opera Assn. 

Mr. and Mrs, Dick Gabbe, daugh 
ter. in New York, July 12. Father is 
booker for General Amusement 
Corp. 

Mr. and Mrs. David Chandler, son, 
in Santa Monica, July 13. Father is 
on Warners publicity staff. 

Mr. and Mrs. George Curti, son, 
in Hollywood, July 12. Father is 
with Fox-West Coast. Child is the 
grandson of Charles Skouras. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Herman, 
daughter, in Chicago, July 12. 
Mother is Marguerite Shalett, radio 
actress; father is radio writer. 



'Sleepless Hollow' 



^Continued from page 2- 



others became interested, but the 
price was never less than $40,000. 
Joseph P. Day was commissioned to 
sell the Cook place, but his option 
expired and the sale was made di- 
rect. Cook explained that, as his 
children had reached maturity, there 
was no longer much reason to hold 
it alter occupancy of 17 years. Be- 
sides, when he accepted out of town 
dates, the care and expense were 
hardly worthwhile. 

Cook bought the property for 
about the same price it sold for, 
but, with the furnishings and addi- 
tional ground purchased for the golf 
links, he estimates the total invest- 
ment to have been $200,000. While 
the furniture and furnishings go to 
the new owners. Cook removed two 
van loads full of personal items, 
including costly silver service, 
amounting in all to $50,000. 

Comedian has had a yen to open 
a cafe in New Jersey for some time. 
During the trip to the west he will 
look over various establishments 
with the idea of avoiding the errors 
of other restaurateurs. 



Chatter 

: Continued from pace (Is 



two former partners, charging con- 
spiracy to oust him from his real 
estate business in Beverly Hills. 

Louis B. Mayer, owner of the most 
expensive horse breeding establish- 
ment in California, threatened to 
pull out of the racing game when 
questioned on the witness stand dur- 
ing an investigation of alleged stimu- 
lation of horses. Mayer's final words 
on the stand were, 'well, I'll be out 
of racing soon.' 



Minneapolis 

By Lea Bees 



Bob Zurke orch into Curly's 
riitery. 

Father of Jack Kelly, M-G sales- 
man, pas.sed away. 

'Hay Fever' is current Log theatre 
(strawhatter) bill, 

Manny Gottlieb, Universal district 
manager, in from Chicago. 

University of Minnesota Playhouse 
presenting 'Ah Wilderness.' 

Irving Gillman, former local indie 
exhibitor, off to Omaha to join RKO 
sales staff. 

Ben Blotcky heading delegation to 
Paramount divisional sales' meeting 
in Chicago. 

Sherman Dryer, University of Chi- 
cago radio head, visiting father, 
Harry, local exhibitor. 

Following in footsteps of dad, Or- 
pheum manager. Bill Sears, Jr., tak- 
ing position as assistant manager of 
St. Paul Strand theatre. 

Fred Ableson, local Universal 
salesman for northern Minnesota, 
finished fifth in entire United States 
in first lap of his company's cur- 
rent sales' drive. 

Annual roller derby starts at Au- 
ditorium July 25 with Harry Hirsch 
and Tony Stecher, burlesque and 
wrestling impresarios, respectively, 
as local promoters. 

St. Paul Auditorium starting an- 
other summer season of 50c pop 
symphony concerts with 70-piece or- 
chestra plus singing and ice revue 
once a week for eight weeks. 

PittsbHrgh 

By Hal Cohen 

John Freinstein, of M-G exchange, 
has joined the army for 52 weeks. 

Betty Smiley, the singer, has quit 
KQV for a berth at station WCAE. 

Sid Dickler.back to Al Mercur as 
Nut Club's p.a., replacing Kay Balfe 
Harry Rachieles' lad, Leo, will en- 
ter Oberlin Conservatory of Music 
in the fall. 

Kap Monahans — he's the Press 
drama editor — are back from a Cana- 
dian holiday. 

Glenn Riggs, NBC announced and 
formerly of KDKA, here to see his 
folks for a week. 

O. K. Farr. owner of Rainbow 
Ballroom in Denver, here looking 
over some bands. 

Vocalists Penny Lee and Jerry 
Scott re-signed by Don Bestor for 
three more years. 

Bob Laux has quit the Warner 
publicity office for a spot with the 
Koppers company. 

The Art Englands (she was Helen 
Abelson) are home from a Colorado 
Spring honeymoon. 

Joe Feldman, WB advertising 
chief, and the wife and kiddies off 
for Hollywood by car. 

Harold Kay and his bride, the 
former Jayne Goodman, are honey- 
mooning in California. 

Harry Kalmine will be general 
chairman of Variety Club's 13th an- 
nual banquet next fell. 

Billy Catizone and his foursome 
home after six months at the Broad- 
moor, Colorado Springs. 

Band leaders Herbie Holmes and 
Benny Burton both got their draft 
questionnaire; last wee'k. 

James Kalos, manager of Harris 
Newsreel theatre, home again after 
a plane trip to the Coast. 

Donald Buka. local actor who was 
discovered by the Lunts, at the Red 
Barn theatre this summer. 
,.,5?^?.,.^"?'^'^' assistant manager' of 
T T-^ ?,V"'dan Square, and Thelma 
Jiili will be married Aug. 9. 

'Rochester' (Eddie Anderson) unit 
with Dick Stabile-Gracie Barrie sfet 
for Stanley week of July 25. 

Joe Sala has decided to keep EI 
t-nico going all summer, cancelling 
plans for eight-week closing. 

Exhib Elmer Dattola has an- 
nounced engagement of his daughter 
Aurora, to J. Alfred Panza. 

Ernest Stern, son of Norbert Stern 
who operates Drive-In Theatre, to 
Mavo Clinic for observation. 

Bill Lewises— he's the dean of 
'OMl drama crix— celebrated their 
46th anniversary the other day. 

Bill Kramer, the restaurateur's 
son, now in the non-commissioned 
officers' school at Aberdeen, Md. 

Variety Club will picnic at West 
View Park Aug, 21, proceeds going 
to Its pet charity. Camp O'Connell. 

Andrews Sisters sang a few songs 
at the reception following Carolyn 
Lieberman-Gerry Goldberg wedding. 

Shirley ■ Brown, Carnegie Tech 
drama grad, going to Cbhasset, Mass., 
m August for Charlie Gaynor revue. 
Bob Finkel, scripting Range Bust- 
ers pix, returned to Hollywood after 



attending sister's high-school gradu- 
ation. 

Gertrude Ball, of the Republic ex- 
change, and Gaylor Murray, of 
Washington, Pa., will be married 
Saturday (26). 

Colored cast of 'Green Pastures' at 
Playhouse has organized dramatic 
group and will present "Porgy* in 
in September. 

Shirley Brown, Madelyn Ward and 
Norma Shea going to Cohasset, Mass., 
next month to appear In (jharlie 
Gaynor's revue. 

• Mountain Playhouse at Jenners- 
town doing llting Called Love' this 
week with Clay Flagg and Norma 
Bianchi in leads. 

Jackie Heller has left Yacht Club 
for a few weeks to play Meadow- 
brook in St. Louis and Burlington 
COnt.) Inn, latter a return. 



St Louis 

By Sam X. Hurst 

About 70 nabes in St. Louis will 
hold aliminum matinees today (23). 

Ray Mathis, Anderson, Mo., mull- 
ing idea of erecting a new 500-seater 
in his home town. 

Harry Crawford, manager of the 
Ambassador, back from New York 
where he once trod the boards. 

The Lucas Theatre Co., Oak Lawn, 
111., is asking for bids on a new 
$175,000 fiicker house in Oak Lawn. 

Employees of the St. Louis Amus. 
Co., and Fanchon Si Marco are stag- 
ing weekly sof Iball games in local 
parks. 

Harry Redmond, manager of Bala- 
ban & Katz's Majestic in East St. 
Louis, laid up in St. Mary's hospital 
in the same town. 

Jack Kraft now hitting Mis.<;ouri 
and Illinois towns for Producers' 
Releasing Corp., which has a local 
branch exchange. 

Ted Straeter, who has just com- 
pleted his fifth year as choral direc- 
tor of the Kate Smith radio program, 
visiting his mother here. 

The NYA orch of St. LouLs, under 
the baton of Herbert Van den Burgh 
gave concert on roof of the YMHA- 
YWHA building before capacity mob. 

Garavelli's restaurant in the west 
end sold to August Sabadell, cater- 
ing manager of Hotel Chase. Joe 
Garavelli operated the place for 27 
years. 

Melba Gaines, whistling singer at 
the Fox a few years ago, is now Mrs. 
Larry King. She's copyrighted a 
ditty tagged, 'I'm in Love With a 
Dream.' 

Jack Brashear, former manager of 
the Aubert, a St. Louis Amus. Co. 
nabe, and Melva A. Stapp, trailer 
booker for the National Screen 
Service Co.', wed last week. 

Variety Club tossed farewell din- 
ner and presented Harold D. 'Chick' 
Evens traveling luggage on eve of 
his departure to Cleveland where 
he assumes duties as manager of 
Loew's State. 

Eugene Campione, 18-year-old vio- 
linest, scored in solo at last al fresco 
concert of the St. Louis Little symph 
at Washington U. Hans Lange com- 
pleted his sixth consecutive season 
as conductor. 

The Capitol, Waterloo, III., re- 
lighted under the management of 
Tommy Tobin, who has intere.?ts in 
the Roxy and Esquire, East St. 
Louis. House has undergone com- 
plete facelifting. 

Ben Robbirll^, manager of the local 
UA office, returned from regional 
conclave in Chicago where his 
branch won first prize In the Croup 
B division of the Arthur W. Kelly 
sales drive. Robbins copped $1,000 
for himself and each of his salesmen 
snared a two-week salary bonus. 
They are Jimmy Gregg, Ray Curran, 
Eddie Ashkins and Ray Wiley. 

The singing of 'The Star Spangled 
Banner' before and after perform- 
ances in the Municipal Theatra 
Assn's al fresco theatre in Forest 
Park by both performers and audi- 
ence was inaugurated Thursday (10). 
It will be followed throughout the 
season. Formerly the band played 
the national anthem before the foot- 
lights went up. 



South Africa 

By H. Hanson 



Show business fair at the b.o. 
South Africa suffering from over- 
dose of cinemas. 

Mrs. I. W. Schlesinger returned 
from the States, leaving son al Har- 
vard. 

Matheson Lang, British actor, and 
wife in South Africa for duration of 
war. Staying in Durban. 

'Men of Boys' Town' pulled ca- 
pacity at Plaza, Cape Town. Spencer 
Tracy and Mickey Rooney popular 
favorites here. 

South African government may 
prohibit 'excessive' theatre-building 
during war. Rhodesian government 
banned new building, including cine- 
mas, while war exists. 



Vednesdaj, July 23, 1941 



63 



Strawhat Plays 



: Continued from pace COj 



CURTAIN GOING UP 



lo was given '8 fsir tryout here to- 
night (Monday), with first-night 
difficulties blurring the punch and 
perfection o( a character study of a 
veteran actress attempting a come- 

''^Co'nstance Collier, handed a ter- 
rific role, had not mastered all her 
lines by opening night, but she had 
grasped her character with an un- 
derstanding and verve that offset her 
occasional hesitant delivery. By the 
-weekend this one should, shape up 
much more as a Broadway possibil- 
ity than it did toni^t 

Yarn concerns the old-time star 
hiding bitterness of a runaway hus- 
band for several years by pretendi^ig 
to 'thumb her nose' at the world, 
but when a young author reads her 
a play that characterizes herself, she 
wants to do it lor a i^omeback. A 
wealthy mutual friend of hers and 
the author backs the production. Re- 
hearsals go badly because she has 
trouble in getting up In her lines, 
and the notices are not too kind. 
Learning that the author is the il- 
legitimate son of her husband doesn't 
help. Because he idolizes her, he 
wants her to try it in America, But 
she sends him away to a waiting 
American producer who wants to 
star his own wife. As play closes 
the vet star is making terms for a 
repertoire of classics with a new 
backer — an English pub-owner and 
sweepstakes winner who has ad- 
mired her for years from afar. 

Standouts in supporting cast are 
Violet Heming, as the loyal, wealthy 
friend who helps the veteran star 
through the lean years; Ethel Morri- 
son, grabbing every possible laugh 
from her role of life-long maid and 
confidante; Gloria Stuart, making 
her character of . the sincere and 
competent younger .actress sparkle; 
Philip Huston and Melchor Ferrer, 
as backer and playwright, respec- 
tively; Clark Alexander, as a dis- 
traught director steering a rough 
course through rehearsals interrupt- 
ed by the aging star, and Roland 
Hogue as the sweepstakes winner. 

Second-act scenes of rehearsals on 
bare stage clicked best, but with 
more rehearsing the other two can 
tos would be more stirring. 

Foi. 



Rudolph Whittaker's likable natural 
as the little dark horse. 

Workmanlike direction by Donald 
Blackwell. The John Koenig inter- 
iors properly provincial, the small 
Westport stage being used to the 
maximum. Elem. 



LITTLE DARK HORSE 

Westport, Conn., July 21 

Cometly In three acta adapted by Thereea 
Holburn from the French of Andre Btra- 
.iMtAu. Directed by Donald Blackwell. Set' 
tlT\K by John Koenig. Presented by Law- 
rence Lansner, Armlna Morshnll and John 
C. Wlliion, In association with Blackwell 
A Curtis, at Westport Country playhouse, 
July 21, WI. $2.71) top. 

AKntha Lillian Brennard Tonge 

Dr. Roubet..... William Hansen 

I.ouln« Monfavet Katharine Warren 

Madame Onzaln Evelyn Varden 

Catherine ; Anita MoRee 

Jean-Pierre naymond Roe 

Patrick Edmond Abel 

Undame Vellenaud Hazel Hnnnn 

Uadnme Monfavet Muriel .Starr 

Emil Onzaln Walter Slezak 

Noel Rudolph Whittnker 

Francois Monfavet Eric Dressier 



Theresa Helburn's sympathetic 
adaptation of Andre Birabeau com- 
edy, intended for New York entry 
by Blackwell & Curtis, did not im 
press as a Broadway potential in 
first run-through at Lawrence Lang' 
ners' playbarn. Sock first-act tag 
gave audience high hope for the can- 
tos to come, but, after the initial 
snapper, 'Little Dark Horse' is just 
a thin spread of the key idea— the 
effects on the family of a father who 
made the mistake of miscegenatin' 
during a stay in Africa. 

Theatre Guilder Helburn has han- 
dled the delicate subject with care, 
but the mixture ol kids, from 15 
down, with such material does not 
classify as normal entertainment. 
Chief entertainment value of West- 
port break-in was . excellence of 
character playing, notably Walter 
Slezak and Evelyn Varden in fea- 
tured roles. 

Set in provincial pre-war France, 
show spends most ot .first act getting 
established.' Francois Monfavet 
(Eric Dresselr), father of three 
youngsters, is thought near death 
His wife (Katharine Warren) and 
her domineering and shrewd moth 
er (Miss Varden) have learned that 
Monfavet has been supporting a boy 
at a school in a distant city, and they 
send Uncle Emil, middle-aged bache 
lor tied to the mother's apron 
strings, to bring the illegitimate child 
to the deathbed. The kid shows up 
tor the curtain — a colored boy. 

From there on it's a case of fam 
ily reaction. . The youngest Monfavet 
wants the little Negro to stay. The 
rest prepare to ship him back with 
EmiL After a second act almost 
wholly devoid of feel, the third 
brings two compelling scenes be 
tween the father and his outside 
son, and, later, between father and 
senior son. 

William Hansen effectively over- 
plays the family medico, bothered 
with his own Ills. Katharine War 
ren's believably cold as the wife, 
Dressler's right as the father, and 
Muriel Starr ditto as the soft pater- 
nal grandmother. Raymond Roe tops 
the juveniles as older brother to 
Anita Magee and Hazel Hanna. And 



MR. NAZI 

Kennebunkport, J/l^., July 18. 
Flay In three acts (four scenes) by David 
O. Woodbury and Hall Martin.. Staged by 
Brtord Gage: setting by George Hill. Pre- 
sented by the Garrlck Players under the 
aegia or Robert C. Currier at the Kenne- 
bunkport plaj'house, Kennebunkport, He., 
July 17, '41. 

Mlaa Benson Karen van Ryn 

Oscar Venable '....L«8lle Ranscom 

Jim Troy Kenneth Forbes 

Isabel Rhelnbart Olive Dunbar 

Roberta Evans Roberta Dixon 

Dr. Hartmnn Claude Marks 

Tom Haifillton Robert Perry 

Kit Adams Nel King 

John Tanner Harry Townea 

Sven , Wyman Pendleton 



JoTen, Viuda y Estanciera 

(Continued from page 30) 
dramatic, but plenty of comic situa- 
tions help, especially those played 
by Segundo Pomar add ~ Pepita 
Munoz, both popular in Latindom. 

Mecha Ortiz, one of the most pop- 
ular of Argentine stage, screen and 
radio figures, puts understanding 
into her role, creating a sympathy- 
winning character. Herrera has 
presented her carefully and location 
shots on an estancia, together with 
local color that includes genuine 
criollo songs, gaucho feats, etc., are 
likely to give the pic interest not 
only for the rest of Latin-America 
but for the States as well. Santiago 
Arrieta is outstanding in the support- 
ing cast, especially in the dramatic 
scenes, and Iris Portillo turns in a 
good jpb as the camp girl. Photog- 
raphy is excellent although sound is 
occasionally over-blatent. Ray. 



The intention of the authors, David 
Woodbury and Hall Martin, does not 
begin to show through this play until 
it IS almost half over. 'Mr. Nazi' is 
evidently supposed to be a satire, or 
burlesque, on fifth-column intrigue, 
but it is a particularly uninspired 
example of the kind of play it is 
attempting to parody. Erford Gage's 
direction and the acting both fail to 
heighten the script's absurdities. By 
the time the play becomes obviously 
a spoof, the audience is too confused 
to enjoy the comedy complications to 
the full. 

The story deals with Nazi activity 
among the faculty of a boarding 
school just outside Washington, 
where the students stumble on a plot 
to blast Congress and the President 
to bits by means of a newly-perfected 
death beam. As might be expected, 
the Gerfman instructor who spouts 
openly about Nazism turns out to be 
an FBI man on the track of the real 
Nazis. Whole idea of mass assassi- 
nation of the President and Congress, 
while too ridiculous to be taken seri- 
ously, is in questionable taste. How- 
ever, the notion of poking fun at spy 
and counter-spy melodrama may 
have ' entertainment possibilities, 
quite apart from.'Mr. Nazi.' 

Harry Townes, as the FBI investi- 
gator, contributes a standout acting 
job, with Robert Perry, Kenneth 
Forbes and Nel King especially ef- 
fective among the student contingent! 
Karen Van Ryn, Leslie Hanscom and 
Claude Marks handle other Irnpor- 
tant roles. George Hill's school ot 
flee setting is neat and pleasant 

Paul. 



New Theatres 



^Continued from page S- 



Federer, but dark six months. En- 
tire cost said to be nearly $100,000, 

Tri-States, of Des Moines, bought 
Rivoli and Oil Ci(y at Falls City, 

Arnold Meierdiercks opened new 
Pix in Pender, Neb., 400-seater, air- 
conditioned, 

E. L. McCartney, ex-Weeping 
Water (Neb.) barber, purchased 
North Bend in North Bend, Neb. 



Detroit's Addition 

Detroit, July 22. 
Cohen Bros, circuit acquired the 
Town, formerly operated under a 
vaudfllm i>olicy, from Jack Broder, 
who shuttered it several weeks ago. 
The house, the former Orchestra 
Hall site, will again be remodeled 
for opening in the fall on a first- 
run (B pix> and possible stage show 
basis. 

Suburban area here will get two 
new houses ' with Charles Stearns 
building a 1,000-seater in Rochester 
and the Circle-Midway Theatre 
Corp. constructing new Edison In 
Dearborn. Latter will also house a 
bowling alley, soundproofed. 



Literati 

; Contlnaed from page 60; 



of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch 
(Pulitzer Publishing Company) died 
of infirmities of age at his St. Louis 
County home last week. 

Lelahd Jamleson, 37, Eastern Air 
Lines pilot and author of two novels 
'Attack' and 'High Frontier,' died re- 
cently in Jacksonville, Fla. 

Tommy Aitlccn, 55, for several 
years salt water fishing editor ot 
Outdoor Life magazine, died recent 
ly in Miami. 



House Reviews 



^Continued from page K- 



OLYMPIA, MIAMI 



dummy named Looie. Even a cow- 
boy getup fails to disguise similarity 
between pipes of this wooden waif 
end those of McCarthy, but he's good 
for a howl nevertheless. Real hit, 
though, is a briefle with an unbilled 
sepia dummy that lights up. Might 
be the angle with which Cross can 
really score. 

Statler Twins are blonde tapsters 
who make up in optic appeal what 
they lack in footwork. 

With Charley Chay on vacation, 
Harry Reser has taken over ,the 
house band. Vet maestro handles 
duties with surety, and gets plenty 
out of this 12-piece combo. Leslie. 



HIPP, BALTO 



Baltiinore, July 19. 
Dinah Shore, Jim Wong Co. (5), 
Pearl RobbiTis, The Huberts (2), 
Watlv Broum with Annette Ames, 
Felice lula House Orch (13); 'Tom, 
Dicfc and Harry' (RKO). 



Sharkey the seal, children's theatre, 
and three flltns. 

When caught at the opening show 
Sunday (20), the feature film was 
taken off in order to present con- 
tinuous vaude for waiting weekend 
crowds. Six shows skedded that day. 

Carter. 



EMBASSY, N. Y. 

(NEWSREELS) 



Boceland, La., Addition ' 
New Orleans, July 22. 
The Rex, Raceland, La., near here, 
opened recently amid much fan- 
fare. House which seats 600, was 
dedicated with speech by mayor and 
town officials following parade 
through principal streets and other 
doings. Owner is Mrs. R. T. Ken- 
nedy of New Orleans; manager, Ar- 
nold Bell. 



CHATTER 

' David J. Manners, film and stage 
actor, has authored a first novel, 
'Convenient Season,' which Dutton 
has just brought out. 

Marjorie Mills, WNAC, Boston, 
cooking expert, celebrated her 25th 
anniversary as Boston Herald- 
Traveler writer on household sub- 
jects and her 17th on air. 

C. Carlton Hartly, publisher of the 
Greenfield (6.) Daily Times, has sold 
the weekly Fairfield (O.) Times at 
Lancaster, to Malcom S. Forbes, 
formerly of Englewood, N. J. 

Roy D. Moore, vice-president and 
general manager of the Brush-Moore 
Newspapers, Inc., Canton, O., has 
been appointed chairman of the Ohio 
Defense Savings (Committee by Mor- 
genthau. 

Cedric Adams, Minneapolis news- 
paper columnist, is in the hospital 
with broken ankle. Equipment im- 
mediately was set up in his room to 
permit him to broadcast from a mike 
in his bed. 

Clifford B. Ward, member of the 
editorial department of the Fort 
Wajme' (Ind.) News Sentinel for the 
last 18 years, has been named man- 
aging editor, succeeding Arthur K. 
Remme), resigned, effective July 21. 

Allen Saunders, who writes con- 
tinuity for two comic strips, Chief 
Wahoo and Mary Worth's Family, is 
a candidate for membership on the 
Toledo (O.) Board of Education. He 
was former drama critic for the old 
Toledo News Bee. Merrill Pheatt, 
publicity director of WSPD, Toledo, 
took out the petition and is among 
his sponsors. 

Grover W. Fleming, publisher of 
the weekly American Examiner, has 
been arrested and jailed in default 
of $3,000 bond after he pleaded in- 
nocent July 16 of a charge of crim- 
inal Ubel filed by Mrs. Elda Unkles- 
bay, Cambridge, Guernsey County, 
O. She charged that Fleming pub- 
lished a false and malicious libel 
concerning her last June 20. 

Fort Wayne (Ind.) 'Editorial As- 
sociation, an American Federation 
of Labor affiliate, has been organ- 
ized by employees of the News Sen- 
tinel, with J. E. Bouillet as presi- 
dent, and. Herbert R. Miller as vice- 
president Other officers are Louise 
Roemer, recording secretary; Fred 
MacFeely, secretary-treasurer, and 
Eugene W. Craig, sergeant-at-arms. 



Trl-Statea' 1,0M-Seatcr - 

Atlanta, Texas., July 22. 
B. R. McLendon of Tri-States plans 
to open his latest house here, the 
New SUte, on July 24; seats 1,000. 



Anstin, Texas, Bevamp 

Austin, Tex., July 22. 
Louis Novy, city manager of In- 
terstate, made following changes 
among personnel here: Earl Podol- 
nick to manage the State and the 
Queen; Francis Vickers, assistant 
manager of the Queen, and Harold 
Novy, assistant manager of the 
SUte. 



Mex Mirage 

^Continued from page 53; 



ties as a result of these contracts are 
dealt yet another jolt They are 
singularly fortunate when they can 
retrieve all of the $250 (Mex.) ($50 
U.S.) repatriation bond that Mexican 
law demands must be posted by all 
transients, other than tourists and im- 
migrants. Only too many U. S. per- 
formers who go broke down here 
are handed mere bus fare to Laredo 
or other border points. That is in 
strict accordance with the law as it 
now stands. The statute specifies 
that the bond is for 'repatriation' 
and repatriation means sending the 
bonded back to their native land. 
But Laredo and other border points 
are a long way from Chi and New 
York or where most of these un- 
lucky artists were contracted. 



Following a three-week shutdown 
for renovations, Izzy Rappaport re- 
opened this consistent vaude indie 
this week to s.r.o. on opening day. 
Current layout has been adroitly 
selected and nicely routined for 
maximum returns. 

House orch is ably sticked by 
Felice lula on stage, with Wally 
Brown smartly emceeing in addition 
to doing his standard comedy turn 
with Annette Ames later. Nice 
pacesetter is opening slot for Pearl 
Bobbins in a' brief but punchy ses- 
sion of toetapping. The Huberts 
follow with their comedy stew 
knockabout and mugging. 

Given a buildup by Brown, Dinah 
Shore takes hold with smartly de- 
livered, stylized vocals which in- 
clude "These Are the Things,' 'Hut 
Sut,' "Yes, My Darling Daughter,' 
•Daddy* and 'Uy Sister and I,' aU in 
the groove and a cinch for a begoff. 
Nicely gowned and of sure stage 
presence, singer has much to recom- 
mend her' and is a natural on any 
layout 

Brown follows with his own con- 
tribution, utilizing his familiar, halt- 
ing style of delivery and keep his 
material moving at a good clip. 
Diminutive partner, Miss Ames, 
helps considerably in crossfire 
clowning and closing vocal and get- 
away dance. Leads into nice spot 
for the acrobatics of Jim Wong Co., 
which closes, They're a hand-getter. 

Burm. 

STEEL PIER, A. C. 

(MUSIC HALL) 

Atlantic City, Julu 20. 
Andrews Sisters. Johnnj/ jBurke, 
Condos Brothers (2), Gloria Gilbert, 
Peggy Kraft, Gae Foster Ballet (16), 
Ben Yost Singers (8), Dicfc DaTUi, 
Pinfcie Lee, Bobby Morris, Ryan and 
Benson, Walter Morton. Music Hall 
Orch (9); 'Man Hunt' (20th;. 

Headed by the Andrews Sisters, 
this a well-balanced bill. 

Much handclapping and whistling 
greeted appearance of the sisters for 
their opening number, 'Beer Barrel 
Polka,' 'Daddy,' 'Boogie Woogle 
Bugle Boy' and 'Apple Blossom 
Time' also got prolonged cheers, 

Johnny 'Vurke, in his standard 
doughboy monolog, kept this audi 
ence in howls with his running ac- 
count of everyday happenings of the 
doughboy. He's dressed appropri- 
ately. 

Music Hall manager Frank Elliott 
follows his usual system of building 
vaude program around a musical 
revue theme and title, with house 
line of Gae Foster Girls, Ben. Yost 
Singers and minstrels serving as 
background, stellar acts being inter- 

'Shoulder Arms' is the title of this 
week's show. Foster girls carry out 
the idea with a lively drill number 
while wearing snappy costumes of 
red blouses, short blue velvet skirts 
and white hats. 

Following this, the Yost warblers, 
in well-fitting olive drab uniforms, 
warble a medley of patriotic songs, 
ending with 'God Bless America.' 
ITie crowd was stirred to spontane- 
ous applause, and as they kept sing- 
ing they were joined by the Foster 
girls in khaki skirts and blouses, plus 
overseas caps. It makes a good clos- 
ing number. 

Gloria Gilbert, in pale blue danc- 
ing costume trimmed with silver se- 
quins, pleased the 'crowd with her 
whirling dancing. The Condos 
Brothers scored heavily in a tap 
number. Pegey Kraft does an okay 
tap accompanied by some twists and 
spins. ' 

Much of the comedy is suoplied by 
the minstrels with Dick Dana and 
Pinkie Lee holding spotlight. ' letter 
have much larger spot this week 
than usual, and got good resnonse 
with dizzy song in which audience 
took part In adHition to vaude. 
Steel Pier offers Tommy Dorsev's 
band In Marine ballroom: circus with 
(^rlstian-'s BTohpU. ti>!>f<"- rorn'vrl. 



British troops fighting in Syria, a 
listless resume of the pro-Axis re- 
bellion in Iraq, some ragged clips 
from British navy cameramen show- 
ing an attack on Nazi supply boats 
and a brief once-over ot the Mos- 
cow-Berlin row top this layout. 

Among the more notable hash are 
Paramount's reels on the British 
naval attack on Nazi supply ships 
and a quickie summation ot the 
British-Russ mutual assistance pact, 
Universal's closeup of Russian mili- 
tary leaders receiving medals in 
Moscow, same reel berates the bomb- 
ing of Alexandria, Movietone's in- 
vasion troop maneuvers in England, 
Churchill speaking, and News of the 
Day covering U. S. marines arriving 
in London. 

Welcome relief from trite coverage 
that follows is furnished by Para- 
mount. Tagged 'Salute to U. S.,' it 
is the British edition of Paramount 
News covering Fourth of July exer- 
cises in Britain this year. British 
announcer's voice and whole content 
of the British Isles edition are re- 
tained. 

Tex McCrary's theme Is that 
powerful radio voices have been In- 
strumental in recent world affairs, 
citing Roosevelt, Hitler and Churchill 
leaders in the art of swaying 
people via the airlanes. He also 
contrasts these ith others who have 
been none too successful with radio 
speeches, including Wendell L. 
Willkle, Herbert Hoover, Mussolini 
and Alf Landon. 

Par shows Ickes blasting Lind- 
bergh, while Universal covers the 
Minneapolis 'Aquatennial,' an Ar- 
lington Park horse race and a plug 
for Sea Island, Ga. Same newsreel 
grabs chuckles with Its yam on 
Clemson U. ROTC cadets staging a 
mock takeover of a southern mu- 
nicipality's govemn^ent. Pathe grabs 
a closeup of Secretary of Navy Knox 
sketching the navy's future ptograih. 
Par chips in with neat coverage on 
the army bomber crackup near Ma- 
dera, Calif., and a good neighbor 
clip on U. S. bombing plane arriving 
in. Buenos Aires for navy cere- 
monies. Wear. 



Mpls. Baffled 



-Contlnned from page 



badly beaten up during slot machlna 
raids on suburban night clubs. Pro- 
prietors were arrested and the gam- 
bling devices confiscated.' In one 
night spot visited a crowd jumped 
on the minister and beat and kicked 
him, a deputy sheriff intervening. 
The owner of one- club was charged 
with third degree assatilt in connec- 
tion with the attack. He and other 
proprietors also were charged with 
operating gambling establishments. . 

Local theatre men are wondering 
what effect the sensational develop- 
ments will have on night- life here. 
This night life, with its numerous 
counter attractions. Is believed to b« 
plenty tough opposition for theatres. 

Cleveland Drive 

Cleveland, July 22. 

Cracking down on night clubs that 
have been running after legal hours 
with gambling setups. Sheriff J. M. 
Sweeney's blue-coated crew forced 
their way Into Emil J. Nemec't 
Rockside Club last week in one of 
the biggest raids of the year. 

Six slot machines and a large 
quantity of likker were confiscated 
by deputies, who broke down front 
door. 

Newspapers claim there are about 
125 of these clip spots«in town, but 
getting the evidence against them It 
difficult Rockside Is the third' one 
knocked off in the last week, and 
with a slot machine charge hanging 
over Nemec's head, the rest of the 
jernts are voluntarily pulUng down: 
the curtain In a hurry. 



St Lonla Pinch 

St. Louis, July 22. 

Mayor Matt Fogerty of University 
City, a residential suburb just west 
of St Louis, last weiek doubled •■ 
police magistrate just long enough 
to plaster a fine of $200 and costs 
against a nitery operator for after- 
hours liquor sales. 

Cops testified they visited the 
Varsity Club, owned and operated by 
Sam laconneti, at 2:45 a.m. on June 
14 and found a flock of patrons drink* 
ing although the closing hour haA 
passed more ■ than an hour before. 
The nitery operator denied making 
any saJ"."?. . . ' 



64 



Wednesday, Julj 23, 1941 



» 



» 



WHEN A 70 YEAR RECORD 
COMES TUMBUNG DOWN ! 



» It is a source of tremendous 
satisfaction, of course/ to the 
attraction 



» 



PHIL SPITALNY 



AND HIS ALL GIRL ORCHESTRA 



THE HOUR OF CHARM 



» which drew TEN THOUSAND- 
the greatest attendance in 
^Seventy Years to Chautauqua, 
N. Y. on July 11 

» —with a single exception— the 
appearance of President 
Roosevelt there in 1936! It 
is a privilege and distinction to 
be second oiily to the President. 



SCREEN 



RADIO 




STAGE 



Published Weekly at 154 West 4eth Street, New Tork, N. Y., by Variety, Inc. Annual subacrlptlon, |10. SIntle ooples SB centa 
tSntered as Second-class matter December 22, .1605, at the Poet Onice at New York, N T., under the act o( March t, llfs. 
COPTBIGBT, IMI, BX VABIETS, INC. AIX RIGHTS RBSEBVED 



VOL. 143 NO. 8 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 1941 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



HAYLOFTS' HEY-HEY BIZ 



Money Giveaways OK Now in Chicago, 
So Long as It s in U.S. Defense Bonds 



Chicago, July 29. 

Money . giveaways, banned in 
Chicago theatres for some time by 
the city authorities, now coming to 
the surface, but this time with the 
full backing of the municipal, state 
and federal powers due to a new 
twist that puts the givaways in the 
strictly patriotic classification and 
ties in directly with national defense. 

In a deal arranged by Allied here, 
theatres will run bingo regularly, 
the prizes to be in the form of U. S. 
defense bonds. 

Bingo for defense has found the 
full approval of Government agen- 
cies here which are backing the 
move solidly, seeing in the theatre 
bingo a new and strong avenue for 
moving thousands of dollars of de- 
fense bonds. 

.While the stunt is a boxoffice 
angle for the theatres, the authori- 
ties feel that the twist is satisfactory 
due to the national point to be 
gained by getting defense bonds into 
the hands of a greatly widened circle 
of the public. 

Essaness circuit is leading the 
parade here and will disburse a min- 
imum of $200 worth of bonds in each 
of its theatres. With $200 as a 
starter, it is a cinch that this figure 
will go higher as soon as the various 
(Continued on page 41) 



Max Gordon Wants N.O. 
To Back m' Operetta 
As Buildup for That City 



St. Louis, July 29. 

New idea in financing legit pro- 
duction may evolve from 'New Or- 
leans,' the Oscar Hammerstein, II— 
Sigmund Romberg operetta which 
opened the Municipal Ooera outdoor 
season here. Max Gordon, who 
plans to present the show on Broad- 
way, is reported having proposi- 
tioned the city of New Orleans as 
one of the potential backers. 

Selling point is that it would 
publicize that city and that New 
Orleans should invest in the show, 
probably through its Chamber of 
Commerce, as a matter of civic 
pride. If It goes through it might 
become a vogue, with managers 
naming shows after municipalities 
and getting backing from same. • 

Another musical in the offing that 
should attract the attention of Louisi- 
anians, and which will debut nearer 
home, is 'Mardi Gras,' an operetta 
which J. J, Shubert will open in 
Dallas late in August, show being 
named after New Orleans' annual 
carnival. 



Understood that a number of 
ucket brokers have been asked to 
invest In 'New Orleans,' well re- 
garded when It opened In St. Louis. 
Ticket people have participated in 
Gordon productions in the past, but 
those were lush days along Broad- 
way. Suggested that the brokers 
buy in for more modest amounts. 



Spewack's Federal Post 



Sam Spewack, doing intelligence 
work for the government, flew to 
England last Wednesday (23) in a 
bomber being delivered to the RAF. 
He arrived in London the following 
day. 

How lopg Spewack will be abroad 
isn't known. His wife, Bella, is con- 
tinuing the team's writing activity 
on a Hollywood assignment at their 
New Hope, Pa., home. 



'Monopoly Talk 
Vs. Shuberts On 
B way Theatres 



Talk of Broadway is what many 
showmen believe to be an attempt by 
the Shuberts to 'monopolize' control 
of the Stem's legit theatres. Dur- 
ing the past three years they have 
acquired the operating rights to a 
flock of houses, mostly bank-owned. 
Recently, they added three more to 
their string and are reported dick- 
ering for another trio. Shuberts will 
operate all the theatres on 44th 
street with the exception of one 
small spot and nearly all on 45th 
street, regarded as the preferred 
Broadway location. 

Reason for their grab of so mjny 
theatres is debatable, but there is lit- 
tle doubt that they are in the po- 
sition to dictate sharing terms from 
other managers' productions. If that 
(Continued on page 47) 



SARATOGA TEES OFF; 
TOWN SEEMS WIDE OPEN 



Saratoga, N. Y., July 29. 

A heavy downpour last night 
(Monday) severely marred the open- 
ings of the major niteries at this 
one-month-run resort. Piping Rock, 
with the Copacabana Revue, and 
Arrowhead, with Hildegarde head- 
lining the floorshow, drew only 
sparse attendance. 

One thing not affected by the rain, 
nor by the recent ukase of Governor 
Herbert Lehman, were the casinos. 
All were operating last night wide 
open and without a semblance of 
'sneaking.' 

Sporting gentry is of the opinion 
that the authorities will not get 
around to enforcing Ciovernor Leh- 
man's edict against gambling until 
later on, when the race meet will 
be nearly over and the casinos have 
snared the bulk of the play. After 
that they don't care. 





HITS JIICRPOT 



Tyrone Power and Annabella 
In 'Liliom' Selling Out Be- 
fore Weatport Opening — 
Big Boxof fice Takings 
Everywhere 



STRAWHATS ON FIRE 



Strawhat theatre grosses so far 
this season are breaking all previous 
records, according to returns from 
key spots in various parts of the 
country. Attendance through the 
month of July has been equal to and 
in some cases greater than the nor- 
mal figures for the month of August, 
always the best attended period of 
the season. Another punchy indica- 
tion is tViat early-week business has 
been far above that of former years. 

Facing the bullish season is the 
forthcoming appearance of Tyrone 
Power and Annabella in a revival 
of 'Liliom' at the Country Play- 
(Continued on page 44) 



BLUES CYCLE 
. BLOWING IN 



Apparently the Bing Crosby-Jack 
Teagarden hookup in Paramount's 
'Birth of the Blues' film is the start 
of a cycle of 'blues' productions. 
Warner Bros, has signed Jimmie 
Lunceford's band to start work soon 
in 'New Orleans Blues.' Anatole 
Litvak has been assigned to direct. 

Lunceford is currently on the 
Coast, having recently finished a 
stay at the Casa Manana, Culver 
City. Charlie Barnet replaced him. 



Warners' Many Biogs 

Physical action is the predomin«int 
note in the new series of biographies 
listed on the production slate at 
Warners. Following the wartime 
strain in 'Sergeant York,' comes 
"They Died With Their Boots On,' 
the saga of General George Custer. 
Others on the more active side are 
'The Life of James J. Corbett,' 'Peary 
at the North Pole,' 'The Story of 
John Paul Jones,' and 'The Life of 
Winston Churchill,' who has led a 
stormy career since his youth. 

On the spiritual and artistic side 
are 'One Foot in Heaven,' dealing 
with the activities of a clergyman, 
and 'Rhapsody in Blue,' the musical 
adventures of George Gershwin. 
'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' based on the 
career of George M. (johan, is both 
musical and factual. 



ASCAP-NBC Peace Almost Signed; 
Some Technicalities to Be Ironed 



Pic on Howard Jones 



Hollywood, July 29. 

Within 24 hours after the death of 
Howard Jones, football coach of 
Southern California, Kozinsky Bros, 
announced a film based on his 
career, under the title, 'Man of Troy.' 

George Bricker will write the 
yarn. 



Kern Scoring 
HisOwnWorb 
For Spphony 



Cleveland, July 29. 

Jerome Kern's first concert at- 
tempt, an abridged symphonic ver- 
sion of 'Show Boat,' is being preemed 
by Artur Rodzinskl's Cleveland Sym- 
phony Orchestra in Severance Hall 
here In October as a result of their 
new musical partnership. 

Kern took up the work of con- 
densing 'Ol' Man River' and all the 
other hits of the show at the sug- 
gestion of Rodzinski. Latter will 
present the work in New York when 
he appears there in November with 
the Philharmonic Orchestra; Local 
conductor had the Idea of a sym- 
phonic arrangement of 'Show Boat' 
music for some time and had ap- 
proached several composers before 
selling It to Kern. 

Although Rodzinski won't confirm 
the report, it's said that he intends 
adding a section of modern swing 
sax men to his Severance Hall or- 
chestra for this unorthodox concert. 
It's expected to be the highlight of 
the coming season, 



BERLE TO THE RESCUE 
OF STRANDED CHORINES 



Chicago, July 29. 
. Milton Berle, appearing in a local 
nitery, last week came to the rescue 
of six chorus girls, in from New 
York on a wild goose chase and 
stranded in town. Girls were booked 
into a south State Street spot known 
as the Chicago Art Theatre, but 
when they arrived and got a load 
of the place, couldn't go through 
with it. 

This was on Sunday, and the only 
person they could reach was Berle, 
who gave them coin to pay hotel 
bill, return fare to New York and 
extras. 



Preliminaries establishing the pos- 
sibility of a deal between A§CAP 
and NBC have been worked out but 
after peace in the mUsic war was 
first announced, and then again 
called off yesterday afternoon (Tues- 
day), the whole question is en- 
meshed In legalities. The anti-trust » 
connotations threw a mantle of 
reticence over the negotiations. 
These matters, plus the antl-ASCAP 
state laws, muddle thit prospects of 
a pronto signature. Meantime the 
network and the Society are agreed ' 
in basic, terms, 2%% to be paid by 
the web and 2Vi% by its affiliated 
station, subject to ratification by th« 
latter. 

It is possible another week's work 
by the lawyers will beat the formal 
contract into shape for inking. Deal 
will run ior nine years and cover 
shortwave and frequency modulation 
contingencies, but not television, for 
which a separate deal will be worked 
out. 

Network execs say meantime. If 
NBC programs use the same volume 
of music as heretofore, the perform- 
ance fees to ASCAP will probably 
be slightly in excess of recent pay- 
ments annually even at the reduced 
percentage. With CBS likely to fol- . 
low, that means $3,000,000 a year to 
ASCAP from radio, Including the 
already signatured Mutual Broad- 
casting System deal which was on ■ 
3% basis. 

While only NBC Is doing the talk- 
(Continued on page 37) 



'Lultaby for Latins' Is 
Xavier Cugat's Concert 
Theme for Carnegie Hall 



Xavier Cugat is planning a short 
series of concert dates using Latin- 
American music played in symphonic 
style by a 72-plece band. First con- 
cert is scheduled for an indefinite 
date in October at Carnegie Hall, 
N. Y., but the others may be staged 
at the Robin Hood Dell, Philadelphia, 
and at the Hollywood Bowl. Idea is 
to further Latin-American goodwilL 

All of the music played at the con- 
certs, at least at the Carnegie Hall 
affair, will not be conducted by 
Cugat, who will use the 14-piece 
band he's, currently conducting at the 
Waldorf hotel, N. Y., as the nucleus 
of the 72-man crew. Hector Villa- 
lovos, Brazilian composer and con* 
ductor, has been asked to partici- 
pate, as has Carlos Chavez, Mexican 
conductor. - Joaquin Win, Cuban 
composer, has been asked to writ* 
special material for the dates. Cugat 
himself will baton a Fabian Andre 
arrangement and composition titled 
'Lullaby for Latins' and as the final* 
of the program will single out hia 
own bandmen for a set of the melo- 
dies for which his bunch is best 
known, 

Consuls of various Latin-American 
countric"! will attend. 



MISCELLANY 



Wednesday, Julj 30, 1941 



lok on Sme. by Dayton Stoddari 
As Reviewed in N. Y. Sunday Mirror 



By Jack Lait 

T took from my pocket a soft-gold 
Cartier cigarette case, in the inside 
cover of which was engraved a fac- 
Bimile of the signature of Sime Sil- 
verman and the date Sept 27, 1924. 
I lit a smoke, smiled and picked up 
the first sheet of the slick galley 
proofs. The title 'Lord Broadway' 
(Wilfred Funk, $3), soured the 
smile; I didn't like it. Sime wouldn't 
have liked it. And this was to be 
the biography of Sime, Varietv's 
Bime and Sime's Variett. He was 
no lord and never wanted to be. I 
read on, 

Dayton Stoddart's book started off 
chronologically — the pre-VARiETV 
days and nights when Sime was a 
bookkeeper, when he met his red- 
headed Hattie, when he proposed, 
■was married, started fiddling with 
show business and its press, 
launched VAWErr on a borrowed 
shoestring and tore with all his 
energy, guts, faith and principle into 
his lifework of building and leaving 
behind the greatest trade paper the 
world has ever known. 

The writing was flamboyant, flow 
ery, rhetorical and in spots lyrical. 
I fancied what Sime, with his stub 
pencil, would have done to it, as he 
copy-read all the redundant and 
windy verbosity, muttering ' 'Aw 
nerts!' 

On and on I turned the proof 
theets — and to the fadeout. 

Yes, stripped 'Of its wide detours 
Its fantastic Imaginations, Its many 
asides and Its vindictive misuse of 
the biography of a gentleman to pay 
off old personal scores of the author, 
It did lorm a picture of the man, of 
Sime. 

Though many essential facti and 
-observations were left out — and 1 
don't mean scandal, which Sime al 
ways despised and never published — 
the layman could extract a por- 
trait of a hard-headed, soft-hearted 
giant; a battling, forgiving he-fel- 
low; a tearless editor, an adoring 
father, a prodigal host, a hard-bitten 
realist though a sentimental sucker 
-~aU of which was Sime. 

And still It was not Sime. 

Sime stewed, playing the piano, is 
preposterous; Sime bawling me out 
and telling me what kind of people 
eouldn't work for him Is impossible 
and oatagorieaUy somebody's inven- 
tion; Sime dropping $200,000 on the 
Cls>pbr (it was $40,000) is wrong. 
Sime with a blonde in his lap In a 
public joint is hard to envision. 

Why did the ilrst and belated biog- 
raphy of Sime, whom so<many living 
people sbill remember so vividly, 
have to be in the form of a histori- 
cal novel? A plain setup of the fabu- 
lous facts would be- far more dra- 
matic. 

And in a search for those facts. If 
the author didn't know Sime well 
enough to have them without notes, 
he might have checked with some 
of those living persons he names 
and who arc easily available, for ac 
curacy. My telephone number is in 
the directory. And I knew more 
about Sime offhand than Stoddard 
could with workmanlike research 
which he didn't complete. I lived 
with Sime; as he says, I was' often 
tight with Sime— and what I didn't 
•ee myself Sime told 'me. 

Stoddard speaks generously of me 
In several spots, but falsely in one 
that counts. He makes a point of 
Sime's displeasure with those who 
'dish It out but can't take It.' Sime 
never said any such thing. But 
Stoddard may profit by his own Idea 
I Inserted into Sime's mouth. For 
f Stoddard dishes It out with a shovel 
frequently In defiance of the laws of 
libel, decency and common good 
taste. 

Through the medium of the life 
story of a beloved Broadway figure, 
he slathers venom against the 
Messrs. Shubert, often going far 
afield and surely far from biograph 
cal field, to draw caricatures - in 
vitriol. And, running tfl a black 
thread of secondary plot, is a series 
of blttor sketches of an unsavory 
lecherous, larcenous louse, easily 
Identlfled though under an alias, 
whose sole contact with Sime's life 
and career was a charity job Sime 
gave him after tba chlseller had 
done a stretch for blackmail. 

This deKobra method of recital 
and exposition may pep up the opus 
as » Broadway expose for-the sticks, ' 



but it might well have yielded its 
space to facts about the main sub- 
ject, far more thrilling if not so 
lurid. 

All this is unfortunate. The life 
of Sime was a natural and would be 
written. Now, maybe, a real biog- 
rapher will be discouraged for years 
to come. 

That a certain amount of it was 
from the feed-bag is unquestionable. 
That most of the facts, when the 
script is reciting facts, are the Mc- 
Coy i."! uncontestable. 

Lord Broadway' is an interesting 
evening's reading. There are laughs 
as well as melodrama — some of each, 
standard bromides often dragged in 
and 'credited' in the established 
press-agent method for punch lines. 

Stoddard would have done better 
to stick to his vanity-publisher-heel 
libertine, which has the making of a 
book and of a motion picture (Sime 
would like that notice; it's got the 
show business angle), and then have 
done some more leg-work and 
knocked off the story- of Sime, 
straight and sure — as Varieti- would 
have done it. 

'Lord Broadway* is hot reading In 
spots and the life of Sime in others, 
It may interest those who didn't 
know Sime. It will puzzle those 
who knew him best and loved him 
most. 



Variety will not review 'Lord 
Broadway.' 

The reason is that Sime is someone 
about whom Variety cannot be im 
partial. Another point' is that those 
interested would tag Variety's re- 
view, plug or pan, as logrolling' or 
'sour grapes' — and they would be 
about right. 

Besides w]iich. If there were any' 
one on Variety capable of writing 
an unbiased opinion on a book about 
5ime, the rest of the staS wouldn't 
talk to him.— Ed. 



Noblesse Oblige ' 

20th-Fox is now about to reverse 
the English on its 'Yank in the RAF.' 

It has staked a claim to the label 
A Tommy in the U.SA.' 



Following Yarn Aronnd 



Hollywood, July 29. 

Ernest Hemingway's novel, 'For 
Whom the Bell Tolls,' will be filmed 
in chronological order as result of a 
decision by B, G. DeSylva, exec- 
utive producer at Paramount. 

Idea is that the players will do 
better work if they keep in step with 
the progress of the story, even 
though it will add time and money 
to the production costs. 



^♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ H «♦♦♦♦««*»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦*«♦♦♦»» 

i: THE BERLE-ING POINT i 

r By Milton Berle 

^ ♦ ^ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ MM 4i>»^ 

Chicago, July 29. 



Warners to Bankroll 
Cantor's 'Banjo Eyes/ 
.1st on BVay, Then Pix 



Hollywood, July 29. 

Eddie Cantor last week closed a 
deal with Warners to finance his 
production of 'Banjo Eyes' on Broad- 
way, which later will be made into 
a picture on the Burbank lot. Flan- 
is to open the play at the Holly- 
wood theatre in New York in No- 
vember for a run until summer, 
after which Cantor and other names 
in the cast will come to the Coast 
for the filming. 

Stage piece will be a musical, 
streamlined version of 'Three Men 
On a Horse,' with Izzy EUinson and 
John Quillen now working on the 
script. Cantor and . Al Lewis, who 
produces, are negotiating with Rodg- 
ers and Hart and other songwrit- 
ing teams to concoct the score. The 
original 'Three Men' comedy, co- 
authored by John Cecil Hahn and 
George Abbott, was produced some 
seasons ago by Alex Yokel, later 
being filmed by Warners. Yokel 
won't be concerned in the new ver- 
sion. 

It will mark Cantor's first appear- 
ance in a Broadway play since 1928, 
when he was starred in 'Whoopee.'' 

The new WB fUm-stage alliance 
nuUifles all negotiations Cantor had 
to produce and release via United 
Artists. 



Anita's Strawhatter 

Branford, Conn., July 29. 

Anita Louise, film actress, stars in 
•The Swan,' by Ferenc Molnar, at the 
Montowese Playhouse, here, the 
week of Aug. 5 to Aug. 9. 

The American Actors Company is 
presenting. 



When It s Summer-Hot at the AiriMNrt 
Vague Stories Come Winging In 



Br OBOBGC FKOST 
If ell tlia news Items from La 
Guardia Field during the last halt- 
a-fortnight ware laid end to end, 
everyone would be bettor off. The 
New York Municipal Airport has 
been withering under the summer 
heat and the lads and lassies of the 
headlines have' ducked Into heat 
shelters and scenic Iceboxes, lea-ving 
wide, open gaps in reportorial note- 
books. 

The cool of the local pressroom, 
accented with tall, chilling you- 
know-whats, imported from the 
south of Jackson Heights, has, how' 
ever, brought to light argosy aftor 
argosy of the airways, many of 
which deal with the folks who are 
now fugitives from the furnaces of 
the North Beach airdrome. One of 
these tidbits of gossip concerns the 
wa-y Veloz and Yolanda, of the dance 
boards, were aided and abetted by 
Air Express in holding down a cur- 
rent contract on the Coast. 

V Jt Y, the story goes, were in San 
Francisco when they received the 
nod that, the following day, they 
were to start a celluloid short in 
Hollywood. Legend has it (hat the 
costumes they needed for the reel 
were in the care of Kathryn Kuhn's 
West 57th Street emporium and 
V t Y would have no others. 

A telephone call from S. F. to 
N. Y. was made the afternoon that 
the dance team boarded a plane from 
Frisco town to.Los Angeles. At 8:30 
o'clock the same evening, -the N. Y. 
costume concern had the garments 
wrapped and delivered to the bag- 
gage master of the outgoing Trans- 
Continental & Western Air Strato- 
liner, then readying for its daily 
fiight to the Coast. 

Came the dawn, with 8: 38 a.m. fol- 
lowing, as it usually does, shortly be- 
hind, and the sTWAtoliner rolled 
into the L. A. airport to be met by an 
anxious Veloz artd Yolanda, who 
grabbed their garb, hustled oS to the 



studio and half-an-hour later were 
doing their stuff as the cameras 
recorded their act, less than. 24 hours 
after they had made the S. F. to 
N. Y. telephone call, designating the 
costumes they wanted. 

Hildegarde in from Chi, 
This seven-day slice of July saw 
the charming Hildegarde clip clouds 
from Chicago to land in New York 
aboard a TWA flying freighter, after 
a short visit in the Capital of Cattle, 
Crime and Capone. With Hilde- 
garde was Anna Sosenko, her man- 
ager. 

The Clipper-ships of Pan-Ameri- 
can Airways toted their quota of 
trans-Atlantic transients. An in 
bound Clipper-tripper was Arthur E. 
Barrett, of the British Broadcasting 
Company, bounct for the English 
wavelength corporation's N. Y. of 
fices for a three-month stay with a 
mess of military secrets on his mind 
and also the Lon.dpn Daily Mirror'i 
John Monks, aviation editor, who has 
been touring with the R.A.F. and 
now plans to scribble a series on 
Yankee aerial tactics^ 

Composer's Kin to Lisbon 
Mrs. Rosemary de Swert Albenlz, 
daughter-in-law of the late Isaac 
Albeniz, the Spanish composer, was 
among the Atlantic Clipper's out- 
bound passengers, bound for Lis 
bond to rejoin her husband, Alfonso, 
after five months here with friends. 

Russell Birdwell was a welcome 
sight to the airport's contingent of 
paragraph-placers when the author, 
press agent and newspaperman sat 
down here from L. A. aboard the 
sTWAtoliner. Birdwell was accom- 
panied by Ed Thorgersen, radio and 
newsreel sports commentator. 

Joan Bennett chose the American 
Airline to return to L. A., making ^a 
one-day stopover in Chicago (25) 
while Lois January, musical comedy 
singer, whose looks belie her sur- 
name, expressed on American to the 
end of the carline. 



Chicago, July 29. 

Still working at the Chez Paree. Chez Faree, that's French for 'Come 
and see us — but bring money.' 

Jack Benny in town. He invited me to dinner at his home in Wauke- 
gan. How much 'Jello' can a guy eat? 

Went to Arlington Park last week. Beautiful place— it's the nicest track 
I ever sneaked into. 
Mayor Kelly sat in a box. Jack Benny sat In a box. I had my lunch too. 
The horse I bet on must have belonged to a taxidermist. Half-way 
around the track the jockey stuck a hatpin in him^and sawdust came out. 

Broadway Dept. 

Monte Proser writes that the herrings at Lindy's are having a battle 
with Llndy — they want top billing on the menu, 

Charles l>aughton wired he saw a picture that was so bad the program 
should have read '60 Minutes Suffering Time.' 

Broadway Sam's, clothes are so loud the moths in his closet have to wear 
dark glasses and ear stoppers. 

^ HollywoodUna 
Olscn and Johnson, who are on the Coast making a picture, have tough 
competition — Governor Olsen and Senator Johnson. 

Business was so slow at the Band-Box Cafe the boss asked Jackie Green 
(the mimic) to impersonate a customer. 

Joe Frisco and his adlibs have been missing from Hollywood so long 
all the gag writers have gone back to their files. 

Don Ameche knows a rabbit's foot that carries a man around with it 
for good luck. 

Muslo Department 

Do you think B. M. I. songs will bring back Mussolini? 
Just found out what a questionnaire is: 'Uncle Sam's quiz show of the 
year.' 

Badlo Department 

There's a certain band leader who deserves plenty of air time — in an 
oxygen tenC 

Bobby Ramos knows a crooner who sang 'Goodbye Now' so often his 
sponsor made it come true. 

There's No Truth to the Rumov 
That Rudy Vallee had a fight with his nose and is now singing through 
his eyes . . . That 20th Century-Fox just formed a new bowling team 
consisting of Laird Cregar . . . That Gargontua is carrying a torch for 
Broadxaay Rose . . . That J. J. Fox came to Hollywood because he heard 
there were plenty of wolves on Vine street. 

Hangnail Deacriptions 
HotKord and Sheltoii; Corn-Fuscious . . . Bob Hope: Caught in the 
Laugh . . . Broadway Rose: Sleepy Time Ghoul . . . Skinnay £imis: A 
Baton with Legs . . . Gertrude A'iesen: Today I am a Man-sion. 
, Observation Department 

Understand Jesse Lasky wants tp buy the story of my life — but Walt 
Disney won't sell. 

Don't allow my mother to go to the movies anymore. Every time she 
sees a Bob Hope picture it takes her three or four days to get used to me. 

Jerry Bergen (the little man who wasn't there) got a beautiful sun-tan 
by sitting under two gloworms. 

Eavesdropped at the Blackhawk: He had plenty on the ball — ^but a chain 
held him back. ^ 
Eavesdropped at 606 Club: Her life was an open book — a bankbook. 
Eavesdropped at the Drake Hotel: Is she going well? She's in the mink 
of condition. 

My brother (the one who saves Want Ads) just got a new job. He cer- 
tifies checks — the ones that the horse players put alongside their selections 
on the scratch sheets. 

Whatever Became of: 

Lord fit Fuller' - Brendel Si Burt 

Cesar Rivoli Lorraine Sc Neal 

Fain & Dunn Three Shades of Brown 

Afterpiece 

Hollywood is the' place where married men play single — and single men 
play the field. 



Nelson Eddy, Rise Stevens 
Record Metro -Chocolate' 

Rise Stevens, mezzo of the Met, 
and Nelson Eddy recorded an album 
of records for Columbia this week 
featuring selections from their Metro 
picture, "The. Chocolate Soldier.' 

Other selections included popular 
songs and light classics. 



HARRY COHN DIVORCED 



Columbia Prexy's Wife Gets Reno 
Decree; Married 18 Tears 



Reno, July 29. 

Mrs. Rose Barker Cromwell Cohn, 
married to Harry Cohn, president of 
Columbia Pictures, since 1923, has 
been granted a divorce here on the 
grounds of separation. They have 
been living apart for years. 

The next Mrs. Cohn is reported to 
be Joan Perry, featured player, for- 
merly under Columbia contract and 
now with Warner Bros. 

A property settlement has been 
arranged between the Cohns. He's 
reported to be in New 'York at pres- 
ent on business, although their legal 
residence is California. 



Cohn Back to Hollywood 

Hollywood, July 29. 

Harry Cohn, Columbia president, 
planes in tomorrow (Wednesday) 
from New York, where he spent a 
month in parleys on the company's 
selling plan and studio' budgets. « 

He'll remain here inde'&nitely. ■' • 



Qoickie Is the Word 



Hollywood, July 29. 

It took Sam Coslow seven days 
to produce the first batch of 28 
soundles for Mills Novelty Co. at 
Fine Arts studio. 

Contract calls for 180 more. Di- 
rector is Josef Berne. 



Augustin Lara Sells 
Brazil on a Combination 
Mexican-Rio Music 51iow 



Mexico City, July 29. 

Agustln' Lara, Mexico's No. 1 ro- 
mantic song writer who has per- 
formed in Hpllywood, has obtained 
aid of the Mexican ambassador to 
Brazil In advancing his proposition 
that the Brazilian government sub- 
sidize a MexicanrBrazilian revue 
company, featuring selected music, 
songs and dances of both republics, 
for a tour of Central and South 
America. 

Lara, who has about sold the 
Brazilian administration on the idea 
that his revue will be swell Pan- 
American propaganda, has rounded 
out 14 solid weeks in Rio de Janeiro 
theatres. 



Brenda Joyce Seeks To 
Recover Coin From Cop 



Mexico City, July 29. 

Police Chief Gen. Miguel Z. Mar- 
tinez has started en Investigation of 
written charges made by film actress 
Brenda Joyce that a member of the 
local corps of policemen, Jesus 
Ibarra Esparza, failed to return to 
tier. , money she gave bjm to hold 
while she went with th^TfoHy.wood 
Good Willers on their flying -visit 
here last April 12-14. Miss Joyce 
told the chief that she gave part of 
her coin to the cop for 'safe keeping,' 
but that she was so busy flestaing 
that she and he failed to see each 
other again. 

The obliging lawman, the actress 
said, has neglected t answer several 
letters she wrote him regarding the 
kale and sending it back to her. 



Wetlneadaj, July 30, 1941 



MfSCELLANT S 



EARLY BTVAY LEGIT SEASON 



Gabby Harpo Man Makes Dinner 
Dizzier; Kaufman, Hart Good, Too 



By GEORGE BOSEN 

" N^w Hope, Pa., July 29. 
Harpo talks— and just try and stop 
him! 

The celebrated comic pantomimist 
of the House o( Marx is having him- 
seU a time this week playing Banjo 
(alias Harpo) in the Kaufman-Hart 
laughpiece, 'Thfe Man Who Came to 
Dinner,' at the Bqcks County Play- 
house here and at last night's (Mon- 
day) opening performance he played 
It to the hilt. A celebrity-packed au- 
dience that suggested a prcem on 
^wcst 45th~slreet saw one of the crazi- 
est performances ever of one of last 
year's craziest shows. 
■ In addition to Harpo as Banjo, 
cJeorge S. Kaufman has taken over, 
beard and all, Monty Wooley's role 
and wheel chair, while..Moss Hart, is 
vedy, vedy Noel Coward-lsh in the 
role of Beverly Carlton. 

For Harpo to 'slick to his lines* is 
something entirely out of this world. 
Breaking a 25-year stage silence (the 
last time he 'spoke' was in a Teitas 
vaude house while touring with the 
family i^i a skit called 'Fun in Hi 
Skul,' the zaney's transformation 
was nothing short of convulsively 
funny. Reports that Harpo found 
the going tough during rehearsals 
and pleaded with Kaufman and Hart 
for permission to toss the script out 
cf the window and ad lib through 
the part are entirely v;ifounded. 
That is, all but the ad libbing. Harpo 
came to the initial rehearsal letter- 
perfect and tonight stuck to the orig- 
inal lines with a ftdelity that even 
astonished the authors. But there 
was no restraining him and what he 
did to Banjo is something the 'mil- 
(Conlinued on page 45) 



PONS-KOSTY SET 
NEW DELL HIGH 



Philadelphia, July 29, 
' Another attendance record for the 
Robin Hood Dell shattered last 
Tuesday (22) when 13,500 persons, 
double the normal seating capacity, 
paid approximately $12,000 to hear 
the joint concert of Lily Pons and 
Andre Kostelan'etz. Previous attend- 
ance record was held by Alec Tem- 
pleton who drew 12,300 persons at 
the gate Aug: 8, 1940. 

Last week proved the most suc- 
cessful from a boxofTice standpoint 
In the Dell's history, with a total of 
£9,600 for four . concerts during the 
Week, The best previous week was 
the one beginning June 25, 1940, at 
which 23,504 persons attended for 
Ave concerts. 

■ In addition to the 13,500 persons at 
the Pons-Kostelanetz concert, the 
other attendance figures for last 
week are: Charles O'Connell con- 
cert, Monday (21), 4,000; Lucy Mon- 
roe and James Melton, Thursday 
(24), 8,000. and 'Philadelphia Finds' 
program, Friday (25), 4,100. Latter 
program included a 'Musiquiz' con- 
test, after the regular concert, spon- 
sored by the Philadelphia Record, 
the Dell and RCA-Victor. 
• Added starters to the list of Robin 
Hood Dell soloists are Larry Adler, 
harmonica virtuoso, and Audrey 
Mildmay, co-founder of the Glynde- 
bourne Mozart Festival in England. 

Adler will appear next Thursday 
(7) with Miss Mildmay set for the 
following night, the final concert of 
the season. 



• Start Acting, Junior 

Hollywood, July 29.- 
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., recently 
returned from s good' will tour of 
South America, went to work yes- 
terday (Mon.) as star in the dual 
role In 'The Corsican Brothers,' an 
Edward Small production at General 
Service for United Artists release. 

Gregory Ratoff directs, with Alfim 
Tamiroff, J. Carroll Naish and John 
Emery In featured roles. 



Familiar Props 



New Hope, Pa., July 29. 
When George S. Kaufman 
reached Bucks bounty — Play-—" 
house here, which is practically 
in his backyard, for dress re- 
hearsals the other night he 
looked around the set of The 
Man Who Came to Dinner,' in 
which he is co-starring with 
Moss Hart and Harpo Marx this 
week. 

'Looks kinda familiar,' the 
• thespian playwright muttered. 

'It should,' replied strawhat 
producer Theron Bamberger. 'It's 
from your living room.' 

Kaufman's daughter, Anne, is 
prop gal for Bucks barn. 



Jonyet's SA Tonr 
Held to Be GoodwiH 
Builder for Vichy 

Buenos Aires, July 22, 
Announcement that the French 
theatrical company of Louis Jouvet, 
Parisian star, is coming to South 
America on tour despite difficulties 
caused by the war has aroused un- 
usual speculation here. Theatre cir- 
cles can't figure out exactly why 
Vichy permitted the troupe to go 
but general belief is that it's in- 
tended as a propaganda move, okayed. 
If Indirectly, by the Nazis. 

It's pointed out that Jouvet and 
other A-1 groups have been coming 
from Paris to S. A. for years and 
that with the fall of France many 
predicted that such Jaunts would 
end. This seemed to be the case, not 
only with French companies but 
Spanish groups as well, such trips in 
war time being considered too ex- 
pensive and difficult, especially when 
it was considered how hard it was 
for any Europeans to get visas to 
come here. 

Sudden announcement that the 
French group is coming means, in 
the opinion of those best qualified to 
size up the situash, that Vichy has 
decided that it would be an excel- 
lent goodwill move to have at least 
one French company continue to 
come to S. A. as in years past, theory 
being that it proves everything cul- 
tural goes on as usual, despite war. 



Wilcox, Neagle Abroad 
For BriL Flying Film 

Anna Neagle and Herbert Wilcox 
shoved off for England, via land 
plane and clipper, to film the life of 
Amy Johnson, Britain's leading 
woman flyer who recently died in 
her country's air service. 

Screenplay is being written by 
Lord Castlerosse, British novelist, 
in collaboration with James MoUi- 
son. Filming is slated for the Den- 
ham studios near London in early 
autumn. Mollison was the divorced 
husband of the aviatrix. 



N.C. Gal's Face 'Got' Metro 



Ava Gardner, 18-year-old North 
Carolina gal, was signed by Metro 
and sent to the Coast last week after 
east*in talent execs for the company 
saw her picture in a high school 
paper. They were so struck by the 
photo they had the gal come to 
New York and made a quick screen 
test of her. 

She has had no previous dra- 
matic experience. Metro has no 
particular role in mind for her but 
will put her in its stock training 
school. 



EDDIE DOWLING'S LOAF 

Hollywood, July 28. 
Eddie Dowling is vacationing here 
with his family after closing the 
northwest tour of 'Time of Your 
Liff.' 

He returns east this weekend. 




IN SEPTEMBER 



40 New Shows in Various 
Stages of Production — 
Former Trend Was to 

' iHoldleiack UntiriMid.Fall 



SUMMER TRYOUTS 



The Broadway legit season for 
1941-42 is likely to get started sooner 
than for the last half a dozen years. 
From indications there will be at 
least 10 premieres during September. 
For various reasons the trend has 
been to hold' back new shows until 
mid-fall. Last season most of the 
fall period had passed before a win-' 
ner arrived, a very slim bunch of 
new shows having opened up to that 
time. August formerly saw at least 
some debuts, but none are definitely 
carded so far, ^ 

Labor Day, once the starting 
period,, is the approximate date set 
for several shows this coming sea- 
(Continued on page 19) 



NBC SETS BIG 
ALL-NEGRO 
CONCERT 



NBC is booking the biggest all- 
Negro program of its existence for 
a broadcast on Aug. 12 over the blue 
network from 10 to 10:45 p.m. The 
NBC symphony orchestra, will be 
under Dean Dixon. 

General George Marshall will 
speak from Washingon, and Noble 
Sissle will be m.c. Leonard Depaur 
and his male chorus will appear, and 
negotiations are pending with Joe 
Louis, Marian Anderson, Dorothy 
Maynor, Paul Robeson and Roland 
Hayes. 



Eddie Leonard, 70, 
Foand Dead in N. Y.; 
Famed as Minstrel 



Eddie Leonard, one of the great 
minstrel and ' vaudeville headliners 
of bygone days, was found dead 
yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon In 
the Imperial hotel. New York, 24 
hours after his wife, the former 
Mabel Russel, >iad reported him to 
the police as missing from their 
apartment in the King Edward hotel 
on West 44th street, a few blocks 
from the Imperial. A preliminary 
examination showed death to be 
from natural causes, but an autopsy 
is being performed. The mystery to 
police and friends Ls why Leonard, 
who was 70, had checked into the 
Imperial. 

Once one of the big money-makers 
in show business, Leonard died in 
pitiful circumstances and obscurity. 
For the past 14 years his earnings 
were very small and his last Job of 
any consequence was at Billy Rose's 
Diamond Horseshoe for 10 months 
up until March, 1941. Rose paid 
him around $100 weekly; at his 
(Continued on page 46) 



June Havoc's RKOer 

June Havoc pulled out of George 
Abbott's Broadway musical, 'Pal 
Joey,' after Saturday's (26) per- 
formance, on a leave of absence to 
make her film debut. She entrained 
Monday for RKO studios, where she 
has been assigned to 'Four Jacks and 
a Qiieen.' 

Sister of Gypsy Rose Lee has had 
a top spot in the Abbott show since 
it opened last fall 



Schaefer, Reisman, Whitney Due 
To Trek to S.A.; Latter s 3-Mo. Survey 



Major David Niven 



London, July 1. 

David Niven has been pro- 
■ moted from captain to - major, 
with his showfolk friends cele- 
brating event by giving all-star 
concert to his regiment. 

Those taking part were Flana- 
gan and Allen, Leslie Henson, 
Arthur Riscoe, Debroy Somers 
and band, Teddy Brown, Naun- 
ton Wayne, Cyril Smith, Zoe 
Gail and Nervo and Knox. 



Radio Broadcasts Mark 
HoblitzeHe's 35tli Anni; 
Use Abe Lyman's Music 



Fort Worth, July 29, 
The Interstate Theatres Circuit 
will sponsor a series of four broad- 
casts over the Texas Quality Net- 
work from four Texas cities in con- 
junction with the observance of th6 
3Sth Anniversary celebration 
throughout the state by Interstate 
houses honoring ' Karl Hoblitzelle, 
head of the Interstate group, the 
amusement pioneer of Texas, 

■The Interstate programs will be 
heard on four successive Sundays 
from 8:45 to 9:15 p.m. through sta- 
tions WBAP, here; WFAA, Dallas; 
KURC, Houston, WOAI, San Antonio 
and stations in Weslaco and 
Amarlllo. First broadcast will be; 
from the stage of the Metropolitan 
theatre in Houston on Aug. 3; Second 
from Majestic, San Antonio, on 
Aug. 10; third from the Majestic, 
Dallas, on Aug. 17, and will wind up 
with a broadcast here on the stage 
of the Worth theatre on Aug. 24. 
Broadcasts will include Abe 
(Continued on- page 44) 



George J, Schacfer, RKO prez, and 
Phil Reisman, company's foreign 
manager, will accompany Jock Whit- 
ney to South America on Aug, 20, 
according to present plans. They'll 
attend the opening of 'Fantasia' in 
Buenos Aires. 

Although Schaefer is seriously 
figuring on going, it Is possible that 
developments in the meantime may 
interfere with his plans. In that 
case, Reisman alone ^yill accompany 
Whitney, who heads .the film divi- 
sion of the. Rockefeller Committee 
on South American Relations. 

Following the 'Fantasia' opening, 
Whitney will go off on his own for 
a three-month tour of Latin America. 
He aims to meet as many represen- 
tatives of both the U. S. and S. A. 
industry as possible, explaining to 
them what the Rockefeller group is 
doing and plans to do, and getting 
their advice on what other, steps 
should be taken. He feels that only 
by getting first-hand knowledge of 
the situation can the good-will work 
(Continued on page 46) 



Rain-Drenched ShoW' 
Goes on for Soldiers 
Per the 01' Tradition 



LOMBARD, BEERY ON 
ONE-PIC DEALS AT U 



Hollywood, July 29. 

Carole Lombard and Wallace 
Beery have been signed to one- 
picture deals for Unlversal's 1941-42 
program. 

'My Girl Godfrey,' to be directed 
by Gregory La Cava, is Miss Lom- 
bard's assignment. Beery, on loan 
from Metro, stars in 'Butch Minds 
the Baby,' a Damon Runyon tale. 



Ballet Russe 3-Reeling 
For Warners in Pastel 



Hollywood, July 29. 

As a supplement to single bills, 
Warners has arranged a deal through 
the William Mcfrris agency" to film 
a series of threie-reel Technicolor 
Mms of clas.<!lcal dances performed 
by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. 

Filming starts late next month 
with 'Gaite Parisienne' leading off, 
and 'Capriccio Espagnol' to follow. 
Studio plans to shoot at least two of 
the featurettes before the troupe 
leaves the Hollywood Bowl, where it 
Is currently performing. 



Fort Monmouth, N. J., July 29. 
Michael Todd put on a show here 
last night (Monday) for the soldiers 
under the worst possible conditions, 
among them a heavy downpour, and 
long before it was over a new type 
of civilian hero was discovered — 
the actors. Ignoring, suggestions that 
they call the whole thing ofT, the 
performers insisted upon ' going 
through with their mission and an 
audience of some 7,000 service men, 
(Continued on page 45) 



'Private Yoo Hoo' 

Hollywood, July 29. 

Paramount will make 'Private Yoo 
Hoo' with Eddie Bracken starred. 

Yarn based on recent General Ben 
Lear incident. 



Havin' a T Wave 



Britain's new 'V campaign and 
David O. Selznick's registration of 
' . . . — ' (Morse code for V) as a 
potential picture title gave at least 
six other film companies the same 
idea. They came through in - rapid 
succession with other labels for pix 
based on the 'V idea, 

RKO, Metro, United Artists and 
Universal (In that order) all laid 
claim to just the letter 'V.' RKO 
and 20th-Fox also sought 'V Is for 
Victory'; Universal followed Selz- 
nlck in claiming 'V for Victory'; UA 
staked out 'V Army' and Paramount 
'The V Rebellion,' 




Trado Mark Ref^latered 
FOTTNDKD BT SIME SIT.VEHMAN 
rubllKlied Weekly by VARIBTY, lac. 

S1<1 Silverman, ProaMent 
1C4 Went SUeat, New Yorlc, N, T. 



BonscniPTiON 

Annual $10 Foreign 113 

tilngle Coptea 25 Cant* 



Vol. 343 



IM 



No. 8 



INDEX 

Bills 42 

Chatter 47 

Coin Machines 35 

Concert 32 

Exploitation 14 

Film Booking Chart 20 

Film Reviews 8 

Film Trade Showings 19 

House Reviews 40 

Inside — Legit . . 45 

Inside— Music 36 

Inside— Orchestras 36 

Inside— Radio 29 

International News 16 

Literati , , , 45 

Legitimate 43 

Music 33 

Night Clubs....' 41 

Night Club Reviews 41 

Obituary 48 

Orchestras 33 

Pictures , , . ; 4 

Radio 21 

Radio Markets 28 

Radio Reviews 30 

Vaudeville 38- 



DAII.T V/VBIETT 

(Publlalied In Hollyirood by 
Dally Variety. Ltd.) 
110 a year — tia torelcn 



PICTURES 



We^nesdaj, July 30, 1941 



20th Balks at B&K Rushing 'Charleys 
Aunt' Into Chi With But Little Adv. 



Chicago, July 29. 

Balaban & Katz and 20th Century- 
Fox film exchange are at grips over 
the first-run booking of 'Charley's 
Aunt* (Jack Benny), the distributor 
having refused to book the film into 
the Chicago theatre, flagship of the 
B&K circuit, without assurance of 
sufficient advance advertising cam- 
paign. Circuit wanted the film for 
opening Friday (1), without benefit 
of weekend advance publicity bally. 
Exchange turned down the request. 

Report in film row is that BitK 
cought a substitute feature in place 
of "Kiss the Boys Goodbye' (Par), 
previously announced for the date. 
Refusal of 20th-Fox to 'cooperate' 
has the trade talking, as Chicago 
Theatre dates are eagerly sought 
with playing time divided between 
the affiliated Paramount, Metro., 
Warners, Columbia and 20th. 

Understood B&K has notified 20th- 
Fox that advance bookings pencilled 
in might preclude a first-run at the 
Chicago for the Benny film until late 
In the fall. Film exchange declares, 
however, that the feature, which is 
one of Its new season's leaders under 
the Consent Decree, is deserving of 
bigger advance buildup than is pos- 
sible with only two or three days' 
newspaper and trailer campaign. 

Loew's 40-Week Net. 
Declines 700G Since 
1940 to $736,466 

Net prrfflt of Loew's declined more 
than $700,000 in the first 40 weeks of 
the company's fiscal year ending 
June 5 as compared with correspond- 
ing period a year ago. Company's 
chare net profit after taxes, but be- 
fore reserve on account of frozen 
foreign funds and other restrictions, 
toUlIed $7,206,466 as against $7,996,- 
S94 in the 46-week period ended June 
6, 1940. This is equivalent to $3.92 
on common shares against $4.39 in 
the 1940 period, and equal to $52.98 
on preferred compared with $58.49. 

Peculiar part about breakdown of 
figures is that more than $500,000 or 
the greater portion of the decreased 
earnings is represented by increased 
federal taxes. Loew's rtserve for 
federal income taxes amounted to 
$2,275,726 or around $500,000 greater 
than $1,755,306 in the 1940 period of 
40 weeks. 

Company's share of operating 
profit before reserve for contingen- 
cies, depreciation and reserve for 
federal income taxes amounted to 
' $15,210,462 as against $15,594,078 in 
comparable period of the previous 
fiscal year. Loew's again set aside 
$3,100,000 for contingencies as in the 
preceding year's period. Reserve for 
depreciation was listed as $2,628,270 
or about $114,000 less than last year. 

Fact that the company's earnings 
•re $3.92 on the common in the first 
40 weeks is taken to mean that 
Loew's \vill show around $4.25 or 
better on common shares, which is 
more than double the current $2 
annual dividend rate. 



Oboler Gets the Light 



Hollywood, July 29. 

First chore for Arch Oboler under 
his new producer-director-writer 
contract at 20th-Fox is the scripting 
of "Red Lights,' which he will p'rob- 
ably direct. 

Mark Hellinger is producer. 



Shorts May Come 
Into bportance 
With '42 Selling 



Outlook for a stronger lineup of 
shorts in 1941-42 is brighter than at 
any time in recent years, or since 
double-features became prevalent in 
more than 50% of U.S. film theatres. 
Nearly every one of the five major 
companies which will sell under the 
Consent Decree is attempting to bol- 
ster th« quality along with the pro- 
duction outlay for the coming sea- 
son. 

Consequently whether the selling 
of shorts is done more on merit and 
without any tie-in with features (an 
obvious intention of the Decree), the 
short subject field is in for a real 
lift in the next 12 months. . Only 
catch to the situation may be the 
lack of interest by the exhibitor or 
his conviction that shorts still are 
being offered a dime-a-'dozen. 

Trade generally expects shorts tg 
be linked up with the sale of fea- 
tures, as in the past, but there may 
not be as much forcing with the sale 
of features in blocks-of-flve, or less, 
after tradeshowings. Few exhibitors 
envision any full scale retreat from 
the practice of holding out induce- 
ments to swing contracts for shorts, 
just as there will be deals for short 
features tied in with pacts on fea- 
tures; Theatres which buy the dis- 
tributors' full line, including news- 
reel, shorts and serials or westerns, 
naturally are certain to get a better 
break than those just using features. 

Typical of the way more attention 
is being given shorts is' William F. 
Rodgers' announcement that Metro 
will spend 20% more on its 1941-42 
briefle program than, currently, with- 
out hiking the number' of subjects. 
RKO also is preparing ^n elaborate 
lineup, while Paramount is going in 
for extensive development of the 

shorts alignment. Uni^'ersal earlier 
had announced plans for developing 
its shorts. Warner Bros, and 20th-Fox 
already have announced pretentious 
lineups also, the . former this week 
outlining a policy of tradeshowing 
shorts next season. 



Kanin Back in Show Biz, 
But Under Anny Auspices 

Fort Monmouth, N. J., July 29. 

Private Garson Kanin, after two 
weeks at Fort MacArthur, Cal., ar- 
rived at the Signal Corps Replace- 
ment Training Center here last week 
for at least two months of basic 
training and familiarization with 
army life. The 28-year-old director 
has been assigned to Co. E of the 
Fifth Signal Training Battalion and 
is expected to go to work alongside 
a flock of other Hpllywoodites In the 
Training Film Production Unit, 
making army instructional pix. 

Kanin will get an immediate op- 
portunity to exhibit his directorial 
and writing powers. New departure 
in entertainment for enlisted men 
here is a theatrical tournament — in 
which each company is presenting a 
one-hour show written, acted and 
directed by members of the unit. 
Judges will pick the best and elimi- 
nations will be held to choose the 
champs. Opener is slated for pres- 
entation tonight (Tuesday). 

Meanwhile, Replacement Center 
dramatic group is rehearsing 'Room 
Service,' which will be presentedjn 
the Post 'theatre and then in Long 
Branch, N. J., next Monday, Tues- 
day and Wednesday (Aug. 4-5-6). 

Blaosiein Into Service 

Hollywood, July 29. 
Julien Blaustein, Paratnount as- 
sociate story editor, reports Monday 
(4) for active duty with the Signal 
(ilorps at Ft. Monmouth, N. .J. 



I 



No Startling: Exposes On 
IaA. Studio Communism 

Hollywood, July 29. 
Second day of hearings on sub 
versive activities in Los Angeles by 
Assemblyman Jack Tenny's interim 
fact-finding committee on un 
American activities failed to involve 
picture studios or labor unions 
Understood 50 subpoenas were issued 
by the committee which will shift 
reports of Communism in film plants 
and figured in 'inspired' strikes. 

Los Angeles county Communist 
Party secretary had indicated many 
studio unionists were on its mem 
bership rolls. 

Tenny's committee is believed to 
'be smoking out 'sensational' studio 
disclosures for big downtown news 
paper breaks, with the red-baiting 
Hearst sheets always ready to hop 
on anything that smacks of Com 
munistic propaganda. 



O'BBIEJI'S BIOWUP 

' Hollywood, July 29. 
KKO assigned Edmund O'Brien to 
♦he top male role in 'Powder Town,' 
« tale of international sabotage, 
, dated for September production by 
Cliff Reid. 
Currently O'Brien Is doing a rO' 
auntie Job In 'Obliging Young Lady.' 



Par Up a Tree on 16MnL 
Deal; Problem Is Squawk 
By Exhibs on Comperisb 

In a couple of weeks Paramount 
must decide what to do about its 
deal with Films, Inc. (Eric Haight), 
which calls for the latter's 16-mm. 
release of Par product to schools, 
etc. Its renewal is due in a fort- 
night and, in view of past exhibitor 
protest that school films don't 'en- 
courage,' but satiate, juvenile film in- 
terest, it may not be renewed. 

Some 200 pictures or so are thus 
shown in schools. Theory is that a 
'Bengal Lancers,' employing that as 
an ideal educational subject, whets 
interest in further film-going. Ex- 
hibs have argued to the contrary, 
as for instance that papa and mama 
may say, 'Junior, let's go to the 
movies tonight,' and Junior tells 
them that he's too tired since he al- 
ready saw a film at school in the 
afternoon. 

Exhibs have always been in a 
ticklish spot in this aspect. The 
smaller the community the tougher 
the situation when the local school 
authorities accuse the neighboring 
theatre-owner of being 'greedy' be- 
cause the youngsters see 'worth- 
while, selected' films at school. It's 
too delicate a community headache. 

Universal and RKO also have sim- 
ilar deals, but Par has really been 
the most extensive proponent. Its 
deal with Films, Inc., started three 
years ago. 



Much Spleen Between M-Gs Rodgers 
And Indies Over Anti-% Crack in LA. 



Minneapolis, July 29. 
Northwest Allied, indie exhibitors' 
organization, is considering whether 
to take some action, in the form of 
a resolution or otherwise, against 
W. F. Rodgers, Metro sales' manager, 
because of an alleged 'affront' to S. 
R. LebedofT, its treasurer, executive 
board member and Minneapolis gov- 
ernor. 

In his capacity of chairman of the 
organization's 'Aim problems' com- 
mittee, too, LebedofT last month gave 
out a statement bitterly attacking 
Rodgers for declaring at the MPTOA 
convention in Los Angeles that there 
must be higher admission prices and 
more extended playing time and per- 
centage pictures to enable producers 
to maintain and 'improve film quality. 
Lebedoff contended that percentage 
is the curse of the industry. Is ruin- 
ing It by killing exhibitor showman- 
ship and that more of it would sound 
indie exhibitors' death knell. He also 
urged a federal law to permit indie 
exhibitors to deal collectively with 
distributors. 

While In Chicago last week on per- 
sonal business, I<e'bedofI learned that 
I Rodgers also was there. Knowing 
the latter personally and well, 



LebedofT thought it would be a good 
idea to exchange pleasantries and 
talk over trade problems with the 
Metro executive. So he went to the 
latter's hotel and caUed on the tele- 
phone. 

'I don't want to see you or have 
anything to do with you,' Rodgers 
told LebedofT over the phone, ac- 
cording to the report of the latter, 
owner of two local nabe houses, 
brought back from Chicafeo. 'I don't 
want you as a friend or have any 
business dealings with you whatso- 
ever.' 

LebedofT says he never had any 
difTerences with Rodgers before and 
only can ascribe his 'treatment' to 
his statement assailing the Rodgers' 
percentage stand. 

'The truth must hurt,* said Lebe- 
doff in another statement. 'Mr. 
Rodgers apparently can't take it' 

At the same time,. Lebedoff claims 
he has had numerous letters and 
congratulatory telegrams from ex- 
hibitor leaders and Individual thea- 
tre owners all over the U. S., prais- 
,lng and approving his statement on 
percentage and asking him or the 
local erganization to take the lead in 
a national campaign along the lines 
which he specified. 



Jack Moss Partners With Welles 
In Mercury's New Deal at RKO 



Lon King Megs Jane 



Hollywood, July 29. 
Jane Withers draws Louis King as 
director on her next 20th-Fox pic- 
ture, 'Young America,' budgeted at 
$500,000. 

Film deals with the work of the 
4-H Club, a national organisation of 
young farmers with a membership 
of 11,000,000. 



Capra s 'Arsenic 
For Warners Wont 
Affect UA Deal 



Hollywood, July 29. 

Frank Capra's one-picture deal 
with Warner's as producer-director 
of 'Arsenio and Old Lace,' the Broad- 
way legit comedy, slate<l for a start 
within eight weeks has no effect on 
Capra's plans for a production unit 
with David O. Selznick as a mein- 
ber of the United Artists group. 

Due to requirements in plant and 
equipment, Capra will be unable to 
carry out his UA commitments un- 
til December. Final sealing of his 
Selznick-UA contract awaits the re- 
turn of Ed Raftery, corporation 
counsel, on Aug. 4. 

Writing-producing team of Frank 
Capra-Robert Riskin becomes dis- 
solved with Capra's WB deal. StUr 
dio is assigning its own writers to 
script. Capra wanted Riskin to come 
in with him on the UA deal, but lat- 
ter plans to produce on his own. 



Ui. ARMY DETAILS 
ITS SCREEN SERVICE 



Washington, July 29. 

Army camps within the conti- 
nental United States, Alaska and At- 
lantic Base Command have a typi- 
cal week's offering of Ave program 
changes, with two outstanding pic- 
tures being shown for two days 
each, the Army Motion Picture Serv- 
ice revealed last week. 

Virtually all productions of the 
industry are used by the service 
under a 'rotating' system which 
sends the shoy^s through 'most of the 
Army theatres,' it was explained. In 
larger camp»-^ig top' tents, seating 
2.200, house the motion picture fa- 
cilities, while each cantonment 
boasts two theatre buildings that 
will accomifiodate 1,000 spectators 
each. Pix also can be provided for 
units smaller than divisions. 

Soldiers serving in Hawaii, the 
Philippines, Puerto Rico and Panama 
receive their film entertainment 
through motion picture services op- 
erated independently of the Army 
Motion Picture Service, the War 
Dept. explained. 

Rather apologetically it was noted 
that any profits accruing from pic- 
ture shows at Army camps are 'used 
to maintan the service at a large 
number of non-proAtable theatres 
or for use as recreation funds.'. 

'The admission fee charged by the 
Army Motion Picture Service is not 
for profit but solely to pay minimum 
operating costs, with a small mar- 
gin' of safety to guard against fi- 
nancial embarra-ssment which might 
interfere with the systematic func- 
tioning of the service,' it was ex- 
plained. 



N.Y. to L.A. 

Larry Barnett. 
Joseph Bernhard. 
Harry Cohn. 
Humphrey Doulens. 
Marcus Griffin. 
June Havoc. 
Alexander Korda. 
Harry Kosiner. 
Thomas J. LaBrum. 
Charlie Miller. 
Rita Montoya. 
Merle' Oberon. 
Lily Pons. 
Irene Rich. 
Myria Silva. 
J. C. Stein. 
Stella Unger. 



Hollywood, July 29. 
Orson Welles has lined up a new 
deal with RKO, making Mercury 
Productions a full-fledged producing 
organization, set to make four pic- 
tures. 

Welles' new partner is Jack Mo.v. 
Moss is locally reputed as a man 
with an enormous talent for parting 
studio 'treasuries with goodly bits of 
their surpluses for people with 
whom he is associated. He is also a 
producer in his own [ight. He 
never fails to read the fine print in 
contracts. And after 12 years of 
being an agent and a producer he 
always reads them between the 
lines. 

His bargaining talents were best 
shown when he was Gary Cooper's 
business manager. At the begin- 
ning of that relationship Cooper had 
ah $800 bank account. Four years 
later he could, if he had to, get up 
half a million dollars. . 

The bargaining talents of Mo.<» 
and the producing talents of Welles 
could make an important combina- 
tion. 

Under the new setup with RKO, 
Welles will extend his activities. 
Whether he acts in the pictures or 
not, or whether he just produces and 
directs them, they will all bear his 
stamp. 

. Paid At Every Turn 

It is understood that he will re- 
ceive four different salaries if he 
does tour different things. For pro- 
ducing alone he will be paid. For 
directing he will be paid, for writ- 
ing he will be paid. If he acts he 
will be paid another sum. 

Moss produced 'The Biscuit Eater' 
and 'The Shepherd of the Hills.' He 
concludes his work with Walter 
Wanger as a production assistant on 
'Sundown' to go with Welles. 

"The Magnificent Ambersons,' by 
Booth Tarkington, is the first film 
Welles will do under the new RKO 
deal It will be vastly different 
from 'Citizen Kane.' It will not be 
a searching portrait of an ego- 
maniac, but the story of three love 
affairs and the story, as well, of an 
American town turned suddenly into 
a roaring metropolis by the inven- 
tion of the automobile. 

His second one will be 'Journey 
Into Fear,' a melodrama with the 
background in modern-day Europe. 
The third will be 'It's All True,' 
which he describes only as an 'origi- 
nal project.' His fourth will be the 
story of a Nazi plot in Mexico. He 
will film this one in Mexico City, 
with Dolores Del Rio playing the 
feminine lead. 

He will not act in 'Magnificent 
Ambersons,' but he will produce 
and direct and help write it. Joseph ' 
Cotten and Ruth Warrick will play 
the top roles. Cotten and Michele 
Morgan will head the cast of 'Jour- 
ney Into Fear." It is possMe that 
Welles may appear in his 'original 
project' and that he will also play 
with Miss Del Rio in the. Mexican 
picture. 



Come Into My Web 

. HolIy.W.OOd...Ju.|v 29. 

Filming of 'The Black Widow' 
started yesterday (Mon.) at Warner.i 
wlth ' Jefi'rey LyHW and Jane Wyman 
In the top roles. 

D. Ross Lederman directs. 



L. A. TO N. Y. 

John Brahm. 
Eddie Dowling. 
Mrs. Sylvia Fairbanks. 
Mitchell Gertz. 
Bob Gillham. 
Charles L. Glett. 
Martin Gosch. 
Clay Hake. 
William Helneman. 
Charles Koerner. 
Joyce Lester. 
Myke Lewis. 
Irving Mass. 
Tom McKnight. 
Ben Miggins. 
Joseph Moskowitz, 
Arnold Moss. 
John O'Connor. 
Eugene O'Neill. 
Hermann G. Place. 
Dick Pollard. 
Stelle Reynolds. 
Randy Rogers. 
George J. Schaefer. 
WilUam Scully. 
Norma Shearer. 
Bob Taplinger. 
Leg Whalen. 
Joe Wright. 
Teresa Wright 



Wednesday, Jgly 80. 1941 



PICTUBE8 8 



HOPKINS TO PRY FILM COIN 



tesser-UA Compromising Deal 
Before He Joins RKO; KeDy Says 
UA Theatre Circuit Progressing 



Compromise is being worked out 
on Sol Lesser's pre-contract-expira- 
tion exit from United Artists, Ar- 
thur W. Kelly, UA operating chief, 
asserted Monday (28). Lesser, who 
has joined RKO's studio staff to 
head up the A production units, has 
four films yet to deliver on his five- 
picture UA deal. 

Kelly declared that Lesser will 
make for UA release 'Strange Vic- 
tory,' which is ready to start shoot- 
ing as soon as satisfactory femme 
lead is agreed upon. Whether any of 
the three other pictures due will be 
made for UA or some other form of 
Bettlement will be reached Kelly re- 
lused to say. 

Charles Chaplin Is now at work 
on synchronizing music and re-edit- 
Ing 'The Gold Rush' (1925), UA top- 
per stated, with likelihood that It 
will be ready for reissue by Janu- 
ary. If it proves successful, Chap- 
lin Is prepared to do similar jobs 
on other of his heavy-grossers of 
the past 

Negotiations looking toward ac- 
quisition of first houses for UA's 
contemplated theatre circuit are pro- 
gressing rapidly, Kelly said. He de- 
clared company has been deluged 
with offers of partnerships in cir- 
cuits that UA execs never had the 
remotest idea ' would be available, 
and that going into possibilities of 
some of these might sidetrack ' the 
deal which he originally expected 
would be first. 



UA May Get 'Frisco UA 

. San Francisco, July 29. 

United Artists theatre here has 
been offered to Joe Blumenfeld by 
hs owner, Herman Cohen, it was 
learned this week. Understood noth- 
ing came of it, however, Blumenfeld 
having recently acquired two other 
Market street houses, the Orpheum 
and Esquire. 

Although Cohen says there's noth- 
ing to it, the row understands there's 
« strong possibility the situation 
might pass into hands of UA now 
that the company is building its own 
«hain. Unlikely It would go to any- 
one else, since there's no assurance 
purchaser could hold the UA fran- 
chise, without which situation would 
be in a tough spot for products- 



DORE SCHARY UPPED TO 
EXEC BERTH AT METRO 



Hollywood, July 29. 
. Metro -htflsleS -Bore - Schwyr- **^?- 
writer for years, into an executive 
berth to work with Harry Rapf in a , 
'li'6W"^foductIon~uhir'as''supeT^ 

Pictures assigned thus far to the 
new combination are 'Mr. and Mrs. 
North' and 'Joe Smith, American.' 



Formal Motion to Waive 
10% Tax for Service Men 

Washington, July 29. 
Exemptions from admissions tax 
for men in uniform has been formal- 
ly proposed in Congress but re- 
ceived no consideration so far. Rep. 
Eugene E. Cox, of Georgia, intro- 
duced a bill recently which would 
amend the revenue code by stipu- 
lating that 'any member of the land 
or naval forces' of the United States 
in uniform' can gain entrance to 
commercial amusements without 
paying any tariff to the treasury. If 
proprietors want to cut prices or 
give free admission, that is up to 
them. 

Request for clarification of the 
stiffer boxoffice levy was asked by 
Attorney General Bennett, of New 
York, so that public parks, beaches, 
and such attractions won't suffer. 
He wrote members of the New York 
delegation urging adoption of an 
amendment to the forthcoming tax 
bill stipulating that only money- 
making entertainments are required 
to collect the 10%. 



Real and the Reel 



Hollywood, July 29. 

20th-Fox evacuated Dunkirk 
in 27 days with 1,100 extras in 
'A Yank in the R. A. F.' 

Britain did the same Job in 
three days with an army. 



KORDA OKAYS HAYSIAN 
SAPOUO FOR lYDIA' 



FROZEN RENTALS 
eADLY NEEDED 



Yanks Have Gotten Up Sta- 
tistics to Prove to London 
That Hollywood Would Be 
Insolvent Were It Not for 
Their Anglo Revenue in 
Former Years 



LOOKS FAVORABLE 



Switch in the ending of 'Lydla' 
which the Hays office demanded, in 
line with its tenet requiring 'moral 
coinpensation' by cinematic wrong- 
doers, has been made. Producer 
Alexander Korda claims the new 
finale suggested by the Haysites Is 
better than the original one con- 
cocted by his writers. 

Korda's ending had Lydia (Merle 
Oberon) finally once again meet her 
former lover, whom she stole from 
another woman and for whom she 
has longed for many Intervening 
years. Hays' ending has her meet 
him, too — but he gives her the brush, 
pretending not to recognize her. 

Korda, who came into New York 
last Friday (25), planed back to the 
Coast yesterday (Tuesday). Oberon, 
who had come to New York via Chi- 
cago, where she did a broadcast, will 
remain in Manhattan a few days 
longer. 



Halifax Thanks Fihn 
Execs at Stadio Fete 



Hollywood, July 29. 
Lord Halifax, Britain's ambassador 
in America, was given a hearty wel- 
come In Hollywood by Motion Pic- 
ture Producers Association, with Will 
Hays presiding at the luncheon in 
his honor on the Metro Ipt. Studio 
execs at the head table were Louis 
B. Mayer, Y. Frank Freeman, Harry 
M. and Jack L. Warner, E. J. Man- 
nix, Joseph I. Breen, Joseph M. 
Schenck, Darryl F. Zanuck, Samuel 
Goldwyn,' William Goetz, Nate Blum- 
berg, Cliff Work and Moe Siegel. 

Thanking the film industry for Its 
assistance in the fight for democ- 
racy. Lord Halifax said: 'Motion pic- 
tures are a vital element in the 
maintenance of the high morale of 
both our civilian and fighting forces, 
and our appreciation is Indeed deep 
and genuine.' 



Hollywood, July 29. 
Whether double bills go out or 
not, double production goes Into 
effect at RKO with the shooting of 
No. 2 and No. 3 In the 'Mexican 
Spitfire' series, starring Lupe Velez. 

Two pictures will be filmed at the 
same time for economical reasons. 
Howard Benedict Is producing the 
series. 



Nick Schenck May Acquiesce 
To Releasing Rodgers for Post 
Of President of United Artists 



Can't Goo a Croon 



Keep Her Howling 

Hollywood, July 29. 
Carol Bruce, brought here by Uni- 
versal for a picture debut in 'This 
Woman Is Mine,' draws her second 
film assignment In 'Keep 'Em Fly- 
ing,' the next Abbott and Costello 
comedy. 

Glenn Tryon produces the picture, 
slated to roll, in September. 



Mary and Bing Again 

Hollywood, July 29. 

Mary Martin teams again with 
Bing Crosby in one of two pictures 
on the Crosby list for late fall and 
winter production. 

Studio execs are debating whether 
to cast the actress in 'Happy Go 
Lucky' or 'Manhattan at Midnight.' 



The American picture companies 
have gotten up statistics to present 
to the British government to prove 
that, were it not for their revenue 
from England and Empire posses 
sions in former years, American film 
industry might be insolvent. This is 
part of the drive to thaw put the 
millions now frozen in England, and 
to sway the London authorities that, 
in view of American lease-lend aid, 
plus other considerations, it should 
cooperate with Hollywood and 
loosen some of the coin. 

Harry L. Hopkins, currently in Eng- 
land as President Roosevelt's special 
envoy, will present the film case to 
the English authorities which are 
said to be not unsympathetic. They 
realize that through American news- 
reels, the recent abundance of frank 
anti-Nazi films, and the past pro- 
duction of strong pro-British pic- 
tures, the English side (including 
the present struggle against Hitler- 
ism) has been most favorably pre- 
sented. (Were not most of the pro- 
English themes made in America, 
many a Britisher states his country 
would have been accused of propa- 
gandizing had they been produced on 
native soil.) 

By facts and figures, the American 
film industry aims to convince the 
English that, paradoxical as it may 
sound, here is a U.S. business which 
depends on a commonwealth of 
English nations for its economic 
longevity; and that if England had 
stymied the free flow of funds be- 
fore the present embargo It would 
have been a tragic note for Holly- 
wood, - - 

All these figures are now ready for 
presentation to the London ex- 
chequer authorities, and It Is one 
of the major American Industry 
putsches of the moment. 

AUn Steyne's Fowwow 

After listening to Alan Steyne, at- 
tached to the American embassy in 
London, last Thursday (24) prior to 
his departure for Great Britain, U.S. 
foreign company managers who at- 
tended the regular meeting at the 
Hays office are hopeful that steps 
can be taken to remedy the Ameri- 
can distributor foreign money situa- 
tion in BriUin, Not/inlv, «re thev 

pact, covering the 12-month period 
starting next Oct. 1, but some hold 
out hope that some of the presently 
frozen revenues may be dislodged. 
There is about $40,000,000 in U.S. 
distributor coin presently frozen on 
the British Isles or was until part of 
the suni was reduced in paying off 
certain loans In Britain. Steyne is 
foreign service official with the 
Embassy. 

While hopeful that the British 
government will take a more lenient 
attitude, especially In view of 'the 
cooperation of the American film 
industry in keeping a steady supply 
of pictures going into England, sev- 
eral foreign chiefs believe the only 
way presently frozen funds can be 
pried loose will be via different tac- 
tics. With the lease-lend law now 
giving more dollar credits to Great 
Britain, a certain amount of un- 
freezing is only logical ■ to expect, 
foreign managers aver. 

Indicative of the spirit of coopera- 
tion Is the foreign managers' decision 
to alter their entire setup in the mat- 
ter of shipping reel spools 'and film 
cans to Britain. It was pointed out 
that there is a shortage of such ma- 
terials now in Great Britain, and U.S. 
film companies were urged to adopt 
(Continued on page 16) 



Hollywood, July 29. 

Rudy Vallee joined the im- 
mortals of Hollywood by im- 
printing his hands and feet, but 
not his croon, in cement in the 
forecourt of the Chinese theatre. 

Croons may be recorded in 
wax but not in cement, until 
some genius discovers a way to 
vulcanize tonsils. 



2D TRIAL RESUMES IN 
WM. FOX BRIBERY CASE 



Philadelphia, July 29. 

The trial of U. S. Circuit Court 
Judge J. Warren Davis' and Mor- 
gan S. Kaufman, prominent Scran- 
ton attorney, accused of obtaining 
bribes from William Fox, onetiriie 
film biggie, was resumed yesterday 
(Mon.) in Federal court here. The 
original trial of the pair ended In 
a mistrial May 28 when the Jury 
became hopelessly deadlocked (six 
to six) and was discharged. 

A jury of nine men and three 
women was chosen. The taking of 
testimony is skedded to begin today 
with the Government expected to 
take at least two weeks to present 
its case. Prosecutor is Walter H. 
Gahagan, Jr., special assistant to the 
U. S. Attorney General and nephew 
of actress Helen Gahagan. 

Fox has pleaded guilty of giving 
$27,500 in bribes to Judge Davis 
while litigation involving bankruptcy 
proceedings were before the U. S. 
Circuit Court of Appeals. Kaufman 
was accused of being the go-be- 
tween. Fox is awaiting sentence. 



Goldwyn in Production 
Deal on BriL 'Spitfire' 

Hollywood, July 29. 

Samuel Goldwyn is going in for 
British production, in conjunction 
with C. M. Woolf, chief of General 
Film Distributors in London, on the 
shooting of 'Spitfire,' based on the 
career of R. J. Mitchell, English air- 
craft designer. 

Leslie Howard is assigned as di- 
rector and star, with David Niven as 
co-star. Mitchell's widow draws a 
percentage of the profits. 



Martin Mooney, Producer 

Hollywood, July 29. 
Martin Mooney is a.ssigned to four 
pictures under his new producer 
contract with Producers Releasing 
Corp., first of which is his own story, 
'Mr. Celebrity.' Filming starts Aug. 
12, with William Beaudine direct- 
ing. 

Three, other plays are 'Wire Serv- 
ice,' 'The Prosecutor' and 'Key Wit- 
ness.' 



Improves With Age 

Hollywood, July 29. 
'Air Raid,' a British tale bought by 
Paramount two years ago, is being 
dusted off and given an American 
setting for production by Sol C. 
Siegel. 

Preston Foster and Patricia Mori- 
son draw the lead roles. 



Cinematic 'Cugats' 

Hollywood, July 29. 

Betty Field and Ray Milland 
clinch in the top roles of 'Mr. and 
Mrs. (^ugat,' a drama of domestic 
tribulations, based on a novel of the 
same name. 

Cameras start Sept. 2, with Fred 
Kohlmar producing. 



Hollywood, July 29. 
Possibility that Metro prez Nich- 
olas M. Schenck will succumb to 
pleas that he release William F. 
Rodgers to take over presidency of 
United Artists was seen here as re- 
sult of the concerted weekend blitz 
he was subjected to by UA owners 
and prospective owners, Schenck 
previously had turned down cold the 
proposal that he release from his 
contract his general manager of 
sales and distribution. 

Rodgers is anxious to accept the 
UA post if Metro will release him. it 
was learned on the highest authority 
in New York yesterday (Tuesday). 
Offer was said to be 'too good to re- 
sist,' despite reputation UA spot has 
gained as one of the toughest in the 
industry. 

Schenck's arrival on the Coast 
from New York on Saturday was 
marked by the convergence on him 
of pleas from UAItes Charles Chap- 
lin, Mary Pickford and Alexander 
Korda and from future owners David 
O. Selznick and Frank Capra. 

It is understood that an original 
offer was made to Rodgers soma 
jnonths ago, but the new and hotter 
effort to snare him began about 
three weeks ago. ■ It was"no go, how- 
ever, with his pact at Metro still 
having several years to run and 
Schenck being in an uncompromising 
mood. 

Inducement to Rodgers to consider 
the 'headache job of the industry' 
is understood to include the guar- 
antee that he win have completo 
authority. Financial offer is also 
thought to have played an Important 
part. Murray Silverstone, who re- 
cently left as UA operating chief, 
was getting $150,000 a year and Rod- 
gers no doubt has been offered at 
least that much. 

Fifty-three years old, Rodgers was 
born in Camden, N. J., and started 
in the business with the old General 
Film Co. He later went to Mutual 
and then to Triangle before Joiniiig 
Metro in 1924. 

Schenck, west on a four-day studio 
visit, returned to New York last 
night Ctuesday). He made the trip 
to parley with Metro studio execs 
on the second and third selling 
groups. 

The company is releasing only 
three during September, with ths 
subsequent groups to be in fives. 



STAHL LEADS OFF AT 
20 FOX WITH 'SPRING' 



Hollywood, July 29. 

First production by John M. Stahl 
under his new two-year contract at 
20th-Fox will be 'Another Spring,' 
based on a novel by H. M. "Thorn- 
man, without clinging too closely to 
the book. 

Although Stahl's pact does not 
specify the number of pictures, he Is 
expected to make two, and possibly 
three. 



Set Leads for Tulham' 



Hollywood, July 29. 

Hedy Lamarr, Robert Young, Ruth 
Hussey and Van Hefiin draw tha 
four principal roles in 'H. M, Pul- 
ham, E.sq.' scheduled for an early 
August start at Metro. 

Biographical story, stretching be- 
tween the two world wars, is di- 
rected by King Vidor. 



Can't Find 'Darling* 

Hollywood, July 29. 

'Take a Letter, Darling,' originally 
slated for summer production, has 
been deferred to Oct. 13 on the 
Paramount starting schedule. 

Mitchell Leisen is slated as direc- 
tor and Fred MacMurray as tha 
male topper, but the studio is hav- 
ing trouble casting the femme lead. 



WB's Convention Keynote Is Less 
Quantity, More Quality Pix in '41-'42 



See More Pix? 



Chicago, July 29. 
Warners will produce fewer pic- 
tures in the new season, according to 
Info at th? annual WB convention 
here. This wiU lead to increased ef- 
fort behind each film. Company 
parley is being held at the Black- 
stone hotel. 

While the exact number of pic- 
tures to be produced is not yet set, 
It will run considerably under 50, 
according to present indications. The 
actual number, states Grad Sears, 
depends on the practical working of 
the consent decree. 

In the first roundup of titles, the 
Warner company comes up with a 
list of some 36, but the actual num- 
ber of pictures produced will prob- 
ably run into the 40s. 

Lasky's Address 
Jesse Lasky addressed the Warner 
convention, telling the story behind 
the production of 'Sergeant York' 
and discussing plans for future pro- 
ductions under the Warner banner, 
liowell Calvert was in as representa- 
tive of Frank Capra and David Selz- 
nick, and told the convention about 
their plans. 

Sears will be guest of honor at a 
luncheon in the Blackstone hotel on 
Thursday' (31), the host being James 
Coston, chief of the Warner theatres 
circuit in the Chicago division area. 

Carl Leserman, WB assistant sales 
chief, announced the winners in the 
sales drive. Ben Kalmenson's west- 
ern and southern group again took 
the honors, coming in ahead of Roy. 
Haines and the eastern and Canadian 
division. 

With Kalmenson taking the $1,000 
division prize, Henry Herbel's west 
coast district took the No. 1 $2,800 
district first > prize; second district 
prize of $1,500 went to Wolf Cohen's 
Canadian district, and third prize of 
$100 to Ralph McCoy's southeast 
group. 

Seattle PrUe 

Among the branch managers, the 
first prize- went to Seattle, William 
Shartin, and the prize was $3,500. 
Winnipeg and Xaa Geller took the 
$3,000 second prize; Los Angeles and 
W. E. Callaway, the third one of 
$2,750; Atlanta and Tom Gilliam, 
fourth, $2,500. 

Sears pointed out that where 
formerly some 11,000 contracts were 
closed in a season, the new consent 
decree order will mean as many as 
.250,000 film contracts over the War- 
ner desks in a single season. 

At the convention opening at the 
Blackstone yesterday (Monday) 
Jack Warner made the. keynote 
speech for the company, with S 
Charles Einfeld, ad-publicity direc- 
tor, tipping Warner plans for ex' 
ploitation on 1941-42 product. 

Sears is presiding at the -sessions, 
assisted by Leserman. ' 

Skedded for talks are Mort BlU' 
menstock, eastern ad-publicity chief; 
Normen Moray,- «horts sales chief; 
Haines, Kalmenson, and Joe Bern- 
bard, theatre circuit's general man- 
ager. 



Studio Contracts 



Hollywood, July 29. 
Ann Miller drew a new contract at 
Columbia. 

Faye Emerson's player option 
lifted by Warners. 

Elyse Knox inked acting ticket at 
Hal Roach. 

Robert Fellowes handed renewal 
of his associate producer contract at 
Warners. 

Robert Hopkins penned another 
writer pact at Metro. 

Lionel Houser's scripting option 
lifted by Metro. 

Willie Best drew contract renewal 
at Warners. 

Charles Drake's player option 
hoisted by Warners. 

Roger Clarked inked acting pact 
at Columbia. 

Andra Lindley handed player deal 
by Warners. 

Kent Smith signed two-picture 
acting deal with RKO. 

Jane Kean signed player contract 
with Republic. 



Portland, Ore., July 29. 

The champion film-goer of the 
U. S. Army has been discovered 
In Private Kenneth Wilkinson, a 
La Grande, Ore., enlisted man of 
Company E, 186th Infantry. He's 
seen 302 full-length feature pic- 
tures in less than 10 months — ^for 
which he's won a prize. 

Private Wilkinson was given a 
10-day furlough and left by plane 
to accept Will H. Hays' tele- 
graphed invitation to visit Holly- 
wood and see what makes It 
click. 



INDIES WOULD 
CONTINUE DUAI^ 



Hollywood, July 29. 

Intensified 'campaign for continu- 
ance of double-features was voted 
at a meeting of the Independent Mo- 
tion Picture Association, which 
claims that 80% of the indies now 
belong to the group. 

Meeting voted to assess each mem- 
ber $10 per picture as dues, with a 
membership penalty of $100 on all 
indies who have not joined by 
Aug. 1. 



RKO CLAIS OK 
SELLING VIA 
TRADES 



Minneapolis, July 29. 
First of the companies to com- 
mence selling 1941-42 product under 
the consent decree in the territory 
outside of Minnesota, RKO here 
claims good results. It's claimed one 
salesman alone turned in nine con- 
tracts for the first two days of sell- 
ing of the first group of five. Other 
members of the staff did nearly as 
well, according to L. E. Goldhammer, 
district manager. 

North and South Dakota and west- 
ern Wisconsin exhibitors contacted 
Indicated to the salesmen that they 
liked the sales' plan and preferred to 
buy in small groups, Goldhammer as- 
serts. The salesmen, he say's, en- 
countered less sales' resistance than 
usual. This, too, in spite of the per 
centage demands for each of the five 
intitial releases. 



248 Pix by Mills Novelty 
For Jukeboxers in 6 Mos. 

Jack Barry, president of Mlnoco 
Productions, the motion picture di- 
vision of Mills Novelty Co., in setting 
the company's production schedule 
for the six months, announces 200 
pictures for production In the east 
and 48 in Hollywood. While many 
of the pictures are being made for 
the coin-machine (16-millimeter) 
field, releases also will be made for 
regular theatres for non-theatrical 
accounts. Included In the elaborate 
lineup, Barry - said he would an- 
nounce plans In the fall for 12 com- 
edy shorts and three ieatur^s. 

Films to be made in the east will 
feature Morton Downey, Lanny Ross, 
Tamara, Gus 'Van, Willie Howard, 
Smith & .Dale, King Sisters, Patricia 
Ellis, Fift D'Orsay, Gertrude Niesen, 
Jane Pickens, Michael Bartlett, 
Sylvia Froos, Michael Loring, Slate 
Bros., Charioteers, the Kidoodlers, 
Radio Rogues, Martha Tilton and 
others including better name bands. 
Fred Waller is in charge of east- 
ern production and Sam Coslow on 
the. Coast. During the next six 
Rvonths, 75% of the production Is 
scheduled for the east 



Vedaesday, July 30, 194 1 

CARTOONISTS 
AND DISNEY 
SETTLE 



A! Pearce Air Troape 
h Republic's USarines' 



Metro Puts Up $5,000 
For llorth' Sequels, 
Plus 30G for the Play 



Hollywood, July 29. 

Republic signed Al Pearce and his 
radio troupe to appear in 'Marines 
on Parade,' one of the studio's spe- 
cial features for 1041-42, budgeted 
at the studio claim of $500,000. Deal 
for Pearce was made through Fan- 
chon & Marco, slated as producers. 

In addition to Pearce, the air 
troupe includes Arty Auerbach (Kit- 
zel), William Comstock (Tizzie Lish) 
and Arlene Harris.- Radio cast will 
be augmented by picture names. 



Metro, in addition to Its $30,000 
payment for screen rights to 'Mr. and 
Mrs. North' last week, passed over 
$5,000 for an option on sequels to the 
legiter which was dramatized by 
Owen Davis from New Yorker stories 
by Richard and Frances Lockridge. 

Company gets back about 30%, or 
$9,000, of the coin it put up for the 
rights since it backed the sho* 
Backers ordinarily get 40% of film 
rights under Dramatists Guild rules, 
but Alfred de Liagre, Jr., who served 
as. nominal producer, is understood 
to have had a 10% hunk. Metro put 
about $25,000 into it. Show ran 162. 
performances, but was only a mild 
grosser, doing little more than break- 
ing even. Metro's was the only of- 
fer on screen rights. 

There's some film Interest In 'Two 
Survive,' book by pair of British 
sailors whose ship was shelled in the 
South Atlantic last winter and who 
came into Nassau in an open boat 
after 70 days at sea. They are Robert 
Tapscott and Wilbert Widdicombe. 
Agent Hal Matson, who Is handling, 
has put a $10,000 price tag on rights. 
Book will be published shortly. 



AssL Theatre Mgr. 
WhoEmhezzledfSOO 
Arrested in St Loo 



STUDIO ELECTRICIAN 
SUES BROWNE, 6I0FF 



Hollywood, July 29. 

George Browne, Willie BloS and 
other lATSE leaders were named 
defendants .in a $50,000 damage suit 
filed Monday (28) in Superior court 
by George Davis, studio electrician. 
Complaint seeks to restrain union 
officials from depriving him of right 
to work in film industry and fix his 
pro rata share of a $94,000 fund 
which he claims was in the treasury 
of Technicians Local 37 when dis- 
solved by lATSE. 

Court signed 'a show-cause order 
for defendants to appear Aug. 7. 



St. Louis, July 29. 
Oakland, Cal., cops are en route 
here to take back Arthur T. Seibert, 
25. assistant manager of the Fairfax, 
who has admitted to local gendarmes 
that he embezzled $800 of the thea- 
tre's funds last May and blew the 
dough shooting craps in Reno gambl- 
ing joints. Questioned by dicks who 
found him standing on a comer in 
the west end at 4 a.m., Seibert said 
he was Mike P. Riordan and showed 
a Social Security Card with that 
moniker that he had obtained in Salt 
Lake City. When asked for his 
draftee registration Seibert dis- 
played one made out in his right 
name. 

Debts that had been accumulated 
because of his penchant for enter- 
taining girls on his $20 per week sal- 
ary caused him to lam out of Oak- 
land last May 12 with the weekend 
receipts he was instructed to deposit 
in a bank. 



Hollywood, July 29. 
First arbitration session got undo 
way this morning following washup 
of the Walt Disney-Cartoonlsta 
strike. Inkers began dribbling back 
to work this morning following 
settlement Monday (28) arranged by 
James F.Dewey, chief conciliator ot 
the Labor Department All striken 
were ordered reinstated and ell 
moot points between the company 
and Screen Cartoonists Guild are to 
be arbitrated as they are raised. 

Stanley White, also a Labor D«a 
partment conciliator and another ar« 
biter will sit. in judgment wlHi 
Dewey. Terms ot agreement ending 
the two months' strike embrace the 
following: 

Company shall employ all ihoie 
on payrolls as of May 15 without . 
discrimination; SCG shall call oH 
strike and remove all picket* im« 
mediately; matters submitted to ar< - 
bitration shall be made retroactive 
to the day strike was called off; upoa 
agreement to return to work, a con? 
ference shall proceed to outline end 
delimit the points to be arbitrated. 
Points both factions' agree to ar« 
bitrate are permanent reinstatenMnt 
of 24 employes discharged before 
the strike; equalization of pay fof 
employes; shop relationship; salarlea 
and classifications; severance pay| 
minimum guarantee of employmmii 
vacations with pay; draft olause 
providing six weeks' payment loi 
draftees; grievance clause. 

Removed last night was the baa 
on technicolor processing of Disney 
Films by Studio Machinists and Dis* 
ney products from the American 
Federation of Labor unfair list 



Get That Hair Outa Your 
Eyes, We're Goin' Travefing 



Hollywood, July 29, 
'Veronica Lake draws star billing 

in 'Sullivan's Travels;' her second 

picture at Pai-amiount. 
Sharing the top spot Is Joel Mc- 

Crea. 



Houston's Variety Tent 

Houston, Texas, July 29. 

A tent of the 'Variety Club of 
Texas is being formally Inaugurated 
at the headquarters in the Texas 
State Hotel here today (29). Paul 
Short chief barker of the Variety 
Club of Texas, and R. J. O'Donnell, 
national first-assistant chief barker, 
ere on hand here from Dallas to 
assist in the installation. 

Tent here was'instituted after much 
organization by Al Lever, Interstate 
olty manager; Mart Cole, Rosenberg, 
Texas, exhibitor; Al Mortenson, and 
George Heck of Southwestern The- 
atre Equipment Co., and many others 
In this area. 



Bush's Breakdown 



Rodney Bush, 20th-Fox publicity 
head under Charlie McCarthy, ad- 
vertising-publicity chief, is still con 
fined to his home in Mt. Vernon fol 
lowing a nervous breakdown several 
weeks ago. Bush was unable to at' 
tend the company's convention in 
Los Angeles. Although considerably 
improved this week, he may not be 
able to return to his desk until the 
middle of August 

Assistants to Bush, in the mean- 
time, are splitting up directional dU' 
ties in his department 



Bep'a Jack Lait^ Jr. 

Hollywood, July 29, 
RepubUc has signed Jack Lait Jr., 
to script, an action yam for Don 
Barry. 

George Sherman produces and di' 
rects. 



SOSNA RENEWS BEEF 

Again Complains He's Been Denied 
'Some Rdd' — Sac* Loew's ■ 



Earl Carroll's Suit 
Vs. Berg-AHenherg 
Over Torkshirenen' 



Tuning Seven Pix at 20th 



Hollywood, July 29. 

Music department at 20th-Fox Is 
tooting full blast with tune sequences 
in every one of the seven features in 
work at the studio. . 

Melodies are being cleffed for 
'Week End in Havana,' 'Cadet Girl' 
'Hot Spot' 'Swamp Water.' 'Danger- 
ous But Passable,' 'How Green Was 
My Valley* and 'Small Town Deb.' 



Aluminum Leblang 

Aluminum matinee at the Para- 
mount on Broadway Friday (25) af- 
ternoon brought out many 'kids who 
saved coin by bu3ang small pans for 
lOc. Par admitted any person bring- 
ing in an aluminum article for the 
one mat day. 

Joe Venuti's band contributed to 
the aluminum grab-bag when the 
brass section tossed in their alumi- 
num hats. 



St Louis, July 29. 

Louis M. Sosna, Mexico, Mo., ex 
hib who beefed against nine flicker 
distributors last spring because of 
inability to obtain screen fodder, and 
later withdrew the complaint, last 
week returned to the wars with a 
complaint filed against Loew's, al 
leging he had been denied 'some run' 
as specified in Section 6 of the AAA 
code. He seeks immediate redress 
on the grounds he will have to close 
his house unless it is forthcoming. 

In his first complaint Sosna said he 
was encouraged by local film dis 
tributors to build a house in Mexico 
that cost him and his brother, Sam, 
approximately $40,000. After the 
theatre was constructed Sosna 
charged that two opposish houses, 
independently owned, were sold to 
the Frisina Circuit which operates 

40 houses in Missouri, Illinois and 
Iowa and then his troubles began. 
He said the only first-run product 
he could obtain was from Warners, 
which offered 1938-39 vintage. Vari- 
ous reasons were given by the dis- 
tributors, Sosna alleged, why he 
could not obtain pictures. 

He held his peace until the 1940- 

41 buying season began and when 
the distributors told him that all of 
the product had been contracted for 
by the Frisina houses he began to 
yeU. The sudden withdrawal of the 
beef, without a reason, was a sur- 
prise. Should the current case go to 
bat it will be No. 1 for the local 
tribunal as another yelp from a Cape 
Girardeay, Mo., exhib was muted by 
a compromise. 



REIS DATES FALCON 

Hollywood, July 29. 
Irving Rels draws 'A Date With 
the Falcon' as the opening chore un- 
der his new director contract with 
RKO- 

Plcture is the second of the new 
'Falcon' series. 



Frenchman's UA Pic? 

Henri Diament-Berger, former as- 
sociate of Bernard Natan, of Patbe- 
Natan Pictures in Paris, is planning 
to go into indie production in Holly- 
woodi His first will be Jules Verne's 
'Around the World in 80 Days.' 

He's now trying to arrange a re- 
lease, with United Artists said to be 
interested. 



Hollywood, July 29. 

Earl Carroll is suing the Ber^ 
AUenberg agency for $15,000, charge 
ing fraud and deceit In transaction 
involving sale of film rights to "ny- 
ing Yorkshlremen.' 

Carroll claimed that, as owner of 
''yorkshlremen,' he engaged the 
agents to negotiate a studio eale. 
William Dozier, of the agency, li al- 
leged to have informed Carroll that 
Berg-Allenberg were planning theit 
own company to produce picture. 
Would buy rights to story for • 
nominal sum and engage Carroll • 
producer. Carroll said he accepted 
$2,000 for story under that arrange- 
ment but charged that the agente 
resold the rights for $17,000. He 
avers negotiations for resale were 
closed before defendants acquired 
rights. 



RESERVE DECISION IN 
A.C. PIX BOOKING SUIT 



PhUadelphia, July 29. 

Federal Court Judge Guy L. Bard 
on Friday (25) reserved decision on 
a suit brought by Harry I. Wax- 
mann, operator of the Astor, Atlan- 
tic City, seeking an injunction re- 
straining Columbia Pictures from 
booking two films in the newly-built 
Embassy before they played the 
Astor. The pictures involved are 
'She Knew All the Answers' and 
'They Dare Not Love.' Defendants 
in the suit with Columbia are the 
Stanley-Warner circuit apd Weiland 
Theatres, Inc. 

Waxmann claimed that there had 
been an agreement made between 
his theatre, Welland's and Warners 
whereby any new theatre on Atlan- 
tic avenue would be placed behind 
the Astor in the matter of run. Giv- 
ing the New Embassy the two pic- 
tures would set a precedent shatter- 
ing the arrangement Waxman as- 
serted. 

The New Embassy was built by 
the Weiland interests. Warners wai 
named in the suit because the chain 
has a pooling deal on film product 
with Weiland. 

The case was the first brought to 
trial here since the consent decree 
arbitration hearings became opera- 
Uve. 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



PICTUBES 



1 ST RUNS STILL CUE B. 0. 



Indies' Own Intra-Organizational Pix 
Reviewing, Evolution of Tradeshows 



Milwaukee, July 29. 

Putting the Independent Theatres 
protective association of Wisconsin 
txA Upper Michigan on the pan tor 
(upplylne its members with frank 
■nd confidential reviews on pictures 
that are tradeshown, the Milwaukee 
exchanges are protesting that this 
action Is unfair to them and contrary 
\o the spirit of the Consent Decree 
tegulatlons. With the identities of 
ttis seven-man screening committee 
kept from even the members of the 
Indle organization themselves, the 
exchange men have already labeled 
M The Secret Seven' and spend their 
■pare huddling time trying to guess 
Just who makes up the group. 

All that is known of 'The Secret 
Raven* is that they are all bona fide 
exhibitors who attend the trade- 
Ihows separately as Individuals 
twom to absolute secrecy as regards 
ttieir confidential mission. They do 
not even know each other as mem- 
ber* of a reviewing board, and com- 
pile their form reports in the pri- 
vacy of their own homes or offices, 
kiailing them in to the main office 
Where they are assembled in proper 
erder and mimeographed for mailing 
Aut to members of the association. 
Only signatures on the reviews are 
tll^ebetlcal or numerical cbmbina- 
ttions. It's all quite as mysterious 

fid Intriguing as the workings of 
t OGPU or the Gestapo, and al- 
ough only two sets of reports have 
font out to exhibs so far VThe Se- 
tret Seven' Is said 'io be doing a 
pingup Job. 

Other state indie groups, one east 
of Wisconsin and one west, are 
Working in similar fashion and these 
tiirec organizations operating en- 
tirely Independent of each other ex- 
change their confidential reports, 
one being a check on the other so to 
nMak, yet providing a really worth- 
While consensus of expert opinion as 
to the merits of product shown and 
Hvlewed. 

'Although the reviewers all op- 
frata independently of each other, 
the reports for the first two weeks 
•how a remarkable coincidence of 
opinion,' said Harry Perlewitz, busi- 
n«8 manager of the Wisconsin-Up- 
per Michigan association. This 
proves conclusively that we are get- 
ting absolutely unbiased and honest 
reviews by men who know pictures, 
and the agreement among them is 
remarkable, particularly when the 
reports come from three different 
■tatei. We feel that this confidential 
reviewing service is one of the finest 
tWngs we ever did for our members. 
Wt are not only saving them, time 
and money, but giving them a 
\ roimdup of expert opinion that they 
ean study at their leisure and that 

£U1 be a trustworthy guide when 
»y buy pictures.' 

Exchangemen seem to feel that 
■omething has been put over on 
them .by the indies' reviewing opera- 
tions, but there seems to be nothing 
tbey can do about it They would 
ireatly prefer to have all the ex- 
kib« come in to the tradeshowings 
•nd form their own opinions, even 
though in situations where theatres 
*re grouped one or two men do the 
buying for the string. 



NW Allied Reviewing 
Tradeshows Regardless 

Minneapolis, July 29. 

Although it claims that the con- 
sent decree does not operate in Min- 
nesota because of the state law con- 
travening its groups-of-five sales' 
plan. Northwest Allied, the meas- 
jjre'i sponsors, is sending local mem- 
■[•r* to attend the decree trade 
mowings In order to be able to re- 
port on the product for out-of-town- 
•'*_who don't come to Minneapolis. 

The Minneapolis and St. Paul 
members constitute themselves a ro- 
tating committee, with at least two 
present at every screening. These 
two decide for the out-of-towners 
whether the picture is good or bad, 
b.o. possibiliUes, the playing time 
that should be given and the days It 
•hould be spotted, etc. At least their 
recommmdations in this respect 
M« Incorporated Into reports which 



the organization malls to those out- 
of-town members desiring them. 



CommiUee Idea In NW 

Seattle July 29. 

Independent Exhibitors Assn. of 
Washington, Idaho and Alaska, affili- 
ate of the Pacific Coast Conference, 
is considering a plan to have a com- 
mittee of three, from various the- 
atres, take in certain tradeshows, 
thus dividing the burden. These to 
report to the others. 

The basic principl« is liked, but 
the time and cost required are not 
so hot. It seems a foregone conclu- 
sion that it will be out of the ques- 
tion for exhibitors to come from 
eastern Washington and Idaho to this 
city, as distances are up to 400 miles. 



PENNSY CRACKS 
DOWN ON NAZI, 
COMMYPIX 



Philadelphia, July 29. 

Communist and Nazi propaganda 
films got rough treatment at the 
hands of the State Board of Motion 
Picture Censors last week when the 
body ordered a ban on the showing 
of Artkino's 'Soviet Frontier' and 
'The Red Army' and UFA's 'Sieg In 
Westen' ('Victory in the West') In 
Pennsylvania. 

The censors claimed that the films 
came under the slate law which for- 
bids the screening of pictures which 
have a 'tendency to corrupt public 
morals.' 

The Communist film ban was or- 
dered while a group of liberals and 
Soviet sympathizers were waiting to 
watch a preview at the Vine street 
screening room. Mrs. Edna R. Car- 
roll, board chairman, sent word to 
William Friedman, projectionist, 
warning him against showing the 
film without a state seal. 

The board yesterday (Mon.) made 
its final decision on the Red double- 
feature after viewing it for the third 
^ime. It ordered them prohibited 
from showing anywhere in ttie State 
on the grounds that they 'would en- 
courage subversive groups.' 



IMSBIG KEYS 
BEST BAROMETER 



Fat« of Feature Film Grbucs 
Under the Consent Decree 
Will Rest on a Dozen or IS 
First-Run Engagements — 
Showmanship, as Ever, a 
Merchandising Factor 



SCHINE THEATRES' 
POWWOW ON AUG. 5 



GloversviUe, N. Y., July 29. 

Gloversville will be host to a 
Schine Theatres convention which 
will bring to the city approximately 
200 members of the Schine organiza- 
tion for a four days' meeting, start- 
ing next Tuesday (Aug. S). Session 
will open at the Hippodrome with an 
address of welcome by Mayor 
Chauncey C. Thayer on behalf of the 
City of Gloversville and with greet- 
ings from the Gloversville Chamber 
of Commerce, represented by Its 
secretary, Edward G. Walder. 

One of .the highlights of the first 
session will be the Introduction of 
employes who have been in the 
company's service, 15, 10 and five 
years. 



Selznick Still Pursues 
Errol Flynn for Commish 

HoUjrwood, July 'i29. 
Myron Selznick instituted another 
recovery suit against Warners in 
move to collect $26,738 assertedly 
due in commissions from Errol 
Flynn. 

Similar action was dismissed sev- 
eral months ago when the studio im- 
pounded with the court $16,000 
allegedly due the agent in commis- 
sions until a decision was handed 
down on whether the actor or the 
agent was entitled to, the coin. 



WOBBER'S FINDINGS 



Fate of feature 'film grosses under 
the Consent Decree, in the opinion 
of Herman Wobber, distribution 
head of 20th Century-Fox, will rest 
in the experience of a dozen or 
fifteen first run key spots in the 
country. With national tradeshow- 
ings of all the first block of five 
films completed, Wobber is concern- 
trating the entire sales organization 
of the company on campaigns for 
first public showings of the new 
product 

Prices for the new season's pic- 
tures, deals and percentages will 
hinge on successful showmanship 
and actual boxoffice intake in the 
key showings, Wobber declares. On 
that, account every initial showing 
in each principal territory will be 
regarded with the importahce here- 
tofore given to national preems. 

Tradeshowings in the 32 exchange 
centers worked out pretty much to 
anticipations, Wobber says. When 
the conditions of the decree were 
finally established, 20th-Fox com- 
plied to the letter of the require- 
ments by listing showings almost 
exclusively in the film exchange 
projection rooms. Attendance apathy 
which created much concern among 
other sales' organizations was a 
foregone conclusion. 

Of the five, majors, signatory to 
the decree, only 20th-Fox completes 
its '40-41 release season on July 
31, the others holding over to Sept, 
1. What was regarded as a possi- 
ble handicap, inasmuch as the de- 
cree terms are effective with ex- 
hibition of pictures after Sept. 1, 
''as worked out to the benefit of 
20th-Fox, which Is spotting its new 
features in affiliated National Thea- 
tre houses prior to the Sept. 1 date. 

Trade press reviews, Wobber says, 
are of Increasing importance to 
both exchanges and theatres, under 
the decree terms. 



Salesmen No Like 

Los Angeles, July 29. 
Tradeshowings not popular with 
film peddlers. They say most exhibs 
not Interested, stall on buying and 
generally wait until films go through 
first-runs^ before wanting to talk 
business. 

Film Rowites declare none of con- 
sent decree companies will do any 
bragging about big early season 
sales, and those outside the Govern- 
ment decree are selling right under 
their noses and unloading product In 
bigger packages than ever before. 



DECREE 'S CURB 
ON REMAKES 



Fewer remakes during the 1941-42 
season because of Consent Decree 
selling li anticipated in the film 
business. Fact that exhibitors are 
able 'to give all product the once- 
over, and check on the stories and 
their background, likely will act as 
« brake. 

With exhibs able to check in ad- 
vance at trade-shows or via trade- 
paper review? the average pro- 
ducer-distributor realizes that the 
sales resjstence is apt to be accent- 
uated on remakes of oldies. 



Agnew s Mahomet Technique; Par s 
Salesmen Will Take Pix to Exhibs 
If Exhibs Won't Come to Tradeshows 



If exhibs won't come to trade- 
shows. Paramount will take trade- 
shows to the exhibs, Neil F. Agnew, 
Par's v.p. in charge of distribution, 
declared Monday (28). New pro- 
gram of holding highly Informal 
screenings for theatre operators in 
any -,5pot where a dozen or even 
fewer of them can get together will 
begin as soon as the official show- 
ings- required under the consent de- 
cree are concluded, Agnew said. 

Plan is to have the salesmen dump 
the prints into the backs of their 
cars and arrange to hold screenings 
for their customers wherever and 
whenever the customers decide. Idea 
is to have the exhibs in a limited 
area decide in which one of their 
houses a screening would be most 
convenient, and Par will hold It 
there. Agnew is of the opinion that 
exhibs will be glad to lend thejir 
houses for the purpose, with Pair 
paying for the projectionist's time 
and any other extra expenses In- 
curred. 

Theatremen; under this setup, 
won't have to see all five pix unless 
they want to. They'll perhaps want 
to see only one or two of which they 
are uncertain out of a block, and 
they 'can view them all at pne time 
or on separate days as they choose. 
Invitations will consist of notes by 
the salesmen, such as: 'Dear Sam- 
How's Thursday at 1:30 at Joe 
Schmaltz's house for 'Buy Me That 
Town?' to add to the informality. 

Agnew believes that it is prepos- 
terous to, expect exhibitors to at- 
tend some 300 screenings a year. He 
feels that after the newness of the 
initial block-of-five screenings has 
worn off, all companies will make 
greater efforts to mold the showings 
to the convenience of the theatre- 
men. 

Metro 'Not Disappointed,' 
But Proj. Rooms Will Do 

Metro is not disappointed in at- 
tendance at its tradeshows, Metro 
sales chief William F. Rodgers de- 
clared yesterday (Tuesday) in re- 
vealing that owners of approxi- 
mately one-third of all theatres in 
the country saw the screenings of 
'Lady Be Good.' Nevertheless, he 
said, Metro will probably confine its 
showings to projection rooms in the 
future and discontinue screenings In 
any but the 32 key cities required 
under the consent decree. 

Selecting figures from a break- 
down of M-G tradeshows prepared 
for him and other execs of the com- 
pany, Rodgers pointed out that a 
total of more than 1,100 owners at- 
tended the screenings in 65 cities and 
that they represented an aggregate 
of 5,400 theatres. 

He asserted that despite small at- 
tendance, in some cities, a large num- 
ber of houses were represented. In 
Atlanta, for Instance, there were 
only 23 owners present but they rep- 
resented 343 theatres; in Boston 22 
operators represented 207 theatres, 
and in Charlotte, N. C, 11 owners 
represented 146 theatres. 

.'Lady Be Good,' was Metro's first 
screening. Figures aren't in yet for 
'Jekyll and Hyde,' the second, held 
last week, but indications are that 
they will be better than for 'Lady.' 
Final picture in Metro's first block, 
consisting of only three films. Is 
being screened this week. It^'Down 
in San Diego.' 

Decision will be made this week 
on the move into projection rooms 
and from the cities not required by 
the decree, Rodgers said, .Despite the 
fairly satisfactory attendance at the 
tradeshows, he pointed out, there is 
no. reason why exhibs cannot be ac- 
commodated in projection rooms for 
better results than In large and com- 
paratively sparsely-filled theatres. 



Projection Booms Big Enough 

San Francisco, July 29. 
Exchanges here probably will use 
their own projection rooms for 
futur* consent screenings, due to 
slim attendance. First blocks (RKO 



and Metro) were unreeled in the Al- 
hambra, deluxe nabe of the Nasser 
circuit, but actual exhiba attending 
could easily have been accommo- 
dated in preview rooms. 

Although some multi-change ex- 
hibs have gone around buying ' up 
everything .available in the India 
field to protect themselves through 
next spring, this trend hasn't been 
general enough to mean anything 
yet to major independents like Uni- 
versal. 



'Only Tho«« They Boipcct' 

Washington, July 29. 
Indications are that exhibs prob- 
ably will buy the way they always 
have In most oases, looking only at 
films they suspect beforehand. 



CARNEYS JOIN 
BASEBAUAS 
B.O. POISON 



Decline In picture business this 
summer Is now blamed on traveling 
circuses (really small carnivals) and 
night baseball by exhibitors in small 
cities, and towns. Check by several 
industry reps in recent weeks shows 
that few exhibs are displeased over 
the quality of product. They say the 
theatre programs are okay, but that 
outside competition Is almost whoUy 
to blame. Part of this competish 
comes from all types of outdoor ac- 
tivity, including motoring, but night 
baseball and the traveling carneys 
hurt the most. 

While many smaller communities 
have felt the competition of noc- 
turnal ball games for several years, 
the popularity of the national 
pastime under the arcs has become 
accentuated in recent years. Not 
only have more leagues gone for it 
but more night games have been 
placed on the schedules. 

Itinerant carnivals, calling them- 
selves circuses, also have cut consid- 
erably into summer grosses, the ex- 
hibs aver. These outfits travel by 
auto truck, have small overhead but 
manage to take plenty of coin from 
various cities and towns visited. 
Folks from the area within a radius 
of 100 miles come to town — but they 
don't patronize film theatres. 



$1,500,000 IN BACK 
PAY SPREAD AROUND 



Hollywood, July 29. 

Windfall in the form of retroactive 
pay under the wage-hour law 
spreads around $1,500,000 this week 
to studio workers. Some employees 
will receive as much as $600 apiece. 

Back pay largesse goes back to 
October, 1938, when the wage-hour 
law became effective. Although ad- 
vised they were not legally bound 
to make the back payments, the pro- 
ducers agreed to the payoffs, with 
all companies to pass out the checks 
simultaneously. 



Time's Texas Trailer 

Thumbs Up, Texas,' regular Sep- 
tember March of Time issue, will b« 
pre-released in Texas on Aug. 12 by 
RKO. Short goes into 65 theatres of 
Interstate Circuit, representing the 
largest day-and-date deal set up 
within one state by Interstate. M. or 
T. film ' concerns the huge defehs* 
activity In Texas. 

Regular August M. of T. is 'Peac* 
—by Adolf Hitler,' being an array 
of broken promises by the Nad 
leader. 



FILM BSyiEWS 



Wedneeday, July 80, 1941 



i; TRADESHOW REVIEWS ii 

: '. (.Eight more Tradeshown film reviews, for 1941-42 release, undeT the ; ; 
■ ■ CoTisent Decree; 5 jrom Paramount, 2 jrom 20th-Fox, mia one irom , . 

Metro.) ;: 



Hold Back the Dawn 

Paramount rolcoac of Arthur HornUlow 
iiroJuctlon. Stars Charles Boycr, OllviH do 
Havlllnnd, Paulotte Goddiud; Jeatures Vic- 
tor Francen. Waller Abel. Ulrectcd by 
Jlltohell Lolsen. Screenplay by Charles 
Brackett and Billy Wilder; story, Kelly 
FrlnKo; camera, Leo Tover; edilor, Doano 
Harrison. Previewed In Projection Room, 
N Y. July 2i, Running time, 114 

Georss Iscovesco Charles D<)>cr 

Emmy Brown Olivia de HovMland 

Anita Dixon Paulclie Goddnrd 

Prof. Van Den Luecken Victor Franccn 

Hammock Walter Al>el 

Anatow Bonbols Curl U.ils 

Flores Nestor Pnlva 

I,uplla •••■^■<! l^u'K 

Joseiitl Kurz Krlc Feldary 

Christine Van Den Lueckon..... ... 

.MU'hclnlne fhclrel 
Anie Van Den Luockeii.. Madeleine I.e Bciiu 

Tony Billy Lee 

Berta Kurz no8»>mnry Pe Camp 

Mechanic Mikhail UeNiimny 

Bam Sonny Boy Wllllnms 

American Consul Edward I'leldlns 

Toung Woman (Climax Bar) 

Gerlrudo .\slor 

Joe Don Doiighis 

Man Cheater Clute 

Second Mechanic Jesus Topetc 

Third .Mechanic Tony Houx 

Mexican Doctor Francisco JInmn 

Mexican Judge Carlos Vlliiirlns 

Hollander Arthur Loft 

Mr. MacAdama John llnllnnd' 

Mrs. Brown June PIckrell 

Elevator Boy Buddy McsslnRer 

Emmy's Doctor George Anderson 

Muim Pauline Wagner 



fact, Leisen'9 only visible mistake 
is a tendency ol the film to drag in 
spots, but this might be unavoidable 
due to Boyer's slow delivery. On 
the whole, however, the pace is good 
for a film of this type and every de- 
partment — camera, sound, costummg, 
scenic, etc. — rate bows. 

The bends also go for the perform- 
ers, especially Miss de Havilland m 
the not very flattering role of a ro- 
mantic patsy. She turns in one ol 
her finest jobs yet in films. Boyer 
and Miss Gciadard are not far be- 
hind her in excellence in their re- 
spective roles. Ditto Walter Abel as 
the cynical but sympathetic watch- 
dog of the border. Victor Francen, 
one of the top sUrs in the pre-Hit- 
ler France, is co-featured with Abel 
and the little he has to do as a Dutch 
professor acting as 'father' to the 
refugee colony is done very well. 

In the populous cast there are nu- 
merous gems of acting, including 
Rosemary De Camp, Curt Boirf and 
Eric Feldery, as refugees; Mikhail 
Rasumny, as an excitable auto me- 
chanic plagued by Miss de Havil- 
land's pupils, and Nesta Paiva, as the 
operator of the little Mexican hotel 
where the refugees are berthed. 

Scho, 



This looks like a surefire parlay 
Into big boxoffice receipts— the po- 
tency of Charles Boyer, Olivia de 
Havilland and Paulette Goddard in 
a story that has all the vitamins for 
mass public appeal. 

While 'Hold Back the Dawn' is 
basically another European refugee 
yarn, scenarists Charles Brackett and 
Billy Wilder exercised some in- 

fenuity and imagination and Ketty 
'rings' original emerges as fine 
celluloidia.' It's a natural to attract 
women, both via Boyer and word- 
of-mouth, and it has just enough 
excitement intermingled with the 
love story and sundry poignant sit- 
uations to interest the male genre 
Exhibitors will hear the coins jingle 
' as they come in, and nice comments 
as they come out 

In some respects Boyer is cast sim^ 
Uarly to his role in 'Algiers' — a rogue 
of hypnotic charm over women. A 
gigolo in Europe, he's washed up in 
Mexico by the war and the quota 
laws make his entry into the United 
States a dream at least eight years 
distant. Caught among numerous 
other Europeans likewise waiting for 
the bars to be let down, Boyer Is 
rapidly going to seed in the Mexican 
town when he meets up with Paul- 
ette Goddard, his former partner in 
crime in Paris, Vienna, etc. She 
crashed the IT. S. by marrying an 
American jockey, ditching him later 
by telling the judge she 'wanted a 
man, not a radiator cap,' and,- still 
In love with Boysr, she puts him 
wise to the siinple gimmick for mak- 
ing ttip immigration authorities' re- 
laK. This sets the trap for Olivia 
de Havilland, a romance-hungry 
school teacher escorting a flock of 
young boys on an excursion in- Mex- 
ico over the July 4th holiday. 

Boyer Is more interested in the 
fact than the deed. He looks upon 
marriage only as a passport over the 
border, figuring he can ditch the 
scho.olmarm soon enough. In a 
whirlwind courtship, helped by the 
breakdown of Miss de Havilland's 
station wagon, -he meets and mar- 
ries her within a few hours and she 
scrams back to school 'with her 
parcel of American Indians and 
Miss Godclard's wedding ring on her 
finger. Miss Goddard. meanwhile, 
havlne moved in on Boyer. I^ater 
complications sot In when Miss de 
Havilland returrs for a week's 
honeymoon and ubyer falls in love 
with her simple charm. Miss God- 
dard, iealou;:. tips the teacher off to 
Boyer's 100%-louse reputation. To 
pile It on, immigration inspector 
Walter Abel also makes it olain why 
Boyer married her and . the duped 
girl, after first orotectintr Boyer's 
eventual entry Into the U.S., drives 
off blindly and cracks up. Boyer 
then crashes through the border to 
reach her at the hospital. She Is in- 
spired to recovery and at the fin- 
ish welcomes him acroiw the border, 
legally. Meanwhile. Miss Goddard 
has hooked onto another refugee, this 
time a wealthy one. 

This Is the essence without the 
d.Famatlcs. Of the latter. Mitchell 
Lelsen's technique of unfolding the 
story Is a eem In itself. The pic- 
ture tees off with Boyer calling at 
the Paramount studio In Hollywood 
and asking for a director he hadi onc» 
met In Europe. That'.<! Leisen, with 
Leisen playing himself. Boyer, di- 
rect from his wife's hospital room 
and with Immigration Inspector 
Abel hot on his heels. oiTers to sell 
• story for S500, the poin to go to his 
wife hi reimburseir/nt for money 
rtie had given him. Lel.<;en listens 
and then the flashback to Boyer's ar- 
rival In Mexico and the story Is told 
with the ofTstnge commentary for- 
mula so ^arply popularized In 'Our 
Town.* 

Also to Lelsen's credit Is a rea- 
Vitie portrayal of Mexico and Mexl- 
Wns, and this Aim will not he an- 
•ther nn-Amerlean IU«wlIIer. In 



WILD GEESE CALLING 



20th-Fox release of Harry Joe Brown 
production. Stars Henry Fonda, Joan 
Bennett; features Warren William, Ona 
Munuon, Barton MncLane. Directed by John 
Brahm. Screenplay by Horace McCoy from 
novel by Stewart Kdward White; camera, 
Luclcn Ballard; cdnor. Walter Thompson; 
mualc, Alfred Newman. Reviewed at 
trudeshow. N. T., July 24, '41. Hunning 
lime. 7« MINH. 

.Tohn Mur<loc-k Henry Fonda 

.•ially Joan Bennett/ 

Ulnckle Warren William' 

Clarabella <Ona Munson 

Pirate Kelly Barton MacLnne 

Len Baker Rus-sell Simpson 

Maxle Iris .\drlan 

Matk James C. Morton 

Manager Paul Sutton 

Jennie Mary Field 

Delaney Stanley Andrews 

Swede Jody Gilbert 

Headwnller Robert Emmctt Kenne 

Guide M Ichapl Morris 

Mahoney George Walts 

Doctor Charles MIddleton 



Here once again is demonstrated 
inability to transpose a best-selling 
novel to the screen with success 
Stewart Edward White's iook (for 
which the studio paid $27,500) was 
the sensitive and understanding re 
cord of a young lumberjack who 
couldn't settle down, to whom every 
flight of the wild geese was a sym- 
bol calling him to new. adventure 
20th-Fox has made of it little more 
than a travelog. Henry Fonda and 
Joan Bennett lend tlie film marquee 
strength that, with a good support- 
ing dualer, will enable It to get by 
for modest grosses. It will hold no 
imijortant place, however, among the 
big coin-grabbers. 

Given good, production and a cap 
able cast, film' flops on the -story angle 
Producer Harry Joe Brown and 
scripter Horace McCoy, it is evident 
were undoubtedly aiming for at leas 
an artistic success in their trans- 
lation of the 'White novel. Shots of 
a figure mounting a hill into the 
clouds, as wild geese fly overhead, 
should not be confused with art. 

John Brahm has directed the film 
at a slow pace, which tends to make 
the yarn episodic and cameos the 
incidents, rather than causing the 
plot to flow smoothly in a deep, 
narrow channel. Neither director 
nor writer has got his. teeth into the 
real story, the thing that made the 
book not only a tale of adventure, 
but of sensitiveness and feeling. As 
it is, it is merely a superficial cata- 
log of the travels of a young mani 
with the motive for any young man's 
answer to the call of the wild geese 
entirely lacking. Admittedly it is 
difficult to weave such a deep 
seated factor into a fllm, but that's 
the difference between an ordinary 
picture and a great one. 

Yarn details Fonda's moves from 
a backwoods lumber camp to Seattle 
and thence to Alaska, with the hard 
ships his craving for new. territories 
beyond Imposes on a loving and 
faithful wife (Miss Bennett). .He 
picks Miss Bennett up in a dance 
hall and marries her, unknowing 
that she is the ex-sweetie of his pal. 
Warren William. Situation when U 
reveals itself is, of course, em 
barrassing and when Fonda finds his 
wife in William's room (her mis- 
sion is actually innocent) he decides 
to leave her. Only the - discovery 
she Is to have a baby keeps him 
around. And when William risks 
his life to bring help to the mother 
in childbirth all is, of course, for- 
given all around. 

There's surprisingly' little drama 
in 'Wild Geese Calling' for a film 
laid in that rough-and-tumble period 
of the great northwest. One of the 
few moments of real Interest is that 
trip by William through a virtual 
hurricane to get Help to his former 
gal and his friend's wife. 

Fonda indicates perfect casting for 
the wandering lumberjack, giving 
the role every bit of the simpLiclty 
and strength It requires. Miss Ben- 
netts perforinaiice, on the other 



Miniatore Reviews 



•Hold Back the Dawn' (Par). 
Charles Boyer, Olivia de Havl- 
land and Paulette Goddard In 
romantic drama. Big b.o. 

•Wild Geese Calllne' (20th). 
Weak fllmization of best-seller 
of last year; Henry Fonda and 
Joan Bennett may help. 

•Nothln; Bnt the Troth' 
(Par). Bob Hope-Paulette God- 
dard In another strong laugh- 
(and coin-) grabber. 

•New Tork Town' (Par). Weak 
Fred MacMurray-Mary Martin 
starrer. 

•Down In San Diego' (M-G). 
Inconsequential comedy-drama 
about a Nazi spy ring in a U. Sj. 
marine base. A minor dualer. 

•Henry Aldrlch For President' 
(Par). Latest in the series, a 
natural for subsequent runs and 
duals. 

•Private Nurse' (20th). Plot- 
less flller-inner on duals. 

'Buy Me That Town' (Par), 
Comedy gangster yarn will pro- 
vide excellent support in duals. 

'New Wine' (UA). Excellently 
presented musical, OK -for car- 
riage trade and as programmer. 

'Here Comes Mr. Jordan' 
(Col). Smash comedy of A 
calibre. 

•Ringside Malsle' (M-G). Ann 
Sothern in character in a prize- 
fight yarn, which is just sparring 
for time. 

•Hold That Ghost' (U). Ab- 
bott and Costello in another 
laugh hit. Hefty b.o. for all runs. 

•Dangerons MoonliEht' (RKO). 
British-made will hit nice b.o. 
pace in . England on star names; 
weak in U. S. 

•Murder by Invitation* (Mono). 
Only for the most minor dualers. 

'Bullets For O'Hara' (WB). 
Woefully tame action meller; 
for bottom-dualling at best, 

•I Was a Prisoner On Devil's 
Island' (Col). Heavy melodrama, 
with minor cast, destined for 
meagre biz on twinners. 

'Wide Open Town' (Pat). 
Strong entry in the Hopalong 
Cassidy series for good western 
programer. 

■Thunder Over the Prairie' 
(Col). Minor league western 
rates dual filler spots in the ac- 
tion houses and juve matinees. 



hand, is limited; and she falters 
when the dramatic going gets tough 
Cast, including William, Ona Mun 
son as an Alaskan prostie, and Bar 
ton MacLane as the heavy, is other 
wise fine. Some of the characteriza- 
tions are burlesqued too far, but 
that's, more the fault of writing and 
direction than acting. 

Score by Alfred Newman is note 
worthy. -It frequently serves to give 
a lift to the slow-paced sequences. 

• Herb. 



same Idea: the guy who had a $10,000 
bet that he could tell nothing but 
the truth for 24 hours. 

Present version Is as tight and 
neatly-fashioned as the best of the 
former ones and equally frothy, its 
only weakness being occasional 
lapses of dialog. Hope has tacked 
up a high standard for himself on 
the cross-talk and in this case could 
stand a few more gags and some 
sharper ones. More even spacing of 
them would also serve to kick up 
the pace and give the pic a general 
hypo. 

Hope, with lOG's given him by 
Miss Goddard with the plea he 
double it in three days, gets into a 
predicament where he puts up the 
coin as the stake in the truth-telling 
wager. Each of the trio with whom 
he makes the bet— Edwafd Arnold, 
Leif Erikson and Glenn Anders— has 
reason to wish before it's over that 
Hope didn't carry this honesty busi- 
ness quite so far, that providing 
plenty of complications on which to 
hang the SB-minute yarn. 

Elliott Nugent's direction is deft 
and speedy, but he has no great 
problem in milking the tale for best 
results with the good cast and hand- 
some^ production handed him by pro- 
ducer Arthur Hornblow, Jr. Hope 
is equal to any comedy situation, 
while Mi.<>s Goddard has polished up 
her talents for farce to a healthy 
sheen and provides with it an extra 
dose of pretty face and haunting fig- 
ure. 

In the feature division, Arnold Is 
strong when he can be his typed 
self, suffers somewhat when called 
upon for an over-share of the frothy 
stuff. Erikson and Anders make 
nothing particular out of their roles, 
while Helen Vinson, Willie Best and 
Catherine Doucet stand out in the 
lesser categories. Herb. 

NEW YORK TOWN 

(ONE SONG) 

Paramount production and release, stars 
Fred MacMurray, Mary Martin; fontur.is 
Rotieri Preston, Akim TamlrofT, Lynne 
Overman, Eric Blorc, Fuzzy Knight. Di- 
rected by Charles Vldor. Screenplay by 
Jo Swerling and 3. Lewis Meltzer; story, 
Jo Swerling; camera. Charles Schoenbaum; 
editor, Doane Harrison. . Previewed In Pre- 
lection Room, N. Y., July 25, '41, Run- 
ning time. 7S .HINS. 

Victor Ballard Fred MacMurray 

Alexander Curlls... Mary Martin 

Paul Brysun. Jr Robert Preston 

Stefan JanowskI Aklm Tamlrolt 

Sam Lynne Overman 

Vyvlan Eric Blore 

Gus Nelson Fuzzy Knight 

Shipboard Host Cecil Kelluway 

Bender Olive Prlckott 

Master-of-ceremonlea Ken Carpenter 

Toots O'Day ...Iris .-Vdrlan 

Brody Edward McNamara 

Henry Sam McDanlcl 

Mrs. Blxby Gr.-ico Haylc 

Mr. Cobbler Cheklcr Clulc 

( Linda Gage 

Nurses (Frances Marlon 

Census Taker George Muador 

Spectator at Broadcast Marshall Ruth 

Lola Martin Margaret Hays 

Girl with Oliver Marjorle DOan 

Yvonne Lllyan Ireno 

Oliver Jack Rico 

McAullffe Monte Blue 



ing end of the questions, with Mao< 
Murray signalling the right answera. 
from the. audience. ' Radio isn't goin> 
to like that kind of a tipofi to thi 
general public. 

By the heels, from 6ut of nowhere, 
are dragged in Lynne Overman, as a 
legless beggar who had been res- 
cued in world War I by Tamirofl, 
and Eric Blore, as Preston's butler 
but not so comic in a tlresomely re- ■ 
peated situation of being bitten by 
a dachshund. Overman likewise is 
unfunny with the material handed 
him by the Jo Swerling-S. Lewis 
Meltzer screenplay, and it's also 
more than slightly ridiculous to have 
a legless beggar making the rounds 
of lawyers' offices, etc., in an attempt 
to stave off Tamiroff's deportatioa 

In a ludicrous effort to portray a 
cross-section of a tenement, the . 
writers also ring in Fuzzy Knight as 
a cab-driver overwhelmed by the 
news that he has just become father 
to quadruplets. Previous to this the 
cameras ran into .another tenement 
window where a canary lays dead 
in its ca^. That's director Charles 
Vidor's way of dramatically tipping 
off there's been a suicide. Maybe 
Vidor could do with another gander 
at 'Cavalcade.' 

There's little to anybody's credit 
in this film, the only possible ex- 
ception, besides Miss Martin, being 
Tamiroff who, in tmderplaying for a 
change, steals the acting honors with 
ease. 

The camera work Is average. 

Scho. 



Nothing But the Truth 

Paramount release of Arthur Hornblow 
production. Stiira Bob Hope, Paulette God- 
dar^l; features Kdward Arnold, LeIf Erik- 
son, Glenn Anders, Helen Vinson, Grant 
Mitchell. Directed by Elliott Nugent, 
f^creenplay by Don Hartman and Ken 
Englund; based on play by James Mont- 
gomery and novel by Frederick S. Isham; 
camera, (.'liai-les T.Jing; editor. Alma Mac- 
rorle. Previewed In Projection Room. 
N. Y., July 2, '41. Running time. i9 

sieve Bennett Bob Hope 

Owen Saunders Paulette Goddard 

T. T. llayston Edward Arnold 

Tommy Van Dcusen LeIf Erikson 

Dick Donnelly Glenn Anders 

Linda Oi-aham Helen Vinson 

Mr. Bishop Grant Mlichell 

Samuel Willie Best 

Jamos P.. Van Deusen.'. Clarence Kolb 

Mrs. Van Douscn Catherine Doucet 

.Mrs. Ilay.-fton .Mary Forbes 

Mrs. Donnelly...... ItoPe HolmrL 

Dr. I.olher Zarok Leon Bclnsco 

Miss 'I'urncr Helen Millard 

Mr. Prltchiird William WHght 

.Shne-.Shlne Buy Oscar Sn)llh 

Office Uo>- Dick Cliamller 

Itecopllonl.-<t Catherine Craig 

Elderly Clerk Edward McWade 

Boy Keith Richards 

Doorman James Blaine 

Elevator .-^tarter Jack Egan 



Paramount, writer Jo Swerling 
and director Charles Vidor appear 
to have pulled formula No. 12 out of 
a hat aind, with a few minor switches 
here- and there, come up with 'New 
York Town.' It's an old idea fre- 
quently done better in the past and 
Par's salesmen will have an easier 
time selling it on the basis of the 
cast names rather than its intrinsic 
contents. It is not going to mean 
much at the boxoffice at any rate, 



DOWN IN SAN DIEGO 

Hollywood, July 29. 
Metro release of Frederick Steptiunl pro- 
duction. Dlr«eted by Robert Sinclair. 
Screenplay by Harry Clark and Franz O. 
Spencer, based on stoi-y by Franz G. 
Spencer; camera, Paul Vogel; editor, Ben 
Lewis. Tradeshown nt Ambassador Hotel 
theatre, L. A., July 28, '41. Running time, 
e» MINS. 

Hank Parker Ray McDonald 

Betty Haines Bonlla OranvllU 

Al Halnca Dan Dallcy, Jr, 

'Snap' Connors Leo Gorcey 

Crawford Carter Charles B. Smith 

Mildred Bumetta Dorulhy MorrU 

Henry Scbrode Ilohcrt o. Davis 

Dutch Joseph Sawyer 

Tony Anthony Ward 

Louie Schwartz Stanley Clements. 

Col. Halllday Henry O'Neill 

Matt Herman Wllllani Tannen 

Bro<!k ' I Ludwig Stossel 

Proprietress Connie Gilchrist 

JImmIe Collins Al Tresconx 



Originally titled 'Tfoung Ameri- 
cans,' this lightweight comedy-drama 
misses by a wide margin. A few 
widely scattered gags and its martial 
theme, centered about espionage ac- 
tivities at the San Diego naval base, 
will serve to get it by in the less 
important situation on the lower end 
of duals. 

Marquee strength Is practically nil 
while slipshod piloting and scripting 
have resulted in nothing more stimu- 
lating than a series of chase episodes,' 
reminiscent of boss opera. The serv- 
ice angle is almost submerged in a 
welter of trite spy ring complications 
antl considerable footage is wasted 
with talky, painfully slow explana- 
tory scenes. It shouldn't have over- 
taxed the brain-power of the writing 
battery to find some other means of 
informing Bonita Granville that her 
brother, is in a jam than by a boring 
.<:eauence rehashing stuff already 
familiar. The same technique is un- 
successfully employed in a few in- 
stances. 

Miss Granville and Ray McDonald, 
newcomer, are out on a limb as ro- 
mantic juve leads. For Ray McDon- 



ttie title itself being a scarer. At | aid, Broadway hoofer making his 



best this is a programmer, and for 
Fred MacMurray the second poor 
vehicle in succession following 'One 
Night in Lisbon.' Not only the stu- 
dio is typing MacMurray, but the 
actor himself can't seem to find some 
new expressions. He's beginning to 
look alike in everything he does, and 
only the worils he speaks are differ- 
ent. 

Mary Martin, as his co-star in this 
picture, turns in a good job as a 
straight actress. She's only given 
one song, the old 'Yip I Adee I Ay' 
and this as in inciiicntal piece of. 
business. 

The story is about three waifs In 
N. Y. — MacMurray as a brash young 



first appearance in films, it's not an 
auspicious opening. McDonald plays, 
straight, without either comedy or 
dancing relief, and is not given any 
opportunities to show. As handled 
here he is an impressively negative 
quantity. 

A few hysterical dramatic scenes, 
in which Bonita Granville figures 
prominently, don't jell. She's over- 
acting most of the way in ftn over- 
written part and not very convincing 
in the stagey portions of the yarn. 
Miss Granville essays a maturity 
which is not ixi character with the 
other types in the picture. As a 
showcase for McDonald and Bonita 
Granville it's a dud, though both 



Bob Hope's the hottest cracker in 
Paramount's box and the studio is 
giving him no chance to refrigerate. 
A wise move, too, for the. double- 
take comic, given a uniquely-turned 
story in 'Nothing But the Truth,' 
should provide the company with 
another top grosser. It's not quite 
up ta the recently-released 'Caught 
in the Draft,' but there are plenty of 
chuckles and between Hope and 
tempting and talented Paulette God- 
dard as marquee bait, it's a soft 
touch for any exhib. 

Don Hartman and Ken Englund 
have machined a compact screen- 
play from the time-proven kernel 
which started as a novel by. Fred- 
erick S. Isham,' later became a sock 
legiter by James Montgomery, star- 
ring William Collier, .and ended up 
twice. previously in films — first as a 
silent' by Metro in 1920 with Taylor 
Holmes top-billed and then as a 
talker In 1920 by Paramount, with 
Richard Dix as the funny-boy. 

Wide and varied have been the 
facets of the plot through all that 
writing and rewriting, but underly- 
ing them alU of course, has been that 



man 'trying to get along by cutting i young people "have potentielittss 
corners; Miss Martin broke and ^hich could be capitalized if given 
lonesome whom MacMurray picks adequate script attention. . Mori, 
up on the street and brings to the 
slum quarters he shares with url 
professor Akim Tamiroff, a refugee 
faced with deportation unless he 
gets a job. It's a unique slum, how- 
ever, in light of the terrace Mac- 
Murray and Tamiroff boast, and 
from the terrace there's a view of 
the East River so glorious it's doubt- 
ful if any penthouse on Sutton Place 
can boast tlie same. 

Big-hearted MacMurray suggests 
to Miss Martin that she find herself 
a rich husband. She reluctantly fol- 
lows his advice and, since it's a cinch 
in N. Y., she sure enough comes up 
with young and handsome Robert 
Preston, who has nothing else to do 
but pitch horseshoes in tl^ living 
room of his sumptuous Fifth avenue 
mansion. All the time Miss Martin 
is hooking Preston, she's In love with 
MacMurray and vice versa, so, of 
course, the blowoff has MacMurray 
slugging 'Preston and taking back his 
girl. 

Sponsors of Bob Hawk's 'Take-It- 
or-Leave-It' program, as well as ra- 
'dio itself, are not going 4o -be very 
happy over the injection of a quiz 
program situation In this fllm^ -'This 
has Ken Carpenter, who is a real- 
life radio announcer, impersonating 
a radio announcer- and hungry -for- 
money Miss Martin is.,on the receiv- 



H. Aldrlch ipr President 

Paramount rolcnse of .Sol C. SIcgel pro- 
duction. Features James Lyden, Cliaricz 
Smith, June Prelescr. Directed by Hugh 
IJcnnctl. Original screenplay by Val Bur- 
ton (sequel to Clifford Goldsmith's 'Henry 
.Mdrlch' stories); camera. John Mcscall; 
editor, Thomas Neft. Previewed In Pi-ojec- 
tlon Room, N. y., July 28, '41. Running 
lime, ;3 MIN8. 

Henry Aldrlch James Lydcn 

Dizzy Stevens Charles .'<mllB 

Geraldlne Adams Juno Prclsscr 

Phyllis Michael Mary Ander.'on 

Mary Aldrlch Martha O'Drlscoll 

Mrs. Aldrlch Dorothy Pctei-ion 

Mr. Aldrlch John LItol 

Ed' Calkins Rod Cameron 

Marvin Bngshaw Frank Coglilan, Jr. 

Mr. Crosley Luclcn Llltleftold 

Irwin Barrett.." Kenneth Howell 

Johnny Seal Buddy Peppnr 

.Mr. Bradley Vaughan Glasor 

Red MacGowan Dick Pnxlon 

Tubby Gibbons Paul Motlhew-s 

Elmer Pringle Bob PJttard 

Bud .McColllsier 
Carmen Jo4inBOn 
Helen Westcott 
Roslta Butler 
Georgia Lee Settle 



Students. 



Henry Aldrlch, already popular 
via legit, radio and pictures, should 
satisfy previous followers and pos- 
sibly gain new devotees from this 
well-made Paramount comedy, 
(Continued on page 18) 



Wednesday, Julj 30, 1941 



9 



"The Guy Who Wrote 
That Review Knows What 
He's Writing About" 



A film reviewer just doesn't sit down and dash off a film review, 
riety's reviews ore not written that way. 



Va- 



Voriety believes its reviews are important. They're important to us. 
anyway, because we know how tough it is to write a good review, cmd how 
long it takes to develop a good reviewer. 



The picture business knows about critics and criticism. It ought to, for 
it has suffered enough from poor criticism, trade or daily paper, since the 
industry's inception. The newspapers used to scoff at pictures; allowed any- 
one ^to 'catch' q film. And that was the public's guide to the local picture. 
It's better now. But how much better? The trade papers? They tied their 
reviews to advertising. Still do. 



Variety was the first trade paper to fight for the independence of its re- 
views. It's still fighting. And if you're still reading well mention that Variety 
is the first paper, trade or daily, which ever printed a film review. It is also 
the paper that gave the industry 'Running Time.' 



About that fighting for reviews. In last week's Variety (July 23), on 
Page 9, we carried on ad to boost ourselves. That ad showed how REO 
reprinted a Variety review on cm RKO pictiure and sent it to exhibitors, and 
its own salesmen, to help sell that film. This week REO has barred all ad- 
vertising from Variety because of Variety's review of 'Here Is a Man,' cm 
REO picture. 



Certainly, Variety believes its reviews are important. VVlien it costs us 
money you can bet it's important. But it's proof to the trade of the claim 
that our reviews are on the level We've said it for 35 years. It still goes. 



Variety's film reviews are primarily aimed at the theatre men, the ex- 
hibitors. 'Will it get money?' Answer that one first. Variety always has. 
They are also iiitended to be of interest to the studio production staff and 
the cast. Film reviewing, to us, is not simply a matter of trying to tell on 
exhibitor how to exploit the picture. It's got to give him a complete picture 
of the picture, and accurately. 



Picture men all over the world read Variety's film reviews. So do some 
of the bankers in Wall Street. Are they interested in the chances of a new 
picture? Is their dough tied up in pictures? Whort do you think? 



Yes, film reviews are imj^rtcmt. At least, we think they're important— ^ 
and we thiiik oivs are the best. W believe that the highest praise a 

. Vccrieiy tilm review can attain is for an exhibitor, director, periormer, banket 
or stockholder to say: 

**THE GUY WHO WROTE THAT REVffiW 

ENOWS WHAT HE'S WRITING ABOUT" 



NEW YORE 
154 West 46th SL 



HOLLYWOOD 
1708 N. Vine St. 



CHICAGO 
54 W. Randolph 



LONDON 
8 St. Martin's PL 



10 



PICTURE GROSSES 



WedneBday, July 30, 1941 



Repeaters, Opposish Slow Down LA.; 
'Shepherd $18,000; laisie -Marxes, 
22G; TWanpower 2d 13G; Tom.' 19G 



Los Angeles, July 29. 
Gross business tapering off this 
■week, with holdovers in six houses, 
though fairly good on the repeat 
dates. Last week came In somewhat 
under expectations, with receipts 
clipped by general interest in Wen- 
dell Willkie's Hollywood Bowl ap- 
pearance, Lord Halifax guesting and 
the Pastor-Thompson knucklefest. 

Paramount, currently with 'Shep- 
herd of the Hills' is off with ap- 
proximately $18,000 in sight, while 
Chinese and Loew's State are get- 
ting only mild response at $10,000 
and $12,000, respectively, with 'Ring- 
side Maisic' (.M-G) and 'The Big 
Store' (M-G). , ^ 

Repeats have comparatively strong 
expectations, Pantages and RKO 
heading for a combined take of 
around $18,000 on the second week 
of 'Tom, Dick and Harry' (RKO), 
which looks like a third week. 
Downtown and Hollvwqod are set- 
ting a good pace with 'Manpower 
in second week, indicating okay $13,- 
000 for both houses after a nifty 
$18,300 on the first. 

Estimates for This Week 
Cartliay .Circle (F-WC) (1,615; 83- 
$1.10-$1.65) — 'Fantasia' (Disney) 
(2eth wk). 'Maintaining a consisent- 
]y good pace with $6,000 expected 
after close to similar figure the pre- 
vious week. 

Chinese (G'auman-F-WC) (2,034; 
30-44-55-75)— 'Ringside Maisie' (M- 
G) and 'The Big Store' (M-G). Not 
too good at around $10,000. Last 
week 'Moon Over Miami' (20th) and 
•A Very Young Lady' (20th), roUed 
up $11,000 on eight days. 

Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-44-55) 
—'Manpower' (WB) (2d wk). 
Healthy $7,000 in sight after good 
$9,500 on the flrst week. 

Four SUr (UA-F-WC) (900; 30-44 
E5)— 'Blossoms in Dust' (M-G) (2d 
wk). Profitable $4,200 expected after 
excellent $5,200 opening week. 

Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-44-55) 
— 'Manpower' (WB) (2d wk). In the 
neighborhood of $6,000 likely on re- 
peat, good. Last week hit approxi 
mately- $8,800, first rate. 

Orphenm (B'way) (2,200- 30-44-55) 
—'I'll Wait for You'. (M-G) and 'Re- 
pent at liCisure' (RKO) and stage 
show. Weak $7,000 in the cards, 
Last week 'Lady From Louisiana' 
(Rep) and 'West Point Widow' (Par), 
-with stage show, so-so $6,800. 

PaBtsfc* (Pan) (2,812; 30-44-55)— 
Tom, Dick and Harry' (RKO) and 
'Big Boss' (Col) (2d wk). Hefty $9,- 
300 likely after very good $12,500 on 
flrst week. Ginger Rogers' following 
held largely responsible for strong 
showing and likely to hold a third 
week. 

Fantmoont (Par) (3.595; 30-44-55- 
75)— 'Shepherd of HiUs' (Par) and 
stage sftow. Around $18,000 indi- 
cated, good, and h.o.s. Last week 
'Caught in Draft' (Par) and 'Forced 
Landing' (Par), with Earl CarroU 
unit on stage, rolled up $22,500, okay, 
thouAh slightly under expectations. 

BKO (RKO) (2,872; 30-44-55)— 
Tom, Dick and Harry' (RKO) and 
'Big Bobs' (Col) (2d wk). Kobust 
$9,900 expected after strong opening 
week at $12,000. Third week for 
•ame combo indicated. 

Stato (Loew-r-WC) (2,204; 30-44- 
85-75)— 'Ringside Maisie' (M-G) and 
The Big Store' (M-G). About $12,- 
000 in sight fair. Last week 'Moon 
Over Miami' (20th) and 'Very Young 
Lady* (20th), in the neighborhood of 



Broadway Grosses 



Estimated Total Gross 

This Week $266,560 

(Based on 12 (Tieatres) . 
Total Gross Same Week 

Last Year 245,606 

(Based on 11 meatrei) 



'JUNGLE,' $6, 
CLICiSINClNCY 



Cincinnati, July 29. 
Cinema center's b.o. holding up 
surprisingly well in face of swelter- 
ing weekend, -./hen temperature 
bobbed above the lOO-degree line for 
local high in several years. 

'Blossoms in Dust,' at Albee, is the 
topper this week, trailed by 'Bar- 
nacle Bill' at the Palace. Frank 
Buck's 'Jungle Cavalcade' is spright- 
ly for Keith's and holding for nine 
days. 

Estimates for This Week 
Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— 
'Blossoms Dust' (M-G). All right 
$10,000. Last week, 'Tom, Dick' 
(RKO), good $12,000. 

Capitol (RKO) (2,000: 33-40-50)— 
'Caught Draft' (Par) (3d wk). Held 
for third week of moveover run. 
Okay $4,500, following last week's 
swell $6,000. 

FamUy (RKO) (1,000; 15-28)— 
'Cyclone Horseback' (RKO) and 
'Met Argentina' (RKO), split with 
Thieves Tall Out' (WB) and 'Double 
Cross' (PRC). Steady $1,800. Same 
last week lor 'Shot Dark' (WB) and 
'Redhead' (Mono), divided with 
•Passage Hong Kong' (WB) and 
■SUver StaUion' (Mono). 

Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50)— 
Tom, Dick' (RKO). Transferred 
from Albee for second week. Dandy 
$4,500. Last week, 'Bride C.O.D.' 
(WB) (2d run), very good $5,000. 

Kelih'a (Lisbon) (1.500; 33-40-50) 
— Jungle Cavalcade' (RKO). nine 
days. . Excellent $6,000. Best here 



for some time. Last week, BlondUe 
Society' (Col), disappointing $3,000, 
Lyrlo (RKO) (1.400; 33-40-50)— 
Bride C.O.D.' (WB). Second change- 
over for third- week on front line. 
Mild $3,000. Last week, 'Moon Mi- 
ami' iZOth) (3d run),.«i<l $2,500. 

Pa;»ce (RKO) (2,600; 33-40-50)— 
•Barnacle Bill' (M-G). Fair $8,000. 
Last week, 'Shepherd Hills' (Par), 
below expectations, $8,500. 



'BOMBAY/ lOG, GINGER 
6^G, GOOD IN OMAHA 



Omaha, July 29. 

Ginger Rogers' popularity is giv- 
ing 'Tom, Dick and Harry a big 
week at the Brandeis. "That Ham- 
ilton Woman,' plus 'Thieves Fall Out' 
at the Orpheum also looks good. 
Estimates for This Week 

Brandeis (Mort Singer) (1,500; 10- 
25-35-40)— 'Tom, Dick' (RKO) and 
•Knockout' (WB). Smash $6,500. 
Last week, 'Bad Men Missouri' (WB) 
and 'Shining Victory' (WB), pretty 
good $5,500. 

Omaha (TrisUtes) (2,000; 10-30- 
40)— 'Met Bombay" (M-G) and Get- 
away' (M-G). Oooi $10,000. Last 
week, 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) and 
'Magic Music' (Par), rather light 
$8,000. 

Orphenm (Tristates) (3,000; 10-30- 
40)— 'Hamilton Woman' (UA) and 
'Thieves Fall Out' (WB). Good $10.- 
000, or better. Last week, 'Moon 
Miami' (20th) and 'Bride Crutches' 
(20th), fair $9,500 in heat wave. 

SUte (Ckildbere) (900; 10-20-25)— 
•Love Crazy' (M-G) and 'Sunny' 
(RKO), split with Trial Dugan' 
(M-G), 'Rage Heaven' (M-G) and 
'Dare Not Love' (WB). Fair $900. 
Last week, 'Great Broadcast' (20th) 
and 'Great Lie' (WB), eollt with 
'People Kildare' (M-G). 'Knew An 
swers' (Col) and 'Life Henry' (Par), 
$800, n.g. 

Town (Goldberg) (1.500; 10-20-25) 
—'Painted Springs' (Col), 'Scotland 
Yard' (20th) and 'Pot Gold' (UA), 
triple split with 'Dead Men Tell' 
(20th), 'Beau Geste' (Par) and 
•Llama Kid' (Par), 'Lone Wolf 
Chance' (Col) and 'Great Lie' (WB). 
Good $1,000. Last week, 'Pirate 
Horseback' (Par), 'Invisible Woman' 
(U) and 'Sleepers West' (20th), 
triple split with 'Hands Across Rock- 
ies' (Col), 'Shadow Stairs' (WB) and 
Two-Fisted SherlfT (Col), and 
'Emergency Squad' (Par) and Top- 
per Returns' (UA), good $1,000. 

Avenne - Military - Dundee (Gold- 
berg) (960-600-300; 25)— 'Love Crazy' 
(M-G) and 'Sunny' (RKO), split 
with 'Trial Dugan* (M-G), Hage 
Heaven' (M-G) and 'Dare Not Love' 
(WB). Neat $1,100. Last week. 
'Great Broadcast' (20th) ' and 'Great 
Lie' (WB). split with 'People Kil- 
dare' (M-G), 'Knew Answers' (Col) 
and "Life Henry' (Par), fair $1,000. 



Natives Desert Philly in Heat Wave; 
'Tom,' $12,000, 'Sailors,' 3G, Both N.G 



Key City Grosses 



Estimated Total Gross 
This Week $1,413,500 

(Based on 27 cities, 172 thea- 
tres, chiefly prsi runs, tnctudUnff 
N. Y.) 

Total Gross Same Week 
Last Tear... $1,291,600 

(Based on 25 cities, 162 theatres) 



'BRIDE,' $11,000, 



Buffalo, July 29. 

Despite sweltering heat main stem 
houses, by hanging out attractive 
screen bait, are coaxing some mighty 
heavy wampum out of the slacks of 
the summer customers. 

'Bride Came C.O.D.,' at Lakes, is 
in the top money class. 'Tom, Dick 
and Harry,' at Century, also racking 
up profitable frame. 

Estimates lor This Week 

Bnffalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55)— 
'Reaching Sun' (Par) and Vaughn 
Monroe orch on stage. Not too 
potent but oke considering heat; 
$11,000. Last week, 'Barnadle Bill' 
(M-G) and 'Kisses Breakfast' (WB), 
pleasant $10,500. * 

Great Lalies (Shea) (3,000; -35-55) 
—•Bride C.O.D.' and 'District Attor- 
ney' (Rep). Very good $11,000. 
Last week, 'Moon Miami' (20th) and 
'Passage Hongkong' (WB), slick 
$11,000. 

Hipp (Shea) (2,100: 30-45)— 'Moon 
Miami' (20th) and 'Passage Hong 
kong* (WB) (2d run). Stiles turn- 
ing slowly, probably around $5,000. 
Last week, 'Kiss Boys' (Par) (2d 
run) and 'Dance Hall' (20th), n.g, 
$5 500 

Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300: 30-40) 
—'Under Age' (Col) and 'Richest 
Man' (Col), n.g. $5,300. Last week, 
'Flame New Orleans' (U) and 'Hit 
the Road' (U), good $8,500. 

20th Century (Dipson) (3,000; 
30-44)— 'Tom, Dick' (RKO) and 
'Meet Again' (RKO). Proving 
sturdy coin-getter. Should better 
$8,500. Last week, 'Shining Victory' 
(WB) and 'Wings of Steel' (WB), 
very poor $4,000. 



Philadelphia,. July 29. 

Terrific heat wave over the week- 
end, which brought about the great- 
est exodus from the city in recent 
years, Is kicking the props out from 
under local boxofTices. 

Only a couple of spots managing 
to pull through with respectable 
grosses, one being 'Underground,' 
which had the help of some expert 
exploitation handling. Newcomers 
making a sorry entrance were 'Tom, 
Dick and Harry' and 'Three Cock- 
eyed Sailors.' 

Estimates for This Week 

ArcadU (Sablowsky) (600; 35-46- 
57)— 'Met Bombay' (M-G) t2d run) 
(2d wk). Xooks like poor $2,000. 
Opener of second-run showing fair 
$3 500. 

'Boyd (WB) (2.560; 35-46-57-68) — 
'Tom. Dick' (RKO). Ginger's latest 
effort proving a disappointment with 
bare $12,000 In till. Last week, 
'Shepherd Hills' (Par), fared even 
worse with just about $9,000. 

Earle (WB) (2,768: 35-46-57-68-75) 
— 'Sunny* (RKO) with Paul White- 
man orch. Setter around $17,000, 
thanks to Whiteman and not bad 
considering weather break. Last 
week, combination of Harry James 
band and 'Eiig Store' (M-G), nice 
$19,000. 

Fox (WB) (2,423; 35-46-57-68) — 
•Underground' (WB). Looks like the 
best of the straight filmers with an 
okay $15,000. Last week, 'Caught 
Draft' (Par), wound up three week's 
stay with an even $10,000. 

lUrlton (WB) (1,066; 35-46-57-68) 
—'Shepherd Hills' (Par) (2d run). 
Sad $3,000. Last week. 'Kisses 
Breakfast' (WB), almost hit an all- 
time low with ultra-sour $2,000 for 
initial run showing. 

Keith's (WB) (2,220; 35-46-57-68)— 
'Caught Draft' (Par) (2d run). 
Showing signs of wear In fourth 
week downtown with so-so $3,500. 
Last week. 'Blossoms Dust' (M-G), 
ditto. 

Stanley (WB) (2,916: 35-46-57-68) 
—'Bride C.O.D.' (WB) (2d wk). 
Bearing up fairly well with $11,000. 
Inltlaler okay $16,000. 

Stanton (WB) (1,457; 35-46-57) — 
'Cockeyed Sailors' (UA). Drunken 
gobs staggering along to punk 
$2,800. Last week, 'Barnacle Bill' 
(M-G), grabbed okay $3,800 for sec- 
ond week. 



NATIONAL B. O. SUiMlVIARY 



BO-44-55)— 'Moon Over Miami' (20th) 
and 'A Very Young Lady' (20th). 
Not very exciting $3,300 expected. 
l«at week 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) and 
Th« Get-a-Away' (M-G), week $2,- 
•00 for eight days. 

WUshIre (F-WC) (2,296; 30-44-55) 
—'Moon Over Miami' (20th) and 'A 
Very Young^ Lady'* (20th). Heading 
for good $4,500. Last week 'Man 
Hunr (20th) and 'Accent on Love' 
(20th), repeater got mild $4,000 on 
•Ight days. 



Ginger Rogers, James Gagney and Bette Davis Holding Up 
Sweltering First Runs; 'Hold That Ghost' Starts Big 



'Heat's awful, but biz isn't bad,' is the terse comment 
on the past week from VARiErrT's Pittsburgh corre- 
spondent, and it pretty well defines the national situa- 
tion. Cooling systems are paying dividends. But' a lot 
of people are going to theatres to see the pictures, too. 

Ginger Rogers is carrying the bulk of the exhibition 
load currently, ably assisted by James Cagney and 
Bette Davis. 'Tom, Dick and Harry' (RKO) is showing 
in a score of the big city flrst runs, and already is 
manifesting holdover strength. 'Bride Came C.O.D.' 
, (W B) has played m,-:ny initial dates^ but Is^stllljhold; 

^^*'*^^^^^^^^^P^5T?*'(iIfS? flSfare*Broadv^y'stai^^ getting $90,000 in 



Of other new films, 'Kiss the Boys Goodbye* (Par) Is 
just fair to average in Boston, Lincoln, Baltimore and 
Minneapolis. 

'Underground' and 'Manpower (both WB) are strong, 
although not yet in wide release. Former is big in 
Cleveland; good In 'Frisco; best of the straight film 
shows, in Philadelphia, and big in Pittsburgh, with stage 
attraction. 'Manpower' had a good second week, two 
houses, in Los Angeles; great in Seattle; strong In 
'Frisco arid a fair second week in Brooklyn. 



*Yiclory'-Jerry Colonna 
Good $10,500 b Indpls. 



Indianapolis. July 29. 
Biz Is looking up here, after 
rather dull last week. 

Estimates for This Week 
Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,600; 25-30- 
40)— Tom, Dick' (RKO) and 'Meet 
Again' (RKO). . Very good $11,000. 
Last week. 'Bride C.O.D.' (WB) and 
'San Antonio Rose' (U), good $9,500. 

Loflw'i (Loew's) (2,400; 25-30-40)— 
'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) plus 'Sweet- 
heart Campus' (Col). Fair $9,500. 
Last week, 'Big Store' (M-G) and 
'Dare Not Love^ (M-G), poor $8,100. 

Lyrio (Lyric) (1,000; t30-40-50) — 
'Shining Victory' (WB) and Jerry 
Colonna and acts on stage. Good 
$10,500. I<ast week, 'Wake Up Amer- 
ica' on sta^e with 'Paper BuUiets' 
(Rep) on screen, weak $8^000. 



second week at the Music Hall, following a big $104,000 
opener, and 'Bride' stretching to $47,500 at the Strand. 
Both mid-winter figures. 

In the western sky is a new comet. From San Fran- 
cisco comes flrst report on 'Hold That Ghost.* newest 
of the Abbott-Costello wicket-spinners. Take, $14,000, 
big for the theatre's capacity. Also dated for Aug. 7 at 
Providence. There's no reticence abdut frequent re- 
leases of this team. 'Ghost' comes right on the heels 
of 'In the Navy,' which is still blasting records in flrst 
runs. Holding over this week in Minneapolis; Brook- 
lyn, strong 14G after 20G opening week, and Portland, 
Despite '. extended flrst runs everywhere. 'Navy' is 
cleaning up in the big town subsequents. 

'TOM, DICK' AND 'BBIDE C.O.D.' 
Tom' Is healthy in second weeks In Boston, $15,000 
following $19,000 opening; Cincinnati, $4,500 on move- 
over; Los Apgeles, second week, two houses, $18,600. 
and Baltimore, second, $10,000 after Initial $15,300. 
smash. Best in town also in Louisville. Denver, Omaha, 
and strong in Buffalo and Portland. Only Pittsburgh 
and Philadelphia light. 

Without support of any big- stage name. 'Bride' 
garnered $35,000 at the Chicago theatre, ai^d is showing 
strong In Detroit, second week; Cincinnati, third week; 
Philadelphia, second . week, and Denver, third week. 
Good bpenlng in Minneapolis and Buffalo. 

After leading the field for the past month, 'Caught in 
the Draft' (Par) is liquidating its first runs, but not 
without a final punch. Finished at the Paramount on 
Broadway with five-week gross of $245,000, new sum- 
mer record for the theatre. Other wire returns dis- 
close: Detroit, fourth week; Cincinnati, 3; Chicago, 5; 
Philadelphia, 4; Pittsburgh, 3; Brooklyn, 3; Washington. 
3. and Seattle, 4. Bookings for the boys to shoot at for 
some time to come. 



er 'Shepherd in the Hills' (Par) nor 'Blossoms .sfo^oms D^sV m^^^i^i^-- 



'BLOSSOMS' NICE $10,500 
AS PROV. GETS TORRID 



Providence, July 29. 

Hot weather finally catching up 
with Providence maln-stemmers. 

RKO Albee is reopening Aug. T 
with 'Hold That Ghost.' George 
French returning as manager, with 
John Kane as assistant and William 
M. Morton as house publicist . 
Estimates (or This Week 

Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 28-39- 
50)— 'Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Tight 
Shoes' (U) (2d run). Heat wave 
has struck home, with house look- 
ing for only fairish $2,000. Last 
week 'Bride C.O.D.' (WB) and 'Shin- 
ing Victory' (WB) (2d run), nico 
$3,000. 

Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 10-25-35)— 
'Dead Man's Shoes' (Mono) and 
'Desert Bandit* (Rep). Fairish $2,000. 
Last week 'Gangs Here' (Mono) and 
'Silver Stallion' (Mono), good $2,500. 

Hajestio (Fay) (2.200: 28-39-50)— 
•Million Dollar Baby' (WB) and 'Out 
of Fog' (WB), Hitting for snappy 
$8,500. Last week 'Man Hunt' (20th) 



Neither 

in the Dust' (M-G) is potent everywhere, but selected 
spots are good. Former faded badly in second week in 
Cleveland, but held strong in second stanzas in Port- 
land and Seattle. Los Angeles, flrst run, $18,000, but 
only fair In Baltimore. 'Blossoms' wilted to a bad $8,500 
in Cleveland, opened to fair $12,000 in Chicago, and 
did average in Providence, Kansas City (plus). Cincin- 
nati. Baltimore and Seattle. 

'Moon Over Miami' (20th) was first class everywhere 
on first weeks, but slipped on holdovers In ' Detroit, 
Cleveland. I,ouisville, Seattle and a few other spots. 

'Jungle Cavalcade' (RKO) showing well In Chicago, 
third week; Kansas City and Cincinnati. 

Reissues not as hot as the weather. Product shortage 
has brought off the shelves 'Vivacious Lady' (RKO). 
giddy in Minneapolis; 'Mata Kari' end 'Navy Blue and 
Gold' (both M-G), fair In Boston and Pitt; 'Ruggles' 
(Par), red in Denver, and 'Bringing Up Baby' (RKO) 
and The Plainsman' JPar), just so-so where played. 
Standout, however. Is Disney's 'Snow White,' which 
clipped $7,500 at the Geary (legit) In 'Frisco. 

Seen through the boxoffice window: ."The Dictator' 
(UA) In its sixth week in Montreal. Three holdovers 
In Minneapolis: 'Navy.' 'Bombay' and 'Cheers for Miss 
Bishop.' 'In the Navy' and 'That HaniUtbn Woman.' 
Both about sea- fighters, a strong dual in Seattle. 'Fan- 
tasia' in 37th week. Broadway, and 26th week, in Los 
Angeles. 'Sunny' (RKO) got a delayed first run in 
PhUadelphia to big $17,000, with Paul Whiteman, added. 
Roxy on Broadway near a new low record with 'Parson 
of Panamint' (Par). 'Stars Look Down' (M-G) did 
better at the Criterion than 'Barnacle Bill' at the 
. Capitol, on Broadway. First report-on 'Caroline' (RKO) 
is good from Palace, Chicago. There's one more 'Hardy' 
coming on '40-'41 contracts. 



Blossoms Dust* (M-G) and •Scatter- 
Rood* (RKO). Pretty fiood $10,500. 
Last week 'Barnacle Bill' <M-G) and 
'Prisoner Devil's Island' (Col), good 
$11,000. 

Strand (Indie) (2,000; 28-40-50)— 
•Sweetheart Campus' (Col) and 
'Naval Academy' (Col). Rather slow 
$5,500. Last week 'Shepherd Hills* 
(Par) and •Angels Wings' (Par), good 
$6,500. 

'Caught Draft' Great 
$18,000 in Jersey C. 

Jersey City. July 29. 

'Caught in the Draft' and 'A Very 
Young Lady' are bringing the busi- 
ness to the Stanley. Other houses 
have been suffering from the heat. 
Estimates (or This Week 

Loew's (Loew's) (3,205; 28-33-50) 
—'Dr.. Kildare' (M-G) and 'Uncertain 
Feeling* (UA). Quiet $12,500 antici- 
pated, liast week 'Billy Kid' (M-G) 
and 'Cheers Miss Bishop' (UA) (2d 
wk.). nice $8;800. 

Stanley (WB) (4.500; 28-33-50)— 
'Caught Draft* (Par) and Very 
Young Lady* (20th). This should 
bring in mighty $18,000. Last week 
'Manpower* (WB) and 'San Antonio 
Rose'^(U), satisfying $13,000. • 

SUte (Skouras) (2,150: 28-33-50) 
—'Moon Miami* (20th) and 'Accent 
Love* (20th) (2d wk.). Moderate 
$6,000. Last week 3 days) good. 
$4,000. 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



PICTURE GROSSES 



11 



Good Pix, Cooling Systems Hypo Chi; 
Bette^agney-Vaude Hefty $37M 
'Blossoms' Sweet 13G, Draff Still Big 



Chicago, July 29. 

Lineup of pictures in the loop 
currently indicate^ good strength 
practically all down the line and the 
boxofflce reaction is satisfactory. 
The cooling system, though not pub- 
licized as much as the old days, is 
still a considerable boxofflce booster. 

Still a power is 'Caught in the 
Draft,' which Is currently in its 
fifth loop week and looks able to 
keep going . It's now in the Apollo 
after three weeks in fhe big Chicago, 
where it was a huge money-maker. 

In the Chicago currently is 'Bride 
Came CCD/ and the names of Bette 
Davis and James Cagne~ are enough 
to guarantee results. 

Estimates for This Week 

ApoIIs (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65-75) 
—'Caught Draft' (Par) (2d wk). Now 
in its flfth week in town, and still a 
.smasheroo at $6,000, after taking ex- 
cellent $7,500 last week. Had to re- 
fund one afternoon due to motor 
trouble. 

Chloaro (B&K) (4.000; 35-55-75)— 
•Bride C.O.D.' (WB) and vaude. 
Good money stanza in the offing. 
Should ride to great $37,000. Last 
week Sammy Kaye orch sharpened 
■Miami' (20th) to exceUent- $45,000. 

Garrlok (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) 
—'Miami' (20th). Switched here 
after neat Chicago week and will 
corral okay $5,000. Last week 'Bar- 
nacle' (M-G), limp $3,100. 
. OrienUI (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-44) 
— 'Mata Hari' (M-G) (reissue) and 
•Woman's Face' (M-G). Getting fair 
enough play at $6,000. Last week 
■ was much the same at $5,700 for 
. 'Dictator' (UA) and^Sunny' (RKO). 

Palaoe (RKO) (2,500; 33-44-66)^ 
•Caroline' (RKO) and 'Sucker* (U). 
Opened today (Tuesday). I-ast week 
T^m, Dick and Harry' (RKO) and 
•San Antonio Rose' (U), got good 
$13,200. 

BooaeTcH (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 
75)— *Po{ o' Gold' (UA). Picture is 
getting an extremely mild first week 
gross of $7,500 on James Stewart- 
Paulette Goddard monikers. Last 
week, ,'Man Hunt' (20th), managed 
$7,600, oke for second-stanza. 

SUte-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 28-44- 
S5)— 'Singapore Woman' (WB) and 
vaude. Mighty fine $18,000 in offing 
here on regular patronage. Last 
week This Way Please* (Par) and 
vaude, happy $16,800. 

United Artists (B&K-M-G) (1,700; 
35-55-85-75)— 'Blossoms Dust' (M-G). 
Opened Saturda (26) and drawing 
the women for fine $13,000. Last 
week 'Bombay' (M-G), wound up a 
three-weeker to good $10,200. 

Woods (Essaness) (1,200; 33-44-55) 
—'Jungle Cavalcade' (RKO) (3d 
wk). Freak item continues okay, 
getting fine $7,500 after corralling 
$8,700 last week. 



Mpls. Sizzles, Bnt Biz OK; 
Bette-Cagney Big f 9,000 

Minneapolis, July 29. 

Despite a long stretch of sizzling 
heat, with temperature rangiing 
above 100 in the shade for the entire 
past week, business here continues 
to hold UP relatively well. 

Currently there are no less than 
three hold-overs — 'In the Navy,' 
They Met in Bombay* and •Cheer.-s 
for Miss Bishop'. Two of the afore- 
loiniL ftt ". . nortL Pijiea— as. .ts- ih 

Came C.O.D.,' which is doing well, 
Estimates for This Week 

Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 15-28) 
Prisoner Devil's Island' (Col) and 
'West Point Widow' (Par). In for 
five days and heading for satisfac- 
tory $1,500. 'Hit the Road' (U) and 
Washington Melodrama' (M-G), also 
first-runs, open Thursday (31). Last 
week, 'Met Argentina' (RKO) and 
•Cowboy Blonde* (20th), first-runs, 
split with 'Nurse's Secret* (U) and 
•Mutiny Arctic' (U), nice $2,200 In 
eight days. 

Century (P-S) (1,600; 28-39-44) 
TVtet Bombay' (M-G) (2d wk). Okay 
$4,000 in prospect Last week, 
_Caught Draff (Par). (3d wk), fine 
$4,100 after terrific $19,700 in first 
two weeks at State. 

Eaqnlre (Berger) (290; 28) 'Vivaci- 
ous Lady* (reissue). Ginger Rogers- 
James Stewart names strongly sold. 
Fair $700 indicated. Last week, 
%ice Suicide* (Indie) and 'Sally 
Rand's Nude' (Indie) (3d wk), light 
$500. 

Gopher (P-S) (908; 28) 'Out ot 
Fog' (WB). Ida Lupino and Jo^n 
Garfield potent on canopy here and 
good $3,200 in sight. Last week, 
'Pot O' Gold* (UA), $3,300, good. 

Orphenra (P-S) (2.800; 28-39-44) 
In Navy* (U) (2d wk). Abbott and 
Costello very much in money in this 
town. This Is on^ of few pictures to 
hold In thla big house for second 
week. En route to good $5,000, after 
very big $10,000 for first week. 

SUte (P-S) (2,300; 28-30-44) 'Bride 
C.O.D* (WB). Only newcomer 'of 



consequence in town and catching 
plenty of customers for tiiat reason 
and stimulus of Betty Davis-James 
Cagney names. Fine $9,000 ahead. 
Last week, 'Met in Bombay' (M-G), 
good $8,000. 

Uptown (Par) (2,300; 28-30-44) 
'Meet John Doe' (Col). First nabe 
showing. Opened Wednesday (23) 
and probably will run 10 days to 
big $4,500. Last week, 'Wanted 
Wings' (Par) out after four days, 
light $800. 

World (Par-Steffes) (350; 28-39-44- 
55) 'Cheers Miss Bishop' (UA) (2d 
wk). May hit fair $2,200, after being 
considerably under expectations 
with same amount last week. 



DET. HOLDS UP 
IN HEAT, H.O,S 



Detroit, Julv 20. 

The old bugaboos, heat and hold- 
overs, have hit this town, but the 
takes remain surprisingly good. 

Only house with a complete new 
bill is Fox, which should do fair 
with 'Sunny' and 'Adventure in 
Washington.' 

Estimates for This Wcek^ 

Aduu (Balaban) (1,700; 30-40-55) 
'Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Bride 
Wore Crutches' (20th). Former 
taken over from Fox. Fair $5,000 
in sight. Last week, 'In Navy' (U) 
and Tight Shoes' (U), good $5,000 in 
fifth week. 

Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 30-40- 
55)— 'Sunny' (RKO) and 'Adventure 
Washington' (Col). Only new bill 
in town looks for fair $10,000. Last 
week, 'Moon Miami' and 'Blondie 
Society' (Col), neat $14,000. 

Mleblnn (United Detroit) (4,000; 
30-40-55)— 'Bride C.O.D.' (WB) and 
'Singapore Woman' (WB) (2d wk). 
Fine $11,000 after opening week's 
nifty $16,000. 

Palms State (United Detroit) 
(3,000; 30-40-55) — 'Caught Draft' 
(Par) and 'Sea Wolf (WB) (4th 
wk). Holding up nicely at $8,000, 
after last week got $9,000. 

'DANCE HALL'-VAUDE 
SOUR $13,000 IN WASH. 

Washington, July 29. 

Heat wave that ushered In this 
week is not one for the boys to com- 
plain about. When government de- 
partments housed in non-air-cooled 
buildings were released early Mon- 
day because of soaring temperatures, 
there was a rush to coolness of 
downtown theatres. It would take 
more than this, however, to make 
overall grosses look, like anything 
other than a portrait of the dol- 
drums. 

Estimates tor This Week 

Capitol (Loew) (3,43-: • 28-39-44-66) 
—'Dance Hall' (20th). plus Dixie 
Dunbar and Cass Daley on stage. 
Sour notices and word-of-mouth. Ail- 
ing iat $13,000. Last week 'Moon 
Miami' (20th) and vaude, good 



First Runs on Broadway 

CStibject to Change) 



'?mri^i^^-- 

'Caught Draff (Par) (2d run). Third 
downtown week; still good for aver- 
age $5,000. Last week 'Billy Kid' 
(M-G) (2d run), below normal $4,200. 

Earle (WB) (2,216; 28-39-44-66)— 
'Bride C.O.D,' (WB) plus Lani Mc- 
Intire orch (2d wk); Holding up ex- 
cellently for $16,500, following fine 
opening term, $20,500. 

Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 38-55)— 'Re- 
luctant Dragon' (RKO) (2d wk). 
Still healthy, $8,000. First week sur- 
prised with sweet $11,000. 

Metropolitan (WB) (1,600; 28-44)— 
'Kiss Boys' (Par) (2d run). Holding 
up to excellent $6,500. Last week, 
'Plainsman' (Par) (revival), man- 
aged average $5,200. 

Pabce (Loew) (2,242; 28-55)— 
'Bombay' (M-G) (2d wk). Gable- 
Russell draw should hold to good 
$10,000. Last week not up to hopes, 
but still highly profitable at $18,500. 
. » 

Ft. Worth, Locale of 

Nixes 'Blossoms' 

Fort Worth, Texas, July 29. 
'Blossoms in the Dust,' which had 
its southwestern premiere here in the 
home town of Mrs. Edna Gladney, 
whose life work among orphans in- 
spired the film, was a boxoffice fail- 
ure. 

Ott with • sellout on opening 
night with plenty of advance pub- 
licity, the attraction, rated here an 
artistic success; moved on Friday 
night (25), failing to get the expected 
consistent crowds. 



Story, 



Week of July 31 
Aslor— 'Sergeant York' (WB) 

(5th wk.). 
Broadway — Tantasia' (Disney) 

(S8th wk.). 
Capitol — 'Ringside M a i s i e ' 

(M-G). 

Criterion — 'Stars Look Down* 
(M-G) (2d wk.). 

Globe— 'Officer and the Lady* 
(Col) (2). 

Mnaio Hall — 'Tom, Dick and 
Harry' (RKO) (3d wk.). 

Palace — 'Reluctant Dragon* 
(RKO) (2d wk.). 

Paramoun t — 'Shepherd of 
Hills' (Par). 

(Revtewed In Vaiiietv, June 18) 

Boxy— 'Charley's Aunt' (20th). 

BUIto— 'Lady Scarf ace' (RKO) 
(2). 

Strand— 'Bride Came C. O. D.* 
(WB) (2d wk.). 

Week ot Aug. 7 

Astor- 'Sergeant York' (WB) 
(6th wk.). 

Broadway — 'Fantasia' (Disney) 
(39th wk.). 

Capitol- 'Whistling in Dark' 
(M-G). 

Criterion — 'Stars Look Down' 
(M-G) (3d wk.). 

Mnslo Hall — 'Here Comes Mr. 
Jordan' (Col). 

Paramoun t — 'Shepherd of 
Hills' (Par) (2d wk.). 

Boxy— 'Charley's Aunt' (20th) 
(2d wk.). 

Strand— 'Bride Came C. O. D.* 
(8d wk.). 



KISS BOYS' N.G. 
$15,(I001NHUB 



Boston, July 20. 

Tom, Dick and Harry' and 'Met 
in Bombay' both hold over this week. 
Among the new entries, 'Mata Hari,' 
reissue, is showing class. 

RKO, Metro and the Westboro 
summer theatre combined forces on 
opportunistic exploitation on Ramon 
I^varro, whose 'Mata Hari' opened 
lew days before his personal appear- 
ance at strawhat. 

EsUmatea tor This Week 

Boston (RKO) (3,200; 28-33-44)— 
'Mata Hari' (M-G) (reissue) and 
'Navy Blue and Gold' (M-G) (re- 
vival). Showing surprising strength, 
around $8,000. Last week, 'In Navy' 
(U) (6th week in town) and 'San 
Antonio Rose' (U) (3d wk), $7,500. 

Fenway (M&P) (1,373; 28-39-44- 
55)— 'Underground' (WB) and Three 
Sons o' Guns' (WB). Around $4,500, 
fair. Last week, 'Bride C.O.D.' 
(WB) and 'Nurse's Secret' (WB) 
(both continued from Met), $5,500, 
good. 

Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 28- 
39-44-55)— Tom, Dick' (RKO) (2d 
wk) and 'Scattergood Strings' (RKO) 
(1st wk). Holding to good $15,000 
pace. Last week, Tom, Dick' (RKO) 
and 'Beauty's Sake' (20th), $19,000, 
fine. 

HetropoUtan (M&P) (4,367; 28-39- 
44-55)— 'Kiss Boys' (Par) and 'Shin- 
ing Victory' (WB). Aiming at so-so 
$15,000. Last week, 'Shepherd Hills' 
(Par) and 'Get-Away' (M-G), $11,- 
400, off. 

Orphenm (Loew) (2,900; 28-30-44- 
55)— 'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 
'Sweetheart Campus' (Col) (2d wk). 

week sweet $19,700. 

Paramount (M&P) (1,797: 28-39- 
44-55) — 'Underground' (WB) and 
'Sons o' Guns' (WB). Tepid $6,000 
indicated. Last week, 'Bride C.O.D.' 
(WB) and 'Nurse's Secret' (WB) 
(both continued from Met), $7,500. 

State (Loew) (3,600; 28-39-44-55)— 
'Met Bombay' (M-G) and 'Sweet- 
heart Campus' (Col) (2d wk). Head- 
ing for satisfactory $9,000. Initial 
stanza for same duo drew $15,000, 
very good. 

Transinx (Translux) (900; 15-25- 
44) — 'Poison Pen' (Rep) and 'Hound 
Baskervilles' (20th) (revival). Pallid 
$1,500. Last week, 'Double Cross' 
(Prod) and 'Angels Wings' (Col) 
(revival), ditto. 

W Strong $7,500 In 
Port.; W H.O., 5G 

Por '.;.nd, Ore., July 29. 

'Tom, Dick and Harry' is a winner 
for the big Paramount this week. 

'In the Navy' still drawing at the 
Broadway. 

Estimates for This Week 

Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 35-40- 
50)— 'In Navy' (U) and 'FUme New 
Orleans' (U) (2d wk). Good $5,000. 
First week, great $9,000. 

H»ytalr (Parker - Evergreen) 
(1,500; 35-40-50) — 'Blossoms Dust' 



Only Strong B'way Pix Hold Up in Heat; 
Tom,' 2d, Fme $90,000, 'Bride'-Harris 
Big $47,000. Look' Nice 13G 



(M-G) and Tight Shoes' (U). Move- 
over from United Artists satisfactory 
$3,500. Last week, 'Caught Draft' 
(Par) and 'Melody Three' (RKO), 
closed a fourth week for okay $3,600. 

Orpheum (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(1,800; 35-40-50)— 'Shepherd Hills' 
(Par) and •'Thieves Fall Out' (WB). 
In line for okay $5,000. Last week, 
Man Hunt' (20th) and Time Out 
Rhythm' (Col), good enough $8,000. 

Paramonnt (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(3,000; 35-40-50)— 'Tom, Dick' (RKO) 
and 'Ride Vaquero' (20th). Looks 
like strong $7,500. Last week, 'Moon 
Over Miami' (20th) and 'Reaching 
for Sun' (Par), nice $7,200. 

United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 35- 
40-50) — 'Underground' (WB) and 
Out of Fog' (WB). WiU probably 
take nice $5,500. Last week, 'Blos- 
soms Dust' (M-G) and 'Tight Shoes' 
(U), good $7,000. 



GINGER SNAPPY 
IIGINHOTCLEVE 



Cleveland, July 29. 

Every stand but the Hipp, given 
a breeze by Tom, Dick and Harry,' 
is being fried by the 95 degree-in- 
the-shade temp. Ginger Rogers' 
comedy swept in briskly and hold- 
ing up brightly despite ribbing re- 
views. State can't get going with 
'Blossoms in the Dust,' and worried 
about it g^ter spending heavy coin 
on promotion. 

Estimate* for This Week 

AUcn (RKO) (3,000; 30-35-42-55)— 
'Moon Miami' (20th). Moveover 
from Hipp coasting for nice $4,500. 
Last week, 'Bride COX).' (WB) (3d 
wk), first-rate $5,500. 

Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 30-35-42- 
55)— 'Tom, Dick' (RKO). With cli- 
entele displaying distinct shirt to 
comedies, this one coming through 
with good $11,000. Last week, 'Moon 
Miami' (20th), satisfactory $10,000. 

Palace (RKO) (3,700; 30-35-42-55) 
—'Bad Men Missouri' (WB). Well 
exploited to overcome weak notices 
and marquee value; okay $6,000. 
Last stanza, 'Underground' (WB), a 
terrific surprise that justified all the 
house's circus ballyhoo by corraling 
fine $8,300. 

Stote (Loew's) (3!4S0- 30-35-42-55) 
—'Blossoms Dust' il/l-G). Just too 
heavy tor local consumption in these 
dog-days and nq more than fair 
$8,500 seems likely. Last week, 
'Shepherd Hills' (Par),' wound up 
with $10,000, aU right. / 

Stillman (Loew's) (1,072; 30-35-42- 
55)— 'Shepherd Hills' (Par). Move- 
over cantering along to around $4,- 
500, fair. Last week, 'Caught in 
Draft' (Par), on third round, sweet 
$6,800. 



m BOYS' FINE 
$7,500 IN MEMPHIS 



Memphis, July 29. 

at the Malco is besting Tom, Dick 
and Harry,' Loew's State feature, by 
a healthy margin. 

Trailing badly are Frank Buck's 
'Jungle Cavalcade' at Loew's Palace 
and Warner's 'Bad Men of Missouri.' 
Estimates tor This Week 

Warner (WB) (2,000; 10-33-44)— 
'Bad Men' (WB). Lukewarm notices 
and lack of marquee name lure are 
keeping this to $3,300, fair. Last 
week, 'Underground' (WB), $3,100, 
so-sp. 

Palace (Loew) (2,200: 10-33-44)— 
'Jungle Cavalcade' (RKO). Buck 
opus buckling to frail $2,200. Last 
week, 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G). $4,000, 
fair. 

SUte (Loew) (2,800; 10-33-44)— 
Tom, Dick' (RKO). Mixed reaction 
to romantic fantasy, with Ginger 
Rogers' puU holding to none-too- 
good $5,400. Last week, 'Blossoms 
Dust' (M-G), $5,200, okay lor this 
one. 

Malco (Lightman) (2,800; 10-33-44) 
—'Kiss Boys' (Par). ^ Natural title 
and raves upping this Dixie musical 
satire mebbe to fine $7,500. Last 
week, 'West Point Widow' (Par) and 
Dave ApoUon revue on stage, five 
days, $10,000, whammo. 

Strand (Lightman) (1,000; 10-22- 
33)— 'In Navy' (U) (2d run) and 
'Sign of Woir (Mono), splits Looks 
like average $1,600. Last week, 
'Black Cat' (U), three days; 'Sweet- 
hearts .Campus' (Col), two days; 
'Strange Alibi' (WB), two days, 
$1,700, good. 



Torrid weather over the weekend 
blasted Broadway takes, with only 
the sturdiest attractions holding an 
even keel. The beaches did absolute 
capacity both Saturday and Sunday, 
with Times Square deserted except- 
ing for visitors on the Sabbath. 

Best on the Street are Tom, Dick 
and Harry,* at the Muaic Hall, and 
'Bride C.O.D.' plus Phil Harris' band 
at the Strand, former gleaning slick 
$90,000 on the second week. Harris' 
radio popularity helping Bette Davis- 
James (jagney starrer considerably 
in. grabbing nearly $47,000 at the 
other spot. 

Of the newcomers, 'Reluctant 
Dragon' at the Palace, with about 
$14,000, and 'The Stars Look Down,' 
at the Criterion. $13,000, are attract- 
ing most attention. New Walt Dis- 
ney feature at the Palace apparently 
was not hurt by the picketing open- 
ing days. 

'Parson of Panamint' is heading 
for a new low at the Roxy under the 
present management of the house, 
with only around $15,000 in sight 
'Barnacle Bill' at the Capitol also, 
suffering, with sad $10,000 likely for 
single week. 

'Fantasia,' at the Broadway, pulled 
a surprise by bettering the previous 
week in topping $0,000 for its 37th 
stanza. 

Estimates for This Week 

Astor (WB) (1,012; 7S-85-$1.10- 
$1.65-$2.20)— 'York' (WB) (5th wk). 
Week ending Monday (28) night 
slipped a bit, decline being accentu- 
ated by terrific heat Still robust at 
$20,000, after $22,500 on preceding 
week. 

Breadway (Disney) (1,895; 55-75- 
$1.10-^.65-$2.20)'— 'Fantasia' (Dis- 
ney) (38th wk). StUl showing profit, 
with summer visitors making it a 
'must' on their N. Y. list, SUghtly 
over $9,000 for 37th week, an amaz- 
ing improvement over previous 
week's' $8,800. 

Capitol (Loew's) (4,520; 35-55-85- 
$1.I0-$1.25)— 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G): 
Exodus from Broadway hurt - this 
new Wally Beery film; not mui^ 
over $10,000 in prospect, sad. 'Ring- 
side Maisie' (M-G) comes in Thurs- 
day (31). Final week (3d) of 'Bom- 
bay' (M-G) nice $14,000. 

Criterion (Loew's) (1,662; 35-44- 
55-75)— 'Stars Look Down' (M-G) 
(2d wk). A. J. Cronin's story opened 
big, so will show $13,000 or there- 
abouts for first week ended last 
(Tuesday) night 'In Navy' (U), in 
ahead, got $9,000 on final-sixth week. 

Globe (Brandt) (1,180: 28-35-55)— 
'Bullets O'Hara' (WB). ThriUer 
may top $6,000, which Is around re- 
cent weeks. 'Navy Blue and Gold' 
(M-G) (reissue) did $6,000 in previ- 
ous week. ' 

Palace (RKO) (1,700; 28-35-44-55- 
65-75) — 'Reluctant Dragon' (RKO). 
New Disney feature doing about 
same ap. 'Jungle (^valcade,' previ- 
ous attraction, on first week; $14,003, 
neat profit. 'Dragon' stays only two 
weeks, the original booking. 'Jungle 
Cavalcade' took $7,000 on third-final 
stanza. 

Paramount (Par) (3,664; 35-55-85- 
99)^'Shepherd Hills' (Par) and Er- 
skine Hawkins band. Four Ink Spots, 
Stump and Stumpy, others on stage. 
Opens today (Wednesday). 'Caught 
in Draft' (Par) (5th wk) and Joe 
Venutl band (1st wk) and same stage 
show that played previous four 

•weeks. 

Radio City Music Hall (Rockefel- 
lers) (5,060; 44-55-8S-99-$1.65)— 'Tom, 
Dick and Harry' (RKO) and st.ige 
show (2d wk). Ginger Rogers is the 
magnet here, with hefty $90,000 on 
second session, warranting a third. 
Zoomed to $104,000 on first week. 

Blalto (Mayer) (750; 2iJ-44-5S)— 'I 
Was Prisoner' ((3ol). Headin;; for 
nearly $6,000, not bad. 'Invitation to 
Murder' (Mono). $3,500 on four days, 
with 'Prisoner* broujht in Saturday . 
(26) to get back to wee'-ehd open- 
in? date. 'Getaway' rM-^-), on pre- 
vious full week, nice $6,000. 

Roxv (20th) (5,835; 35-55-65-75-85) 
—'Parson of Panamint' . (Par) plus 
stage show. New low for this the- 
atre with miserable $15,000. or under. 
'Charley's Aunt' (20th) in this week. 
'Dance Hall' (20th) on . previous 
week, thin $23,000. 

Slate (Loew's) (3,400: 2S-44-55-7S- 
90-Sl.lO) — 'Uncertain Thing' (Col) 
(2d run) plus Harry Richman, Willie 
Hoppe, Jack Cole dancers, olbers. 
Feeling exodus to beaches, with 
meaere $14,000 in prospect. La.s-t 
week, 'Lisbon' (Par) (2d run) and 
Ted Lewis band and revue, fair 
$19,000. 

Strand (WB) (2,767: 35-55-75-85- 
99)— Bride C.O.D.' (WB) and PhU 
Harris band on stage. Davto-Cagney 
Dicture plus popularity of Bkrrii! o>jt* 
fit boosting this to .ne«rlv 9fr.00^ 
Stavs a second rotmd. •Menpown' 
(WB) and' Cab Callowtr ia!t tm. 
.stage (3d wk). $22,000, slick yroM tm 
third session, 



12 



PICTURE GROSSES 



for a Change, Helps Pitt Biz; 
Dndergronnd'-Rochester Fine 22G 



PitUburgh, July 29. 
Heat's awful but biz isn't bad. 
Weekend, in fact, was better than 
average, despite 100 degrees, result 
of Pirate-Dodgers twin bill on Sun- 
day (27), which attractied thousands 
of out-of-towners who cooled off in 
the air conditioned theatres after 
sweltering at the ball park all after- 
noon. 

Stanley is rolling again after year 
or more of in-and-out takes and this 
week has Rochester, locally-popular 
Dick Stabiles (Gracie Barrie) and 
heavily -exploited 'Underground 
working for another sock week at 
VTB deluxer. Tom, Dick and Harry 
disappointing at Penn. 

Stanley p.a.'s had their guns oiled 
to hilt for 'Underground.' Distrib- 
uted 185,000 house-to-house cards; 
put out a special newspaper distrib- 
uted by army of messengers; got ex- 
tra spots on radio; featured an un- 
usual ad in which manager of 
another house, the Penn, recom- 
mended picture to local theatre- 
goers and held special screenings for 
steel company execs, which in turn 
resulted in plugging on defense fac 
tories' bulletin boards. 

Estimates for This Week 
Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 25-35- 
60)— Tom, Dick' (RKO). Two of 
the reviewers turned in raves, but a 
third thought it was one of the ma- 
jor sillies of the year and thought 
Ginger Rogers acted as if she had 
been conked on the head with her 
Academy Oscar. Will be lucky to 
wind up with $11,000, just fair. Last 
week, 'Shepherd HiUs' (Par), pretty 
bad at under $10,000. 

Kits (WB) (800; 25-35-50)— 'Shep 
herd HUls' (Par). Moved here from 
Penn but for no practical reason. 
Not much more than $1,800 in sight. 
If that. Last week, 'Bride C.O.D. 
(WB), in third week downtown 
around $2,500. 

senator (Harris) (1,750: 25-35-50) 
—'Navy Blue and Gold' (M-G) and 
Tirst Beau' (Col). Reissue of early 
James Stewart starrer attracting 
considerable attention and givini: 
house a very nice .week. ShouU. 
grab pretty close to $4,000. Last 
week, another reissue, Garbo's 'Mata 
Hari' (M-G). with Time. Out 
Rhythm' (Col), okay $3,200. 

Stanley (WB) (3,800; 25-40-60)— 
9Jnderground* (WB) and Rochester 
Dick Stabile orch unit. Excellent 
combo, picture getting more credit 
here than usual as result of slick 
campaign, but stage responsible for 
the big draft Looks like close to 
$22,000 at least, very good. Last 
week, 'Bad Men Missouri* (\yB) and 
Phil Harris, $19,000, okay. 

Warner <WB) (2,000: 25-35-50)— 
•Caught Draft' (Par) (2d wk). Third 
week downtown, Bob Hope-Dorothy 
Lamour starrer having recently done 
a week at Penn. Still has plenty of 
stuff left and should wind up cur- 
rent session with fine $5,500, which 
on top of great $9,000 last week and 
$16,000 at Penn, makes comedy one 
of top grossers of summer locally. 



Temp. Wilts Baltimore; 
"Blossoms' OK $12,000 



Kiss Boys; $3,800, Only 
Good Thing in Lincoln 

Lincoln, Neb., July 29. 
Kiss the Boys Goodby' is kissing 
hello to the town's biggest take at 
the Stuart, lone emporium to retain 
ts winter price scale. Otherwise 
biz is n.s.g. 

Estimates for This Week 
Colonial (Monroe-Noble-Federer) 
(750; 10-15) 'Plane Robbery' (Col) 
and 'Range War' (PRC), split with 
Medico Rides' (Col) and 'Face Be- 
hind Mask' (Col). Offish $800. Vast 
week, 'Texas Marshal' (Mono) and 
Devil Commands' (Col), split with 
Phantom Sibmarine' (Col) and 
Desert Bandit" (Rep), ditto. 

Lincoln (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,503; 
10-20-25) 'Ruggles Red Gap' (Par). 
Reissue bugaboo will keep take down 
to weak $2,000. Last week, 'Model 
Wife' (U), got only six days and 
$1,900. 

Nebraska (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,- 
236; 10-15-20) 'Very Young Lady' 
(20th) and 'Scotland Yard' (20th). 
Might get par $1,600. Last week. 
Get Away' (M-G) and 'Nurse's 
Secret' (WB), anemic $1,300. 

Stnart (J. H. Cooper-Par) (1,884; 
10-25-40) 'Kiss Boys' (Par). Again 
the town's big winner for potent 
$3,800. Last week, 'Shepard Hills' 
(Par), near-terriftc $4,300. 

Varsity (Noble - Federer) (1,100; 
10-20-25) 'Bad Men Missouri' (WB). 
Will garner $1,800 if kept seven days, 
which is red. Last week, 'Singapore 
Woman' (WB), split with 'First 
Beau' (Col), $1,900, poor. 



K. C. ORPH REOPENS; 
WE' FINE mm 



Baltimore, July 29. 
heat slowing b.O'.s.^ all 



Kansas City, July 29. 
Biggest news of theatre row is the 
reopening of the Orpheum on Thurs- 
day (24). House nad been closed 
since mid-May and in previous sea- 
sons has not reopened tmtil Labor 
Day or thereabouts. 

Heat has come in earnest and air- 
conditioning is the headliner at most 
theatres. 

Estimates for This Week 
Esqaire-Vptown (Fox Midwest) 
(820 and 2,043; 10-28-44)— 'Tight 
Shoes' (U) and 'Singapore Woman' 
(WB) dualled. Fairish pix and 
trade, $5,000. Last week 'Man Hunt' 
(20th), holdover, better than expect- 
ed, $4,800. 

MldUnd (Loew's) (4,101; 10-28-44) 
— 'Blossoms Dust' (M-G) and 'Free 
and Easy' (M-G). 'Blossoms' reason 
for biz and will get good $10,000, but 
doesn't hold. Last week 'Barnacle 
Bill' (M-G) and 'Sweetheart Campus' 
(Col), better than average $9,500. 

Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 10- 
28-44)— 'Bride C.O.D. (WB). Bette 
Davis-James Cagney bringing this 
to strong holdover $10,000. Last week 
'Shepherd Hills' (Par) (2d wk) and 
'Kisses for Breakfast' (WB) (1st 
wk), $6,000, not bad. 

Orpheum (RKO) (1,500; 10-28-ft) 
—'Jungle Cavalcade' (RKO) with 
four Disney shorts. . Reopen house 
after two months of darkness. Good 
$6,200 in sight. 

Tower (Joflee) (2,110; 10-30)— 
'Mountain Moonlight' (Rep) and 
vaude. Light $5,700. Last week 'Too 
Many Blondes' (U) and vaude, $5,900. 



B.O. OK in Cool Seattle; 
•Manpower' Hefty $7,500 

Seattle, July 29. 
Cooler weather helping b.o. all 

around. . .■ „ . 

Estimates ter This Week 

Bloc Monse tHamrick-Evergreen) 
(850; 30-40-50) — 'Shepherd Hills 
(Par) and 'Accent Love' (20th). 
Moveover from Fift'.i Avenue looks 
for fair $2,200. Last week. 'Moon 
Miami' (20th) and 'Getaway' (M-G) 
(2d wk), good $2,300. 

Coliseum (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(1.900; 21-35)— 'In Navy' (U) and 
•Hamilton Woman' (UA^. Swell 
combination antiflpates good $2,800. 
Last week, "Love Crazy' (M-G) and 
'American Broadcast' (20th), nice 
$2,700. 

Firth Avenue (Hamnck - Ever- 
green) (2,349; 30-40-50)— 'Blossoms 
Dust' (M-G) and 'Sunny' (RKO). 
Paced at $6,300, very good. Last 
week, 'Shepherd Hills' (Par) and 
Accent Love' (20th), $6,800, excel- 

^^Uberly (J-vH) (1,650; 21-30-40)— 
Naval Academy' (Col) and 'Sweet- 
heart Campus' (Col). Anticipate 
good $3,600. Last- week. This Way 
Please' (Par) and 'Medico Painted 
Springs' (Col), good $4,800. 

Music Box (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(850; 30-40-50)— 'Caught Draft' (Par) 
and 'Monster Girl' (Par) (4th wk). 
Expect big $2,400. Last week, great 
$3,500. • 
rpbcum (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(2,600; 30-40-50)— 'Manpower' (WB) 
and "San Antonio Rose' (U). Big 
campaign helping reach great $7,500. 
Last week, 'Bad Man Missouri' (WB) 
and 'Out Fog' (WB), big $6,700. 

Palomar (Sterllns) (1,350; 21-40)— 
'Man Timberland' (U) and 'Bachelor 
Daddy' (U), plus vaude. Good 
$4,000. Last week,. 'Sunset in Wyo- 
ming' (Rep), 'Hit Road' (U) and 
vaude, $5,100, big. 

Paramount (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(3,039; 30-40-50) — 'Barnacle Bill' 
(M-G) and 'Uncertain Feeling' (UA) 
(2d wk). Headed for $3,800, okay, 
Last week, big $7,800. 

Bobsevelt (Sterling) (800; 30-40- 
50)— 'Bad Man Missouri' (WB) and 
'Out Fog' (WB). MoviEover from 
Orpheum indieates okay $2,900. Last 
week, 'Bride C.O.D.' (WB), $2,600, 
good. 

Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 16- 
30)— 'Ziegfeld Girl' (M-G) and 'The 
Penalty' (M-G) (2d run). Look for 
$1,900, fair. Last week, 'Men Boys 
Town' (M-G) and 'Free and Easy' 
(M-G) (2d run), $1,800, mild. 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



manpower; $18M Abbott-CosteUo, 
Disney Festival, 7G, S. F. Clicks 



Mont'l Hits Bottom, But 
- 'Shepherd' Nice $6,000 

Montreal, July 29. 
Heat, holidays and the suburban 
playgrounds are slashing grosses in 
this town, with summer takes down 
to near-record lows. 

Last week was one flop after an- 
other and currently there is only 
'Shepherd of Hills' doing biz. 
Estimates for This Week 
Palace (CT) (2.700; 30-45-62) — 
Bride C.O.D.' (WB). Best hope is 
$5,000, poor. l,ast week, 'In Navy' 
(U), h.o., weak $3,500. 

Capitol (CT) (2,700; 30-45-82) — 
'Big Store' (M-G) and 'Passage 
Hong Kong' (20th). Pacing $4,500, 
weak. Last week, 'Dare Not Love' 
(WB) and 'Adventure Washington' 
(WB), poor $4,000. 

Loew's (CT) (2,800; 35-53-67) — 
'Shepherd Hills' (Par). Best in town 
at good $6,000. Last week, 'Reluct- 
ant Dragon' (RKO), $5,000, below 
expectations. 

Princess (CT) (2,300; 30-40-53) — 
Time Out Rhythm' (U) and 'Under 
Age' (U). Pointing to poor $3,000. 
Last week, "Mata Hari' (M-G) (re- 
issue) and 'Wait for You' (M-G) 
weak $2,500. 

Orpheum (Ind) (1,100; 30-40-60)— 
'Dictator' (UA) (6th wk). Still alive 
with good $2,000 ahead, after satis- 
factory $2,500 last week. 

Cinema de Paris (France-Film) 
(600; 30-60)— 'L'esclave Blanche' (4th 
wk). Killed by heat and will yield 
flop $800 at best. Last week, 'Feu 
de Paille,' fifth h.o. down to $500. 

St. Denis (France-Film) (2,300; 30- 
40) — 'lUfarche Nuptiale' and 'Jacques 
et Jacotte.' Down and out at $2,000. 
Last week, 'Beaux. Jours' and 'Ad- 
hemar Aviateur,' $1,800, very poor. 



'JUNGLE' FINE HOOO 
IN BLISTERING L'YILLE 



Eleanor Harris Will 

Exam ZaoDck, Et al. 



Eleanor Harris, author,' has filed 
notice in N. Y. federal, court on 20th 
Century-Fox that on Aug. 20 she 
will take depositions, before trial, of 
Darryl F. Zanuck, Jason Joy, Lamar 
Trotti, George F. Wassen, William 
Dozier and - James G. WooUey in 
California. 

Plaintiff, authoress of the original 
on which 'Brigham Young' was 
based, seeks damages of $50,000 for 
alleged failure to give her proper 
screen credit. She claims she 
worked with Louis Bromfleld on the 
screen play, and all she received was 
research credit. 



Terrific 
■round. 

Best of current crop is 'Blossoms 
In the Dust'- at Century, attracting a 
steady femme draw to all right re- 
turns. 

Estimates for This Week 
Century (Loew's-UA) (3.000; 15- 

%n.m. Last week, 'Barnacle Bill' ^ ^ ' I ' 



H.O^ Flood Brooklyn; 



Dieterle Biogs Gompers 



(M-G), only fair at $9,200. 

Hippodrome (Rappanort) (2.240: 
15-28-39-44-55-66) — 'Tom, 'Dick' 
(RKO) (2d wk.) plus h.o. of vaude 
headed by Dinah Shore. Falling off 
rather sharply in heat after big 
opening round steamed up by extra 
ballyhoo about elaborate theatre re- 
modeling. Should reach mild $10,- 
000, after good opening round to 
$15,300. 

Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406: 15- 
28-39-44)— 'Shepherd Hills' (Par). 
Attracting some trade at possible 
$9,000. Last week, third of 'Caught 
Draft' (Par), held up In good style 
at $6,200. 

New (Mechanic) (1,581; 15-28 
85-44)— 'Moon Miami* (20th) r3rd 
wk.). Ambling along to possible $3, 
500, after drawing steady total of 
$10,300 on previous^race. 

Stanley (WB) (3,280; 15-28-39-44 
B5)— 'Kiss Boys' (Par). Holding 
rather well considering bad weather 
break and reaching out for $10,000. 
Last week, 'Bride C.O.D.' (Par), in 
third round, got mild $5,100. 

Thie Chase It Over 

Hollywood, July 29. 

For years the romantic interest in 
the Marx Bros, zany pictures- at 
Metro, Margaret Dumont moved over 
to Universal for the same sort of role 
In '.The Great Man.' . 

This time her clamoui; boy is W. 
C. Fields. • 



Hollywood, July 29. 
Life of Samuel ' Gompers, founder 
of the American Federation of La- 
bor, is the basis of the first of two 
films to be produced and directed by 
William Dieterle for the 1942 pro- 
gram under a new deal with RKO. 
Under his old. pact, Dieterle owes. 



Louisville, July 29. 
With some terrifically hot days to 
buck up against the last two.or three 
days, downtown houses are pacing 
for typical midsummer grosses and 
none of them is heading for any- 
thing like a large figure. 

Topper is the Riolto, with 'Tom, 
Dick and Harry,' which is getting an 
average play. 'Jungle Cavalcade,' 
at Strand, is getting good trade. 
Estimates tor This Week 
Brown- (Loew's-Fourth Avenue) 
(1,400; 15-30-40) — 'Moon Miami' 
(20th) and 'Ride Vaquero' (20th). 
Moveover from Rialto moving along 
toward good $2,300. Last week, 
'Caught Draft' (Par) and 'San An- 
tonio Rose' (U), second week and 
fourth downtown stanza, rang up 
good $2,400. 

Kentucky (Switow) (1.200; 15-25) 
—'Wagons Roll' (WB) and 'Great 
American Broadcast' (20th). With 
thermometer around 98 on the street, 
theatre interiors are mighty in- 
viting, regardless of the pictures. 
Looks to cop around $1,300. Last 
week, 'Penny Serenade' (Col) and 
'Lady Cheyenne' (U), medium $1,200. 

Loew'B SUte (Loew's) (3,300; 15- 
30-40)— 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) and 
'Dr. Kildare' (M-G). Only mild 
$6,000 in prospect. Last week, 'Big 
Store' (M-G) and 'Dare Not Love' 
(Col), excellent $8,500. 

Mary Anderson (Libson) (1.000; 
15-30-40)— 'Bad Men Missouri' (WB) 
(2d wk). Lightweight $2,500. Last 
week, thin $2,500, 
Eialto J^Fourth^ Avenue) (3,400; 15 



San Francisco, July 29. 

Surprise of the week is the satk 
opening achieved by Emil Bondeson 
for 'Snow White' at the Geary. Dis- 
ney Festival had a holdout within - 
an hour of opening, first time that's 
ever happened in this sltuash. Fox 
off to a healthy start with 'Man- 
power,' but 'Underground' is only 
average at the Paramount. Dark 
this week is the United Artists, 
which stays that way until new UA 
product is available. . 

Major competlsh thls"week, in ad- 
dition to the 'Ice Follies,' is the ar- 
rival of the Roller Derby in Civic 
Auditorium. WlUkie rally also oc- 
cupied attention of 15,000 Friscans, ' 
plus those who stayed home to listen 
in. 

Estimates for This Week 

Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-40-50)— 
'Manpower' (WB) and 'Kisses Break- 
fast' (WB). Plenty of pulling power 
here. Looks like a bie $18,000. Last 
week 'Shepherd Hills' (Par) and 
'Dance Hall' (20th), disappointing 
$15,000. 

Geary (Curran) (1,286; 35-40-50)— 
'Snow White' (RKO) (reissue). Dis- 
ney festival — all cartoon, save for a 
news — ^pulled a line clear around the 
corner for its opening. Will get big 
$7,000. House has been dark since 
roadshow of 'Citizen Kane.' 

Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 39-44- 
55)— 'Tight Shoes' (U), Major Bowes' 
ams and O'Neill kiddie revue. Jiist 
an average summer show, which will 
do well to get $13,500. Last week 
'Scattergood, Pulls Strings' (RKO) 
and ' Brenda - and Coblna in person, 
finished with $13,500. 

Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2,400; 35- 
40-50)— 'Hold Ghost' (U) and 'San 
Antonio Rose' (U). Abbott-Costello 
team means music at the b.o. here, 
with big $14,000 pouring into the till, 
assuring a holdover. Last (5-day) 
week, 'Monster- Girl' (Par) and 'Hit 
Road' (U), sad $5,000. 

Paramount (F-WC) (2,470; 35-40- 
50)— 'Underground' (WB) and 'Wait 
for You' (M-G). With a good sales 
job, $12,500 . is in sight. Last (2d) 
week 'Barnacle Bill' (M-G) and 
'Getaway' (M-G), $8,000. 

St. Francis (F-WC) (1,475; 35-40- 
50)— 'Shepherd Hills' (Par) and 
'Dance Hall' (20th). Moveover from 
Fox ought to pick up fair $4,800. Last 
(moveover) week 'Man Hunt' (20th) 
and 'Las Vegas Nights' (Par), healthy 
$5,800. 

United Artists (Cohen) (1,200; 35- 
40-50)— UA showcase went dark this 
week. Last (2d) week Three Cock- 
eyed Sailors' (UA), got under $3,500, 
poor. 

Warfleld (F-WC) (2,650; 35-40-50) 
—'Blossoms Dust' (M-G) and "Ac- 
cent Love' (20th) (2d wk). Held 
despite poor opening week. Getting 
only slim $7,500. First week $10,000. 



Tom/ lOiG, Tantasia,' 
$9,000, Big in Denver 



Denver, July 29. 

'Fantasia,' on roadshow, is filling 
the Aladdin and will h.o. 'Shepherd 
of the Hills' Is nice in its third week. 
Estimates for This Week 

Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 55-$l-$1.50) 
— 'FanUsia' (RKO), roadshow. Fine 
$9,000 and holding. Last week, 
'Bride C.O.D.' (WB), after week at 
Denver, good $5,000. 

Broadwoy (Fox) (1,040; 25-35-40) 
—'Big Store* (M-G) and 'Getaway 
(M-G). after week at Orpheum. 
Good $3,000. Last week, 'Met Bom- 
bay* (M-G) and 'Hurry. Charlie 



PJays On,' for 1941. 



Brooklyn, July 29. 

Three holdovers in this torrid 
town and all doing tolerable biz. 
Estimates (or This Week 

Albee (RKO) (3,274; 25-35-50)— 
'Moon Miami' (20th) and 'Accent 
Love' (20th). Quiet $11,000. Last 
week, 'Big Store' (M-G) and 'Girl 
News' (20th). mild $13,000. 

Fox (Fabian) (4,023; 25-35-50)— 
^Manpower' (WB) and 'Angels Wings' 
(Rep) (2d wk). Quiet $12,000. Last 
week, fair $13,000, 

Met (Loew's) (3,618;-25-35-50)— 'In 
Navy' (UA).and 'Uncertain Feeling' 
(U) (2d wk). Nice $14,000. Last 
week, strong $20,000. 

Paramount (Fabian) (4,126; 25-35- 
50)— 'Caught Draft' (Par) and 'Poison 
Pen' (Rep) (3d wk). Satisfactory 
$13,000. Last week, splendid $15,- 
000. - 



Piracy Suit Scuttled 

Los Angeles, July 29. 

Plagiarism suit filed by John Igual 
de Nontijo, Mexican writer, demand- 
ing $400,000 from 20th-Fox and the 
Sue Carroll -agency, was dismissed 
by Judge J. P. T. O'Connor in U. S. 
District Court. 

Writer charged the picture, 'Cisco 
Kid' and the Lady,' had been lifted 
from his . own story, 'Vlca- Madero,' 
which ht submitted t« the agency in 
1039. 



May's $5,880,649 in U.S. 
Taxes Reflects B.O. Dip 

Washington, July 29. 

Uncle Sam wound up the first half 
of .his calendar year taking $38,657,- 
550 from amusements via the stiffer 
10% boxoffice levy, the Treasury 
Department showed last week. The 
bite producied $70,973,089 during the 
fiscal year 1940-41, during 11 months 
of which the heavier tax was 
effective. 

First half of calendar 1941 ended 
on another downbeat, the fourth 
time so far this year that the 
Treasury's take has been less than 
in the preceding month. June re- 
ceipts, based on May grosses, were 
$5,880,649, which was $1,075,342 un- 
der collections ih May but $4,235,046 
fatter than in the corresponding 
month of 1940. 

"The June total was next to the 
lowest so far this year, though the 
drop from May levels was not as big 
as the slump between March and 
April. Only month-to-month rises in 
1941 have been in March and May. y 

Collections for the first half-year, 
with tha levy starting at 21e, were 
$2l,4tO,m fatter than, in the cor- 
responding 1940 period, when the bite 



'Saints Vacation' (RKO), plus March 
of Time. Pacing for the town's best 
gross, but still nothing big. Looks 
like slightly better than average 
$7,500. Last week, 'Shepherd Hills' 
(Par) and 'Forced Landing' (Par), 
good $8,000. 

Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 
15-30-40)— 'Jungle Cavalcade' (RKO) 
and 'Bringing Uo Baby' (RKO) (re- 
issue). Jungle pix have been scarce 
around here for quite a spell. Should 
knock off fine $4,000. Last week, 
'Dance Hall' (20th) and 'Very Young 
Lady' (20th), so-so $2,700. 

I 

Film Workers' Pickup 

Sacramento, July 29. 

June was hotter than May, finan- 
cially, too, in the film Industry, ac- 
cording to figures compiled by the 
California Labor Statistics bulletin. 
Wage earners in pictures collected 
$38,388 more per week in June than 
in the previous month. 

Total employed by the studios In 
June was 15,052, with average week- 
ly payrolls of $681,396. 



Denham (Cockrill) (1,070; 25-35- 
40)— 'Shepherd Hills' (Par) (3d wk) 
and 'Forced Landing' (Par). Fine 
$7,500. Last week, nice $8,500. 

Denver (Fox) (2,525; 25-35-40) — 
'Man Hunt' (20th) and 'Dance Hall 
(20th). Fine $10,000. Last week, 
'Knew Answers' (Col) and 'Funza- 
flre' on stage, big $14,000. 

Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40) 
—'Tom, Dick' (RKO) and 'Wait for 
You' (M-G). Fine $10,400. Last 
week, 'Big Store' (M-G) and 'Gel- 
away' (M-G), fair $8,000. 

Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)— 
•Out of Fog' (WB) and 'Bachelor 
Daddy' (U). Fair $5,000. Last week, 
'Kisses Breakfast' (WB) and 'Lady 
Louisiana' (Rep), ditto. ' 

Rialto (Fox) (878; 25-40)— 'Bride 
C.O.D.' (WB), after week at each 
the Denver and Aladdin, and 'Rich 
Man* (Col). Nice $2,300. Last week, 
'Moon Miami' (20th), after week at 
each Denver and Aladdin, and 'Men - 
of Timberland' (U), $2,000. 



Booked Solid 



applied only to admissions over 40c. 
By dropping the starting point, the 
Treasury raked in during six months 
$17,S00,000-odd more than ever .was 
received during a full 12-month span, 
under the' old formula: 



Hollywood, July 29. 

All Hopalong Cassldy stories writ- 
ten by Clarence Mulford for the 
next five years have been sewed up 
for filming by Harry Sherman. 

In the last seven years Sherman 
has produced 41 -features based on 
the Mulford character. 



Wednesdaj, July 30, 1941 



IS 




A MESSAGE TO 
M-G-M SALESMEN! 



You will shortly be selling pictures under the. Consent 
Decree, 

There are years of friendly dealing with your customers 
behind you as you set forth. 

It is significant that, just as a new era begins, there is con- 
tinued evidence of your company^s good faith with exhi- 
bitors— M-G-M*s insistence that theatres must be served 
right now with important pictures, no holding back, a 
summer line-up of multi-million dollar proportions on the 
screen. 

It was natural that M-G-M should do this. We pride our- 
selves on the fact that exhibitors looked to us above all 
others to answer their summer needs. 

Under the happiest of circumstances you begin now to 
tell your customers what you have for them to commence 
the 1941-42 season. 

The first three pictures that were trade-shown were: 

"LADY BE GOOD" (E/eanor Pou/eH, Ann ^ot}\exn, ^ohett \o\mg) 
"DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE" {^petyzet, Tracy, IngridBergmanXanaTumer) 

"DOWN IN SAN DIEGO" (Action Drama of Vncle Sam's great defense base and 
fighting ships at sea. With Bonita Granville; Ray McDonald; Dan Dailey, Jr.; Leo Gorcey.) 



pictures at trade -showings which we arranged for their 
convenience in 65 cities. No fuss. No frills. Just showings. 

The trade echoes the praises that have followed the screen- 
ings of these great entertainments. 

But this is just a beginning. Your studio is working day 
and night on other equally great attractions, some of 
which are listed to the right. 

It is said that pictures talk, that nothing else matters, but 
something else does matter. 

Confidence, faith, mutual understanding, security. Your 
customers have learned to expect these from M-G-M. 

They will get them in full measure in 1941-42. 




OTHER PICTURES IN 
THE MAKING AT 
M-G-^M STUDIOS* 

"THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER"— 
Nelson Eddy ard Rise Stevens; "FEMALE 
OF THE SPECIES"— RosahW Russell, 
Don Ameche, Kay Francis; "HONKY 
TONK"— Clarfe Gable, Lana Turner, Claire 
Trevor; "MARRIED BACHELOR"— 
Robert Young, Ruth Hussey, Feh'x Bressart; 
"THE NEW YORK ^ORY*'— Edward 
G. Robinson, Laraine Day, Edward Arnold; 
"SMILIN* THROUGH"— Jednette 
MacDonald, Brian Ahemc, Gene Raymond; 
"BABES ON BROADWAY"— Micfcey 
Rooney, Judy Garland; "TARZAN'S 
SECRET TREA'SURE"— Jolrnny W'eiss- 
rnuller, Maureen O'SuIh'van, Philip Dom; 
>'THE TWINS"— preta Qarbo, Mclvyn 
Douglas, Constance Bennett; "WOMAN OF 
THE YEAR"— Katharine Uephum, Spencer 
Tracy; "KATHLEEN"— Shirley Temple; 
"I'LL TAKE MANILA"— ElcamwPowell; 




^nnSotlxem; "SHADOW OF THE THIN 
MAN"— William Powell, Myrmt Loy. 




i 




14 EXPLOITATION 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



RKO Cancels Shortwave Pubficity; 
Too Far Ahead of Fix Release 
And Results Bit on Vague Side 



HKO tomorrow (Thursday) winds 
up a 13-week experiment in plug- 
ging Its pictures in Latin-America 
by shortwave airings via NBC and 
placement of transcriptions of the 
shows on local longwavers in Latin 
countries. Results have been vague, 
as only two ol the films ballyed have 
been released in S. A. to date. 

Although HKO has a year's pact 
with NBC, it is exercising a 13-week 
cancellation privilege on the con- 
tention it has no films currently 
which lend themselves to the short- 
wave buildup. Whether RKO will 
return to the air in the fall is as yet 
undetermined. 

Program has been aired twice a 
week over WRCA and WNBL Tues- 
days it has run 30, minutes with a 
dramatization of spenes from forth- 
coming films and Thursdays it has 
been 15 minutes with dramatization 
of the life of a leading player in the 
picture plugged the previous- Tues- 
day. Both days it has aired at 9:15 
p.m. EDST. 

Principal .purpose of the shows 
from RKO's viewpoint has been to 
obtain the transcriptions which were 
made at the time of .the etherizing 
Air plugs three or four months be- 
fore a film's release are figured as of 
little value, assuming even a large 
audience. 

'ET*S Sent Ont 

ETs are sent out by RKO to its 
branch' managers in South and Cen 
tral America. They' are then held 
until a day or two before the film's 
release in the particular territory, 
when they are placed on local long- 
wavers. S^st stations use them for 
free. Prior to granting of FCC per- 
mish for commercial shows to S. A., 
RKO had ^een sending out occasion- 
ally merely the discs, made by a pri- 
vate transcripUon-cutter. 

Deal with NBC was a package at' 
rangement, broadcasting company 
supplying time, actors, writer and 
director. Frank Ortega, director of 
Cine-Mundial, Spanish-language fan 
•mag published in New York, has 
been writing and directing the shows 
under supervision of Mike Hollay, 
RKO's foreign publlplty chief. 

One of the major difficulties has 
been in getting satisfactory Spanish- 
Epeaking players to handle the radio 
roles. There are 4uite a few an- 
nouncers available, but few actors 
and it was necessary to eliminate 
many of them because their accents 
were 'too regional.' 

Among pix which- have been short- 
wave plugged by RKO during the 13 
weeks were 'Girl, Guy and a Gob,' 
'Devil ahd Miss Jones," 'They Met in 
Argentina,' 'Citizen Kane' (Holiy- 
wodd premiere, Instead of usual 
dramatization), 'Hurry, Charley, 
Hurry,* 'Melody for Three,' 'Lady 
Scarface,' 'Parachute Battalion,' 
•Jungle Cavalcade,' 'Reluctartt Dra.?- 
on,' 'Father Takes a Wife,' 'My Life 
With Caroline* and 'Here Is a Man.' 

Players Included Lucille Ball, Jean 
Arthur, Maureen O'Hara, Tim Holt, 
Anna Neagle, - Ginger Rogers, Mi- 
cheUe Morgan, Anna liCe, Gloria 

Shirley. 



NOT SO ALPHONSE-GASTON 

WB-Loew Pool In. Pittsburgh Ex- 
plains Endorsement Ad 



WB ADDS 3 P.A.S 



Kewiaban, Davidson, Sember Join 
H. O. and Field Staffs 



Pittsburgh, July 29. 
Pittsburgh film-going public's eyes 
were opened big and wide when they 
picked up the newspapers last week 
and saw big ads In which Marty 
Burnett, manager of the Penn. en- 
dorsed a picture, Underground,' 
that was coming to the Stanley. 
Copy, In form of an Open Lietter, 
went on to say that 'It Isn't often 
a business man urges you to patron- 
ize his competitor' and then added, 
in signed statement by Burnett, 'In 
fact, if someone had told me I'd ever 
buy newspaper space to urge some 
of my patrons to attend a competi- 
tive theatre, I would have sent for 
a doctor.' 

What general public didn't know, 
however, was that rather than be- 
ing a competitor, Stanley is really % 
sister-house of Penn. Latter spot 
is controlled by Loew's, the Stanley 
by WB but both sites operate In 
Pittsburgh under a pooling agree- 
ment and have for years. 



Three members were added to 
Warner Bros. h. o. and field publicity 
staff during the past week. They are 
Hollis Kennahan, Lou Davidson and 
Hank Sember. * 

Kennahan will handle trade pa- 
pers, freeing Don Carle Gillette for 
an editorial post under press depart- 
ment head Mitch Hawson. 

Davidson and Sember will work 
temporarily in the home office, but 
will later be assigned to the field 
for 'Sergeant York' roadshows and 
other top WB releases. 



M-G ASKS CRIX 
TO'ADOFT 
'STARS' 



Iowa MP. Editors Org. 
To Get Local WB Preem 



Mason City, la., July 28. 

The newly organized Motion Pic- 
ture Editors of Iowa, consisting of 
state newspaper reviewers, has been 
organized,, with David B. Kaufman, 
Mason City Globe-Gazette, (also 
Vahiett correspondent) , president; 
Ted Hammer, Burlington Hawkeye- 
Gazette, v.p., Burton T. Burritt, 
Waterloo Courier, sec.-treas. 

In its first .official step the MPEI 
recommended that Warner Bros, 
hold the world-premiere of 'One 
Foot in Heaven' in Mason City when 
the flicker is released next fall. The 
story, authored by native Mason City 
and Hartzell Spence, a UP executive, 
Js a biography of his father, the late 
Dr. William. -Spence, who was a 
Methodist pastor In Mason City. 



Fifans a 'Morale 
Necessity,' Miami 
Paper Plugs Pix 



Miami, July 29. 

Plea to city council to go easy on 
taxes on admissions, because a week- 
ly visit to the nei^borhood picture 
house is virtually a 'morale neces- 
sity* In the life of the underprivi- 
leged poor, was made last week in a 
widely-quoted column by Bob Fred- 
ericks in the Miami Herald. 

'Before hanging any new taxes on 
the motion picture , customer,' pillar- 
writer scrivened, *I wish our city 
council would give, thought to a let- 
ter which I received some time ago 
from a mother, who is pretty repre- 
sentative of the majority here. 

'This letter pointed out that the 
aggregate income of her family 
wasn't sufficient to provide even the 
bare necessities of life, let alone any 
entertainment. But she said some 
entertainment Is absolutely essential 
to a wholesome an.d healthy family 
atmosphere. And so they did with- 
out other, necessities in order to take 
in a movie each week, which consti- 
tuted about all the pleasure and en- 
tertainment they had. 

'And so it is. People who are 
struggling to make ends meet don't 
encounter the laughs and joys that 
are mere incidents in the lives of the 
more privileged. On the contrary, 

with cruelties and heartaches that 
make such entertainment as the 
movies doubly essential to the moral 
and spiritual growth of the communi- 
ties in which they live. 

'Thus a motion picture tax amounts 
to a starvation tax — it amounts to a 
tax that will*deny them the nourish- 
ment that is needed to make them 
happy and contented and loyal citi- 
zens.' 



Campaign has been launched by 
Metro to have newspaper critics go 
'all-out* in advance stories and col- 
umns on 'Stars Look Down,* similar 
to the way tlfty support local appear- 
ances of concert stars and other mu- 
sic and art events. 

'We're not suggesting a commer- 
cial crusade to swell the boxofflce of 
your local exhibitor,* memo to critics 
declares, 'because you'll never make 
'The Stars Look Down* into another 
'Boom Town.' But you can help to 
give it a satisfactory engagement 
and thus make possible the produc-. 
tion of other pictures of this type in 
the future.* 

Note suggested that crix 'discover* 
or 'adopt' the picture in their local 
territory 'it you- are one of the edi- 
tors who has been clamoring for bet- 
ter pictures these past few months; 
if you are Interested In increasing 
the public's appreciation of worth- 
while films; if you feel it is the re- 
sponsibility of your newspaper to 
actively encourage and support ar- 
tistic achievements In the cinema as 
well as in music and the other arts.' 

Supplementary memo that went 
out to exhibs at the same time asked 
that they offer to screen 'Stars' for 
the critics. English-made film had 
its preem at the Criterion, N. Y., last 
week. 



YORK' MAY GRIND AT 
$1.101NN.Y.,HOUYW'D 



Nat'l Screen's Merger 

National Screen Accessories, Inc. 
and Advertising Accessories, Inc., 
have been merged into one corpora- 
tion to be known as National Screen 
Service Corp. 

In the future, it will be divided 
into three divisions, a trailer divi- 
sion, a specialty accessory division 
and a standard accessory division. 



Wolves Are Like That 

Hollywood, July 29. 

Columbia sent The Lone Wolf 
Double Cross' Into production yes- 
terday (Mon.) with Warren William 
In the title role and Huth Ford, new- 
comer, as femme lead. 

Edward Dmyti^ directs the Jack 
Fier production. 



Waxman on USO Drive 

Joseph Bernhard, chairman of 
USp Drive, Motion Picture Thea- 
tres Division, hhs appointed A'. P. 
Waxman director' of the campaign. 
Harry Goldberg, advertising man- 
ager of Warner Bros, theatre circuit, 
will be associate director of the cam- 
paign with Waxman. 

The drive starts Labor Day, lab- 
eled USO Theatre Week. 



National release admlsh scale of 
75c to $1.10 is expected to apply on 
'Sergeant York' when it moves on 
Aug. 11 from the Astor, N. Y., to the 
larger WB Hollywood. It will grind 
at the Hollywood instead of playing 
two-a-day at a $2.20 top, which has 
been the policy at the Loew's con- 
trolled Astor. 

Pic, immediately after its trade- 
showing next Tuesday (4), will go 
on general release at the advanced 
admish as a single offering, not part 
of a block of five, WB sales- chief 

While Charles Elnfeld. WB pub Metro's PIU Switch 



Berger s Lyceum, Duluth; Briefs 
From Key City Theatres-Exchanges 



Minneapolis, July 29. 

In a $150,000 deal Bennie Berger, 
independent circuit owner, has ac- 
quired the Lyceum theatre building 
in Duluth. Six-stoiv structure in- 
cludes showhouse, offices and stores. 

At one time the town's legit road- 
show house, Lyceum has been oper- 
ated as a fiJm theatre by the Para- 
mount In recent years. Upon com- 
pletion of the new Northshore thea- 
tre In Duluth, Par circuit gave up 
lease on Lyceum. Berger's plans 
for theatre haven't been decided yet. 

New Bnflalo Zone Houses 

Buffalo, July 29. 

Dunkirk will have a new 1,500 
seater to be built by Clyde Lathrop. 

Kellar Sc. Blakely's new .Grand, 
Westfleld, opened. 

George Biehler's Palace, Hamburg, 
remodeled and air-conditioned: like- 
wise Avondale, at North Tonawanda. 

Jane, daughter of George Rob- 
erts, 20th-Fox district manager, ad- 
mitted to N. Y. State Bar this fall. 

Eddie McBride, of Loew's New 
England division, formerly of thie 
Great Lakes here, announced en- 
gagement to Lillian Degman of Prov- 
idence, wedding to take place in 
fall. 

Charlie Taylor, chief of publicity, 
for the local Shea-Par chain, ill. 

Lou Blumenfeld of RKO, Cleve- 
land, former 20th-Fox Biiffalo office 
manager, vacationing here with his 
family. 

John Collins Is student booker at 
Buffalo's Universal office for the 
summer. 

E. K. (Ted) O'Shea, 'Metro division 
manager and Bry Stoner, manager 
Pittsburgh' Metro office, in town 
with their wives to attend gradua- 
tion of Ted" O'Shea, Jr., from St. 
Joseph Academy. 

Carlos Moore, UA representative 
in India, and his wife have been 
visiting friends here. Moore was 
formerly Buffalo UA branch man- 
ager. They return to India next 
month. 

Daughter of Ben Wallersteln, War- 
ners' district manager in Los An- 
geles, was married in California this 
month. Wallerstein formerly op- 
erated the Bi-oadway here. 

Shea, Bradford, Pa., reopens .short- 
ly under operation of Nick Dioson. 

Philomena Cavanaueh, oldest 
member of the Shea-Buffalo staff, 
back on Job following week's hospi-' 
tallzation due to a fall. 



E. J. Sparks' Vacation Home 

Spartanburg, S. C, July 29. 

E, J. Sparks, who sold his 100- 
house Florida circuit to Paramount, 
has erected $50,000 home In Lake 
View Park, exclusive Asheville, 
N. e., residential section. Since 
1937, Sparks, wno was bioneer the- 
atre owner In Asheville, has re- 
turned for vacations. Now plans to 
spend more time here. 

New Park opened at Hot Springs, 
N. C. 

R. B. Talbert, Soartanburg city 
manager, Wilby - Kincey theatres, 
named 1941-42 entertainment chair- 
man of Spartanburg Lions Club- He 
and Suvern AUen, manager of State, 
will help Chamber of Commerce and 
Retail Merchants Council with Au- 
gust cotton sale and use promotion. 



ad head, flew to Washington from 
N. Y. over the weekend to supervise 
plans for 'Sergeant York' opening 
there, other members of the WB 
staff were dispatched to Asbury 
Park and Atlantic City for similar 
purposes. Handling the A.C. preem 
are Lee Blumberg, of the h.o. press 
staff, and Harry Goldberg, ad man- 
ager for WB theatres. Pic opens at 
the Warner there Aug. 8. Asbury 
Park opening has been advanced a 
week, with film unveiling tomorrow 
(Thursday) under aegis of exploit- 
eers Blumberg, Phil Engel and Mort 
Brill. 

Einfeld .flew from Washington to 
Chicago for sales convention opening 
on Monday (28). 



Washington SendoS 

Washington, July 29. 
Plans for the preem of 'Sgt. York' 
at the Earle here July 31 are now 
complete. After the arrival of Sgt. 
Alvin C. York from Tennessee to- 
morrow (Wednesday), accompanied 
by Jesse Lasky, who produced the 
film for Warners, and Gov. Prentiss 
Cooper of Tennessee, they will be 
greeted by a contingent of congress- 
men. U. S. Marine band will be on 
hand at the station, being the first 
time the band has participated In a 
reception of this kind. 



F.P.-Canadian Powwow 

Executives, managers as well as 
partners of Famous Players-Cana- 
dian Corp. will huddle at Quebec in 
a four-day sales meeting starting 
Au?. 1, J. J. Fitzgibbons, prez, pre- 
siding. ^ 

mmmmM' m utiii 



Pittsburgh, July 29. 
With transfer of Harry Fendrick, 
M-G salesman, to Philadelphia offfce. 
Eddie Moriarity, company's local 
office manager, and Tom Connors, 
Jr., upped to sales posts by Buck 
Stoner, Metro manager here. Other 
promotions as result of these shifts 
include: John Zomnir, from chief 
booker to office manager; Max Sha- 
bason, to chief booker's post; Irving 
Jacobs to second booker and Tony 
Semplice and Eddie Maclnski, from 
student to full-fledged bookers. 

Harry Feinstein, WB circuit's chief 
booker in this zone, placed in charge 
of all film buying for more than 70 
houses in Pittsburgh territory, and 
in addition will supervise bookings 
generally. Actual booking chores, 
however, will be looked after by 
Tony Stern, Feinstein's assistant, and 
Saul Bragan, recently transferred 
here from Warner Cleveland office. 
Stern will handle houses in Pitts- 
burgh, on the Main Line and in 
Eastern Ohio while Bragan will book 
In the Erie area and West Virginia. 

Industry's annual corn roast, an- 
nually one of the big affairs of the 
year, staged this summer as usual at 
the farm of Dr. C. E. Herman, Car- 
negie exhib. Date is Aug. 24 and 
wiU be a star picnic, as per custom, 
William Lampropolos, retired as 
exhib 15 years ago, back in the busi- 
ness again, having just acquired the 
Majestic, PhilUpsburg, Pa. Lampro- 
polos quit originally in 1926 when we 
sold his two Lattobe, Pa., houses. 



the Paramount and the Olympic, to 
Anthony Jim. 

Briefies: Parents of Jimmy Balmer, 
general manager of Harris circuit, 
celebrated 60th wedding anniversary 
recently. .. .Perry Nathan, NSS head 
here, and wife to Cape Cod for a 
vacation. .. .Hayes Garbarino, form- 
er Clairton exhib managing one of 
the Dipson houses lately, now wear- 
ing khaki. , . .Victoria Busch, Par ex- 
change, now Mrs. Carl Kleemann. 

, Denver's Theatre Bldg. 

Denver, July 29. 

John Aliderson ahd Sam Feinstein, 
longtime theatre and film men, are 
building a 600-seat stadium-type 
theatte on Welton street, across from 
the Orpheum. They will 'use what 
is possible of the present building, 
ana expect to open about Sept. 20. 

H. W. Eggert building 200-seat 
theatre at Upton, Wyo. 

Civic Theatres moves up man- 
agers, necessitated by resignation of 
Herbert Thornbrough as manager of 
the Oriental to go with General 
Motors. Bill Slater moves to the 
Oriental job from the Egyptian; Lew 
Williams goes from (ilranada to 
Egyptian, and A. E. McMichael 
moves from the Rex, open part time, 
to Granada. 

William C. Hitter, Universal sales- 
man, moves here from Los Angeles, 
while Art O'Connell goes to the 
salesman job in L^A. 

Promotions at the M-G exchange 
ificlude the moving of Mike Cramer 
from office manager to salesman; 
Jimmy Michaletti from booker to 
office ' manager; Bernard Gold to 
booker with Frank Hale as assistant. 
Charles Dietz of N. Y., exploitation, 
added to the Denver office. 



CleveUnd!s Shifts 

Cleveland, July 29. 
Shifting of PhU Harrington to spe- 
cial salesman's post last week boost- 
ed Dorsey Brown, head booker, to 
Harrington's former job as office 
manager of local M-G exchange. 
Four other men also moved up as 
result of this promotion. John 
Coyne ' made first booker; Jerry 
Whitsell, second booker; Ralph 
Landsmaes, third; and George Bailey 
from cashier to fourth bookers' posi-v 
tion. 

James Fred also arrived here from 
New Orleans, where he supervised 
Universal's exchange, to become 
branch manager of the company's 
Cleveland office. Frew takes place 
vacated by death of Joseph Kauf- 
man last month, Herbert Herste- 
neier, booking films independently 
for 15 houses In Ohio up to now, 
apipolnted new head booker and 
office manager. 

Joseph Unger, eastern division 
sales manager for Paramount, called 
sales meeting here last week attend- 
ed by 95 reps of Par's branches in 
Cleveland, Indianapolis, Cincinnati 
and Detroit. 

Jimmy Harris, new p.a. for Loew's 
State, wrecked new auto driving 
from St. Louis, but escaped with 
only a few pulled tendons. Harris 
last week succeeded Joe Long, who 
was transferred back to Boston as 
publicity director for its Loew 
houses. Harold D. (Chick) Evans 
from chain's St. Louis stand also re- 
placing Maurice Drucker, State's 
manager, who goes to Memphis. 
Cecil Vogel, who handled Loew's 
house in Memphis for eight years, 
brought up to look after local Still- 
man following Ted Teschner's trans- 
fer to the Poll circuit in New Eng- 
land. 

Norman Wheaton, with Warners 



under Charlie Burris at Telenews. 
. . . Sam Reider returning to local 
burlesoue field, where he once man- 
aged the old Prospect and Bandbox, 
to become Roxy's house manager. 

Nat Holt, local RKO division man- 
ager, couldn't break his favorite 
habit of making long-distance calls 
to the RKO Palace gang even on his 
first vacation trip to Canada. 

Although he was staying at an iso- 
lated summer lodge 200 miles north 
of Toronto, Holt drove 50 miles to 
have a 10-minute phone chat with 
his house manager and Clem Pope, 
p.a., in Cleveland. 

Contrary, to what they expected, 
only three or four minutes of his 
long-distance call was devoted to 
business questions. Rest of the time 
he spent telling them of the exciting 
tussle he had catching his first big 
fish. 



Boucher Back to H.O. 

Rochester, N. Y., July 29. 

Frank Boucher, Schine city man- 
ager, here for the last three months, 
ordered back to the home office in 
Gloversville for a new assignment. 
Bud Silverman, manage]- of the 
Madison and former city manager, 
again- takes the reins. Howard 
Helleburg, assistant manager of the . 
Riviera, oecomes acting manager. 

Boucher, former zone manager, 
took temporary ctiarge of the 12 
Rochester- Schine theatres during 
one of the lowest periods in local 
theatre history in effort to find ways 
and means to improve business. . 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 P'SRlEff 




\6 IMTERMATIOMAL 



<TARIETT'fl' LONDON OFFtCB 
■ Bt. MbtUo'" PlBca. Tnifalgmr Sqa 



Reveal U.S. Pix Cos. Have Followed 
Totalitarian Blacklist Even Before 
President Roosevelt OK'd Release 



LORDS LAUD PIX 

House Acknowledges Films As Prop- 
aganda Aid 



Buenos Aires, July 22. 
President Roosevelt's proclamation 
of economic warfare against the 
Axis in this hemisphere, by issuance 
of a 'blacklist' of over .1,800 persons 
and business concerns in Latin- 
America as direct or indirect agents 
of Germany and Italy, permits 
Variety to reveal that such a list 
has been in quiet circulation by U. S. 
film representatives here for some 
time. 

Existence of the boycott had to 
be kept hush-hush because of fear 
not only that publicity might crimp 
the works but that there was an 
actual danger of trouble with local 
government officials, some being sus- 
pected of pro-dictator leanings. 

Announcement by F.D.R. that per- 
sons on the list were to be treated 
as though nationals of Germany and 
Italy means that U. S. film distribs 
located here are now backed by their 
government in refusing to deal with 
them and alsa serves as a guide lot 
future dealings. 

Film companies here have for 
tome time been quietly putting the 
screws on any theatre handling the 
Nazi or fascist product and the word 
has been passed around that any 
exhib showing totalitarian, propa- 
ganda would get no more Holly- 
wood celluloid. In most cases it 
has worked but there have been 
plenty of holes in the program be- 
cause some pro-Nazi firms would in- 
sist they weren't that way at aU. 
Now if they're on the list it won't 
be up to the industry to guess — 
they'll have to convince Washington 
or stay boycotted. 



Havana Pic B.O. Off 



Havana, Jjjjy 22. 

This week's grosses are consider- 
ably off. Possible addition of the Al- 
cazar to the five original first release 
houses cut b.o. all around. However, 
America, with 'Buck Privates,' hit 
the top take. 

Estimates for Week of Jnly 3 

Fansto— 'That Night in Rio' t20th). 
$2,100, good. 

Eneanto — 'Great American Broad- j 
cast' (20th). $1,200, poor. 

America — 'Buck Privates' (U). 
$2,700, o.k. 

Radlo-Clne— 'Liady From Chey- 
enne' (U). $1,500, has seen better. 

Payret— 'Mi Novio Busca a una 
Amante* ('My Boy Friend Is Looking 
for a Girl Friend') and 'Sendas del 
Destino* ("Paths of Destiny') (both 
Mexican). $1,500, poor. 

Naclonal — ^'Chamber of Horrors 
and 'South of Panama.' $900, awful. 

Alcaiar— 'Escape' (M-G). $1,700, 
fine. 



London, July 1. 
Films as propaganda has been 
lauded highly by House of Lords In 
session. 

Government's own Ministry of In- 
formation came in for hefty back- 
slapping, and work its Films Division 
has been doing in educating citizenry 
was singled out by their Lordships 
for special merit. M. of I. films 
branch is run by two trade notables, 
Sidney Bernstein and Jack Bedding- 
ton. 

There have been some rumors re- 
cently that bigwigs would raid the 
setup, with the customary changes 
made. Plot fizzled and Bernstein Is 
still tops. 



Richard Greene 
Gets Arn^ Leave 
For BritKh Film 



'LADY BEHAVE' 
LONDON CUa 



NEW OFFER FOR 
MAXWELL 
CHAIN 



London, July 29. 

Jack Hylton's and William Molli- 
ion's presentation of 'Lady Behave,' 
musical scored a smash success in 
Its opening last week at His Ma- 
jesty's theatre after a provincial try- 
out tour. A long stay is anticipated 
for the show, which features, Stanley 
Lupino, Sally Gray, Oriel Ross, Pat 
Kirkwood, Hartley Power and Ber- 
nard Clifton. 

Another click opening of the week 
(22) was 'Quiet Weekend,' at Wynd- 
ham's, a sequel to the click of sev- 
eral seasons ago, 'Quiet Wedding.' 



16 Mm. Competish 
Irksome to Exfaibs 
In British Provinces 



London, July 29. 
A new syndicate headed by Sir 
John Ma(*Taggart, Scottish builder 
and financier, has opposed Warners 
in the bidding lor the. John Maxwell 
holdings In the Associated British 
Cinemas, Ltd., British theatre em- 
pire. 

Understanding Is that syndicate is 
prepared to top the Warner offer, 
but the Government is inclined to 
favor the American film company's 
offer (about $3,600,000), since the 
big part of the purchase would ^ 
made in dollars. 



Jap-U,S. Asset Freezing Creates 
Diverse Problems for Yank FSms 



Milder to London 

Max Milder, Warner manager In 
Great Britain, unable to hasten a 
visa to Lisbon from the Portuguese 
government, last week clippered to 
England from Canada via the north- 
ern route: He had been delayed more 
than a week attempting to secure a 
visa from Portugal, and finally de- 
cided the northern route would be 
much quicker under the circum- 
stances. 

It was stated prior to his departure 
that any agreement on the proposed 
Warner plan to buy into Associated 
British Cinemas, Ltd., would not be 
settled until his arrivel back in 
XiOndon. 



London, July 1. 
Two Cities will follow up Its 
'Freedom Radio' ('Voice in the Night' 
for U. S.) with 'Story Unpublished,' 
starring Richard Greene, who'll get 
special military leave for the picture. 
Valerie Hobson has been okayed as 
the femme. Yarn is an original by 
A. Mackinnon and Havelock Allen; 
A. de Grunwald writing the. screen- 
play. Harold French to direct. 

Michael Spolianski writing and di- 
recting music for TansA's produc- 
tion 'Jeannie.' He's using London 
Symphony Orchestra. 

J. Arthur Rank will put 'Hard 
Steel' Into work at Denham as soon 
as star Wilfrid Lawson can be 
cleared. Film is based on an orig- 
inal by Roger DaUUas, Lydla Hay- 
ward is signed to do the screenplay, 
for Norman Walker's direction. 
George Carney and Betty Stockfield 
get featured roles. 

British National's 'Seventh Sur- 
.vivor' wasTied up at Teddington. 
Company started immediate produc- 
tiop plans for another 'Old Mother 
Riley' subject at its Rock studios. 
Thomas Bentley directing. 

Louise Hampden, from legit, signed 
by RKQ for a featured role in new 
Saint' subject. 'Meet the Tiger.' 

Leslie Howard does the narration 
on Concanen's documentary, 'Nation 
in Exile,' made in coUaboratiMi with 
the Polish government. 

U.S. Distribs in Move 
For Antip Exliib Peace 

Sydney, July 18. 

Feelers are said to be going out 
from a certain section of the Mo- 
tion Pix Distribs Assn. to the Ex 
bibs' Assn., seeking to bring about 
imity between distrib-exhib. 

Continuous bickerings have been 
going on for a long time between the 
two. 



Fete Weiner's 20 UA Yrs. 

Havana, July 29. 
Federation of Cinema and Theatri- 
cal Writers of Cuba will present 
Henry Weiner, United Artists man- 
ager In this country, with a gold 
medal on Saturday (2). Award will 
be made at a testimonial dinner by 
the entire Industry for Weiner, dean 
of American distribs in Cuba. 

Occasion will also' mark 20 years' 
service with United Artists. 
Other UA Vets 
Three other members of UA's 
foreign staff, in addition to Weiner, 
are rounding out two decades of serv- 
ice with the company. They are 
Enrique Baez, general manager In 
Brazil; Harald Tstrom, manager In 
Sweden, and Emilio Betran, exchange 
.manager in Bilbao, Spain. 

In Brazil, entire UA organization 
la participating in a special 13-week 
sales drive during July, August and 
September to commemorate Baez's 
20 years of service. 

MEX CINEMAS 
FACE STRIKE 
THREAT 



London, July 1. 
from 16 mm. stuff Is 



Competish 

miniature film-fare gratis. There 
have been occasions, according to 
reports, of canteen shows screening 
a feature playing the local house the 
same week. Trade fears the habit 
may grow, that current offerings will 
be playing the local town hall or 
schoolroom. Exhibs are appealing 
to renters to try to curb the habit. 

This troop-camp entertainment Is 
proving a tough one all along the 
line. Instances have been cited of 
direct disregard of the deal made 
between the army chiefs and film 
trade restricting screenings to camps 
far from cinema towns. It's not un' 
likely trouble will flare out once 
trade has future' of the industry 
safely out of the hands of the draft. 




IChas. Mayer Into N. Y. 
For 20th-Fox Talks 

Charles Mayer, 20th-Fox manager 
In the Netherlands and Dutch East 
Indies, came ' into New Yorlt this 
week for home-office confabs. He 
had arrived in U. S. in time to attend 
the national sales convention In Los 
Angeles, coming east after a couple 
of stopofl visits on his way from the 
Coast 

Mayer probably will remain in 
N. Y. lor couple of weeks before 
lieading.baciJt to his .home post in 
Batavia, Java, ^ I- ■ 



Boost Amusement Business in Mexico 



Mexico City, July 29. 
All of Mexico's 851 active cinemas 
face closure or, at best, a sharp cur- 
tailment of service early in. August, 
beoause of a strike move being made 
by the national picture worker.s 
union against the eight American 
distributors In this country to en- 
force Its demands for a new labor 
contract to replace the one that has 
Just expired. 

The Industry here generally con- 
cedes that the strike will material- 
ize, though as yet no formal notice 
of it has been served upon the dis- 
tributors and the Federal Board of 
Conciliation and Arbitration, as the 
law demands. The required new 
pact features an average wage up- 
ping of 50%. Opinion Is that the dis- 
tributors will not meet that demand 
because they consider it excessive. 

It is considered the union will 
make formal demand upon the dis- 
tributors on Aug. 1, and then file 
its denand with the Conciliation 
Board. The opinion along film row 
is that imless the distributers. Par, 
20th-Fox. Metro, Columbia, RKO, 
Warners, Universal apd UA, meet 
this demand forthwith, the strike 
will be called for Aug. 6. 

niere are hints that the Govern- 
ment may. act to avert the strike, for 
currently American pictures domi- 
nate this market by. around 08% and 



f. ^■.... j^ ns )^A.jy^.J D3t'^V»-\ ♦jgasury tugood 
aeai of revenue. 



Freezing of Japanese assets by the 
U. S., followed by the ffeeze order 
by Japan against American funds, is 
the latest headache for American 
film company foreign managers. 

Monetary freezing orders have de- 
veloped three separate problems for 
American picture executives to con- 
sider. First, and most important, 
covers the status of nearly $1,000,000 
in. Japanese notes falling due in part 
next September. These are in tho 
Yokohama Specie bank, San Fr,-<.ii- 
cisco, representing revenues due the 
eight major film companies from 
business covering about 18 Inonths, 
ending late in 1938, in Japan. Major 
companies made the agreement with 
the Japanese government in order to 
maintain a ' comparatively steady 
flow of new pictures into Japan and 
to have some assurance that they 
would be paid off on past business 
at somewheres near parity. 

While a Japanese spokesman in 
N. Y. said his government would pay 
its obligations as far as possible. Wall 
Street did not place much faith in 
this, and sold down Japan bonds 
sharply. Whether the funds in the 
film company note agreement would 
be frozen safely in U. S. under the 
order in Washington is not known 
definitely, but the impression in film 
circles is that the money on these 
notes would be forthcoming. Final 
payment (about four such are due 
starting in September) is due next 
February. 

The second problem concerns rev- 
enues of American distributing com- ' 
panies frozen in Japan. Estimated 
that these, covering 1039- 1940 and 
up to the present, amount to about 
$2,000,000. However, they have been 
frozen since early in 1939; hence, the 
Japanese freeze order is lairgely a 
re-iteration of the former Jap gov- 
ernment edict 

The other problem is the issue as 
to whether U. S. distributors will be 
able to continue doing business in 
Japan. In recent months, Americon 
distribs have been able to distribute 
only at the rate of about 40 features 
per year. Previously, yearly 120 
had b^n shipped to Japan by the 
eight majors while the normal mar- 
ket .is aroimd-240 features. 
. The single bright spot in the com- 
plex picture is that Japanese cinema 
patrons continue to evidence a strong 
desire to see American films. 



Foreign Coin 



^^sContlnued from .page 

new methods which would enable a 
saving on cans and reel spools. 

While no major companies tlius 
far were reported as .especially af- 
fected just now by the blacklist of 
Axis firms in the Latin-America;, 
the foreign chiefs decided that a 
complete check will be made in the 
future to see that no supplies go to 
the blacklisted firms. 

Proposed extra taxes in Cuba and 
new regulations and restrictions in 
Ecuador were brought before the 
session. More definite info is being 
sought on the changes in Ecuador. 



Mexico City, July 29. 

Record Infiux of tourists, the great 
majority of them Americans, who 
this summer are arriving at the av- 
erage rate" of 500 to 600 daily, the 
biggest trade of the kind that Mex- 
ico and this city ^as enjoyed in sev- 
eral years, is benefitting practically 
all branches of local show business. 

Theatres are being helped out of 
the red to a considerable extent by 
what IS called 'curiosity attendance' 
by the visitors. While the bulk of 
this trade goes to ,the revue houses, 
with their international lingo of mu- 
sic, song and dance, and a good deal 
of it to the tent shows, the legit play- 
houses are getting a credible play. 
'Though hardly any of the American 
touriists understand anything of what 
the players say, they go for a' look- 
see, to get a slant on theatre going 
here. Expressive Latin gestures tell 
a lot on the stage and In the audi- 
ence, the U. S. trippers explain. 
And It costs very little to se/e a show 
here, 

. The nitcriei are getting the big- 
gest trade. They had long been in 
a slump. . 



MEX FILM PROD. UP 



Five Fix Being Made, Pointing to '41 
Topping '40 



Mexico City, July 29. 

Picture production here, slow 
for some time, has taken an upward 
swing which promises to at least 
round out 1941 with an output con- 
siderably in excess of that of last 
year, 23 films, the lowest in any 12 
months since 1930, when Mexico 
made a definite start with the pro- 
duction of her first talker. 

Five features are currently In pro- 
duction in local studios. 



White Back to Cuba 

' Herbert White, 20th-Fox manager 
in Cuba, has returned to his home 
post in Havana HMx about two 
mont}is spent in, the U. S^, largely In 
homeoffice confabs. 

White attended the company's salts 
convention in- Los Angela, and then 
sailed for Cuba shortly after h« got 
back to N. Y. last week. 



Pratehett Becalled 

Although American film company 
foreign managers have reached no 
agreement regarding action on the 
proposed new tilt in wages for ex- 
change workers in Mexico, A. L. 
Pratehett, Paramount's manager in 
Central America, ' planed back to 
.Mexico City last Thursday (24). He 
had been called to N. Y. hurriedly 
to outline the demands, of the Mex- 
ico unionists at a Hays office hud- 
dle earlier in the week. Pratehett, 
veteran in Latin-American affairs, is 
regarded as a ke«n observer of de- 
velopments In Mexico and Cuba, 
Hence, his advice was requested by 
foreign chiefs^ 

This latest wage scale demand Is 
one of a long series which have 

S roved an increasing headache to 
', S. distributors in Mexico. The 
new demands were given an Aug. 1 
readline. 



Hutchinson Recupe* 

W. J. Hutchinson, 20th-Fox for 
elgn itales chief, who has been lU at 
his home In N.Y. for the last ftvo 
weeks, will likely be back at his 
desk at tiie end of the week. 
~ Hutchinson'! illness Is reported ■ 
recurrence of previous poor health 
he fullered In recent years, < 



Seen Slated for Aussie 

Sydney, July 29. 

Possible readjustment of import 
restrictions is envisioned by Ameri- 
can film distributors, seeking to ease 
the rental coin freeze now set 
at 62H,% of total revenue, as a result 
of Customs Minister W. Harrison's • 
announcement that some readjust- 
ment may be made shortly for sterl- 
ing exchange countries. Harrison 
made the statement prior to the de- 
parture of a special government 
delegation to U. S. 

Anzac delegation, headed by As- 
sistant Commerce Secretary Mc- 
Carthy, Is seeking an inside lookseo 
on the setup, under the U. S. lease- 
lend law. Will huddle with Austra- 
lian Ambassador Richard G. Casey 
and other high officials in Wash- 
ington regarding the unsouring of 
the Aussie market. 



V. S. Chiefs Annoyed 
Foreign department heads of film 
companies in N. Y. were annoyed by 
earlier cable dispatches which 
quoted -leister Harrison as deny- 
ing reports that the U. S. govern- 
ment had asked any reduction in 
Australian duties in consideration of 
aid giyen under the lease-lend bilL 
U. S. picture companies repeatedly 
have tried to have customers duties 
in Australia materially redqced. 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



IT 



1^ WIN WITH 
SHOWMANSHIP 



TEN VACATION 
TRIPS TO SUN YA 




FOR THE FIVE SHOWMEN 
WHO DO THE BEST COMBDIED 
PROMOTION IN THEIR LOCAL 
COMMUNITIES OF "SUN 
VALLEY SERENADE", THE 
ZOth CENTURY-FOX PICTURE, 
AND SUN VALLEY, THI 



As an incentive to all theatre managers and adver* 

tising men, 20th Century-Fox is offering TEN SUN 
VALLEY VACATION TRIPS to five winnera-^two 
trips to each winner— iii a great showmanship contest I 



The awards will b« made for th« 
five belt local campaigns com- 
bining promotion of "SUN 
VALLEY SERENADE"— th« 
20th C«ntuzy-Fox picture atar^ 
ring Sonja Henie ana John Payne 
wim Glenn Miller and hia Or- 
cheatra — AND SUN VALLEY, 
the glamorous American vaca- 
tionland! 

The contest is to be judged 
strictly on the merits of your 
advertising, publicity and ex- 
ploitation. And by puticipating 
you will be cashing in on 20th's 
tremendous UNION PACIFIC 
TIE-UP FOR "SUN VALLEY 
SERENADE"! 

Get a copy of the special press- 
book supplement describing this 
contest and tie-up at your local 
20th Century-Fox Exchange. 
Read the complete details. Re- 
member that campaigns do not 
necessarily have to be based on 
material in the press-book— orig- 




-- 



CONTEST RULES 



1 The contest is open to all theatre managers and advertising men in 
the United States whose theatres play "Sim Valley Serenade." 

2 Prizes will be awarded for the five best campaigns which combine 
promoticm of *'S\m Valley Serenade," the 20th Century-Fox picture, 
and Suli Valley, the resort. 

3 Ten all-expense two-week vacation trips to Sim Valley, Idaho, will 
be awarded to the five winners. Two trips will be awarded each 
winner and may be taken either winter or summer. 

gL Judges will be: Maurice Kann, Editor of "Boxoffice"; Charles Lewis, 
^ Publisher of "Showmen's Trade Review"; Sam Shain, Editor of 
"Motion Picture Daily"; lay Emanuel, Publisher of "Exhibitor"; 
A-Mike Vogel, Editor of Managers' Round Table Section of "Motion 
Picture Herald"; John Flinn, of the editorial staff of "Variety"; Jack 
Alicoate, Editor and Publisher of "Film Daily" Decisions of the 
judges shall be final. 



3 Prizes v/ill be awarded strictly on the merits of the advertising, 
publicity and exploitation campaigns, regardless of the size of 
communities. 

6 In the event of ties, duplicate prizes will be awarded. 

7 Contest begins August 29, 1941 and continues to and including 
November 15, 1941. The contest appUes to all"Sun Valley Serenade" 
engagements opening within this period.' 

ft All entries must be postmarked no later than midnight, November 
15, 1941. 

0 All material should be placed in books. Campaign books will not 
be returned and no responsibility is assumed for entries. 

in Entries must be sent to "Sim Valley Serenade" Contest Editor, 
444 West 56th Street, New York City. 



18 FILM REVIEWS 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



H. Aldrich for President 



(Continued from page 8) 
'Henry Aldrich for President.' Con- 
tinuing the frantic predicaments and 
triumphs of Clifford Goldsmith's 
teen-age stalwart, this film sequel 
contains numerous fantastic, yet be- 
lievable, situations and lots of solid 
laughs. It should do fairly well in 
first-runs and potently in neighbor- 
hood duals. 

Story deals with Henry's campaign 
for president of the highschool stu- 
dent body. Nominated as a politi- 
cal trick by the snobbish rich boy 
to split the opposition votes, he be- 
comes a real threat in the election 
•when the other candidate, the cute 
girl who has a crush on him, resigns 
In his favor. There are successive 
complications, irj which Henry is ac- 
cused of stealing his rival's speech, 
stuffing the ballot boxes, etc., but he 
and his cronies, Dizzy and pert lit- 
tle Phyllis Michael, save his cause 
In a hectic and overly-farcical di- 



gram messenger with a croaky voice 
— are standard line-deliverers. Thai 
Western Union boy (either George 
Chandler or Steve O'Brien, accord- 
ing to the cast credits) is delight- 
ful. Herb. ' 



Latter part of the picture could be 
profitably trimmed. Airplane ride 
stretches credibility and is trite 
Class B fllm stuff, anyway. Se- 
quence .showing Henry's disgrace, 
particularly a tragic scene with his 
father, could also be cut Latter is 
sincere and genuine, but it's out of 
character with the rest of the fllm 
and will probably make amusement- 
seeking audiences uncomfortable. 
Deletion of some of that footage 
would reduce the running time to 
nearer dual-bill requirements— and 
•Henry for President* is plainly a 
dualer. 

With those Isolated exceptions, the 
picture is shrewdly and skillfully put 
together. It's an audience-satisfler, 
6s Henry and his pals, despite his 
oU-too-boyish blundering. Invariably 
triumphs, while the bullying class- 
mate, the two-faced blonde siren and 
the odious science teacher are all 
property humiliated. ' There are in- 
numerable realistic and diverting 
juvenile touches, several Ingratiat- 
ingly drawn characters and plenty 
of undeniable comedy. 

Film is expertly, if economically, 
produced. It is directed with keen 
eense of character and laugh values 
and a nice feeling for pace. James 
Lvden Is excellent as Henry, while 
Charles Smith is an acceptable Dizzy, 
Mary Anderson is an apoeallng Phyl- 
lis and Vaughan Glaser again 
achieves an attractive blend of wry 
humor as the harried principal. 
John Litel and Dorothy Peterson 
are convlndnc as Henry's -Darents. 
while Lucien Littlefield and K«meth 
Howell are rightly hateful as the 
science teacher and the 'other* boy, 
respectively. Ju«e Preisser over- 
plavs as the schoolgirl siren. 

There are three brief, informal 
Bong numbers, all' arising logically 
from situations. One is a swing vo- 
cal well handled by Miss Preisser. 
Another is a realistic-seemine school 
anthem sung in assembly. Third Is 
a comedy 'camnaign song.' sung by 
Henry's supporters. Authorship of 
the tunes isn't credited 5n the bill- 
ing, nor is the expressively-arranged 
background and cue music. Hobe, • 

PRIVATE NURsk 

aOUi-Fox releoM of Sot M. 'Wurliel pro- 
ducUon. Peaturca Jane Darwell, Btenda 
Joyce, Sheldon Leonard, Robert Loweir, 
Ann Todd, Kay Llnaker. Directed by David 
Burton. Original acttenplay by. Samuel O. 
Engel; camera, VIibII Miller; editor. At 
BeOnetano. Reviewed at tradeahow. N. T., 
July 2i, '41. RunslDS time, 60 MINS. 

Ulsa Adama Jane Darwell 

Mary Malloy Breed* Joyce 

John Wlnton Sheldon Leonard 

Henry Hoyt < Robert Lowery 

Barbara Wlnton Ann Todd 

Belene Kay Llnaker 

Eddie Frank Sally 

Wni. Qoldberx Perike Boroa 

Manager Flower Shop Claire Dti Brey 

Smitty Ixonard Carey 

(G«onrA Chandler 
HoBBcnger Boy« I Steve O'Drlen 



BUY ME THAT TOWN 

Parnmounl ri'loi.nc of Snl C. SlfKfl pro- 
duction. FP.iture.'i I.loyd .N'oinn, (.onslancc 
Moore, Albert Dckkcr. Dlreolcd tiy Eugene 
Fonle. acreonplny by Gordon KnCm: slory, 
Harry A. Gourtain, Murray Dnlllnotr. 
Martin llBCkln; c.nraem, Thi>o.iiii;e Spnr- 
kuhl; editor, Wllliiim Shea. I'levlowwl In 
rrolection noom. N. Y.. July U'8. 'il. Run- 
ning time. OH .M1N9. 

Illckey LloyJ Nolan 

Virginia Conslnni-e Moore 

j..nuie .Mbcrt Dekkcr 

Chink ilor;in .Sheldon I^nnrd 

licnrlctle Barbara Allen 

•Aiggy Ed Droiihy 

Crunher Warren Hymcr 

Fingers Horace MacMnhon 

Constnlile i^am SmeiHey Olln Howlnnrt 

Judge Paradise rtlchnrd Ciiilc 

Gerard f"'' Cameron 

Tom Jnok Ohiipln 

Harry Keith niehnrds 

George Trevor nardelte 

First Heckler John Harmnn 

Second Heckler SI Jenks 

Woman Jane Keckloy 

Carlton Williams Pierre Watkin 

Norton Guy Vaher 

Moftett Tirodcrick O'Farrell 

Buckley J. W. Johnston 

Kancy Lillian "Vnrbo 

Malcolm (FBI Man) Russell Hicks 



profiUble reaction with proper ex- 
ploitation; subsequent runs will find 
it good programmer with proper ex- 
ploitation. Although story is an in- 
cidental framework on which to dis- 
play the Schubert symphonies and 
lighter pieces, it holds together well 
without stress on dramatic punch. 

Struggling Composer Schubert 
(Alan Curtis) escapes from "Vienna 
to Hungary to avoid conscription. 
Ilona Massey, managing the estate of 
Countess Binnie Barnes, falls in love 
with Schubert and lo^es her job in 
trying unsuccessfully to get him at- 
tention at a musicale. The pair jour- 
ney to Vienna, bent on recognition 
for the composer, and finally Miss 
Massey herself tries to persuade pub- 
lishers of Schubert's abilities. She 
even reaches the great Beethoven, 
who insists a symphony be finished, 
but Schubert turns to'schoolteaching 
instead of composing so he might 
properly support her as his future 
wife. Girl returns to Hungary to 
allow Schubert financial freedom 
necessary to continue his musical 
work. Interwoven are slight cut- 
backs of a Schubert concert at Car- 
negie Hall, where a romance be- 
tween a boy and girl blossoms dur- 
ing the program through mutual ap- 
preciation of mu Ic. 
Familiar comedy by BiUy Gilbert 
. and Sig Arno and flustery bluster- 
Tricky plot idea whipped up by jngj Binnie .:arnes, help to light- 
thriee New York boys in their initial the proceedings considerably for 



effort for the screen will probably 
rack up 'Buy Me That Town' as one- 
of the most entertaining B entries 
of the season. Lack of b.o.-powerful 
monikers in the cast and the padding 
necessary to make the fllm run even 
68 minutes, preclude it from top 
rank, but It will serve as an excel- 
lent supporter in the duals. Its 
laugh-provoking burlesque of gang- 
sterism should make it a particularly 
effective teammate for heavy drama 
at the top of the biU. 

Paramovmt has reached into cine- 
maland's racketeer-type grab-bag 
and come forth with every specimen 
extant for this tongue-in-cheek 
treatment of a handful of smart- 
money lads who realize that tbe 
Deweys and FBI's have made beer- 
running, "protection* and the rest of 
the muscle games as corny as a biS' 
tro brawl. So they buy themselves 
a town and go into the business of 
"making It pay.* Overly-bright 
femme- among the - bucolic gentry 
catches on, however, and forces the 
top man — ^through a combination of 
blackmail and romance — to go 
straight and continue making the 
town p^y, but for the benefit of the 
citizenry. The boys find, of course, 
that they can even get to like this 
honest-John operation. 

Lloyd Nolan's the love-taiched 
rodman with Constance Moore the 
voice of his conscience. Both are 
okay, but suffer in tbe comparison 
with the motley characters who 
make' up the townsfolk and the 
members of the Nolan mob. There's 
Albert Dekker as the 'boss's' dumbo 
assistant; Ed Brophy, who becomes 
police chief because of his great per- 
sonal knowledge of the ins and outs 
of the law*; Warren Hymer, who is 
named fire diief because his value 
as a member of the mob had always 
been his ability to glance at a build- 
ing and judge its potentialities for a 
judiciously-placed match, and Rich- 
ard Carle as justice of the peace. 

Eugene Forde has directed to ob- 
tain an unbelievably speedy pace, 
but lets the film down into oc- 
casional bogs with efforts to make it 
somewhat longer than the story con- 
cocted by Harry A. Gourfain (for- 
mer stageshow producer at the 
Strand, N. Y.), Murray Boltinoff and 
Martin Rackin warrants. Gordon 
Kahn did the screenplay. Most 
noticeable of the lapses In editing 
is the effort to paint Barbara Jo 
Allen ('Vera Vague* of radio) as a 
'gangster-fan' who recognizes tbe 
boys from postoffice wanted cards. 

Paramount has given the pic a 
nicely-dressed production. Herb. 



general audiences 

Picture presents eight Schubert 
compositions, including 'Ave Maria' 
and a production finale, in < addition 
to other numbers as background 
music during the action. Much of 
the latter is provided by small 
groups of Instruments in various ar- 
rangements, rather than holding to 
full force and volume of symphonic 
aggregations. It catches attention 
neatly. Sound recording of the 
music is one of the be.-' tracks heard 
in many months, 

Miss Massey sings two numbers 
solo in fine voice and 'Ave Maria,' 
lattc'.- with boy's choir. Miss Mas- 
sey and Curtis play the two leads 
with restraint, and only a tinge of 
romance. Standout is a brief part 
bv Albert Basserman as Beethoven. 
Picture is first production effort of 
William Sekely, with able associate 
duties in hands of Douglas MacLean. 
Direction by Reinho! '. Schunzel car' 
ries narrative along at leisurely 
pace, making most effective presen- 
tation of the musical numbers diS' 
played. Technical contributions 
achieve an artistic production mount- 
ing, with John Mescal's photogranhy 
of high rating. Walt 



Any connotation in the label, 'Pri- 
vate Nurse,' with the life of a mod- 
em-day Florence Nightingale is 
strictly coincidental. This is a poor 
one. 



After wandering (or weeks in search 
of another landine, under guidance 
of Rains, Montgomery lands perma- 
nently in the Body of a contender 
for the championship who is 
murdered in thft ring by gamblers— 
and miraculously gets off the floor 
to win the title. From clues dropped 
along the way, both Montgomery's 
manager, James Gleason, and Miss 
Keyes recognize his personality and 
soul in the new body, and it all ends 
well. 

Montgomery hits a peak with a 
new characterization of the fighter 
and victim of a Heavenly mistake. 
His portrayal is a highlight in a 
group of excellfnt performances, 
and will do much to add brilliance 
to his marquee voltage. Miss Keyes 
displays plenty of charm, person- 
ality and ability as the girl, and role 
will get her both atidience and 
critical attention. 

Rains and Gleason click effectively 
with standout performances. Former 
is the amused director who is in- 
visable to all except Montgomery 
and the audience, with the major as- 
signment of getting Montgomery 
back on earth in accord with cosmic 
requirements. 

Gleason scores as the fast-gabbing 
fight manager,, who is bewildered by 
the proceedings. His performance 
can be compared with his stage ap- 
pearance in 'Is Zat So?'. Through- 
out, Gleason hits comedy peaks for 
laughs that drown out dialog of fol- 
lowing scenes. Donald MacBride, as 
the police investigator, also gets 
tangled up in the maze of weird 
happenings; and Horton adds comedy 
to Ills role of the Heavenly Mes- 
senger. Rita Johnson and John 
Emery are good in minor appear- 
ances. 

Direction by Alexander Hall sus- 
tains a fast pace- throughout, concen- 
trating on a strplght linft presenta- 
t*(>n of the talc with expert liandling 
of characters and wringing utmost 
inter(»t out of every scene. Script 
prepared by Sidney Buchman and 
Seton I. Miller is excellently con- 
tr'ved. 

Photography by Joseph Walker is 
topnotch throughout; and picture re- 
sorts to process work for minimum 
amoimt of footage. Producer Everett 
Riskin has assembled and dovetailed 
one of the most entertaining pictures 
to be issued fmm Columbia in some 
time. Walt 



HOLD THAT GHOST 

(WITH SONGS) 

HollywocJd, July 26. 
Universal release of Burt Kelly and 
Qlenn Tryon production. Stars Rud'Ab* 
bott and Lou Coslello; features Ted Leuis, 
Andrews Sisters. Directed by Arthur 
Lubln. Screenplay by Robert Lees, Fred 
Rlnaldo, John Orant: original by Lees and 
Rinaldo; camera, Edwood Bredcil and Jo- 
seph Valentine; editor, Philip Cahn; dia- 
log director, Joan Hathaway; asst. direc* 
tor, Gilbert J. Valle. Previewed at Alex- 
ander, Glendnle,' July 2,1, Running 
time. 8S MIM8. 

Chuck Murray Bud Abbott 

Ferdinand Jones Lou Costeilo 

Doctor Jnckson Richard Carlson 

Camilla Brewster .....Joan Davis 

Gregory Mischa Auer 

Norma Lind Evelyn Ankers 

Cbarlle Smith Marc Lawrence 

Soda Jerk Shemp Howard 

Bannister Russel Hicks 

Moose Matson ....William Davidson 

Ted Lewis and His Entertainers 
The Andrews Slaters 



Here Comes Mr. Jordan 

Hollywood, July 23. 
Columbia release of Everett Rlskln pro. 
ductlun. Stars Robert Montgomery, Claude 
Rains. Evelyn Keyes. Directed by Alex- 
ander HaU. Screenplay by Sidney Buch- 
man and Seton I. Miller; from play 
'Heaven Can Wait' by Harry Segnll; cam- 
era, Joseph Walker; editor, Viola Law- 
rence: Asst. director, William Mull. Pre- 
viewed at Alexander. Glendale, July 22, 
'41. Running time, ti MINB. 

Joe Pendleton Robert Montgomery 

Bette Logan Evelyn Keyes 

Mr. Jordan Claude Rains 

Julia Farnsworth Rita Johnson 

Messenger T013 Edward Everett Horton 

Max Corkle James Olcoaon 

Tony Abbott John Kmcry 

Inspector Williams Donald MacBride 

Lefty Don Costeilo 

SIsk Halliwell' Hobbes 

Bugs Benny Rubin 



1940-41 Releases 



Yam Is not only lacking In plotlg.^SJJf *JXtl2^V associate^, producer 



NEW WINE 

(WTTH SONGS) 

Hollywood, July 29. 
United Artists release of Gloria (William 



substance but also romantic Interest 
firenda Joyce makes a delectable 
nurse, but a pretty gal without a 
feller — so what? "Two preposterous 
(even for films) cases in the life of 
a pair of angels of mercy don't 
make a picture — not even a 60-min- 
ute one. 

Scripter Samuel G. Engel picks up 
Miss Joyce in New York broke. She 
runs into a hard-bitten but soft- 
hearted bldtimer, Jane Darwell, and 
together they go out on cases. First 
is a wack (Robert Lowery) who gets 
drunk and gives crazy parties; all he 
requires is a cold bath and some 
sleep. Next is a kid (Ann Todd) 
whose father (Sheldon Leonard) is 
a mobster who is separated from his 
wife; all he needs is strong language 
from Miss Darwell to effect a re- 
conciliation with the fisu (Kay 
lilnaker) for the benefit of the child. 
That's all, there ain't no more. 

Dialog goes' along with the plot. 
Fadeout line is: 'As Mrs. Goldberg 
says, 'It shouldn't heppen to a dug'.' 
You can work J>ackwards from there. 

Brenda Joyce looks lovely in 
white. Miss Darwell looks — and acts 
— very -efficient Little Ann Todd is 
a bit too much the 10-year-old ac- 
tress. Otjiers in tbe cast^-except 
for a Western Union singing tele- 



RINGSIDE MAISIE 

(ONE SONG) 

Metro release of J. Walter Ruben pro- 
duction. Stars Ann Soihern; features 
George Murphy, Robert Sterling. Directed 
by Bdwln U Harln. Original screenplay 
by Mary C. Mc'Call, Jr.; camera, Charles 
Lawton; music, David Snell; editor, Fred- 
erick T. Smith. Previewed In projection 
room, N. Y.; July 23, '41. Running time, 
86 MIN8. 

Mdlsle Ravler Ann Sothern 

Skeets Mogulre George Murphy 

Terry Dolan Robert Sterling 

Virginia O'Brien Virginia O'Brien 

Cecelia Reardon Natalie Thompson 

Mrs. Dolan. .-7 Macgant MoSat 

Chotsle Maxle Rosenbloom 

HIcky Du Prez Jack -La Rue 

Vic 'Rngs' Ragland 

Conductor Oscar O'Shea 

Peaches John Indrlsano 

Jitterbug V Roy Lester 

Jacktc-Boy Duffy Eddie SImms 

Dr. Kramer Jonathan Rale 

Dr. Toylor Pumell Pratt 



Douglas MncLean; stam Ilona Massey and 
Alan Curtis; features Binnie Barnen, Al- 
bert Basserman, Billy Gilbert. Directed 
by Reinhold Schunzel. Original screenplay, 
Howard Estabrook and Nicholas Jory; 
camera. John Mescnll; music director. An,- 
thnr Outraann; editor, James E. Smith. 
Previewed In studio projection room July 
2. '41. Running time, tt MIN6. 

Anna .Ilona Maasey 

Franz Schubert Alan Curtla 

Countess i. Binnie Bamea 

Beethoven Albert Basaerman 

Poldl Billy Gilbert 

Bookkeeper Sterling Holloway 

Hassllnger Richard Carle 

Clerk John Qualeo 

Duke Barnett Parker 

Maestro Sig .\mo 

Principal ....Gilbert Emery 

Mitzl.. Marlon Martin 

Morlts Forrest Tucker 

PeppI George O'Kanlon 

Wllhelm ....Maynard Holmes 

Karl Erno Verebes 

Foreman Paul Sutton 

Soldier Lou Merrill 

Young Clrl at Carnegie Hall.. Ann Stewart 
Young Man Kenneth Ferrlll 



Picturing a brief biog.aphical epi- 
sode in the life of Franz Schubert, 
'New Wine' takes fullest advantage 
of the noted composer's musical 
works for both incidental presenta- 
tion and background accompaniment. 
Result is a display of fine music 
aimed at class ' and musical audi- 
ences particularly. Key spots cater- 
ing to carriage trade will catch 



'Here C^omes Mr. Jordan' with 
plenty of explosive laughs geared 
for widest audience appeal It's com- 
pactly-packaged entertainment and 
a strong money attraction for the 
late summer solo bookings. Picture, 
requiries intensive advance exploita- 
tion to get it away from the barrier, 
but will btiild strong through the 
favorable word-of-mouth to gener- 
ate holdovers in many spots. 

A foreword warns the audience 
that this is a fantastic tale, but fias- 
cinating to listen to. Harry Segall's 
play (which hit a detour for Broad- 
'wr.- • production). Ihen.. proceeds to 
do as promised — ^with an abundance 
of laughs tossed in for good measure. 
Result is a neat blending of expert 
direction, excellent performances 
throughout, an ingeniously-devised 
script that takes fullest advantage 
of the entertainment factors, and one 
of the top displays of smooth-flow- 
ing film editing seen in some time. 

Story humorously poses the theory 
of reincaranation of a personality 
and soul that has been snatched 
from its earthly body SO years be- 
fore the cosmic schedule, Robert 
Montgomery is an aggressive prize- 
fighter, deternuned to be champ, 
with an airplane and -saxophone as 
hobbies. Flying from training camp 
to New York, the plane crashes, and 
Montgomery is snatched by Heavenly 
messenger Edward Everett Horton 
from his earthly body, and taken to 
Heaven for celestial registration. 
When It is found Montgomery's ar- 
rival _ is premature, and his earthly 
body 'has already been cremated to 
prevent replacement, it's up to 
registrar Claude' Rains (Mr. Jordan) 
to secure another body suitable to 
Montgomery. Latter wants a good 
physical specimen so he can still be- 
come champ, and agrees to try one 
of, a rich playboy just murdered by 
letter's wife and coimiving secre- 
tary. In this body, retaining his own 
soul, Montgomery falls in love with 
Evelyn Keyes, daughter of a duped 
financial agent. Montgomery saves 
the girl's father from jail by return- 
ing millions to investors, but then 
has to get out of that body into an- 
other — as the secretary snoots him. 



This is flfth in the series of 'Maisie' 
pictures from Metro, featuring Ann 
Sothern in the characterization of a 
young Brooklyn miss trying to get 
along the hard way. It follows the 
groove and pattern of its predeces- 
sors as conceived by Mary C. Mc- 
Call, Jr., and produced by J. Walter 
Ruben. It is probably typical of the 
least pretentious type of films made 
by Metro and carries some small 
boxoffice value because of the con- 
tinuity. Removed from tl\e series, 
'Ringside Maisie,' on its own. Is a 
low budgeted production and exhibi- 
tion filler. 

Miss Sothern Is a capable come- 
dienne, distinctly pleasant to gaze 
upon, and talented far beyond the 
m^iterial handed to her in the cur- 
rent release. 'Ringside,' as the title 
suggests, is comedy about the prize 
fight racket It is high school Ac- 
tion, a symjKJsium of familiar cliches. 
Moreover, it's the story about a 
young battler and his money-mad 
manager. Maisie is just a training 
camp second. 

To brighten the action, several 
personality players have a round or 
two with the camera and then dis- 
appear from the film; 'Rags* Rag- 
land, late of 'Panama Hattle* on 
Broadway, does a short piece of 
sparring with the audience as a 
small time vaudeville agent He is 
knocked out quicker than Firpo, 
after contributing a telephone scene. 
Virginia O'Brien sings a dead-pan 
version of 'Gilded Cage* in a cab- 
aret set, and that lets her out. Maxie 
Rosenbloom, as the young hero's 
fight trainer, rates more footege than 
the others, but not nearly enough. 
Maxie gives the idea that there's a 
wisecrack coming any moment, but 
he never gets a cHahce. . *r; 

In a costume cut much lower than 
kindly Mature demands. Miss Sothern, 
strives valiantly with some slangy 
lines to gain a few chuckles. 'niere*s 
a touch of romantic interest between 
her and George Murohy, who plays 
the fight manager. Robert Sterling 
is the boy scrapper who takes a very 
realistic pushing around in the ring. 
Best acting bit in the niece, because 
it is sincere, Is provided by Eddie 
Slmms, a pug, . 

The next 'Maisie' ought to be about 
Maisie. Flin. 



Projecting Bud Abbott and Lou 
Costeilo against the background of a 
haimted house, with the usual 
comedic and tiirlll situations en- 
gendered via such a setting, 'Hold 
That Ghost' catches effective audi- 
ence reaction. Picture, third in star- 
ring series for the comedy duo, will 
hit a merry and profitable stride in 
boxoffices of the regular runs, and 
rate general holdovers in the sum- 
mer key bookings. 

'Hold l^at Ghost', was originally 
produced prior to general release of 
'Buck Privates,' and after*Universal 
took a gander at b.o^ reaction of the 
latter, was held over until 'In the 
Navy' weighed anchor for a tour of 
the theatres. Originally slated as a 
comedy programmer, added time al- 
lowed studio to rewrite start and 
finish for inclusion of Ted Lewis and 
his band, and the Andrews Sisters 
for two songs. Burt Kelly piloted 
the original production, as producer, 
but after click of the comedy pair 
in 'Buck Privates,' and departure of 
Kelly to Paramount, Universal execs 
decided that 'Hold That Ghost' (al- 
ready in the cutting room) needed 
added b.o. values to raise it to a 
major attraction — so Glenn Tryon 
was delegated to handl% tbe added 
material at start and finish with Ted 
Lewis and the Andrews Sisters. 
That's the reason for the dual pro- 
ducer credits. 

Although the story utilizes me- 
chanical devices and foolproof situ- 
ations for Abbott and (Jostello to 
play with in the spooky atmosphere 
of a deserted tavern, it depends on 
its own dialog and situations to get 
across the laughs without inclusion 
of the Abbott-Costello routines that 
have already become familiar and 
threadbare in the comics' previous 
fllm appearances. 

Despite the eerie setting, which is 
a familiar one for the haunted house 
formula, situations are neatly set up 
to make Costeilo and Joan Davis 
the major victims of the surprise 
happenings. As result, episodes fall 
on top of each other with crazy and 
ridiculous happenings that are still 
good for hefty laughs despite audi- 
ence familiarity and forewarning of 
what's coming. 

Opening finds the two comedians 
as waiters in a night club operated 
by a mobster. This allows for pres- 
entation of the Ted Lewis aggrega- 
tion and the Andrews Sisters, and 
some broadly sketched comedy by 
Abbott and Costeilo. Fired from that 
job, the pair operate a gas station to 
become beneficiaries of the gang 
leader's will when they accompany 
him on his last ride. Major asset is 
a deserted tavern in the country, 
which they visit with a young doc- 
tor, girl and former radio performer. 
From there on it's a crazy quilt of 
zany situations and wild scampers 
through the hostelry; with other 
mobsters essaying the synthetic ghost 
to drive the group out so the secreted 
fortune of the leader can be found. 
O)stello stumbles on the cache, and 
the two boys turn the place into a 
Toadhouse for a satisfactory finish. 

Post-production insertion of musi- 
cal and sonflnterlndes-by-TeJ -Lewis • - 
and the Andrews Sisters gets the 
picture away to a flying start, but 
the flnale with the entertainers on 
again is nothing more than an anti- 
climax. Lewis is in great form, 
opens with his old theme song, 'When 
My Baby Smiles at Me,' and then 
swings into his standard rendition of 
'Me and My Shadow.' The Andres 
then deliver a socko arrangement of 
'Sleepy Serenade,' which is geared 
for pop attention. Finale brings on 
the band and trio again, with the 
Andrews Sisters singing 'Aurora' 
(already a pop tune in the juke- 
boxes) with male chorus accom- 
paniment 

Abbott and Costeilo romp merrily 
through the various situations set 
up, the latter bearing the brunt of 
tne weird situations set up for maxi- 
mum laugh reaction. Miss Davis 
also clicks in major fashion with her 
comedic surprise throughout the pro- 
ceedings, and is an excellent laugh 
teammate for. Costeilo. 

Richai4^ Carlson is the serious 
young (lector, while Evelyn Ankers 
is the girl who falls in love with him 
during the night of weird happen- 
ings. Marc Lawrence, Russell Hicks, 
WUUam Davidson and Mischa Auer 
provide adequate support in minor 
roles. 

Arthur Lubln, director of the two 
previous duo starring pictues, carries 
this one along at a fast pace, high- 
lighting every possible situation 
available for laugh purposes. Script 
provided by Robert Lees, Fred Rin- 
(Continued on page 20) 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



TRADE SHOWINGS 

(From July 30-Aug. 9) 

(Alphabeticallv arranged according to Exchange City, and chronologltaUy 
(equenced according to calendar date and hour of screenings. A ready 
reference for all exhibitors, embracing ALL the five major distributors 
under one table. This will be brought up to date each week, listing the 
schedule of releates for the ensuing 10 days from VABiErv's date of publica- 
tion. Leocnd: T. for Theatre; P. R. for Projection Room.) 



ALBANY 

WED, JULY SO (2 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Delaware T. 
MON., ADO. 4 (1 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), 79 N. Pearl St. 

ATLANTA 

WED., JDLT 3* (10:30 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par). Par. Exchange, 
WED., JULT St (11 a.m.). 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Rhodes Center T. 
FBI, ADC. 1 (2 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG). Belmont T., Nashville. 
MON., AUG. 4 (11 a.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), RKO P.R. 

BOSTON 

WED., JrliT 30 (2 p.m.). Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Paramount Exchge 
MON., AUG. 4 (2 p.m.), 'Sergeant York" (WB), 20th Cent.-Fox P.R. 

BUFFALO 

WED., JULY 30 (2 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn* (Par), Niagara T. 
THURS., JDLT 31 (11 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Regent T., Syr'c'se 
MON., AUG. 4 (11 a.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), 20th Cent.-Fox P.R. 

CHARLOTTE 

WED., JULY 30 (10:30 a.m.). 'Down in San Diego' (MG), SUte T., Asheville. 
WED, JULY SO (10:30 a.m.), 'Down San Diego' (MG), Wayne T.. Goldsboro. 
WED, JULY 30 (10:30 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Par. Exchange. 
MON, AUG. 4 (10 a.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), Par. Exch. P.R. 

CHICAGO 

WED, JULY 30 (10:30 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), World Pl'yhouse. 
MON, AUG. 4 (10:30 a.m., 2 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), Warner P.R 

CINCINNATI 

WED, JULY SO (10 a.m.), 'Down San Diego' (MG), Capitol T., Charleston. 
WED, JULY 30 (2 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawnt (Par), Forest T. 
MON, AUG. 4 (2 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), RKO Scr. Rm., Palace T. 

CLEVELAND 

WED, JULY 30 (1:30 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn* (Par), Lake T. 
THUBS., JULY 31 (2 p.m.), 'Down San Diego' (MG). Uptown T., Yo'ngst'n. 
THUjBS., JULY 31 (2 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Ohio T., Toledo. 
MON, AUG. 4 (2 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), Warner Exch. P.R. 

DALLAS 

WED, JULY 30 (9:30 a.m.), 'Down San Diego' (MG), Texas T., San Antonio. 
WED, JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), White T. 
FBI, AUG. 1 (10 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Broadway T., Lubbock. 
MON, AUG. 4 (10:30 a.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), 20th Cent.-Fox P.R. 

DENVER 

WED, JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Henry Aldrich for President* (Par), Par. Ex. 
WED, JULY 30 (2 p.m.), 'New York Town' (Par), Paramount Exchange. 
MON, AUG. 4 (8 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), Paramount P.R. 

DES MOINES 

WED, JULY 30 (1 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), IngersoU T. 
WED, JULY 30 (2:30 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), IngersoU. 
MON, AUG. 4 (12:45 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), 20th Cent.-Fox P.R. 

DETROIT 

WED, JULY 30 (1:30 pjn.), 'Down San Diego' (MG) , E'st'wn T, Gr. Rapids. 
WED, JULY 30 (1:30 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Vogue T. 
MON, AUG. 4 (2 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), Detroit Film Bldg. 



,WED, 
MON, 



WED, 
WED, 



WED., 
WED, 
MON, 



WED, 
WED, 
MON., 



New York Theatres 



2ND WEEK 

JAMES CAGNEY 
BETTE DAVIS 

Id • New Warner Bros" Hit 

pkbTon PHIL HARRIS 

and Hill Orchestra 

STRAND B'waY&47St. 



NEW YORK'S 
FUN CHAMP 



mSIDE MAISIE" 

■tarrinc 
AXS SOTH^N 
A Mttro-Goldwyn-Mayw Picture 




iNOW PLAYING 

GAflY COOPER 

.5SCS?FAlliT YORK' 

A MEW IVABNER BROS. HIT 
A^V^n BROADWAY 
M9 I wll and45THST. 
AIR-CONDITIONED 



MUSIC HALL 

HELD OTEB 

GINGER ROGERS in 

*Toin, Dick and Harry' 

Spsctaeular Stage Production! 



U PiriM 

"•nX. "ICHMAN 
Wlllto HOPPE 



■ Uut Tint! w>d! 

■ "THAT 

■ UNCERTAIN 

■ FEELINQ" 

I 



Sttrtl Thiir.,iulv3l 
"ADVENTURE IN 
WASHINOTON" 
Nerberl Vlrglnlt 
Minhtll • Brun 



In PerMR 
BtTTT WOOD 
{.ury ADLER 
CMl DALEV 
Jm RINE8 
and Hli Orch. 



^"COMnXTELYDOJCHTFUL" •»»'-^'^ 



^jrjata BROADWAY ^Sl,:? 



'a^ tggjfo Show Sunday o» 3i40 K M.l -^^ 



PARAMOUNT 



John Wajnf 
Itettr Field 
Harry Canj 

In Ilirolcl ma 
Wrltlit't 
"THE 
SHEPHERD OF 
THE HILLS" 
A Pirsinoujil Pic- 
ture Id Tecbnlcolor 



IN FERSQN 
THE FOCB 
' INK arOTB 
EKSKI>'E 
HAWKINS 
AND BAND 



BE CABEFDL, KISS 

Hollywood, July 29. 

Nancy Kelly, on loanout from 
20th-Fox, Is assigned to co-star with 
Richard Carlson at Paramount In 
'Dangerous Holiday.' 

Spy melodrama rolls this week 
with Bobert Siodmak directing. 



PICTURES 19 



INDIANAPOLIS 

WED, JULY SO (1:30 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Hamilton T. 
MON, AUG. 4 (10 ajn.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), Paramount P.R. 

KANSAS CITY 

WED, JULY 30 (12:30 p.m.), 'Aldrich for President' (Par), Uptown, Wichita. 
WED, JULY 30 (1 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Vogue T. 
WED, JULY 30 (2:30 p.m.), 'New York Town' (Par), Uptown T., Wichita. 
THURS, JULY 31 (12:30 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Uptown, Wichita. 
THURS, JULY 31 (2:30 p.m.)^ 'Nothing But Truth' (Par), Uptown, Wichita. 
MON, AUG. 4 (4:20 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), 20th Cent.-Fox P.R. 

LOS ANGELES 

WED., JULY 30 (10 a.m.); 'Hold Back, the Dawn' (Par), Paramount Exch. 
MON., AUG. 4 (1:30 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), Paramount P.R. 

MEMPHIS 

WED, JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Paramount Exch. 
MON., AUG. 4 (10:30 a.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), Paramount P.R. 

MILWAUKEE 

WED, JULY 30 (1:30 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn* (Par), Colonial T. 
MON., AUG. 4 (2:30 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), 2Cth Cent.-Fox PJl. 

MINNEAPOLIS 

WED, JULY 30 (2:30 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Rialto T. 
MON., AUG. 4 (I p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), Warner PJl. 

NEW HAVEN 

WED., JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Whitney T. 
WED, JULY 30 (2:30 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Lawrence T. 
MON, AUG. 4 (10:30 a.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), Warner T. P.R. 

NEWARK 

THURS, JULY 31 (U a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Cameo T. 



NEW ORLEANS 

JULY 30 (10:30 ajn.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Paramount Ex. 
AUG. 4 (2 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' <WB), 20th Cent.-Fox P.R. 

NEW YORK CITY 

JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Normandle T. 
JULY 30 (10:45 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Astor T. 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

JULY 30 (9:30 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Majestic T., Tulsa, 
JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Paramount Exch. 
AUG. 4 (1 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), 20th Cent.-Fox P.R. 

OMAHA 

JULY 30 (1:15 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Dundee T. 
JULY 30° (3 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Dundee T. 
AUG. 4 (1 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (AVB), 1502 Davenport St. 

PHILADELPHIA 



WED, JULY 30 (2 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Aldine.T. 
WED, JULY 30 (3:30 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth* (Par), Aldine T. 
MON, AUG. 4 (10:45 a.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), 1220 Vine St. 



WED, 
WED, 
WEb, 
WED, 
WED, 
MON, 



PITTSBURGH 

JULY 30 (11 a.m.), 'Down San Diego' (MG), Morgan T., M'rg'nt'wn. 
JULY 30 (11 a.m.). 'Down San Diego' (MG), Academy, MeadvUle. 
JULY 30 (2 p.m.), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), Shadyside T. 
JULY 30 (2 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Rivoli T., Altoona. 
JULY 30 (3:30 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), Shadyside T. 
AUG. 4 (2:30 p.m.). Sergeant York' (WB), Warner T. P.R. 



PORTLAND, ORE. 



WED, JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Esquire T. 
WED, JULY 30 (1:30 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Esquire T. 
MON., AUG. 4 (2 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), Star Film Exch. 

ST. LOUIS 

WED, JULY 30 (10:30 a.m"), 'Buy Me That Town' (Par), S'Renco P.R, 
WED, JULY 30 (1:30 p.m.), 'Nothing But the Truth' (Par), S'Renco PJl, 
MON., AUG. 4 (2:15 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), S'Renco, P.R. 

SALT LAKE CITY 

WED, JULY 30 (1 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Paramount Exch. 
THURS, JULY 31 (2 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Fox T, Butte. 
MON, AUG. 4 (2 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), 26th Cent.-Fox P.R. 

SAN FRANCISCO 

WED, JULY 30 (1:30 p.m.). 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Paramount Exch. 
MON, AUG. 4 (1:30 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), Republic P.R. 

SEATTLE 

WED, JULY 30 (1:30 p.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Egyptian T. 
MON, AUG. 4 (2 p.m.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), Jewel Box P.R. 

WASHINGTON 

WED, JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (Par), Sylvan T. 
WED, JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Dawn' (Par). Rialto. T., Baltimore. 
WED, JULY 30 (10 ajn.), 'Dawn' (Par), Capitol T, Richmond. 
WED, JULY 30 (10 a.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Park T., Roanoke. 
WED, JULY 30 (1 p.m.), 'Down in San Diego' (MG), Circle T. 
THUBS, JULY 31 (10:15 a.m.), 'San Diego' (M-G), Rialto T., Baltimore. 
FBI, AUG. 1 (11 a.m.), 'Down in- San Diego' (MG), Capitol T., Richmond. 
MON, AUG. 4 (10:30 aJn.), 'Sergeant York' (WB), Earle T. P.R. 



Early Legit 

^otatinned from pace 3; 



son. Around 40 new shows of all 
types, are in various stages of pro- 
duction, some being tried out in sum^ 
mer spots, but the majority being 
more carefully readied. The list of 
producers and shows includes: 

Herman Shumlin: The Mazda 
Minds'; Theatre Guild: 'Candle in 
the Wind' (with the Playwrights), 
'Hope for a Harvest,' 'Love in Our 
Time'; Shuberts: 'Crazy House,' 
'Mardi Gras,' 'Thracian Horses'; Max 
Gordon 'New Orleans' and an un- 
titled play by George S. Kaufman 
and Edna Ferber; Guthrie McClintic: 
play by Bertram Block and Isobet 
Leighton, 'Mary Poppins'; George 
Jessel, The High Kickers,' "The Sun 
Field'; Gilbert Miller: 'Anne of Eng- 
land'; George Abbott; 'Young Man's 
Fancy,' 'Not for Love'; Brock Pem- 
berton; 'Two Story House'; Aldrich 



Myers: 'Western Union, Please,' 
'John Burgess, Berlin'; John C. Wil- 
son: 'Blithe Spirit' (Noel Coward), 
'Peep Show'; John Tuerk; 'The Dis- 
tant City'; Billy Rose: 'Clash by 
Night"; George.. S. Kauf;nan: 'Mr. 
Big"; Warners: 'Banjo Eyes' (Eddie 
Cantor); Dwight Deere Wiman: 
'Solitaire'; Mr. and Mrs. Julian 
Olney: 'Village Green'; Vinton 
Freedley: 'Let's Face It,' 'Family 
Honeymoon'; William Saroyan: 'Jim 
Dandy' (and others); Luther Greene: 
'Walk Into My Parlor'; Arthur Hop- 
kins: .'Zulmira'; Metro: 'Mr. Wookey* 
('We Fought at Arques'); Otto 
Preminger and Norman PincUs: The 
Great Whitewash'; 'Women Aren't. 
Angels,' Lee Ephriam-Morris Sara- 
noft: 'Keep Covered'; Oscar Serlin; 
'A. P.,' 'Dutch Vet,' 'Nijinskl'; 
Albert Lewis: The Walking Gentle- 
man'; Maurice Evans: 'Macbeth'; 
William A. Brady: 'Miss Nelly of N* 
Orleans' (revival); John Meehan: 
'Friend for a Nickle'; 'Dollar Top 
Theatre: 'Nine Day Wonder,' 



Notice of 

TRADE 
SHOWINGS 

For Exhibitors 



'SERGEANT YORK' 

(Warner Bros.) 

ALBANY ..... AUe. 4 

1:00 P. H.. TO N. Pearl Mmt 

ATLANTA. . . . AUG. 4 

11:00 A. H, BKO Scr. Bm, . 

BOSTON AUG. 4 

(KM p. M., ZOIh Ceot.-Foz Stw. IMn. 

BUFFALO AUG. 4 

11:00 A. yf., XOth Cent.-Fox Bcr. Rm. 

CHARLOHE . . AUG. 4 

10:00 A.M., FaramiHUit Exch. Scr. Bm. 

CHICAGO AUG. 4 

10:30 A. .M. and 2:00 
p. v., WaxB»T Scr. Bm. 

CINCINNATI . . AUG. 4 

t.-OO p. H, BKO Scr. 
Bm,. Palacs Theatre 

CLEVEUND . . AUG. 4 

2:00 P. M., Warner Exch, Bcr. Hja. 

DALLAS AUG. 4 

10:Se A. M., 20th Cent.-Fox Scr. I}m. 

DENVER AUG. 4 

8:00 P. M., Paramonnt Scr. Bm. 

DES MOINES . . AUG. 4 

12:40 P. M., 20th Cent.-Fox Bcr. Bm. 

DETROIT. . . . AUG. 4 

2.:0« P. M., Detroit FUm Bid*. 

INDIANAPOLIS. AUG. 4 

' 10:00 A. H., Paramount Scr. Bm. 

KANSAS CITY . AUG. 4 

4:20 P. it., 20th Cent.-Fox. Scr. Ba. 

LOS ANGELES . AUG. 4 

1:30 P.M., Paramonnt Scr. Bm. 

MILWAUKEE . . AUG. 4 

2:30 P. M, 20lh Cent.-Fox. Brr. Bm, 

MINNEAPOLIS . AUG. 4 

1:00 P. .M„ Warner, Scr. Bm. 

MEMPHIS . . . AUG. 4 

10:80 .\. M., Faramoant Srr. Bm. 

NEW HAVEN . . AUG. 4 

10:30 A. .tl., Warner The*. Scr. Bm. 

NEW ORLEANS . AUG. 4 

2:00 P. M.. 20th Cent.-Fox Scr. Bm. 

OKLAHOMA CITY AUG. 4 

1:00 P. ,M., 20th Cent.-Fux Scr. Bm. 

OMAHA AUG. 4 

1:00 V.M., 10O2 Uuvenport St. 

PHILADELPHIA. AUG. 4 

10:40 A.M., 1220 Vine St. 

PinSBURGH. . AUG. 4 

2(30 P. M., Warner Tliea. Scr. Bm. 

PORTLAND, ORE AUG. 8 

2:00 P.M, Biar Film Exch. 

SALT LAKE. . . AUG. 4 

2:00 P. M., 20th Cent.-Fox Scr. Jlnt. 

SAN FRANCISCO AUG. 4 

1:30 P. M., Kepublle Srr. 
Bm. — 221 Golden Gate Ave, 

SEAHLE AUG. 4 

2:00 P. M., Jewel Box Scr. Bm. 

ST. LOUIS . . . AUG. 4 

2:IS P. M.. Screnro Scr. Bm. 

WASHINGTON . AUG. 4 

ie:8« A. M., Xarle 'them. Bcr. Bn. 



20 



PIGTIJIIB8 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



Film Reviews 



-CoBtlnned from paie Us 



HOLD THAT GHOST 



aWo and John Grant takes full ad- 
vantage of Abbott aiid Costello s 
cpecial talents, providing the pair 
•with socko material that eliminates 
recourse to their familiar routines of 

Sr^vibus pictures. As result, picture 
I a slam-bang and knockabout com- 
edy, silly and ridiculous, but a laugh- 
creator and audience-pleaser. Walt. 

Dangerous Moonlight 

(BRITISH-MADE) 

London, June 27. 

SKO (Brlllnh) produotldn onil .rclo.isc 
Btors Anton Wolbrook. Solly Or«y. 1)1- 
recicd by Brlnn Desmond Hurui. Sci-con- 
play and orlglnnl slory by .Shiiun Torcni-e 
TounR. Cnmora. Conrgcs I'orlnnl. At 
Cambrldee lh«ntre, London. Running time: 
M .MINS. 

Btefnn Rndotzky Anton Wnlhrook 

Cnrole Peters SHlly Orny 

Mike Carroll Derrick de M.irncy 

Do GulFe Kciietli Kent 

Bill Petore Perry Parson-i 

yhyalolnn J. H. Roberta 

apeclallst... Cecil Parker 

Shorty Guy MIddleion 

British Commander .lohn' I.nurlo 

Polish Commander Fi-ederlck Volk 



A simple yarn adequately handled, 
'Dangerous Moonlight' will get wide 
playing here, aided by the marquee 
value of Anton Walbrook and SjUy 
Gray, its star pair. Minus that pull 
overseas, possibilities of big-time 
bookings are restricted abroad. Fea- 
ture has some loose footage, difficult 
to tighten due to method of piloting. 

Bill Sistrom has given unusual 
production polish to this British 
entry from RKO. Treatment covers 
up faults somewhat and the slick 
handling, along with standout camera 
work, will do much for picture's 
earning power. Terence Young's 
screenplay glosses a lot, dialog is 
okay, but plot is short on action 
apart from a zingy air battle in last 
few hundred feet. The same prosaic 
line is taken by Brian Desmond- 
Hurst in directing tale of a young 
Polish composer with the hands of a 
musician and the heart of a flyer. 
Piloting is slow and methodical, sans 
highlights. 

Fighting a losing air battle when 
NazU invade Poland, Stefan Ra- 
detzky (Anton -Walbrook) is fixed 
for an escape to Roumania since 
fellow pilots deem his music-making 
of more use to their country. Prior 
to winging he meet: Carole Peters 
(Sally Gray), a newsgirl from the 
U. S. When booked later for a fund- 
raising concert tour of America, the 
pair's paths cross again. This ti^ne 
they marry, but Walbrook is unable 
to repress the pilot urge. They 
break when he leaves for England 
and the Polish Squadron of Royal 
Air Force. His buddy; Mike Carroll 
(Derrick de Marney), gets himself 
killed after an argument in trying 
to straighten the domestic tangle. 
Figuring he's to blame for the mess, 
Walbrook deliberately flies into a 
Nazi bomber when his ammunition 
* runs out. Happy ending has the girl 
succeeding in giving him back his 
memory and his music. 

Walbrook enacts with his cus- 
tomary under-playing, this time 
almost to a point of self-suffocation. 
Similarly, Miss Gray is screened for 
glamor that palls after too much of 
such -footage. She's a nifty looker, 
but over-poses. Effect is something 
like a series of screentests. Re- 
mainder of 'the cast does well; Ken- 
eth Kent, as a French impresario, 
clicks. De Marney garners a num- 
ber of laughs as the wild Irisher, 
. Carroll, but his brogue is muffed 
here and there to spoil the job. 
Sou;id is remarkably poor; ear has 
to strain in the early footage. 
Photography of Georges Perinal 
captures exquisitely the panissimo 
mood of soft-lighted interiors; air 
stuff Is also tops from his depart- 
ment. 



ciety girl could be married to a 
gangster for a year without ever 
suspecting his criminal activities. 
Yet the husband is Anthony Quinn, 
whom any regular fllm-goer would 
instantly recognize as a mobster 
from the first glimpse. In fact, he s 
been rightly type-cast in scores of 
hoodlum parts. 

But that isn't all. In order to trap 
the gangster, the detective-hero has 
her acquitted of complicity in her 
hubby's crimes and she gets a di- 
vorce. Then the hero carries on a 
phony romance with her and they 
even go through a mock marriage 
(which unaccountably turns out to 
be the McCoy) and, even go on a 
honeymoon just to draw the culprit 
out of hiding. It's all oair'"''" trans- 
parent and rather preposterous, 

Joan Perry, apparently beii.j given 
a minor buildup by Warners, gets 
top featured billing as the wife. 
She's pretty and refreshingly direct, 
but there's nothing in the part to in- 
dicate her acting ability one way or 
the other. Roger Pryor is accept- 
able as the dete^yve, although the 
part is silly. Qumn is, of course, 
sadly miscast as the pseudo-society 
gimman and Maris Wrixon has little 
to do as a handsome young blonde 
society matron. Others aren't not- 
able. William K. Howard's direction 
lacks' pace or variation. Couple of 
the sets are rather good for a Class 
C effort. Hobe. 



Murder By Invitation 

Mono(;ram i-clease of A. W. Hnckel pro- 
duction, Stara AVnllace Ford; fe.ntures 
Marian >(iu-sh, Snnih Pndden. Directed l>y 
Phil RoHon. Story and screenplay by 
OeorKo Ilrlckor: camera, Mftn-el T,ePIcftrd: 
editor, Martin Cr. Cnhn. At RIallo. N. Y., 
ueek July 28. '-11. Running time, 67 .tllNS. 

Bob While Wallace Ford 

Nnr.a 0*nrlen Marian M.irsli 

Aunt Cns.tle .Snnih I'lidden 

Sherlrr Diiggs..; Ccoi-KU (lUhl 

Judge Moore. Wallls Oliirk 

Carson Denham Onvin Cordon 

Maxlne Denham Minerva Urec.il 

Ti-owbrldge Arthur Young 

Eildle , .. .Herbert .Vlgran 

Mary Denham Hazel Keener 



P 



BULLETS FOR O'HARA 

Warner Bros, prmluctlon and rcloaHC, 
Features Joan Perry. Roger Pryor. An 
thony QuInn, Moris Wvlxon, Dlrectetl by 
"Wllllnm K. Howard. Screenplay, Rny- 
xnond .Schrock, from atory by P. J. Wolf- 
Bon; camera, Ted McC'ovd; editor, JaincR 
Gibbon. At Globe. .N'. V.. July 2n, '41 
dual. Running time, 50 >11NH. 

Patricia Van Dyne Joan Perry 

Mike O'llnra Uogvr IVyor 

Tony Van Dyne .,. Anthony QuInn 

Elaine Standlsh Marls \Vrl\on 

Wicks Dick Purcell 

Judge Hobart uoun-orth 

McKay Slandlsh Richard Alnley 

B, Palmer DeWolr Hopper 

Maijorlc Palmer Juan WInileld 

Bradford Roland Drew 

y Maxwell Joseph King 

5'*^' .' victor illnimerman 

Swartzman Hank .Mnnn 

Jin'-. Kenneth Flnrlan 

yeWon Frank Moj-o 

P-Man Jack Mower 

i^xiTOn .Sidney Hracey 

Police Matron r^uh BMrd 



Looks like a 'remake of all who 
dunits produced in recent years. 
Even in the most mystifying mystery 
thrillers a certain amount of credi- 
bility is expected; this one rings in 
sliding panels, hidden passa'ge-ways 
and secret doors in such corny pro 
portions it will have to struggle 
holding onto the lower rung of a 
dualer. 

Murder by Invitation' again spots 
Wallace Ford as a newspaper writer, 
this time invited to spend a week at 
the estate of an eccentric spinster, 
one Cassie Denham. When the Den 
ham clan gathers at midnight in the 
old homestead, the murders begin, 
and with no rhyme or reason. Per 
usual suspicion is fastened on the 
elderly estate owner, though nobody 
cares particularly excepting the 
newsoaperman and his photographer. 

It later develops that said spinster 
has some $3,000,000 in cash hidden 
about the big mansion, and that some 
relatives are trying to uncover the 
fortune. After, the third slaying, 
Ca.ssie decides to smoke . out the real 
culprits. So, 'she burns down the old 
dwslling. And, sure enough, the two 
guilty parties come forward. Then 
Cassie reveals that the millions are 
ill Confederate money, ar : tosses the 
bills into the air. Very droll. 

Sarah Padden, highly- competent, 
nearly makes her eccentric charac 
terizntion of Aunt Cassie amount to 
something, Wally Ford, cast as the 
new.^paper eo'umnist, , impresses -as- 
bein.e rnnoyetT more than mystified 
by all the queer goings-on, Marian 
Marsh, his secretary, is pert, but 
doesn't add much to the plot. Her- 
bert Vigran adds a bit of comedy as 
the orowling photographer. 
' There's one 'gem' at the fadeout 
where the photog, watching Ford and 
Miss Marsh in a lengthy kiss-clinch, 
.says. 'The Hays office ain't goihs to 
like that kiss.' George Bricker is held 
responsible both for the story and 
screenplay. Wear. 

I Was a Prisoner On 
Devil's Island 

Ct>lumbla release of Wallace MacOonnld 
pi-Ofluctlon. FeiUures Sally Ellers, Donald 
Woods, Kdward Ciannelll. Directed by 
T^w T-nndei-s. Screenplay by Karl Brown 
from Htory by Otto nnd Edgar Van Eyss: 
camera, John " Stumar; editor, Richard 
Fantl. At lllulto, N. Y., week July 27, '41, 
Running time, 71 .MIX'S. 

t'laire .Sally Ellera 

Joel Grant .♦. Donald Woods 

Dr. Martel Edward Ciannelll 

rtulasart victor Klllnn 

I'ominandnnt Charles Kaltnn 

Jules Dick Curtis 

Gerault ; John Tyrrell 

Brlsson Eddie Lnughton 

Quarry Guard Edmund Cohh 

Governor Robert Warwick 



complicated he meets the girl of hb 
dreams, the one he met at a French 
port. She's still wed to her villain-- 
ous hubby, a crooked physician. Said 
medico is chiseling on the Island's 
medical supplies, selling surplus 
amounts to the mainland druggist, 
even though the prisoners are ne- 
glected. , . , 

Per routine, the young American 
wangles )iis way into the Island's 
hospital, where he manages to prove 
hero in going through a blinding 
storm to the mainland for supplies 
needed to squelch an impending 
fever epidemic. That should have 
brought him a pardon and glory at 
©nee, but the scripters couldn't over- 
come the old yen for a prison break 
climax. Hence, he has to wade 
through that first. It's the most ex- 
citing thing in the film, it totally 
unnecessary, and as phoney as the 
other implausible events which are 
done in almost serial story fashion. 

Performances of Donald Woods, as 
the Yank skipper; Sally Eilers, the 
much abused wife and his sweetie; 
and Charles Halton, the island's 
commandant, ai-e jerky. Lew Lan- 
ders' direction is very stilted. How- 
ever, Edward Ciannelll, as the is- 
lands .doctor married to the Ameri- 
can's sweetheart, and Victor Kilian, 
cast as the French Legion war vet 
and assistant commandant, are splen- 
did in their characters, while Rob- 
ert Warwick is forceful in a minor 
role. Wear. 

Thunder Over the Prairie 

(WITH SONGS) 

Hollywood, July 25. 

Columbia release of William Derke pro- 
duction. Stars Charles fitarrett. Directed 
by Uimbert HlUyer, Screenplay by. Betty 
Ilurbrldge, bused on book by James L, 
Itubel; camera, Iienjamin Kline; editor. 
Burton Kramer: Anst. director, Milton Car- 
ter^ songs, t.'nl Shrum. lUlly Hughes. Pro- 
viewed III ..'tudin projection room July 
•\\. Running time, AO .UIN.S. 

Steven ,Monroe Charles Startett 

Hones .Malluy (^llft I'Mwards 

.N'onn Mandan Eileen O'Hearn 

Hoy Mandan - Stanley Brown 

Tlmmy Danny Mummert 

t^liiy- .Mandan DavliI Sliarpe 

llai'tley Joe McCuInn 

Taylur Donald Curtis 

Davo Wheeler Ted Adams 

Clayton Jack Rockwell 

Judge Merry weather Budd Duster 

t'ul .^hrum nnil Ills Rhythm Rangers 



FILM BOOKING CHART 



(For In/orjHaflpn 0/ theofr* ond /Itm «xchan0e booJcers Variett pre«enti 
a c*mplet« c?uirt 0/ feature Ttlecues 0/ oil the American distributino com. 
faniei /or th« current guart«rlv period. Dot« of reviews as given <n 
Variety aJid the running time of printa are Included.; 

COPTBiaHT, IMS. B1 TAIUET¥. DIO. AIX BIGHTS BESEBTZD 

K«v to Type AbbretJiotionj; M— Meloaramii; C— Comedy; CD— Comedy 
Drama; W— Western; D— Droma; RI>— Roroantlc Drama; MV—MutieaU 
Figures herewith indicate dote of Vawety'b review ond running time. 



WEEK OF BELEASE— «/2</«l 



Time Out for Rhythm (Col) S/28 MV 7« 

Hanils Across the Bockles (Col) W 

The BIe Store (M-G) 0/11 C 84 

West Point Widow (Par) 8/11 CD 83 

BelucUnt Dragon (BKO) 8/11 73 

Nevada City (Rep) 7/18 W 58 

Man Hunt (20th) 8/11 D 180 

San Antonio Rose (U) 8/2S MU 82 

Passaee from Hon;l(on|c (WB) D 



R. Vallee-R. Lane 
BUI EUlot-M. Dally 
Marx Bros.-T. Martin 

A. Sblrley-R. Carlson 
Disney Cartoon 

R. Bocers-G. Hayes 
J. Bcnnett-W. Pldgeon 

B. Palge-J. Frazce 

K. Donglas-L. Falrbanka 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 6/27/41 



Sweetheart of the Campus (Col) 8/2S MU . 
Medico of Painted Springs (Col) 8/2J W 
Wanderers of the West (Mono) 
They Met in Bombay (M-G) 8/25 
The Parson of Panamlnt (Par) 8/25 
Jungle Cavalcade (RKO) 7/9 
A Very Voong Lady (20th) 4/30/41 
Poison Pen (Rep) 7/2 
Puddin' Head (Bep) 7/2 
Kansas Cyclone (Bep) 
Hit the Bead (U) 7/9 
Underground (WB) 6/25 



fl Was a Prisoner on Devil's Island (Col) D 70 

Barnacle BUI (M-G) 7/2 CD 90 

Murder by Invitation (Mono) D 

Caught In the Draft (Par) 5/28 C 82 

Tom, Dick and Harry (RftO) 7/16 C 85 

Moon Over MUmI (20th) 8/18 MU 92 

Bachelor Daddy (U) 7/2 C 8 

Kisses for Breakfast (WB) 7/23 C 81 



This is the second of Columbia's 
new series of westerns ', with Charles 
Starrett carrying through as a wan- 
dering young medico of the west, 
who is destined to stop in a new 
frontier town to clean things up be- 
fore he moves along for another ad- 
venture. ' Utilizing trite dramatics of 
western concoction, picture aims to 
inject as much action and rough- 
and-tumble encounter as possible to 
compensate somewhat for the wild 
hokum projected, by the writers. 
Picture is strictly a filler for the 
action houses and juve matinees. 

Starrett leaves post-graduate work 
in the east to hit for the wide-open 
country, does a- fullsome quota of 
good deeds for the citizens in the 
dust bowl district, and hangs around 
long enough to clear an Indian — a 
former medical student — from 
charges of cattle rustling and dyna- 
miting of a dam. Villains in this In- 
stance are officials of the construc- 
tion firm who handle the Indian 
workers as -peons, but finally suffer 
exposure by the young doctor. 

Starrett is okay as the hero, pick- 
ing up Cliff Edwards here for what 
looks like addition of latter's comedy 
and strumming-humming ^or suc- 
ceding issues of the series. Cal 
Shrum and his Rhythm Rangers pro, 
vide several cowboy tunes for nom- 
inal attention. Best^part of Lam- 
bert Hillyer's direction is recourse 
to lights of various sorts at every 
opportunity. , Walt, 



Two In a Taxi (Col) D 

Navy Blue and Gold (M-G) (reissue) D 

Father Steps Out (Mono) D 

•Forced Landing (Par) 7/9 M 

They Meet Again (BKO) D 

Gangs of Sonora (Rep) 7/18 W 

Mountain Moonlight (Rep) CD 

Accent on Love (20th) D 

HeUo, Sucker (U) 7/2 C 

Bride Came C.aD. (WB) 7/2 CD 



There's little to be said for a pic- 
ture as bad is 'Bullets for O'Hara,' 
It's too feeble to do its share at«the 
boxoffice, even as a lower-tJecker in 
neighborhood duals. Intended as an 
action meller, its basic premise is 
Implausible, its action is spotty and 
Its climax is obvious from the start. 
It has negligible marquee value and 
even its title is meaningless. At least 
it runs only 60 minutes. 
Story is unbelievable from the 
« opening shot. Audiences are ex- 
pected to accept the idea that a so- 



This one exudes melodramatics. If 
the audience doesn't laugh at the 
wrong times, or exclaim (as they did 
at this theatre) 'what a story!' at 
the conclusion, it may get by as a 
mild programmer. Aside from the 
overdone dramatics and slipshod 
yarn, exhibitor ha: nothing with 
which to decorate his marquee. A 
slim dualer at best. 

Young Yank, first officer on a 
tramp freighter, gets into a fight 
over his wages and his captain dies 
during the tussle. This sends him 
to Devil's Island for a three-year 
stretch. To make the fable more 



WIDE OPEN TOWN 

Hollywood, July 25. 

Paramount - release of Harry .Sherman 
Itro.luctlon; .\ssoclale protlucer, Lewis J, 
Uachmll. stars William Iloyd. Directed 
by Lesley ,SelHnder. .Screenplay by Har- 
rison Jacolia and J. Denton tTheney. based 
on chal-uctcra created by Clarence E. .Mul- 
fonl; enniem, Itussell Harlan; supervlalng 
etlltor, .Shfrman -\. Ruse; editor, Carroll 
Leu-Is; Asst. dlreotor, l.'rodcrlck Spencer. 
Previewed In studio projection room July 
2H. Ml. Rtmnlng time, 77 MINS. 

llopniong (?a»Midy Wllllnih Poyd 

Lmky Jenkins,.., Russell Hayden 

Callturnla Jack Andy Clyde 

Mello .r.jmirtry Evelyn Brent 

Steve Frascr Victor Jory 

i)'" Morris Ankrum 

Tom Wilson rr. . Kenneth Harlan 

Joan .Stuart Bcrnlce Kny 

"">■ Uarcrott 

S'" Cllenn StranRc 

Hrad Jackson kj Cnssldy 

Jock Rockwell 



Hopalong Cassidy and his pals ride 
again to clean up another town in 
the western sector— and despite the 
familiarity of the tale it's told in an 
interesting and actionful mannei* to 
satisfy the western and action au 
diences. Harry Sherman's produC' 
tion mounting, and usual scenic 
backgrounds identified with this 
series make 'Wide Open Town' a 
good supporting attraction in the 
family, houses. 

. William Boyd, Russell Hayden and 
Andy Clyde are on the- trail of cat- 
tle rustled from the Bar-20 when 
they hit the town dominated by 
Evelyn Brent. Lattef is the shrewd 
and calculating proprietor of the 
combo bar and gambling joint, used 
as headquarters for the gang led by 
Victor Jory. Boyd decides to inves- 
tigate the mob by tarrying awhile, 
and is Inducted as sheriff to preserve 
law and order. This precipitates a 
series of fast-unfolding episodes in 
which he maneuvers the gang to de- 
struction, discovers the Bat'-20 mlss- 



D 
W 
M 
CD 
D 
C 
W 
D 
D 



85 



B. Keeler-O. Nelson 

C. SUrrett-T. Walkei 
T. Keene-B. Miles 

C. Gable-B. Russell 

E. Drew-C. Baggies 

F. Buck 

J. Wlthers-N. KeUy 

F. Robson-R. Newton 
J. Canova-F. Letlerer 

D. Barry-L. Merrick 

G. GeoTge-B. MacLane 
J. Lynn-K.Verne 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 7/4/41 



D. Woods-S. Ellers 
W. Beery-v. Weldler 
W. Ford-M. Marsh 
B. Hope-D. Lamonr 
G. Bogers-G. Mnrphy 
D, Ameche-B. Grable 
Babv Sandy-E. E. Horton 
D. Morgan-J. Wyatt 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 7/11/41 



85 



A. Loolse-B. Hayden 

B. Young-J. Stewart 

F. Albertson-L. Gtey 
R. Arlen-E. Gabor 

J. Hersholt-D. Lovett 
3 Mesqnlteers 
Weaver Bros. Elvlry 

G. Montgomery-o. Manea 

H. Herbert-T. Brown 
B. Daivls-J. Cagney 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 7/18/41 



Blondle in Sisclety (Col) 7/2 C 

Son of Davy Crockett (Col) 7/9 W 

SUrs Look Down (M-G) 1/3/40 D 

Arizona Bound (Mono) W 

Shepherd of the HIUs (Par) 8/18 D 

Hurricane Smith (Bep) D 

Sunset In Wyoming (Bep) W 

Dance Hall (20th) 7/23 D 

Raiders of the Desert (U) W 

Rawhide Rangers (U) W 

Bullets for O'Hara (WB) 8/30 D 



77 
69 
104 



•8 



73 
80 



SO 



P. Singleton-A. Lake 
B. EUIott-L Meredith 
M. Bedgrave-M. Lockwood 

B. Jones-T. McCoy 
J. Wayne-B. Field 

R. MIddleton-J. Wyatt 
G. Autry-S. Bnmette 

C. Romero-C. Landia 
R. Arlen-A. Devlne 
i, M. Brown 

J. Perry-B, Pryor 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 7/26/41 



The Officer and the Lady (Col) 7/16 D 

Blngslde Malste (M-G) 6/30 C 

The Deadly Game (Mono) D 

Harry, Charlie, Hurry (RKO) 7/9 C 

Ten Nights In a Bar Boom (Bcp) M 

Bad Men of Missouri (WB) D 



65 



R. Hudsoh-B. Pryor 

A. Sothern-G. Murphy 
i. Lang-C. Farrell 

L. ErroU-K. Howell 

B. Armstrong-L. Hayci 
J. Wyman-D. Morgan 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 8/1/41 



Thunder Over the Prairie (Col) W 

Blossoms In the Dust (M-G) 6/25 D 

Bowery Blitzkrieg (Mono) D 

FuglUve Valley (Mono) W 

Kiss the Boys Goodbye (Par) 8/25 CD 

My Lite With CaroUne (BKO) Vie C 

Rags to Riches (Rep) M 

Charley's Aunt rzoth) C 

Cracked Nuts (U) C 

Three Sons o' Guns (WB) CD 



•8 



C. Starrett-E. O'Hearn 
G. Garson-W. Pldgeon 
W. HuU-L. Gorcey 
R. Corrlgan-M. Terhane 
M. Martln-D. Ameche 
R. Colman-A, Lee 
A. Baxter-M. CarUsIe 
Jack Benny 
M. Auer-U. Merkel 
W. Morrls-T. Brown 



WEEK OF BELEASE-^/8/4l 



EUery Qaeen and Perfect Crime (Col) M 

Mary Names the Day (M-G) D 

Dynamite Canyon (Mono) W 

Wide Open Town (Par) W 

Six Gun Gold (RKO) • W 

Dressed to Kill (20th) M 

Hnid That Ghost (U) 8/30 C 

New Wine (UA) 6 '30 MU 

Manpower (WB) 7/9 D 



68 R. Bellamy-M. Lindsay 
L. Ayres-L. Barrymore 
T. Keene-E. Flnley 
W. Boyd-R. Hayden 
T. Holt-L. White 
L. Nolan-M. B. Haghei 

85 Abbott-Costcllo 

I. Massey-B. Barnes 
103 E. Boblnson-M. Dietrich 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 8/15/41 



TlUle the ToUer (Col) C 

Medico Hits the Trail (Col) W 

Life Begins for Andy Hardy (M-G) C 

Doctors Don't Tell (Rep) D 

Ice-Capades (Rep) C 

Wild Geese Calling (20th) 8/30 D 

This Woman Is- Mlne (U) D 



78 



K, Harrls-W. Tracy \. 
C. StarreU * 
M. Rooney-A. Rutherford 
J. Beal-F. Bice 
J. Elllson-D. Lewis 
H. Fonda-J.Bennett 
-F. Tone-C. Bmca 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 8/22/41 



WhUUIng in the Dark (M-G) 
World Premiere (Par) 
Scattergood Balnes No. 3 (RKO) 
Under Fiesta Stars (Rep) 
Bad Men of Deadwood (Rep) 
Private Nurse (20th) 
A Dangerous Game (U) 3/5 
Highway West (WB) 



D C. Veldt-A. Rutherford 

C J. Barrymore-F. Farmer 

4/12 CD 69 Guy KIbbee 
W Gene Autry 

W Boy Rogers 

M J. HarweU-B. Joyce 

M 69 A. Devlne-R. Arlen 
D B. Monhall-A. Kennedy 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 8/29/41 



Oar Wife (Col) C 

When Ladles Meet (M-G) C 

Aloma of the South Seas (Par) BD 

Son VaUey Serenade (20th) 7/23 CD 

Lydia (UA) RD 

Major Barbara (UA) 5/7 D 

Dive Bomber (WB) D 



M.'Doaglas-B. Hnssey 
J. Crawford-R. Taylor 

D. Lamour-J. Hall 
88 s. Helne-G. Miller 

M. Oberon-A. Marshal 
115 W. HIUer-R. Mdrley 

E. Flynn-F. MacMarray 



ing cattle, and finishes with Miss 
Brent off to prison for a stretch. 

Boyd continues as the resourceful 
Hopalong, aided by Hayden and 
Clyde. Latter provides comedy re- 
lief sketched in broadest fashion for 
juvenile attention. Miss Brent turns 
in a fine performance as the brains 
of the gang, and advances consider- 
ably in her comeback attempt. Ade- 
quate support Is provided oy Jory, 
Morris Ankrum, Kenneth Harlan and 
Bernice Kay. 



Script neatly mixes the various 
ingredients of gun ' and fist fights 
wild rides, chases and general action 
expected from a western. Lesley 
Selandef's direction holds a steady 
and fast jace throughout. Excep- 
tional photography by Russell Har- 
lan takes fullest advantage of tht 
scenic vistas of the district at the 
base^of Mt. Whitney, which la being 
used as location for the series, and 
which Sherman identifies in a sub- 
tlUe. Walt. 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



RADIO 21 



SUDDEN RADIO TAX SOCK 



How Ways & Means Members Figure 

Congressional Committee Thinking in Terms of 'Free 
Use of Public Domain' by Broadcasters 



Washington, July 2d. 

Predicting a yield of about three 
times the maximum industry' people 
think' can be realized, the House 
Ways & Means Committee Saturday 
(26) laughed oS thoughts the tax on 
radio's gross receipts will be bard to 
stand. The formal committee report 
denied such a levy Is unfair or dis- 
criminatory and remarked on broad- 
casters' earnings from use of the 
public domain? Yield Is figured at 
$12,500,000. 

The desirability of a special tax on 
radio broadcasting (distinct from a 
tax on advertising, one medium of 
which is radio) Is indicated by sev- 
eral considerations,' the revenue- 
finders declared. 

'Radio broadcasters are the pos- 
. sessors "Of a valuable privilege 
awarded to them free of charge, on 
the condition that they operate in 
the public interest Because of the 
technical limitations of the broad- 
casting band, the number of commer- 
cial broadcasters at any one time is 
for all practical purposes limited. In 
consequence, the right to operate a 
broadcasting station in particular 
areas carries with it a measure of 
monopolistic privilege and the op- 
portunity for an extremely profitable 
Investment. Through th« exercise 
of that privilege and the exploitation 
of that opportunity, many broadcast- 
ers make substantial profits and vir- 
tually all broadcasters derive less 
' tangible benefits in the form of pub- 
licity and goodwill. 

'The principal operators In com- 
mercial broadcasting earn high rates 
of return on relatively small invest- 
ments. They possess unusual taxpay- 
ing ability which, in view of the 
Gowrnment's present revenue M 
quirements, can properly be sub 
jected to special taxation. 

'Radio broadcasting requires pub 
lie regulation. Such regulation is 
provided at public expense, with 
great benefit to the industry but 
without any special costs to that in- 
dustry. 

The tax imposed is to be equal 
to a given percentage of net time 
sales made during the year. A net 
time sale is in effect defined as the 
gross amount received or accrued 
from the sale of radio time, not in 
eluding the amount of any commis 
sion. (not to exceed 15% of the gross 
amount) paid to or deducted by an 
advertising agency, and minus any 
amount paid by the taxpayer, pur 
suant to the sale by him, for broad 
casting time to other persons operat- 
ing radio stations or engaged in net- 
work broadcasting. 

The rate prescribed with respect 
to each class of taxpayer Is ap|>Iica 
'bU to the entire amount of the^ fiet 
time sales for the taxable year. The 
act provides, however, that the lia 
bility of a taxpayer in one classifica 
tion cannot exceed the maximum 
.. liability under the next lower classi- 
fication, plus the amount of the tax- 
payer's net time sales in excess of 
the maximum net time sales taxable 
under the lower classification. 

'For example, the tax in the case 
of a taxpayer with net time sales of 
$300,000 would be at the rate of 5% 
of the net time ^les or. $25,000. Ex- 
cept for the above notch provision, 
If the net time sales were $500,001 
the rate' would be 10% of the net 
time sales, or $50,001.10. By reason 
of the notch provision, the tax in 
the latter case would be $25,000 plus 
the net time sales in excess of $500,- 
000, or $1, making the latter case 
$25,001.' 

Or, figure it out for yourself. 



Leonard Erickson Watches 
Detroit for CBS From Chi 

Columbia's sales office in Detroit, 
heretofore a separate entity, has 
been placed under the supervision 
of Leonard F. Krickson, western sales 
manager of the network. His head- 
quarters will continue to be Chicago. 
Ultimate ifdea is to appoint a Detroit 
manager again, however. 

Shift of the office under Erickson's 
supervision follows by several 
months the resignation of Al Steele 
as Detroit manager to join the 
D'Arcy agency. 



WICC, Bridgeport, as Is 

Bridgeport, July 29. 
John Shepard has decided against 
long-mulled plan to move his Bridge- 
port-based 600-kilocycler, WICC, to 
a new upstate location at this time. 
. Change of address would have 
taken NBC-Blue basic station out of 
metropolitan radius. 



Albert N. Wlams, NBC, 
New Radio Director For 
Council of Democracy 

Albert N. Williams, writer -direc- 
tor at NBC, Is leaying the networf^ 
as of Aug. 1 to become radio direc- 
tor of the Council of Democracy In 
New 'York. Council has not previ- 
ously had a regular salaried radio 
director. 

Williams has been with NBC some 
years, part of the time acting as cast-* 
ing director and also attracting at- 
tention for his public service pro- 
gram technique pioneering in- new 
techniques. His best known effort 
of the latter character was a col 
laboration with Harold Lasswell, the 
social scientist, on 'Human Nature 
in Action' which NBC broadcast a 
year ago. 





STUNS LEADERS 



House of Representatives 
Committee Singles Out 
Broadcasting for Dollar 
Volume Assessment — ^Leg- 
islature Desperate for De- 
fense Revenue — Only 
Chance of Stopping Meas- 
ure Is in Senate 



PRINTERS' IDEA? 



Dolan Boys Out Doane 



Hollywood, July 29. 
Ken Dolan has bought out his part- 
ner, James Doane, and will operate 
the radio agency on his own. 

Payoff reported at around $10,000. 



Washington, July 29. 
Unless protests carry enough 
weight, the radio industry appears 
destined to pay over some propor- 
tion of its gross income to the Fed- 
eral Government through the me- 
dium of a special broadcast dollar 
volume tax adopted hastily by the 
House Ways and Means Committee 
late Wednesday (23) and immedi- 
ately denounced by the industry as 
outrageous discrimination. The in- 
dustry, caught by surprise, is making 
frantic efforts to bring about a leg- 
islative somersault but the outlook 
is not too encouraging at this writ- 
In. 

The emergency tax bill, with the 
provisions levying from 5% to 15% 
on stations' time sales over $100,000 
per annum, goes before the House of 
Representatives in a way that prac- 
tically wipes out any hope of kill- 
ing the committee proposal. In con- 
sequence pressure is being concen- 
trated on the Senate Finance Com- 
mittee, which will have a chance to 
rewrite the entire legislation. 

Broadcasters are in the position 
of having been swapped for candy 
bars and chewing gum. Under fire 
from confectionery makers, the 
house committee suddenly junked an 
excise on such articles and then, 
in casting around for an alternative 
source of revenue, hit on radio as a 
(Continue^ on page 28) 



N.A.B. Hires Alvord & Alvord 



Washington Firm Specializes on Tax Pleadings 
Before Government Bodies 



Mark Goodson, Spieler, 
Quits Frisco for N.Y.C. 

Mark Goodson, formerly an an- 
nouncer at KFRC, San Francisco, 
has moved to New York for perma- 
nent residence and work. 

He was regularly announcer and 
m.c. on Noxz^a's 'Quiz of Two 
Cities,' over KHJ, Los Angeles, and 
his own station. 



Hal Peary's 'Gildersleeve' 
Character Going Solo 
For Kraft Cheese Acct. 



Hollywood, July 29. 

Hal Peary, who plays 'Gilder- 
sleeve' on the 'Fibber McGee and 
Molly' program, gets his o>yn show 
next month built around that char- 
acter. Kraft (Parkay) will sponsor 
half-hour comedy piece titled Tlie 
Great Mr. Gildersleeve.' Cecil Un- 
derwood, who produces 'Fibber' for 
Needham, Louis '& Brorby, will be 
at the controls for the same agency. 

Program airs on Sundays over 
NBC's w'estern string of stations. 



MIRIAM WOLFE ENCORES 
AS NEW YORK WITCH 



Buffalo, July 29. 

Miriam Wolfe being penciled out 
of 'I'll Find My Way,' WGR's soap 
opera to Mutual, this weekend to go 
back to Gotham to act in NBC-Blue's 
'Srar Spangled Theatre' Sunday (3). 
Latter will revive one of 'Witches 
Tales' which ran four years on Mu- 
tual with young Miriam as the witch.. 

Nlla Mack also setting spot for her 
in Saturdajt's (2) 'Let's Pretend' on 
CBS. Nineteen-year-old actress was 
one of CBS' regular juves until she 
came to WGR-WKBW. 



BLUSHING UNNOTICED 



The Ways and Means Committee of the 

House of Representatives last week reminded 
the broadcasting industry — again — of its (ra- 
dio's) greatest failure — public relations. Both 
in' the proposal to inflict discriminatory taxes 
upon broadcasting and in the reasoning of the 
committeemen it is sun-clear that the legisla- 
tors have been largely exposed to the propa- 
ganda of enemies of radio and very little, if a', 
all, instructed in the facts of this industry. 



only by — the generosity of the public authori- 
ties in dispensing licenses. 



It is a stupendous oversightHBy broadcasting 
to have blindly allowed men of influence to 
build up in their imaginations a completely 
untruthful picture of how radio stations and 
networks survive. Radio did not, like Topsy, 
just grow. It was built. It suffered all the 
pangs and'disadvaiTtages of newness. For ten 
years it suffered the strongest kind of telling 
rivalry from newspapers and magazines who 
had been in business for years, hundreds of 
years, in the case of the press. 



Broadcasting was painfully achieved, not 
miraculously produced, full grown like an 
Olympian god. The only trouble is that radio 
forgot to tell the world and forgot to tell Con- 
gress and forgot to sell its audience as smartly 
a'nd as resourcefully as it sold its customers. 
The flop of radio's public relations consists in 
this : that it fought for the means and the right 
to survive without making adequate provisior 
to picture to outsiders the walls of oppositioi 
and obstruction it had to get around. 



Other advertising media seem about to 
esgape substantial taxation although not one of 
them is expected, as is radio, to plo.w back 
millions of dollars in public service, in experi- 
ment, in such government pets as shortwave 
radio and such far-oflf, unknown quantities as 
television and frequency modulation. The 
justificatioo for the new tax sock against radio 
is the hobgoblin of the 'free license.' And be- 
cause this something-for-nothing connotation 
has been allowed to flourish, unchallenged and 
unweeded, it now becomes necessary for radio 
to organize a panic-inspired last-minute 
counterdrive. 

The radio share of the total advertising 
expenditures in the United States is approxi- 
mately $200,000,000 out of a 1940 estimate for 
all advertising of $1,600,000,000. Through the 
years broadcasters had to fight for those 
dollars, now only a very nominal percentage 
of the grand figure. In the process of build- 
ing up its ability to be self-supporting (a 
great democratic virtue !) the radio industry 
has provided the practical operating conditions 
for Government, Public and Industry to recog- 
nize mutual responsibilities and give the 
United States the world's finest system of pro- 
-rramming free of tyranny, bureaiicracy .and 
•ubversive tendencies. 



Washington, July 29. 

The National Association of Broad- 
casters tacitly agreed Monday (28) 
that outside wirepullers are desir- 
able and necessary if the industry 
is to stave off the 5 to 15% levy on 
gross income provided in the new 
defense tax bill. Expert assistance 
was hired about the time the first 
grumbles were becoming audible 
from the N.A.B. dues-payers, who 
had been lulled into slumber by re- 
ports that everything was all right 
atop Capitol Hill. 

The lobbying firm of Alvord Sc 
Alvord, which for years has done 
high-calibre tax-yelping for big 
business, was ^ hired to swing iu 
weight, at the time the House Rules 
Committee agreed to let the revenue 
measure come up in a way that pre- 
vents a direct attack on the radio 
levy. 

Legislative engineers were retained 
soon after William Green, President 
of the American Federation of Labor, 
stirred up a hornet's nest with a 
letter to Chairman Robert Dough- 
ton of the House Ways & Means out- 
fit saying the levy is not approved 
by the labor crowd. Green's letter 
provoked mumbling from the print- 
ing trades, which intimated there 
may be repercussions the next time 
the Federation's executive council 
gathers. It seems that Green tried 
to knock down impressions the levy 
was an official AFL idea but in do- 
ing so stepped on the toes of the 
'autonomous' members of the fam- 
ily. 

Green technically appeared in the 
clear; since there never has been any 
decisive action by the high command. 
Furthermore, high chiefs of the 
American Federation of Radio Art- 
ists, the American FedCTation of Mu- 
sicians, and the International 
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers — 
who know what side their bread is 
buttered on — have come to radio's 
support The wheels within wheels 
of the labor organization have con- 
fused lots of observers, including 
Congressmen, who thought the print- 
ing crowd was advocating Federation 
policy. 

Broadcasters are making the most 
of the confusing AFL political di- 
visions. They note that the Allied 
Printing Trades Association does not 
include one of the - most - potent 
unions in this line, the typographi- 
cal unit, suspended three or four 
years ago for refusing to pay the 
special assessment' imposed to help 
fight John L. Lewis and the C.I.O., 
and a't least one of the group Is on 
the fringe of leaving the Green fold. 



Radio faces, belatedly, a world in which in 
fluential men are prepared to believe that radii 
is a spectacular soft touch, an easy-come-easy 
go world made possible not by brains anc 
energy dnd patience and striving but by — an 



Congress seems prepared to penalize radio 
II the hard fight for revenue on the fallacious 
•.ssumption that getting business is easy for 
adio, hard for others. That such a fantastic 
uid cockeyed notion is ap])arently so widely 
leld is, however, basically nobody's fault but 
.adio's, Its public relations couldn't qualify 
'or a Major Bowes unit. 



MARION YOUNG BECOMES 
NEW MARTHA DEANE 



'Martha Deane,' femme comment 
show on WOR, New York, returns 
to the air Monday '04 ) as a partici- 
pating series. New spieler using the 
Martha Deane tag will be Marlon 
Young, for the last six years women's 
editor of the NEA syndicate and 
former foreign correspondent. Show 
will have the 2 p.m. spot Monday 
through Friday. 

Mary Margaret; McBride, who first 
had the 'Martha Deane' series, gave 
it up about a year ago to go on CBS 
for Florida Citrus, under her own 
name. Bessie Beatty, who next had 
the 'Martha Deane' show, didn't use 
that title much and has since 
dropped it altogether in favor of her 
own name. 



O'Hara of KWK Weds 

St. Louis, July 29. 

Johnny O'Hara, sports gabber at 
KWK, who was divorced last May, 
eloped with Kathryn Stapleton, • 
junior in the Fine Arts School of the 
Washington University here and was 
wed in St. Charles, Mo. News of the 
wedding was kept secret for a week. 

-O'Hara gave his age as 36 while 
thp bride said. she was 21. 



22 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 




HOW TO LEAD INTO SALES COPY 



We have shown in previous sec- 
tions of these reports, that every 
radio program sets up a gestalt, or 
reaction pattern, of Its own In the 
listener's mind. Whenever the pro- 
gram violates that gestalt the listen- 
er's Interest drops, or he tends to 
Stop listening. 

Commercial annoQiicements are 
part of radio programs. Therefore, 
whenever the commercial annonnce- 
ment Interropts the gestalt of the 
program the listener will lose inter- 
est and tend to stop listening. 
The basic rule then for getting 



HI 



i 



more people to listen to your com- 
mercial is to make your commercial 



a part of the program. That is, to 
fit your commercials into the spirit 



of the program. 

The fact that many commercials 
do disturb the gestalt of the pro- 
gram and are, therefore,, resented, 
Is indicated by comments at the 



the gestalt of the program and, 
therefore, interrupt it— radio listen- 
ers have, in general, gotten the habit 
of not listening to commercial an- 
nouncements. A- simple example 
may make this clearer. 

If every time you entered youi' 
home you kicked your dog, he would 
soon learn to duck whenever you en- 
.tered. Much the same thing has hap- 
pened to radio listeners. Therefore, 
the second consideration to be re- 
membered is that a commercial 
should not signal its coming— 
rather it should be placed so that 
the audience does not expect- it. 

The promiscuous violation of this 
principle is undoubtedly one of the 
major weaknesses of radio, com- 
mercials. Commercial programs 
studied for one week in New York 
revealed that over 60% of the prog- 
rams flagged their commercials with 
such openings as: 'Friends,' 'Now 
Friends,' 'WeU,' 'And now we will 



J>ROP-Orr OF INTEREST 
W (BEST) * (POOR) COMMERCIAL 



100 



75 



50 



25 



noes AM uftntsram. 




^FftoewM mwecsT am. 



•23.9 *—l-SESr COMMCKCIAL 



4-9.2 POOR COmiRC/AL 



100 



75 



50 



GRAPH T — ^Illustrating what happens to an entertain- 
ment's interesj level when the commercial is inject^. A 
poor commercial (poor for any number of possible reasons) 
•will drop the audience interest nearly twice as much as a 
'good' commercial. 



Dullness 



Volnntary pnblle comment 
that sales copy Is too long' need 
not always be taken ai literally 
a qnestion of length. Bather it 
may more accnrately niggest 
that the copy Is 'nninteresting'. 
Research men should take snch 
complaints as a doctor relates 
symptoms. Of ooorse 'many 
complaints' are a storm warning 
to investigate what really Is 
amiss. Mere length of eommer- 
olals is not necessarily the 
sonrce of troobte. 



c ommercial are the most important 
in determining what percentage of 
the program audience will listen to 
your commercial. Where the lead of 
a commercial fits into the gestalt, 
or total pattern of the program, a 
larger listening audience will be ob- 
tained. 

The accompanying chart 'I' shows 
how the audience reacted to one of 
the best and to one of the poorest 
news commercials of a certain 
sponsor.* 

It will be noted that the poorest 
commercial lost about twice as much 
interest as the best commercial. 
That difference in loss of interest is 
shown relatively in the iraph op- 
posite. 

The better of the two news com- 
mercials tied into the gestalt or total 
pattern of the program with the 
opening: 'News is the story of 
change.. . .' 

The poorer commercial disrupts 
the program gestalt with the open- 
ing: 'How often have you heard it 
said that what you don't know will 
never hurt yo\i?....' 

*0n« tbousand subjecta of carefully at- 
lected characterlntlcfl constttutcil tbe aam- 
pie for thla experiment. 



Specter agency— WOR Radio Listen- ^ 
crs' Conferences where over 1,000 

Seople were ' questioned as to their 
kes and dislikes of commercial an- 
nouncements. 

One of the outstanding spon- 
taneous . criticisms was that 'com- 
mercials interrupt the program.' 

A survey of *34,000 Indiana fami- 
lies showed that 31% of the listen- 
ers flatly stated that they resent 
radio commercials. 

I DON'T SIGNAl AHEAD | 

One other consideration- should bei 
noted. Because, most commercial 
announcements are 'not fitted in to 



THE CARRY-OVER EFFEa 



We have already seen that the 
lead into a commercial is extremely 
important because It determines in 
the main how large a percentage of 
the program audience will continue" 
to listen. 

Because of the carry-over effect 
which we have described before, the 
lead has additional importance in 
your commercial The 'carry-over' 
effect causes the reaction to a par- 
ticular point In a program — favor- 
able or unfavorable — to be carried 
over to the following portion of the 
program. It is obvious, therefore, 
that if the first part of your com- 
mercial Is well received, that favor- 
able reaction will tend to raise the 
level of the rest of the commercial. 
Therefore, it is always wise to place 
your most favorable items as early 
as possible in the commercial. 

Another effect of^ this carry-over 
phenomenon may be seen in the 
treatment of closing commercials. 
Extensive tests which we have made 



gleaned from this report is that clos- 
ing commercials are characteristic- 
ally poorer because the mechanical 
structure is often inferior. 

Without delving into the reasons 
why most writers have written clos- 
ing commercials which are so much 
poorer than their middle commer- 
cials, we observe that the middle 
commercials are generally written 
to fit Into the basic pattern of the 
program. On the whole, they tend 
better to- maintain the mood and 
channel of thought .which is set up 
by the program. Closing commer- 
cials, however, are generally abrupt 
resumes and, as such, fail to fit into 
the basic pattern of the program. 
The resiilt Is that they receive poor- 
er audience reaction, and are not 
listened to as attentively. 
. This is probably one of the rea- 
sons why Neilson's audiometer 
shows that many people turn off 
their radio or change the station 
as soon as the closing commerciat 



mo LISTENS TO COmERCIALS ? 

ONLY TWO OUT OF EVIRr TEN FAMILIIS LISTIN 
ATTINTIVEIY TO COMMEKCIAIS ON NimCASTS 



hear,' etc. Here the sponsor is in- 
vitldg the audience to turn psy- 
chologically deaf. Avoid it. 

Another simple device for assur- 
ing greater listenership to commer- 
cials Is to change the position of 
the commercials with respect to 
time. That Is to say don't have the' 
middle commercial appear in the 
same position in each program. Move 
it closer to the opening or closer to 
the end commercial so that the audi- 
ence does not anticipate a let down. 



•Indiana Stat* Radio Survey— Indiana 
Dolveralty, 1990. 



GOOD AND BAD LEADS 

It should now be apparent that the 
first few words or phrases of your 



MTTRESr M JU/PME COAf/HEXC/AL 
J»XECTIY AFFECTS MWiESr M lASF (OMMRC/AL 



50 




muz 




HOLDING AUDIENCE 

In a ' series ' of investigations con- 
ducted on radio groups at WOR, the 
audience was asked to name the 
commercials they Uked, and to tell 
why they liked them.. Invariably tbe 
preference lay with those commer- 
cials which were: 

—'pari of the program' 
—•worked in deyerly' 
— 'were slipped in' 
It should be noted that there is. a 
significant difference beftween the re- 
action of the mass audience and that 
of what might be termed the class 
or higher-incomed audiences. In the 
latter groups there Is an aversion to 
having commercials 'sllpped-in.' This 
group is resentful of what they term 
'being fooled.' On the other hand 
surveys show that about 80% of ra- 
dio audiences consist of people in the 
two lower Income groups — the 
masses. These people have exactly 
the opposite reaction, they like to 
have commercials eased in, they dis- 
like commercials only Insofar as.they 
disrupt their mood. 

The run-of;;nlll WbR audience 
gives as examples- of programs whose 
commercials they really like: ■ 
Jack Benny 
Martha Dean 
Gabriel Heatter 
It will be noted that each one 'of 
these commercials.- conforms to the 
basic pattern of Its individual pro- 
gram. 

In the Jello program, the commer- 
cial is generally worked in as a 
clever stunt. In addition, the com- 
mercial announcer Is a part of the 
cast of the show. 

Martha Dean's commercials; too, 
are generally afi integral part of the 
program. 

Kate Smith was also reported fa- 
vorably—the commercial being a di- 



UUTTCNTnEX 



(jSAUfi CN MsewAmt/ of 4000 mttut^ . 



GRAPH 'K' — A basic reminder to sponsors and advertis- 
ing agencies that there is a constant menace of inattention 
to commercials which remains a fixed problem of pro- 
gramming. 



GRAPH 7' — ^The effect of different middle announcements 
upon the same closing commercial. Under one set of cir- 
cuinstdnces g piece of copy can be very good, under an- 
other set of circumstances same copy is poor^ . , 



alog between herself and the com- 



mercial atmouncer. 



It is easier for a commentator, who 
is expressing opinions, to tie his com- 
mercial into the program — ^than it is 
for a newscaster, 

Gabriel Heatter, a commentator, 
always reads the middle commercial 
himself. By continuing the same In- 
flection and the 'same enthusiasm in 
his manner of speaking, he jnanages 
to sUp the commercial Into the pro 
gram. Another device, which he 
often employs, is to start the com- 
mercial as though it :were a news 
item. 



on commercials In news programs 
indicate that the closing commercial 
generally ' obtains less listener In- 
terest than the middle. 

There are several probable reasons 
for this: 

A. To some extent, the audience 
anticipates a commercial. The e^d 
comme'rcial -Js more readily antici- 
pated than the middle commercial 
since generally the leads to both 
the middle and closing commercials 
have the same characteristics. 

B. Several of our studies show 
that people resent having the same 
material in the middle commercial 
repeated in the closing. 

Not only does the middle commer- 
cial force the interest of the closing 
commercial down, but It forces it 
down proportionately. (See graph 
'J'.) That Is, the poorer the mid- 
dle commercial — the poorer the -clos- 
ing. The better the middle com- 
mercial, the better the closing. In 
the accompanying exhibit we see ex- 
amples of this effect. 

The effect of two different middle 
commercials on the Identical closing 
commercial will be seen. The better 
the middle— the higher the interest 
In the end commercial. 

This principle could not be ac- 
cepted unless we had the opportu- 
nity of studying the reaction on the 
same closing commercial produced 
by two different middle commer- 
cials, each having the same level of 
interest. 

Exhibit following shows that 
where the interest in the middles 
are the same, the reaction to thd 
end commercial is the same. 

Thus we find a direct carry-over 
effect front the middle to the ehd 
commercial. 

Because of this effect, it Is desir- 
able to have the hottest commercial 
items appear as far forward In the 
program as possible. The hotter 
the first items — the more favorable 
will be the reaction to the Items 
which follow. 



comes on. If closing commercials 
followed the -same pattern as mid- 
dle commercials, they would have 
a lead which would affect a deli- 
cate transition from the program to 
the commercial message. 

When properly handled, this tech- 
nique holds the interest of most of 
the people and good closing com- 
mercials will tend to keep people 
listening to the program. 

To our simple rules designed to 
increase the efficiency of commer- 
cials we can add: 

To avoid disturbing the gestalt, 
to maintain the spirit of the pro- 
gram, It is highly preferable to have 
a member of the program's cast give 



the commercial. 



This means that In news programs 
the commercials are best received 
when given by the newscaster. 

In commentator programs greater 
listening will result it the commen- 
tator gives the commercials. 

AS TO LENGTH? 

Length of a commercial in it<:elf Is 



USUALLY POOBEa 



Another practical fact to - be 



not an important consideration; 
rather it Is a question of how well 
the commercial fits into the gestalt. 
It is Important to note that, at our 
Radio Listener Conference, the 
longest commercials were often 
chosen as the shortest; the shortest 
conunerclals as the longest. 

In other words, from a selling 
standpoint (without giving any con- 
sideration to the N.A.B. Code or net- 
work and station policy) commer- 
cials can be as long as they are in- 
teresting. 

This Is particularly noteworthy 
since most commercials are criticized 
by listeners as 'too long.' 

A note about the position of clos- 
ing coitunerclals: In several .studies 
on the subject we have found that 
particularly in newscasts closing 
commercials get significantly greater 
interest when followed by one or 
two news items, than when they 
conclude the program. - 



Wednesday. July 30, 1941 



BADIO 23 



HOW TO DIAGNOSE YOUR RADIO By Horace SCHWERIN 
COMMERCIALS AND PROGRAMS spector agency 



How to Make Commerciak Sell 
To a H^her Po^centage of Peoph 



Just because people, listen to com- 
mercials is no Indication that they 
will buy. We have just discussed 
methods ot getting a larger audience 
to hear your commercials. We now 
take, up the problem of getting a 
larger percentage of that listening 
audience to actually buy your 
product. 

In writing commercials that sell 
successfully there are two principal 
considerations to be kept in mind: 

1, Present yoar most powerful 
■ftles Mfnments and 

t. Place those arcwaenta In the 
most elteetlTe verbiage passible. 

Ot these two considerations the 
correct sales arguments are rela- 
tively the most Important. 

BASIC SALES ARGUMENTS 

ijie basic sales arguments fhay 
be defined as those arguments which 
most effectively and most - easily 
persuade the public to buy - your 
product. For every product there 
arei certain selling points which are 
more effective' than others. Every 
advertiser should know bis basic 
selling argument. Otherwise he will 
spend his money wastefully and In- 
effectively. In a study of commer- 
cial announcements, we took 10 
commercials for a single product 
After extensive testing we were 
able to rank these commercials In 
the order of their sales effectiveness. 

After this last order had been 
obtained we studied the commercials 
to see how much emphasis each one 
gave to what we already knew to 
be the two basic sales arguments 
for. the product The graph oppo- 
site, shows that the best commer- 
cials contained the greatest empha- 
sis 'On these two basic sales argu- 
ments. The worst commercials con- 
tained the least 

These tests Indicate the Impor- 
tance oX your basic sales arguments, 
for no consideration was given In 
the test just quoted to the effect of 
the lead or of the verbiage in these 
commercials. The flrtt rule, there- 
fore, in writing a commercial that 
will sell is to Include your basic 
sales arguments. Methods of deter- 
mining your 'basic sales arguments 
are available and* should be used 

• Thl» subject la covend In thi author's 
■Bpotllnir ot Primary MarKef: Printer"! 
Ink. SeptemlMr, IMO. 



before any attempt Is made to solve 
your radio problem. 



VERBIAGE 



Words are a method of communi- 
cating ideas. The choice of words 
in a commercial determines how ef- 
fectively you will present your ideas. 
Therefore, the choice of words is 
Important. 

However, we should like to em- 
phasize here that though important 
the choice of words should be your 
last consideration in creating a com- 
mercial. Advertisers often, attach 
an undue significance to minor 
changes In verbiage. Our tests, both 
in visual advertising and in radio 
commercial, show conclusively that 
the choice of words is seldom of 
primary Importance. It does not us- 
ually matter too much whether you 



GESTALT DEFINED 



GestaU, a term of psychologists, 
is employed throughout these re- 
ports as indicating 'the total pat- 
tern of emotional and intellec- 
tual reactions which the listener 
experiences while listening to a 
radio program.' 



ly favorable or unfavorable reactions 
when used in a specific context. It 
should be understood that people 
tend to think in extreme's. Things 
are either good or bad. People are 
either devils or saints. Colors are 
black or white. 

Stuart Chase, In his testimony be- 
fore the temporary National Eco- 
nomic Committee, pointed out that 
in a political contest there are . def- 
initely good and bad words. 'Econ- 
omy,' he said, was a good word, 
'radical' a bad word. 

The phrase 'System of Free Pri- 
vate Enterprise' produces favorable 
reactions in the hearer because it is 
associated with freedom, with the 
right to carry on a private life, and 
with the idea of constructive enter- 



use "buy* or. 'purchase,' "real' or prise. If, however, one uses the 



/•AT COAIMFHC/ALS OF A IS MWUTT PROCRAM 
COMPARTD TO THE AVFKAGE LISTENEHS — 



DAIIY 
KADtO 



PAIIY 
WAK/NC 
HOUJfS 



^COMMlKC/AiSWA 
IS M/Aim FKOCRAJii 



'77MEWIOTSD TO CMMTJiC/ALS 



GRAPH 'L'— Another reminder to sponsors and advertis- 
ing agencies of the tiny ratio of their radio commercials tp 
the total of radio listening hours and the total of humanity's 
waking hours. 



'genuine.* Far more important than 
the precise word Is the basic, under- 
lying idea — yoiu: sales argument 

There are, however, certain words 
and phrases which produce definite- 



Addenda: Questions and Answers 



Answers to a few of the questions which we have been asked most fre- 
quently ma^ prove interesting: . 

Question: What effect Is prodaced by a speaker reading letters or citing 
testimonials? 

Answer: We cannot give a categorical answer. However, we found that 
these messages were often not taken af face value by the audience. 

Their general attitude is typified by these comments: 'I have never 
heard of the towns they come from.' 'You'd think I'd know at least 
one person whose letter was read over the radio.' 'I don't believe 
they were ever 5pnt.' 
Question: What Is the pabllo's attitude toward radio contests? 
Answer: On this point we can only contribute impressions gained from 
speaking to large groups of radio listeners. 

We would estimate from our comments that approximately one-half 
of the radio audience believes that most radio contests are 'not cbm- 
plet)ely on the level.' Invariably the evidence submitted for this at- 
titude is that the speaker has never known of anybody who won a 
prize — or at least a big prize. Furthermore, many people In the poor- 
est income group cannot visualize a prize as Urge as many offered 
and hence are not apt to believe the offer. 

One person typically commented: 'I heard of a contest where they 
promised to give $1,000 a year for the rest of the winner's life. How 
could that be possible? Why, the man might live for 20 years.' 
For both testimonials and prize contest names and detailed ad- 



dresses were found to convey a feeling of being genuine . 

Under any circumstances it seems wise to test the believability of 
testimonials and offers before using them. 

Question: Are spot annonneemcnts attentatlvely listened to by a reason- 
ably large percentage ot the aadlence waiting for the next program? 

Answer: Good spot announcements generally get more attentive listening 
than comparable middle commercials.' On the other hand our evi- 
dence shows that poor spot announcements receive practically n6 at- 
tention. In other words a spot announcement tends to get an exag- 
gerated reaction — very favorable or very poof. 

Question: What effect does a poor one-minute spot have on the following 
program? 

Answer: Our work on this problem.is far from complete. In our work to 
date we have found no serious injury to the following program. 

Iliis, however, does not mean that a station break, one minute spot 
together may not adversely affect the following program. We just 
do not know. 



phrase 'System of Unrestricted Com- 
petition' the reactions produced are 
unfavorable. This phrase brings to 
mind thoughts of price-cutting, of 
unethical business and of economic 
chaos. With such samples as these. 
Chase showed that there is a def- 
inite importance in the words chosen 
by a political speaker. 

Likewise, in your radio commer- 
cial you will find that certain words 
are more effectiye in selling your 
product than others.' You will find 
that the words which may be used 
in reference to your product are di- 
vided into three groups— those 
words which produce favorable re- 
actions — those producing unfavor- 
able reactions and those which tend 
to confuse ~the listener. 

The first group— words to which 
the listeners react favorably — 
should be used as much as possible. 
Sdm'e of "the "wbrHs wHich" we" Have 
found to be effective when used in 
reference to the products of certain 
specific clients are 'clean,' 'whole- 
some,' 'pure' and 'mild.' 

Words to which the listener re- 
acts unfavorably should generally 
be avoided. They may at times be 
effectively used, however, as a foil 
for good words. If, for example, 
you have found that for a particu- 
lar product 'mild' is a good word 
and 'strong' is a bad word, then it 
may prove wise to use some such 
phrase as 'not strong but. mild.' 

Finally, there is a third group of 
words which tends to produce con- 
fusion- in the listener's' mind. This 
confusion results from one of two 
things. Either the listener is not 
sure just what' (he word means, or, 
as is more common, he is unable to 
slip the word conveniently into one 
of the pigeonhole of his mind. In 
other words, he has never decided 
whether he approves of that partic- 
ular idea or not He finds it im- 
possible to label the word 'g^od' or 
•bad.' 

The word 'tablet,' for example, 



produces a confused reaction. Some 



A Critique of Connnercials 



In order to illustrate what fitting a commercial into the gestalt of • 
program means in actual practice, we present criticism of news commer- 
cials chosen at random from current programs. These commercials hav* 
not been tested. All we have done is to attempt to apply the general rulea 
which we have indicated heretofore. 

Example 1: Approximate lead into middle commercial — (newscast). 

'There are plenty of good reasons why thousands of motorists ore for— 
(gasoline broTul).' 

(Followed by change in voice and tempo to super-sales talk). 
^ This is an exceptionally bad tie-in. Though the same announcer gives 
the news and the commercial, much of the benefits of this continuity is 
lost by a change in manner, in emphasis and in tone. 

Moreover, the announcement violates the entire mood and thought of 
the news. There can be no continuity between' 'There are plenty of good 

reasons why thousands ot motorists, are for ' and the mood and thought 

pattern produced by a news broadcast 

Example 2: Approximate lead into middle commercial — (newscast). 

'The army's new tanks cruise at about 45 miles per hour.' (A tie-tn with 
gosdltne brond 0riving Test' /ollows) . 

In contrast to the previous lead this gasoline uses an excellent tie-in. 
The news mood of the listener is maintained with news about- the Driving 
Test The transition is natural and easy. The channel ot thought is main- 
tained, from speeding tanks to speeding autos. Finally, since the an- 
nouncer gives the commercial himself, that part of the mood which fiows 
from the voice and the personality of the commentator Is maintained. 

Example 3: Approximate lead into middle commercial — (newscast). 

'Occasionally you have a bad night and toake up feeling tired. At Hmet 
like this tfs good to kru3w about' (headache remedy),. 

This Is » bad tie-in. There is no attempt to maintain . mood. Th« 
listener is interrupted in the emotions and thoughts that were induced 
by hearing the news, and suddenly confronted with a statement unre- 
lated to the preceding part of the program, and not eyen presented in 
the same sort of voice, with the same sort of phr.aslng, or with the same 
sort of emphasis. Jarred from his mood, he recognized the approach of ■ 
commercial. 

Example t: Approximate lead into middle commercial— :(Kate Smith) 
noontime. 

Program personality — 'Say Ted— would you'buy . something if I gav» 
you one good reason?' 
Announcer: 7 don't know.' 

Personality: 'Well, 'w'ould you if I gave you 17 good reaMns?' 
Announcer: 'Sure.' 

The commercial then continues to explain reasons for bf^ing — breakfast 
food. This is an effective tie-in. In the first place, the . personality of tha 
program's key figure Is continued into the commercial. In that respect, 
then, the' mood is maintained. ' In addition, on a program of household 
hints and news item^ the entire pattern, of the commercial Is one -of in- 
formation, of bringing in another useful hint. _ 

The second voice in the dialogue is that of the announcer, wjio is not 
only the announcer, but is also an integral part of ^e program. He is 
noi merely an extra voice which does nothing but give commercials. 

Here is a commercial lead that appears to fit the gestalt of the pro- 
gram. It IS an excellent example ot the technique of making a .larger 
percentage of listeners listen to the commercial. 

Example Sr^Approximate opening of middle commercial— (newscast). 

'Ttoo words, that mean a lot to buyers. Economy and Value— a dog food 
has always been the lowest priced do0 food in the market/' 

It would be difficult to imagine a news commercial that more violently 
contradicts the mood and channel of thought of the program, A phrasa 
like 'two words that mean a lot to buyers' has no relation whatsoever to 
the pattern of a news program. 

Rules for Commerciola ■ 

To help get a larger listening audience tor commercials a few simple 
rules can be laid down. 

1. The sentence strnctnre of commercials should follow the style, tempo, 
and pattern ot the program. 

Probably one of the major weaknesses of the average commercial pro- 
gramming set-up is that commercials and program are treated as inde- 
pendent units. It is not uncommon to find independent departments for. 
each of these functions. Producers who have coordinated the two have 
found theicesults encouraging. 

2. The lead of the commercial should produce the same type of reaction 
In the_ listener's mind as docs the program Itself. H shonlil fit the giita'i ' 
ol the program. 

For example, the lead to a news commercial can refer dii'ectly to the 
jiews itself, even If thejce'erence ls,_a,£eneral one, 

Among the newsleads that tested very highly were: 'All the news .ot 
war and blo^cade these days'— and 'news is the story of change.' 

Among the types of leads that violate the spirit of a newscast are 
axioms. Arhong the poorest tested we have: 'How many times have you 
heard it said that what you don't know will never hurt you?' 

It is Important to note that the crucijil consideration is not whether or 
not the lead simulates a news Item, The important point Is to avoid shock- 
ing your audience t>y a sudden change in the manner of presentation. 



Many types of leads serve this purpose. 

tn a series of tests conducted on a musical program it was found that 
the public had the greatest Interest In the commercials when they had a 
musical background. On the 'other hand commercials with musical back- 
grounds would be ineffective in an all-talking program. 

3. There shoald never be a pause or change of tone In delivery before th* 
beglnnlog ot a conmerdal. 



people are not sure of just what the 
word means; more people are un- 
able to decide whether or not they 
approve of it 

The word 'pill,' on the other hand, 
prudutes an immediate unfavorable 



reaction. People tend to associate 



this word with the thought of nar- 
cotics and of strong, undesirable 
drugs. 

A word of caution Is In order here. 
As with a radio program itself, it is 



never wise to simply make 'guesses* 
as to how your public reacts. To 
find. out which words are good and 
which ones bad, it is necessary to 
study the reactions of your primary 
audience. This may be done in two 
ways — through a careful study of th* 
comments made by your audienc* 
and of the words which they use, 
and ,by means of word assoclatioa 
tests, in which the words are pre- 
sented in the context , of your 
product (The End) 



24 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



Park Bd. Sez Goodman Theatre, Chi, 
May Not Be Used for Radio But 
Court Stays Enforcement Until Sept 



Chicago, July 29. 

NBC got Into a jam last week 
^hen the Park Board put through a 
ruling banning the network from 
using the Goodman theatre, in Grant 
Park, as a studio origination point 
for three coast-to-coast shows, not- 
ably the. Holland Furnace 'House- 
warming' show for which special 
Ecenery has been built. 

NBC rents the Goodman from the 
Chicago Art Institute, renting the 
house for four weeks with options 
for four more, with the theatre be- 
ing used at .this time as replacement 
for the NBC Studio A in the Mer- 
chandise Mart where NBC is cur- 
rently involved in considerable 
Etriictural remodeling work. 

But the Art Institute and the 
Goodman theatre are both on Park 
Board property and the Park Com- 
missioners notified the Art Institute 
that the Goodman couldn't be rented 
for such purposes, calling these pur- 
poses commercial. Overlooked, 
evidently, is the fact that the Good- 
man (ard the Institute, too, for that 
matter) have often been used for 
Eo-called 'commercial' purposes. 
Will Be Argned 

NBC went to bat immediately in 
the courts' and Was immediately 
granted a temporary injunction re- 
straining the Park Board from in- 



, terfering with the broadcasts at this 
time. Case is scheduled to come up 
for a hearing on Sept. IS, and NBC 
expects to have its own new Mer- 
chandise Mart audience studio ready 
by Sept. 1. 

NBC is us^ng the Goodman at 
present for tha Monday night Car- 
nation show, the Tuesday night 'Hap 
Hazard' show for Johnson's floor wax 
and the Wednesday night 'House- 
warming' show for Holland Fur- 
nace. 



Uses Soldier Amatenrs 



El Paso, Texas, July 29. 
•The Fort Bliss Amateur Hour,' 
sponsored by the Feder Jewelry Co. 
on KROD once weekly for SO min- 
utes, is using soldier talent at Fort 
Bliss. 

Prizes of $5, $3 and $2 are awarded 
to winners each week. 



WTAG News 85f, Sdd 

Worcester, July 29. 

Addition of two new sponsors last 
week for WTAG newscasts puts sta- 
tion's nWs periods on an approxi- 
mate 85% commercial basis, accord- 
ing to Commercial Manager George 
H. Jaspert. 

Bieber Polar Company, manufac- 
turers of beverages, signed for early 
morning five-minute 'Central New 
England News' program. Mechanics 
Savings Bank has contracted for 
Sunday afternoon 15-minute spot on 
a 26-time basis. 

Other WTAG news sponsors In- 
clude Roma Wine, Socony Vacuum 
Oil, Corn Products Refining, Stude- 
baker Co., and Worcester Baking. 



STYLE SHOWS 
ON TELEVISION 



Series of sponsored half-hour 
weekly television fashion shows will 
be aired Thursday afternoons, start- 
ing Sept. 4, by NBC. Will be bank- 
rolled by several manufacturers of 
style merchandise. Norman D. 
Waters & Associates Js the agency. 

Initial contract calls for 13 weeks, 
with possibility that the show may 
be expanded to a full hour after that 
time. Previous NBC television spon- 
sors are Bulova watch, Adam hat 
and Botany mills. 



New Local Cut-Ih Poficy Of 

Columbia s 'Country Journal' 



By LEON LEVINE 
(CBS Asst. Director •t Edneatlon) 



HAEK EAWIET ON WABC 

Mark Hawley, who left an an- 
nounCing-newscBster job at WOR, 
New York, last week, shifts to a sim- 
ilar chore on WABC locally, Aug. 4, 
bankrolled by Socony;iVacuum. He'll 
relay news bulletins six nights 
weekly, 10.-4J-11 p.m., on WABC 
only. 

Hawley was with WOR six years. 



A farm program for a network 
presents a unique problem for the 
broadcaster. The tesk is to give the 
American farmer — with his family 
numbering some 35,000,000 peopli 
a coast-to-coast radio picture of his 
own varied activities in supplying 
the nation's fodd, combined with an 
equally large scale view of what the 
Federal Government, Stetes and 
other agencies are doing to improve 
the farmer's livelihood and his use 
of the soil. 

Spread out the agricultural map 
of the United States. First there is 
a four hour change of time f^om 
coast-to-coast (made more complex 
by Daylight Saving); there is a varir 
ation of agricultural activities from 
the potato farmer of Maine to the 
cotton and tobacco growers of the 
south, to the wheat, corn and dairy 
belts of the mid-west, the cattle 
ranges of the western states and the 
fruit products of the west coast. In- 
terspersed are many other commodi- 
ties raised by farmers — farmers who 
may have a few acres of land, or 
who may operate farms of tfiousands 
of acres on a corporate scale. 

What do the' citrus grower of 
Florida and the rancher in Montana 
have in common? What will Inter- 
est their wives — as farm women? 
What is the common denominator 
which will have a basic appeal to a 



I 






. . Superaom campaign 
going gTeat-gun5„,53.a4% 
sales gain in 4th wetk of 
campaign ..." 

'NdnBuaJ.Brolhcn, 

Hanehaitu, N. H. 



AJtor 10 WMkt oa th« air, th« Supcnnan Radio 
Show broko all CroMUy rating racordi for 
quiartor-liour Juveallo -aliowa. Evory on* oi 40 
regional tponiors roporls Incroasod biuInMsl 

TREMENDOUS f-POINT BACKINGl 

-4 Suptrman magozina ctrculotlon avir 2,200,0001 
Supirman syndication in 365 |Mp«rs-ov«r20,000,000l 
M Supennan in 24 monttily teclinicolor Kmn ihoits 
by ParomountI 

< Supennan promotient in k«y city dapartnwnt storasi 

< Supirman't promotion staff building publicity! 




"... Superman shone so 
satlsfactoiy . . . decided 
to replace newspoper 
campaign ... . " 

-RomUcM PaaUng Co., 
S«n Ffuuriioo, CsllL 

"... wlioielieartecU]' en- 
done Superman program 
OQd fully rtcommend Its 
use." 

-White BtllDaliV. 
MUmi, FU> 

" . . . li ilOf bulU up (lie 
hrqeti fureaUe lUlening 
oudfeoce Olt tttrttoa has 
tJtt ktiowa." 

-•UttpaKVOD. 
OenvM^ CeUiad* . 




farm audience and JncidenUlly to a 
very large urban listening public 
who have a nostalgia for the farm? 
The answer is complicated by tha 
fact that fully three-fourths of the 
stations in the CBS network have 
their own local farm broadcasts 
Our job at CBS has been to. plan a 
farm program which will not sup- 
plant but supplement the activities 
of the local stations — a program 
containing national agricultural in- 
formation,, yet with human interest. 
There is no lack of material but the 
selection must be such that the truck 
farmer in New Jersey driving to the 
New York market, and the South 
Dakota farmer with a radio installed 
in his combine both find it worth- 
while listening. 

CBS farm activities are centered 
in St. Louis, where, its agricultural 
director, Charley Stookey, maintains 
his headquarters. Each summer he 
tours the various agricultural re- 
gions of the country, and reports, 
through on - the - spot broadcasts, 
problems common to the farmer. To 
St. Louis a staff of regional farm 
reporters— farm editors of affiliate 
CBS stations— report by telegraph 
Items of special interest to be in- 
cluded in the Weekly edition of Co- 
lumbia's X^ountry Journal,' broadcast 
each Saturday (12:00 to 12:30 P.M. 
E.D.T.yon an eighty station network. 

Last week CBS inaugurated a new 
project — one we hope will remove a 
criticism often leveled at network 
agricultural programs. In brief it 
calls for any statton carrying the' 
'Country Journal' to leave the net- 
work for five minutes to fill locally 
with farm news pertinent to that 
area. In New England this Is being 
done on a regional basis with WEEI 
in ^Boston .feeding the five minute 
spot to the CBS New England net- 
work—a method that is particularly 
helpful in an area where one crop 
dominates. 

The distribution of agricultural 
Information of Importance only to 
definite areas Is thus siiiiplifled. Lo- 
cal market reports, weather condi- 
tions, etc., may be given locally now, 
following similar -country-wide in- 
formation presented on the network 
show. Some 30 of the stations regu- 
larly carrying the 'Country Journal' 
have undertaken the local cut-out 
plan; others intend to do so .toon. 
The schedule is planned well in ad- 
vance so that, whatever happens to 
be the chief feature is publicized to 
all the stattons, giving the stetion 
farm editors an opportunity to ob- 
tain' the local angle from his county 
agent, land grant college State De- 
partment of Agriculture or other 
source. 

Cooperating closely with the 
United States Department of Agri- 
culture, th« leading farm organiza- 
tions, the youth farm groups — and 
with Its ^weekly Washington sum- 
mary of national of arm news pre- 
sented by Eric Sevareid— Columbia's 
'Country Journal' enters its third 
year with assurance that the Ameri- 
can farmer will be listening. 



GEORGE BRENGLE BACK 
TO ACTING CAREER 



"... radio program. 
Superman, doing a tplen- 
did job lor our clltatt . . , 
' Dalryland Producto Co." 

-^Etum u»i LaM«r Adv. 
Aflcney, Forth If orth, Ttm. 



WriUl WirelPhontl /or deiailtd infoxmaU^n 

480 Lexington Avenue • New York City 
PUza 3-0740 



George Brengle, who last week 
left the Compton agency radio de- 
partment to take several technical 
sources at Northwestern University 

service with the navy; has since 
learned he will not be called be- 
cause he is over 28. He was already 
contemplating leaving the produc- 
tian end of the business, however, 
so he has decided to resume an act- 
ing career. 

As successor to Brengle, the 
Compton agency brought- in Walter 
Gorman, formerly of the Yankee 
network, in Providence. He has 
been assigned to supervise 'Vice and 
Sade' and 'The O'Neills.' 



Griffin's Radio Deal 

Marcus Griffin, N. Y. Sunday En- 
quirer columnist, is en route to Lor 
Angeles on a radio deal. GrilTin, 
with William J- Bedford (of the one- 
time vaudeville team of Maker and 
Bedford) have the Hoot Gibson ra- 
dio, show scheduled for fall presen- 
tation, through the Shaffer & Walbel 
Agency. They have also written the 
Leq^on of Valor radio show for tha 
veterans' jp'oup. 

Bedford: will. Join him on the coast 
late in August. 



Wednesday, July SO, 1941 



RADIO 



25 



FTC Skeptical on 'BonKora Cocktafl' 

Consolidated Prug Trade Product Draws Complaint 
on Its Advertising Representations 



' Washtngton, July 29. 

Joys of drinking 'KonKora cock- 
tails,' while losing 'from seven to 87 
• pounds' and reducing bust measure- 
ments 'from three to 11 inches,' were 
frowned upoh Saturday (26) by the 
Federal Trade Commission in a com- 
plaint against two drug companies. 
Battle Creek Drugs Inc., of Battle 
Creek, Mich., and Consolidated 
Koyal Chemical Corp., of Chicago, 
doing business as Consolidated Drug 
Trade Products and as BonKora Co., 
were spanked by the FTC for mis- 
leading fatties in radio programs and 
•—printed: advertising. Respondents, it 
was charged, misled the listening 
and reading public by claims that 
•drinlting a glassful of chilled orange 
juice with a tablespoonful of Bon- 
Kora, two times a day* would restore 
the girlish figure. T'ain't so,' Com- 
mish declared. 

In representing BonKora as a 
■popular cocktail,' the drug com- 
panies made extravagant statements 
to the effect that ' ... the thing one 
. finds is many a fashionable New 
Yorker drinking everywhere you go 
these days a BonKora Cocktail 
made from Orange Juice and Bon- 
Kora.' ■ Commish— ^which, after all, 
gets around— apparently was unable 
to find the reducing cocktails in 
great demand. Also quarreled with 
respondent's claims that BonKora 
coclttails would permit slimming 
even while drinkers 'were 'eating 
their fill ot delicious foods.' 

Actually, the reducing prepara- 
tion is 'a saline cathartic containing 
magnesium sulphate, supplemented 
by the laxative action of buckthorn 
bark and cascara bark,' the com- 
plaint alleged. It may be used with 
safety only for .the temporary evac- 
uation ot the bowels,' Commish 
added, unfeelingly, 'and Its repeti- 
tious use may be habit-forming.' . 



HAROLD HIGGINS 
QUITS WOR CHI 
OFFICE 



Chicago, Jul)' 29. 

Harold Higglns Is resigning as 
chief of the WOR sales office in Chi- 
cago, effective as of Sept. 1. 

Has. been with WOR here for four 
years and as head of the office for 
some three years since the death of 
R. J. Barrett Higgihs was previous- 
ly with Paul Raymer. 

It is understood that WOR sales 
office will be operated directly from 
New York, with no overseer of ac- 
tivities 'i Chi. Instead, the two 
salesmen remaining will report di- 
rectly to the home office on all deals 
and for instructions on agency and 
sponsor calls. Continuing as sales- 
men here are John Shelton and Rob- 
ert Wood, both of whom have been 
with WOR sales office here for sev- 
eral years. 

Higgins is understood going with 
a radio station as sales chief. 



HERB SHERMAN OUT 
OF WJJD AHER 9 YRS. 



Chicago, Jifly 29. 

Ralph Atlass' latest switch at 
WJJD finds Herb Sherman resign- 
ing as fales manager for the station 
after nearly nine years with WJJD. 
Sherman is going into the station 
rep field with Whythe Walker. 

With Sherman exiting from WJJD 
outfit, the post of general sales man- 
ager is being handled personally by 
Ralph Atlass. New sales chief has 
not yet been signatured though At- 
lass has been contacting some of the 
key men in the business. However, 
it is likely that a deal will be made 
late this week that will bring a na- 
tiohally known key radio man Into 
the post. 



Tables Turned 



Chicago, July 29. 
For years Fritz Blocki was a 
press agent around the loop and 
as such presided over many a 
cocktail party rushing alMut to 
supervise the waiters. Now he's 
a radio director for the Holland 
Furnace programs and he went 
to the NBC cocktail shindig for 
Joan Bennett last week as a 
guest 

Couldn't enjoy himself worry- 
ing if everything was going ail 
right. 



James Sapbier Doobfing 



Hollywood, July 29. 

James L. Saphier, an independent 
agent, has joined the Sam Jaffe 
agency to head its new radio depart- 
ment. It will be his only film agency 
affiliation, but he will retain his own 
Hollywood office. 

He was formerly with Music Corp. 
of America. 



Henry Johnston, general manager 
of WSGN, Birmingham, vacationing 
in Guatemala. 



AFRA Rules Identical Commercials On 
Different Shows Classify Separately 



American Federation of Radio Art- 
ists has ruled against the Compton 
agency in a question involving clas- 
sification of repeat broadcasts. 
Union's national board turned down 
the agency's request after George 
Heller, associate executive secretary, 
had already given a tentative ruling 
to the same effect Union's previous 
stand, given in a letter by Heller 
when the commercial code was first 
adopted, permitted a reverse inter- 
pretation. 

Compton, which handles two seri- 
als, 'Against the Storm' and 'The 
O'Neills' for the same Procter Sc 
Gamble product (Ivory soap), fre- 
quently uses identical commercial 
announcements the same day on' the 
two different programs. In cases 
where an AFRA actor is called in 
for the same dramatized commercial 
on the two shows the same day, 
Compton figured the rate should be 
for a regular broadcast and a re- 



peat, rather than for two regulation 
broadcasts. 

That was the arrangement permit- 
ted under Heller's previous let- 
ter. However, the union recently 
notified the agency it would no 
longer permit the practice and, when 
Compton appealed, the board turned 
it down. 



Davis, Pearson Splitap 



Hollywood, July 29. 

Don Davis has bought out the in- 
terest of Richard Pearson, who joins 
Cesana & Associates. 

Davis & Pearson have been active 
in food and beverage accounts for 
radio on the Coast. 



Lee Bland, program director of 
WFMJ, Youngstown, is recovering 
from an appendectomy at St. Eliza- 
beth's Hospital. 




A UTTtf BIRO 

{P.S. It Was an CAniY Binv!) 



When the sun's still low in the East 
. . .when the clew's still damp on the 
grass and many an advertiser's still 
in his downy bed— that's the time 



FROM HUMMERT PLANT 



Stelle Reynolds, recent author : of 
•John's Other Wife,' Is due back from 
the Coast in the next few days, but 
probably won't resume scripting the 
serial for Blackett-Sample-Hummert 
She dropped the show to take a 
Hollywood motor tri^.-yacation with 
hei^ husband, actor Arnold Moss, 
after the agency refused, to give her 
time off for the jatmt. Understood 
she is mulling an offer from another 
agency, received by wire and phone 
after it became known- she had left 
B-S-H. Buth Borden is now author- 
ing 'Wife.' 

Written out of 'Against the 'Storm' 
during his trip, Moss will go back 
Into that serial and the Other pro- 
grams on which he has spot parts. 
Re also has a legit show tentatively 
set for fall. Last Broadway appear- 
•nce was in "Flight to the West.' 



KantM City.— Miller Robertson 
new assistant' lal^s director . at 
KABG under Sam Bennett 




when 28 striking shows on 16 great 
NBC stations are amazingly low in 
cost, amazingly high in listener 
loyalty. And amazingly productive! 

Maybe it's because folks who get 
up early are just naturally alert; 

morning minds still clear and un- 
cluttered. Maybe it's because these 
programs are master-minded by 
sales-minded showmen... M&yhe it's 
because each of these 'great NBC 
stations so thoroughly dominates a 
rich market... 

"Whatever the reason, these tested 
morning stars have demonstrated 
their ability fo do a terrific job on 
these stations so consistently pre- 
ferred by leading spot and local 
advertisers. Check the list at the 
right. Then call your nearest NBC 
Spot Sales office for the uohoU itory I 



'SAttLY Wm SPECIALS* 

OH It SAltS-UABIMO 
STATIONS 

Put your product on thousands 
of morning shopping lists in the 
country's richest markets. Follow 
through with your nearest NBC 
Spot Sales Office. 

WEAF ..... NEWYMK 

. "Morning in Manhattan" with Pat 
Barnes, 6:36 to 7:30, Monday through 
Saturday. "Studio X" with Ralph 
Dumke and Fud Hulick, 8:30 to OKX) 
(E.D.T.) Monday through Friday. 

WJZ . . . . NEW YOiK 

"Breakfant in Bedlam" with Ed Eattt 
and Polly, 7:00 to 7:55 (E.D.T.) 
Monday through Saturday. 

KGO ... . . SAN FRANCISCO . 

"Musical Clock" with Archie Presby, • 
6flO to 7.-0O-7:15 to 7:30 (,P.8.T.) 
Monday through Saturday. 

KPO .... SAN FRANCISCO . 

"Your Timekeeper," Joe Gillespie, 
6:00 to 7M, Monday through Satur- 
day. "Coffee Comer," 7:16 to 7;46 
(P.S.T.) Monday through Saturday. 

-'KOA DENVER 

"Alarm Clock Club," 630 to 6:30, 
Monday through Saturday. "Musical 
Clock '*^ 7:15 to 7:3P (M.aT.) Tues- 
«lay, 'rhursday and Saturday. 

WCIL . . . FT. WAYNE 

"Roundsman" (Musical Clock), 6 KM) 
to 7:30, Monday through Saturday. 
"Time to Go to Work," 8:30 to 8;46 
(C.D.T.) Monday, Tuesday, Thuis- 
day and Friday. 

WOWO . . . . . FT. WAYNE 

"The Morning Roundup," tfflO to 6:30 
(C.D.T.) Monday through Saturday, 

WMAQ CHICARO 

"Morning Jubilee," 6:30 to 6:46 
(C.D.T.) Monday through Saturday. 

KYW .... PHILADaraiA 

"R F D 1060." with John Thorpe, 
6:30 to 7«0: "KYW Musical aock'* 
with LeRoy Miller, 7:0f> to 9.-00 
(E.D.T.) Monday through Saturday. 

WBZ-WBZA . . NEW ENGLAND 

".Sunrise Rodeo," 6:00 to 6:56. "Mxi- 
aicnl Clock," with Malcolm MacCor- 
mack, 7:10 to 7:45. ".Morning Toast," 
8:15 to 8 :45 (E.D. T.) Monday through 

WMAL . . . : . WASHINfiTON. 

"Today's Prelude," 6«0 to 7M. 
"Kibitzers," 7:05 to 7:46— 8 «P to 9*0 
(E.S.T.) Monday through Saturday. 

WRC WASHINfiTON 

Gordon Hittenmark, 6«0 to 7:00— 
7:10 to 8:00— 8.-05 to 8:46 (E.S.T.) 
Monday through Saturday, 

WGY SCHENECTADY 

■ "Musical Clock," 6:45to8:30(E.D,T.) 
Monday through Saturday. 

WTAM CLEVELAND 

"Sun Up," 6K)0 to 6:30. "Pic Plant 
PeU," 6:30 to 7«0. "Musical Clock," 
730 to 7:45—8:00 to 8.30 (RS."!.) 
Monday through Saturday, 

KDKA ..... PinSRURfiH 

Farm Program,'6«0to 6:30. 'fMusical 
Clock," 7:15 to 8:00. "Melody Time," 
8«6to8:16. "Musical Clock," 830 to 
S:46 (E.D.T.) Monday through Sat- 
urday. 



26 RADIO 



Wednesday, Jnly 30, 1941 



HANSON ASSAILS FCC 'IPERTTNENCE; 
m REBUKES CHALLENGE OF POWER 



A.N.P. A. Counsel Says Witnesses Will Defy FCC 
JSubpoenas — Sessions Otherwise Mild — Mortality 
of Newspapers Given 



Washington, July 29. 

Acrimony, generalizations, rem- 
iniscences, defiance, and statistics 
characterized the flrst phases of the 
FCC inquiry begun last week to 
determine 'whef -ir any special rules 
are needed relating to newspaper 
ownership of radio stations. Another 
oratorical marathon is in prospect, 
with a recess likely after the regu- 
lators have put in preliminary evi- 
dence. Adjournment through Au- 
gust is generally anticipated, with 
resumption of the hearings after 
Labor Day. 

Non-appearance of four newspaper 
people invited to testify set the af- 
fair off as an outright test of Com- 
mish authority with the American 
Newspaper Publishers Association 
staging a walkout and defying the 
kilocycle cops to compel attendance 
of persons wanted as Commission 
witnesses. The regulators expect to 
force a showdown by issuing formal 
subpoenas and then— in case of con- 
tinued stubbornness — to launch con- 
tempt proceedings via the courts. 

Not Much Information 
Or Action Otherwise 

Except for the flrst-hour brushes 
ever authority, the initial sessions 
produced nb excitement And very- 
little information of any consequence 
except personal opinions that are 
open to' challenge by one side or the 
other. -The Commlsh sat only Wed- 
nesday (23) and Thursday (^) be- 
fore suspending until Wednesday 
(tomorrow). Schedule for the pres- 
ent week probably will not involve 
more than two days of testimony. 

The ANPA motion to call oS the 
whole affair was junked as the first 
development, with the (^mmish tak- 
ing.. the stand 'it is inconceivable to 
us that any argument could be seri- 
ously, advanced against the inherent 
power of any adnunistratlve agency 
... to co^iduct .general hearings of 
the type involved, here.' After the 
rebuff, Elisha Hanson, general coun- 



sel for the publishers, was slapped 
down by FCC Chairman James L. 
Fly when he attempted to argue the 
question, and Thomas D. Thatcher, 
former U. S. Solicitor General ap- 
pearing as counsel for the Press-Ra- 
dio Committee, also Was roughed up 
in similar circumstances. Hanson, 
however, forced on the Commish a 
lengthy statement before stomping 
out of the auditorium followed 
by reporters and growling about 
'high-handed, arbitrary* procedure. 

Impertinent Effort To 
Inquire Into Newspapers' 

In his statement, Hanson assailed 
the FCC's 'impertinent effort ... to 
inquire into the newspaper publish- 
ing business, the business policies of 
new,$papers, the editorial polices of 
newspapers, the advertising prac- 
tices of newspapers, the promotional 
activities of newspapers, the news 
policies of newspapers, the nature of 
the work performed by newspaper 
employees, and the business connec- 
tions of newspapers over none of 
which does this Commission have 
any authority whatsoever." This was 
in reference to the sweeping ques- 
tionnaire which the regulators sent 
all license-holders and networks in 
preparation for the hearings. He 
bolstered his challenge of Commish 
authority with references to court 
rulings in the El Paso and Dubuque 
cases and recalled that former Gen- 
eral Counsel Hampson Gary years 
back held any rules forbidding news- 
papers to own or operate transmit- 
ters would violate the Constitution. 

The Press-Radio Committee, 
though miffed, took, its setback more 
gracefully than did the A.N.P.A. and 
stood on its rights to participate. 
Thatcher occasionally bobbed up to 
cross-examine witnesses or re^ster 
mild objection, though It is under- 
'stood this group, led by Harold V. 
Hough of WRAP, Fort Worth, won't 
present evidence at.this stage. Hough, 
however^ issued a statement telling 
of the 'keen disappointment' at the 
Commission's .'denial of a fair hear- 




Greatest Star 

JOINS 

^ Michigan's 
P Greatest Station 



THI OOOOWIli STATIQN 
J Banc STAntii** 



ing' about the question of statutory 
right to go forward with the pro- 
ceeding or to differentiate between 
publishers and any other citizens 
seeking radio franchises'. 

As spokesman for 120 newspapers 
with radio connections. Hough re- 
buked the regulators for not listen- 
ing to statements regarding 'the basic 
legal question which underlies this 
entire inquiry.' He emphasized the 
Gary opinion in agreeing with the 
ANPA that the kilocycle cops are 
'wholly without power to group 
newspaper publishers into a class of 
persons who were less entitled to in- 
dividual consideration of their appli- 
cations than persons in other legiti- 
mate fields of enterprise.' 

Witnesses the first two days In- 
cluded two FCC staff employees (ac- 
countant and lawyer), two profes- 
sors, a Fortune magazine statistical 
wizard, and the publisher of the 
farm publications and daily newspa- 
pers owned by Senator Arthur Cap- 
per, Kansas Republican. The peda- 
gogs, Commish hired hands, and For- 
tune representatives unloaded bun- 
dles and bales of figures; personal 
opinions, and theories, while the 
Kansas journalist added more per- 
sonal opinions and reminiscences. 

The defiance of Commish authority 
— ^based on Hanson's contention the 
proceeding is thoroughly illegal — in- 
volves Arthur Robb, managing edi- 
tor of Editor & Publisher; James T. 
Stahlman, publisher of the Nash- 
ville Banner and now on active duty 
with the Navy; Edwin S> Friendly, 
New York Sun business manager; 
and William A. Thomson, director 
of the ANPA bureau of advertising. 
Hanson declared the quartet 'posi- 
tively will not appear' but the Com- 
mish Intends to try out its statu- 
tory powers. Stahlman was the only 
one actually served with summons at 
the outset — he was ordered to «how 
up Friday (25) but no session was 
held — though the others had been 
advised they would receive similar 
commands to appear Monday (28). 

Fly Denies Any Prejudice 
In Advance of Hearings 

Fly denied at the outset any idea 
of snooping Into newspapers' private 
affairs and insisted the (^oitunish has 
no Idea of bothering the press be- 
yond Its-^ relation to broadcasting. 
There are no preconceived ideas 
whether the publishers should be 
allowed to operate stations, either, 
he maintained, and the entire object 
of the inquiry Is to find out whether 
ties between the press and' radio 
promote public interest. - 

About the only testimony directly 
bearing on the fundamental (jtiestlon 
was the series of opinions by Marco 
Morrow, for 30 years associated with 
the Copper organization. It was his 
view that broadcasting Is a natural 
adjunct of journalism, newspaper 
people are better fitted than anyone 
else to run radio stations, it is physi- 
cally impossible to give every group 
Interested in public questions an ap- 
proach to the public mind that will 
satisfy each crowd, publishers have 
public welfare at heart all the time, 
a good radio station combined with 
a good newspaper is far better than 
independent ones of poor quality, 
and the concern about joint inter- 
est is much ado about nothing. 
Prof. Alfred McClung Lee of New 

pert and 'propaganda analyst,' sub- 
mltted' tables concerning the mor- 
tality rate of newspapers and the 
trend toward one-rag towns and de- 
livered a dissertation on free speech 
dicing which he quoted a wide range 
of 'authorities,' .Including Socrates, 
William Randolph Hearst, Thomas 
Jefferson, John Milton, Prof. Zacha- 
rlah cniaflee, Jr., of Harvard^ Col. 
Robert R. McCormick, and Jphn 
Adams. He skipped over two cen- 
turies with considerable ease and 
registered the belief that in most In- 
stances the' only real competition be- 
tween newspapers was in the rivalry 
for comics and features. 

Thatcher, Caldwell Probe 
Some of Profs Facts 

Prof. I.ee, tossed around somewhat 
by Thatcher and Louis G. Caldwell, 
attorney for the Chicago Tribune 
and WGN, was of the opinion that 
since 1029 there has been a lar more 
'scientific use' of advertising and that 
several factors— Including fewer pa- 
pers, fuller understanding of psy- 
chology, and popularity of radio — 
are responsible for the decline In 



FCC Reveals That— 



— 33.^ % of Stations Have Press' Link 
— All But 68 Operated at Profit in 1940 
— Plant Investment Is $12,014,497 
— 45 ofll6FM Bids Were by Press 



Washington, July 29. 

Statisticians can have a field day with the tables and charts compiled 
by FCC experts for use in the hearings on the matter of press-ownership 
but at the conclusion of the flrst two days of the proceeding it remained 
a puzzle just what all the elaborate computations demonstrate. Uncle 
Sam's figure jugglers unquestionably have been Industrious, though ob> 
servers at the inquiry still want to know what the results prove. 

Some of the more easily grasped — though hardly atartUng — discoveries 
portrayed in bulky exhibits based on analysis of the special questionnaires 
and of the regular financial reports are: 

There are 298 stations which have some association with a newspaper. 
As of June 30, 1941, 33.2% of all stations had connections of $ome sort with 
a newspaper or persons interested in newspapers. 

The press-affiliated plants have become steadily more numerous, start* 
ing from a low of 85 in 1931 (flrst year for which Information is avail* 
able), except for a slump In 1933 and 1934. The sustained trend set in in 
1935, when only 111 stations, or 18.3% of the nation's total, were linked . 
to the press. 

Newspaper Interests control 50% or more of 196 licensee corporations, 
which have 212 stations. There are 44 licensee corporations, representing 
46 outlets, in which newspaper interests have less than majority of the 
stock. Press partnerships account for nine stations and individual pub- 
lishers have 13 stations outright. 

Out of 116 applications for Frequency Modulation stations on the hook 
June 30, newspaper interests want 45 of the plants. Standard broadcast 
station owners not connected with the press have asked for SS FM outlets. 
The 42 licensees of FM stations (including the persons with only construc- 
tion permits) include 12 persons or corporations with newspaper affilia- 
tions, all of which now have standard stations. 

Out of the stations with newspaper ties submitting usable information, 
all but 68 operated at a profit last year. They had, total time sales of 
$39,273,724, equivalent of 35.5% of total Industry gross, and profit before 
taxes of $8,754,243, or 35 J % of the aggregate for the U. S. A.'s 76S com- 
mercial plants. 

The distribution of income among the newspaper stations generally 
follows the pattern observed in the industry as a whole, with eight press- 
owned full-time 90 kilowatt transmitters rakhig In $8,008,037 or 20.4% of 
the newspaper group's aggregate sales, and 92 full-time reglonals account- 
ing for $18,820,284, or 4T.9%. 

Network outlets Include 167 nev/spaper-affillated stations;' with this 
group representing 36.5% of all chain plants. 

Riggest group of press-affiliated stations running In the red were those 
on local channels. This category included 35 full-timers and three oper- 
ating only limited hours. There were 18 full-time reglonals in the press 
fold which did not turn in a profit in 1940. 

Newspaper-linked stations account for 37.5% of the total Investment 
(on a depreciated cost basis) in the radio industry. 'Value ai the end of 
1940 was $12,014,497, while the original cost was $20,288,993. 



newspaper lineage during the last 
decade. His compilations, which 
Thatcher questioned In various re- 
spects, showed the number of places 
with 'allegedly competing dailies' 
slumped from 288 In 1930 to 181 In 
1940, the number, with 'admitted or 
known local monopolies' mounted 
from 1,114 to 1,245, and the one- 
paper communities grew from 1,002 
to 1,092. At the same time, the 
number of cities with newspapers in- 
creased from 1,402 to 1,426, although 
In 1941 the number of cities with 
dailies was less than in 1940, 1938, 
1937, 1936, and 1935. , 

The professor presented an elabo- 
rate study showing the size of cities 
with daily sheets and got into a 
wrangle with Chairman Fly by 
pointing out that In recent years the 
most Important mortalities were, in 
large cities, like Providence, New 
York, Pittsburgh, Chicago, etc. The 
folding of metropolitan rags is one 
of the significant factors behind the 
drop in newspaper advertising, he 
commented. Fly picked him up, how- 
ever, by pointing out that accord- 
ing to his own table the number of 



places of 100,000 and over with 
newspapers Is larger this year than 
in most of the last decade. 

That Old Argunent, 'Is 
Radio Better Than Press?' 

Considerable - ophilon testimony 
about the relative effectiveness of 
radio and the press in purveying 
news and Infonnation was elicited 
from Prof. Mitchell B. Chamley of 
the UnlveiTity of Minnesota and 
Elmo Roper, Fortune research ex- 
pert. They did not agree which was 
the best medium or does the better 
job. Roper confined most of his tes- 
timony to the Fortune polls, which 
show a sensational increase in pub- 
lic Interest in mlcrophoned news 
since the shooting started in Europe, 
and Crharnley admitted there are 
marked dUTerences In the way news 
should be prepared for oral delivery 
and for publication. 



Brlce Disqoe, Jr., is directing 'By 
Kathleen. Norrls* for the Phil Lord 
office during the absence of Jay 
Hanna, away on vacation. 



Dominant Station in Major Southern Market Hat 

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS 



OFFICE MANAGER. 

A capable man with a solid 
background in radio and a 
fundamental knowledge of 
bookkeeping. We want some- 
one with ideas who can make 
suggestions for increasing 
the efficiency of our organi- 
zation. G>nservatism and 
efficiency required. State 
salary expected. 



SALESMAN.Progressive, 

high-type man with ideas 
(not radical schemes!) and a 
proven sales record. The 
man we want is an aggressive 
go-getter, but not of the high- 
pressure school. 

Straight 15% commission. 
Drawing account to start. 



Send complete deimls in first letter. State physical 
) and mental qualifications; list last four employers; 
give references. All information wUl he held in the 
strictest confidence. 

Addreu Box 82, Variety, 154 W. 46th St., New York CUy 



Wednesday, July SO, 1941 



RADIO 27 



Lanphier Says Milwaukee JournaTs 
Attitude Forced 'Yes' Reply To 
FCC Question on Discrimination 



Milwaukee, July 29. 

When C. J. (Chuck) Lanphier, 
manager of WEMP, received a re- 
cent questionaire from the Federal 
Communications commission he pon- 
dered long over the question: 'Does 
any local newspaper refuse to carry 
your advertising?' 

Not so long ago, when WEMP be- 
came an affiliate of the NBC Blue 
network, the Milwaukee Journal, 
owner of WTMJ, the NBC Red out- 
let, did decline to accept WEMP 
copy unless it was placed and paid 
Ipr by the sponsor of programs it 
was desired to publicize. 

T^anphier, not wishing to do any- 
body an injustice and acting on the 
assumption that the Journal's previ- 
ously expressed attitude toward 
WEMP might have changed in the 
meantime, called the newspaper's 
advertising department on the- tele- 
phone. 

Got Banaround 

He explained that while he did not 
contemplate placing any immediate 
copy he would like to find out if the 
Journal would accept such copy If and 
when offered. He was referred from 
one man to another, each one pass- 
ing the buck, and 'after getting the 
run-around from six or eight of 
them' he gave up. 

Then Lanphier answered the FCC 
question: 'Yes.' 

When the Journal first refused to 
accept WEMP copy, the indie station 
launched a billboard campaign to 
plug Its then new NBC affiliation, 
using 24-sheet stands in many 
itrategic locations. Now, however, 
WEMP Is confronted by a new sit- 
uation, for the powerful Journal, 
which sells newspaper space as well 
as radio time on two stations— 
WTMJ and W55M, is currently wag- 
ing vigorous war on billboards in the 
interests of municipal beautiflcation, 
even going so far as to suggest edi- 
torially that civic-minded adver- 
tisers themselves eliminate this type 
of exploitation. 



m, PRECISE 
ON FM GRANTS 



STANLEY WOLFF TO A.P. 



TFas Shortwave Badlo Expert af 
Herald Tribune In New York 



With discontinuation of the New 
York Herald Tribune's rooftop short- 
wave listening post to pick up for- 
eign broadcasts, the Associated 
Press is building its own receiving 
station. Outfit, located in Westches- 
ter, about 20 miles from New York, 
will be ready shortly. 

Stanley Wolff, who was in charge 
of the HT post, is handling the in- 
stallation and will be ' head of the 
AP reception center. News picked 
out of the air will be forwarded to 
the AP cable desk by land line. 

Wolff and the HT cooperated with 
WMCA, New York, for a consider- 
able period, especially at time of 
war outbreak. 



MELVIN PURVIS 
TO RUN WOLS 



Washington, July 29. 

Limitations upon the Class C FM 
station at Hollywood, granted July 
16 to Columbia Broadcasting Sys- 
tem, Inc., were attached last week 
when the Federal Communications 
Commission ordered modification of 
applicant's lease agreement with the 
Mount Wilson Hotel Co. 

Exclusivity provision of the De 
cember agreement was ordered 
'eliminated' by the Commish, which 
further stipulated that prior to 
Issuance of a construction permit 
CBS must obtain Government ap- 
proval of the exact coverage pat- 
tern and submit 'proof satisfactory 
to the Commission' that the exclu 
slvlty arrangement had been dis- 
solved. Transmitter, which will 
serve an area of 38,000 square miles, 
embracing San Diego and Bakers 
field, Calif., will use 43,100 kc, 



New York City's municipally- 
operated station, WNYC, is now per- 

new FM station to serve the Lansing, 



Florence, S. C, July 29. 

WOLS here sold by O. L. Stone to 
M. F. Schnibben and Melvin Purvis. 

Purvis, former ace G-man credited 
with blitz of John Dilllnger, will 
manage station. Has been publisher 
of Florence Daily Sun since resig- 
nation from J. Edgar Hoover staff. 



WCCOGiyesPabiicSampie 
Of a Radio Rehearsal 
As State Fair Ballyhoo 



Minneapolis, July 29. 

WCCO has engaged a dramatic 
company of six people to stage play- 
lets in its booth at the Minnesota 
State Fair. Playlets will not go out 
over the air, their purpose being 
simply to show the public how ra- 
dio dramatic programs are produced. 
The six members of the cast will be 
introduced befor? and after each 
production, will explain the work in- 
volved in rehearsing and playing a 
part and will sign autographs for 
those desiring.them. 

However, the Minneapolis Star 
Journal-WCCO 'Minnesota to the 
Defense,' emphasizing defense, will 
be broadcast frqm the booth three 
times during the week. So will 
George^Grlm's 'People Make News' 
Monday to Friday, inclusive. 

In 1940, approximately 400,000 vis- 
ited the WCCO booth during the 
Fair. 



WNYC Has Special Okay 
For Philharmonic Remotes 



Mich.,- basic trade area to WJIM, 
Inc., of that city. Proposed station 
will operate on 47,700 kc. to cover an 
area of 3,000 square miles with more 
than 250,000 population. Applicant 
now operates WJIM, transmitter af- 
filiated with the Michigan Radio Net- 
work. 



SUES ROOSEVELT CHAIN 



Gall Northe Claims Contract Was 
Terminated Too Soon — Asks f S,32S 



Fort Worth, July 29. 

Gail Northe, radio commentator 
and program - director, has sued the 
Texas State Network for $5,325 dam- 
ages for an alleged breach of con- 
tract and back pay. Miss Northe, 
- joined in the suit by her husband, 
Charles Muskavitch, charged that she 
contracted with Elliott Roosevelt, 
foroier network president who was 
succeeded by Mrs. Roosevelt, for a 
$100 weekly salary on Aug. 4, 1939. 

The petition states she was dis- 
missed last April 25, which was four 
months before the contract expired^ 



MARTHA 
DEANE 

one of America's most outstanding 
and successful women's programs 



on 



WOR 



aiid Sunday nights unti? tompietldfi 
of the broadcasts of the entire con- 
certs of the N. Y. Philharmonic or- 
chestra, from Lewisohn stadium, 
N. Y. Special okay was granted last 
week by the FCC. Station is regu- 
larly forced to sign off at 10 p.m. 
during July and at 9:15 during Au- 
gust, because of confiict with WCCO, 
Columbia outlet in Minneapolis-St. 
Paul, which operates on the same 
wave-length. 

Mayor LaGuardia's plea to obtain 
full-time operation permit for WNYC 
is due to be decided by the FCC 
soon. 



Ted HedigerWith J.W.T. 

: Hollywood, July 29. 

Ted Hediger, NBC producer- 
writer, is on 13-week leave to work 
on two J. Walter Thompson pro- 
grams. He will aid in the writing of 
the Kraft show and produce Art 
Linkletter's 'Shell Goes to a Party.' 

Bob Stephenson moves into Hedi- 
ger's -spot at- NBC. 



AUGUST 4«h 

WITH 

MARIAN YOUNG 

a new, vital personality; formerly 
NEA women's editor for seven 
years, columnjst, feature writer, 
foreign correspondent. 



AVAILABLE NOW 
ON 5-TIME A WEEK 



mt>i Via 



PARTICIPATION at 

'350.00 per weeic 



calf, write or wire—Sales Office, IVOR, 
1440 Broadway, in New York—PE 6-B600 



28 RADIO MARKETS 



Wednesday, July 30, 194] 



Natl Schools Campaign to WNEW; 
Botany Mills' Sd Year on WQXR 



National schools has started a 
concentrated drive via WNEW, 
consisting of two quarter-hour news 
periods totaling two and three- 
quarter hours wedcly, one quarter- 
hour weekly of recorded music, plus 
participating announcements. 

Botany Worsted Mills has signed 
WQXR for its third' season of Lisa 
Sergio's 'Column of the Air,' while 
W. H. Hall, furriers, will air the 
same station's 'Dinner Concerts' tor 
the next five weeks, at the end of 
which time Maxwell House coffee 
will resume sponsoring of the half- 
hour program. ^ 

WMCA: Welch Grape Juice, 
through H. W. Kastor, five one- 
minute announcements weekly and 
renewal, tor five weeks, of weekly 
quarter-hour; Warner Bros. Pic- 
tures, through J. Walter Thompson, 
16 half-minute announcements. 

WNEW: National Schools, through 
Huber Hoge & Sons, participation 
in 'Start the Day Right,' early a.m. 
platter session with Hal Moore, a 
15-minute news summary, five times 
weekly, a 15-minute news period, 
six times weekly, and a 15-minute 
weekly program of recorded mu- 
sic; P. Lorillard Co., through Iien- 
nen & Mitchell, renewal of 'Make 
Believe Ballroom,' six times week- 
ly, 52 weeks; Paramount Pictures, 
through the Buchanan agency, one- 
minute announcements for 'Chapel 
in the Hills'; Salz Pen Co.,' through 
S. R. Leon, 15-minute news, five 
times weekly, 52 weeks, and a 
schedule of one-minute announce- 
ments for the run of the contract. 

WOR: Atlantic Commission Co., 
through Paris fie Peart, announce- 
ments during 'Happy Jim Parsons,' 
three weeks; Public Service Corp. 
of New Jersey, direct, 'Danny Dee,' 
Ave minutes, once a week for four 
weelts. 

WQXR: Botany Worsted Mills, 
through H. A. Silverstein, newsreel, 
Lisa Sergin's 'Column of the Air,' 
half-hour twice weekly, 52 weeks; 
W. H. Hall, Inc. (furriers), through 
Lester Harrison Associates, 'Dinner 
Concerts,' half-hour week days, five 
weeks. 



DETROIT GROGGY 



Units Continue to Slide— Web Is 
Heaviest Loser 



Business went into a slight sum- 
mer spin here this week with net- 
works showing the biggest drop — 
almost 5 percent. However, the sea- 
sonal decline is not nearly as notice- 
able as it has been in years past.' 



I Comparative Unit Connt | 



jDly 26. July 19. Cluuiee. 

Network ... 7,358 7,723 —1.7 

Local 12,372 12,239 -|-1.1 

Nat'I Spot.. 4,627 4,669 —0.8 

Total 24,357 24,631 —1.1 

(Included: CKLW. WJBK, WJBL, 

WJR, WW J, WXYZ) 



Tax Sock 

;C'ontinued from page zi; 



KMAC's Improved Status 
After 14 Years on Air 

San Antonio, July 29. 

Federal Communications Commis- 
•lon has granted station KMAC au- 
thority to move from 1,400 to 1,240 
kilocycles and lull time operation at 
250 watts. For the past 14 years sta- 
tion KMAC and station KONO have 
been dividing time on the same fre- 
quency. Howard Davis, manager of 
station KMAC,; expects changeover 
will be completed within a month. 
Plans call for the station to operate 
on a 19-hour schedule. 

Eugene Roth, owner and operator 
of station KONO, has on file an ap- 
plication with the FCC to operate 
lull time on the 1,400 frequency. 

Change gives this city five lull 
time stations. 



means of plugging the hole. Yield 
from the impost, according to Treas- 
ury calculators, will be from $4,500,- 
000 to $5,000,000. The proposed scale 
is: 

5% on net time sales from |10t,- 
to $500,000. 

10% from 1500,000 to $1,000,000. 
15% on more than $1,000,000. 

Both webs and affiliates would be 
affected, with the -latter taxed on 
both their receipts from the chains 
as well as their own direct local 
take. 

Not Too Brieht 

Discouraging outlook fgr radio — 
despite all the logic that may be em- 
bodied in arguments against the 
levy — results- from parliamentary 
procedure. The house will consider 
the legislation under a gag rule 
which allows only amendments spon- 
sored by the Ways and Means Com- 
mittee. Since this group is desper- 
ate to And sources that will bring 
in the required $3,500,000,000 an- 
nually, there seems next to no 
chance.it will reverse itself and drop 
the item. And nobody else in the 
lower chamber will be able to make 
a motion to strike out the radio tax. 

"Diis focuses attention on the sen- 
ate, where there will be two op- 
portunities to attack the provision. 
If the Finance Committee, turns a 
deaf ear on radio's appeals and pro- 
tests, there still is a chance to shoot 
at the clause when the revenue leg- 
islation comes up for debate and a 
vote. In the event' the levy Is 
scrapped while the bill Is going 
through the senate, the issue still 
would have to be thrashed out in 
conference with the house. Industry 
figures who have talked with Rep. 
Robert Doughton, the house commit- 
tee chairman, got the impression he 
would not be stubborn about this 
feature of the biU if It Is rejected In 
the upper chamber. 



KANSAS CITY, GLOOMY 

Slump Trims Local 12.7%— ToUl Off 
5.5% 



Kansas City, July 29. 
Seasonal decline, which has been 
holding off these many weeks, finally 
became evident. Although the week 
lakes a sharp drop over the previous 
seven-day period, the town's radio 
commercial biz in general still is 
considerably above the usual warm 
weather trend. This situation, which 
last week was voiced by managers 
of KCMO, WDAF and WHB,- v/as 
this week verified by KMBC and 
KCKN. 

Couple of managers have already 
nientloned fall onslaught is of bright 
hue, with some contracts under the 
wire before summer is half over. 

WHB reported a new contract with 
the Auto Club of Missouri, which 
bought a daily announcement on a 
one-year contract. 



Comparative Unit Count 



July 26. Jalyl9. Change. 

Network .. 6,850 7,105 —3.5 

Local 4,666. 5,347 —12.7 

Nat'I Spot. . 6,718 6,857 —2.0 

Total 18,234 19,309 —8.5 

(Includes: KCKN. KCMO, KITE, 
KMBC, WDAF, WHB) 



A.&P.STORES 
BUYONWMAQ 



Chicago, July 29. 

Business continues on the up- 
grade and despite war news the 
stations see a big season ahead. The 
only slack In time buying is ln>m 
the heavy material advertisers due 
to the inability to obtain metals 
and materials because of national 
defense priorities. But food and 
household goods manufacturers are 
having a field day and their ad- 
vertising agencies are busy ready- 
ing time deals. 

Atlantic fic Pacific grocery stores 
is buying announcement time for 
the plugging of peaches, setting a 
series of ' 21 announcements on 
WMAQ, through Paris fie Peart. 

Procter fie Gamble (Ivory soap 
and flakes), has' set 9 schedule of 
announcements on WBBM, running 
on Saturday and Sunday; WBBM 
also landed an announcement sched- 
ule from the Macfadden Publica- 
tions, through Erwin, Wasey agency. 

WAAF drew a renewal from the 
Joy Candy Shoppes of a once-week- 
ly 15-minute interview show by Hal 
Tate and Nikki Kaye, through the 
Malcolm Howard agency. 



San Franelsco-^ack Campbell, 
who recently Joined KGO-KPO as 
sales promotion manager, has re- 
signed. 




No Whalet 
In Ttnntsstt... 




It ]S a wUl* of a (toi7 a» TVA plowi into a 
9110,000,000 duaJmadint piognm . . . nMiI>r Alum* 
inum Company double* ill plant ibe and ptrtoDnd , . , and 
deftnM mduilrie* woric thie* (tiifb a day. 

It't a wluJe of a «lor7 . . . and a of a mai» 
Int, tlu( TVAtmu 

And WNOX is your W liaipooni 



CIS • 9»0K«, 




Wtrii -n* KMnlll*:N«wi-SMlM. 

KNOXVILU ^ TENNiSSa 

(^' .The firanhatn Company 



Comparative Unit Count ) 



% of 

July 26. July 19. Change. 
Network .. 9,415 9,340 +«A 

Local 6,455 6,398 -f-0.8 

Natl Spot. . 11,490 11,440 +OJi 

ToUl 47,360 27,178 .-f-e.7 

(Included: WBBM, WENR, WGN, 
WIND, WJJD, WLS, WMAQ) 



CONVICT SCRIPTS PGM 
FOR CANDY CO. (KCMO) 



Seattle, July 20. 
KOMO has sold 'Highway Night 
Express,' weekly transcribed show, 
to Thonipson.Candy Co. lor 26 weeks. 
Interesting point Is that the scripts 
are written by Ralph W. Hunter, an 

by some of the top drama shows, and 
all his writing is done inside the pen 
walls. 'Express' will replace Hal 
BurdicJk's "Night Editor* In the 9-9:15 
p.m. Sunday spot 

Imperial Candy Co.'s 'Questlonary' 
on KIRO reportedly increased sales 
more than 800%, according to the 
company. 'Questionary' Is recorded 
at various stores in the morning, 
then rebroadcast In the evening. Be- 
gan as a test In February and is now 
on an indefinite time basis. 

KIRO: Schoenfeld's (furniture), 
'Words to the Wives' three times 
weekly, beginning Aug. 1, at 9:45 
a.m.; U fie I Sugar, through Strang fie 
Prosser, has renewed four time sig- 
nals daily for another year. 

KOL: 'Don Isham Entertains,' 15 
minutes, three tlmes^ weekly, to Na- 
pier fie Scott (fuel), and three times 
to Matheny fie Bacon (lumber). 



Mounds Renews on WFBR; 
Balto Locals Up S% 



Baltimore, July 29. 

Some slight ■ improvement noted 
here in local and national spot 
counts, but biz 'generally still in 
midst of summertime in effective- 
ness. Some action noted in me- 
dicinal field, but aside from that 
nothing much. 

WFBR: Peter Paul (Mounds), 
through Platt-Forbes, renewed five 
news periods a week; Reader's Di- 
gest, through BBDfieO, p.m. an- 
nouncements; Doan's Pills, three an- 
nouncements a week to start July 
29. 

WCAO: Macfadden Publications 
(True Story), through Arthur Kud- 
ner, 30 spots to be used three a day 
for two weeks. 

WBAL: Burke - Savage (tires), 
through Leon Golnick, time signals 
Monday through Saturday; Fine Fur 
Co., through -Appelstein-Wagner, 201 
a.m. spots; Fleer's Dubble Bubble 
Gum, through N. W. Ayer, 65 station 
brisks > 

WCBM: Havelock fic Selenkow 
(furs), IS spots; Dr. Spector Health 
Institute, through Appelstein-Wag- 
ner, 50 spots; H. Clarke fie Son (Red 
Cloud berries), via Leon Golnick, 

150 spots. 

] Comparative Unit Count f 



% of 

July 26. July 19. Change. 
Network .. 1,560 7,410 + 2.0 

Local 4,729 4,487 -(-5.3 

Nat'I Spot. . 1,919 1,92s —04 

ToUl 14,208 13,822 -|-2.7 

(Included: WBAL, WCAO, WCBM, 
WFBR) 



SPARKLING SPOTS 



WCAU Triea Zany Angle— Phllly 
Units Okay 



Philadelphia, July 29. 

Biggest news along Radio Row is 
WCAU's 'grand exi>eriment' to snag 
extra listener attention lor the i>esky 
spot announcements. 

Three new shows have been 
created, one in the afternoon and two 
at night, during which all the stray 
spot blurbs will be gathered *under 
one roof.' The programs will be 
handled by Orth Bell,' comedian- 
spieler, and will include Joey Kearns 
orchestra —the house band — and 
vocalists Marion Mason and Sonny 
Saunders. Interspersed between the 
music and Bell's zany cracks wiU be 
the spots— dressed up by Bell. 

The idea has been tested lor the 
past month with an afternoon show 
called 'Bellzapoppin' which used 
transcribed music.-' Tentative plans 
call for the three shows to be aired 
from the studio auditorium with the 
public invited. 

KYW: Manhattan Soap Company, 
through Franklin Bruck, renewal of 
tri-weekly news programs ol 15 min- 
utes each; Abbott's dairies, partici- 
pation in Ruth Welles, program; PhU- 
adelphia Dairy Co. (Dolly Madison 
ice cream), through Scheck Adver- 
tising, weather report, 13 weeks. 

WIBG: Rubins' Hot. Point Appli- 
ances, musical show, 10 minutes 
daily, 13 weeks; Pep Boys (auto .ac- 
cessories), three spots daily, 13 
weeks, through Thomas Harklns. 



Comparative Unit Count 



% 01 

July 26. July 19. Change. 
Network .. 9,778 9,598 +1.8 

Local 20,605 < 20,431 +0S 

Nat'I Spot. . 4,795 4,579 +4.7 



Blurbs for Phillips 
Petroleum on KFEL, 
Kellogg Using KOA 

Denver, July 29. 

Announcements and spots constl. 
tuted most of the contracts. 

KFEL: Asocisated Denver Tailors, 
through Earl Pivan agency, 17 an- 
nouncements; Casa Manana, four 
half-hours and one quarter-hour- 
Frumess Jewelry,- 15 announcements 
and two chain breaks, daily, one 
year; Cramer Foot Comfort Shop, 
through Ted Levy agency, eight 
five-minutes; T. J. LeRoy, 'Easy 
Piano Lessons,' six half-houri 
weekly, one month; Phillips Petrol- 
eum Co., through Lambert fie Feas- 
ley, 156 spots; Broadway Motors, 
through J. Stirling Gefchel, 13 
spots; Public Service Co., two quar- 
teShours weekly, three months. 

KLZ: Morton's Apparel Shop, 
through Ted Levy agency, 39 Ryfki 
minutes; Procter-fie Gamble, through 
Pedlar fie Ryan, 20 spots; Carey Salt, 
through McJunkin, 56 announce- 
ments; Dupler Furs, through Ted 
Levy agency, 354 announcements; 
Doan's Pills, through Spot Broad- 
casting, 156 spots; Indian Grill Pro- 
duct Co., 13 spots; Florida Citrus 
Commission, throujfih Arthur Kudner 
65 announcements: California Pack- 
ing, through Mc(^nn-Erickson, 52 
announcements; Chas. E.Wells Music 
Co., 39 announcements; LcMoine 
Music Co., 39 announcements. 

KMYR: Elitch Gardens, through 
Robertson agency, 250 spots; Globe 
Furniture Co., through. Ted Levy 
agency, 250 spots; Drive-ln Laun- 
dries, th'rough Ted Levy agency, 500 
announcements; Penfold Gold Balls, 
seven 15 - minute.<;; Marlin razor 
blades, 162 spots; Peoples Furniture 
Co., through Max Goldberg agency, 
10 announcements; Columbine Dis- 
tributor Service, 26 spots; Paul 
Weiss, through Wooley fie Hunter, 
three five-minute newscasts weekly; 
Price Flavoring Co., through N. W. 
Ayer, 26 spots; Banner Oil Co., one 
flve-rainute news daily and 26 spots; 
Elite Dress Shop, 52 spots; B. F. 
Goodrich Tires, through Otto Shaw, 
250 spots; Ranier Beer, through 
Buchanan agency, 50 spots; B. K. 
Sweeney Co., one quarter-hour daily 
till forbid. 

KOA: American Chicle Co., 52 
flve-miniite newscasts; Dave Cook 
Sporting Goods Co., through Ray- 
mond Keane, 26 announcements; 
Merchants Biscuit Co., through Ball 
fie Davidson agency, 30 minutes; 
Procter fie Gamble, 156 chain breaks; 
Campbell-Sell Baking Co., through 
Wooley fie Hunter, 52 quarter-hours; 
Kellogg Co., through Kenyon fie 
Eckhardt, 70 announcements; Bay 
Petroleum Co., through Raymond 
Keane, 84 announcements; Public 
Service Co., 45 minutes. 

i Comparative Unit Count f 



% or 

July 26. July 19. Change. 
Network .. 7,735 7,825 —1.1 

Local 6,984 7^02 —3.0 

Natl Spot.. 2,463 ' 1,432 +1.2 

Total 17,182 17,459 —IS 

(Included: KFEU KLZ, KMYR, 
KOA, KVOD) 



TELEVISION SERVICE 
FILES IN ALBANY 



Comparative Unit Count 



July 26. July 19. Change. 
Network ... 7,300 7,365 —0.8 

Local 6,974 6,801 +1.2 

Nat'I Spot.. 756 761 —0.6 

ToUI 13,030 15,017 +0.1 



WDAS, WIBG, WPEN) 

Cincinnati.— Bill Wells, formerly 
with Florida stations and lately with 
WMPS, Memphis, is a new an- 
nouncer on WCKY and doing a 
nightly chat with music platters. 



Albany, July 29. 

.W^'?*' i'i'r iMi>i Ti>t > >i^t » ' » ¥*i i vn . Sail* 

Vice,- Inc.; 4iBsrbeerr char ter*!*- to -con- - 
duct a motion picture and television 
production business In New York. 
Directors are: Fay Solowitz and 
Florence Johnson, Brooklyn; Jackson 
Cook, Bronx. 

Maxwell G. CuUer, New York 
City, was filing attorney. 




WDNS GETS RESULTS// 

yCEWIRAl OHItfS OMUV CBS OuniSX ASH AW BlAUt MAU OH US. ^ 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



RADIO 29 



Inside Stuff-Radio 



Jimmy McClaln, who conducts the 'Dr. I. Q.' and 'Dr. I. Q., Jr.' shows 
over th€ air for Mars, Inc., recently completed a ilx-week lojoum In 
Toledo, where the Junior show was broadcast every Sunday afternoon 
from June 1 through July 6, while the senior show was presented from 
nearby Detroit each Monday evening. McClain stayed at the Commodore 
Perry hotel, from where the junior broadcast originated, via WSPD. He 
had to do a lot of elevator-riding, between the WSPD studios in the 
' hotel's tower, the Crystal .ballroom on the main floor wh«re his broadcasts 
originated, and his room. Toledo Blade cracked story 'that Rosemary 
Robinson, 22, elevator operator at the hotel, is now wearing an engage- 
ment ring, and admits she will become Mrs. I.Q.' either Aug. 25 or Sept. B, 
eltlier in Toledo or Chicago, or Portland, Ore, 

The Merry Macs, harmony act that has not been heard on the radio 
for some six months, and finished two films for Universal, 'Moonlight In 
'Hawaii' and 'San Antonio Rose,' are scheduled for a third 'Ride 'Em, 
Cowboy.' Mary Lou Cook recently replaced Helen Carroll. Act is doing 
three weeks of personals on the Interstate Circuit, opening Aug. 8 in 
Houston. 

Meantime, it's not generally known that one of the Merry Macs, Ted 
McMichael, was co-lyricist with Jack J. Killion on the 'Hut Sut Song.' 

Sldeliners watching excavation work for Milwaukee's 'Radio City," 
which The Milwaukee Journal is building at the northern edge of town, 
circulated report that one big hole somewhat away from the main studio 
site and connected with It by a long tunnel was to be an air raid shelter, 
L. W. Herzog, manager of WTMJ, asserts, however, that the hole in ques- 
tion is merely the underground part of a power house and boiler room, 
with the tunnel carrying necessary pipes and cpnduits to the main 
structure. 



NBC will start broadcasting from its new building in San Francisco in 
two weeks, despite fact structure won't be completed until Jan. 15. With 
first floor up, what will be a garage entrance is being converted into a 
model de luxe studio with a glass. wall on the sidewalk and a public ad- 
dress system outside. 

Passersby will be able to watch (and hear) programs originating be- 
hind the big window. 



Sandra Michael, author of the Procter Si Gamble serial, 'Against the 
Storm,' has been approached by Paramount regarding a film scripting 
deal. Negotiations so far have been merely preliminary. 

While writing her program from Palm Springs last winter, Miss Michael 
had tentative bids from Warners and Columbia, but wasn't interested in 
the propositions offered. 



Holland House^arming program out of Chicago is eliminating Its dra- 
matic Interlude for lack of time to include it properly. Benny Goodman 
Is a must for three numbers and, with Don McNeil's comedy routines, a 
big' visiting star from Hollywood and the commercials, there wasn't time, 
Ruthrauff & Ryan has decided, to interpolate playlets. 



John F. Royal has long held the pet idea of a Pan-American Broad- 
caster's Union modeled after the International Union that headquarters 
in Switzerland. NBC v.p. Is pushing the idea along the path of his present 
seven-week tour of South America. NBC is meanwhile publicizing the 
Idea on the Yankee end. 



ASCAP granted WOKO, Albany, special permission to broadcast all 
music played by two bands at the Albany Soap Box Derby, staged July 25. 
The society also okayed the airing of Raymond Paige's 'Just a Soap Box 
on Wheels.' 



Syracuse University recently held a 'first annual' radio conference un- 
der the direction of its radio director Kenneth Bartlett. Registration was 
115. Speakers Included Thomas Rishworth, of NBC; Harold Kent, I. Keith 
Tyler, Max Bilderslee, Michael Hanna, Marcus Bartlett and Paul Reed. 

Jean Bradley, secretary to Max Jordan, former NBC representative In 
Switzerland and Germany, arrived in the U. S. last week by boat after a 
series of hectic difficulties getting out of Europe. 

Jordan has meantime gone back to Europe. 



Jean Paul King's retirement from radio to live in Tacoma, his home 
town (as reported in last week's Vaiiiejty), is for the purpose of joining his 
father's undertaking firm. King spent 12 years in legit and radio. 



Bob Hawk is scheduled to do his Eversharp Pencil 'Take It or Leave It' 
show from Chicago Aug. 24, but otherwise his radio originations wilt be 
from New York, the tour aspect being washed up. 



A 70-mile-an-hour wind leveled the two 412-fO(rt towers of radio station 
WMT near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, last weekend. The towers are now Just a 
mass of twisted steel. 



Irene ICuhn's Switch 

Irene Kuhn, former N. Y. news- 
paperwoman who has been with 
NBC for some time, has been 
switched from press under Bill Kost- 
ka to promotion under Ken Dyke. 

She was Qricinalbr brounh*. into the 

eral manager. 



EZRA STONE INTO ARMY 

Officialdom May Be Sympathetic to 
'Aldrlcb Family' Doubling . . 



Mexicans Launch 
Program From 
New York City 



A first broadcast of a proposed 
series from New York City to Mex- 
ico (via WRUL, Boston shortwaver) 
took place Friday (25) from the 
studios of WMCA, New York, In 
Mexico the Department, of the In- 
terior's XEFO and XEUZ picked up 
the broadcast for re-transmission. 

On the first program was the Mex- 
ican consul-general in New York, 
Rafeal de la Colina; Charles T. Wil- 
son of the Mexican Chamber of Com- 
merce in the U. S.; John B. Glenn 
of the Pan American Trust; and Al- 
berto Rembao and Arturo Medina. 
They were introduced by Fernanda 
Aldana who has arranged the series. 

Professional talent on the broad- 
cast included Consuelito Moreno, 
Sabicas, Mrs. Ofelia Arias de 
Anievas, Raquel Moreno, Estele Inda, 
the Flores Trio and Juan Jose Saro. 

Further Mexican programs out of 
other American cities are in pros- 
pect, notably from Los Angeles, St, 
Louis, San Francisco, Detroit and 
San Antonio. 



Sons of Senator ODaniel Parties To 
Bid (or Another Dallas Station 



Austin, Texas., July 29. 

Park Cities Broadcasting Corp. has 
filed an application with the Federal 
Communications Commission for a 
new 6,000-watt station on 710 kilo- 
cycles in Dallas; Senator-elect W. 
Lee O'Daniel's two sons, Pat and 
Mike, are stockholders in the new 
corporation. 

Pat is president and Mike is vice- 
president of the W. Lee O'Danlel 
Flour Co. of Fort Worth. It was as 
radio announcer for a series of pro- 
grams in behalf of his flour dis- 
tribution firm that O'Daniel .rock- 
eted to the governor's chair and now 
to the senate In Washington, 

Officers of the proposed Dallas 
station are E. B, Germany, presi- 
dent (He is chairman of the board 
of the Highland Park SUte Bank 
in Dallas); Thomas A. Carpenter, 
vice president (chairman of the 
board of the City National Life In- 
surance Co.); Guy L. Mann, vice- 
president (general counsel of the 
Highland Park Statie Bank); Andrew 
V. Allison, secretary-treasurer (sec- 
retary of the City National Life In- 
surance Co.). Other stockholders 
are James M. Collins, vice-president 
of the Vent-A-Hood Mfg. Co., Dal* 



las; and Karl B. Smith, prez. of th» 
Fidelity Union Life Insurance Co., 
Dallaa and of the Mart National 
Bank, Mart, Texas. 

The FCC in May granted the ap- 
plication of the Chilton Radio Corp. 
for a new station in Dallas. Ther« 
are three stations in operation ther« 
at the present time. Station of the 
Chilton group was on a daytime 
operation basis only. 



WALTER PATTERSON TO CHI 



will Be Sponsored by Plllsbury-r> 
Quits WSPD, Toledo 



Toledo, O., July 29. 

Walter Patterson, singing pianist 
and announcer at WSPD, Toledo, is 
set for a new series aver the NBC- 
Blue network for Pillsbury Flour. 
Show, which has not yet been named, 
will be heard starting Sept. 11, each 
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sun- 
day, over 43 stations, for 15 minutes 
at S «.m. 

Program will originate in Chicago, 
and Patterson will be supported by 
the four King's Jesters, singing 
group. 




Connect in 
Connecticut 

For • home run In Con- 
„,cticut't M«Jor M.r 

k.t,If. J"-t l-^^'c 
..me to u.. WDBi' 

ERAGE, PROGRAMS, 
RATEl 

BASICCBS"'^ CONNtCTICUTi 



Ezra Stone, who was inducted into 
the a — 'V last week at Camp Upton, 

■^A'KiSfTOl'fmH.y .-^en-.s-ier-ofen- 
eral Foods. Matter is still indefinite, 
but the Young fit Rubicam agency 
has been informed by the War De- 
partment that Stone will be given as 
much leeway as other draftees who 
have been permitted to continue cer- 
tain civilian activities. 

With the 'Aldrich' program cur- 
rently taking a four-week layoff, the 
question of Stone's availability 
doesn't have to be settled immediate- 
ly. Figured a final decision will be 
forthcoming within the next week, 
however. 



WAAT, Jersey City, Runs 
The Clock Even Stephen 

Station WAAT, Jersey City, sUrted 
Monday (28) night on a policy of 24- 
hour operation, with the exception 
of Sunday nights, when the sign-off 
Is at 1 a.m. All-night show is han- 
dled by Bob Elliot (L. E. Gross, for- 
merly of station WITH, Baltimore). 

Jersey City outlet also initiated its 
new singing station break announce- 
ment Monday night. 




PRODUCT I Turns ( Stack-Goble Agency ) 

PROGRAM! New Yoric Pot O' Gold 

TIMEt Wednesday, 8:30-9:00 p.m. 

STATIONS t WMCA and two other 
independent* 

RESEARCH: C. E. Hooper Report, 
May and June, 1941 



10.5% 

of all listeners 
tuned in to 
WMCA 



5.2% 

of all listeners 
tuned in to 
Station B 



1.3% 

of all listeners 
tuned in to 
Station C 



T B¥:lo;^ j».'Wft» ^^Sxn&Js&r-M.^^^ A-effecjdyeneBS than this ; Tunas 
airs the identical program over thre. New York stations at the same 
time. There are no variables except the difference between stations. What 
station has the greatest listener loyalty— what station do New Yorkers 
prefer to tune in? The result of this scientifically accurate test is shown 
above. Far more listeners were tuned in to WMCA than the other two 
stations combined. Tivice as many were listening to WMCA as to Station B, 
eight times as many as to Station C. It proves once again that the habit 
of tuning in to WMCA is most deeply ingrained— that an advertiser can 
reach a larger and more loyal audience through WMCA. 



FIRST ON NEW YORK'S DIAL 



970 KC. 
► 



WMCA 



AMERICA'S LEADING INDEPENDENT STATION 
NEW YORK: WMCA Building, 1657 Broadway • CHICAGO: Virgil Reiter & Co., 360 N. Michigan Av«. 



30 RADIO REVIEWS 



P^geff 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



Follow-Up Comment 

Trvlnff Berlin achieved the unique | even a haU-wit listener knows, Mar- 
distimcUon ol the first ASCAP 'plug' got (the sister) is going to undergo 



an operation and be cured. As Joyce 
says, 'We want you to share our 
happiness — won't you let us try?' 
And Margot answers, 'There's some- 
thing true and warm and gentle 
about you.' Well, it's pretty melo- 
dramatic, but by serial standards 
rather effective. Title part is ex- 
pressively played, while the hubby 
is properly quite-yet-flrm and vital. 
Part ot Margot had too abrupt a 
mood transition to be convincingly 
played. 



on CBS in eight months at last 
Wednesday's 'Dollars for Defense 
(Texaco donates the time) show 
which, being a trailer for U. S. de- 
fense bonds and stamps, cancels all 
ASCAP restrictions. Thus, as part 
of Alec WooUcott's intro of Berlin, 
plus a miniature biog of his career, 
the songsmith introduced a new 
song, 'When This Crazy World Is 
Sane Again.' This is the tune that 
constitutes a pro-Berlin, Inc . Pj"6; 
His other songs, 'Any Bonds Today^ 
and 'Arms for the Love of America, 
were donated by him to the U. 5. 'Home of the Brave,' In the words 
Government outright, even the copy- of the intro spiel, is 'the story of the 
rights being in the names of Govern- ' lives and loves of real people — this 
ment officials. I day's pioneer at New Chance, where 
Incidentally, the day before, on ufe is today and hope is tomorrow.' 
Tuesday Mrs. KUin (Irving) Berlin As heard recently on WEAF-NBC, 
Epoke over WMCA with a forthright it's also a muddled yarn of puzzling 
-tj *_ n-itoir, tjirs situation involving ill-defined char- 
acters. Localed in one of the Rocky 
Mountain states, it deals with a 
strangely-boyish telephone lineman, 
the gal he loves but who doesn't love 
him, an older boy she loves — and re- 
cently a typically-serial villainess, 
an eastern society belle named Vida 
Sinclair. Hard to see why there 
should be much sympathy for the 
characters, nor interest in the action. 
The western gal. Casino, had a meaty 
scene with a good change of mood 
on the episode caught — and she 
played it well. Otherwise not much 
to recommend the show or the pro- 
duction. The Guilsdorfs get author 
billing. Product is Certo, allegedly 
insuring modern, speedy and 'flavor- 
retaining' jelly and. jam-making. 



20 Winks 



plea for material aid to Britoin. Mrs. 
Berlin, possessed of a cool, calm and 
reasoning voice, was highly effective, 
evidencing she's no novice before a 
mike. 

Elsa Maxwell, guesting Sunday 
(27) night on 'Star-Spangled Theatre 
via NBC-Blue, played a fictionalized 
version of herself as the proprietor 
of 'Hotel for Women," scripted by 
Villa Stiles and Michael Davidson. 
Others billed in. the cast included 
Joan Banks, Virginia Peine and Pa- 
tricia Wilder, with Walter Kinsella 
Identifiable as an Irish house de- 
tective, but not billed. Bert LyteU 
was m.c, but not in the dramatic 
portion. Show was inexcusably pro- 
duced, only Miss Banks and Kinsella 
emer^ng without almost complete 
loss of dignity. There were innum- 
erable muffed lines, silences, missed 
cues and instances of just plain bad 
acting. Miss Maxwell was the worst, 
demonstrating that she isn't an ac- 
tress at all, out only a mistress of 
ceremonies, a strong personality and, 
apparently, a breezy 'character.' Miss 
Peine and Miss Wilder had little con- 
nection with the story, so never had 
a chance. Script itself was trans- 
parent trash. Whole show was in- 
credible for a major network offer- 
ing. 

•We Are Always Young,' sustainer 
jerial on Mutual out of WOR, New 
York, holds up fairly well, at least 
partly due to an exceptional cast. 
Donald Cook, currently the male 
lead in the legit 'Claudia,' at the 
Booth, N. Y., has recently joined the 
cast and, in a recent chapter, quickly 
added a few knots to the plot com- 
plications. Playing a ■ silverware 
nabob engaged ever-so-long to the 
siren Gloria, he has obviously taken 
a tumble for the nitery singer. Dawn, 
thereby boding no good for cab- 
driver Gary. But then, Gloria is go- 
ing soft on Gary, so maybe it cancels 
<)ut. Yarn has fair pace and a color- 
ful setting, plus reasonably potent 
characters. Cook is oke — if unmis- 
takably Cook — as the new plot wrin- 
kle, while Jessie Royce Landis now 
registers more forcefully as Gloria. 
Linda Watkins is kinda hard-voiced 
as the singer, and William Janney is 
rightly direct as the cabbie. Direc- 
tion Is Inventive for a serial. Inci- 
dentally, air billing is given not 
only to co-authors Ashley Buck and 
Nicholas Cosentino and director 
Robert Shayon, but members of the 
cast on each day's episode identify 
themselves at the close. It's a novel 
and effective device. 



'The Manros,' sustaining serial on 
NBC-Blue (WJZ), was an agreeable 
show as heard Wednesday afternoon 
(16). It draws inevitable compari- 
sons with 'Vic and Sade,' both pro- 
grams being quiet character-comedy 
creations about married couples and 
both confining the plot to few char- 
acters. Chapter caught dealt with 
Gordon'.s short-lived triumoh after 
he set Margaret's paper-stuffed desk 
in order. As anyone could have fore- 
seen, when he went to demonstrate 
the efficiency of his filing system, he 
couldn't find anything he was look- 
ing for. As Margaret expressed it, 
what he needed was 'more system in 
his system.' Ending was obvious 
from the start, but no less entertain- 
ing or absorbing on that account. 
Not side-splitting comedy, but amus- 
ing. Characters are human and uni- 
versally identifiable. Nice show— 
and well played. 



'Joyce Jordan, Girl Interne' has 

risen beyond her title. No longer an 
Interne at all, but having given up 
'a brilliant hospital career to devote 
herself to private practice in a small 
town.' She's also married a doctor 
and U deep In daytime serial plot 
complications on CBS. Hubty never 
told her he had a sister in the bdoby- 
hatch, so it was a great shock re- 
cently to learn about it. And hubby, 
■the old clam, never told his sister 
he'd married. Sis is bitter because 
•he Is 'terribly scarred.'- She sits in 
a dark room and snarls at people be- 
cause they're 'always hammering 
away at her.' But when Joyce comes 



'Story of Kate Hopkins,' according 
to the intro blurb, is 'the story of a 
beautiful and courageous woman 
who lives to serve others.' Appar- 
ently her beauty is about to bring 
on events that'll test her courage, 
for that Desperate Desmond of tifie 
kilocycles, Robert Atwood, master of 
Atwood Manor, Is plotting to en- 
snare Our Heroine. He's already 
engaged to Diane, but Kate's son 
Tom has been lured into an attempt 
to win the gal away, not realizing 
that would play right into Atwood's 
mitts. As Atwood says, Tom is just 
a boy — what does he know of in- 
trigue? According to the chapter 
heard on CBS, the show seems ob- 
scure and slow. Direction reveals a 
good sense of character and pace, 
but there was a puzzling use of a 
filter mike in one scene. Use of 
quiet musical background is good. 
Maxwell House commercials plug 
the idea ice coffee for ho* weather. 
They're plenty long. 



The Siory of Bess Johnson' has 

lately undergone extensive changes. 
Still sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive- 
Peet, but it now plugs Klek soap in- 
stead of Palmolive and is handled by 
the Ted Bates agency instead of Ward 
Wheelock. Margaret Lewerth and 
Ann Daly have replaced William 
Sweets on the script, and Basil 
Loughrane has succeeded Diana 
Bourbon as director. About the only 
thing remaining is the title and the 
actress who supplies it. Obviously 



Have they decided yet who 
plays the loudest. Sonny or 
Bunny? . . . Walter Lippmann is 
on the air, via those foreign 
policy speakers, so he might as 
well take the plunge . . . these 
all-night programs figure to have 
two ^diences, the dressed and 
undressed. The dressed prob- 
ably are on the job somewhere, 
behind the wheel of a taxi or 
in a factory, while the un- 
dressed are likely heading for 
bed, by way of the kitchen, or 
maybe already prone with a 
book. The fast talking lads with 
their commercial breaks (and 
tunes of endless vocals) likely 
suit the guy who's up and 
around. But he's a pain to the 
bunch trying to read. Point is 
that no New York late hour sta- 
tion makes a bid for the bath- 
robe brigade with straight music. 
Question is, which audience has 
the most ears? . . . NBC went 
from Manila to Tokyo to Ba- 
tavia, one right after the other, 
and nobody had imagination 
enough to dramatize the broad- 
cast by merely giving the dif- 
ference in time. That's what's 
called lack of showmanship . . . 
Shep Fields and his new brass- 
less band gets an especially good 
break if following one of those 
daffy trumpetecrs who sounds 
like he's playing a kazoo . . . 
What about the Eberle who sings 
with J. Dorsey? Every song a 
recital. When they start taking 
pop ballads as serious as this 
some of the vocal antics border 
on the ridiculous. 

Shudders of the week: WOR's 
'Here's Morgan.' Not only is this 
on early in the evening but 
Jerry Lawrence repeats it, off a 
record, early in the morning. 
It's the fastest way Lawrence 
has yet thought up to lose an 
audience. Maybe Stan Shaw is 
writing Morgan's material. If 
he is we're sore at him, too. 



Into some pretty red-blooded action. 
It's still daytime serial material, but 
the plot has movement, the situations 
are plausible, the characters are 
sharply drawn, and the dialog is 
solid. As caught Friday (25) morn- 
ing, the sequence dealt with the 
heroine's adventures with a mysteri- 
ous neighbor, Scott Thome, appar- 
ently a genuine he-man, but because 
of some sinister work he does, poison 
to the surrounding inhabitants. Epi- 
sode was skillfully produced and 
played, except for an unexplained 
knocking sound effect. Miss Johnson, 
always the super -power commercial 
spieler, slUl reads the lengthy open- 
ing plug, but the male announcer 
handles the short closing one. On 
the stanza heard, Miss Johnson 
seemed to be trying too bard, pos- 
sibly because of the new product and 
setup. Never noted for her subtlety 
on handling blurbs, she was pound- 
ing like a lady pile-driver. 

'Bachelor's Children,' on WEAF- 
NBC, has gradually wandered from 
the original line of the vicarious 
father and his household of kids.' 
Seems Sam and Janet Ryder are 
nearing one of those inevitable mari- 
tal crises, this time because she had 
a luncheon date -with Neil Burgess. 
Any serial addict knows it didn't 
amount to anything and presently 
Sam will realize that, too. Dr. Bob 
is standing by with sympathy and 
advice, especially the latter. Mean- 
while, young Mike and Kathleen 
want to get married and some of the 
femmes in the script are palavering 
about getting a new house. Plot 
has more threads than a crocheted 
bedspread. Old Dutch Cleanser 
gets the plugs. 



o,T=, x^uv —rr- - .'"Hen Randolph,' ever a sanctimo- 

-•Sr'-see-»'«r«I?"Wl«'5!2'*^ ii»y**<A!A- ^'tf*^Am t '*iK #^ y'.:-s*#^)*!).-»r, ;6 still -soakine her 

right away, of course, but too quickly ; lust like that, but at least the story ! {1^°"*' ii^'^' pathos. As heard on 
to be convlncine, even so. And, as i has gotten her off the campus and NBC-Red recently, she might have 

I been repeating one of the same 

cliche-studded, hokum-loaded scripts 
of a couple of years ago. And a 
couple of years ago Ellen was a 
pretty dreary gal. Seems she's now 
given up her admirer, Paul, and has 
retired to the mission in the slums, 
to be under the administering good- 
ness of the kindly padre and spread 
her righteous influence among the 
unfortunate. This is what they mean 
by the term 'soap operas.' Milton 
Cross reads the Supersuds blurbs. 



THE MAN I MARBIBD' 

With Lesley Woods, CUyt«B CoIIyer, 
Ethel Owen, Helen Waren, Shlr- 
ling Oliver, Del Sharbutt 

15 Mins. 

CAMPBELL'S SOUP 
Daily, 11:15 ajn, 
WABC-CBS, New York 

(Wheelock) 
Ward Wheelock agency's purchase 
ot this serial for Campbell's soup to 
replace 'Martha Webster' appears to 
be one of those cases of buying a 
name instead of using imagination or 
creative judgment. 'Martha Webster' 
was a weak sister that never had 
been able to get a sizable rating, par- 
ticularly lately, when opposite 'Pep- 
per Young.' Now wheelock has 
bought 'The Man I Married,' by Carl 
Bixby and Don Becker, whose 'Life 
Can Be Beautiful' has consistently 
been one of the top-ranking serials 
and currently has the highest C.AJB. 
rating. 

Besides not being creatively Im- 
aginative, this move doesn't even ap- 
pear to be good judgment. 'Man I 
Married' may be by Bixby and 
Becker, who may be names, but it 
was never in the ■ class with their 
'Life Can Be Beautiful.' It was never 
able to get a rating when Procter & 
Gamble had Itj and its strongest im- 
pression was made by some dubious 
bedroom sequences that had people 
in the trade talking and wondering. 

But all that is past history and 
possibly of questionable value In 
judging "The Man I Married' as com- 
petition for 'Pepper Young.' As 
heard last Friday (25) morning, the 
show was still a doubtful bet. Not 
too clear and 'way overboard on 
weepy hoke. Characters are well de- 
fined, but they don't mean much 
amid such studio-searing melodra- 
matics. 

Yarn was about the childless young 
Warings, Adam and Evelyn, and sour, 
jealous Aunt Mathilde. They've 
adopted the baby of Mrs. (3ray, 
whose increasing wails on the epi- 
sode caught took the line, 'I know 
how poor I am— you needn't rub It 
in— I'm just a woman who works in 
a mill, whose husband ran oft and 
left her — you're trying to take my 
baby away from me.' By that time 
it was complete hysteria and, for- 
tunately, fadeout. It was tedious 
listening. 

Of those heard, Lesley Woods had 
a refreshingly cheery quality as 
Evelyn, but the others were stymied 
by the material. Apparently Oliver 
Barbour, who directs the program for 
Transamerican, liked the script, for 
he stressed the histrionics in .the per- 
formance. Pacing was good. 

Wheelock's commercials for Camp- 
bell's vegetable soup had novelty and 
apparent sales punch and, as deliv- 
ered by Del Sharbutt, were stom- 
ache-warming. Kobe. 



to Daddy and Mother before going 
to bed. He was kindly, but mascu- 
linely dense, while his wife was the 
all-wise, all-seeing, all-knowing, but 
not-saying-too-much eternal woman 
and mother. It was straight-forward, 
uncomplicated, readily-grasped and 
rather artful hoke. What will hap- 
pen? wondered the announcer in the 
teaser finale,' 'Only time will tell.' 
That was the only too-obvious bit on 
the show. Use of a piano for the 
theme music Is unusual and effec- 
tive. Commercial used the line that 
Mrs. So-and-So is worn out from 
washing' hubby's grimy overalls be- 
cause she doesn't know about P. & G. 
soap. 



THE O'NEILLS 

3 J ..AM?: vvEsr 

i\'OV-.' U.'ADKO S /ViOST P(JPU!..'-',;! 



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-.IIGM'IER 'TbAR!; a;vd |-|EA!'iT-T!'R0B5 

P • " s c n ! ,? d J y ! V o r y 5 o a p 9 9 " . ■ ■ : 3 j r e 



IJCTni TWICE DAILY 

NBC Red Netv/ork, 12:16 to 12:30 P.M., ED8T 
IM WABC— 6:30-6:46 ED8T— CBS 
• • COAST TO COAST 

Mr. CO UPTON ADVBKTISINO AOBNCT 
MOT. EO WOLF— RKO BLDG, NEW YORK CITY 



r 



-Ford Summer Hour continues 
mixture of jazz and classics. 
Although the program of Sunday 
(27) was a decided '- Imnrovement 
over the hodge-podge at the begin- 
nin? of the series, class was still 
lacking. 

Harry Horlick, wielding the baton, 
is getting more out of the orchestra 
than most of his predecessors, and 
his numbers were very pleasant. 
Soloist Frances Comstock best 
<;inning was in Grieg's 'Ich Liebe 
Dich.' Felix Knight tenored a 
creditable 'La Fleur' from 'Carmen,' 
although the 'A' flats sounded a bit 
forced, and lacking in resonance. 
However, his hitting the high 'B' 
flat on the nhrase 'Et petals une 
chose a toi' with a <nging forte, and 
■the ■!^%vebss^il.en\ dim.xuendo was 
so.r ning seldom heard these days. 
Balance of his singing unfortunately 
was not up to the "art set by this 
standard. Lynton Wells' boost for 
Henry Ford's 78th birthday and Paul 
Wing's questions and answers were 
quite dull. 



'Pepper Toanr's Family' had a good 
script a recent morning on NBC-Red. 
Pace was slow and authoress Elaine 
Sterne. Carrington was pushing the 
what - every*- woman - knows valve 
down pretty hard, but the characters 
were clear, sympathetic and recog- 
nizably human. Episode opened 
with Carter Trent and Puggy Young 
strolling home hand-in-hand through 
the 'most beautiful night they've 
ever known." They were breaking 
their formal engagement because of 
parental opposition, but weren't de- 
pressed, as they were determined to 
remain actually engaged. As Carter 
exDre.';sed it, 'There's only you and ' 
me; the rest of the world doesn't , 
exist.' Then Peggy went in to talk ' 



'Reg'lar Fellers,' the Jack Benny 
replacement Sunday nights on NBC- 
Red for Jello, has still not begun to 
mesh. It consumes considerable 
energy and uses the talents of some 
caoable radio craftsmen, but appar- 
ently general popularity just isn't In 
the cards. Last Sunday (27) night's 
stanza had the comic-strip kids do- 
ing a show at the home of their 
school teacher, Miss Robbins. There 
were several painstakingly-contrived 
comolications leading to the key sit- 
uation, but it seldom seemed credible. 
And the climactic situation iXseV 
wasn't enacted on the air, but was 
merely related in a few lines of sub- 
sequent dialog. Aside from the lat- 
ter flaw, the script was skillfully 
written and the direction seemed er- 
pert, but the juve actors merely 
turned the show into a babble an'' 
let any olausibility evaporate. Ernie 
Wntson's musical clues were' unu.sr- 
ally expressive, and Harry von Zeir.«- 
narration-announcements were big- 
league. 



CAESAB PETBILLO ORCHESTRA 
With Dale Evana 
30 Mlna. 
Sastaining 

Monday, 12 ra. CDST 
WBBM-CBS, Chicago 

This studio outfit gives out with a 
full half hour of music to satisfy the 
most discriminating. Show is good, 
straight music, interspersed with 
some first-rate vocalizing by Dale 
Evans. Coming in at midnight, it is 
a welcome relief from most of the 
music flooding the airlanes and de- 
serves mention as such. 

There is a fullness to the band that 
can only be achieved with full sec- 
tions, and fine musicianship. The 
leader's authoritative touch is con- 
stantly in evidence. Beautiful shad- 
ing by the violins and reeds, and the 
brass has an unusual clarilty of tone. 
Arrangements are on the classical 
side. The band is also capable of 
kicking on the swing side, as evi- 
denced by its treatment of a rhyth- 
mic novelty. 'Sergeant, Can You 
Spare a Girl?' 

Dale £vanf, , a gal with, fine con- 
ception .of /bbtl^' ballads and swing 
tunes, got excellent results on 'Every- 
thing Happens to Me' and a Spanish 
tune, 'Blen, Blen, Blen.' She has 
range and her diction is excellent. 

At any time this band would be 
v6ry listenable, but at this midnight 
spot, PetriUo and his crew should at- 
tract a large listening audience. 

Gold. 



LIMA 



DOING 
BUSINESS 

ON 

IDEAS 



All we have on our shelves 
at WLOK is idea mer- 
chandise. They're bright 
and shining packages 
like the Meadow Cold 
Title Tunes production 
which is drawing up to 
4,000 pieces of mail per 
program for the dairy- 
sponsor. We know pur 
market, and surveys have 
proven the acceptance of 
our station. We'd like to 
build a selling program 
for you. 

Let V a Get Our Mind 
on Your Business— 
and Watch Sales 
Grow I 




WLDK 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



RADIO REiriEWS 31 



BLOCK AND SULLY 
•Joe and Ethel Torp' 

Plalog 

10 MIns.— Local 
SnsUlnlne 

Mon.-Tnes.-Wed., 8 p.m. 
WMCA, New York 

Jesse Block and Eve Sully have 
turned from vaudeville he-she jest- 
ing to semi-serious character acting. 
Semi-serious because Damon Run- 
van's characters, Joe and Ethel Turp, 
are pretty broadly drawn to start 
with. These troupers do a very nice 
job being somebody else, 



'STUDIO PLAYEBS' 
With Albert Morgan, Jean Heaton, 
Angnsta Brocato, Ann Tarpey, Art 
Ford, Boy Ware; Nick Sforza, Jack 
De Persia, Artie Bnrns, Gns Chan 
30 Mins. 
Sustaining 
Friday, 10:15 p.m. 
WWBL, New York 

Here's an object lesson for all the 
would-be radio actors who con- 
stantly bemoan that nobody will 
give them a chance. It's also worth 
a hearing by those directors and 
producers who iceep saying (and 



'Ve'nture seems plausible as a ve- sometimes even thinking) they're 
icle to bring~Block and Sully back I looking for new voices and new tal 



to radio and,"more particularly, into 
the zone of character delineation, 
tather than gagging. The first In- 
stallment, however, was conspicu- 
ous lacking in incident, beinq in 
the' form of a straighUway dialog 
between husband and wife. Ethel, 
before the mirror, brings up the 
subject of her growing happiness 
and keeps up a mosquito campaign 
of small, Durposeful, feminine mis- 
understandings of her husband's 
perfectlv innocent replies about her 
girth. He meantime wishes only to 
read the paper. 

It was standard domestic gab. As 
simple as a comic cartoon and per- 
haps as universal. The comedy 
thread was straight, free of sublety, 
easily understood by all. These are 
radio assets and Block and Sully 
correctly evaluate them. However, 
the first episode was considerably 
short in time and had no climax. It 
suggested that the Runyan pieces 
need much more free-handed adapta- 
tion for radio. 

Vaudevilllans make a convincing 
Joe and Ethel. I,and. 

GENE O'BAIBE 

Newscast 

15 Mins. 

SWEETHEART SOAP 
M-W-F, 9:3« a.m. 
WGY, Schenectady 

(Franlclin Brnck) 
. O'Haire, who has handled a wide 
range of assignments on WGY since 
1928 is doing a news commentary 
for the first time. It's also the initial 
instance where Sweetheart Soap has 
sponsored newscasts locally. Period 
selected is one at which women, fol- 
lowing the breakfast chores, will be 
ready to give a listen. There are 
two earlier broadcasts of news, one 
interpretative and the other straight. 
Under the circumstances and handi- 
caps, O'Haire turns in a competent 
performance. He seems to be held 

Sretty much to a roundup of news 
I the international, national, state 
and reeional fields. The assembling 
and editing might on occasions be 
smoother, less weighed down bjr 
qualifying phrases like 'it is said,, 
'according to claims,' etc. 

O'Haire possesses a voice that 
wears well— he's heard on three 
commercials, of different kinds, be- 
tween 7:15 and 8 a.m. It's fine in 
tone and quality. Delivery is clear- 
cut. Jaco. 



COL. JIM HEALEY 
Commentary, Philosophy 
IS Mins.— Local 
CENTBAL SUPEB MARKETS 
M;W.F., 6:3S p.m. 
WTRY, Troy 

(Leighton & Nelson) 
Healey, whose voice probably is 
familiar to more Capital District 
listeners than any other local miker, 
through almost nine years' continu- 
ous broadcasting over WGY, is doing 
a new series for chain food markets. 
WTRY blocks are in addition to be- 
fore-breakfast periods for Union 
Leader tobacco, on WGY, the latter 
shots being aimed at rural audience. 
This, Healey's first nightimer on 
WTRY, gives station a lift, and with 
popular sportscasts immediately pre- 
ceding It, ought to hold dialers 
against competition from other area 
stations. 

Healey seems to be feeling for a 
formula a bit different from that long 
used on WGY. Synthesis is not yet 
perfect Commentary remains, but 
instead of philosophy-poetry depart- 
ment — a favorite with many knob 
■twisters — there Is a"5'Tapbook Con- 
tribution.* Form is Historical essay, 
with overtones of philosophy and ex- 
hortation. Tied in with the merchan- 
dising, copies of essays obtainable at 
sponsor's outlets. On a broadcast 
caught, Healey told on Irish story, 
with an RAF flier 'lead.' He likewise 
offered advice on preparation of cel- 
ery. Latter anble is more for femme 
householders and does not fit Healey's 
style. Commentary was okay; es- 
say was given beaucoup reading. 
Healey possesses a musical voice and 
an ear-easy 'fireside chat' manner. 
He handles delivery smoothly, a mid- 
way plug, but announcer's intro 
spiel should be cut Jaco. 




ent Here, in other words, is a group 
of youngsters who want to get into 
radio and who're doing something 
atx>ut it. Something eager and fresh 
and impudent and novel and, yes, 
sometimes even exciting. '■ 

The 'Studio Players' are kids who 
are employed at various kinds of 
jobs during the daytime and work 
at crashing radio at night Not just 
talk about it and complain and day- 
dream, but work and plan and con- 
trive. They do a 30-minute dra- 
matic series Friday nights over 
WWRL, independent station in 
Woodside, Long Island. They've 
been doing their own scripts, pro- 
ducing and directing their own 
shows and acting all the parts. 
Lately, they've received a material 
windfall in William Kozlenko's new 
volume of '100 Royalty-Free Radio 
Plays.' Since they're amateurs, 
they're entitled to use anything in 
the book. 

On a recent Friday night, the 
group did three short plays, two 
from the Kozlenko collection and 
one of their own authorship. First 
two were Edwin Justus Wyman's 
'Revolt in Orthoepy' and Theodore 
Brown's 'Alabama Fable.' Third 
was 'How to Write a Radio Script,' 
by Albert Moigan, actor-director of 
the Studio Players. 'Revolt' was an 
imaginative piece about an uprising 
by ffie letters of the alphabet. 'Fable' 
was a southern-accent version of 
'Little Red Riding Hood.' 'How to 
Write a Radio Script' was a bit of 
whimsy intended, as its author 
frankly explained, to fil' a seven- 
minute gap in the program. con- 
tained a reference to Norman Cor- 
win, currently writing-producing a 
series on CBS, and then remarked: 
'If you don't know who Norman 
Corwin is you might as well tune 
out right now.' Defined Corwin as 
'bounded on the north bv Orson 
Welles and on the south by Arch 
Oboler— he's the Preston Sturgess of 
radio.' 

Naturally the entire production 
was subject to the limited facilities 
of a small station, plus the fact that 
the youngsters have no budget — in 
fact, work for nothing. Acting was 
uneven, but the show as a whole was 
refreshing and distinctly entertain- 
ing. Of course it lacked the profes- 
sional expertness of the commercials, 
but at the same time It .was more 
listenable than many sponsored dra- 
matic programs. 

Gus Chan, said to be the only 
Chinese announcer in American 
radio, announces the series. He was 
previously a barter at sideshows and 
cameys. Stan Olman is technical 
supervisor. Hal "Algyer, formerly 
scripter and co-director of the group, 
is now a trainee at Fort Jackson, 
S. C, and is writer-producer of an 
NBC series originating at WCOS, 
Columbia, S. C. Apparently, to get 
on the networks he had to join the 
army. Hobe. 

'ALLEN PKESCOTT PRESENTS' 
With Diane Courtney, Hi, Lo, Jack 

and a Dame, Jimmy Lytcll arch 
3* Mins. 
Sustaining 
Dally, 10:45 
WJZ-NBC, New York 

AUen Prescott is an amusing guy 
He's been getting chuckles with his 
'Wife Saver' strip show for years, 
and recently added another divert 
ing series called 'Sincerely Yours.' 
Now he's merged the two, added a 
femme vocalist, a quartet and an 
orchestra, and is offering this flve- 
a-week 30-minute vtriety stanza 
titled 'Allen Prescott Presents.' It's 
pretty good, particularly when Pres 
cott is dishing his oS-the-elbow 
fooling. 

,As caught Wednesday (16) morn- 
ing, Prescott's intro patter seemed a 
trifie forced and his featherweight 
crossfire with vocalist Diane Court' 
ney needed a few weeks of perform- 
ance to mesh into form, but his 
household hints session and the news 
novelties brought from his two for- 
mer programs retained their same 
infectious wit. He fluffed lines sev- 
eral times, but was invariably quick 
enough to turn them into added 
laughs. 

Miss Courtney }s a pleasing singer. 
She has a pliant lyric voice, nice 
tonal color and okay diction, plus 
an ingratiating mike manner. Hi, 
Lo, Jack and a Dame, vocalists, 
offered an attractively lively har- 
mony version of the oldie 'Shoo Fly.' 

Jimmy Lytell's 15-piece studio or- 
chestra was all right. When it's 
been on the air a while, the show 
should be much smoother, but It may 
also lose some of its present fresh 
ness. Hobe. 



THOSE WEBE THE DAYS' 
Variety 

30 Mins. — Local 
GRIESEDIECK BBOS. BEER 
Friday, 6:30 p.m. 
KMOX, St. Louis 

It's rare enough that a live talent 
program originates in a local studio. 
This one sponsored by one of the 
largest time buyers among the 
numerous suds-concoctors here- 
abouts proved a click. Standard set 
by the initial broadcast was high. 
High enough to be tough to follow. 
Used Rader and Woodward, an old 
vaude comedy duo. Gags made for 
okay mirth if some were on the 
corny side. Cindy Martin, a Kansas 
City songbird, did a soubrette-ballad 
stint for this program. Local stand- 
bys are Bert Granville, a tenor with 
pleasant pipes who leans to the 
semi-classical; V ry Cheshire, a 
maestro of the station's hillbilly 
galaxy who doubles as m.c. (and 
warbler) and John Jacobs, who sells 
the suds. 

Although the program is akin to 
'The Gay Nineties' on CBS, there is 
enough of 'the good old days* to 
localize the nostalgia. For instance, 
some of the ditties oring back memo- 
ries of the days when the Planters 
hotel was the rendezvous of the St 
Louis upper crust and the St. Louis 
World's Fair of 1904 was big stuff. 
Initialer opened with a surprisingly 
brief commercial, an intro for 
Cheshire and the orch banging over 
'Ta Ra Ra Boon, De Ay.' Cheshire 
Dulled a Scotch gag, not bad, and 
Drought on the quartet that sang 
The Band Played On.' 

Soubrette Martin, after another 
brief commercial, scored with her 
warbling of 'Bill Bailey' with 
Cheshire reading the words against 
the music of the second chorus. 
Then Granville scored with his ' in- 
terp of "Believe Me, If All Those 
Endearing Young Charms.' A com- 
edy routine, dished out in machine- 
gun rapidity by Rader and Wood- 
ward, filled the next slot and they 
sounded and worked like they were 
in a vaude house. 

Free ducats to shows gives malt 
a merchandising hook. Sahu. 



5000 WATTS 



Belle Martin of the CBS education 
staff in N. Y. has collabed with Gene 
Stefan • on a halt-hour patriotic 
series, 'In America We Say—* 



ADOLPHE MENJOU-VEBREE 
TEASDALE with Vcrna Felton, Ed 
Max, Jerry Moore, Kathleen Fltz, 
Arthur Q. Bryan 

'Deductions Deluxe' 

Slapstick Mystery 

30 Mins. 

FOBECAST No. 5 
Monday, 9:30 p, m. 
WABC-CBS, New York 

Adolphe Menjou impersonates 
Roger Boone in this one, Verree 
Teasdale (Mrs. Menjou) playing his 
wife. Boone is a drinker, a gambler, 
a philanderer. Also a detective. His 
wife is a wisecracker. She sobers 
him up, plants the plot, answers the 
phone and helps keep the crimes 
from becoiiiing gruesome. Keith 
Fowler and Frank Galen intend 
these events to be giggly, crunchy 
and as fast-movipg as a pickpocket 
in a subway mob. Things are sup- 
posed to happen too fast for the lis- 
tener to pause to reason why. 

Take Fowler and Galen by their 
own literary clues and where were 
you on the night of July 28? An- 
swer — in a broad smirk. It was all 
pretty preposterous, but the lines 
came bouncing along, the plot was 
'sincere' even within the framework 
of lunatic behaviour, the cracks were 
bright. Let's say that most listeners 
would probably be guilty of enjoy- 
ing themselves and consider that a 
good enough standard. Can they 
duplicate? Prove it and they'll tune 
in, in enough numbers to please 
everybody. 

Those pupils who get around reg- 
ularly have seen Mr. and Mrs. Men- 
jou in his cross-fire patter act be- 
fore. Which adds the gravy of fa- 
miliarity to the solid meat and po- 
tatoes of broad hoke. Menjou and 
Teasdale are, of course, trademarked 
and standard entertainment mer- 
chandise. 

The authors directed their own 
didoes. They got away with plenty 
that was silly because all of it was 
disarmingly engaging. 'Deductions 
Deluxe' is not farce. It was farce 
originally perhap's; but that was be- 
fore they gagged it up into a vaude- 
ville skit Land. 



DUDLEY DIGGES 

'Pibby and the Honllhans* 

With Farrell Felly, Mary Michael, 

Eleanor Lynn 
Irish Comedy 
30 Mins. 

FOBECAST No. 4 
Monday, 9 p. m. 
WABC-CBS, New York 

Sure and it's an amusing set of 
Irishmen and situations that George 
Corey has set down on paper for 
Dudley Digges and a cast of uncred- 
ited actors to put over on the air. 
The'Houlihans, and particularly the 
lord of the clan, Pibby, have been 
plimosed before in a full-length play 
by the same author who has now 
broken up the farce-with-a-brogua 
into radio installments for the bait- 
ing of sponsors. 

As number four of the 'looking 
forward' of CBS, which passes by 
the inclusive name of 'Forecast,' the 
Corey piece was pretty steadily di- 
verting in the tradition of the Abbey 
Players, which is a tradition requir- 
ing no apology, b'gorry. 

Pibby Houlihan is an amiable 
loafer with a natural affinity for 
trouble. The mental processes of the 
man might be compared to a spring 
in a bumpy and badly-mended 
couch that keeps breaking loose, 
causing much discomfort to all and 
sundry. A fine talent for ridiculous 
situations is encased in a brogue as 
old sod as sweaters on teapots. As 
brought to life by Dudley Digges, 
that man from Dublin, the character 
of Pibby is an infectious old rattle- 
brain. 

Author Corey's sharp ear for Irish 
nuance and nice sense of fast plot- 
ting has received a happy embroi- 
dery of musical shamrockia which 
captures and enhances the mood of 
the piece. For this Charles Paul may 
take a bow. 

Designed for fun and consistently 
amiable. Land. 



Gerald Cock, American rep of th« 
British Broadcasting Corp., will b« 
interviewed today (Wed.) on CBS 
television. Until the war he waa 
head of BBC television. 



LISTENING^ 






THREE FOR A PENNY 



On the Columbia Pacific Nttworkl 



And that's the average cost, not the lowest!* 

Columbia-Pacific coverage is so complete, time costa so low, that adver- 
tisers cover the West's cities and towns for pennies, too . . . 21( apiece at 
night, \A4 cents each by day.* 



On the Columbia Pacific Network you 
cover all the West — big cities^ towns 
and farms alike — in direct proportion 
to population. Your sales story enters 
every kind of home from mansion to 



cottage. You support aU your dealers, 
wherever they are, whomever they selL 
Naturally more advertisers use moro 
time on Columbia-Pacific than on any 
other network in the West. 



No matter how much ... or how little . . . you have to spend, the best way 
to make every penny count in the Vest is to use the Columbia Pacific 



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S2 CONCERT 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



$43,000 Gross for Central City Opera- 
Big Tumaway for Lack of Seats 



Denver, July 29. 
Som« 20,000 persons paid In 
•round $43,000 for the three-week 
opera season at the Central City 
Opera House. House, which seats 
750, had a $5 top opening night, got 
$2.50 top most nights, spent $35 In 
postage to return money orders for 
ticket orders It could not fill. Dur- 
ing final two weeks oi a three-week 
season the house had a $500 daily 
Joss for lack of space. Justin Briere- 
ly, business manager, estimates 
there were 18,000 disappointees this 
year compared to 8,000 last year. 

Operas this year were 'Barber of 
Seville' for 14 performances and 
•Orpheus' for 11 repeats. Against 
the gross of $43,000 more than $54,- 
000 was spent on the two produc- 
tions, with around $10,000 more be- 
ing spent on the related activities of 
the play festival. The difference 
was guaranteed in advance, so the 
association, a non-profit group, 
starts planning for next year free 
of debt. Other expenses covered ad- 
ministration, police, placing of a 
narrow-guage railroad engine, coal 
oar and combination baggage and 
passenger car in Central City as a 
permanent exhibit; boarding and 
housing of a square dance troupe 
that performed in a barn- across 
from the Teller House, a hotel 
operated by the association. (The 
hotel represents a separate opera- 
tion and Is not represented by the 
above figures.) 

Anne Evans, the principal backer 
et the festival, died during the past 
year. She was tireless in her ef- 
forts and donated all she could out 
Of her Income every month. 

Robert Edmond Jones and Frank 
6t Leger produced, with St. Leger 
also directing the music, with Karl 
Kritz as assistant. Herbert Graf 
staged the productions. Singers in- 
cluded John Carter, Louis D'Angelo, 
Stella Andreva, John Brownlee, 
Nino RuisI, Paul Kwartin, Larry 
Bolton, Edwina Eustis, Anna Kaskas 
end Marglt Bokor. Frank Gates did 
the sets. 



Rosenbamn of WFH 
Quits as President Of 
Robin Hood DeU, PhiUy 



Philadelphia, July 29. 
Samuel R. Rosenbaum resigned 
■uddenly yesterday (Mon.) as presl 
dent of the Robin 'Hood Dell Con' 
certs. He gave as the reason 'the 
press of outside business responsi' 
bilities.' Also bowing out at the 
same time was Benjamin Ludlow, 
vice-president, who used the same 
reason for his resignation. Both 
will continue as members of the 
board of directors. Rosenbaum Is 
vice-president of the large real es' 
tate firm of Albert M. Greenfield & 
Co., president of WFIL, chairman of 
the board of Independent Radio Net 
work Affiliates, as well as serving 
on the boards of Lit Brothers store, 
Philadelphia Orchestra, and other 
enterprlces. Ludlow Is a prominent 
attorney. 

Succeeding Rosenbaum as Dell 
president Is Henry Mcllhenny, cura- 
tor of decorative arts of the Phila- 
delphia Art Museum. Henry E 
Gerstley, manufacturer and presi 
dent of the Philadelphia Opera Com' 
pany, Is the new vice-president. C 
David Hocker continues as Dell 
manager and secretary. 



CHARLES KULLMAN 
TO SOUTH AMERICA 



Opera 'Comedy' Clicks 

Central City, Colo., July 29. 

Edward Johnson, Metropolitan 
opera general manager, stopping 
off here last week on his way 
from New York to the Coast, 
was admittedly Impressed by a 
performance of 'The Barber of 
Seville' in English. 

What apparently surprised 
Johnson was the way Central 
City audiences, presumably less 
opera-wise than those in New 
York, almost rolled in the aisles 
at the 'Barber* comedy. At the 
Met, Johnson said, opera-goers 
regard the piece as 'light,' but 
react' seriously to It, General 
manager reiterated, however, 
that a good translation Is es- 
sential. 

After confabs with singers on 
the Coast, Johnson expects to 
return to New York during the 
week of Aug. 18. 



Name Opera Dates 



UvXy 30-Au£r. 9) 
'PaKltacel'— (Giovanni MarttnsUl, 
Robert Weede, Vivian della Chiesa) 
Cincinnati (30). 

Trovatore'— (Robert Weede) Cin- 
cinnati (3). 

Travlata'— (Jarmlla Novotna, Jan 
Peerce; Los Angeles Philharmonic, 
Gaetano Merola cond.) Hollywood 
Bowl (4). 

'Fausf— (Vivian della Chiesa) 
Cincinnati (5). 

BlgoleUo'— (Robert Weede, Jan 
Peerce) Cincinnati (7). 



COCA-COLA TO 
STAY CUSSICAl 
ON AIR 



irace Moore's 
Tosca'BigB.O. 
In Cincy Heat 



Cincinnati. July 29. 
Appearance of Grace Moora In 
two performances of 'Manon' last 
we£k hypoed the Cincinnati Summer 
Opera . to its top-week attendance 
at the two-thirds mark of the sea- 
sbn. Miss Moore magneted 3,3'63 ad 
missions July 20 and set the current 
season's high Thursday (24) with 
3,701 listeners. Michael Bartlett sang 
opposite her. 

Week's draw was 16,133 and, ac- 
cording to Oscar F. Hild, general 
manager helped boost the total at- 
tendance for the first four weeks 
14,422 higher than for the same 
stretch last year. 

'Aida,' with Rose Bampton, Kirs- 
ten Thorborg and Arnoldo Lindl, had 
2,137 auditors Tuesday (22) and 
2,662 Friday (25). Attendance fqr 
'Boheme,' with Rose Tentonl and 
William Hain, was 1,424 Wednesday 
(23) and 2,847 Saturday (26). ' 

In her 'La Tosca' debut Sunday 
(27) night. Miss Moore drew an esti- 
mated 3,177. Temperaturei^ that day 
was 105 degrees, Cincy's hottest in 
years. - With Miss Moore in *La 
Tosca' were Angelo Pilotto and Mi- 
chael Bartlett. ' They repeat the per- 
formance tonight (29). On hand 
to view it are several music critics 
from New York and Chicago. Miss 
Moore flies from here to Rio de 
Janeiro in an American bomber 
piloted by U. S. airmen. In Rio she 
will appear as Flora in 'L'Amore Dei 
Tre Rei.' 



Guest soloists on the Coca-Cola 
program for the next six weeka In- 
clude John Carter, Sunday (3); Rose 
Bampton, Aug. 10; Donald Dickson, 
Aug. 17; Gladys Swarthout, Aug. 24; 
Eleanor Steeper, Aug. 31, and James 
Melton, Sept. 7. 

For<mat of the series may be 
slightly revised when the present 13 
week cycle expires in November, but 
it will not go all-pop, as recently re- 
ported. Nor has there been any move 
to add Jane Froman to the cast, with 
Andre Kostelanetz. 

Possible that another m.c. may suc- 
ceed Albert Spalding, but that Is 
completely Indefinite as yet. Inten- 
tion la to keep the show's present 
light-classical format 



GAUO'S SEVEN 
IN WASHINGTON 



N. Y. i^ak Court Rules AGMA 
May Again Sue AFM in Suprane C't 



- Washington, July 29. 

Fortune Gallo's San Carlo Opera 
Co. will present seven operas here 
from Aug. 16 to Aug. 19 on the 
aquatic stage of the Watergate. 
Operas to be given Include 'Travl- 
ata,' 'Butterfly,' 'Aida,' 'Carmen,' 
'Martha,' 'Trovatore,' 'Cavallerla 
Rusticana' and 'Pagliacci.' 

'Butterfly' and 'Martha' wiU be 
sung in English. 



MYRTA SUVA'S LATIN 
REVUE TO THE COAST 



Charles Kullman, Met tenor, leaves 
by plane for South America July 31. 
Ha win make seven appearances at 
the Teatro Colon In Buenos Aires in 
'Meistersinger' and the 'Magic Flute.' 
He returns to the U.S. Sept. 26 by 
plane. 

Kullman Is booked for a tour of 
the Coast and North West of 10 dates 
between Oct. 8 and Oct. 29 when he 
rejoins the San Francisco Opera Co. 
to sing In 'L'Amore Del Tre Re.' Re- 
turning east he sings concerts in 
Cedar Rapids, Akron, and Fort 
..Wayne, before r«-joinin£ the Met. 



Myrta Silva, Puerto Rican rhumba 
singer, is en route to California to 
head the company of 24 Latin sing- 
ers, dancers, comedians and musici- 
ans in the 'Pan-American Revue,' 
which plays the swank Lobero the- 
atre, Santa Barbara, fiesta week, 
opening Aug. 4. Follows Ingrld 
Bergman in David Selznick's stage 
revival of 'Anna Christie.' 

Senorita Silva recently completed 
a tour in the deluxe film theatres In 
Puerto Jlico, Cuba, Venezuela, Co- 
lombia, Ecuador, Panama and Mex- 
ico. Rena Askin, widow of Harry 
Askin, the Sousa Band impresario, 
arranged this attraction especially 
for the fiesta. It'will not play else- 
where. Constance Snow, Washing- 
ton, D. C, concert manager, is 
angling to present Silva' and her 
orchestra for a week at the ultra 
Wardman Park theatre under spon- 
sorship of the diplomatic corps In 
November. 

In the cast with Myrta Silva are 
Rita Montoya, Fernando del Toro, 
Hermanas Cortez, Cantu, Armand 
and Lita, Carmen Salazar, Raquel 
and Ricardo, Los Gatos Grotesco, 
Pantera, and Aguilar's Rhumba Or- 
chestra. 



Otto Robinson (Freitag), 
Once Witb Vienna Opera 
Dies b Mexico City 



Mexico City, July 29. 

Otto Freitag, an American citizen 
who was Mexican representative of 
Servel, Inc., died here Saturday (26) 
of food poisoning.. He was 58. For 
some 15 years Freitag sang baritone 
roles (as Otto Robinson) with the 
Vienna Opera company and with 
other opera companies In Europe. 
He was a member in the early 1900's 
of the training school of the MetrO' 
politan opera in New York before 
going to Europe to further his mU' 
sical studies. 

The son of a once famous Amerl 
can athlete, John Peter Freitag, the 
deceased is survived by an actor 
son, now in Switzerland, and a sis- 
ter, Mrs. Wilhelmina Mason of New 
York City; also a niece, Mrs. Lou 
Handin, wife of the president of the 
National Variety Artists of New 
York. 



Lucy Monroe Sings Under 
Baton of Chas. O'Connell 

Lucy Moore will open the first of 
a series of programs entitled 'Sing, 
America, Sing,' at Watergate, Wash- 
ington, Monday (4), In which the 
soprano will appear as soloist with 
the National Symphony orchestra 
under Charles O'Connell (of RCA) 
in a Victor Herbert program to start 
off the festivities, and then conduct 
a community sing for the audience 
thereafter. 

All proceeds go to the U.S.O., and 
25,000 are expected to attend at 
prices from 25c to $1. Some 70 
songs with the orchestra will be 
used In the last half of the program 



Pons Jams PhiDy Dell 



Philadelphia, Jul/ 39. 

Lily Pons and Andra Kostelanetx 
at Robin Hood Dell, Monday (22) 
drew 13,600 attendance. Standees 
were five deep In the aisles. 

Management attempted to use 
ropes to hold crowds In check, but 
women, bringing scissors with them, 
cut the barriers, precipitating a near 
riot 

Colambla Discs for Pons 

. Lily Pons has signed a recording 
contract with Columbia, marking an 
end to an RCA Victor association 
which has lasted about a decade. The 
coloratura originally recorded for 
Columbia abroad before coming here 
In 1931. 

Pons will make an operatlo and 
song album with her husband, Andra 
Kostelanetz, for fall release. 



Lily Pons 
Rained Out 
At Lewisohn 



Lily Pons' vaunted boast that the 
skys are always blue when she sings 
was only partially correct Monday 
(27), as the coloratura after finishing 
two numbers of her Lewisohn Sta- 
dium Concert was rained out of the 
balance. Program was repeated 
yesterday (Tuesday). Soma 10,000 
people gathered to hear the singer 
who delivered herself of a fair 'The 
Nightingale' and an excellent 'Lo 
Hear the Gentle Lark' before the 
deluge occurred. 

Andre Kostelanetz led the Phil- 
harmonic In a brilliant reading of 
the 'Star Spangled Banner,' but was 
unable to accomplish much with 
Weinberger's 'Under a Spreading 
Chestnut Tree.' 

Good weather but not good attend- 
ance prevailed last week, with Tues- 
day (22) "Srawing 3,000 admissions 
paying $1,600 to hear an all Russian 
program. Wednesday (23), 3,400 
people paid $1,800 and on Thursday 
(24), after Tschaikowsky's sixth sym- 
phony, Charles Kullman, Met tenor 
and Jarmila Novo^a, Met soprana, 
appeared In exerpts from 'Eugene 
Onegin,' and 'Pique Dame.' (The 
tenor was not In good voice, grum- 
bling at a middle 'C, and forcing on 
a top 'B' flat. He seems to think he 
had to give too much In the open 
air. The soprano displayed more in 
in an aria from 'Pique Dame.' In 
poise and svelte appearance. Both 
looked more like pix stars than 
operatic singers; on Friday (25), 
Bach, Hayden, Brahms, Hindemith 
Gounod and Tschaikowsky, fared not 
30 well, with 2,500 in attendance and 
$1,200 in the tiU. 

For Saturday (26) tha orchestra 
moved to the Flushing Meadow Park, 
where some 5,000 admissions ac- 
coimted for $2,600. 

Sunday (27), Mendelssohn. Brahms, 
Bruch and Dellus drew 4,00>0 to hear 
John Corigliano play the Bruch con 
certo for violin. Receipts were 
slightly under $1,900. 

Lily Pons leaves by train next 
Tuesday (5) for the Coast, where 
she and Andre Kostelanetz are 
scheduled for a joint concert Aug. 12 
in Hollywood Bowl. Kostelanetz 
will remain in New York for his 
Coca-Cjola broadcast Aug. 10, planing 
out immediately afterward so as to 
arrive in time for rehearsals the day 
before the concert. 

Pair will then go to Mexico City 
for a 10-day' vacation. However, 
Kostelanetz will have to plane to 
New York and back for his Aug. 17 
broadcast 



Castagna in Brazil 

Rio da Janeiro, July 29. 

Bruna Castagna, Met contralto, 
will sing at the opera season here 
from Aug. 5 'to Oct. 1. The Italian 
contralto has just finished a season 
at the Colon In Buenos Aires.- 

She will appear In Bellini's 'Fa- 
vorlta' during August, marking the 
100th anniversary of the death of 
the composer. 



New York Stata Court of Appeals, 
in a decision handed down yester- 
day (Tuesday) at Albany, granted 
tha 'American Guild of Musical Ar- 
tists' appeal for the right to sue in 
N. Y. supreme court for a perma- 
nent injunction against the American 
Federation of Musicians and Its presi- 
dent James C. Petrlllo. Five judges 
concurred and two dissented. AFM 
was assessed costs of the action. 

Although tha wording of tha 
lengthy decision wasn't available in 
New York at Variety's press time, 
granting of AGMA's plea sets aside 
the previous ruling of the Appellate 
Division, which refused AGMA a 
temporary injunction and dismissed 
Its complaint seeking a permanent 
stay. Case Is thereby apparently 
tossed back to the Supreme Court 
for trial, with Henry Jaffe, AGMA 
attorney, Indicating he would prob- 
ably start permanent injunction ac- 
tion at once. That would likely mean 
the case would , come to trial in the 
October term. Samuel Seabury and 
Henry A. Friedman represent Pet- 
rlllo. 

AGMA plea for an injunction is in- 
tended to prevent Petrlllo from car- 
rying out his threat of barring from 
radio, recordings, films, the concert 
stage or other professional fields any 
artist who disregards his demand to 
resign from AGMA and join the 
AFM. Supreme Court Judge Ferdi- 
nand Pecora, who first heard tha 
case, granted a preliminary stay, but 
Supreme Court Judge Aaron Steuer 
subsequently refused a temporary 
injunction and the Apellate Division 
later dismissed AGMA's complaint 
Pending trial of the permanent in- 
junction action, the situation be* 
tween the two unions will probably 
continue to remain In abeyance. 



NICHOLAS MOSCONA'S 
3 WITH PHHJIARMONIC 



Nicholas Moscona, Greek basso of 
the Met has been engaged for three 
performances of Mozart's Requiem 
with the N. Y. Philharmonic Orches- 
tra at Carnegie on Nov. 6, 7 and 9. 

Conductor will be Bruno Walter. 



Leonard Warren Concerts 
On Prince Edward Island 

Leonard Warren, Met baritone, 
opens his fall season with a tour of 
Prince Edward Islands. 

Nova Scotia and New Brunswick 
follow in early October. 



Name Concert Dates 

(July 30-Ausi. 6) 



Brian Aherne — (dramatic read- 
ings to music, with "Phila. orch) 
Robin Hood Dell. Phila. (31). 

Jasoha Helfetz— (with N. P. Phil- 
harmonic) Lewisohn stadium, N. Y. 
(31); (with Los -Angeles PhUhar- 
monic), HoUyv/ood Bowl (7). 

Jose Itnrbi— (cond. Los Angeles 
Philharmonic), Hollywood Bowl 
(31). . 

SanI Caston — (cond. Phila. orch) 
Robin Hood Dell, Phila. (4, 8, 7). 

Pierre Monteax — (cond. Phila, 
orch) Robin Hood Dell, Phila. 
(30-1). 

Alexander Smallens — (cond. N. Y. 
Philharmonic) Lewisohn stadium, N. 
Y. (8-9). 

James Melton — (with Gladys 
Swarthout Cincinnati opera), Cin- 
cinnati (31, 2); Oklahoma City (6)t 
TuUa, Okla. (7). 

Bruno Walter — (cond. Los Angeles 
Philharmonic) Hollywood Bowl (1). 

Hans WUhelm Steinberg— (cond. 
N. Y. Philharmonic) Lewisohn sta- 
dium, N. Y. (30-4). 

John Barblrolll — (cond. Los An- 
geles Philharmonic) Hollywood Bowl 
(7-8). 

Harold Bauer— (with N. Y. Phil- 
harmonic). Lewisohn stadium, N. Y. 
(4). 

Herman Adicr— (cond. N. Y. PhU- 
harmonic) Lewisohn stadium, N.' Y. 
(5-7). 

Helen Traubel— (with N. Y. Phil- 
harmonic) Lewisohn. stadium (6). 

Larry Adier— (with N. Y. Philhar- 
monic) Lewisohn stadium, N. Y. (9). 

John Charles Thomas— (with Phila. 
orch) Robin Hood Dell, Phila. (5). 

Serge Konssevltzky — (cond. Bos- 
ton symph) Berkshire festival, 
IStockbridge, Mass. (31, 2, 3, 7, 9). 



Wcjlnesday, July 30, 1941 



ORCHESTRA GROSSES 99 



Bands at Hotel B.O.'s 



NEW YORK 

(Presented herewith, as a vieekXy tabulation, is the estimated cover 
charge business beinp done by nom« bands in various Neu) York hotels, 
pinner business (7-10 P.M.) not rated. Figures after name of hotel jjiue 
room copacitv ond co«er charge. Larger amount desioftotes weekend and 
holidav price.) 




Haoil 



Hotel 



XavierCugat Waldorf (375; $1-$1.50). 

V7iU Bradley. Astor (1,000; 75c-$l) 





Coven 


Total 


Week* 


rait 


Coven 


PlaTcd 




On l)Htr 


, 7 


700 


5,725 


15 


2,125 


31,600 




2,375 


4.600 


. 7 


425 


2,950 


15 


1,100 


19,750 




1,400 


9,150 


10 


375 


4,125 



• Hal Saunders ...5t. Regis (400; $1-$1.50) 

'Asterisks iTidicate a supporting floor show, although the band ts the 
nuijor droui 

Chicago 

Jimmy Dorsey (Panther Room, Sherman Hotel; 700; $l-$2 min.). In final 
week Dorsey finished with the fine total of 5,800 payees. Benny Goodman 
band opened Friday (25), and came through with a strong weekend of 
2,400 customers, to start of what looks to be a good money stay. 

Sklimay Ennis* (Empire Room, Palmer House; 600; $3r$3.50 supper min.). 
Ennis has proven a real pull ih this spot, bettering last year's biz day by 
day ever since he opened. Considering that Ennis works only sik nights, 
biz is exceptionally good; 4,300 covers the past week. 

Boyd Racbnrn* (Chez Paree; 5(^; $2.50-$3.50 min.). Excellent show, 
headed by Milton Berle, keeps the business up in this nitery. Another 
great week, with 4,900 customers. 

Jimmy J»y* 4Walnut Room, Bismarck Hotel; 300; $l-$2 min.). Joy con- 
tinues to do well, drawing 2,400 patrons for the past week. 



Los Angeles 

Freddy Martin (Ambassador: 900; $1-$1.50). Holding to his average of 
around 2,500 covers weekly, somewhat surprising in view of his long, 
ftand at this class grotto.. 

Chock Foster (Biltmore Bowl, Biltmore Hotel: 1,150; minimum $1-$1.50). 
Another long-stander; pulled in nearly 4,000 customers last week. Closes 
eight months run Aug. 24, to be followed by Carl Ravazza. 

Woody Herman (Palladium: 6,000; 55c-$1.10). Youngster- showed he's in 
lor a profitable stand by clicking off 21,000 payees in first stanza of six 
weeks' stand. 

Harry Owens (Aquatic Room, Hotel Miramar, Santa Monica: 500; 50c-$l ). 
Flaying four nights a week for a 1,200 aggregate. Stays on through Sept. 7. 

Hal Grayaon (Casino, Catalina Island: 4,000; 2Bc-44c). Not much, im- 
provement and just managed to get past the 10,000 mark. 

Johnny 'Seat' Davis (Trianon, Southgate: 1,200; 40c-55c). Off to a slow 
(tart, with only a few over 2,000 turning out Band little known in these 
parts. 

Cliarlie Barnet (Casa Manana, Cluver City: 2,000; 55c). Disappointing 
takeoff on his six-week stand and opening stanza brought out not more 
than 3,000 hoofers. 



San Francisco 

Carl Bavazsa* (Rose Room, Palace Hotel: 350; 50c-$1.25). Second week 
only $25 under the first here, with 1,450 covers spelling swelligant returns. 



Jimmy Dorsey's 2,612 Mob at Dayton; 
Monroe-Krupa Combo Whammo 4,100 



Jimmy Dorsey (Lakeside Park, Dayton, O., July 25). At $1.25 per they 
tumbled in in steady stream for Dorsey; 2,612 for gross of $3,265. At 
buckeye Lake, O., Saturday (26) band again hit terrific draw with 2,413 
at $1.25 advance, $1.42 door. Monday (28) the band clocked 'best yet' 2,700 
at $1 at Arena, London, Ont,, Can., despite 'terrific heat.' 

Vaofhn Monroe-Gene Krapa (Kimball's Starlight B., Lynnfleld, Mass., 
July 22). Monroe and Krupa paired for a terrific draw here; 4,100 at 
$1.10 for total take of $4,510. 

Count Basie (Roseland-State B., Boston, July 26). In withering heat 
Basie drew 1,900 at 55c-65c. Into Kimball's SUrlight Park, Lynnfield, 
Mass., Sunday (27)- band drew 2,000 at 75c. 

Lou Breese (Totem Pole B., Auburndale, Mass., July 24-26). Breese, 
Under-rated, proved big surprise, drawing 8,300 at $1.35 couple for three- 
day gross of $5,602; 2.100 Thursday, 2,800 Friday, 3,400 Saturday. 

Larry Clinton (Modernistic B., Milwaukee, July 27). 2,000 dancers at 
SSc. 

Ai Donahue (Saylor's Lake, Saylorsburg, Pa., July 26). They didn't go 
for Donahue here. Low $360 from 425 dancers at 85c on a clear Saturday 
night. 

Frankle Masters (Pavilion, Port Stanley, Ont., Can., July 23). Masters 
did very well, pulling over 1.800 at BSc to gross $1,662; next day (24) at 
Summer Gardens, Kitchener, Ont., draw was good 1,432; Summer Gardens, 
Hamilton, Ont. (25), returned fair $1,000 from 1,100; Celeron Park, James- 
town, N. Y, Sunday (26) the pull equalled almost 1,200 for $1,044, second 
best by 43 stubs to Vaughn Monroe. 

Johnny Messner (Saylor's Lake, Saylorsburg, Pa., July 23). Messner 
drew smallest crowd of season here; 350 at 85c for $300. 

Alvino Bey (Totem Pole B.. Auburndale, Mass., July 21-23). Following 
sock weekend (17-19) of $5,400, Rey continued big with 1,200 Monday; 
1,800 Tuesday, 2,300 Wednesday, at $1.35 couple for $3,577. Six days drew 
13,300 hoofers for gross of $8,977. 

Maxine Snllivan-Benny Carter (Two Spot B., Jacksonville, Fla., July 22). 
Singer-band combo drew nice 1,016 at $1.10 here. At Aud., Atlanta (24), 
pair picked up fair $1,100 from 1,200 at 75c-85c. Business boomed at 
Municipal Aud., Birmingham, Ala. (25) where d.uo drew 3,800 at $1 top 
for gross of $3,100. 

Lawrence Welk (Excelsior Park B., Minneapolis, July 23). Teinp of 104 
held pull to. light 800 at 66c advance, 88c at door. Month ago Welk drew 
2,100 in same spot. 

Harry James (Pleasure Beach, Bridgeport, July 27). Fine 1,950 at 77c, 
plenty for both sides. 



Gill's Alofflinam Stunt 



Auburndale, Mass., July 29. 

A Iruckload of aluminum was col- 
lected at Totem .Pole Ballroom here 
<2'»), when operator Hoy Gill per- 
mitted ladies free admission if they 
brought a piece of the metal. 

Gill then passed the aluminum 
along to town officials handling the 
national defense drive. 



Will Osborne in Frisco 

Will Osborne's orch goes into the 
St. Francis hotel, San Francisco, for 
a minimum eight-week run begin- 
ning Aug. 21. 

William Morris office agenled. 



Cocoanat Grove Ballroom, Toledo, 
O., now undergoing redecoration, 
will open Sept 6. Home- "Nightin- 
gale, manager. 



Frankle Masters, Aug. 2, Saylor's 
Lake, Saylorsburg, Pa.; 16, Sunny- 
brook B., Pottstown, Pa.; 23, Hershey 
Park, Hershey, Pa.; 27, Ocean City, 
Md. ' 

^an Savilt, Aug. 29, Hamilton 
Beach, Hamilton, Ont, Can.; 30, 
Aud., Rochester, N. Y.; 31, Pleasure 
Beach, Bridgeport Conn. 

Harry James, Aug. 5, Aud., Roch- 
ester, N. Y.; 6, Hecla Park, Belle- 
fonte. Pa.; 7, Lakewood Park, Ma- 
hanoy City, Pa. 

Bnss Morgan, Aug. 18, Firemen's 
Ball, Portsmouth, R. I. 

Bill McCnne, Aug. 13, Hershey 
Park, Hershey, Pa.; 14, Lakewood 
Park, Mahanoy City, Pa.; 16, Say- 
lor's Lake, Saylorsburg, Pa.; 18, 
week. Totem Pole B., Auburndale, 
Mass. 

Lea Hite, Aug. 9, Turner's Arena. 
Washington, D. C; 10, Edgewater 
Beach, Baltimore. 

Magcrsy Spanier, Aug. 16, week, 
Idora Park, Youngstown, O. 

Barney Bapp, Aug. 14, two weeks, 
Arcadia B., New York. 

Tommy Reynolds, Aug. 12, week, 
Coonamassett C, Falmouth Beach, 
Cape Cod, Mass. 

Glenn Miller, Aug. 15, Danceland, 
Sylvan Beach, N. Y.; 16, Conneaut 
Lake Park, Conneaut, Pa.; 18, Lake- 
wood Park, Mahanoy Ci^, Pa.; 22, 
Wheeling Park, Wheeling. W. Va.; 
23, Casa Loma B., Charleston, W. 
Va.; 30-31, Steel Pier, Atlantic City, 
N. J.; Sept. 1, Hershey Park, Hershey, 
Pa'.; 5, week, RKO Boston theatre, 
Boston; 26, Earle theatre, Philadel- 
phia. 

AI Donalnie, Aug. 3, Pleasure 
Beach Park, Bridgeport, Conn. 
' Lawrence Welk, Aug. 30, indef., 
Trianon B., Chicago. 

Ealph Barlow, Aug. 1, Manitou 
Beach, Mich.; 2-8, Cabanas Club, Ur- 
bana, O. 

Charlie Agnew, Aug. 9-15, Cabanas 
Club, Urbana, O. 

Ace Brigode, Aug. 1-3, Oriental B.. 
Delavin, Wis.; 9-15, Chippewa 
Lake, O. 

Body Bandy, Aug. 1-10, New Ca- 
sino, Walled Lake, Mich. 

Ray Herbeck, Aug. 1-9, Kenny- 
wood Park, Pittsburgh; 10-23. Gen- 
eva-on-the-Ifake, O. 

Tiny Hill, Aug. 1-9, Avalon B., 
Niles, Mich.; 10-16, Kennywood Park, 
Pittsburgh; 18-24, Enna Jettick Park, 
Auburn, N. Y.; 26-Sept 1, Excelsior 
Park, Excelsior, Minn. 

Herbie Holmes, Aug. 1-3. Euclid 
Beach Park, Cleveland; 4-10, Enna 
Jettick Park, Auburn, N. Y. 

Hal Leonard, Aug. 1, Cabanas C, 
Urbana, O.; 2-8, Chippewa Lake. O.: 
12-Sept. 7, New Casino, Walled Lake, 
Mich. 

Maxine Sollivan - Benny Carter, 
Aug. 1, Aud., Shreveport La.; 3, 
Gypsy Tea Room, New Orleans; 5, 
Crusader's Hall, Hot Springs, Ark.; 
6, Aud., Tulsa; 7, Municipal Aud., 
Kansas City; 6, Castle B., St. Louis; 
9, Sunset Terrace, Indianapolis; 10, 
Savoy B.. Chicago, III.; 11, Greystone 
B., Cincinnati; 12, Greystone B., De- 
troit; 15, Memorial Aud., Dayton, O. 

Joe Relchman, Aug. 1-14, Planta- 
tion C, Houston, Texas; 16-29, 
Claridge hotel, Memphis. 

Herbie Kay, Aug. 1, U. of Wiscon- 
sin, Madison; 2-3, Stratford theatre, 
Chicago; 16, two weeks, Trocadero. 
Henderson, Ky. 

Bine Barron, Aug. 16, Paramount 
theatre, Hammond, Ind.; 17, Bay the- 
atre, Green Bay, Wis.; 18, Inwood, 
Spillville. la.; 19, Venetian theatre, 
Racine, Wis.: 21, McNabb's B., Car- 
roll, la.; 22. Peony Park, Omaha; 23, 
Turnpike Casino, Lincoln, Neb.; 24, 
Casino B., Howells, Neb.: 25, Legion 
B., Crest'on, la.; 26, Cobblestone B., 
Storm Lake. la.; 27, Starved Rock. 
La Salle, 111.; 28, Arena, Windsor, 
Can.; 29, Casino, Stratford, Can.; 30. 
Empire theatre, Erie, Pa.; 31, Myers 
Lake Park, Canton, O. 

Tony Pastor, Aug. 22, Lakeside 
Park, Dayton. O.; 25-30. Manhattan 
Beach, Brooklyn: 31, Million Dollar 
Pier, Atlaritic City; Sept 1-3, Ca- 
nadian Expo., Toronto, Can.: 5-11, 
Earle theatre, Phila.; 18-24, Hippo- 
drome theatre, Baltimore. 

Richard Himber, Nov. 21-Jan. 1, 
Edgewater Beach hotel, Chicago. 

Don Bestor, Aug. 24, week, Fal- 
mouth Beach. Cape Cod, Mass.; 31, 
week, Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn. 

Eddie Varzos, Aug. 11, indef., Prov- 
Idence-Biltmore hotel. Providence, 
R. I. 



Don Kaye, who closed his first ma- 
jor engagement at the St Francis, 
San Francisco Wednesday (23), may 
sign with MCA. Kaye was signed 
direct for St. Francis and picked up 
dates on strength of his summer fill- 
in, currently playing Rio Nido, Rus- 
.sian River summer spot 



Whiteman, $17,000, OK in Philiy Heat; 
Harris Smash 47G in N. Y.; Mom-oe 
Fair IIG in Buff., Venuti N.Y., 25G 



JERRY WALD GOES WEST 



Will Head Collece Boy Group That 
Graduated En Masie from So. Cal. 



Jerry Wald, bandleader who com- 
pleted a long stay at Child's Spanish 
CSardens, N. Y., few months ago, and 
is now without a band, begins driv- 
ing to the Coast today (Wed.) to 
take over the leadership of a new 
outfit. He's to front a crew of grad- 
uates of the University of Southern 
California, a group which has been 
intact for several years. It graduated 
en masse last month. General Amuse- 
ment will handle. 

Wald late this spring added a few 
pieces to the band he had during 
the winter at Childs, went out on 
the road, didn't do so well, came 
back and was in the throes of re- 
hearsing a new bartd last week when 
friction developed with his backer. 
Wald's first band represented an out- 
lay of some $16,000, one of the more 
expensive bands that got nowhere. 



UNION STOPS 
CIVIC BAND'S 
CUFFO 



Philadelphia, July 29. 

The Musicians Union went on the 
mat again last week against the 
broadcast of 'amateur' bands. This 
time their adversary was the Police 
and Firemen's Band which was set 
to play at ceremonies at Inde- 
pendence Hall on Wednesday (23) in 
conjunction with the convention of 
the Police Chiefs Association. 

The shindig was skedded to be 
aired over WCAU, when officials of 
Local 77 heard about this they raised 
a squawk. The Police and Firemen's 
Band has been on the union's un- 
official blacklist for the past three 
years, because of their cuifo playing 
at functions at which professional 
musicians would normally be en- 
gaged. 

WCAU bigwigs referred the 
squawks to City Hall. Heads of the 
Police and Fire Department ap- 
pealed to the union on the grounds 
of civic pride, patriotism, etc. But 
the. union stood its ground. 

WCAU was forced to transcribe 
the ceremonies, then eliminate all 
music of the verboten band, before 
it was rebroadcast. To make matters 
worse, the station's mobile unit was 
in a collision en route to Indepen- 
dence, Hall, and all equipment had 
to be carried by the engineering 
staff for almost five blocks. There 
were no taxis insight 



THOSE FISCAL BLUES 



Gray Gordon's Lawyers Vnsoccess- 
ful in First Try at Untanglement 



Creditors of Gray Gordon, band- 
leader recently expelled by the 
American Federation of Musicians 
for non-payment of debt's, were 
called into meeting by Louis Randell, 
Gordon's attorney, in New York 
Monday (28). Confab was to try to 
get those to whom Gordon was in- 
debted to settle their claims at so 
much on the dollar. Try was un- 
successful. 

Gordon has some $3,195 in claims 
against him filed with the union in 
addition to which he owes Consoli- 
dated Radio Artists, his bookers, 
$2,700 in unpaid commissions and 
money loaned. CRA has told Gor- 
don that he can buy his contract for 
$10,000, out of which it would pay 
the claims lodged with the union, 
meaning that beside the money he 
owed it and outsiders the agency 
wanted about $3,800 to release him. 
The $10.()00 could be paid, Gordon 
was told, with a $3,000 down pay- 
ment and the rest in notes. 

Meanwhile Gordon bro&e up his 
band after it finished the week at 
the Million Dollar Pier, Atlantic City, 
a week ago Saturday (19). His AFM 
suspension had come through while 
the date was being plnyed, but the 
union allowed the week to be fin- 
ished; Leader Is now in Illinois. 



(Estimates for This Week; 

.Phil Harris, New York— (Strand; 
2.767; 35-55-75-85-99). 'Bride Came 
C.O.D.' (WB) on screen. Harris' ra- 
dio popularity from continued work 
on Jack Benny's program is ac- 
counting for much of the swell 
$47,000. Picture not liked by critics 
but Davis-Cagney combo still is 
drawing 'em. 

Lanl Mclntire, Washington — 
(Earle; 2,216; 28-39-44-66) with 
'Bride Came C.O.D.' (WB) (2d wk). 
Holdover for both film and strgc 
show heading for nice $16,500. after 
ringing up' fine $20,500 in opener. 

Vangbn Monroe, Buffalo — (Buf- 
falo; 3,500; 35-55) with 'Reaching for 
the Sun' (Par). Business here not 
too potent, but fair enough consider- 
ing the heat Both screen and stage 
equally responsible for $11,000 com- 
ing up. 

Dick SUblle, Pittsburgh— (Stanley; 
3,800; 25-40-60) with the Rochester 
unit and 'Undergrounfl' (WB). Roch- 
ester is the major draw of the stnge 
show, but*Stabile, who started here, 
and his. frau, Gracie Barrie, are 
fairly potent themselves in these 
parts. Film has Marlene Dietrich, 
Edward G. Robinson and Gieorge 
Raft so credit for big $22,000 must 
be evenly divided between the stage 
and screen. 

Joe VenntI, New York — (Para- 
mount; 3,664; 35-55-85-99). Brought, 
in here for fifth and concluding 
week of five-week run of 'Caught in 
Draft' (Par), with Will Bradley's 
crew Inoving out after the fourth. 
Otherwise the same stage show in- 
cluding Jane Froman and Danny 
Kaye and picture. Band ' rated as 
popular with audiences; $25,000 for 
the fifth week of picture does not 
reflect true draw of this organiza- 
tion, but still neat profit for the 
house. 

Panl Whiteman, Philadelphia — 
(Earle;' 2,768;- 35-46-57-68-75) with 
'Sunny' (BKO). Whiteman, socked • 
by terrific heat and a weak picture, 
is doing very well in pulling rather 
nice $17,000 into the till in spite of 
all the odds. 

Lani Mclntire, Washington — 
(Earle; 2,216; 28-39-44-66), held Qver 
for second week with 'Bride, 
C.O.D.', which is pulling in goo(l 
$16,500 for added stanza. 



> 

Joe Rines of WMCA Plays 
Loews State Bat Bil&ig 
Ignores WHN's Competitor 



Joe Rines, musical director of 
WMCA, New York, and leader of 
that station's house orchestra, be- 
gins a p.a. at Loew's State theatre, 
N Y. tomorrow (Thurs.). Rines will 
use the WMCA studio orchestra at 
the theatre, replacing It at the sta- 
tion for the week with a specially 
built combo. 

State's advertising of the date does 
not include mention that WMCA's 
house band is behind Rines. It fears 
kickbacks from exploiting the band 
of an outlet that is competition to 
WHN, which is owned by Loew's, 
Inc., operator of the'theatre.' 

Beside doing 29 or 30 stage shows 
at the State, Rines tr°-cs part in or 
helps to produce f -> 30 musical 
shows a week at WI>.JA. 



WILL BRADLEY REBUILDS 
ORCHESTRA PERSONNEL 



Within the past two weeks Will 
Bradley has practically rebuilt hia 
orchestra, currently at the Astor 
hotel. New York. Last week almost 
the entire sax section was replaced, 
bringing in Les Robinson, alto, in 
place of Artie Mendelsohn, who goes 
to Bob Crosby; Arthur Rollini in 
place of Peanuts Hucko; Pete Mon- 
dello vice Johnny Hayes. Larry 
Mollinelli, baritone, has been added, 
and with' Malon Clarke, who stays, 
the team is upped to five men.' 

Late the past week all three of th* 
trumpets and one trombone went on 
notice. They're Lee Caataldo, ttevo 
Lipkin, Ralph Muzzilo, trum|>eu, and 
Jimmy Emmert trombone. Emmerl 
and Don Ruppersburg, with Bobby 
Byrne are staging. • switch, ltmm*rt 
going to Byrne ana vice-vtrM.- 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



COIN MACHIMES 85 



10 Best Sellers on Coin-Machines 



(Records below are' grabbing most nickels this week in jukeboxes 
throughout the country, as reported by operators to VAHirrY. Names 
of more than one band or »ocaIist after the title indicates, in order of 
popularity, whose recordings are being played. Figures and names in 
parenthesis Indicate the number of weeks each son0 has been in the listings 
ond respective .publishers.) 



1. Daddy (8) Republic 

2. Maria Elena (5) Southern 



( Sammy Kaye Victor 

(Andrews Sisters Decca 

i Jimmy Dorsey Decca 
Tony Pastor Bluebird 



3. Green Eyes (4) Southern' Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

4. Goodbye Dear, Be Back in Year (3) ( Horace Heidt Columbia 

C. to C. I Dick Robe' 'son Decca 

[ Jimmy Dorsey Decca 



8. Rose and a Prayer (3) BVC 
B. Yours (2) Marks , 

7. Things I Love (1) Campbell 

8. Aurora (7) Bobbins 



I Charles Spivak Okeh 

i Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

I Vaughn Monroe Bluebird 

{Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

( Barry Wood Victor 

i Jimmy Dorsey Decca 
Andrews Sisters Decca 

«■ Sister and I (9) BMI { San.V.Coiu^mbi: 

10. Hut-Sui song (fl) Schumann { ^S"^?^ iSlJ^ 

DISKS GAINING FAVOR 

(These records, ore directly below the first 10 in popularitt/, but growing 
in demand on the coin tnachines.) ' 

Don't cry Cherle (Shapiro) ; • {&me^r^ ii^B J^^^^^^^^^ 

Yes, Indeed (Embassy) Tommy Dorsey Victor 

( Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

(Charles Spivak Okeh 



When the Sun Comes Out (BVC) 



Goodbye Little Darl.n' (T. B. Harms) {^^^ iS'-.'.V.-.-.V.-.'.Oke" 

Kiss the Boys Goodbye (Famous) /J-™^^ SeJ-.-.W^J^keh 

Til Reveille (Melody Lane) 



Little Bit South North Carolina (Porgie) 
Peaceful In Country (Regent) 



( Bing Crosby Decca 

(Kay Kyser Columbia 

Guess I'll Have to Dream Rest (Block) Glenn Miller Bluebird 

{Dick Robertson.. . . , . . .Decca 
Gene Krupa Okeh 

f Charlie Spivalt Okeh 

( Harry James Columbia 

On the Upbeat 



Al Oliver and the Rhythm Kings ing it Aug. 13 for a week at Euclid 



are at the Mahoning Valley Country 
Club, near Youngstown, supplanting 
Phyllis Rathburn. 



Jaok MoCormlck at the Rendezvous 
Vlllar, hear Youngstown. 



The Cnlversity Girb are now at 

the Paddock, near Youngstown. 



Art Hamburg has joined Al Fab- 
risio's orchestra at the Avalon Gar- 
dens, Youngstown, as trumpet player. 



Ken Nealy is leaving as vocalist 
with Herble Kay's orchestra. Bill 
Johnson, from Worcester, is re- 
placing him in the Kay &ut&t. 



Harold Leonard and his Hand back 
at LaMarqulse, N. Y., class bistro, 
with Frances Connelly vocally fea- 
tured. 



Leighton Noble, now In Texas, is 
one-nighting his way back to Cleve- 
land, O., Aug. 14 for a repeat run 
at Hotel Cleveland's Bronze Room, 
where his outfit played four months 
last year. George Duffy's crew leav- 



JOHNNY 
LONG 

and liiB orchestra 

HOTEL NEW YORKER 
NBC— DECCA RECORDS 



MANAGEMENT 

GENERAL AMUSEMENT CORP, 



J ^^^^ ^,^kJkJkJk,4lk.4k 4^ 

HARRY [ 
^ JAMES ^ 



AND HIS 



Music Makers Orchestra * 

Columbia Recordt 

ON TOUR 




Dir. ; — Maalo Corp of Amciira ^ 



Beach in Cleveland, following it 
with a tour of middle-western 
states. 



Bart Dni44Mi at Glenwood Hotel, 
Delaware Water Gap, Pa. 



Jimmy Sclleny, Ray Pearl's for- 
mer ' pianist, has joined Howard 
Becker band at Fines, Pittsburgh, re- 
placing Alan O'Donnell, who was 
caught in the draft 



Ray Herbeck band opened two- 
week engagement Sunday (27) at 
Kennywood Park, succeeding Herbie 
Holmes outfit. 



Brad Bunt following Billy Yates 
Into Merry-Go-Round, Pittsburgh, 
until Aug. B. 



Paul Wblteman booked for Stan- 
ley theatre, Pittsburgh, for week be- 
ginning Aug. 1. 



Everett Hoagland returns to Bill 
Green's Pittsburgh, Monday (4) for 
Indefinite engagement, following 
Clyde Knight outfit. 



Benny Burton band into Colonial, 
Pittsburgh, for limited stay, on heels 
of four-week engagement by Nelson 
Maples. 



Teddy Wilson shifts to Cafe So- 
ciety Downtown, N.Y., opening Tues- 
day (5). Closed uptown spot Satur- 
day (28). 



John KIrby had his first record 
date at Victor last week. He'll be 
released on the 50c Victor label. 



Shep Fields using new male vo- 
calist, Pat Foy, at Sea Girt Inn, Sea 
Girt, N. J. 

Dick Haymes, brother of Bob 
Haymes, vocalist with the Harry 
James band. Joined Bob Chester's 
group this week. 

Dolly Dawn began work on a new 
Bluebird recording contract at Vic- 
tor studios last week. 



Una Mae Carlisle started as a so- 
loist at the Edison hotel's Green 
Room last night (Tues.) for both 
dinner and supper. 

Barney Rapp comes into New 
York for first time with current 
band, being set for two weeks at 
Arcadia Ballroom, opening Aug. 14. 



♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦< 

In the Waxworks 



************************ 

•Bobby Byrne (Decca), 'What Word 
Is Sweeter Than Sweetheart,' 'I 
Guess 111 Have to Dream the Rest,' 
'It's You Again,' 'I Went Out of My 
Way.' 

Jack Teacarden (Decca), 'Nobody 
Knows the Trouble I've Seen,' 
'Prelude To A Blues,' 'Blues Have 
Got Me,' 'Rhythm- Hymn.' 

Ina Ray Button (Okeh), 'What's 
the Good of Moonlight,' 'I'm No- 
body's Sweetheart Now,' 'Back in 
Your Own Back Yard,' 'At Last.' 

Shep Fields (Bluebird), 'It's You 
Again,' 'Whjstlcr's Mother-In-Iiaw, 
'Yo-Te-Amo,' 'City Called Heaven.' 

Vanshn Monroe (Bluebird), 'Sing 
a Love Song,' 'In Middle of a Dance,' 
'Harvard Square,' 'Doodle La Doo 
Da,' 'Two Pair Shoes,' 'If It's You.' 

Count Basle (Okeh), 'Basie Boogie 
Woogie,' 'Fancy Meetin' You,' 'Dig- 
gin' for Dex,' 'One, Two, Three 
O'Leary.' 

Bed Allen (Okeh), 'Indiana,' 'Si- 
esta at the Fiesta,' 'Jack the Bell- 
boy,' 'Sheridan Square.' 

Will Bradley (Columbia), 'Basin 
St. Boogie,' 'City Called Heaven," 
'Tired of Waiting fot You,' 'Call It 
Anything You Like,' It's Love.' 



SY SHRIBMAN'S 
$mOOO CLAIM 
ONT.DORSEY 



Sy Shribman, manager and backer 
of various bands, is suing Tommy 
Dorsey in Massachusetts courts for 
$100,000 over an old agreement be- 
tween them. Shribman wants a por- 
tion of Dorsey's earnings under a 
deal between them made In 1936, 
wherein, in exchange for a loan of 
$2,500, he was to. get 5% of Dorsey's 
one-nighter earnings over a certain 
gross figure, for five years. Suit may 
Ise settled before it goes to trial. 

Meanwhile Dorsey Is avoiding 
bookings in Massachusetts in fesr of 
running into attachment proceed- 
ings, which could tie up any earn- 
ings picked up in that state. Shrib- 
man is manager-backer of a number 
of current name bands including 
Glenn Miller, Woody Herman, Gene 
Krupa, Tony Pastor, et al. 



A.FJM. Rules WiD Bear Down On 
Owners of Cafes Who Chisel In, 
Not on Legitimate Managers 



Larry Bamett Stops In 
Columbus, Chi on Return 

Larry Barnett of the MCA band 
booking dept. in Hollywood, has been 
east to 0.0. some bands and will stop 
off in Columbus and Chicago en 
route back this week. 

Charlie Miller, MCA v.p. in New 
York, flew west over the weekend 
to huddle with, company prez, J. C. 
Stein. 



RCA/BRAIir 
PUYSZSIDES 



RCA Manufacturing Co. began ex- 
hibiting yesterday (Tues.) at the an- 
nual three-day convention of music 
merchants and radio dealers, at the 
New Yorker hotel, N. Y., a new au- 
tomatic record-changer that plays 
both sides of a disc without turning 
it over. To be put on sale about 
Aug. IS at a price of about $425, the 
machine is the only rival to the cur- 
rent Capehart combo sets. 

Called the 'Magic Brain,' RCA's 
development is built with two tone 
arms, one above and one beneath a 
spinning platter. When the top side 
is played out, the turntable stops 
automatically, reverses itself to al- 
low for the inverted position of the 
underneath side, which the sec9nd 
tone arm engages and reproduces. 
When both sides are finished the 
platter is disposed of into a sloped 
slot at the side of the machine. 
There is no damage to platters any- 
where in the operation, and RCA 
claims that it has eliminated surface 
noise. Pickup needle is a long-last- 
ing sapphire. Machine will take 15 
12-inch records at a time, adding up 
to about two hours of unattended 
music, or IS 10-inch sides. The two 
sizes cannot be intermingled as with 
Capehart. 



Coin-Catching Record^and Others 



Woody, Herman 'There Goes Song Again' — ^"Call It Madness' (Decca 3894) 
Based on a good theme, the first side is a good one, well played, with 
machine possibilities. Herman treats it to a strong arrangement under 
mutes and does the vocal himself. He -also sings the reverse standard, 
another good effort, backed by fine band work. 



Glenn Miller 'Blue Canadian Skies'— 'Adols' (Bluebird 11219)' 

It's too hard to see any machine future for the first tune, a ballad the 
Canadian Gov't is supgosed to bejpushing to revive war-deadened tours. 
Melody and lyric is satisfying, but not outstanding. Major portion of sales 
of Miller's smooth cutting, Ray Eberle vocaling, will be private. Ditto for 
Sammy Kaye who does it (Victor 27514) in typical Kaye ballad style. 
Tommy Ryan doing vocal. 'Adois,' similar in arrangement, is Miller's 
backing. An average melody; no vocal. Kaye's coupling is a tricked up 
writing of an easily forgettable tune, 'Wind Blows Free,' Arthur Wright 
on the lyric. 



Harry James 'Tes, Indeed'— 'Peaceful In Country' (Columbia 36246) 
Now that Tommy Dorsey's top cutting of the first, a jump spiritual. Is 
hitting machines, foUowup releases begin. James has another good one, 
one that can stand up for nickels. Paced at easy tempo, it uses Dick 
Hymes' vocal, palm beating and background voices effectively. Tommy 
Tucker does it too (Okeh 6200), but kicks up the tempo, making it less 
effective, and inserts his own lyrics. Tucker has a following on novelties, 
however ,and there's no reason why he won't be accepted on this. Amy 
Arnell, Kerwin Somerville, and ensemble vocal. James' coupling cuts a 
saleable ballad pattern of 'Peaceful,' fronted by his low register trumpet- 
ing and Dick Haymes' vocalling. It stands up. Charlie Splvak's try at the 
same tune (Okeh 6291) came out of the same mold and does a solid job. 
Leader's trumpet is muted, as usual. Gary Stevens puts more into his 
lyricing. It's backed by another good ballad, 'What Word is Sweeter Than 
Sweetheart?', using the same formula. Tucker's reverse is a swing at 
■Reluctant Dragon." 



Artie Shaw 'Don't Take Your Love'— 'Love Me Little Little' (Victor 27S09) 
Shaw hasn't made any pops in some time. On the first side here he uses 
to good advantage a neat tune equipped with exceptionally fine lyric. It's 
well played, too. It's only weakness is in Lena Home's vocal. It somehow 
doesn't fit her and occasionally she's crowded by the background. Reverse, 
a rhythmic cutting of a pop now getting started suffers from a thin ar- 
rangement. Miss Home again vocals, better in rhythm, Doubtful coin 
stuff. 



Dinah Shore 'Jim'— 'I'm Through With Love' (Bluebird 11204) 

Good tune of the 'Bill' school of tear-jerking ballad, ops have here a 
good opportunity with Miss Shore's rich vocal to cut in one more of the 
respnse she started flowing with 'Yes, My Darling Daughter.' Tune fits her 
style perfectly. So does the reverse, a standard that she handles with 
ease. Teddy Powell does 'Jim' (Bluebird 11214) and though it's well done 
Instru men tally the tune's punch is In its lyric, where Miss Shore outdis- 
tances Ruth Gaylor. Coupling is an original, a well done jive piece tagged 
'Steady Teddy.' 



By BERNIE WOODS 

According to American Federation 
of Musicians' officials, the recent 
new rule promulgated by the AFM's 
executive board, which prohibits 
managers of bands from owning in- 
terests In their properties, will not 
steadfastly apply to managers known 
to be bona fide In their operations, 
that is to say the ones who really de- 
vote their full time to developing 
a band property or properties. Ef- 
fective Sept. 15, the rule is designed, 
according to the same sources, to 
eliminate the type of 'manager' who 
merely makes an investment or loan 
in return for which he gets a size- 
able piece. Particularly the investor 
who puts up no cash, but takes a 
slice of a band in return for giving 
it an opportunity to work where its 
career will be helped. 

There are several roadside spot 
owners outside New York and one 
or two within the city itself, who 
currently hold pieces of bands 
through such deals, and it's supposed 
to be these rather than the above- 
board, straight-and-narrow managers 
the union is out to stop. 

A new rule which seems to have 
been mislntepreted widely is one re- 
lating to co-op bands, number of 
personfi^ within the band business con* 
strue the rule to mean that after 
Sept, 15 no co-operative bands (out- 
fits owned wholly or In part by 
members of the band) can continue 
to exist. Rule does not say that 
It specifically states that 'participa- 
tion in earnings by any one other 
than the personnel of such bands or 
orchestras, is prohibited.' Means 
that 'corporate forms or other de- 
vices for the division of profits' can 
not be used by managers, booking 
agencies, or anyone else. 



juke jills wont jilt 
conyersahonal johns 



San Diego, July 29. 

Bu'cknam Distributing Co. here is 
taking display ads in the Range 
Finder, Camp Callah paper, inviting 
the boys to get pally with their juke 
jills. Copy reads 'Have fun with the 
Number Please Girls' in urging the 
boya to use the talking juke boxes, 
and adds These girls will answer 
you,' listing 14 names. Gals alter- 
nate on a 24-hour service for 60 spoti^ 
working a library of 25,000 records. 

As an added gesture, outfit also 
sells used records to the boys at 10 
and 15 cents a copy. 



Herth H.O., Syracuse 

Syracuse, July' 29. 

Option on Milt Herth at the Ho- 
tel Syracuse picked up end the mu* 
sical trio will stick here until Oct. 4. 

Briefie band Is playing for th« 
dancing at the inn and has added a 
vocalist, Bob Preston. 



JIMMY 
DORSEY 

and His Orchestra 

Cnnentlr 

ON TOUR 



Penonal Manarement — Bl'l.I< BURTON 



IN A SUBWAY 
FAR FROM IRELAND 

Columbia Record No. 36211 
By 



RAYMOND 
SCOTT 

AND HIS ORCHESTRA 



36 ORGHESTRAS^MUSIC 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



ASCAFs Card-and-Golf StaU 



A non-stop gin rumnvy and golf tournament lias been going on in 
Tin Pan Alley since Jan. 1. A trip through the Brill Bldg. or other 
h.q. of the New York music publishers finds the pluggets engaged 
with the pasteboards or out for golf. 

'Drives' on songs have become legends because of the ASCAP- 
radio stalemate although there are signs of perking up with the theory 
that 'by Sept. 1 it'll all be settled.' 



bside Stuff-Orchestras 



Will Bradley^s orchestra put over a press stunt in Times Square, New 
York, last week, meanwhile helping to swell the take of the OPM's alum- 
inum drive. Currently playing the Astor hotel, on the Square, the band 
marched out of a rehearsal at the hostelry one afternoon playing 'I'll Be 
Clad When You're Dead, You Rascal You' at the finish of which the, brass 
section ceremoniously tossed its aluminum mute-hats on the pile. 

Other performers are devising ways of helping the aluminum drive. 
Andrews Sisters are having many of their oflt-the-air file of recordings 
' redubbed on glass, the freed discs, with- aluminum bases, going to the drive. 



Gene Krupa received instructions while in New York a week ago to 
play Alton Bay, near Rochester, N. H. Bus driver took band to Alton, 
N. Y., near Rochester, N. Y., arriving there at 7 p.m., only to find they were 
in error. Job was necessarily cancelled, because distance between the two 
Altons approximates SOO miles. 



John Hammond, Jr., is on leave from Columbia Recording as technical 
advisor on the band cavalcade picture William Dieterle is making for 
RKO. It's from an original idea by Director Dieterle, with sundry actors 
personating the different band characters. Otherwise, only one band will 
be employed, this as yet unselected. Music Corp. of America is financing 
the fllrh on a 'package' proposition. 



SHAG DAYE LINES UP 
NAMES FOR CELORON 



Jamestown, N. Y., July 29. 

Despite fact that Celoron Park man- 
agement has let two choice summer 
Saturday nights go by without cus- 
tomary 'name' bands at Pier Ball- 
room, several are booked in for next 
few weeks. 

Following Frankie Masters on Sat- 
urday (26), will be Alvino Rey and 
the King Sisters (2); Leighton Noble 
(9), and Tommy Dorsey on Thurs- 
day (21), with latter expected to be 
highlight of season. 

Bookings were made by dancery 
manager, Shag Daye, In New York 
last week. 



Paging Fred Small 



New York City police on the 
lookout for, by request of Wilkes- 
Barre, Pa., cops, a piano player 
named Fred Small, last working with 
George White's Scandals, to inform 
him that his father had died. 
. Funeral took place at Wilkcs- 
Barre Saturday (26). 



Ft. Worth's Name Bands 

Fort Worth, July 29. 

Casino Park, at Lake Worth, is 
using name bands. Clyde McCoy is 
current following Skinnay Ennis, 
Hal Grayson, Ted Weems and Paul 
Pendarvis. 

Booked for a one night engage- 
ment Aug. 16 is Horace Heidt 



* Variety — - nbc-'cbs 



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July 23— No. 1 

DADDY 



July 23— No. 1 

DADDY 



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July 23— No. 1 

DADDY 




July 23--No. 1 

DADDY 



Maestro Jack Harris 
To Operate N.Y. Nitery 



Repudiating ahy future association 
with Irving Zussman, with whom he 
was partnered in the recently bank- 
rupt La Conga. Broadway nitery, 
Milton Rubin, Broadway press agent, 
denies that he and ZussmsTn will 
once again be linked in the fall re- 
opening of La Conga, as reported. 

According to Rubin, the' 1658 
Broadway Corp., the La Conga land- 
lord, has leased the spot to Jack 
Harris, repatriated (from London) 
American bandleader, with neither 
Zussman nor Rubin having any con- 
nection with the new setup. The 
Harris lease is for Ave years. 



TRUMPETS WHAT AM 



Hal Leonard Blows Out With Bugles 
of Antiquity as a Stunt 



Hal Leonard, leader of a band 
which works mid western territory 
exclusively, uses a new stunt, au- 
thentically, to inject showmanship 
into his outfit. He has equipped his 
trumpet section with clarion type 
horns (valve-less long-barreled 
things synonomous with Gabriel), 
which are used in certain arrange- 
me.nts. 

Leonard is an ex-college Inst;.ruc- 
tor turned bandleader. He taught at 
Winona State College, Kansas. 



Music Notes 



Yip Harburir and Burton Lane 
clelTed three songs for 'Babes on 
Broadway' at Metro; 'Chin Up- 
Cheerio-Garry On,' 'The Movies 
Will Get Vou If You Don't Watch 
Out' and 'Anything Can Happen' in 
New York.' 



Another martial tune, 'I'm a Mili- 
tary Man Now,' has been published. 
Henry Sylvern wrote the music, 
Ruth Poll the lyrics. 



Barry Link to the Coast this week 
on more Metro huddles anent songs 
in 'Panama Hatlie,' plus the new 
Garbo film. The Twins,' which also 
will have a vocal interpolation, etc. 



Rytvoc, Inc., has been, chartered 
to conduct a music publishing busi- 
ness in New York. Capital stock is 
200 shares, no par value. 



Georee Dunnlns and Bill Hamp- 
ton, arranger and writer with Kay 
Kyser, organized a new publishing 
firm, Beverly Music Co., with 'The 
Old Looking Glass' as their first 
number. 



Herbert Stothart doing final re- 
cordings on the score of 'Smilin' 
Through' at Metro. 



Lew JPreston wrote five songs for 
'The Medico Hits the Trail' at Co- 
lumbia. They are 'I'm Just a Small 
Town Scalawag,' 'Ride, Cowboy, 
Ride,' 'Hi-Ho, the Rodeo's On,' 'Little 
Darlin' ' and 'Doin' It Right.' 



Bay Whitley and Fred Rose turned 
in three tunes for 'Riding the Wind' 
at RKO; 'I'll Live Until 1 Die,' 'Coin' 
On a Hayride' and the title song. 



Meredith Wlllaon recording his 
original score for Samuel Goldwyn's 
'The Little Foxes.' Score includes a 
Negro spiritual," 'Never Feel Too 
Weary to Pray.' 



Irvlnx Fields, bandleader, coUabbed 
with his brother. Pvt. Murray 
Schwartz, at Camp Upton, on a mel- 
ody titled 'Let's Do Right By Our 
Uncle,' a patriotic theme. 



Alen G. Lancenus, former gen.^ 
mgr. of G. Langenus, Inc., has joined' 
Carl Fisher, Inc., as trade and edu- 
cational rep in eastern territory. 



•BAF' CRaus Adolf Forever!') is a 
new topical tune by Tommy Hughes 
and Clarence GasklU, just placed 
with Shapiro-Bernstein. 



Ted Steele composed and publishes 
'Home Town Blues,' lyrics by his 
wife, Doris Brooks. 



' iMIckey Glass shifted from Robbins 
Music to Lou Levy's Leeds Music. 

'Baoglle Wooglie Piggy* bought by 
Columbia Pictures for Inclusion in 
Harriet Hilliard-Ozzle Nelson film, 
as yet untitled. 



Inside Stuff-Music 



'This one is for Saul Bornsteln' is a Tin Pan Alley gag anent three of 
Irving Berlin's current patriotic songs, two of which are owned outright 
even unto copyright, by Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau Jr' 
("Any Bonds Today') and by the Ordnance Dept. of the War Dept. ('Arms' 
for the Love of America'), so that their unrestricted use might go forth 
under official Governmental auspices, The third Berlin song, which in- 
spired the gag, is 'When This Crazy World is Sane Again,' which the 
songwriter introduced personally on last week's 'Dollars for Defense' 
program over CBS (Texaco donates the time) and which Berlin's partner 
Bornstein, is exploiting commercially. ' 

'Bonds' will be a Treasui-y Dept. giveaway, necessitating at least 5,000,000 
copies to be run off on the Government press, as part of the defense bonds 
and stamps campaign; while 'Arms for the Love of America' will be sold 
all moneys accruing to the Ordnance Dept. for benefit 'of soldier funds. In 
the case of 'Bonds,' Berlin, Inc., has nothing whatever to do with it; with 
'Arms' it's a case of pushing the song for benefit of the U. S. Army, akin 
to the flrrn's drive on Berlin's 'God Bless America,' for benefit of the 
Scouts movement. 



Broadway regards the notoriety attendant to bookie Frank Erickson's 
arrest, as result, of an alleged assault on broker Milton Untermeyer at the 
latter's New Jersey estate, as - unfortunate, especially so far as Mary 
Lucas (Mrs. Bobby) Crawford Is concerned. Mrs. Crawford is quite an 
amateur golfer, and her friendship, in. the past, with Ruby Keeler (ex- 
Mrs. Al Jolson), likewise a good amateur Unksgirl, threw the Jolsons and 
Crawfords Intimately together in former years. Likewise, an intimate 
femme friend of Untermeyer was Mrs. Crawford's golfing companion. 
La Junta White, and when both girls visited^the broker at his home, the 
latter is said to have resented some untoward remark by Erickson, who 
was in their company, which touched off the altercation. 



Metro figures that the ASCAP-radio stymie in one respect 'protected' its 
$10,000 investment in the screen rights to 'The Last Time I Saw Paris,' 
interpolated song In the soon due filmusical, 'Lady Be Good.' Otherwise 
the number might be considered even more dated. 

Incidentally, while Warner Bros, owns the original George Gershwin 
score of 'Lady,' and Max Dreyfus of Chappell-Harms consummated the 
'Paris' deal. Feist wound up publishing the score, even though WB had in- 
terpolation'- priority. Metro owns Feist, and naturally favors its own pub- 
lishing outlet, hence Harry Link (Feist) persuaded Herman Starr, head of 
the WB music Interests, to relinquish' technical claims on the platform of 
mutuality. 



Nationwide Songs, Inc., one of those BMI indies, which veteran music 
man iack McCoy operates, is a 100% radio organization. CBS announcer 
Del Sharbutt, who also authored the firm's 'Romantic Guy, I," Lanny Ross, 
the singer, and Dick Uhle, former radio producer with Ruthrauff & Ryan, 
and now in service at Fort Bragg, are partners. McCoy also has a 'piece.' 

Incidentally, 'The Nlght'We Met in Honomu' (by Ross) was erroneously 
omitted from the radio breakdown 'sheet,' McCoy having gotten 10 plugs 
last week. 



The Aces (American Composers, Entertainers and Songwriters) pro- 
posed new hillbilly aggregation which got itself some free space with an 
anti-ASCAP blast (no mention of BMI), because the Society allegedly 
turns down 'billies for meml>ership, is seemingly unaware that most of 
the top hillbilljr songsmiths are ASCAP, members. That InQiudes cowboy- 
and-'billy writers like Gene Autry and the late Billy Hill (which name, 
as some thought-' was no perversion or play on the word hillbilly). 



Before Gracic Fields clippered to Lisbon, en route to entertain the 
British home defense, Harry Link (Feist) set 'Blue Canadian Sides' with 
the English comedienne. She will record it for Decca immediately upon 
her arrival In I,ondon, and it will be pressed in America for U. S.-Canadian 
fund-raising on behalf of British War Relief. 



SONG PLUGGERS' GREAT 
GOLF TOURNAMENT ON 



Green and fairways keepers of the 
Glen Oaks C^lf Club, Great Neck, 
L. I., go back to work tomorrow 
morning (31) with an augmented 
crew— needed to put the course back 
in condition after 30-39 songpluggers 
finished digging dishpan-sized divots 
during the Professional Music Men's 
first annual tee tournament. Plug- 
gers started whaling away Thursday 
of last week in pursfiit of all sorts 
of prizes posted by various donors', 
and by Saturday had narrowed the 
field down to three, a finalist and two 
semi-finalists. . 

Rocco 'Vocco, who usually has two 
or three blow-up holas when matched 
against a bandleader who' has a 
broadcast wire, knocked off Chester 
Conn, his publishing partner, Sat- 
urday afternoon and today (Wed.), 
goes to the gate against the winner 
of the other semi-final match be- 
tween Joe Gould of Harms and 
Harry Gorlach, unattached, which 
was to have taken place yesterday 
(Tues.) afternoon. 

Prizes donated for the break-100 
test almost equaled the number of 
players, top gilt given by Guy Lom- 
bardo, a $150 set of clubs and bag. 
Tommy Dorsey put up g $50 credit 
slip from a clothing stoi'e; Leonard 
Joy (Victor) a portable radio (RCA); 
Mannie Sachs (Columbia) a wind- 
breaker; Nick Kenny a travelling bag 
kit; Variety b one-year subscription, 
and sundry maestroi guaranteed 
consecutive plugs as other prizes. 

BELL BROWN, AOiEST 

San Francisco, July 29. 
Bill Brown, credited with having 
pulled the Palace hotel's Rosa Room 
out of the red with a big-name band 
policy, has joined the WiUlam Mor- 
ris Hollywood office. 

Mercer-Morrii has taken band- 
leader Art Mooney's 'Johnny's In the 
Pantry' lor publication. 



NICK 
D'AMICO 

and His Orchestra 

CDBKBNTI<T IN 

2nd Return Engagement 

■t the 

ESSEX HOUSE 

New York 

Concluded Return Engagements 
at Both tha Hotel Plaza and 
Versaillea 

Mgt: Mttsic Corp. of America 



ANSON 
WEEKS 

And His Orchestra 

NOW At 

FOREST PARK HIGHLANDS 

ST. I<OCIS 
OPENINQ AUGUST 10 

MUEHLBACK HOTEL 

KANSAS CITX 

P«r. M(t. FBEDEBICKS BROS, 
Dir.:— W£EU8, IMC. 



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nuslneu Cards.... 3.15 6.60 B.SO 
All tt«ni9 ar« senulne high quality 
pholographa and are mad* trom 
olther your print or negative. Free 
aamplea and additional prices on re- 
quest. 

KEHBES PHOTO SEBVICE 

210« !«• Bd. Clerelaiid, Ohio 



Wednesdaj, July 30, 1941 



MUSIC 37 



15 Best Sheet Music Sellers 



(Week ending July 26, 1941) 

Daddy Republic 

Hut Sut Song Schpnann 

Jntermezzo . . . ; Schuberth 

Maria Elena Southern 

Green Eyes ^. Southern 

Things 1 Love .Campbell 

South of North Carolina... Porgie 

Apple Blossom Time Broadway 

♦Dolores ('Las Vegas Nights') Paramount 

You Are My Sunshine Southern 

You and I Willson 

Till Heveille Melody 

Yours Marks 

My Sister and I BMI 

Goodbye Little Darlin' T. B. Harms 



NBC-CBS Plugs 



Follou>in0 compilotton of pliifls on NBC and CoIumWa's, New York out- 
lets covers the week beetnning July 21 (Monday) and endinff July 27 
(Sundav), jTdm 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., and is based on daily recapitulations fur- 
iiished by the Office of Research-Radio Division of the College of the City 
of New York, 

PUB- 
TITLE LISHER TOTAL 

i)addy Republic '. , . 39 

Things I Love Campbell 37 

You and I Willson 34 

•Intermezzo Schuberth 32 

Maria Elena Southern 32 

Do You Care? ..Campbell 31 

Yours Marks 29 

Hut Sut Song Schumann 28. 

Green Eyes. . Southern 26 

Peaceful in the Country Regent 25 

I Guess I'll Have to Dream Rest Block 24 

I Went Out of My Way BMI 21 

'Til Reveille Melody 21 

L-ament to Love Roe 19 

Amapola Marks 18 

Let's Get Away from It All Embassy 17 

Booglie Wooglie Piggy Mutual 18 

South of Ntorth Carolina Porgie 16 

What Word Is Sweeter n' Sweetheart? Reis 16 

Time Was Southern 15 

Everything Happens to Me Embassy 14 

Nighty Night Beacon 13 

rime and Time Again London 13 

My Sister and I -^...BMI 12 

.Romantic Guy, I Nation 12 

We Go Well Together Regent 12 

You Are My Sunshine Southern 12 

Do I Worry? Melody 11 

There'll Be Changes Made Marks 11 

You'll Never Know Mitchell 11 

Afraid to Say Hello Reis 10 

Let Me Off Uptown Reis 10. 

Night We Met in Honomu Nation 10 

Reluctant Dragon BMI 10 

Slow Down Reis 10 

Whistler's Mother-in-Law Southern 10 

You Talk Too Much Southern 10 

•f ilmusicol eicerpt. 



Sidney Davis. Takes 

U. S. Construction Job 

Sidney Davis, assistant to Arthur 
Boucher, of Music Publishers Pro- 
lishers Protective Association, and 
^ formerly foreign publicity head of 
Columbia Pictures, has resigned, 
and sailed yesterday (Tuesday) for 
New Foundland, where he was 
given an administrative position on 
a naval construction base for the 
U. S. 

Davis will be gone 18 months. 



Maury Lazar, brother of Irving of 
the Wm. Morris agency, added to 
Mutual Music Society's New York 
office and Herb Lutz made head of 
outfit's Chicago branch. 



Latest Wacky Title 



'When the Cats Are Away the 
Ickies Will Play' Is the title 
hung on a jive piece by John 
Gerald and David Greggory, 
taken by BMI last week. 

Tune gets its first playing on 
NBC's .'Chamber Music Society 
of Lower Basin St.' Monday (4). 



Lew Butler's New Job 

Chicago, July 29. 

Lew Butler one of the real vet' 
erans of the music business, has a 
new connection and is now Chicago 
manager for the Majestic Music Co, 

This is firm headed by Arthur 
Shilkret. 



THE WRITERS OF 'G'BYE NOW 
Offer A NATURAL Follow-Up 

''HELLO THERE" 

PLEASB WRITE I S (THE WBITBRS) 



FOB ADVANCE COPIES 



LEVISON-EVANS MUSIC CO. 

336 W. 24th St., New York City 



ASCAP-NBC Deal 



sContinucd from page I; 



ing with ASCAP, CBS, it is expected, 
will readily signature the same 
forms of contract. 

The decision of the ASCAP radio 
committee to meet NBC half way 
on the matter of commercial fees 
was anything but unanimous. The 
vote was four to two and the negar 
lives came from writers who ex- 
pressed . violent opposition to 
ASCAP's making any price conces- 
sion. Irving Caesar voiced the 
preference for having to live on $1 
a day, if necessary, rather than ac- 
cept the pittance that the two older 
networks were offering ASCAP, and 
he added that there were many 
ASCAP writers that he felt would 
go along with him in that senti- 
ment. 

Woods Awaits Trammell 

Woods' next move will be to sub- 
mite ASCAP's counter-proposition 
on price to Niles Trammel, NBC 
prez, whose business with the 
Federal Communications Commis- 
sion will retain him in Washington 
until Friday (2). Another anticipated 
formality on the part of NBC is the 
calling in of a group of its affiliates 
for approval of the 2V*% item. 

Members of ASCAP's radio com- 
mittee have, despite the closeness of 
a price agreement with NBC, as- 
sumed an air of extreme cautious- 
ness. They have advised their own 
business associates not to plan on 
an immediate resumption of relations 
with that network, since nothing 
will be considered as a deal until 
the V language of the proposed con- 
tracts has been completed and sig- 
natures exchanged. 



ASCAP BALLOTS 
IN THE MAIL 



With three new board members of 
ASCAP to be elected in four groups 
— standard and popular writers, and 
standard and pop publishers — at a 
general membership meeting next 
month, the following nominations in 
each classification have been made: 

Standard writers: Deems Taylor, 
'Oley Speaks, Philip James, Clara 
Edwards, Horace Johnson, Geoffrey 
O'Hara, John Tasker ' Howard, 
Harvey Enders, of which Taylor and 
Speaks are incumbent; 

Popular Writers: , Edgar Leslie, 
John Mercer, Otto Harbacb, L. 
Wolfe Gilbert, George Whiting, Stan- 
ley Adams, Lee David, Dorothy 
Fields, Richard Rodgers, of which 
L«slie, Mercer and Harbach are in- 
cumbent; 

Standard Publishers: Walter 
Fischer, Gustave Schirmer, John 
Drain, Carl T. Fischer, A. Walter 
Kramer, W. Deane Preston, Jr., of 
which Fischer and Schirmer are in- 
cumbent; — 

Popular Publishers: J. J. Bregman, 
J. J. Robbins, Will von Tilzer, Edwin 
H. Morris, R. F. Murray and Lester 
Santly, of which Bregman, Robbins 
and Von Tilzer are incumbent. 

C^airmaning the writers' nominat- 
ing committee was Jacques Wolfe 
with Howard Dietz, James McHugh, 
Al Lewis, John Redmond, Jerry 
Livingston. John Sengstack chair- 
maned the pubs' nominating com- 
mitee of George Simon and Larry 
Spier. 



William Guggenheim a Song Writer 



Copper Dynasty Member Turned to Music Publishing 
in Latter .Years — Home Was Publishing Address 



British Best Sellers 

(For Week Ending June 27) 

London, July 1. 

Waltzing in Clouds Feldman 

I've Ciot' Sixpence Wood 

Does She Love Me. . .Cinephonic 

Do I Love You Chappell 

Over the Hill C-C 

Sergeant Sally Prowse 

Pair of Silver Wings. .. .Maurice 

Steeple Pointing , . .Maurice 

How Did He Look Prowse 

There I Go C-C 



MUSIC CORP. FORMED 
FOR SHEP FIELDS TUNES 



Albany, July 29. 

Jo .Ann Music Corporation has 
been chartered to conduct a music 
publishing business in New York, 
with a capital stock of 100 shares, no 
par value. Company has been 
farmed to haniile original tunes held 
by Shep Fields, bandleader. 

Andrew D. Weinberger was filing 
attorney. 



Inevitable: Follow-up tune to 
Sammy Kaye's 'Daddy' has been 
written by Leonard Whiting, ar- 
ranger for Will Bradley, and Roy 
Jacobs. It will be published by 
Kaye's Republic Music. 

It's titled 'Mommy.' 



Death of William Guggenheim,' 
scion of the copper smelting dynasty, 
gave prominence to his recent pen- 
chant for songwriting. He authored 
'You're a Glamour Girl,' Abner Sil- 
ver doing the tune, with Lois (now 
Mrs. George Jessel) Andrews' like- 
ness on the title-page. Imprint was 
under Gramercy Publication, 3 Rlver- 
.side Drive, N.Y., which was Guggen- 
heim's town house. 'My Heart Keeps 
Beating for You,' words by Guggen- 
heim and music by Leo Ed^yards, 
was jointly copyrighted by them in 
1940, same year as 'Glamour Girl,' 
and likewise 'independently' pub- 
lished, i.e. Guggenheim financed it. 

Neither song was heard of until the 
publicity attendant to his will which 
'remembered' four showgirls in a 
'share and share alike' proviso in 
an estate which was first esti- 
mated (o 'exceed $1,000,000' and 
which subsequently was estimated as 
possibly yielding only $8,000 each to 
the four women. The girls are Lil- 
yan Andrus, Mary Alice Rice, Mil- 
dred Borst and Florence Sullivan, 
variously in Ziegfeld Follies and 
Vanities revues. 

Guggenheim turned to poetry in 
his final years — he was over 70 when 
he died — and wrote pash ballads like 
'Crumbs of Love' which Edwards also 
set to music. Silver refused to co- 
author a 'We Want Willkle' song 
with him, latter being as ardently 
pro-Roosevelt as .Guggenheim was 
Republican. 



Mutual Network Plugs 



The following tabuUition of network popular music per/ormiinces is not 
confined to WOJl, New York releane for Mutual Broadcasting System^ but 
also includes the entire MBS chain. (Tompilatton herewith covers the week 
beginning Jul« 21 (Mondav) and ending July 27 (Sunday), from 8 a.m. to 
2 a.m. bated on daily recapitulations furnished by Accurate Reporting 
Service and the MBS logs. 

TITLE ' PUBLISHES TOTAL 

Daddy Republic 37 

Aurora Robbins 36 

I Understand Feist 32 

Kiss Boys Goodbye— ('Kiss Boys Goodbye) .Famous 27 

Hut Sut Song Schimiann 21 

Don't Cry Cherie Shapiro ' 20 

•Intermezzo Schuberth 20 

Things I Love Campbell 20 

Harbor of Dreams Miller 18 

Apple Blossom Time Broadway 16 

Love iSe a Little Little Mayfair 14 

Maria Elena . .' Southern 14 

South of North Carolina Porgie 14 

yours Marks 14 

I Found Million Dollar Baby Witmark 13 

Ma I Miss Your Apple Pie ....Loeb 13 

Memory of a Rose Shapiro 12 

Romantic Guy, I Nation 11 

There Goes That Song Again ABC 11 

Call It Anything, It's Love Berlin 10 

I Can't Change My Heart Chappel 10 

You and I Willson .* 10 

You Started Something Robbing 10 

• Fttmusical excerpt. 



Bobby Day Orchestra 
'Into Mountainside Spot 

Bobby Day orchestra, whose only 
New York date of any. note has been 
repeated stopovers at the Arcadia 
Ballroom, has been set to go Into 
the Chatterbox, Mountainside, N. J., 
Aug. 12, following Bob Chester. 
Stay Is indefinite. 

Corky O'Keefe and Bobby Burns 
are managing the band. 



wo LETUP 
GOING STRONGcR TI-IAM l^VKR 



ii£ WITi; YOU il: 



APPLE BLOSSOM TIME 



riip AN;i!<! U s sis i ; \i 



I IMi I ■ Ml , .1 i SI . _. . \ . 



;\ ■ \ i 



BROADWAY MUSIC CORP 1619 Broodvov, Nc^ York 




4 WEEKS OLD !— ELEVENTH ON THE LIST 1 1 



"I GUESS lU HAVE TO DREAM THE RESF 



MARTIN BLOCK PUBLISHING CO. 
NEW YORK 



Excluiivc Diitributori 

MUSIC DEALERS SERVICE CORP. 

799 8«v*nth Ave Naw York, N. Y. 



38 TAUDEVILUB 



Wednesday, July 3Q, 1941 



Sixth USO Unit on Army Camp Tour 
Bows in Mich.; Changes in Troupes 



Sixth unit oi the vaude troupes 
traveling throiigh Army camps un^ 
der sponsorship of the USO-flnanced 
Citizen Committee debuted at Sel 
fridge Field, Michigan, on Friday 
(29) and Is set for a lengthy tour 
Other units are likewise out for 
tours of Indeterminate length, prob 
•bly all summer. 

New group is headed by m.c. Steve 
Evans, mimic, and includes Beverley 
Whitney, warbler; Hylton Sisters 
(3), singers; George Prentice and his 
marionets; Linda Moody, dancer, and 
Frances McCoy, swing vocalist. Man- 
ager is Bill Kendall. 

Number of changes have been 
made in the units since they got un- 
der way early in June. Casts as they 
now stand are: 

Unit A— Lew Parker, m.c. Ginger 
Harmon, Margo Sisters and June 
Clayton, who comprised the original 
group, plus Patsy Ogden, who re- 
placed Collelte Lyons. Al Weis- 
brod is manager and Dave Schooler 
musical director. 

Unit B — Milton Douglas, m.c, and 
Ginger Manners are all that remain 
of original company. Newcomers 
are Gail Manners, Bob King, Elea- 
nor Knight and Barbara Perry, re- 
placing Patricia King and George 
Prentice. George Oshrin continues 
as company manager, while Jack 
Roth has been subbed for Carl Gold- 
ner as music head. 

Unit C— Harry Savoy, 'm.c, -Toni 
lAne, Janis Williams and Tommy 
Trent remain, while Marion Colby 
has replaced Marjorie . Gainsworth. 
Hy Blane and Bob KroU are man- 
ager and musical director, respec- 
tively. • 

Unit D— Don Riee, m.c., Ted Les- 
ter, Marie Nash, Elaine Arden and 
Ethel Fairchild remain, while the 
Sijc Vocalettes and Eleanor Teemin 
replace Dennis Sisters. Ken Nichols 
Is manager and Stephen Richards 
musidnan. 

Unit E — Don Cummings and Stdb- 
by Kaye, m.c.'s, Laura Kellogg, Glor- 
Ida Grafton and Midgie Felloiys 
holdovSr, with VIvyan and Lilyan 
Andrews replacing Seymour and 
Picture. Tony Hughes is manager 
and Leo Stone in charge of music. 

Danclne Clrens 

Riverside, Cal., July 29. 

Dancing Circus, a new amusement 
project for . soldiers, takes the place 
of 10 acres of orange trees, which 
have been uprooteil here within easy 
reach of Camp Haan and March 
Field. William Fastnow,' president 
of Amusement Producers, Inc., heads 
the project, with George T. McCar- 
thy operating. 

In addition to dance music by Gor- 
don Henderson, the 35,(IOO-square- 
feet layout will be devoted to boxing 
and vaudeville. 



^t. 



Loals Shows 

St Louis, July 29. ' 

Julius Karty,' acting manager- of 
the city's $7,000,000 municipal audi- 
torium, part of which has been con- 
verted into a recreation center, for 
draftees from nearby training camps, 
and execs of the Social Planning 
Councfil have cooked up Saturday 
night shows for the khaki-clad lads.- 
T^ent recruited by WPA, an - orch 
under the same banner and an NYA 
■symph orch will furnish the enter- 
tainment. 

Floor shows, etc, are cuSo for the 
draftees and the public is barred. 
First show will be presented Sat- 
urday (2). 



Soldiers' Rough Stuff 
Closes Scranton to 'Em 

Philadelphia, July 29. 

Trouble in cabarets and roadhouses 
near Scranton, Pa., between natives 
and soldiers from Fort1}ix has re- 
sulted in placing the town on the 
'off-the-limits' list by Army officials. 

The soldiers are now training on 
the artillery range at Tobyhanna, 
near Scranton. 



WALKER, HACK QUIT 
PHELYAGVA POSTS 



MCA-B.&K. SNAG 
ON OVERTIME 
PAYTOUNIT 



Music Corp. of America and Bala- 
ban & Katz are ^ a- slight tussle on 
which .one should pay t)ie acts with 
the 'Rochester'-Dick Stabile unit for 
working 'overtime' at the Chicago, 
Chicago, a couple of weeks ago. 
American Guild of Variety Artiste 
agreement with B. & K. calls for a 
weekly maximum of 30 shows at the 
house, with all performances over 
that amount to be paid pro rata. 

MCA, not knowing about the 
AGVA agreement with B. Be K, 
made no provision in the contract 
with the house for extra shows. 
Last week it was informed by AGVA 
that it would have to pay the acts 
the extra coin, but MCA referred 
the matter to B. & K. Latter 'cir- 
cuit, however, claims that MCA is 
liable in being the owner of the unit 
and employer of the acts individu- 
ally. 



Philadelphia, July 29. 

Jimmy Walker, night club m.c, 
resigned as president of the Philly 
local of the American Guild of Va- 
riety Artists at a meeting of the 
board of directors last Thursday 
(24). Reason given was that the 
press of outside activities made It 
impossible for him to continue. 

Also turning in his resignation was 
Bob Mack, singer, and first vice- 
president. Mack gave the same rea- 
son for his withdrawal Joe Cempo, 
nitery comic, and second vice-presi- 
dent automatically moved into the 
prexy's chair. - 



Brandts to Resume 

N. Y.' Vaude in Sept 

Despite their talk of a few weeks 
ago that they would not again con- 
sider vaude in their theatres unless 
the unions eased up on their de- 
mands, the Brandts have already set 
Sept. IB as the resumption 4date for 
stage shows at the Flatbush, Brook- 
lyn, and Windsor, Bronx. 

Shows are already being lined up, 
with bands again to predominate, but 
as yet no definite commitments have 
been made. 

Both houses have been playing 
Wee & Leventhal stock this sum- 
mer, and biz has been okay. 



SABLON QUITS BOSTON 
NITERY DUE TO ILLNESS 



Jean Sablon is out of the Ritz- 
Carlton Roof, Boston, show, because 
of illness. 

The French 'Bing Crosby' with- 
drew over the past weekend, fore- 
going nearly two and a half weeks 
of a three-week booking. 



Icecapades '42' Has 
Solid Year's Bookmgs 



Atlantic City, July 29. 

What may well be a precedent — 
or at least close to It— is the year's 
solid booking of the Arena Managers 
Assn.'s 'Icecapades of 1942,' which 
had its debut here last week at Con- 
vention Hall (25) to a packed house. 

Ice Show opened here to what 
John H. Harris, prez of the assn., de- 
scribes as the "biggest advance sale 
in the history of Convention Hall.' 
Second night, was sold out In ad- 
vance. 

Icecapades'^-'is slated to stay here 
for five weeks, and not oine as pre- 
viously reported, ^nd closes Its tour 
next June 1 in Los Angeles. 

Show played 47 weeks in Its 1941 
version and made a Republic fea- 
ture in Hollywood, to be -released in 
September. Chester Hale is the di- 
rector of; the new 'Icecapades.' 



LIME TRIO 

' **THE GOLLIWOG** 
Now Appearing at the 

STRAND, New York, 
AND HELD OVER 
3 WEEKS 

Direction: JACK DAVIES 



♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦*»♦♦♦* 

The Good Old Days 



************************************************* 

Herewith appears a Varieit review of a N. Y. Palace bill of 20 years 
ago. The intention is (o reprint these weefcly using the relatioe week of 
1921 with the current date Of issue. No special reason in reviving these 
reviews other than the interest they may have in recalling tAe acts which 
were playing at that time, the tndnner of putting together a big time show 
(booking), -which radio stations may find pertinent, and as a resume of the 
style of vaudeville reviewing of that day. 

(.Reprinted from Variety of July 29, 1921) 



PALACE, N. Y. 



Governmental weather sharps state the summer of 1921 has piled up over 
400 degrees of excess temperature — and the August dog-days have yet to 
come. The continued heat wave is no jesting matter, or if so, it's a grim 
one for the vaudeville manager. The date is set forth because the hereto- 
fore unassailable Palace record 'has been singed by the wave lately. Mon- 
day night was said to be much better -than some other scorching evenings. 
'The lower floor saw, 100 or more empty seats. The Palace has its cool 
spots and they are located on the right side, where open doorways filter 
a breeze from the yard. There is located the orange drink stand and that 
is doing a rushing intermission business. 

■Hie bill was an in-and-outer. Little Herman Tiniberg, next to finale, 
drew the biggest hand of the proceedings, winning the show's honors 
cleanly. It was Timberg's nimbly peculiar steppingjhat won out for him. 
His dialect chatter aided somewhat, with the smiles resulting on his 
Yaoney' talk (money makes him laugh, especially on Saturday night). 
A lyric on 'Rosie,' with a pretty tune and comic lyric, was liked. Tim- 
berg's dancing provided an out for the weak.ispot in his imitation bit, 
when he . repeated an AI Jolson number, the same imitation that was of- 
fered by the No. 2 act (Bernard and Garry). 

As aides to the Timberg score, the Watson Sisters, who had opened 
intermission and had changed to neat street togs, walked on. Timberg 
was telling the audience he was all, wrapped up in his work, when Kitty 
strolled on and suggested he take her for a ride 'in the park — in her car. 
He turned on her but was just about to change his mind when big-hearted 
Fanny interfered, 'bawling* Kitty for making up to the little fellow, for 
it being only Monday, they would probably have- him on their hands all 
week. Besides she objected to taking a chance, as little as he is., Fanny 
extended that by saying she once i^ayed on the bill with Singer's Midgets. 

The Watson girls corralled one of the restricted hits of the evening with 
their- 'Horsepltality' turn. Early -with 'You Made Me Forget How to Cry, 
Litlle Boy,' Fanny clowned in the audience, collecting a box of candy, 
extracting half a dozen pieces which started melting in her hands. 

Cecil Cean and Cleo Mayfleld, headlining, followed the Watsons with 
their new 'Rehearsing,' remaining 23 minutes for one of the two class bits 
of the show. Miss Mayfleld appeared with bobbed hair and looked ex- 
tremely neat — there are few who can match her in appearance. Her eve- 
ning frock, was not daring but the line: 'Well, dearie, if we are not going 
to the show I'll put some clothes on,' registered perfectly. (Miss May- 
fleld's odd voice has always been the feature of her lines; it is succulent). 
Lean's single, 'When a Wife' Grows FaC a fast lyric delivered in' style, 
vtas liked, while the team's biggest number was 'In the Iiong Ago,' used 
before by them. The face to face dance, dual 'See You Later" chatter, also 
native to Lean, took them off to reward. 

It was the introduction to the unexpected that saved the show in gen- 
eral Monday night. Sudden appearances of players In other acts happened 
no less than threetiines. Prior to the Watsons and Timberg fun, Ned Nor- 
worth trotted on in the .Lean-Mayfleld turn to deliver a card. It was a 
slight nut bit but it got him more than he was able to do with his own 
act, which was a sodden No. 4. 

• The other 'revue' touch came at the close of the Madeline and Dorothy 
Cameron turn (New Acts). Billy Gaxton is wedded to Madeline and the 
bits he performed with her tickled the house to the full. Gaxton Inter- 
posed to say he had no place to go, so doubled at the piano with the pian- 
ist, while they danced as encore. There were other bits, once Gaxton 
leaving Madeline flat on the floor. A Mr. Hestor, who is in the Gaxton 
turn and who is no lightweight, then appeared for a stepping bit that won 
laughs and applause. The other work placed the Cameron girls In the 
light of heroines. They glistened in perspiration, but stuck it out bravely 
during the extra seven minutes added to their routine. This may be regu- 
lar business as the two turns are booked together. 

Gaxton himself is a bear of a worker. The Rupert Hughes comedy 
playlet, 'The Jimior Partner,' was made a good No. 3, almost entirely by 
the vigor of his playing. Through it all his coat was buttoned. . The chap 
playing the friend was in worse, luck, being compelled to sport an over- 
coat hiding the shirt front advertisement The turn is almost entirely 
given over to the three male characters, the feminine roles being just bits. 

Horace Goldln held the house in the closing spot, the act showing but 
one illusion— the new trick of 'sawing a woman In half.' There was some 
contest over the rights to the stunt, with Goldin apparently winning out 
Though he claims originality, the act has been showing in England. It Is 
said to be an old Chinese trick. Goldin said it was a vivisection feat and 
combined, 'surgery and hypnotism.' A committee of two persons was 
requested but secured by means of ■ small girl giving out number cards 
and a wheel spun on the stage, the number 'winning' being elected to 
come forth. The men may bava been plants but it was a new way to 
select them. 

Fred Bernard and Sid Garry did nicely In No. 3, though it was too 
warm to hope for a demand encore so early. The Wilson Aubrey Trio, 
probably the sole parallel bar turn on big time, opened very successfully! 
The bar stunts won returns, while the wrestling burlesque at the close 
proved the trio's comedy punch as before. ibe« 



3 ADMINISTER 
UPENDING 
U.S.TAXES 



Pending passage of the new Fed- 
eral tax bill, the Theatre Authority 
will take no action to oppose the 
Treasury Department's recent ruling 
imposing the regular amusement tax 
on all theatrical benefit admissions. 
In the meantime, a special committee 
consisting of Walter Vincent, Frank 
Gillmore and Alan Cterelli will have 
charge of the TA's continued opposi- 
tion to the, ruling. Henry Jaffe, TA 
attorney, will work with the com- 
mittee.' 

That policy was determined at a 
meeting^of the TA board of directors 
yesterday (Tuesday). Election held 
at the same session resulted in the 
naming of Gillmore as president of 
the theatrical charity organization. 
Brock Pemberton vice-president, and 
Florence Marston second vice-presi- 
dent Understood that if. the new 
tax bill finally passed by Congress 
continues the Imposition of an im- 
post on theatrical benefit admissions, 
an appeal will be made direct to the 
Secretary of the Treasury. Treas- 
ury's recent ruling was that because 
a percentage of benefit funds is used 
to pay TA expenses, the shows are 
not bonaflde charities. Idea is that 
the Secretary of the Treasury will 
be approached with a proposal for 
TA to collect a flat sum, rather than 
a percentage, thus possibly qualify- 
ing the beneflt shows as for bonaflde 
charity purposes. 



'Aqoatennial' in Red 

Bifinneapolis, July 29. 

Financed principally by the sale of 
$1 buttons to the general public, 
good for admission to 25 attractions, 
including a big Indoor stage show, a 
water follies, etc.,' the 1941 Minneap- 
olis 'Aquatennial' festival last week, 
modeled along the New Orleans' 
Mardi Gras lines, did not net suffi- 
cient from this source and from the 
sale of reserved seats at the various 
events to cover its $175,000 cost, ac- 
cording to a report of the board of 
directors' chairman, Tom Hastings. 

However, it was acclaimed a big 
success as a civic show because of 
the publicity for the city, etc. 



Songwriter Mooney 

* J^mes Mooney (& Holbein), one of 
vaude's topriotcli performers years 
ago and now lix the oldtimer claiss, 
has written a song, 'I Had a Hat' 

Jerry Vogel Music Co. is publish- 
ing. 



RHUMBA 
CASINO 

State at Wacker 
CHICAGO 



"World'M MoBt ThrUling 
Theatre Club" 

MOST SPECTACULAR 
ENTERTAINiMENT IN 

NORTH AMERICA 
DEDICATED TO THE 
SOUTH AMERICAN WAY! 

Luncheon •Matinee Dansant 
Dinner -After Theatre 

Open 11i30 A.M. to B A.M. 

Managing Direetora 

ALBERT GREENFIELD 
MILTON SCHWARTZ 



COLEMAN CiARK and Co. 

WmM'* XWnBkat ■xptatato e( bbto - Tennl* 
Doubllna CHICAGO THEATER and 
COLLEGE INN, HOTEL SHERMAN, CHICAGO 
(New la ISth Week) 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



VAUDEVILLE 39 



St. Louis Legislation Would Bar 
Fly-by-Night Show Promotions 

4 . 



Police Chief Who Put the lid on Mpk 
In Duluth Hosp; Mayor Under Fire 

Minneapolis. July 29. 
Police Chief E. B. Han.sen, who 
suddenly resigned and disappeared 
after clamping the lid on all-night 
drinking and gambling spots, has 
been located in a Duluth hospital 
suffering from sleeping sickne.ss. He 
was in good health, however, when 
he left Minneapolis nine days after 
he had assumed office, according to 
hia wife. 

Mayor-elect M. B. Kline, who 
claims to have been in ignorance of 
Hansen's plans and who charges an 
'underworld plot' to discredit him, 
had been unable, at this writing, to 
interview Hansen becau.se of the lat- 
ter's condition. In radio talks and 
statements to the press he is asking 
the public to withhold judgment. 

Meantime, newspapers editorially 
are demanding 'a showdown' and the 
grand Jury is investigating racketeer- 
ing, vice and general police condi- 
tions, with the mayor appearing as 
one of the witnesses. The news- 
papers have been publishing reports 
about rival factions fighting to take 
over control of vice. 

Adding fuel to all the fire was the 
claim of the Rev. H. J. Soltau, the 
state's foremost vice crusader, re- 
cuperating in a hospital here from 
a severe beating received while 
raiding niteries in the suburbs, that 
Hansen resigned 'because a resort 
was' tipped off before an impending 
raid by him and .the chief.' The 
minister also alleges that Mayor 
Kline, despite avowals that he would 
clean out the racketeers, gave no 
orders to clamp on the lid until after 
the police chief resigned and 
cleared out. 



St. Louis, July 29. 

Legislation aimed at curbing fly- 
by-night ' entertainment promoters, 
who fail to deliver whaj they adver- 
tise and then blow town leaving a 
flock of unpaid debts, from using the 
' $7,000,000 Municipal Auditorium is 
being prepped for introduction in the 
fall session of the Board of Alder- 
men. Execs of the city sports palace 
have had many headaches due to the 
unethical tactics of the rapid-depart- 
ing gentry and figure that strict leg- 
islation will eventually force this 
type out of the picture. 

Larry Sunbrock, who's said to 
have made big coin every time he 
staged a show here, was the cause of 
most of the worries of the audi- 
torium execs. On one occasion, after 
he had blown town and left a pile 
of unpaid debts, the city long- 
distanced and wired him in Los An- 
geles to contact Sunbrock and get 
the situation ironed out. Many 
weeks elapsed before it was taken 
care of. After that event Sunbrock 
was required to post enough cash to 
take care of bills before he 'was per- 
mitted to lease- the building. Even- 
tually he was barred completely. 

The same banning order against 
him holds good at Sportsman's Park, 
where he presented a rodeo and then 
left town, allegedly ignoring; his 
promise to put the playing field 
back in good condition. 

Oxford Boys Soed 
By Agent Seeking 
'Helz' Commission 

Chicago, July 29. 

Savid P. O'Malley, local agent, has 
filed suit against the Thre« Oxford 
Boys, currently in the road company 
of 'Hellzapoppin.' He's seeking al- 
legedly unpaid commissions. 

Suit, filed through attorney Harry 
P. Munns, claims that the Oxford 
Trio has refused to pay commissions 
on the current engagement since 
May 5, when O'Malley's managerial 
contract with the trio expired. 

Oxford boys claim that since the 
contract expired on May S they 
don't have to pay O'Malley commis- 
sions beyond that date. O'Malley 
avers an agent is entitled to his 
commission from an act as long as 
an act continues to work on a job 
obtained through that agent 



TITO 
GUIZAR 

Thanks, Chicago, for a 
Wonderful 10 Weeks' 
Record-Breaking En- 
gagement at the 

NEWRHUMBA 
CASINO 

Climaxed With an Extra 
Wonderful Week 
at the 

CHICAGO THEATRE 

Excluiiv* RCA Victor 
Recording Artiat 



Management 

MUSIC CORP. OF AMERICA 



One Way to Tell 



Boston, July 29. 

Men and women would not be 
permitted to sit on stools around 
a bar under the provisions of a 
new law coming before the Sen- 
ate here. 

'As situation is now, bartend- 
ers can't tell When a customer 
has had enough,' explained Sen- 
ator J. Stanton, of Fitchburg. 
'Without the stools, drunks will 
pass out quicker.' 

Still No Deal On 
MCA Takeover 
Of NBC Artists 

There is still no Music Corp. of 
America deal set for the KBC Ar- 
tists Bureau takeover, similar to 
MCA's ' CBS acquisition which, in- 
cidentally, comes up for ratification 
Aug. 22 at a stockholders' election. 
Some 5,000 proxies are lacking to In- 
sure it. 

Unlike CBS Artists, which many 
of the CBS directorate, notably the 
Levys of Philadelphia, thought was 
not wholly pertinent to the broad- 
casting business, NBC feels differ- 
ently and would like to retain Its 
package shows and talent of a cali- 
bre such as Fibber McGee tt Molly, 
Dorothy Lamour, Edgar Bergen, 
sundry script shows, etc. 

That Is amenable with J. C. Stein, 
prez of MCA, who came east from 
his Beverly Hills headquarters for 
the second time in two weeks, pre- 
sumably to close the deal, but flew 
back west over the weekend with 
nothing set. Meantime, the William 
Morris agency is still not entirely 
out of the running. 

Stein (MCA) was willing that NBC 
retain whatever it chose, but wanted 
a sliding price downward with each 
loss of unit. His schedule of pay- 
ment wasn't to NBC's liking. 

Abandonment of its artists' Bureau 
won't necessarily mean that NBC 
won't continue to sell talent to spon- 
sors, Frank E. Mullen, exec v.p. and 
general manager of NBC, stated. 
Package shows that NBC has built 
will continue to be sold, with the 
sale of the artists service being just 
a means to^^get away from direct 
management of artists, Mullen added. 



PA WINS ON % SUIT 
VS. HENNY YOUNGMAN 



Milton Rubin, publicity agent, 
has been awarded judgment over 
Henny Youngman, comedian, in the 
City court by Judge John J. Byrnes, 
on an agreement giving him 714% 
of Youngman's gross earnings. 

Case is now b^ing referred to 
a referee to determine actual dam- 
ages for the alleged breach. 
Originally Rubin claimed he was 
owed $1,150 but now declares the 
amount to be more. Rubin charged 
Youngman offered an $600 settle- 
ment which was rejected. Young- 
man's salary rose from $90 weekly 
to $500 and $1,000 weekly as re- 
sult of his publicity campaign, 
Rubin claims. 

Gertrude Niesen Set 
For Frisco Night Club 

Gertrude Niesen early this week 
tore herself away from her newly 
acquired $2,000;000 Newpt^t, R. I., 
mansion, which her mother picked 
up at a sale for $21,000, to open July 
31 at the Moderne, 'Frisco. She'll 
stick there at least four weeks. 

Meanwhile, Miss Niesen Is on the 
hunt for a musical comedy book In 
which she can star. She claims she 
has the backing for such a show, if 
and when she can find a- suitable 
script 



'Producer' Held in St. L. 
On Bad Check Charge 

St. Louis, July 29. 

Charles S. Miller, 40, an ex-con 
who claims to be a theatrical pro- 
ducer, has been returned from New 
York to St. Louis, where he faces a 
felony charge for having allegedly 
passed a $200 rubber check on the 
Mark Twain hotel last February after 
he had applied for permission to re- 
open the shuttered Shubert theatre 
in midtown with a vaude and mu- 
sical comedy policy. After Miller, 
alias Sidney Seasonwine, filed the 
application to reopen the house he's 
said to have obtained $160 on the 
phoney check and disappeared. 

Police say that he cashed several 
other bogus checks for smaller 
amounts in downtown clothing stores 
and bought an automobile in a simi- 
lar manner but never called for 'the 
clothes. He borrowed a machine, 
pending the delivery of the new one 
and, after hiring a chauffeur, ditched 
him penniless In Chicago. Miller 
said an uncle whom he refused to 
name had sent him from New York 
to open the Shubert theatre. 

Police records show that Miller 
was released from Sing Sing in 1939, 
where he served a jolt for bad 
checks, and also is wanted in Denver, 
Los Angeles and Paterson, N. J., on 
similar charges. 

PROSERIN JAM 
WITHAGVAON 
PAYOFF 



Monte Proser Is jammed up with 
the American Guild of Variety Ar- 
tists for failure to pa/ off In full at 
least one of the acts In the closing 
show at the Beachcomber, New York. 
Act that tirought the complaint is 
Toy and Wing. 

AGVA first threatened to put 
Proser's newly opened (2iB) venture. 
Piping Rock, Saratoga, on the im- 
fair list, automatically pulling out 
the show, but Sidney Robinson, front- 
ing for a syndicate, pointed out to 
the actors union that Proser is mere- 
ly an employee at Piping Rock and 
that Robinson himself would be per- 
sonally responsible for the Sara- 
toga payroll. This assurance is said 
to have also appeased the musicians 
union and so Emile Coleman's orch 
opened on schedule. Terry Lawler, 
Copacabana Revue (8) and Chan- 
dra-Kaly Dancers complete the first 
week's show. Joe E. Lewis is sched- 
uled to open Aug. 4, while Adelaide 
MofTett will replace Miss Lawler 
Aug. 11. 

The Beachcomber rap adds tO' 
Proser's headaches, most of them ac- 
quired at Madison Square Garden, 
N. Y., when the foldup of his mon- 
ster 'Dance Carnival' left him in- 
debted to bandleaders and others to 
the tune of around $23,000. His per- 
sonal notes are covering the debts 
and he expected to recoup a good 
part of his losses by touring the 
dancery under the sponsorship of 
Radio Corp. of America, but that 
looks cold now. 

RCA was to tour 'Dance Carnival' 
as a promotion for its records (Vic- 
tor-Bluebird) via the strict use of 
\flctor recording bands, with Proser 
sharing in the profits. If any, if not 
on a straight guarantee basis. 

AGVA insists 'that unless Proser 
pays the owed salary to Toy and 
Wing he will be placed on the 'un- 
fair list' and no AGVA member, or 
AGVA-franchised agent, could do 
business with him. AGVA also 
claims that Carmen D'Antonio, who 
headlined the final Beachcomber 
show, also was not paid for the final 
week, but she accepted the personal 
notes of John Goddard, Proser's at- 
torney. 

Walter Batchelor and the Shu- 
berts were also interested in the 
Beachcomber, but Proser signed all 
the contracts and he's taking the 
rap. 



Magit Elect Gamble 

SeatUe, July 29. 

Ray Gamble, Tacoma, was elected 
president of the Pacific Coast Assn. 
of Magicians at the regional con- 
vention held here. 

Oakland was selected as the con- 
vention city for 1942, 



What, No Dish? 



Kansas City, July 29. 

Barney Joffee gives the pa- 
trons only a feature picture, 45- 
minute, five or six-act vaude bill 
with stage band, comedy and 
news for admission of 30c any 
seat, any time, at his Tower 
theatre here. 

Bill Stein and Charlie Finkel- 
sline, house assistants, overheard 
a fond mama leaving house with 
her youngster consoling thus: 

'No sonny, this isn't the thea- 
tre where we get the dish.' 

Strawhat Vaude 
In Click Bow At 
Clinton, Conn. 

Clinton, Conn., July 29. 

J. Burleigh Morton's venture in 
strawhat vaude at Andrews Memor- 
ial here got oft to an okay start in 
first of six weeks' series. 

Headed by Pat Rooney, bill went 
over big with customers, many of 
whom were apparently seeing their 
initial program of variety enter- 
tainment. Audience reaction was 
gauged by applause meters printed 
in programs, giving fans an oppor- 
tunity to check off likes and dis- 
likes regarding the acts. Ticket buy- 
ers rubbed elbows with the enter- 
tainers at a 'Pink Elephants' club 
gathering a/ter each show. 

Numerous comments from femme 
attendees brought oat the fact that 
while they had' trouble in dragging 
their husbands to summer leglt 
strawhatters, they experienced no 
dilTiculty at all in inducing them to 
catch a vaude show. 

Spot is a paradise for troupers, 
with opening show acts clamoring 
for return dates after a° week of 
cottage life at this shoreline com- 
munity. 

Approximate attendance on first 
week bettered 2,000. 



Bows to Heahh 



Pittsburgh, July 29. 

Advised by her physician to give 
up active work on account of a 
spinal injury, Dorothy Hayes has 
quit Hollywood Blondes, roller-skat- 
ing act at Villa Madrid, and remain- 
ing three femmes, Dorothy Olsen, 
Celeste Eichling and Joan Reid, plan 
to carry on for time being as trio. 

Hayes gal left the turn in Hunt- 
ington, W. Va., Blondes' last stand 
before coming on to Pittsburgh. 



Hansen BecommeDded 

. Before being appointed chief, Han- 
sen had been employed as police 
head at a large manufacturing plant 
here and had been recommended to 
Mayor Kline by the FBI. The cus- 
tom has been to appoint a member 
of the police department. 

'Circulation of a theory that the 
police chief, who resigned in nine- 
days, did Bo because Mayor Kline 
wouldn't permit him to be honest, 
has some of the aspects of kicking 
a man when he Is down,' declared 
the Minneapolis Times editorially. 
'Not even the ex-police chief has in- 
timated that an^ act of the mayor 
was the reason for his hasty de- 
parture from office. 

'It seems only fair to give the 
mayor a chance to get his breath 
from the shock of the Hansen fiasco 
and consequent disruption of his 
plans so he may prove by his acts 
that he was and still is determined 
to fight it out with the racketeers.' 



Norwood Sets Dates . 
For Merry Macs, Hawk 

Harry Norwood, personal manager 
of the Merry Macs and Bob Hawk, 
arrived In New York last week from 
Hollywood. Will remdin east about 
a week. 

Expects to c1o.se for some theatra 
dates for his clients. 





40 HOUSE BEVIEWS 



Wednesdaj, July 30, 19H 



STRAND, N. Y. 



Phil Harris Orcfi (17) luith Patri 
eio Kay; The BillinBtoiis (2), Lime 
Trio, Ames and Arno; 'Bride Come 
C.O.D.; reviewed in Variety, July 2. 



Stage layout in support of the 
Batte Davis-James Cagney 'Bride 
Came C.O.D.' rates among the besi 
the Strand has produced. In com- 
mand throughout is Phil Harris, 
fresh from Jack Benny's Jello radio 
program, now laying off for the sum 
mer. Thus the hour and few odd 
minutes of stage doings pack a wallop 
from start to finish, its pep punching 
like a trip-hammer. 

Harris says that he hasn't been 
around New York In front of a band 
for some seven years and, between 
gags about Benny to set his im 
mediate past with vague-minded 
customers, cracks about New York's 
'loss' of his corn music.' The band 
he has behind him, staffed by four 
sax, three trombones, three trumpets, 
two pianos, brass-string bass, guitar 
and drums, does a most satisfying 
job. Its chairs are in the hands of 
competent men equipped with pains 
taking arrangements. For stage work 
few bands could do a better job and 
on the one or two opportunities it 
gets; at pop stuff in dance tempo the 
outfit shows that ballroom one-night- 
ers would be just as well handled, 
In a late number the leader introes 
some of his men and explains that 
the entire outfit is his radio band, 

Harris does announcements, trots 
out gags, some live, some dead, but 
all effective with this audience. He 
also lends an oar to some of the acts, 
all contributing to the smoothness. 
Bits of crossfire with his men and a 
short exchange with the man in the 
booth pyramid giggles. 

Of the outside turns two are 
standard, surefire routines seen often 
but one The Billingtons, recently at 
l«on and. Eddie's. New York nitery 
is not very familiar to theatre pa- 
trons. Boy and girl, fresh and clean 
looking, go over solidly with three 
dance routines, each imaginatively 
routined and expertly executed. 
Opener is a fast Jitterbug tap, then a 
rhythm bit in unison 'and a short, 
'speedy routine to finish. Turn feot a 
heavy reaction. 

Lime Trio have been around for 
years. Production end introes their 
pantomimic stuff neatly by inform- 
ing Harris 'a present' has arrived for 
him from Jack Benny. They then 
cart the trunk containing the 
mechanical doll member onstage, a 
dispatch card. To Phil Harris," at- 
• tached. Knockabout act, winding up 
with the blackfaced doU dancing on 
a pole, socks heavily. 

Ames and Arno have played this 
house before and form a tasty wind- 
up of the accompanying acts, despite 
their knock 'em down and drag 'em 
out routine being ^milar to the Lime 
Trio's. The two tear things apart and 
score like they always do — solidly. 

Patricia Kay, vocalist with the 
band, tall, good-looking and auburn- 
haired, gets off on the right foot 
with a flowing-tempoed version of 
Daddy,' using Harris as the title 
foil, and follows with a short try at 
Down the Road Apiece,' boogie- 
woogie number. Gal does allright. 

Harris shoves the show toward the 
flies with a vocal of his by-now- 
standard 'That's What I Like About 
the South,' with seemingly unending 
lyrics, then gives the downbeat on 
the Jello signoff as the elevator 
fades. 

Biz almost capacity when caught 
rriday night (opening). Wood. 

STATE-LAKE, CHI 

Chicago, July 25. 
HcTTnan Hyde with Sally Burrill, 
Baby Lauirence, Six Dantoells, Alice 
Dawn, Joey Ross and Gladys Ben- 
nett, Dancing Darlings (16); 'Singa- 
pore Womai^ (WB). 

With the exception of the produc- 
tion numbers this is straight vaude- 
ville and pretty fair entertainment. 
Although there is no name strength 
to lend support at the b.o., house 
seems set for a satisfactory week. 

Line of femmes ia okay offering 
three routines, produced by Madeline 
Wallace and Vee Ames, and although 
the numbers unveil nothing new in 
the way of ideas, they are adequate. 
A radium number is the best of the 
lot, with a gal being projected out 
over the audience on a moveable 
prop to symbolize a butterfly. 

Teeterboard act, the Six Danwells, 
k comes forth with some swell stunts, 

■ the real strength of the bill. There's 

■ plenty of action and some really ex- 
p- ceptional tumbling and teeter tricks 

which the six men do with finesse. 

Joey Boss, and Gladys Bennett, 
talking comedy team, are unimpres- 
sive. Gags are strictly of the moth- 
eaten variety, and while the gal 
chows promise as a comedienne, pos- 
cessing an infectious laugh and good 
sense of timing, the team should 
search for new material. Song .and 
dihice finish is the only punch in the 
act. 

■ Hoke pure and simple Is the back- 
bone of the efforts of Herman Hyde 
and SaUy Burrill. There are prop 
violins, prop bass violins and a non- 
descript looking harp, but of which 
a skunk; a wooden woman who does 
-bumpi and a spittoon, among other 
-things, appear. Act is smarUy pre- 
cented in a rasual, manner through- 



out, and both man and woman are 
standard funny people. 

Alice Dawn, warbler with strong 
pipes, gives out three pops with bet- 
ter than fair results. She has good 
appearance and choice of numbers 
with audience appeal, but could im- 
prove her diction. Registered well 
with this family house. 

Colored male tap dancer. Baby 
Lawrence, has a>flne assortment of 
steps in the jive groove. 

Biz good at second show Friday 
(25). Gold. 



SHEA'S, BUFFALO 



Buffalo, July 25. 
Vaughn Monroe Orch with Gil 
Lamb. Six Willys, £vetyn Famey, 
Marylin Duke, Zipgy Talent; Tleach- 
ing }or the Sun' (Par). 

This is the initial showing here- 
abouts of Vaughn Monroe's impres- 
sive assemblage of brasses, and, with 
the addition of Gil Lamb, Evelyn 
Farney and the Willys, it makes a 
neatly effective presentation which 
is doubly welcome to the Buffalo's 
stage after nearly three months of 
straight films. 

Musically, the outfit features a 
strong addiction to the jump style 
and appears to have attained its 
meteoric stellar rating on the 
strength of a politely emphatic pre- 
occupation with outre rhythm, dis- 
sonance and an unusual orchestra- 
tion. 

The first half of the proceedings 
seems overweight in jit'teroo appeal, 
but Monroe's own vocals are so 
smartly highlighted in contrast that 
the unbalance is thus considerably 
encompassed. The maestro's smooth, 
distinctively styled balladry is a 
socko concoction, sure of the most 
solid sort of returns, and,- as evi- 
denced by the 'Pagliacci' thing, 
whammed in English and then jived 
with brass interpolations, is un- 
doubtedly largely responsible for the 
band's rapid cliipb.' 

Marylin Duke, on briefly in the 
deuce spot, ties up 'Daddy' and 'Hut 
Sut' and delivers them for what here 
was a warm welcome. Later, Ziggy 
Talent's eccentric comic packaging 
of Joe E. Lewis' 'Sam, You Made the 
Pants Too Long* and *Ants in Pants,' 
is surefire. Both performers, from 
the. regular band group, rate under- 
lining. 

Lamb, heading the added talent 
division, coasts part of the way,' but 
has enough on the ball to bring him 
in strongly. His jitterbug takeoff is 
plenty funnv and the muchly im- 
proved swallowed-harmonica bit, as- 
sisted by Tommy Sanford, carried 
him off for top applause. Only in 
his straight monos does he appear 
to pull the wallops of- his comedy 
punching: 

Six Willys, out of Ed Wynn's 'Boys 
and Girls Together,' are spotted for 
a fast' and spectacular acros and 
juggling. They snap up the pace and 
add a colorful flash of novelty. Miss 
Farney's tricky taps, in which she 
has progressed noticeably since her 
last showing here when she was still 
a . bandshow novitiate, now get an 
eye-filling assist from the smart ex- 
ploitation of her pert personality. 
Agreeable poise and tasteful groom- 
ing make her look like mccoy mu- 
sical comedy material. - 

Attendance sturdy at supper show 
opening day despite highest tempera- 
ture of entire summer. Burton. 



STATE, N. Y. 



HAMID'S PIER, A. C. 

(HIPPODROME) 



Atlantic City, July 27. 
Potricio Ellis, Henny Younffman, 
Ray and Horrison-, Victoria Troupe 
(6), Three Harmonica Bees, Dan 
Goldie's House Orch (10); 'Sunset in 
Wyoming' (Rep). 

Neat show at Hamid's this week, 
full of laughs, but apparently shorter 
than usual. Most of the laugh ma- 
terial is supplied bv Henny Young- 
man, who m.c.s, but Ray and Harri- 
son contribute along this line with 
good res\ilt5, too. 

Patricia Ellis, blonde from films, 
in floy^ing gray gown with gold belt, 
headlines show, singing 'Let's Fall 
in Love,* 'It All Comes Back to Me' 
and 'I Curled for You' in appealing 
voice that pleased the jam-pack mob 
at first show Sunday (27). She took 
three bows. 

Acrobatic element of vaiide bill 
supplied by Victoria Troupe, four 
girls and two men, who apparently 
do everything on bicycles. Three 
Harmonica Bees, smartly dressed in 
blue trousers and gray checked 
coats, made good opening act. They 
mix classics and jive with fine effect, 
and their antics amuse the customers. 
One of the three plays a mouth- 
organ about a yard long and has to 
hustle to keep with the others who 
play short ones. 

Harrison and Ray get many laughs 
with their slapstick and gags. The 
Ray gal, who capitalizes on her 
plumpness, wov/ed the audience with 
a comic dance -which she calls 'A 
Pain in the Ballet.' 

Youngman keeps up a running 
patter of wisecracks and maintained 
a steady roar of laughter. 

Seventy-five-cent admission also 
Included Blue Barron's orch and 
Eddy Morgan's house orch In ball- 
room, Sylvia's Washington Debs in 
corridor, and Terrell Jacobs' circus 
acts at far end of pier over the 
weekend. Carter. 



Harry Richman, Willie Hoppe, 
Carroll and Hoiue, Cautier's Ponies 
and Dogs, Jack Cole Dancers; 'That 
Uncertain Feeling' (UA). 

This midsummer stage show is jast 
SO-.SO. However, business Thursday 
night (24) was very good, custonvars- 
getting surcease from the heat in this 
air-conditioned theatre. The word 
of-mouth on the film, however, de 
precintes the bill's b.o. value gen' 
erally. 

Harry Richman is back on the 
boards and the show's topper. He 
has been rather absent locally since 
last summer's click at Ben Marden's 
Riviera with Sophie Tucker and Joe 
E. Lewis, the trio later moving into 
the State for two weeks. 

Richman has changed his routine 
slightly since his last trip here^ but 
the songs are essentially the clickers 
with which he has been socko for 
some time. 'Number 10 Lullaby 
Lane' is a pleasant tun« into which 
are intermia^led Hiat Old Gang of 
Mine,' Jolson's favorite 'April Show- 
ers,' Fannie Brice's 'My Man,' Can- 
tor's 'Susie,' Miiw Tucker's 'Some of 
These Days' and, naturally, his own 
fave, 'Puttin' on the Ritz.' Patriotic 
finale is given to the hilt, with the 
warbler strong in lyrically advocat- 
inR backing up the President. 

Novelty turn Is Willie Hoppe, the 
world's champion billiardist, who 
recently won the three-cushion title 
in Chicago in amazing fashion. Few 
of the shots Hoppe uses here are em- 
ployed in competition, but the cue 
wizard certainly has plenty on the 
spheres. Trick carom shoU are an- 
nounced over the p.a. system, while 
a mirror enables the onlooker to 
watch the ivories cavort around the 
green baize. Three-cushion shot 
without touching any of the assorted 
50 balls as the concluding trick is the 
touch of a master. 

Carroll and HowjB have the comedy 
assignment, such as it is. Team's 
chatter took some time to register. 
Fast-talking comedienne shows pos- 
sibilities and should have surer ma- 
terial. She Indicates versatility by 
singing 'Lady Be Good,' which con- 
cludes with a trumpet imitation, 
while her hoofing Is okay. Partner's 
best work is in the stepping depart- 
ment. 

Another novelty Is Jack Cole's 
East Indies dances. Working .with 
two Balinese dancing girls, the rou- 
tine is short but effecti've. They 
move about in native costumes, with 
tinkling bells, the ears of all three 
sporting pearls. While the gyrations 
are exotic, the music Is of the nop 
variety. Evolutions are quite differ- 
ent from the average, accentuated by 
frequent craning of the neck 

Gautier's Steeplechase opens. Act 
consists of four ponies and as many 
dogs plus a monk. Act is well 
trained, serving well enough in the 
spot. Ibce. 



OLYMPIA, MIAMI 



Miami, July 26. 
Estelle Taylor, Wesson Brothers, 
Sid Marion, Larry Collins, Marion 
and Ray Lynn, Harry Reser House 
Orch; 'The Big Store' (M-G). 

There's no danger of inflation as 
long as eggs are as plentiful as the 
one laid during this barnyard 
frolic.' It's not the fault of manager 
Al Weiss, though. Even the long 
green won't entice top turns here 
now, their contention being, that 
playing Miami in the summer will 
kill their winter b.o. Raises a moot 
question, but hardly seems logical, 
inasmuch as hefty biz during season 
is from north, and draw now- is 
largely confined to localites and 
Georgia and Alabama expatriates. 

By virtue of her cinematic back- 
ground Estelle Taylor gets the 
upper-case billing, but that's as far 
as it goes. Miss Taylor has a charm- 
ing personality — but why does she 
have to sing? Perhaps if she would 
just dust off a brace of easygoing 
ditties she'd get by, but as it is, she 
attempts to give all she's got, and 
it isn t enough. Warbles exactly as 
though her vocal coach was lurking 
behind the scrim, and worried fbr 
fear she won't e-n-u-n-c-i-a-t-e each 
syllable clearly and d-i-s-t-i-n-c-t- 
1-y. 

In making his getaway Sid Marion 
opines that he likes to hear folks 
laugh. Well, he'd better get an ear- 
ful now, because if he doesn't slip 
his material a fast hypo, he's going 
to find out how it feels to hear 'em 
snore. Goes for such 'beatenup gags 
as: 'There's a celebrity in the audi- 
ence tonight. I want to introduce 
Boris Karloff. Won't you stand up 
Mr. Karloff? Oh! Pardon me, 
madam!' And that's a killer com- 
pared to some of the cold-storage 
specials he exhumes. 

Larry Collins is a trick trombonist, 
who plays as though he had to get 
his instrument back to the hock shop 
before 12. Piece de resistance is a 
musical striptease. Takes his sUp- 
horn to pieces while playing and 
winds up blowing the mouthpiece. 
There Isn't much difference. ■ 

Weekly hoofing session is presided 
over by Marlon and Ray Lynn, 
doubling from the Wit's End. local 
nitery. Routines are acceptable, but 
nothing startling. Lynn has a new 
twist though. Hoofs with his hair In 
his eyes. Causes him no end of an- 
noyance^ but he's brave about the 
whole thing. Probably figures It 



gives him a boyish appeal. It doesn't. 

Single homerun on this card Is 
chalked up by the Wesson Brothers, 
a pair of nifty mimics. Their forte 
is dual impersonation. One does the 
vocal, the other the physical man- 
nerisms. Duo scores heavily with 
half-dozen slick impersonations, 
topped off by a Bergen and Mc- 
Carthy exchange that is a wow. 
. .Bjz bueno. Leslie. 



TOWER, K. C. 



Kansas City, July 26. 
Simp-Phonies (4), Dorothy Keller, 
Hesttuood and Stone, The Saxons, 
Lester Harding, Norma Jean Hines, 
Herb Six House Orch; 'Mountain 
Moonlight' (Rep). 



List oif acts comprising this vaude 
bill has both strong and light en- 
tries; the summing up is average. 
It's formula in presentation, with the 
Herb Six band opening and I<ester 
Harding chiming in on the vocal be- 
fore he gets into the m.c. work. 

Initial single is Dorothy Keller in 
a trio of fast terp routines,' a semi- 
eccentric, a South American-flavored 
bit, and a windup with a Jive and 
corn routine. All are fast and she 
works hard for her deserved hand. 

Mid-show is given over to pair of 
novelty acts, Hestwood and Stone 
with their puppetry getting the first 
chance. Their characters are heav- 
ily in caricature and quite accept- 
able although the house has seen 
better of this kind recently. Act 
makes use of recorded music in get- 
ting over jts long-haired, piano- 
playing puppet, Minnie Mouse bal- 
let, opera-singing hen and jitterbug 
jugglers. Fritz and Hans Saxon fea- 
ture balancing with a Eiiropean 
flavor. They take turns teetering 
nton a smnll cylinder and enhance 
their wo^k by. performing atop 
platforms and ladders reaching into 
the fly. It's precise work and sus- 
penseful to the audience. 

Harding has his turn to sing 
'Green E.ves' In the softer range, 
possibly at a slightly under-paced 
tempo. Then calls on Norma Jean 
Hines, youthful amateur winner, for 
routine of agile Hawaiian contor- 
tions. 

Final turn Is given to the Fopr 
Simp-Phonies, Frank Wildner, Wal- 
ter Scott, Mose Williams and Jim 
Craig, with instrumentation _of ac- 
cordian, electric guitar, violin, and 
rack of tympani gadgets. Instru- 
mental work is standard of the hill- 
billy, rube and western type, but 
efforts at garnishing it are overdone 
with costumes detracting from their 
contribution. They're recently from 
pictures, where the ragged overalls 
were likely in character, but the 
four could take a large lesson from 
a group such as the Kid6odlers for 
stage work. 'Wm. TeU Overture,' 'Rid- 
in' and Rockin' in the Saddle' and 
Tiger Rag' are nevertheless enter- 
taining, but whole turn could have 
been better presented. Forty-three 
minutes would then have com«t in 
easily above average. Quin. 



EMBASSY, S. F. 



San Francisco, July 22. 
Teddy Felton, Dorothea Gray, Cliff 
Arvin, Christine Brandt, Don Santo, 
Rubyettes (16), Freddie Lampktn 
Orch (6); 'Deuil and-' Miss Jones' 
(RKO; and 'Magic in Music' (Par). 

Vaude is back again in this situa- 
tion, with manager Dan McLean 
woijcing toward a definite goal of 
full-time stage shows plus one fea- 
ture. For the present, footlights will 
burn two nights veekly with duals, 
with steps toward McLean's ob- 
jective being made gradually. 

Relighting of the boards here was 
synchronized with a 'house-warming' 
flash in honor of new seats, carpets, 
etc., resulting in SRO and holdouts 
all evening. 

New m.c. here is Don Santo, dou- 
bling from the Streets of Paris 
nitery here and the DowntO'wn thea- 
tre 'in nearby Oakland, which also 
uses two nights of stage weekly. 
Chap is the cocky, hat-punishing 
type and good, clowning all over the 
place and doing specialties on his 
own — fine for a family house except 
for his tendency to go blue, which 
won't do here. A hard worker, Santo 
is also booking the show. ' 

Rounded up for the opener were a 
flock of singles, including "Teddy 
Felton, Negro tap-song-and-gag man, 
who was forced into an apparently 
unrehearsed encore by audience en- 
thusiasm; Cliff Arvin, puppeteer 
working full stage who netted four 
bows; Christine Brandt, soft-voiced 
torcher, and Dorothea Gray, who 
sings man-hungry comic songs in a 
gay '90s bathing suit for okay re- 
turns, although a bit broad for this 
house. 

Santo himself does a radio bur- 
lesque and a woman-taking-a-bath 
routine he claims to have done In 
'New Faces of 1937.' Orch also comes 
in for introductions, with batoner 
Freddie Lampkin (brother of Phil) 
soloing niftly in 'Sweet Mystery of 
Life.' Weakest link Is the line, 
dancing-school stuff. 

McLean Is off to a strong start on 
his new venture, and may yet fool the 
curbstone seers who nodded smugly 
when his last try ran into difficul- 
ties. Wem. 



STANLEY, PITT 

Pittsburgh, July 25 
•Rochester,' Dicfc Stabile's Baud 

(12), Grade Barrie, Walton and 
O'Rourke, Ruby Ring, Kitty Murray 
Shirley Gay; 'Underground' (WB). 

« ' 

Jack Benny radio show, in section 
seems to be making WB deluxor its 
consecutive headquarters these days 
Last week it was Phil Harris, this 
week it"s 'Rochester.' - He's a pretty 
funny fellow, but not nearly as funny 
as he is on those Sunday evenines 
when Benhy's writers are in his 
corner. 

Audibly, except in a few isolated 
moments, 'Rochester' is just a char- 
acter in search of an author; panto- 
mimlcally, with a buxom femme 
named Kitty Murray, he's a different 
comic, this time a good one. Of 
course, anybody who's ever heard the 
guy on the radio expects to hear him 
do some talking, so he can't stick to 
hoofing and mugging exclusively 
But it seems a shame Rochester 
didn"t equip himself at the start of 
his unit with a stooge perhaps and' 
some crossfire by the Messrs. Beloin 
and Morrow, the fellows who put the 
words into his and Benny's mouths 
from October to June. 

If 'Rochester' has stinted on him- 
self, at least he hasn't stinted on his 
supporting people. Toppling the ad- 
ditional talent, and of particular local 
interest, are Dick Stabile, with his 
band, and Gracie Barrie (Mrs. 
Stabile). The sax-playing maestro 
first broke in his orch here at the 
William Penn hotel; Miss Barrie was 
a singing fixture at the SUnley at 
the ripe old age of 13, and, further- 
more, the two of them were married 
here. Barrie gal is still near the top 
among the balladeers, and crocks 'em 
with 'Come On, Get Happy,' 'Every- 
thing Happens to Me" and 'Hut Sut 
Song,'and for a finish teams up with 
Stabile on their own special lyrics 
version of 'Daddy' that's a swell piece 
of material for them. As for Stabile, 
he's come a long way both as a show- 
man and maestro in poise and assur- 
ance, and band has developed con- 
siderably. His sax section, which he 
presides over, is crew's No. 1 asset 
and those reeds fairly sing. Piece of 
biz with phosphorescent white gloves 
and a sax is a good novelty, but Sta- 
bile should build it up a bit for more 
color. 

Stabile carries a femme singer, 
Shirley Gay, who does only one 
number right at the beginning, 'Ma, 
I Miss Your Apple Pie," and okay, 
but there's not much chance for her 
with Miss Barrie around. Walton 
and O'Rourke are a clean-up with 
their sophisticated puppet show, go- 
ing in for the more mundane things 
such as Gypsy Rose Lee doing the 
strip. Each of their presentations is 
a solid click. Also a show-stopper 
is Ruby Ring, control cancing and 
contortionist who does everything 
with her legs but break them in half. 
Miss Ring can save herself the trou- 
ble of describing her act to Bob Rip- 
ley. He wouldn"t believe it. 

There's an unbilled colored bari- 
tone 'Rochester" brings on in the 
middle of his act who practically 
tears- 'Old Man River' apart. Guy 
has a great range and has loads of 
possibilities, but he needs some study 
in order to keep the strain and seem- 
ing effort out of his voice. Biz fine, 
with house full-up, at first show de- 
spite hottest day of the year. 

Cohen. 



STEEL PIER, A. C. 

(MUSIC HALL) 

Atlontic City, July 27. 
Ciro Rimac Orch (15) with Alzira 
Camargo, Charley Boy, Estrelita; 
Jack Potoell and Jack Poujell, Jr.; 
Joe and Jane McKenna, Moke and 
Poke, Gae Foster Ballet (16), Ben 
Yost Singers (8), Dicfc Dana, Pinkie 
Lee, Bobby Morris, Ryan and Ben- 
son, Walter Morton, Orch (9). 

Headed by Ciro. Rimac and his 
rhumba group, a troupe of 60 per- 
sons makes up the 'Merrjr Melody 
Revels' revue this week in Music 
Hall of Steel Pier. While the show 
is larger in cast and in offerings, it 
is fast-moving and runs about one 
hour and 20 minutes. Film omitted 
to run continuous vaude on weekend. 

Rimac's turn, which runs about 20 
minutes, is a pretty complete show 
in- itself— with plenty of music, 
songs and dances. Its only defect is 
that it has been brassed up so highly, ' 
possibly because of large hall, that 
effect at times Is very harsh. The 
medley of South American tunes 
played in softer rhythm brought big- 
gest hand. Closing number, with all 
playing full* blast and singing, is ear- 
splitter. 

Alzira Camargo went over well in 
her Brazilian songs, Carmen Miranda 
style, wearing native costume with 
exaggerated flower headdress. She 
warbles another number, something 
about charms of Brazil, which 
pleased, but her best is 'I Want My 
Mama.' Charley Boy (son of Rimac ) 
and Estrelita in colorful . costumes 
got big returns for their Latin num- 
bers. 

Jack Powell and Jack Powell, Jr., 
are reviewed extensively under New 
Acts in Theatres. Gae Foster Girls 
put over two okay numbers this 
week. 

Joe and Jane McKenna brought 
laughs in a slapstick song, dance and 
(Continued on page .41) 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



41 



Night Qub Reviews 



RHUMBA CASINO, CHI 



Chicago, Julw 25. 
Joan Merrill, Georoie Tapps, 
Gloria Gilbert, Galli-Galli, Pan- 
American Daiicers (12), Carlos 
Molina Orch (12), Don Pedro Orch. 
(10); $250-$3 minimum. 

Here In one of the town's most 
beautiful rooms the management has 
succeeded in assembling a knockout 
show packed with talent of first-rate 
calibre. 

Rhiimba idea is carried out only 
In the production numbers, with 
other Spanish dances coming in for 
their share of attention' also. Show 
opens with eight shapely gals attd 
four men, billed as the Pan-Ameri- 
can Dancers, and built for the most 
part around the swell Latin terping of 
Martinez and Devlin, who dish out 
the rhumba with verve and appeal, 
in numbers produced by Sammy 
Bose. Pan-Americans make two 
additional appearances In the show, 
with an excellent South American 
tnngo and a fast moving conga finale. 
Femmes are plenty easy on the eyes 
and the inclusion of the four men 
makes the routines interesting. 

Galli-Galli performs some intrigu- 
ing legerdemain, with the assistance 
of a couple of patrons, and gets him- 
self across with his easy chatter and 
clever manipulation. Topper of all 
his tricks is the planting of live baby 
chicks on the unwitting customers. 

With a nifty assortment of spins, 
ballerina Gloria Gilbert contributes 
a fast-moving terp that spells sock 
entertainment. Gal still whips 
around with amazing speed and pre- 
cision and combines her stunts with 
some better than average ballet 
dancing. 

Georgle Tapps is a class dancer 
of the ballet-tap style, and offers an 
Interesting and technically fine group 
of numbers. Opening with his 
familiar '(^harmaine,* he moves into 
a Spanish dance, which contributes 
plenty of color and serves as a good 
medium for his individual artistry. 
A Viennese waltz is equally good, 
and he closes with a comic impres- 
sion of an old-time vaudeville hoofer. 
Could easily have done more. 

Carrying the ■ main spot, Joan 
Merrill is the recipient of an en- 
thusiastic buildup and proceeds to 
justify it to fullest extent. A neat 
looker, she possesses a warm, full- 
ranged voice, and can get good re- 
sults from both ballads and swing 
tunes. Her best offerings are 'Inter- 
mezzo' and 'How Did He Look?' 
latter announced as a recent record- 
ing by her. Gal shows a litUe too 
studied mannerisms, but otherwise is 
a fine performer. 

Show is m.c.d throughout by 
Carlos Molina, who also capably 
leads his band for both show and 
dance music. Additional Latin touch 
Is by Don Pedro, who nicely sings in 
the production numbers and fronts 
his band for some of the dance sets, 
altomr.ting with Molina. 

Business great Friday (25) . Gold. 



CHATTERBOX 

(MOUNTAINSIDE, N. J.) 

Mountainside, N. J., July 26. 
Bob Chester Orch. (14) with Bettv 
Bradley, Bill Reynolds. 

Chester's sitdown here, for at least 
six weeks, marks the first time that 
outfit has located anywhere in more 
than a year. It has been on the 
road working one-nighters and col- 
lege dates, broken only by theatre 
dates, and the lack of broadcasting 
has made deep inroads into the pop- 
ularity ' the outfit was able to build 
up since its inception two years ago. 

While this North Jersey roadhouse, 
which can't possibly seat many more 
than 300, is not ideal as a visual 
showcase for the band, it's equipped 
with five NBC net broadcasts a week. 
And though Chester's band hasn't 
improved its position lately it ranks 
above the calibre of music that the 
Chatterbox has been using, with a 
few exceptions. AU In all, the setup 
Is satisfactory all around. 
• Composed of three trumpets, two 
trombones, four saxe.s, and four 
rhythm, Chester's outfit, while rough 
in spots diie to too long a road stay 
with not enough rest between dates, 
is basically a good band, one that can 
reach an important bracket. Its 
books are stocked with exceptionally 
well-tailored arrangements ranging 
^from tasty pops and standards to 
sock originals. Band's use of mutes 
on some of the slower-pascd ballad 
stuff builds up a strong liking for 
Its work in that category. On the 
heavier, driving stuff careful brass 
dissipates a great deal of blare. Its 
rhythms, herded by a drummer 
whose tempoes are strong, yet al- 
ways for the band alone, are fine for 
dancing; Summed up, the band has 
a lot to offer and needs only air time 
to show to advantage. 

Chester handles himself easily up 
front, only occasionally reaching for 
his tenor sax, and then almost al- 
ways slipping it Into the work of 
the other four. Betty Bradley, good 
looking and a neat seller, handles 
bnilads and novelties In good voice. 
Bill Reynolds is the band's one glar- 
ing deficiency. His vocals are stiff, 
being a halter on the band's chances. 

Wood. 



VILLA MADRID, PITT 



Pittsburgh, July 24. 
Etzi Cowoto Orch (6) with Mork 
Lane, Peter Higgins, Hollywood 
Blondes (3), Kay Taylor, 4 An- 
toinettes; cover, 50c. 

Villa Madrid has been limping 
along with just an act or two for 
most of the summer, but with late 
Installation of a cooling system man- 
agement decided to splurge on talent 
and come up with a big (for Pitts- 
burgh anyway K show. Combo has 
been just right, with biz springln'g 
back into regular season form as a 
result of the air conditioning and the 
augmented lineup. 

Headllner Is Peter Higgins, and it's 
a return engagement for local tenor 
who has come back to town to live 
after more than 15 years. Voice is 
better than ever. Higgins puts his 
catalog over like a super-salesman, 
hits 'em high. and clear, and when 
caught had to slip in six encores 
before crowd would let him get 
away. Not even .in his old Keith 
heyday was the guy singing as well. 

Hollywood Blondes, three gals on 
rollerskates, have a spectacular turn 
with, a series of whirling stunts that 
take the breath away. They're look- 
ers, too, which doesn't hurt. Act 
until recently was - quartet, and 
Blondes are doing the same tricks 
with only three girls now and get- 
ting just as much kick, of which 
there's plenty, into their repertoire 
of thrills. Kay Taylor's a cute little 
tapster who rates high among the 
dancing dollies. Just a bit plump, 
but lots of ingenue s.a. and need.s 
only to shave ner hips a bit to get 
up there. Four Antoinettes comprise 
the line, and their stuff individually 
and collectively is okay. Nicely cos- 
tumed and they make a favorable 
annearance. 

Etzi Covato's orch plays a lot of 
music for a six-piecer. Covato, how- 
ever, is 'the leader in name only, 
turning that chore over to Mark 
Lane while he concentrates on the 
managerial end, being part owner 
of the establishment. Lane also 
m.cj the show, sticking to stralcht 
announcements. Cohen. 




CLUB ALABAM, CHI 



Chicago, July 21. 
Larry Vincent, Poncho and Loltta 
Roche. Irene Burke, Ramona Huffhes, 
Natasha, Eddy Roth Orch (3), Dave 
Vnell Orch (3); No Cover or Mini- 
mum. 



This spot has reopened with prac- 
tically the same personnel and excel- 
lent cuisine. Primarily an eating spot, 
room nevertheless enjoys a good late 
business, and show and music are in 
the Intimate vein as befits the small 
room (100 capacity). 

Larry Vincent is the m.c. and top 
attraction. With running chatter 
and the ability to dish out some 
funny slightly blue material accom 
panying himself at the piano, Vin- 
cent Is a natural for this spot and 
should register well with everyone. 
Surrounding acts are not too strong 
but collectively they shape up as a 
fairly good show. 

Pancho and Lollta Roche, Latin 
dance team, have a castenet number 
and a conga which turns out to be 
a conga, chain in which the patrons 
participate. Team has good appear- 
ance, but dancing is handicapped by 
the small floor. 

Blonde soubret Irene Burke is a 
good hoofer, but weak on the vocals. 
Attractive and shapely, however, and 
registers okay. Ramona Hughes, an- 
other dancer, has little to offer. In- 
terpretative dancer, Natasha, makes 
a big thing out of a couple of simple 
acrobatic tricks, and Is unusual only 
In that she fails to come up with the 
expected strip. Eddy Roth and Dave 
Unell orchestras alternate on the 
dance music, with the Unell crew 
doing the shows. Loop. 



Giveaways 

:Continued from page I; 



theatres begin battling each other 
for biz. 

In Chicago alone, it is estimated 
that 200 theatres will be using bingo 
and defense bonds, at a minimum 
prize of $200 worth weekly, which 
means a conservative figure of 
$40,000 worth of defense bonds being 
purchased by Chicago theatres each 
week. And with Increased competi- 
tion, this figure will likely be 
doubled or tripled, since many of the 
bigger theatres can give away much 
more than $200 weekly. During the 
bank night mania, some of the 
houses were disbursing as much as 
$2,500 in cash each week. 

Bank night, strangely enough, Is 
still under a strict ban and no of- 
ficial okay is. forthcoming for this 
stunt, defense bonds or no. The 
authorities have given the nod for 
the bingo setup, but still have the 
nix on banko. 



ICECAPADES OF 1942 

(CONVEN'nON HALL, A. C.) 

Atlantic City, July 25. 
Produced by Arena Managers As- 
sociation. Staged by Russell Markert. 
Starts Belita; Jeotures Megan Taylor, 
Lois Dworshak, Vera Hruba, Joe 
Jackson, Jr., Robin Lee, Serge Flash, 
Red McCarthy, Jackson and Lyman, 
Phil Taylor, Pierre Benoit, Robert 
and Margaret Wriflht, Hub Trio ond 
Denese, Dench and Stewart, A I 
5urette, Charles Ukstla, George 
Byron, Donna Atwood, Phil Taylor, 
Ctaro Wilkins, Arthur Vitarelli, IVor- 
ton Waite, chorus girls (26), chorus 
boys (15); Music director, Jerry 
Mayhall; opened at Convention Hall, 
Atlantic City, July 25, '41; $1.65 top. 

This resort, which has seen' all 
kinds of Ice shows the past few 
summers, turned out 8.000 stron.c to 
see opening of the 1942. 'Icecapades' 
In Convention Hall Friday night(2Sh 
Show is spectacular, colorful, worth- 
while. It has everytlhg any ex- 
travagant revue can offer, from 
dancing to a liberal sprinkling of 
comedy. Staaing by Russell Mar- 
kert is excellent John H. Harris, 
the Pittsburgh showman, impresarios 
as prez of Arena Managers Assn. 

Belita, British Ice ballerina re- 
cr^ntly starred In ice revue at Hotel 
New Yorker, returns as head of 
show. Good-looking blonde drew 
plenty applause with intricate gyra- 
tions,, exciting spins and beautiful 
glides. Forming an attractive set- 
ting for the star's introduction is the 
'Garden of Roses' number, with 
ballet in pink and green costumes, 
black lace trimmings and parasols. 
Belita, in short pink, ruffled cost 
tumes with black velvet bolero, 
makes effective picture here. Her 
second number, 'Blue September.' 
has songs by George Byron. In 
white bodice and vari-colored skirt 
she performs double spins and whirls 
which got nice hand. 

Another British girl, Megan Tay- 
lor, a champ figure skater, was a 
prime favorite with audience. Her 
graceful and dramatic interoretation 
of Tchalkowsky's 'Francesca da 
Rimini' is nifty. Attired In black 
velvet ballet costume with black 
snood, the redheaded skater received 
big hand. She encored with a fast 
number in a smart little costume of 
blue sequins and white fur. 

Vera Hruba. blonde Czechcslovak- 
ian, went over big in her candle 
flaiiie number. This act had been 
seen here before, but there was no 
drop in enthusiasm. Always a fa- 
vorite ice performer here, Red Mc- 
Carthy appears this time in a 
Chinese god number. His sleek body 
is painted silver and colored lights 
are played upon him as he sweeps 
through a routine of glides, leaps 
and bursts of speed. After much 
applause, he encores with short, 
speedy run around rink. 

For sheer comedy, .Larry Jackson 
and Bernle Lyman excel. Their 
ballroom burlesk drew many laughs. 
Their rube act also good for laughs. 

Joe Jackson, Jr., son of the vet 
vaude trouper, repeats his father's 
trick bicycle act and pantomime on 
Ice. Attired in tramp costume and 
baggy trousers, he brought howls. 
The horse number with Al Surette 
and Arthur Vitarelli Is okey and 
pleased crowd with antics. Surette 
who combines smart blade work 
with good comedy and grotesque 
movements .showing fine control, is 
brought out twice. 

Phil Taylor. f-;;her o' Megan and 
'originator' of stilt-skating, gives a 
fine exhibition of ditlicuK turns. 
Received big respon.se. Robin Lee, 
for five years national figure-skat- 
ing champ, got warm welcome and 
executed some fast .spins. Lois 
Dworshak pleased the jitterbugs in 
n shouldcr-swr'ying r^nd •^'o-swin"- 
ing jive number. So did another 
jitterbug number by the chorus, 
with cute Clara Wilkins soloing. 

Serge Flash, former vaude juggler, 
clicked with his balancing of a 
spinning ball on a fingertip while 
:;liding on ice. Pierre and Deni.sc 
Scnoit, in blue velvet trousers and 
short jackets, exhibit fine teamwork. 
They later give a neat exhibition of 
the tango. Robert Dench and Ro.se 
Marie Stewart. British champions, 
give exhibition of precision in green 
and while satin costumes to get 
good hand. 

Something new in these parts is 
the Hub Trio, with Kenneth Mullen, 
Edmond Raiche and Leonard Mullen. 
They put on tine acrobatic number, 
featuring a back somersault which 
brought outstanding applause. Nor- 
ton Waite went over well in a bur- 
lesk ballet number. Donna Atwood. 
newcomer, docs excellently in her 
professional debut, She appeared in 
the Arabian Ni.i;hts skit, a colorful 
interpretative fantasy elaborately 
.sta;'cd am-' fn.slumed. Robert and 
Margaret Wright also make their 
bows as a pair in this number and do 
well. 

Outstanding among the tuneful se- 
lections is 'Somewhere,' music by 
Peter De Rose and lyrics by John La- 
touche. It's sung by George Byron. 
Another number of lilting charm is 
'Oriental Moonrise,' by De Rose- 
Latouche. Carter. 



House Reviews 



-Continued from page 40^ 



STEEL PIER, A. C. 



patter skit. Moke and Poke, colored 
tapsters, do okay with snaPPy routine 
intersp'ersed with songs and chatter. 
Ben Yost Singers, in cowboy cos- 
tumes, warble some nice southern 
melodies, including 'Old Black Joe,' 
'Swanee River' and 'That's Why 
Darkies Were Born,' winning good 
returns. 

With Dick Dana as emcee, comedy 
bits are interwoven by Pinkie Lee, 
Bobby Morris, Ryan end Beanson, 
and Walter Morton. 

When caught Sunday (27) at first 
show, long lines waited for admission 
to vaude program. Steel Pier upped 
admission this week to B3c instead 
of usual 75c. Other weekend features 
included Gene Grupa In Marine ball- 
room, three films, water circus, acro- 
bats, Sharkey the seal, Eskimo vil- 
lage, fun house, and children's the- 
atre. Carter. 



CHICAGO, CHI 



Chicago, July 26. 
Tito Gutzar, Sue Ryan, Jay and 
Lou Seller, (iolenian Clark & Co. 
(3), Chicago Theatre Ballet (16); 
'Bride Came C.O.D.' (WB). 



For the most part a well-rounded 
stageblll, this week's show offers 
some good talent but not very much 
name value to keep the b.o. hum- 
ming. Having just finished an ex- 
tended engagement at a local hitery, 
Tito Guizar cannot be rated as a 
strong moneypuUer, and there's no 
one else on the bill with much to 
offer in this respect. However, 
there's a lot of entertainment value, 
and customers get their money's 
worth. 

Ballet gals open the show with an 
unimportant little table-tennis rou- 
tine, which doesn't affc-d them much 
sphere for dancing talent, but shows 
them at least to be shapely. Follow- 
ing this, Coleman Clark and Dick 
Hendry take over for exhibition of 
table tennis, which moves along at a 
fast clip, but not quite fast enough 
to keep from slowing up the entire 
show. A personable young an- 
nouncer describes the play as it goes 
along, which helps, but act is spotted 
wrong. ( 

Comedy efforts of Jay and Lou 
Seller get things going again, and 
this time the pace holds for duration 
of the show. The Sellers have an 
enjoyable nonsensical brand of com- 
edy, and combine it well with some 
swell eccentric hoofing. A novelty 
dance bit performed on circular skiis 
is outstanding. Boys work through- 
out the balance of the show and in- 
ject laugh-getting pieces of business 
between each act. 

Sue Ryan, singing comedienne, is 
on for some entertaining bits of 
mimicry, wherein she impersonates 
the magazine-cover girls. Working 
with a pianist on stage she makes 
the most of having a piano behind 
her, using It constantly as a prop. 
Gal knows how to get laughs, and 
her mugging Is superb. 

With a Mexican hacienda setting, 
and the girls of the ballet doin^ a 
rhumba-conga Introductory routine, 
Guizar takes over the stage for a 
series of Latin songs. His first 
'Granada,' Is on the legitimate side 
and shows Guizar to have a real 
singing voice in addition to his more 
familiar crooning efforts. Following 
this with such favorites as 'Perfidia,' 
'Maria Elena' and 'La Cucaracha,' 
he sells himself nicely and gets over 
to a nice reception. Audience at 
show caught would seem to indicate 
that Guizar has big femme follow- 
ing. 

Biz fair at flr.st show Saturd?" '?(!). 

Gold. 



LYRIC, INDPLS. 



Indianapolis, July 25. 
Jerry Colonna, Ted Leary, Lathrop 
and Lee, Monroe and Grant, the 
Three Cheers, House Band; 'Shining 
Victory' (WB). 



EMBASSY, N. Y. 

(NEWSREELS) 



While President Roosevelt request! 
Congress to hold draftees In tha 
army beyond the originally desig> 
nated single year, (general Mar- 
shall's reasons for such request and 
the drawing of numbers In the sec- 
ond draft hold greatest interest on 
the new bill. Also among best and 
most original subjects are those on 
the British besieged at Tobruk (as 
related by the United Press' Jan 
Yindrlch) and Paramount's admir- 
able handling of the DIonne quin- 
tuplets at CoUander, Ontario. Neither 
the Roosevelt . nor Marshall talks 
was especially good. 

All the reel companies had the 
siege at Tobruk, but Par credits 
the Australian Intelligence Division 
with the alert photographic material 
and employed UP reporter Yindrich 
for a vivid picture of what the Brit- 
ish troops (largely Anzacs) were go- 
ing through to withstand continuous 
Nazi and German attacks on the Lib- 
yan stronghold. Crisp, Intelligent 
scripting and superb narration make 
the visit to Quintupland almost a 
short In itself. 

'Tex' McCrary deals with 'Swas- 
tika Over South America' In his ex- 
clusive for the Embassy this week. 
It's much better than his recent ef- 
forts. He takes a crack at the abili^ 
of American film celebs to Improve 
good will. 

Best of remained lineup, long on 
quantity If not quality, sizes up as 
follows: U. S. Marines practicing 
landing near Jacksonville (Univer- 
sal), actionful; land- water army 
scout car tested at Buffalo (U), be- 
low par; torpedo boat test at New 
Orleans (U), nifty; Joseph P. Ken- 
nedy's son joining air force (Par), 
worthwhile; army activity in ar- 
mored divisions and aviation (Par), 
dull: John D. Rockefeller's appeal 
for USO funds (Movietone), routine; 
Ft Reilly cavalry review (Pathe), 
slick. 

Also, Lord Halifax looking over 
bombers on the Coast (Par), pale; 
interview (censored) of nurses res- 
cued after U-boat attack (Par), 
original treatment; Independence 
Day exercises in Buenos Aires 
(Movietone), excellent; splitting the 
Vargas diamond (Movietone), In- 
triguing; bathing beauties in Califor- 
nia (Movietone), interesting; Lou 
Nova training (same reel), different 

Also, Britains vow revenge, with 
Churchill doing the talking, (News 
of Day), pleasing; diaper derby (U), 
funny; western rodeo (Movietone), 
neat action; Clem McCarthy gabbing 
a boss race (Pathe), original. Mac- 
aroni plant fire in Philly (U), nice - 
action; and kids boxing in Boston 
(Pathe), trim fun. 

'Information Please' .short from 
RKO helps lift bill to a higher level. 

Weor. 



New Act in Tbeatre 



JACK POWELL & POWELL, JB. 
Comedy Drumming 
10 MIns, 

Steel Pier, Atlantic Cliy 

Jack Powell, who has been doing a 
blackface drummlnir single for many 
years, has been joined by his 16- 
year-old son. David, to become a 
two act as Jack Powell and Jack 
Powell, Jr. It's a clicker. 

The senior Powell, in his standard 
chef's white uniform and hat begins 
with beating rhythm on the large 
drums. He then proceeds to tap on 
kitchen chair and floor to audience's 
deli/.'ht Then joined by Powell, Jr, 
a slimmer counterpart of his father. 

The boy, with exact makeup and 
gestures, has studied carefully the 
older man's routine and m.nnner- 
i.sms, including the shuffle effected 
by the veteran while drumming 
about the stage. Their duo on two 
kitchen chairs, beating out a lively 
rhythm In exact tempo, had audi- 
ence clapping hands in time, as did 
Iheir following number with senior 
on large drums and junior menjber 
using sticks small as poncils. 
Father and son act opened here 



Thp hii? noise this week at the • Saturday (26), just 25 years after the 
The big noi.se_ this \\eeic at , ^enjj,^ , po^ell began his career In 

resort. When caught Sunday, 
youngster .showetF much talent and 
confidence and kept close watch on 
veteran's movements. Act closed 



Lyric is Jerry Colonna, he of the .. 
bulging eyes and bristling mu.stache, 
both of which gave him an 'in' to 
these customers' funny bones. 

After his opening remark, 'What 
did you expect— a sweater girlV, 
Colonna goes into a lusty rendition 
of 'Sonny Boy," followed by the 
Road to Mandalay.' Although his 



with two walking off stage with 
chairs, still tapping out beats on 
woodwork and wings to receive en- 
thusiastic ha.idclapping. Act like 
all others on hill, rut "om" becaust 



ii,^^" ^" — "iX Mhe^vys^ed^ieohbig-V 



he was kept busy on encores. He 
revives another talent of earlier days, 
an Imitation of Tommy Dorsey at the 
age of three, then 12 and finally as 
adult— on the trombone. All clicko. 

Ted Leary amuses with songs and 
chatter, also emceeing ably. Lathrop 
and Lee, fine tap team, took several 
bows for their excellent routine. j 

The Nelsons also clicked with their 
clever m a r i o n e t manipulations. 
Monroe and Grant please with some 
hokum and acrobatic work atop a 
table. The -Three Cheers, announced 
as local gals, sing pops okay. 

Biz good Friday (25) at tb* 
third show. Kilev. 



Carter. 



Port.'s Weekender 

Seattle, July 29. 
Joe Daniels, local boolvr, an> 
nounces the Bagdad theatre, Port- 
land, Ore., operated by Ted ciambl*^ 
is now booking five acts of vaud*, 
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 

Gamble also has the Capital, Port- 
land, where acts play a full week. 
They double on the three lUfibti 
ltd to ihe Bagdad. 



42 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



Variety ISills 



WEEK AUGUST 1 



Namerals Id connection with bills below indicate openlor day of 
show, whether full or spilt week. 



Paramoont 



MKW TOKK CITT 

Paramount (SO) 
B Hawkins Bd 
4 Ink Spots 
Btiimp & StumPT 
BlU Ballesr- 

CHICAOO 
Chicago (1) 
pinAh Sbors 
J«rT7 Colonna 



Gil Lnmb 
3 Arnolds 
Piitchard Sc Lord 
Btnte Lake <1) 
Arthur & M Hsvsl 

Olympla (1) . 
Qsynor £ Rons 
Jack McCoy 
Condos Bros 
Evans & Mayer 
The Alblna 



Warner 



WW TORK CITS 

Btraiid (2) 
Fhll Harris Ore 
Fatrlda Kay 
Ames St Arno 
The BllllDKtons 
i Jma 8 
mrLAjDIBLPHIA 
brls <«) 
Taughn Monroe O 
BlltuiorvUes 
Jolmo7 Burke 
(U> 

Paul Whlteman Ore 
Jaok Olltord 
Robinson t 

riTTSBCRGH 
Stuiley (2) 
Faut Whltoman Ore 



Jack Gilford 
Robinson ^ 

Rochester Show 
Dirk Stabile Ore 
Grade Barrle 
Walton & O'Rourke 
Ruby RlnfT 
Kitty Murray 

WASHINUTOM 
Earie (31) 

Helen'e Faye 
Hiirlco & Novello 

(211) 
Roxyettes 
LanI Mclntyre Ore 
B West & L Page 



Loew 



WW TOBX CITY 

State (St) 
Joe RInas Ore 
Barry Wood 
Larry AdIer 
Caas Daley 
Harriet lAne 
Btoajt-Mbrgan Sane 



WASHINGTON 
Capitol (31) 
Rhythm Aockete 
John Boles 
Marty May 
Natbaoe Bros 
Harriet Hortor 



TTBW TOBK CITT 

Hnalc RnU (81) 
Sal LeRoy 
Varlna Lord 
Ellda Eckler 
Fnuicia Carter 
Arthur Bowie 
Gil Mason 
Bo^rt Shantey 
Beckettea 
Corps de Ballet 
Glee Club 

Brno Rapee Symph 

Boxy (81) 
Archie Robblns 
pen Arrea 
Lena Bros 
Toy & Wlnt 
Ben Berrl 
Btan Ross 
It Esquires 
dae Foster Ola 
Paul A«h Ore 
AKBON 
Palace (1-4) 
Oane Krupa Ore 
Calgary Bro 
Brown & Amea 
Patricia King 
ATLANTIC CITY 
Steel Pier (8) 
Oae Foster GIs 
The Kldoodlera 
Kenny & Norrla 
Joey Rardin 
Rochester 
Rtus Morgan Ore 
Jimmy Dorsey Ore 
W West & McOlnty 
Cnirlstlanl Tr 
Sharkey 

Oantler Bricklayers 
Bobby Morris 
Richard Dana 
Pinky Lee 
Ryan &. Benson 
Ben Tost Singer* 
Frances Fay 

Hamld'R Pier (3) 
Tommy Reynolds O 
Willie Howard Co 
yitcl May/alr 
Gene Marvey 
4 Juggling Jewela 
C Fredericks Co 



BALTrtlORE 
S«at« (3-«) 
Olive Wblte 
(3 to All) 

(31-2) 
Dowling Qla 
Hoo Bhee 
Walker & Cromer 
Cappy Barra Boys 
CAltCDEN 
Towem (2-S) 
D'Bspoy 8 
Warren Boden 
(3 to All) 

FKBBPOBT 
I>eei>ort (1) 

Grant Family 
Lawrence & Rand'h 
B Joyce & Ginger 
(2 to fill) 

JONES IIEACH 
(31-2) 
Alf Loyal Stallions 
6 Honeys 
Pansy, the HTse 
PALMER 
Palmer (~) 
Ken Mayjiard 
PmLADRI.PHIA 
Carmnn (1) 
Olsen & .Sh'.rley 
Winnie May 
The Manlinttanltes 
(One to flm 
WASIIINGTON 
Howard (1) 
Sunset Boyol Ore 
Avis At)dre^\'s 
Paul, Slim Eddy 

TnM,ow finovE 

Winew Grove VaA 

(» only) 
Dowling GIs 
Winnie May 
The Manhattnnltea 
(8 to fill) 

YOrNOSTO'J'N 
Pnlnce (O-l) 
Gene Kruoa Ore 
Calgary Bros 
Brown A Ames 
Patricia T{ing 
(1-4) 

Bernlvlcl Pan-A Foil 



Cabaret Bills 



KEW YORE CITT 



Armaodo's 

a«o Morfia Oro 
Pedrfto Ore 
ShirJ Tbomu 

Bill Bertolottl'a 

Joiie Churchill 
Bdltb Lambfcrt 
Annette 
Uoya GIfford 
Oln^er Laoe 
Don Sylvlo Ore . 
Anmlo Ore 

BiU'f Gar eo*! 

Charles Strickland 
Lulu Bates 
Fred B J eh op 
9plke HarrJaoD 
Harold Wlllard 
Harry Donnelly 
Hernia Graaer 
Cafe Society 
(Hldtowa) ^ 

Xddle South Oro 

ZilAda Keene 

Hasel Scott 

Ammona A JolmeDD 

lack Gilford 

Golden Gate 4 
OBf e SevleCr 

Toddy Wilson Oro 



Konneth Spencer 
Sammy Price 
Art Tatum 
Helena Home 

Chateau Modrme 

Annette Guerlnin 
Covert & Reed 
Luclle Jarrott 
Maurice Shaw Ore 
<iabrJel 
Ix>u.Si)lelman 
Dorothy Tanner 
Carmellta . 

Claremont Ino 
Joe RIcardcJ Oro 

Club 18 
O Andrews Ore 
Julea Stovv^cr Ore 
Pat Harrln^rton 
Jack White 
Roy Gedley 
Frankle Hycm 
Arclile Rnbblna 
fttan Ross 
VI nee Curran 

Club Gao4*|*o 
Don Avendann Or6' 
Currito & Coral 
Luis Camnrhe 
JoM P«reE 
Boaa &la 



Harriet Carr 
Renee 

Cvra A Iraae'a 

Joo Ellld Ore 
RIdeo & Harris 
Betty PrdoB 
MKrcella Clair 
Nick Leeds 

Diamond Uoraeahoe 

Mae Murray 
Nlta NqMI 
Carlyle Blackwell 
Joe E Howard 
Rottff Wy»e. Jr 
June Mann 
Delia LInd 
Qco Fontana 
Llla Lee 
Gllda Gray 
CImrles King 
ManRean S)a 
Clyde Hager 

El Cbiro 

Don Alberto Oro 
Benito Collada 
Tcrenlla Oala 
Anita SevlUa 
Antonio de Cordova 
Bardllla Sis 

Fajnons Door 

Babe RusHln Oro 
Roy Sedley ■ 
Blllle Holiday 
Dixie Roberta 
Sid Walker 
Mousey Garner 

HaTana-HadrM 
Frollan Maya Oro 
Juanlta Sanabrla O 
Alberto Torres 
Ramon &. Luelnda 
Belen Ortega 
Alda Rodrlgues 
Fay Torres 
Arturo Cortes 
Delores DeLeon 

Hickory Uooao 

Bin Turner Oro 
Mercedes 
Carol Boyd 
Rollin Smith 
Jlnja "Wayne 

Hotel Aator 

Ina Ray Hutton Ore 
Win Bradley Ore • 

Hotel Belmont 
Plan 

Arthur Ravel Oro 
Joe Pafumy Oro 
Bea Perron 
Gwen Gary 
Eleanor Siberia 
John Hubert 
Belmoni Balladeera 

Hotel Blltmoro 
Ray Heatherton O 
Judy Clark 
Roily Rolls 
PIckert &. Rosa 
Hotel Boaaert 
(Brooklyn) 
Bobby Parks Oro 
Imogen Carpenter 

Hotol Edisoa 
Blue Barron Oro 
Una May Carltale 
Hotel Essex Hooae 
Nick D'Amleo Oro 
Hotel L«xlogioa 
Ray Kinney Oro 
Meymo Holt 
Napua 
T^llnnl Taea 
Nant Todd 
Lehua Paulson 

Hotel UneolB 
Harry James Oro 
Hotel McAlpla 
Arturo Arturoa Oro 
Wendy Bishop 
Hotel Neiv Vorket 
Johnny Long Oro 
Helen Toung 
Bob Houston 
Paul Harmon 
Adele Infe 
Betty Ranow 
Anne Haroldon 
Potor Klllam 
Phil Hlser 
Jo Ann Dean 
Gene Berg 
Ice Ballet 

Hotel Pork Coatnl 
(Cocoaaut Groro) 

Buddy Clarke Oro 
Alfonso Oro 
Jack WaJdron 
Elenore Wood 
HIbbort, Byrd Co 
WInton & Diane 
Bunny Howard 
Ginger Dulo 
Wilson Lang 
lintel PennaylTanla 
Bobby Byrne Oro 
Doroiby Claire 
Stnnrt Wade 

Hotel PUu 
Dick Gasparre Ore 
Chlqutto Ore 
Paol Haakon 
Maxine Klsor 
Hotel Savoy-Flaa 
Howard Lally Ore 
Pecgy Fears 
Milton Douglas 

Hotel St. MoriU 
Ford Harrison Oro 
Caaa Franklin 
Lolo tc Ramon 
Florence A Alvarea 
Betty Black 
Jaye Martin 

Hotel St Revla 
Hal Saunders Ore 
Gus Martet Ore 
Hotel Taft 
Vincent Lopez Oro 
Ann Barrett 
Sonny Skyler 
Hotel Waldorf- 

Aatorlo 
(Starllffbt Roof) 
Xavler Cugat Oro 
MIgucllto Valdea 
Llna Romay 
l<Va kson 
QveJyn Turner 
H Williams. 3 
Harrlcaao 
Dick Satterfleld Oro 



Chlqulto Oro 
Billy Vine 
Iceland Restaiuvnt 
Danny White 
Jack Lane 
James & Wilde 
Caroline Knight 
Teddy Ekldle Ore 
Joe Hembree Oro 
Kelly 'a Btablo 
Hot Lips Page Ore 
Billle Dollday 
Billy Danlelo 



LOS ANG£L£S 



Bur of Uoaio 

BUI Jonlan 
GcoPKO Kent 
Ann Harriett 
Tuny Sliarrabba 
Dick WlnHloxT Oro 
Ulltmore Bowl 

Alarjrery Daye 
Jark Oywno 
Jimiuy Castle 
Royul GuHrds 
Max itf HIh Gang 
Dorothy Brandon 
Arinand & l-Ua 
3 Dee's 

Chuck Foster Oro 

Ciiaa Maoana 
Charlie Darnet Ore 

Cocoaaut GroTO 
Mary Parker 
Billy Daniel 
Jimmy Brlerly 
Mitchell I>elaex) Rev 
Freddie Martin Ore 

Earl Carroll 
Dr Rockwell 
B Mlnnevltch Co 
Helen O'Hara 



Bob Murphy 
•If Ciife 

Joe 

Dave Forrester Oro 

Macambo Cafe 
Edwardo Agullur O 
Phtl Ohman'a Oro 

Mlnimur. 
Harry Owens Ore 

folludlum 
Woody Herman Ore 

Paris Inn 
Kenny Henrvnon 
Marg'rlte & M'rtinea 
Henry Monet 
PatHy Brittain 
Herman Lopez 
Fred & Jerry 
Helen Miller 
Chuck Henry Oro 

Plraten Ood 
Hanry Grant 
Oaby FItte 
Rhadrack Boys 
Ntck Cochran Ore 

Bfaambooslr 
Harlam In H'wood 



Roearlo St Antonio 
Curloa Rnmlrea 
3 Pitchmen 
Johnny Sfack 
inez Oonan 
Carmine Calhoun 
PoflriJ DeLeon Oro 
Abl>')tt Dnnccra 

Slirrmiui' Hotel 
(Ccltlo Cafe) 
Gone Kerwin Oro 
Jnins Sis 

(Panther Room) 
Benny Goodman O 
Carl Marx 

Rhumbu CaalDO 

Joan Morrill 
Georgle Tappa 
Gloria Gilbert 
Gain Gain 
Flllpo de Flores 
Martinez & Devlin 
Carlos MoUnaa Oro 
Eduard <c DIaoo 
Pan-Am Dane 
Don Pedro Oro 



60« Clob 

Billy Carr 
Alyco Corf 
Ceil von Dell 
Margie Kelly 
Edith Evana 
Hugo & Myra 
DJane Uowland 
Jean Mode 
Sparklet GIs 
Eliiyno 

Kannette Carnieo 
MllMo Wayne 
Sol Lake Oro 
Tripoli S 

VIIU Modem 
Bob Strong Oro 
Villa Venice 
Roalta Ortega 
Poggl A Igor 
Tana 

Vanensa & 9nndlno 
Jacqueline Mlgnao 
Ted Adair 
Btusonnla 
Rlnaldl 
Aurette Sla 



ATLANTIG CITT 



Albany Arms 

Barney Devlne 8 



BOOKING THE NATION'S LEADING INDEPENDENT 
VAUDEVILLE THEATBES 

EDWARD SHERMAN 



1619 BROADWAY 



NEW YORK 



COL 5-0930 



stuff Smith 
King Cols Trio 

La Harttnlqae 
(West End, N. J.) 
Bddle Oliver Oro 
Herbert Curbello O 
Georgle Tappa 
Adrlenne 

Le Con Boag* 

Jos Smith Ore 
Belo Blzony 
Rudl TImfleld 

l«OD ft Eddie'* 

Lou Martin Oro 
Nerlda Ore 
Eddie Davis 
Jerry Blanchard 
Dance Playera 
Joan Wood 
Clay Bryaon 
Barbara Perry 
Sherry Brltton 
Shirley Lloyd 
Milton Dahlberg 
Jean Mona 

MooHn Bonge 
Guy MartJn Qla 
Robert Laurent 
Adams St Lisa 
Andre Monlce Ore 
Louis Barraa Ore 

Place Slecante 
Ernest Franz Oro 
Bill Farrell 
Vincent DeCoata 
Art Tubertlnl 
Victor Harte ~ 

Queea Mary 
Hoy Stewart Oro 
Jerry Blanchard 
Caroline Nlirht 
Klml Toye 
Ginger Wayne 

Bnlnbow Grill 
Rusa Smith Oro 
Ash burns 

Rainbow R«ora 
Barry' WInton Oro 
Chlgulta Venezla 
SlKTld Laesen 
Clementa Oro 
Mayla 

Bussell Swano 
AaroD & Glancx 
Julian A Marjorl 
BiTlem 
(Ft. Lee. N. J.) 
Pancho Ore 
Fausto Curbello O 
Helen Kane 
Gower & Jeanne 
Whltson Brop 
Everett Marshall 
Ches 'Hale GIs 
Edith Boark'a Clob 
Joe White Oro 
Henry Marko 
Helen Fox 
Ruth Qallarher 
Rnaaell HIrd 
Tex Gentry 
Fat Bonnett 
Ruby Carr 
Edith Roark 
Boss Fenton Fana 
(Asbnry Pk, M. «.> 
M Bergere Oro 
Columbus & Carroll 
Carole & Sherod 
Sally Oay 

Ruban Blen 
Edwin Matthews 
Vera Sanoff 
Russian Krvtclmia 
Nicolas Matthey O 
Peter NemlroR Ore 
Olfa Ivanova 
Nastla Pollakova 
^larusla Sava 
Adla KnznetKoff 
Senia Raravaelt 
Michel Mlchon 
Mlshl Uzdonorr 
Arjalak Aralelova 

Splvy's Boot 
Nora Sheridan 
Wally Blacker 
Eddie MayhoRe 
Betty Bryant 

Stork CiDb 
Sonny Kondia Ore 
Ray Benson Ore 
Angellta Harmes 
VefMlUes 

N Brajidwynne Ore 

Panehlto Ore 
Adelaide Moflett 
Tommy Wonder 
' VUlsce Bam 
Gene Austin Oro 
Sherrlll His 
Zeb Carver 
Bud Sweeney 
Don St Ruth Ijan* 
Pappy Below 
Roberta Welch 

VUlace Vaagnard 
Belle Boaette 
Helen Thomaa- 
Gerald Clark 

Wlrel Bcstatnnnt 

Patsy Lu Ralna 
Eleanor Bowers 
UcArthurs 
PaxtoD 



Gene Sbelton ■ 
Barney Grant 
Dorothy Ford 
6 Debonalra ' 
Beryl Wallae* 
Reyes* Rhumba Bd 
BUI Brady 
Manny Strand Ore 

Florentine Garden 
Corrlnne St Tlta 
NTG 

Billy Rayes 
Fred Scott 
Sugar (Seise 
David Marshall Ore 
Charlie Foy's Clob 
Charlie Foy 
Leonard Sues ' 
Jerry Lester 
Lorraine Elliott 
Red Stanley Oro 
Grace Hayee Lodce 
Mary Hoaly 
Neville Fleeson 
Peter Llnd Hayea O 
Carlyle 
Grace Hayea 
Mary Rellly 
Mary Leo 
Mavis Mima 
Ineclta 

Hoase of Mnrpfay 

Frankle Gnllajrber 
Hal Chanelor Oro 
Jean Meunler 
Cordon Bishop 



Lovey Lane 
Lois Galloway 
Buck & Bubbles 
Cee Pee Johnbun O 

Scheherasade Cafe 

Richard Smart 
Ina Mlraeza 
Vaacha BorowakI 
Russian Gypsy Ore 

Seven Bens 

I/llla Klplkona 
SyUI Thomas 
Boiiuy Kaha 
PuananI Mnthewa 
MIkl Wlkl 
Chlet Sautlnl 
Eddie Bush 
Charlie Openul 
Bobby Mathews 
Johnle Bright Ore 

Blapsy Haxlea 

Ben Blue 
Cully Richard* 
Sid Tomick 
Rels Bros 
Benny Lessy 
Pattl Moore 
Sam Lewi* 
Pat Bhaw 
Joe Oakle 
Al Bard Oro 

Sonicraet llonse 
Joe Moshay Ore 

Trlao«n 
Johnny Davis Oro 



CHICAOO 



Ambnaoador Hotol 
(Pump Room) 

Val Oman Ore 
Maggl McNeills 

BIsmareli Hotel 
(Wolnat Boom) 

Jimmy Joy Oro 
Betty Bums 
Maurice & Maiyea 
Art London 
Tune Teaser* 
Hadley GIs 
Art London 

(Tavern Room) 
Dave Prltchard Ore 

Blaekhavk 

Art Jarrett Oro 
Gall Robblns 
Lloyd St Willis 
Pearl Islanders 

tUackiitoBe Hotel 
(Hnllnese Bm.) 
Eddie White Oro 

Brrvoort Hotel 
(Crystal Boon) 

8 Nlbllcs 

Peggy Lester 

Lois LaCliance 

Bob BlUlDge 

Brondmoot 

Wally Rand 
Pat Patterson 
Betty Coeds 
Anita Page 
June Darling 
Sally Barr 
Herb Rudolphs Ore 

Brown Derby 
Harriet Norrl* 
Jo Ann Dare 
Charlotte van Day 
Mary Enrl 
Chlqulta . 
Kvelyn Lee 
Virginia James 
Joe Franks 
Bdltb Mitchell 
Savage Trio 
Marsha Del.iand 
Jhn Polk 
Ethel Brown 
Mickey Dunn 
Advocates 
Sammy Frisco Ore 
Capitol Loons* 
Modulators Ore 
Maurice Rocco 
Louis Jordan Oro 

Ohn Pnree 
Milton Berle 
Jansleys 
Carole Rhodes 
Rsquel St Tarrlba 
Bill Gary 
Ben Yost Singers 
Boyd Raeburn Ore 
Bobby RjLmos Oro 
Evaii$ GIs 

Club Alabam 

Larry Vincent 
Pancho & L Roche 
Irene Burke 
Natasha 

Kamona Hughes 
Bernle Adler 
Paulette LaPlerre 
Dotty Dale 
Marlon Moore 
Allan Coe 

Coloalmo* 
Frank Quatrell Oro 
Gale 6 
Renee Villon 
Rose Perfect 
Tbe Uartzell* 
I^n Baldwin 
Frank Frlnc* 



Harry Pooley Oro 
Bobby Danders 
Cougreaa Hotel 
(tllow) Rat Rnt) 
Jerry Shelton 

Del Bhoiv 
Bddie Danders Ore 
Drake Hotel 
Camtllla Hoase) 
Bob Qrant Ore 
Peggy Fears 
Edgemter Beach 
Hotel 
(Beach Walk) 
Horace Heldt Oro 
Donna St Juane 
Ronnie Kemper 
Bernle MattlnHon 
Minnie CaboAine 
Burton Fierce 
NIghthawks 
Dorben GIs 
Herb Foote 

885 Club 

Johnny Howard 
The Conmd* 
Ann Suter 
FIfl DeValerl 
Julio Garcia Oro 

8100 Clob 

Danny Thomas 
Roberts St Re>iioldB 
Mary Beth Sires 
The Bartons 
Bob O Lin GIs 
Mark Fisher Ore 

Garrlck Stagebar 
Store Smttli 
Clarence P«oflt t 
Graeuere Hotel 

(Glas* Uoose Bmt 
Crusaders 
Dorothy Timmlns 
Betty Grey 

HI Hat 
Guy Cherney 
DeMarloB 
Jim Penman 
Andree Andrea 
J Manzaneres Ore 
Younger Qls 
Eddie Fens Ore 

iTaMioe 
Florence Schubert 
Al Trace Ore 
Holly Swanson 
Vlerro Hawaiian* 
Helen Sumner 
L'Alglon 
Spires Stamou Ore 
Gwendolyn Veausell 
Edna Ssllerv 
Isobel de Marco 
Merrisnn Hotel 
(Beaton Oyster 
Hnose) 
Manfred Ootthelf 

New Yorker 
More}' Amsterdam 
J * J Walton 
&lary Ann Russell 
Doris DuPont 
Mary Camp 
KretloV Gl8 
Arne Barnett Oro 
Al MtKon Ore 

Old Heldelb*r« 

Hans Muen/^r 4 
Doris WltUch 
Cosmo Pusa-Terl 
Heldelberc 4 

BatbekeilUr 
Louis St Ore 
Palmes Banse 
(Empire Boms) 
Sklnnay Ennla Ore 



Ambaaaador HeM 

(Surt Boom) 
Johnny Pick Oro 

Babette's Club 

Barbara Belmore 
Patricia Ryan 
Owen St Parker 
Milton Huber Oro 
Ginger Ford 
Fernandez Oro 
Bath ft Tart Club 
Jerry Cooper 
Marie Austin 
Pupy 
Gerardo 

Jack Whitehead O 
Tomas Rlos Oro 
BeBSoa'e Cat* 

Johnny Norton 
Princess Wbltewlng 
Rita Cunningham 
Roe Coletta Ore 
Breakers Hotel 
(Ship Deeh) 
Beale Street Boy* 
University 8 
Frances Faye 
Bricaatlne Hotel 
(Treasuiv r■^w*^^ 
Boom) 
Adrian Rolllnl I 
Claridse Hotel 
(Mayfair Room) 
Marty Magee Ore 
Chelsea Hotel 
(Terraee Boom) 
Johnny Hamp Oro 
Billy Van 8 

. Cllquot CInb 
Ann Howard 
Eddie Lang 
Cosmo St Anita 
Ramona 
Mildred Gibson 
Bucky Lopez 
Tony Glllard Oro 

Chei Farce 
H Montgomery 
Bothwell Brown 
Helen Montgomery 

Clab Harlem 
Larry Steele 
Myra Johnson 
Cook Sl BrowB 
Mae DItfgs 
Derby Wilson 
Hotacba Brew 
Jackie Mabley 
Aland St Anise 
Ruth Uolllday 
Blanche Coles 
Turner Gould 
Harlemettes (8) 
Garland Wilson 
Beachcombers 

Dude Ranch 
Endlcott Oro 



Dude Ranch Ore 
Billy iMt 

BlephMnt Cat* 
Joe Armstrons 

Joe Doyle 
Rita Roberta 
Peggy Bfalelds 

B«0 Club 

Cross St Dunn 
Dorothy Blnln* 
Margie Greene 
Henry Jerome 

Gateway Casino 
(Somen Point) 
Jack Ulller Oro ' 
Paul Titus 
Bubbles Lnwler 
Johnnie Farrell 
Jack Carleton 

Hermaa'a Mnsle Bar 

Jack Arnold 
Jockey'* Dcvby Onb 
Lenny Ross 
Bobby Johnson 
Bobby Dell 
Kikl Hall 
Peppl Carman 
Lee Norre 

Nomad Clab 

Jackie Whalen 
DUle Sullivan 
Letlda 
Helen Colby 
Zola Gray 

Praldeat Hotel 
(Ronnd World Bm) 
Anselmo Sacasas O 
Adrian Rolllnl % 
Marlon Powers. 
Juanta's Ore 
Johnnie Morgan 
Delia Norella 
Franco A Beryl 
Cheena de SImone 
Phyllis Baker 

Paradise Clab 
Bardu All Ore 
Wllma Mlddleton 
Charlie & Dotty 
UonI Coles 
Candy St Pepper 
Virginia VIgal 
Tampa Boys 
Catherine Atkinson 
Ethly Love 
Thelma Price 

Paddock lafl 
Dagmar 

Jackl* Rloharda 
Vlckl Cooper 
Marie KIbbey 
Five Debs 

Peon Atlantic Hotel 
(Falm Boom) 

Sue Ultcliell Ore 

BlU CaaUoa Hotel 
(Meny Go Bound 
Room) 

Carmen Cavallaro O 

Traymsre Betel 
(Stratosphere bn) 

BUI Madden Oro 

Chndwicks 

Pooshee-Pooehee 

Le Hola 

T. K. • Olab 

Alan Gale 
Grace O'Hara 
Bstelle Sloan 
Ralph Brown 
Judy Cummlngs 
Eddie Thomas 
Bobby Ijoe 
Eddy Blum 
3 Peppers 



PHIULDELPHIA 



Clob Ball 

RamonI Rhumba Bd 
Alan Fielding Oro 
Ball-lovelles 
J & A DIGIanto 
Virginia Ramos 
Ellsse 

Deloyd UoKaye 
Ben Ftanblla 

Ralph Eastwood 
Leo ZoUo Oro 
lillen Mitchell 
Barbara Blane 
Betty St F Roberts 

BlrmlBgtiam Inn 
(Femberton, M. J.) 

Birmingham Oro 
Jean St R Carney 
Jerry Gordon 
Bob St Mary 
Maude O'Matley 
Gene St Roberta 
Gibsons (2) 

f.*dlll*o TaTerB 
Hnrry Dobbs Oro 
Cadillac Caperette* 
Sally Osborne 
Camll'* 
Charlie Galnest Ore 
Isobel Brown 
Margret York 
Al PatT 
Hori'y Rose 
Jean Lee 
CarroUette* 
Jack Shaw 
Cedorw'd Log Cabin 

(Malaga, N. J.) 
Dale 4f- William* 
Ray O'Day 
Cynthia Evan* 
Erlle Doll 
Helen McNeil 
Carol Kent 
Lynne King 
Rllle Hugo 
Dolly Bruce 
Eileen Bronnan 

Embassy 
Susan Lang 
Alllda * Chlco 
Johnny Parrlsh 
Chlqulta 

Carlos Reyes Oro 
Bventivcs) Carina 

Brewster* 



/ 

Pete Hublno 
Vivian Vance 
Pat Shevlln On 

(H Walton Boof) 
Glamour Gle 
Helen Heath 
Barle St J Leach 
Mary Sawyer 
Vera Neva 
Roee Oallo 
Lou Morrison 
Nell Fontaine 
Cblco Si Cblqulta 
Jam Besslon 
Geo Verrechla 
Mickey House 
Billy Kretchmer 
Hopklna'Bathsheller 
Jimmy Venntl Oro 
Frank Lester 
Dave Vanfleld 
Chandor St Margo 
Jimmy Evan* 
Agnea Barry 

Udo Venka 
Darlene 

Ch Dougherty Gla 
Danny Verne* Oro 
Little Bathskeller 
M'nrle) Rrltlow Dan 
Bradford* 
Victor * Ruth 
De Lloyd McKay 
Jackie Hill 
Leoh Fields 
Victor Hugo's Ore 

jfaooa Inn 
Gene Tobin 
Do(, Garcey 
Bdyth* Sallad* 
Frank Cuneo Oro 
Nancy Newell 

Hlnstrel Tarera 
Tony Callazo 
Bd McOoldrick, Ji. 
Margie Boas March 
Slssjr Qlonls Loftus 
Bd McOoldrick, Sr 
Helen Marriott 

NeU Dleghna'a 
Fenwich A Cooke 
Leonard Cooks ' 
Bob * B Brown 
Darts (8) 
Bally La Harr 



Amy Organ 

Ray Hettinger Ore 
Old Falls Tmtm 

Dotty Winters 

Arietta Adair 

Billy HayoH* Ore 

Frnnkle Richardson 

Joan Carez 

At Kilbride 

Pafk Casino 

Tommy Monroe 

Idols of Rhythm 
IVaPork Gardens 
(Elng-of-PiWisIa, 
Pa.) 

Don Lee 
Oil Fitch Oro 
Margie George 
Artie Singer 
Rainbow Terrace 
(Strafford. Pa.) 
Cecil Golly Oro 
Margie Kelly 
Gene Hyman 
Jimmy Bngler 
Hal Flfer 

Bod Hill Inn 
(Pennaaaken, N, t.) 
Julia Cununings 
Iris Wayne 
Renaldo 

Warren Phillips 
Murray Ann 

Boman GrlD* 
Dotty Pejton 
Danny Richard* 
Gloria Dale 
Lenny Pegton Ore 
Matteo & Theresa 
Rendearon* 
(Hotel Senator) 
Tiny Kaye 
Loumelle-Morg'o (8) 

Sam'* Cafe 
Frank PontI 
Alberts St Albert 
Mystics (2> 
Frances Carroll 
Mike Ray Ore 
Showboat 
Glrard Ream 
Joe Rankin 
Vlreinla Lee 
Gerard St Carol 
Jay Oa'en 

SUeer Fleet Ina 
Betty Qaynor 
Jean CUirney 
Lola Clare 
Chic Lauler 



&Iax Levin 
Joe Lenny 
Phil Mills Oro 
Joe Scotty 

Silver Lake Inn 

Iris Wayne 
Geo lU'ed 
Uiirney St Longle 
Alice Lucey 
Frank Hessel Oro 

Stamp** 

MarKlo Drnmmond 
Virginia Lftmour 
Hal Pfafr Uro 
Jack Grinin 
Stamp Trio 
CaKlmlera GIs 

«Mh St. Bath*kell«r 

Billy Chester 
Blaine Ellis 
Paul Allen 
Phyllis Calne 
Ruth Templeton 
Marlta 
Roy Harklna 
Victor Nelson Ore 

nth Century 
StyllsU 
Rose Venutl 
Kenny Shatter Trie 
Marjorle Hyoms 
U rber'a Hot Biaa 
Camden 
Jules Flacco's Or* 
Marion 
Eden 2 

Hunt St Juliette 
Syd Golden 
Pumphandle Trio 
Al Goldecker 
Guardsmen (8) 
Harry Roch 
Jack Smith 
Signer Carmine 
Raths'r Bldoradlan* 
Dave Plerson 

Wlimn'* 
Joe Hough 
Billy Baker 
Honey Breen 
New Orleans 8 
Jean Bernhart 
Valero (8) 
Jess AltmlUer 
Geo Baquet Oro 
Kacht Clab 
Judy Renault 
Midshipman 
Catherine King. 
Mlml Stewart 
Helen Wilson 



CLEVELAND 



Alplna VUIb«« 

A Syd D eye 
Blondell Twine 
Greffory 8l Raymond 
Bob Copfcr 
(^rJ Mueller 
Otto Thuro Oro 

FA llanipo 
Bob Mannora Oro 
Sammy Lipman 
Antolnetteu 

Ba4«l AnertoB 

Joe Baldl Ore 

Hotel CATter 
ThIxLon SprenRor 
AThbdPeadora Ore 
Hotel Clevelniid 
Georf:« Duffy Ore 
Hotol Fenway BuO 
Johnny CowplU 
Orant WlUon 



Uot«l HolleDdea 
Ramon & Renlla 
Jerry Bergen 
Kay Vernon 
Sloan & Gary 
SorelU 

Sammy Watklns O 
Hotel 8U(Jer 

Jules Duke Ore 
La Conica Clob 

Freddie Carlone Oro 
Ltndmy's Sky bar 

Jaun Plorer 

Pearl de Lucca 
Uonaco'fl Cnfo 

Jaclc Pollack Qro 
. Recnl CInb 

Ducky Malvin OrO 
3700 aub 

Art West 

Ruth Parranta 

Pat Jordan 

Don Waish Oro 



DETBOIT 



Boolc-CodlUao Hotel 

(Book Casino) 
Loren Parsons 
San ford Handel 
Barry Wilkinson 
(Motor Bar) 
Vlo Abbs 

Bovrery 
Carlos. A Van Horn 
OuB Van 
Billy Hranch 4 
Blanche* A Htllot 
Paddy Cliff 
Arden Dano 
Johnny King 
Chas CarilHle 
Bonny Resh Ore 

CaannoTB 
Glamour GIs (6) 
Stephanie & Craig 
Laska Sis 
Louis A Cherlo 
9cott 

Lee Walter Oro 

Casino Gardens 
George OlHen Ore 
Don Royale Ore 
Massey A Miller 
Pehnova Ballet (1€) 
Yuo Sis (2) 
Anthony, AUyn A H 

Clob Congo 
Beuy St Claire 
Uladyii Madden 
Alice Lyons 
3 Bads 

Snowball A Johnny 
Joyner A Joyce 
6 Reedettea 
King Perry Ore 

CorJctowB TaTOrB 
BIJly Meagher 
Dolly Stirling 
Beth Farrell 
Ellen Kaye 
Joe B Kerns 
Cole & Corte 
.0 Vesters 
Les Arquette Oro 

H«ad'« 
3 Old Timers 
'Manuel Lopex 
London Chop Home 
Tonla ValentJ 
Chet Bverhart 
Frank Whitman O 

Clob Uar-Jo 
Paul Regan 
June Carlton 
Dancing Dletrlchs 
Merrltt Lamb Oro 

Horeoco 
"Gay Nineties' Rot 
Buddy Duray 
Joe Foder Oro 
Madelon Baker 
Neblolo'a 
Beth Farrell 



O'Donnol A Loyco 
Estralllta 
Leonard Seel Oro 

Nortbwood Ina 
Anita Jacobl 
Woods A Bray 
Harry Schilling 
Roshee A Lee 
Ray Car 11 o Oro 

Olde Wayne CInb 

DInorah Ore 
Bernice Bishop 
Hoffman Bros 

Palm Bench 

Bob Tolly 
James Howard 
Donna Reece 
iCtng & Uorhe 
Darro Bros 
Don Pablo Oro 

Hock's Redfonl Ina 
Mac McGraw Oro 

Club Royale 
Alberto Sergio 
Deongelo A Porter 
John Gallns 
Darlene Wnlders 
Pamela Brltton 
Don UcGrane Oro 
sutler Hotel 
Sapde Williams Oro 
MaxJne Tappan 
Sao Dl4^ 
Al Alexander Oro 
Udell A Daye 
Burns Bros 
Dolly Dawn 
Marya A Martyn 

The Tropics 
Betty Blnlr 
Jean Field 
Linda Bruce 
The FrJars (3) 
Vincent Bragale Oro 

Verne's 
Larry Kent 
Phil A TTonn* 
Dottle Jean 
Aito Fryer Oro 
Whlttler Hotol 
(Gold Cub ICoom) 
Herman Flno 

IToniler Bar 
Pat Naah 
Consuella 
Hy Baron Oro 
Castrllloa Ore 
009 aub 
Dale Rhodes 
Dl Qlovannl 
Margo Good 
Good A Goody 
Verne SVIlcox 
John A Jessie Rora 
Olga Ray 
Horace Houck Oro 



BOSTON 



BeaiAcomber 

Harry Morrlsscy 
Sandro D'Amez Oro 
Judy Ellington 
LaVerne Lupton 

MlACO 

6 Beach lea 
Buster Kelm Rev 

Bllnstnib'o 
Karl Rohde Oro 



Boyd Heathen 
George Roas 
Alien Brown 
Mann A Thomaa 



Cum HuBona 

Al Miller Ore 
David Batlehtino 
Faye Thomas 
viirlnla Melford 3 

(Continued on page 46) 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



LEGITIMATE 



48 



Mgrs., Scenic Union in Agreement 
On Designers and Costume 'Advisers 



Differencei over new regulations 
which threatened an impasse be- 
tween managers and the scenic art- 
ists, and was claimed to have de- 
layed some contracts for produc- 
tions, have been partially straight- 
ened out Union was in the mood 
to make concessions, with the man- 
agers displaying a similar attitude. 
In another argument, involving cos- 
tumers, the latter have granted a 
new wage scale to needle workers. 

Managers objected when the 
scenic union demanded that a cos- 
tume adviser be engaged for all 
plays but as the . cost is hardly of 
consequence, a compromise was 
made. When a show is produced 
the manager agrees to .engage an 
adviser. If the play be classed as 
a drawing room drama or comedy, 
the adviser shall be paid $75 for at 
least one week. For plays clawed 
as industrial or rural, the actv>3jir's 
pay is to be $50 it 20 costumes or 
less, with time and one-half being 
payable from 20 to 26 costumes (or 
regulation clothes), while $75 is the 
rate if more than that total is re- 
quixedL Costume designers and ad- 
visers must belong to the scenic 
union. 

Managers idea of revising the de- 
mand on payments to scenic design- 
ers is likely to be accepted. Instead 
of 100% being payable In advance, 
proposed that two-thirds be paid 
the designer before completion. 
Showmen ask the same leeway in 
payment to the studio operators as 
heretofore, three payments in equal 
amounts being the plan, producers 
to have . seven days' leeway after 
completion of settings. All pay- 
ments are to be remitted through 
the union, thereby eliminating the 
chances of kick-backs, strongly op- 
posed by scenic people. P>revious- 
ly most scenic designers had their 
own shops or studios, but few of the 
leading artists now have scenic 
plants. 

Union sought to place scenic de- 
signers in complete charge of light- 
ing, but modified that stand after 
managers argued against the plan. 
Latter pointed out that stage lighting 
Is still being developed and they 
want to be free to accept any new 
lighting devices. Virtually agreed 
that the designer will have general 
supervision, but shall not have dic- 
tatorial power over lighting. 

Among the points at issue Is the 
demand by the scenic union that a 
stage crew be engaged one week 
prior to opening or preview. Man- 
agers do not understand why the 
. scenic union should step in on the 
stagehands' baliwick and some have 
rbfused point blank to give in on 
that requirement. 

Costume workers, whose demands 
would have upped costs 40% because 
of increases and new working condi- 
' lions, agreed to a scale that will in- 
crease wages about 22%. 



Silence, Please 



Westboro, Mass., July 29. 

Town Hall Playhouse here, 
operated by Alan Gray Holmes, 
has created a new title for silo 
circuit crews: 'soft pedalist.' 

One of the lads on the play- 
house staff has the chore, each 
night, of climbing the town hall 
belfry and unhitching the tongue 
of the town bell so that the nine 
and ten o'clock strikes will not 
disturb the i>erformances. 



AL WOODS 'KILLER' ON 
THE COAST, THEN B'WAY 



Los Angeles, July 29. 

Al Woods is readying a new legit 
show, "The Gentleman Came to Kill,' 
for an opening here with intent to 
move to Broadway in the autumn. 

Play is authored by Hay Golden. 
Producer Is angling for Marc Law- 
rence in the title part 



NO LEEWAY ON 
nCKETREES 



Why some Broadway ticket bro- 
kers were socked with fines for not 
stamping tickets ordered by tele- 
phone to boxoffices and others were 
not has still not been explained, but 
the attitude of tax officials has been 
made quite definite. Jimes F. Reilly, 
of the League of New York Theatres, 
asked what the ^eciflc violations 
were. In a reply from D. S. Bliss, 
deputy commissioner of internal 
revenue, it is stated that the regula- 
tions must be followed — that is that 
every ticket sold by a broker must 
be stamped with the name of the 
vendor and the price charged. 

Washington insists on this and, un- 
less the regulation is modified before 
the new season starts, ticket men 
win be subject to further prosecu- 
tion. The rule was evidently framed 
by persons not familiac with condi- 
tions. It is therefore the intention 
of managers to join with the ticket 
people in getting the rule modified. 
Too many tickets are sold between 
7 p.m. and curtain time by brokers 
over the phone to have that volume 
of business lost 

Reilly, in his communication to 
Bliss, suggested the use of the tripli- 
cate order system, whereby a perma- 
nent record WovJd be retained by 
boxoSices. Commissioner answered 
that that system was not acceptable, 
and, whether the orders were 
stamped by the brokers or not, there 
could be no substitute to the rule for 
actual stamping by the agency. 



Receiver for Beck's Sec 
Sniog Bookie Erickson 
For Embezzled Coin 



Arrest last week of Frank Erick' 
son. New York bookmaker, on 
charges of assaulting Milton F. Un 
termyer, stock broker, coincided 
with the news that civil proceedings 
had been filed against him by David 
KugeU receiver for assets of Lillian 
Saxon Schrein. Latter was the niece 
by marriage of the late Martin Beck 
and was convicted on his charge that 
she embezzled from him large 
amount, estimated totaling $400,000. 
She was recently reported released 
after serving a two to four year 
prison term. 

Miss Saxon, as she was known 
when handling the Beck theatre, is 
said to have received considerable 
money from ticket brokers, coin 
being known as 'ice,' such gratuities 
being discontinued. Claimed that 
she lost most of that money by mak- 
ing big bets on the races, along with 
plenty she took from Beck. 

Alleged that Miss Saxon dropped 
$110,000 to Erickson and Charles 
Yohalen, another bookie. Receiver 
says that if the money is recovered 
most of it will revert to the Beck 
estate, showman having secured a 
judgment against her for $90,000. 



FRANK HARRIS' WO)OW 
GETS 80G FROM mOE' 



Following further argument based 
on a decision handed down June 23, 
Judge Vincent L. Leibell in the 
N. Y. federal court Monday (27) 
ruled further on the question of lia- 
bilities of Gilbert Miller, Norman 
Marshall, Leslie and Sewell Stokes 
and Heron Productions to Nellie 
Harris, widow of Frank Harris. A 
former ruling had granted the plain- 
tiff an interlocutory judgment against 
the defendants, finding they had in- 
fringed on Frank Harris' book, 'Os- 
car Wilde, His Life and Confessions,' 
in the play, 'Oscar Wilde.' 

The court had granted the plain- 
tiff the profits, but had not clearly 
stated how they were to be appor- 
tioned, and had said that reference to 
a special master was necessary. It 
is estimated that these profits will 
approximate $80,000. with $25,000 
having been received by the authors, 
Leslie and Sewell Stokes, $38,500 by 
Miller, N. Y. producer of the play, 
and $16,500 by Marshall, the London 
producer. The court's ruling finds 
each defendant jointly liable for all 
the profits, with a master to be ap- 
pointed soon to determine the exact 
figures. The master will also have 
to decide If Miller is liable for the 
$25,000 to the authors, or whether 
that will be part of the expense in 
putting on the play. 

The decision of the court is un- 
usual in many ways and opens up 
new. laws for infringement of copy- 
(Continued on page 44) 

'Sleep It or Bought By 
Jed Hariris for B'way 

HoUywood, July 29. 
Jed Harris bought a new stage 
farce, 'Sleep It Off,' authored by 
Lyford Moore, Detroit newspaper 
writer. 

He plans to stage it in the fall on 
Broadway. 



PEOPLE' NOW 
VERY CONFUSED 



'The Beautiful People' may close 
at the Lyceum, N. Y., this week and 
then again it may not. William 
Saroyan, author of the play, its pro- 
ducer and manager by remote con- 
trol, sent a message from his hide- 
away in Fresno, Cal., to the theatre 
staff, but the latter doesn't know 
how to interpret it. 

Only definite statement in the 
show's ad Tuesday (29) was that 
persons who see 'People' won't get 
their money back. He tried that idea 
out for about two weeks, then called 
it off. When the kickback was on, 
'People' perked up a bit but the 
schlager was on last week, as indi- 
cated by bis announcement which 
read: 

'Positively last week, we think. If 
we break even, we'll go another 
week. Last week we lost $1,100. It 
wasn't the humidity, it was the com- 
petition. We've got the most enter- 
taining play in New York. The only 
trouble is it's new (has been on for 
three months) and may be a little 
unfamiliar, that's all. If you're look- 
ing for a cinch, see another show and 
we'll close. Otherwise see this show, 
and even if you don't like it, you will 
not get your money back, and we 
will stay open. One way or another 
we will be back next season with 
the best play of the ye^ again.' 

So the staff don't know whether 
the house will keep lighted after Sat- 
urday (2) or not 



Managers Unanimous in Backing 
Up Forecast of Record Road Biz 



AJLs in Gastronomical 
Fiekl Day at 42d Anmial 
Hot Air Club's Gamliake 



By JACK PULASKI 

Since the turn of the century, the 
Hot Air Club has been holding an- 
nual clambakes at Pleasure Bay on 
Jersey's Shrewsbury River and. as 
always on the last Sunday in July 
(27), the old boys were at it again 
for the 42nd consecutive outing. 
There were few gastromonic casual- 
ties at the tables under the trees, 
and mostly decorous forensics from 
the more loquacious members. 

Ben Atwell was named the presi- 
dent -for the coming year -and, for 
a man who recently turned Green- 
wich Villager, his acceptance ad- 
dress was something. Augustus 
(Gus) Pitou, who relinquished the 
chair, briefly but eloquently sound- 
ed the credo of the organization: 
'Here with our pals we meet again 
in reunion, in the spirit of good fel- 
lowship ... a club most unique, in- 
somuch as there are no dues — the 
one qualification essential to mem- 
bership being that of affectionate re- 
gard for others.' 

The event was again held at Green 
Gables, as it has for the past dozen 
years. Previously the clambake was 
spotted at Price's and Billy Burns' 
Silvermere Inn close by, places that 
were once favored by the smart 
Rumson crowd. In former times ex- 
cursion boats came down from New 
York, but those side wheelers are 
resting on the Jersey mud flats, if 
still existent 

Pictures of members taken in 1915 
were reprinted with the legend: 'O, 
what a difference a few years make.' 
That was nostalgic, because most of 
those pictured have passed on. The 
muggs of others who were present 
at the feed bag exercises Sunday 
could hardly be recognized now— 
for instance the cherubic kisser of 
Eddie Cooke, or the distinguished 
countenance of Fred Meek. Bill 
Keogb threatened to swim over the 
Shrewsbury and managed to reach 
water shoulder high . . . Victor Leigh- 
ton interrupted a fishing trip to Maine 
to be on hand . . . Fred Zweifel dec- 
orated his pink shirt with plenty 
clahi juice . . . Bob Campbell and 
Jim O'Neill gimped around in good 
form . . . Eddie Plohn came up from 
Washington and all the Plohns were 
there . . . Warren O'Hara motored 
bunches of a.k.'s to look over his 



Army Stymie 



There will be a scarcity of 70- 
foot baggage cars during the 
coming season, managers being 
so informed by railroad pas- 
senger agents, who handle 
movements of touring ' shows. 
Understood the Government has 
requistioned most of the 70- 
footers for use as rolling army 
kitchens. 

Those shows affected will 
mostly be musicals, which will 
transport settings in 60-foot cars. 



B'WAY LEGIT 
m FADES 



The predicted summer boom on 
Broadway has not materialized and, 
judging from last week's grosses, 
there won't be much of an upturn 
during August It had been figured 
that business would gradually pick 
up after July Fourth. There was 
some improvement, but continued 
high temperatures crimped theatre- 
going and even air-conditioned the- 
atres did not prove much of a lure. ■ 

Travel agencies had reported 
heavy bookings into the metropolis, 
but either the estimates were ex- 
aggerated or the influx dated for the 
dog days. Saturday (26) was prob- 
ably thi low of the summer. It was 
so dull in the Times Square zone 
that hotel managements called each 
other up to keep from getting lone- 
some. Stated that ntidtown hostel- 
ries were only 30 to 40% occupied, 
while one spot with over 60% was 
considered lucky. It was quite dif- 
ferent from the weekend over the 
Fourth, when visitors piled into town 
and some hotels claimed capacity 
reservations. 

Theory of good business this sum- 
mer was predicated upon incomers 
from manufacturing towns, where 
factories are running 24 hours daily. 
Figured that so much money being 
spent on defense works would bene- 
fit Broadway. Evidently people in 
the manufacturing centers are too 
busy with all-out activities to con- 
sider vacations. 

Showmen are still confident that 
eventually theatres will prosper 
from the enormouis expenditures, but 
dating the start of the boom is like 
selecting a long shot. Last summer 
at this time, when there were 10 
shows as against the current 12. some 
grosses were considerably higher 
because the shows were newer and 
World's Fair visitors were on band. 



KERRY WIDOW TEES 
OFF OKAY IN ST. L 



St. Louis, July 29. 

Gladys Baxter, a fave of nine sea- 
sons of Municipal theatre shows, 
and Wilbur Evans, baritone, making 
only appearance this season In the 
Forest Park alfresco theatre, were 
the big clicks in the modernized 
version of Franz Lehar's 'The 
Merry Widow' that began a one- 
week stand last night (Monday). 
Despite near equatorial temperature 
on tap, and rain in the afternoon, 
an opening night mob that grossed 
an approximate $4,000 was on hand. 

Piece ha; been presented ' four 
times previously here. Runners-up 
for top honors are Jack Donohue, 
subbing for Howard Freeman; Bob 
Lawrence, baritone: Eric Mattson. 
and Dorothy Sandlin, songbird dis- 
covery of the current season. 
Standouts in the supporting cast are 
Joseph Macaulay, Charles Wil- 
liams, Ruth Urban, William Mercer, 
Frederic Persson, Harrison and 
Fisher, ballroomologists. Watson 
Barratt designed some eye filling 
sets for the piece. 

'Nina Rosa' wound up seven-night 
engagement Sunday (27) with an 
estimated take of $31,000. Torrid 
weather and threats of rain on sev- 
eral evenings held down attendance 
despite posies tossed by all crix. 



nearby, recently acquired estate . . . 
Frank O. Miller, the perennial sec- 
retary, was the quietest clam guz- 
zler in the gathering . . . Gus L. 
Cobb and Sam Reiter did their stuff 
as transportation experti. 



Managers from out of town visit- 
ing Broadway are unanimous ia 
voicing the opinion that the road 
will be prosperous next season, most 
of them even saying the theatre 
should see the best business in a 
decade. That backs up recent pre- 
dictions along the same lines, but 
appears more authentic as the out-of- 
towners are closer to local condi- 
tions. 

Expectation is based not only on 
the fact that at many points plant* 
are running day and ni^t filling de- 
fense orders, but that the class of 
attractions is higher. They state 
that people have been show-hungry 
for a long time and now again hav* 
the earning power to attend legit. 

There are a score or more showa 
already booked for the road. The 
list includes: 

'Lite With Father* (two com- 
panies),. 'Arsenic and Old Ijace,' 
'Claudia.' "The Doctor's Dilemma' 
(Katharine Cornell), 'Hellzapoppin,' 
'The Corn is Green,' 'There Shall Be 
No Night,' 'Boys and Girls Together* 
(Ed Wynn). 'Hold On to Your Hats* 
(Al JoUon). 'My Sister Eileen,' To- 
bacco Road,' 'Johnny Belinda.' 'Old 
Acquaintance' (Jane Cowl, Peggy 
Wood). 'Louisiana Purchase,' 'Watch 
on the Rhine,' "Theatre' (Cornelia 
Otis Skinner), Tanama Hattie,' 
'Dubarry Was a Lady,' "Meet the 
People,' 'Separate Rooms,' in addi- 
tion to several Theatre Guild showa 
and such repeaters as 'Blossom Time* 
and 'Student Prince,' which did sur- 
prisingly well last spring. 

It was claimed last season that 
most of the theatres out-of-town 
which did not go into the red were ' 
regarded as lucky to pay off the 
fixed charges. Conditions should be 
different the coming season. 



Playwrights May Not ^ 
Produce Until Fmten 
Sherwood's Goy't Post 



The Playwrights Co. may not pre- 
sent a production from their own 
four-man author-manager combina- 
tion until after Jan. 1 because of the 
varied plans which will occupy 
them through autumn. Robert E. 
Sherwood, who is an intimate in the ' 
White House, has accepted Pres- 
ident Roosevelt's appointment to be j 
the chief assistant to Col. William 
J. Donovan, recently placed la 
charge of correlating secret informa- 
tion valuable to U. S. defense. 

Sherwood wrote two of the Play- 
wrights' outstanding successes — 'Abe 
Lincoln in Illinois' and There Shall 
Be No Night.' but he will now de- 
vote all his time to the Government i 
post in Wash. Pointed out that the 
Playwrights can and w01 have the 
services of Its other star authors — 
Maxwil2 Anderson, Elmer Bice and 
S. N. Behrman. Behrman and Rice 
scripts are not due until early win- 
ter, letter is currently on the 
Coast, but a picture assignment will 
not interfere with a play he is ready- 
ing. 

Playwrights office will start ac- 
tivities during August, Anderson's 
'Candle in the Wind,' to be presented 
in association with the Theatre 
Guild, going into rehearsal with 
Alfred Lunt. directing. The author 
manager outflt is slated to produce 
Sidney KIngsley's 'JeflTersDn,' first 
play by an outside dramatist, 
while plans are maturing for 
•Not on Friday,' by George 
O'Neal, to be presented In associa- 
tion with John Golden. After 'Can- 
dle' opens, the Lunts will again tour 
in 'Night,' Playwrights' smash of 
last season. 



Collette Lyons Replaces 
Martha Raye in 'Hats' 

Collette Lyons, blonde singer- 
comedienne, will take over the 
Martha Raye role in touring edition 
of Al Jolson's 'Hold On To Your 
Hats'. Miss Lyons, last on Broad- 
way in George White's 'Scandals,' 
recently quit touring with USO- 
sponsored mobile shows playing 
Army camps to take over the part 
in the Jolson musical. 

Show is slated to start Its tour at 
Garden Pier, Atlantic City, Aug. 36 
and run until February, 1842. 



4 



44 LEGITIMATE 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



Big Strawhat B.O. 



; Continued from page Is 



house, Westport, Conn., beginning 
Aug. 11. Engagement will be for 
two weeks (in itself a rarity) and 
the advance sale already indicates a 
complete sellout before the opening 
performance, plus record-breaking 
grosses for both weeks. Season so far 
at the Cape theatre, Dennis, Mass., 
has likewise seen spectacular busi- 
ness. First three weeks' bills each 
successively set new house records 
for the present scale. Bucks County 
Playhouse, New Hope, Pa., has sim- 
ilarly enjoyed unprecedented pros- 
perity for early, season. Reports 
from virtually all other major straw- 
hat stands have been along the same 
line. 

Situation at Westport is typical. 
With a possible capacity gross of 
$5,500 for the week, the spot opened 
with Tallulah Bankhead in 'Her 
Cardboard Lover' for an estimated 
take of S4,500— very profitable. Busi- 
ness was only a trifle less for the 
second week, a tryout of 'La Belle 
Helene.' a swing musical version of 
an Offenbach operetta, with an all- 
Negro cast. Show actually bettered 
an even break— unheard of for a mu- 
sical tryout without names. 

Mary Boland In 'Wife,' $4,500 
Third week did another $4,500 on 
Mary Boland in 'Meet the Wife,' 
while a tryout of 'Little Dark Horse,' 
by Theresa Helburn, without a name 
cast, did better than an even break 
at $3,800 last week. Business the 
first four weeks has averaged $1,500 
a week better than last season. This 
week's bill, Constance Collier in 
'Curtain Going Up,' started promis- 
ingly Monday (28) night and has a 
good advance for the remaining 
nights. Next week there Is 
also a strong advance for. the try- 
out of 'Love in My Fashion,' with 
Ilka Chase and Dennis King. Fact 
that Miss Chase will do her 'Pent- 
house Party' broadcast for Camel 
...elgarettes from the stage of the play- 
house Friday night has already 
stirred considerable interest. 

'LiUiom' indicates two solid weeks 
beginning Aug. U and, because of 
the' profitable season, Lawrence 
liangner and Armina Marshall are 
planning to extend the schedule an 
extra week by adding a show the 
week of Aug. 25. No play is set for 
the date so far.' Subscriptions at 
Wtstport are about double those of 
last season. 

With the boxofltice already 
swamped with 'LiUiom' requests, no 
more telephone reservations are 
being accepted. There are few seats 
left for the opening week and only 
about halt the house tor the second 
week. Indication of the demand tor 
this bill Is the tact that the home 
office of 20th Century-Fox, which 
has the two players under contract, 
has received innumerable requests 
from Its representatives and exhibi- 
- tors throughout the country.. Peo- 
ple plan to attend the show during 
their vacations and want to get good 
seats. Film company Is placed In 
the embarrassing spot of having to 
' explain it has nothing to do with the 
seat sale for the engagement. 

At the Cape theatre. Dermis, the 
subscription sale Is said to be about 
80% above last season, with business 
so tar about 25% higher. Charles 
Butterworth, who has broken box- 
office records everywhere he has ap- 
peared in 'George Washington Slept 
Here,' opened the season by setting 
new figures at the present $2.75 top. 
Aubrey Smith topped that the sec- 
ond week In 'Old English,' while 
, Moss Hart surpassed that again the 
1^ third week in "The Man Who Came 
H to Dinner.' Paul Robeson is current 
^ ly cleaning up in 'The Emperor 
Jones.' 

.Despite Bad Weather 

Dennis has a capacity of 519 seats 
and can do just under $7,000 on an 
eight-performance week. For the 
week of Aug. 18, Gertrude Lawrence, 
wife of the spot's manager, Richard 
Aldrich, will try out John Van DrU' 
ten's 'Behold We Live.' Regular per- 
formances are already sold out and 
en extra matinee is being added. As 
at the other strawhats, the heavy 
business has been despite unusually 
bad weather, particularly weekends. 
Remarkable factor has been the 
number of good houses for early- 
week performances. 

Bucks County playhouse. New 
Hope, opening with Butterworth in 
•George Washington Slept Here,' set 
■ new house record with a gross of 
$4,275, including an extra matinee 
but excluding two 'added days per- 
forjijances the preceding week. Sub- 
sequent bills were 'Ladies In Retire- 
ment,' about $3,300; 'Skylark,' nearly 
■ $4,000; Pauline t^ord In 'The Great 
Adventure,' about $3,800; "The Good 



Fairy,' around $3,400; 'Golden Boy,' 
about $3,300, and 'Mr. ' and Mrs. 
North,' just over $4,000. Current 
offering, 'The Man Who Came to 
Dinner,' with George Kaufman, Moss 
Hart and Harpo Marx, is playing 10 
performances and is already an 
above-capacity sellout at more than 
$4,500. 

Curious thing about Bucks County 
is thai names, although valuable, 
aren't as essential as at most spots. 
Theatre is near Philadelphia and ap- 
parently draws best with shows that 
have a Broadway rep. but haven't 
yet played Philly. Example was 'Mr. 
and Mrs. North,' which had a no- 
name cast, yet played to more than 
the $4,000 capacity. 

Suffern's Handicap 

County theatre, Suffern, N. Y., 
was handicapped at the start of the 
season by the sour reputation left 
last year by Walter Armitage, whose 
operation of the place blew up with 
less than half the schedule played, 
leaving piles of unpaid bills and 
plenty of irate subscribers. Hoiise 
is managed this year by Jean Muir, 
in partnership with Sanford Meis- 
ner. Former film actress is hand- 
ling the business end, with Meisner 
doing the staging. Largely because 
of the ill-will from last season, the 
subscription sale has been slow. 
Also, Miss Muir was forced to put 
up a heavy bond to the phone, light 
and similar companies and to pay 
cash to all local tradespeople. 

However, the theatre has estab- 
lished credit again and attendance 
has been growing as word of good 
productions has spread by word of 
mouth. With a gross limited to a 
possible $2,400, the spot drew about 
$1,400 with "The Male Animal', $1,- 
900 on 'Mr. and Mrs. North,' $1,800 
with 'The Play's The Thing' and, 
last week, nearly capacity $2,200 
with Miss Muir in 'Once in a Life- 
time.' Actress has played the thea- 
tre several times in previous years 
and has always been a strong draw 
there. Current show is Margaret 
Webster in 'Ladies in Retirement.' 

Casino theatre, Newport, one of 
the class spots, has also been doing 
record business, particularly last 
week, with Alexander Kirkland and 
Mary Mason in 'The Male Animal.' 
Gross Was estimated at $4,600, 
against a possible capacity of $5,00() 
for the six-performance week. 
Schedule calls tor Tuesday night 
openings, at a $2.75 top, with sub- 
sequent shows scaled up to $2.20. 
Previous seasons there has been an 
en)phasis on the society turnout, but 
this year, with Newport mobbed by 
naval personnel, the attendance has 
been more representative. 

Berkshire playhouse, Stockbridge, 
Mass., another key spot, has also 
been doing record business, mostly 
with - resident players in the lead 
parts. Ruth Chatterton opened the 
season to hefty business in 'Tomor- 
row and Tomorrow.' Subsequent 
bills included 'George Washington 
Slept Here' and 'Beggar on Horse- 
back' (both without names) and, 
last week, Grace C^eorge in 'Miss 
Nellie of New Orleans,' an oldie re- 
vival. Jane Cowl and Peggy Wood 
are current in 'Old Acquaintance.' 
House has a capacity of 444 seats, a 
$2.75 top and can gross nearly $4,- 
000 for a regular seven-performance 
week. 



with Sinclair Lewis in 'My Dear 
Children,' despite some heavy pen- 
ning of the scribbler's acting at- 
tempt. Currently showing is Lewis' 
'Angela Is 22,' which the author has 
staged. 

At Indian Neck, Montowese play- 
house, which took a heavy scarlet 
bath in its initial season a year '&go, 
is coming out from under this year 
with a new group (American Actors 
Co.) at the helm. A slow start has 
been overcome b.v substantial gains, 
last week's biz on Eric Linden in 
'Out of the Frying Pan' being okay. 
Spot gets Anita Louis in 'The Swan' 
for week of Aug. 5. Set for Aug. 
26 is 'Mr. and Mrs. North,', with Lin- 
den pencilled for a return date. 

• Theatre-in-the-Dale, at New Mil- 
ford, has already passed in a half 
season the total attendance of last 
year. House is a new 250-seater 
which has replaced barn operated 
here for several summers. 



Gonn. Strawhats Profitable 
Pace at Mid-Season 

New Haven, July 29. 
StraWhat biz on nearby southern 
Connecticut circuit has hit a profit' 
able gait at mid-season and looks to 
swing into last half with a nice 
margin over a year ago. 

At Ivoryton, . Milton Stlefel is 
working the cash register overtime, 
with turnaways in evidence every 
week. Latest click was Paul Robe' 
son In 'Emperor Jones,' show getting 
around $5,000 last week, thanks to 
some ]acked-up ducats at $2.20. Sea- 
son here includes fanciest list of 
names ever to play the spot' in one 
summer, roster also featuring Buddy 
Ebsen, Charles Butterworth, Sally 
Rand and Tallulah Bankhead. 

Guilford's Chapel Playhouse, un- 
der Nate Beers and Olsen and John- 
son, has had steady biz to date, 
Henry Hull in 'Dear Brutus' recently 
cracking the house Saturday night 
record. Spot Is operating on the 
guest-star policy, drawing names 
from pix, legit and even burlesque. 
House plays 'Separate Rooms' next 
week (4), an unusual feature in that 
original production is still running 
on Broadway. 

Stony Creek is bettering last year's 
gross up to' this point. Healthy 
figures were In evidence last week 



'Beggar's Opera' for Barn 

Pittsburgh, July 29. 

Lehman Engel's version of the 
John Gay opera, 'Beggar's Opera,' 
which he guest-directed at Carnegie 
Tech drama school with great suc- 
cess last spring, will be done week of 
Aug. 11 at Bucks County Playhouse, 
New Hope, Pa. One member of 
Tech cast has already been engaged 
for the Bucks County production. 
She is Shirley Brown, who gradu- 
ated from local drama school in June. 
Young actress is daughter of Ben 
Brown, head of projection depart- 
ment for WB in Pittsburgh zone. 
Other leads have been assigned to 
Jane Pickens and Walter Cassell. 

Engel has his eye on showing 'Beg- 
gar's Opera' in New York this fall, 
and strawhat date is in the nature of 
a tryout. Miss Brown's engagement 
in this cancels her scheduled ap- 
pearance at Cohasset, Mass., In Char- 
lie Gaynor's original revue. 



Kennedy Tees Off Aas. 4 

Springfield, Mass., July 29. 

Harold J. Kennedy, of Holyoke, 
will open a five-week strawhat sea-, 
son at the "Springfield Trade school 
Aug. 4 with Ruth Chatterton in 'The 
Constant Wife.' Earlier plans of 
Kennedy to conduct a summer the- 
atre at the Trade school were can- 
celed because he had been producing 
Accent on Youth,' with Sylvia Sid- 
ney and Luther Adler, in Chicago. 

■The week of August 11 Kennedy 
will present William Gaxton, Kitty 
Carlisle and the Hartmanns in 'Any- 
thing Goes.' 



Hoblitzelle 

I^^ConUnned from page 

Lyman and his orchestra who are 
headlining the first unit of vaude- 
ville' to tour the Interstate on the 
fall program. 

Charles O'Connor, announcer for 
NBC has been engaged especially to 
announce the four Lyman programs 
through TQN. 



Hoblitxelle Nixes $10 Feed 

Dallas, Texas, July 29. 
Karl Hoblitzelle, president of the 
Interstate Circuit, has vetoed count- 
less extra-mural activities planned 
for next month in honor of his 35 
years in Texas. A $10-a-plate din- 
ner was called off because Hoblit- 
zelle said that with the USO needing 
money and with United States de- 
tense bonds for sale, such money 
should go for those purposes. 
• Some Interstate theatres, however, 
will have special events during the 
month to honor the circuit head. 



Suminer Premieres 



{■July 30-Au(7. 9) 
'He Takes It In His Stride,' comedy 
by Jean Archibald'and Arthur Hansl, 
at Theatre-in-the-Dale, New Milford, 
Conn. (30-2). 

. 'Scarlet,' whodunit by Bruce 
Evans, at Harbor playhouse, Marion, 
Mass. (30-2). 

'Their Finest Hour,' by J. Franklin 
Jones, at Pine Grove playhouse, 
Cambridge Springs, Pa. (4-9). 

'Mary's Gate,' by Margery Wil- 
liams, at MIchiana Shores (Ind.) 
theatre (30-2). 

'Ton Can't Guess the Answer,' of 
undisclosed authorship, at Hunter- 
don Hills playhouse, Jutland, N, J. 
(30-2). 

'Love In Oar Time,' by Leslie 
Reade, with Ilka Chase, Dennis 
King, at Country playhouse. West- 
port, Conn. (4-9). 

'Dark Enemy,' by Peter Calvey, at 
Montowese playhouse, Indian Neck, 
Branford, Conn. (5-9). 

'I Killed the Count,' by Al«x Cop- 
pel, at the Brattleboro (Vt.) play- 
house (5-9). 



Literati 



TttAei Sells Bureau to A.P. 

Sales of Wide World news photo 
service, wholly-owned New York 
Times subsid, to the Associated 
Press, which becomes effective Fri 
day (1), will result in the Times 
setting up a photo department of its 
own. Wide World in the past has 
functioned as the Times' lens de- 
partment as well as servicing other 
papers. 

Undetermined number of the more 
than 100 WW employees will move 
to AP following the switch, while 
others will be retained for the 
Times' new staff. Some will be let 
out, it is understood, with severance 
pay in line with Newspaper Guild 
practice. 

WW, during the greater portion of 
its 24-year existence, has been a loss 
to the Times, which is principal reS' 
son for its sale. New subsid cor 
poration is being set up by the Wmes 
to hold patents WW owns on various 
Wirephoto devices and to license 
manufacture of the equipment 
Otherwise WW's wirephoto will be 
consolidated with the AP's. 

All subscribers to WW were in 
formed in letters by the AP last 
week of the change In ownership 
and advised that the service they 
had been receiving would be con- 
tinued. AP will carry on Wide 
World under the latter title. 



Black Mask Vs. BUck Hood 

An application tor a temporary 
injunction against Columbia Publica 
tions. Inc. and Kable News Co., re- 
vealed a suit against them in N. Y. 
supreme court by Tictioneers, Inc., 
on Thursday (23). Plaintiff seeks an 
injunction, accounting of profits and 
damages for alleged infringement of 
copyright in the publication of the 
magazine Slack Hood. 

P.laintiff publishes the magazine 
called Black Mask, and claims to 
have 90,000 dealers distributing mil- 
lions of copies yearly. Defendant 
published its magazine July 1, 1941, 
using the same format and size with 
a similar name, it Is stated. 



PanI H. Forman Broke 

Paul H. Forman, book publisher, 
head of The Pyramid Press and 
The Saravan House, filed a volun- 
tary petition of bankruptcy in N. Y. 
federal court Friday (25), listing no 
assets and $2,660 in liabilities. 

Creditors include SImco Press, 
$452; Ida Sherman, $78 on royalties 
for publishing a book, and Mrs. Ivy, 
M. Clayton, $25 royalties. 



Kenny's Syndication 

Nick Kenny, radio editor of N. Y., 
Mirror, yesterday (Tuesday) started 
a new syndicated column via King 
Features, captioned 'Day Unto Day,' 

Will use human Interest - stories 
plus Kenny's original poems and will 
duck the radio personality formula, 
as heretofore, since out-of-town 
papers don't care tor it as a daily 
feature. \ 



LITEBATI OBITS 

Howe Price, 50, publisher, Besse- 
mer (Ala.) Advertiser, died recently 
after a brief illness. 

Charles Frederick Markell, 85, au- 
thor, traveler, legislator, died sud- 
denly in Birmingham, Ala.,, recently. 

Forest Lowry, 65, retired news- 
paper editor, died July 24 In Los 
Angeles after a two-year illness. Be- 
fore his retirement in 1939 he had 
been financial editor of the Los An- 
geles Examiner tor nine years. 

Edward B. McLean, 68, former 
publisher of The Washington Post, 
died last week in a Baltimore sana- 
torium. He had been legally de- 
clared of unsound mind in 1933. 
Long in the Washington political 
spotlight, McLeaif was involved In 
the Teapot Dome oil scandals with 
Harry Sinclair and Albert Fall. 
Widow and three children survive. 

Frederick W. Eddy, 88, retired 
newsman, who had been an editorial 
writer tor the old New York World 
and had covered the Boxer Rebellion 
in China for several metropolitan 
New York dallies, died last week in 
Nantucket, Mass. 



CHATTEB 

Louise Levitas in Hollywood for 
three weeks to gander material tor 
PM. . 

Jerome Beatty'in Hollywood on 
assignment from the American mag- 
azine. 

Jerome Beatty In Hollywood to do 
a series of personality yairns for 
American Magazine. 

Martin M. Goldsmith sold his new 



novel, 'Strange Objective,' to Viking 
Press for winter publication. 

Robert Carson sold 'Back to -Cara- 
cas,' a short novel about Hollywood, 
to the Ladies Home Journal. 

Elsie Lincoln, on staff of Time 
mag, the mother last week of a 
son in N. Y. She's wife of Dr. Al- 
bert Rosner. 

G. H. Carswell has purchased in- 
terest in Irvington (Ga.) Bulletin, 
published by Lamar Tigner, and be- 
comes editor. 

'Low on the War' (Simon & 
Schuster: $2) is an anthology of the 
British cartoonist, David Low's po- 
litical works, just published. 

Harrison E. Miller, who resigned 
from the Fort Wayne (Ind.) News 
Sentinel recently, has been appoint- 
ed chief oil inspector by the State 
Auditor. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Meriwether Gilmer 
(Dorothy Dix) handling syndicated 
column this summer from Asheville, 
N. C, where she Is on vacation from 
New Orleans. 

Henry MIsselwitz, Metro scripter ' 
who wrote 'The Dragon Stirs,' 
motoring to New York to confer 
with his publishers about a book of 
short stories. 

Alice Keenan Cripps* (Albany, 
Ga.) new novel 'Glory Road' off 
press. Author, native of Ohio,* is 
mother of five children, has five 
grandchildren. 

Robert S. Harvey, State editor of 
the Indianapolis Star for 11 years, 
has become director of the Yancles 
Library and English teacher at Wa- 
bash College, Crawfordsville, Ind. 

Thomas J. LaBrum, assistant to 
the publisher of the Philadelphia 
Record and head of the advertising 
agency that bears his name, planed 
to the Coast last Friday (26). Due 
back next week. 

Paul Galileo sold The Life of Lou 
Gehrig' as a serial to Cosmopolitan 
mag, starting in November. Cur- 
rently Gallico is working on the 
screen story of the Yankee first 
baseman's career. 

Thomas Ketterson, Nashville 
(Tenn.) United Press Bureau man- 
ager, ordered to active army duty aV. 
Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Bob Kelly of 
U. P. staff upped to succeed him. 
Harold Twitty resigned from Nash- 
ville Banner to take Kelly's former 
job. 

R. A. Jackson, city editor, Winston- 
Salem (N. C.) Sentinel, reelected 
president of News and Editorial As- 
sociation of North Carolina. City 
Editor Stewart Atkins, Gastonia 
Gazette, reelected vice-president 
Group will hold 1942' convention at 
Pinehurst, N. C. 

Meyer Berger doing .a three-part 
profile of The Tombs for the New 
Yorker. 



80G From 'Wilde' 



SSsContlnned from page 43 ^^ 

right. Some of the important points 
developed by the court are that a 
biographer's statement of his conver- 
sations with the person who is the 
subject of his work are not merely 
a statement of historical tact, but in- 
volves authorship, literary quality 
and style apart from any recital of 
facts, and is copyrighted material 
even though stated in direct dis- 
course rather than in narrative form. 

To constitute infringement, what 
was appropriate must form a sub- 
stantial part of the infringing worlc, 
but need not necessarily be a sub- 
stantial part of the Infringed work. 
It is not the quantity but the qual- 
ity of the portions copied that count. 
(The court toimd 37 instances of in- 
fringement in this action). 

The copyright owner who did not 
linow of the publication or perform- 
ance of the infringing work until one 
iTionth before his attorneys gave 
notice of the Infringement is not 
guilty of laches. One who not only 
furnishes money for the production 
of an Infringing play, but also par- 
ticipates in engaging the theatre, in 
casting, in rehearsals and the like Is 
liable for the profits he receives 
from the production of the play. 

Hepburn Play Off 

Stony Creek, Conn., July 29. 

Tryout of Richard Hepburn's 'Love 
Like Wildfire' has been abandoned 
following extensive preparations. 

Play, reportedly Inside stuff on 
Hepburn family life, was cancelled 
when producers and author couldn't 
get together on cast, revisions, etc. 
Lester Lang, brought on from Texas 
to stage the opus, has gone bock 
home. 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 



LEGITIMATE 45 



Inside Stuff-Legit 



In.some.quarters it was figured that Maurice Evans would have first 
call on the James, N. Y, which, with the 44th Street theatre, reverted 
lo the Astors upon the demise of Boris Said. When Evans indicated no 
interest in renting either, the Shuberts..gained possession. 

Evans' successes at the St. James Ckichard II,' 'Hamlet,' •12th Night,' 
'Henry IV) were the outstanding attractions there during the period the 
theatres were operated by Said, and in five years those four shows more 
than paid the fixed charges. Rowland Stebbins was also expected to be 
interested in getting the St. James, but has been inactive in the theatre 
recently. 



Several managers have indicated willingness to buy in on 'Two Story 
Hou.'ie,' 'a mystery comedy slated to be Brock Pemberton's first entry of 
the new season. Play was tried out in Gloucester, Mass., recently and was 
regarded as a Broadway possibility. 'House' is due in September after 
rewriting of third act. The Pemberton entry will be on his own. Columbia 
Pictures was to have made a production deal with him, but the contract 
has still not been consummated. 

Because of the type of play, John C. (Jack) Wilson, Noel Coward's New 
York representative, referred to 'Story' as 'Arsenic and Old Town.' Script 
calls for a commentator, bu* has little or no semblance to 'Our Town' nor 
'Arsenic and Old Lace.' ■ 



With Samuel F. NirdUnger stepping in to replace Harry Brown as man- 
ager of the Nixon, Pittsburgh, latter town may have been puzzled, as 
Brown was on the job for 25 years. Nirdlinger owns the major Interest in 
the legiter and, when Erlanger's, Philadelphia, changed policy, a spot for 
him was a must. Brown expressed the desire to remain in Pittsburgh, but 
Erlanger's, which operates the Nixon, has not found a berth for him there 
or elsewhere to date. He may be offered Erlanger's theatre, In Buffalo, 
Robert Stevenson being out. 

Nixon was built by the late Samuel F. Nixon, of the former legit firm of 
Nixon & Zimmerman, who at one time controlled the legit theatres in 
Philly. 



Dock Street theatre, Charleston, S. C, opened in 1736 with Farquar's 
comedy, 'The Recruiting Officer,' has been placed under Carolina Art 
Association and Footlight Players management, of which Robert N. S. 
Whitelaw is president, Charles H. Meredith director, and Charlotte Dill- 
ingham, business manager. Burned in 1740, house was rebuilt in time to 
receive Lewis Hallam's 'Company of Comedians' from Columbia. Lavishly 
modernized and rebuilt, house is now one of largest in South Carolina, 



Harold Leventhal, son of J. J. Leventhal, producer of rotary stock 
shows, is assistant to Leon Henderson, wtu> heads the price control com- 
mission in Washington. Leventhal, a graduate of Columbia University, 
started his career in Washington as secretary of the then-Associate Justice 
Harlan F. Stone, recently appointed^ chief justice. 

Son of the showman was abroad for some time and is said to be an 
expert on international law. 



Although he has but two shows going ('Life With Father' in New York 
and Detroit), Oscar Serlin is keeping his staff intact under salary through 
summer. Formerly managers retained key people throughout the year, 
but only a few have been doing so in recent seasons. 

Bunch in the Serlin office are all reported being paid more than the 
scale, with no cuts during summer. There are two press agents for 
'Father' (Empire, N.Y.) and, starting Sept. 1, three are slated on the job. 



Strawhat Plays 



Western Union, Please 

MiUburn, N. J., July 28. 

ComeOy In three ncln, by Frances Good- 
rich und Albert Huckeit. f^tuffcd by Henry 
Ephron; iiettlngH by Kenneth Lloyd Mapen 
nnd .loneph DeLuciT. FreHented by Frunk 
-Cnrrlngton and Antoinette Scuddcr at the 
Pupi>r Mill playhouse, .Mlllburn, N. J., July 
•M. -n; $l.tl5 top. 

Jenny Dniey June Walker 

Jno Crnybell Boyd Crawford 

Alice Daley •. Frances Held 

Aurora Newsblcket Mabel Paige 

ThaddcuB Taylor Holph Theodore 

Messcnicer Doy ullly Call.ihan 

Hellncla Peggy Elder 

Gertrude (-(.nsl.ince Brighnm 

Betty I'eKgy Van Vlelt 

Danny Daley Charles Budcrworlh 

Brian Foley .lohn Shellle 

Hal .sto<lrt.Trd William J. Kelly 

George Gllleiiple Robert Toms 

Frances Goodrich and Albert 
Hackett's comedy of a failure who 
makes good is unsophisticated enter- 
tainment, pedestrian and ineffective 
from beginning to end. Its situations 
are never striking and its characters 
are static. Paper Mill playhouse's 
first-night audience received it with 
tolerant applause. 

'Western Union, Please' is the tale 
of Danny Daley (Charles Butter- 
worth), who left home because of 
his inability to support his family. 
He returns 10 years later as a West- 
ern Union messenger boy, ahd very 
proud of the fact. Meeting him are 
his harassed ' wife (June Walker), 
who has just had him declared legal- 
ly dead and is preparing to sell their 
home for an amount far below its 
real value; an 18-year-old daughter 
(Frances Reid), who has always 
Idolized her father, and his wife's 
cranky, complaining aunt" (Mabel 
Paige), who would rather have him 
remain away. But Danny stays and 
proves himself a family hero. With 
the enthusiastic aid of his daughter's 
boy friend (Boyd Crawford), he 
cleverly traos an unscrupulous busi- 
nessman and obtains a very high 
price for his property. 

Butterworth is best when he is 
dreamy-eyed and absent-minded; he 
is never interesting as the devoted, 
thoughtful husband. He alternates 
from one mood to the other. Miss 
Walker, as his excited and confusetl 
wife, acts as if she were exhausted 
and soon becomes exhausting. Her 
role is diffuse and psychologically 
stilted, a fact that may explain her 
failure to impress. Much more ef- 
fective is Miss Paige. Miss Reid, the 
excited. Idealistic daughter, and 
Crawford are fair. . . 

Kenneth Lloyd Mapes and Joseph 
DeLuca's one stage set, that of the 
Daley dining room, Is satisfactory. 

Jaft. 



CHARLEY'S AUNT 

Atlantic City, July 29. 
Comedy In three acts, presented by Ar- 
thur Klein by ararngement with Tuttle & 
Skinner; directed by Joshua T.ogan; staged 
by Charles Alnn; pi*esentcd at Garden Pier 
theatre, Atlantic City, week beginning July 

I.,ord Fancollrt Dabberly Phil Baker 

Jack Chcaney Thomas .<^peldel 

Brasset Hunild De Decker 

Charles Wykebam J. nichard Jones 

Kitty Verdyn Jane lJus/jigh 

Amy Spettlgue Loniln Beaumont 

Col. .Sir Francis Chesney. . Edward Harvey 

.*5tephcn Spettlgue J. W, Austin 

Donna T.ucin D'.\ I vadures. , Margaret Mullen 

Ela Delanay .Sonia Staknwskl 

Farmer John Land 



Phil Baker, in the role of 'Char- 
ley's Aunt,' brought Brandon Thomas' 
50-year-old farce to the Garden Pier 
theatre Tuesday (22) to delight a 
jammed house. Baker, who left the 
stage for radio fame, clowns and 
capers through the play, pouring tea 
in high hats, rolling ori the floor, 
leering at the timid young girls to 
the disgust of their young lovers, 
and generally misbehaving. The re- 
sult was more laughter than has been 
heard across the footlights here for 
many a season. 

Baker was particularly good in 
the drawing room scene with the 
four young women while the gentle- 
men remained at the table for cof- 
fee and cigars. His terrible version 
on the piano of 'Believe Me If All 
Those Endearing Young Charms' 
brought howls. 

Entire cast is good, including Mar- 
garet Mullen, J, W. Austin, Jane 
Huszagh, Thomas Speidel. J. Rich- 
ard Jones and Lorain Beaumont. 
Sonia Stakowski, daughter of the ma- 
estro, plays a small role in pleasing 
manner. Carler. 



Joe Brown, 7G in Frisco, 
May Tour Eastward 



San Francisco. July 29. 

Henry Duffy's 'Show Off' with Joe 
E. Brown will probably play Port- 
land and Seattle following its run 
at the Alcazar here, with likelihood 
show will tour eastward if it clicks 
In the northwest. Decision depends 
largely on whether Brown wants to 
make the trip. 

Aided by Brown's one-man after- 
show, production picked up esti- 
mated $7,000 in its third week here 
and goes two more. 'Quiet Please' 
follows, with Fred Niblo featured. 



Wet Actors 

^Continued from page 3; 



none of whom left the outdoor thea- 
tre despite a drenching, cheered 
them on. 

Besides a severe wetting, the per- 
former ranks also suffered one 
casualty when Charlie "AifnoiT,--the 
rube fiddler, tripped over a guy wire 
and was knocked unconscious, 
severely, but not critically, injured, 
Althoff was removed to the base 
hospital where he remained up until 
yesterday (Tuesday). 

Gypsy Rose Lee, with her body 
makeup running off in rivulets, went 
through with her stripping act; ditto 
Bill Robinson, Benny Fields (who 
added 'Singing in the Rain' to his 
repertoire for the occasion), Tamara, 
Frank Fay, Clarence ' Stroud, 
Charles Masters, Bob Coffey, the 
Bryants and The Juvelys. Jerry Free- 
man, who conducted the orchestra, 
had all of his music washed away and 
the band was ad libbing most of the 
way. Costumes were drenched and 
in at least one instance (Tamara) 
ruined. 



DEMOCRACr 
CHORUS IN N.Y. 



A citizen's chorus to 'Sing Out 
for Democracy' will be formed in 
the middle of August at a patriotic 
rally under the auspices of the 
Council for Democracy, in N. Y. 

Leon Barzin, director of the Na 
tional Orchestral Association, will 
be in charge and the chorus will per 
form a' new- secular canta with music 
by William Schumann at the rally. 



Gabby Harpo 

^^^^ ConUnued from page ^^s^sJ 

lion dollar house' will not soon for- 
get. It was a Harpo sans red wig, 
but with horn intact. He ate can- 
dles, chased Xhe gals, played the 
piano (mighty well, too) and to all 
appearances set out to make up for 
his quarter-century of silence.. As 
one woman in the fifth row put it, 
'It's worth coming back tomorrow, 
just to see what'll happen.' 

But 'coming back tomorrow* won't 
be an easy task. Philly scalpers 
were asklng-and-getting — $10 a head 
for opening night seats. As early as 
a week ago there wasn't a seat to 
be had for the entire week's engage- 
ment and, within several hours after 
seats went on sale for two extra 
matinees, they also were all gone. 
Which is nothing new for Theron 
Bamberger and Kenyon Nicholson, 
who are operating one of the most 
successful strawhats in the entire 
circuit. 

Kaufman's decision to do a 
bearded Whiteside was a last minute 
switch. When he' subbed for Alex 
Woollcott on the Coast last Summer, 
he played it without disguise. Hart 
thinks G. S. K. is nothing short of 
sensational as Whiteside. And he 
ought to know. Hart had just com- 
pleted a stint in the Whiteside role 
at Dennis, Mass., and, after seeing his 
collaborator in the role, he's con- 
vinced that the Dennis customers 
were robbed. And that's something, 
considering that all Dennis records 
were shattered that week. 

Mart plays the Noel Coward part 
like a man in.spired. He's having a 
swell lime and so does the audience 
watching him. 

Edith Atwater Is back in her 
Broaiway role. Sidney Grant, who 
appeared in all five road companies 
of 'Dinner.' joined up with the cast 
here and Janet Fox is also featured. 
William McFadden, stage manager 
for Sam Harris in the long string 
of K. & H. hits, is here 'bossing his 
bosses.' 

Coverage at the Bucks Playhouse 
tonight unquestionably hit a new 
high mark for Summer semesters 
and perhaps exceeds anything 
Broadway has seen in years. All 
news services were represented, as 
were all Philly and New York 
dailies, half a dozen mags and what 
looked like dozens of photogs, in- 
cluding Life's 'party' crew. 

Some of those present included 
Taylor Holmes, who did Whiteside 
on the road; Francine Larrimore, 
Burns Mantle, Kelcey Allen, Oscar 
Levant, Mrs. Beatrice Kaufman, Max 
Segal, Max Gordon, Brian Aherne, 
Joan Fontaine, Kurt Weill, John 
La Touche, Vernon Duke, Hassard 
Short, Joseph Bryan 3d, the S. J. 
Perelmans, Robert Rice, Mark Bar- 
and a host of others. . 



Heat Wilts AUB way B.Oi;;Tather; 
$12,000. men,' 8»/2G. 'Joey; 13G, Off 



'Father' $12,500 in Det. 



Detroit, July 29. 
Life With Father' continues to 
bound profitably along after eight 
full weeks at the Cass here. I^st 
week approximately $12,500 was add- 
ed to the figures that went over the 
$100,000 mark two weeks ago. 

No definite sign of closing the run 
has yet appeared. 



mu JUMPS 

TO $21,000, CHI 



Chicago, July 29. 

Loop jumps to three shows today 
fTuesday) with the opening of 
'Charley's Aunt' in the Studebaker, 
the cast headed by Phil Baker. But 
on Saturday (2) the number of shows 
will drop. back to two when "Hellz- 
apoppin' will call it a run and scram 
Coastward. 

Estimate! tor Last Week 

'Hellzapoppin,' Erlanger (11th 
week) (1,400; $3.30). Upped sharply 
on final week's notice and came 
through with strong $21,000. 

'My Sister Eileen,' Harris (23d 
week) (1,0Q0; $2.75). Riding right 
along without any excitement, but 
making consistent profit; nearly 
$9,000. 



'CABW STRONG $11,500, 
ELLINGTON lOG IN L. A. 



Los Angeles, July 29. 

'Ca'bin in the Sky' rolled up nifty 
estimated $11,500 on the first of a 
two-week return engagement. Show 
may go back to Broadway for an- 
other run following stay at the Bilt- 
more here. Another colored musi- 
cal, Duke Ellington's 'Jump For Joy' 
at the Mayan, is also rolling up im- 
pressive grosses, with approxunate 
$10,000 on the third week spelling 
profit all around. Piece costs around 
$7,000 to operate. Around 50% of 
the draw Is from the colored colony. 

'The Vinegar Tree,' with Billie 
Burke, is now in its sixth and final 
week at the El Capitan, with approx- 
imately $7,200 indicated, 



Phil Baker's 'Aont' 

Gets $5,800 in A. C 



Atlantic City, July 27. 

'Charley's Aunt,' with Phil Baker, 
grossed approximately $5,800 for 
week ending Sunday (27) at Garden 
Pier theatre. Sylvia Sidney and 
Luther Adler, in 'Actient o;i Youth,' 
opened yesterday (Monday). 

Al Jolson in 'Hold On To Your 
Hats' IS definitely skedded lo open 
Aug. 27 for four-day run. 



Heat affected attendance in thea- 
tres, driving down grosses more than 
they had recovered the previous 
week. One of the dullest weekends 
of the summer resulted. 

Estimates for Last Week 

Key: C (Comedy'), D (Drntiin). R 
(Reuue), M (Musical), F (Farce), 
O {Operetta). 

Arsenic and Old Lace,' Fulton 
(29th week) (CD-938, $3.30), Maybe 
affected less than any of the other.i; 
capacity registered at most perform- 
ances, with takings quoted over 
$16,000. 

'Claudia,' Booth (24th week) (C- 
712: $3.30). Did not escape the gen- 
eral trend, but satisfactory gate 
around $8,000; one of the good 
things expected to hold over into 
new season. 

Hellzapoppin,' Winter Garden 
(149th week) (R-1,671; $3.30). Stand- 
ing up better than expected; capacity 
of house on good nights a factor; 
around $16,000 and slated through 
summer. 

'It Happens on Ice,' Center (second 
repeat engagement) (2d week) (R- 
3,027; $1.65). Goodly improvement 
over first week of resumption, tak- 
ings going to $20,000, excellent Sun- 
day afternoon included; quite satis- 
factory at the scale. 

•Life with Father,' Empire (89th 
week) (C-1,006; $3.30). After climb- 
ing- for several weeks, dropped under 
$12,000 level, with the heat waved 
blamed; sure to get business if it is 
to be had. 

'My Sister Eileen,' Biltmore (31st 
week) (CD-991; $3.30). Dipped also 
for the same reason, with takings 
around $8,500; that was slightly un- 
der the pace of the Chicago com- 
pany. 

'Pal Joey,' Barrymore (31st week) 
(M-1,104; $4,40). Some cast replace- 
ments, but that will hardly affect 
business at this stage of run; slipped 
to around $13,000; due off in Sep- 
tember, if not before. 

'Panama Rattle,' 46th St. (39th 
week) (M-1,347; $4.40). Eased off 
with the field, with takings esti- 
mated around $21,000; should play 
into new season. 

'Separate Booms,' Plymouth (701h 
week) (C-1,107; $3.30). Booked out 
early in September, and will then 
tour; down close to operating cush- 
ion, with takings estimated around 
$3,500. 

'The Beaotifnl People,' Lyceum 
(13th week) (C-1.004; $3.30). Dropped 
off and concededly operated in red, 
even with the cast tak:ng cut; $3,- 
000 estimated and continuance prob- 
lematical. 

The Com b Green.' National (35th 
week) (D-1,162: $3.30). Ticket sale 
on through September, with indica- 
tion.S' of playing well into the fall 
period; off, however; around $8,000. 

'Watclvon the Bblne,' Beck (17th 
week) . (D-1,214; $3.30). Road com- 
pany will be formed, with current 
straight play leader expected to hoM 
over; has been off like most others, 
blit still getting big money; $16,00(). 



Current Road Shows 

(July 30-Aug. 9) 



'Accent On Tonlb' (Sylvia Sidney, 
Luther Adler) — Garden Pier, At- 
lantic City (30-3). 

'Cabin in the Sky* (Ethel Waters) 
—Biltmore, Los Angeles (30-2). 

'Anna Christie' (Ingrld Bergman) 
— Curran, San Francisco (4-9). 

'Charley's Aunt' (Phil Baker)— 
Studebaker, Chi. (30-9). 

'Hellzapoppin' — Erlanger, Chi. 
(30-2); Biltmore, Los Angeles (6-9). 

'Her Cardboard Lover' (Tallulah 
Bankhead) — Central, Cedarhurst, L. 
I. (30-2). 

•Johnny Belinda' — Brighton, 
Brighton Beach, N. Y. (30-2). 

'Jump for Joy' (Duke Ellington)— 
Mayan, Los Angeles (30-9). 

■Life With Father' (Dorothy Gish) 
—Cass, Detroit (30-9). 

'Man Who Came to Dinner' — 
Flatbush, Brooklyn (30-3). 

•My Sister Eileen'- Harris, Chi. 
(30-9). 

'Native Son' — Maplewood, Maple- 
wood, N. J. (30-2); Windsor, Bronx,' 
N. Y. (5-10). 

° 'Quiet Pieoae' — Alcazar, San Fran- 
cisco (7-9). 

'Show OIP (Joe E. Brown) — Alca- 
zar, San Francisco (31-6). 

'Tobacco Boad' (John Barton)— 
Windsor, Bronx, N. Y. (30-3). 

'Vinegar Tree' (Billie Burke, Paul 
Cavanagh)— El Capitan, Hollywood 
(30-9). 




NORIMAN 



HARRrS 



and 
SYLVIA 



SHORE 

Currently 

(iOLDEN GATK, SAX VRANCI^iC O, 
FOB Z WEEKS 
Uaoair'nieott WU. KENT 
117« Broadnar tiiw Ve/I> 



FOR RENT 



JERHKY TnEATRB >t Moi'i'Ulor.'n. 
New Jemey, la now avallabl* for 
Irgltlmate atprk romi)any iltracilol)*.. 
'Iheatr* thoroufbly oqulppcd. In flrst- 
clasa condition. Flrst-claaii (rrma for 
flrAt-claas company and manRKcment. 
Apply. Waitrr Bead*— 701 7th..Av*.. 
New Tork Cllr. 



46 



Wednesday, July 30,^ 1941 



OBITUARIES 



1 



EDDIE LEONABD 

Eddie Leonard, 70, was found dead 
July 29 in the Imperial hotel, New 
York. Death was said to have been 
from natural causes. 

I>etails oh page three. 



CHARLIE MIIRBAT 

Charlie Murray, 69, veteran stage 
and film comic, died in Los Angeles 
July 29 of pneumonia. 

Alter a stage career, where he 
teamed as Murray and Mack lor 21 
years, he started in pictures with ths 
old Biograph company in 1912. He 
teamed up with George Sidney lor 
« series ol The Cohens and Kelly' 
comedies, starting in 1924 Ipr Uni- 
versal, which pnoved big moneymak- 
eiri 'lor the studio. He also made 
many comedies for Mack Sennett and 
In recent years played only occa- 
sionally in pictures. 

He was a familiar figure at all 
sporting events and circuses up to 
his recent illness. He leaves a widow 
and daughter. Rites and burial in 
Los Angeles July 31. 



WILLIAM PABKE 

William ■ Parke, 68, veteran legi- 
timate actor, who has also been a 
ftaga and film director, died Monday 
(2B) In New York of a heart attack. 
H« had a small but important part 
In 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' current 
Broadway comedy hit, at the time 
of his death. He had appeared In 
•very, performance of that play up 
to Saturday night (26). . , 

Parke had long been retired from 
the stage when olTered a role In 'Ar- 
senic' by Hoy/ard Lindsay, the play's 
co-produceK He had ' played many 
years ago in 'II I Were King' with 
t. H. Sotheirn. - Another with whom 
h« performed was Holbrook Blinn. 
Ha had been company manager and 
stage director for Richard Mansfield 
and Arnold Daly. 

Widow and three sons by previous 
marriages survive. 



suffered from heart disease for sev- 
eral years, being given a leave of 
absence several months ago when his 
condition became worse. 

Wolff was advertising manager of 
ERPI and Western Electric from 1929 
until last year, when he was made 
information manager to replace Her- 
bert Forster, who was transferred to 
the post of advertising chief. 

A widow, two daughters and a son 
survive. 



PENROSE TENNYSON 

Penrose Tennyson, '28, was killed 
in a flying accident, July 10, while 
serving as a sub-lieutenant in the 
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He 
was a great-grandson of the poet. 
Lord Tennyson, and at the outbreak 
of war was the youngest film direc- 
tor in England. He had Worked on 
Metro's 'The Citadel' and 'A Yank 
at Oxford.' His last picture was 
'Convoy.' In the Navy he had been 
in charge of the Admiralty Film 
Unit. 

Svirvived by widow. Nova Pil- 
beam, youthful actress, whom he 
married over a year ago. 



CAPT. DAVID BRODERICK 

Capt. David C. Broderick, 72, 
founder of the school police system 
and an actor before he joined the 
MiQHeapolis police department in 
1907, died from a heart attack at his 
home in Minneapolis. 

Broderick started his acting career 
at IT and played with rep^ory and 
stock companies throughout the 
country, also appearing in burlesque 
^nd . musical comedy. ' He helped 
launch the late Harry Houdini and 
ona of his last appearances ih Minne- 
apolis was in the title role of "Yon 
Yonson.' After 30 years on the Min- 
nMPolis department he retired In 
fOBT and since then had been active 
In carrying on the work of the Min- 
neapolis Police Officers' federation, 
of which he was president for 18 
v»ars. I 

A widow survives. 



OTTO FBEITAG 

Otto Freitag, 58, who sang with the 
Vienna and other European opera 
oqmpanies' for about 15 years, died 
July 26 at {he Giiardiola hotel, Mex- 
tap <£lty, follo^ying an attack of food 
poisoning. For the past several years 
ha traveled for Servel, Inc., of New 
York, ■ and was widely known 
throughout Latin America. He spoke 
|10 languages and many dialects. 
Burial was in Mexico City. 

Fraitag's father, John Peter Frel 
tag, was a famous athlete of the late 
19th century, having,' among other 
feats, swum the English channel. A 
niece is married to Lou Handin, law- 
yer-pi'esident of the National Variety 
Artists. 

Two sons In Switzerland survive, 
one of them an actor. 



ALL'A'n FOUIEST 
Allan Forrest, who in the silent 
film days had been leading man for 
' Mary Pickford, among many others, 
died in Detroit July 25. He had for- 
merly been married to Lottie Pick- 
ford ] Mary's sister, but that tmion 
endail in divorce. His third wife 
(urvives. 

Forrest, who had been r^etired 
from acting of recent years, had also 
appeared opposite Mary Miles Mia 
ter. Norma and Constance Talmadge 
and with Jackie Coogan when the 
hitter was still a youngster. He left 
Hollywood more than Iff years ago 
lind had for the past eight years .as- 
sooiatcd with a commercial motion 
picture studio in Detroit. 



•W. A. WOLFF 
W, A. Wolff, 58, veteran with 
Western Electric and Electrical Re- 
aearoh Products) Inc., lA advertising- 
publicity work, died July 24 while 
on a vacation trip in Main*. He bad 



JAMES STEPHENSON 

James Stephenson, -'52, English 
stage actor who went tb Hollywood 
four years ago for picture work, died 
in Santa Monica, Cal., yesterday 
(Tuesday) following a heart attack. 
He was under contract at Warners 
and was preparing to start work In 
'Kings Row.' Death came on his 
fifth wedding anniversary. 

Deceased turned to the stage - in 
England in his 30s and last year won 
Academy mention for best support- 
ing performance in 'The Letter.' A 
year-old son survives besides his 
widow. « 



FBEDERIC W. HUBD 

Frederic W. Hurd, 67, retired ma- 
gician, died July 25 at Fort Wayne, 
Ind., after a long illness. He entered 
show bi^iness in 1891 in New York 
City with a small show, later being 
discovered by Harry Brunelle, book- 
ing agent of the Proctor theatre. New 
York, and obtained bookings in other 
houses of the Proctor circuit. He 
appeared throughout the United 
States and in many foreign coun- 
tries, retiring about IS years ago due 
to failing health resulting from trop- 
ical fever contracted while touring 
in South America. 

Widow, Elizabeth, survives. 

AVBELIA ARIMONDI 

Aurelia Arimondi, noted opera 
singer at the turn of the century, 
died in Chicago Monday (28). She 
had. been the widow of Vittorio Ari- 
mondi, famous Italian basso. 

Mme. Arimondi sang in all the 
top-notch continental opera houses, 
and appeared in the premiere per- 
fbrmance of Verdi's 'Falstaff,' with 
the composer present, almost 50 years 
ago. She came to the U. S. in 1910 
with her husband, the latter having 
been engaged by the Chicago Opera 
Co. He passed away in 1928. During 
the last two decades she had taught 
voice. 



PUBNELL PBATT 

Purnell Pratt, 55, stage and screen 
actor, died July 25 in Hollywood. 
Native of California, he began his 
dramatic . career in the east and 
played in various stage productions 
by Cohan and Harris, Edgar Selwy 
and Al H. Woods. 

Entering pictures in 1927, deceased 
devoted the rest of his career to 
Alms. His most recent roles were in 
the 'Dr. Kildare' series at Metro. He 
was a member of the Lambs and the 
Masquers. Surviving Is his widow. 



TOMMY HAYNES 

Thomas Butler (Tommy) Haynes, 
42, died in St. Joseph's hospital, 
Memphis, July 23, of injuries s'us 
tained when his car collided with i 
truck near Turrell, Ark. He was l 
salesman for Columbia Pictures, had 
been associated with Memphis ex 
changes for 17 years, 14 with Colum 
bia. 

Leaves his widow, two daughters, 
his parents and a sister, all of Mem- 
phis. Burial was 'in Memphis. 

CALVIN M. FRANKLIN 

Calvin 1^. Franklin 54, vice-presi- 
dent of the Columbia Concerts Corp., 
affiliate of CBS, died July 23 in 
Philadelphia after a long illness. He 
had been involved in an auto acci- 
dent about a year ago, and never 
recovered from that mishap. 

Surviving are his widow, the for- 
mer Katherine Meisle, Metropolitan' 
Opera contralto, whom he married 



In 1918, and his mother, Mrs. Mary 
Franklin of Philadelphia. 



JACK BUCHANAN 

Jack Buchanan, 24, six-feet, four- 
inch contortionist, suicided by gas 
July 25 In his apartment next to the 
Cat and Fiddle, Cincinnati cafe, 
where he was playing. He left sev- 
eral notes. 

Body was found by Benny Rafalo, 
m.c. at the nltery. One of the notes 
disclosed that he recently failed to 
end his life by drowning in a bath- 
tub. 



BOBEBT O. TUCKER 

Robert G. Tucker, drama editor of 
The Indianapolis Star for 27 years, 
died at his Indianapolis home re- 
cently of an intestinal ailment after 
an illness of only a few days. 

Tucker, considered an authority on 
the Indiana political scene, had writ- 
ten a column on politics for the Cin- 
cinnati (O.) Enquirer for many years. 
He had been the Hoosier correspon- 
dent for that paper for 37 years. 



JANE VERONA 

Jane Verona, concert and opera 
singer, died July 19 in Wayne, Mich. 
Her real name was Mrs. Jane Philip 
English. 

Miss Verona had appeared in the 
leading cities of Europe, and for six 
years sang leading' coloratura roles 
at the Chicago Civic Opera. In re- 
cent years she taught voice in De- 
troit. 



TINA CORDINI 

Tina CordinI, 35,' 'of Cordini and 
Tina, vaude team, died July 21 after 
a four-rweek illness. 

She and Clorindo (Clarence) Cor- 
dini, her husband and partner, had 
been together as a song and dance 
duo for the past 16 years. 

Surviving,' besides her widower, 
are her mother, four sisters and Ave 
brothers. 



J.4iMES G. GIES 

James G. Gies, merchandising 
manager of station WNAX. Yank- 
ton, S. D., died July 20, in Yankton 
from complications following an ap- 
pendectomy. Funeral was held in 
Bloomfield, Neb., his home. 

Associated with WNAX since 1938, 
Gies won the Varibtt Farm Service 
Award in 1939. 



HOWARD JONES 

Howard Jones, 56, U. of Southern 
California football coach, who func- 
tioned as technical advisor of many 
football films, died in North Holly- 
wood, Cal., July 26. 

Leaves widow, two children and 
brother Tad Jones, also a grid 
mentor. 



ESTHA AISTON 

Estha Williams Alston,. 82, former 
legit actress, died July 22 in Holly- 
wood. Beginning her career in San 
Francisco in the early 1880's, she 
played in touring stock companies 
for years. 

Surviving is a daughter. 



ELMA GILLETT 

Elma GlUett Elton, 67) known In 
light opera and pictures as* Elma Gil- 
lett, died July 23 in Hollywood. 

As a screen actress she appeared 
in several of Mary P:'i'cford's early 
films. 



BEX BOSSELLI 

Rex Rosselll, 65, for almost 50 
years a producer and promotion man 
with leading circuses, and, of late, 
with the Cole Bros. Circus, in a 
similar capacity, died in East St. 
Louis, 111., July 21. 

JACK SHEBMAN 

Jack Sherman, 32, Orpheum Thea- 
tre publicist, in Los Angeles, died 
there July 26. 

He hat] appeared in vaude and 
radio before turning press agent. 



HOBACE SHELDON 

Horace Sheldon, about 62, died in 
Whetstone, Middlesex, England, July 
9. He was one of the best known 
musical directors, and had been at 
the Palladium, London, for 14 years. 



WILLIAM MAXWELL 

William Maxwell, 72, former 
music publisher in Scotland, and 
New York, died July 24 in Los An- 
geles. 



Son, 21, of Williarh Lando, owner 
of Lando-Grand ° theatre In Pitts- 
burgh, died last week of injuries 
sustained in an automobile-truck 
collision on the Pennsylvania Turn- 
pike near Somerset, Pa. Young 
Lando's bride of only a few days, 
also 21, w.as seriously injured In the 
crash. 

Mother of Mrs. Walt Framer (Nan 
Grayson of radio) died at her home 
in Pittsbtirgh last week after a short 



illness. Miss Grayson Is on staff of 
Pitt station WWSW, where her hus- 
band is special events announcer and 
stunt program developer. 



Mrs. Nathan Sobel, '70, mother of 
Bernard Sobel, writer and publicist, 
died Saturday (26) at her son's home 
in New York after a long illness. A 
daughter and i^nother son also sur- 
vive. 



Horter McVeigh, 21, professional 
golfer and son- of Blake McVeigh, as- 
sistant publicity director at the Para- 
mount studio, died July 23 in a motor 
crash near Detroit. . 



Roy Gulon, 54, father of Gene 
Raymond, film actor, and Robert 
Marlowe, composer, died July 25 in 
Los Angeles following a heart at- 
tack. 



Eddie Leonard 



SsContlnued from page 3 ^^^ 

height as a single Leonard com- 
manded $1,000 weekly, while his 
minstrel acts got as high as $2,500 
a week. 

Leonard, born Lemuel Gordon 
Toney in Virginia, became a per- 
former by accident. His antbition 
was to be a baseball player and 
after knocking around in the minor 
leagues got his first major chance 
in the early 1890's from the late 
John J. McGraw, then managing the 
famous Baltimore Orioles. How- 
ever, in his first' game as center- 
fielder for McGraw, Leonard struck 
out three times in succession and 
McGraw thumbed him off the field. 
He had a natural flair for singing 
and Mr/Tiraw suggested that he stick 
around and entertain the players. 

It was while giving a clubhouse 
concert one day that Leonard came 
to the attention of George Primrose 
(& West), the minstrel man, who had 
wandered in. Primrose hired Leon- 
ard on the spot after hearing him 
sing 'Just Because She Made Them 
Goo Goo Eyes.' 

Leonard was an immediate hit and 
soon, became as famous in minstrels 
as Primrose Sc West themselves. 
Some song.s became closely identi- 
fied with the blackface performer, 
notably 'Ida, Sweet as Apple Cider' 
and 'Holy Boly Eyes.' 

Leonard was a terrific vogue for 
many years, then started to decline 
in the early 1920s. Just before the 
complete debacle of vaudeville, 
where he made his most money, 
Leonard tried a comeback. He 
showed at RKO's 86th St. theatre, 
playing three days for $100, but his 
voice and fire was gone and few 
dates eventuated. 



Schaefer-Reisman 



; Continued from page 3; 



of his committee be brought to peak 
efficiency. 

Whitney intends spending most of 
his time in Argentina,' Brazil, Chile 
and Peru, the largest of the South 
American countries, rather than try- 
ing to go through them all and get- 
ting only a cursory view of any of 
them. 

L. Francis Altstock Whitney's as- 
sistant, will be in charge of the film 
program in the U. S. while. his chief 
is away, although a possibility ex- 
ists that Altstock will go to S.A., 
too. In that case, Kenneth Mac- 
gowan will take over. Former 20th- 
Fox producer is now in. charge of 
16mm-documentary-making for the 
Rockefellerites. 



MARRIAGES 

Elizabeth Robb to Ben Alexander, 
July 23 in Beverly Hills. He's NBC 
commentator; she's script girl on 
Chase Sc Sanborn airshow. 

Margaret M. McGillicuddy to 
Francis H. Duffy In Worcester, Mass., 
July 26. He is owner and operator 
of Lincoln Park (Mass.) amusement 
resort. 

Kay Welsh to Jack Meyers, July 
26, in Buffalo. He's drummer in 
Tone Sarnevale band. 

Virginia Blair to Edgar Caldwell 
in Las Vegas, Nev., July 25. Both are 
screen players. 

Helen Morgan to Lloyd Johnson, 
in Miami, July 28. -She's the nltery 
singer, he's a California business- 
man. 

Judy Garland to David Rose, in 
Las Vegas, Nev., July 28. Bride is 
film player; he's music director of 
Don Lee Coast network. 

Betty Benz td Bob Milliken, In 
Covington, Ky., July 28. She's a 
Pittsburgh cafe dancer; he's with 
Lang Thompson band. 

iRuth Morse to Harry Maizlish, 
July 1, In Los Angeles. He's mana- 
ger of station KFWB, Los Angeles. 



Bills Next Week 



;Con(Jnued from page 42= 



Ccsn Manana Gla 

Club MayfBlr 
Rnnny Weeks Oro 
Boriile Bennett O 
Qeorffe LIbby Rev 
Julln Barbour 
Dr Uarcufl 
Pitta &. Kenee 
Done Abbott 

dull Vnnll)' Fulr 

Kal NIrn Oro 
Stella Ray 
Afay Dennlnff 
Alire Turner 

Cocoiinul Grove 
Mickey Alport Oro 
Don HIco Ore 
Wnlly Wonder Rev 
WUy Pnlne 
Marianne Krancle 
Mala >(: Hnrl 
Amapola Lopez 
Gellenil ft Leonardo 
VHi & (Carroll 
Hassan. 2it 

(Melody I.nDnice) 
MarJorlA Oau-eleon 
Jlerb Lewis 

Crawford IIoum 
Ray C'nIIInK Ore 
Miriam ^«linson 
Crawfordettes 
Carole Hall 
mil Malioney 
Oypsy Nina 
Ralph James 

Fox A Honnds 
Milton Coorffe Oro 

Hl-Hnt 
Pele 'Herman Oro 
Lucille rirey 
Frank Potty 

ilotel Brndford 

(Circus Room) 
Florence Hallmnn 



Runkls « Lambert- 
llotel^Rsex 

Ernest Murray Oro 
mily Kelly 
Jack Manning 
Al I.ewla 
victor Donate 
Allele- Corev • 
Rlla Ileudersoa 
.lane Whiiicn 
Ann Conrad 

llotrl liardner 

rturi Khnw 
livalyn Harvey 
Hotel Nlieratoa 
(Sky (iarden) 

Don Dudley Ore 
Hnlel Statler 
<CHfe Rouse) 
Saivy Cavlcchio Oro 
Ilotel Westmlnstet 

(Root Garden) 
.TImmy McHale Ore 
Harry Drake Rev 
Itonf Garden Qls 
Alice 0'l.eary 
3 Chorda 
Hal Freed 
Noll Sherman Gls 
Hotel RItz Carletoa 

(Rita Root) 
Dick Gasparre' Ore 
■lean Sablon 
Marcia Sl Uunsett 
Marian Burroughs 
Intemntlonal Casino 
Henri Jobcrt Oro 

Tile Cave 
Ralph Porraa Oro 
.luck Klaher 
Taniara Porlva 
Jerry & Lillian 
Cullla & Corral 
rhll Barry 



PITTSBUBGH 



Anahoras« 

Hugh Morton Ore 
Maynurd Deane 

Arlington 

Phil Cavezza Oro 

Balconailea 
John Fontaine Oro 
Bill Green'i 

Clydo Kniffitt Ore 
Jnnet I^re 
Herb Roll re r 

Boo|le-\TooKl« Club 

Donn: Sherrnan - 
Maxle Simon 
Harry <:oinornda 
Buddy BInlne 
Tubby Mlllor 
Hefffflo Dvorak 

Cork nnd Ilodla 
Lloyd Kux 

Colonlnl 
Benny Burton Ore 
3 YachtHinen 

Eddie PeytoD'fl 
Betty Benann 
Al t Shamberg 
Rftndy MrOllnlock 
Marlon Muller 

Kvercrc«Ds 
Revelers 
Kay Burke 
Kay Vulitnra 
Nancy Grey 

Hotel Turk PHI 

Ken Ha (ley Ore 
.Tnlinny >[UchelI 
lUrry Walton 

Hotel Henry 
(Hllvflf Crllf) 

Stan Rucher i 
(Gay 90'fi) 

Torothy No:ibIll 
Hotel 71h AventM 

MetB Saunders 

Ida lola 

Everett Hnvdn 

Belly Donaboo 

Al Dovln 

ErerKreen Gardenii 

Revelers 
Sam Sweet 
Alice Sone 
X.elda 

Wicked Wllllea 

Hotel RooaereU 
Johnny Kaalliue 
Royul Hawllans 
Hotel \Xm renn 
(Continental Bar) 
Wanda 
Kacorls 



Kennjrwooil Park 

Rny Hcrbeck Oro 
Ray Olaon 
Ouy McCoinas 
GdorRo Van 
Benny Stabler 
i Sidneys 
Krk-, the Great 

Ne\r Penn 

Gay Carlisle Oro . 
Lorraine & LaMarr 
Sue Stevens 
Buddy Birch 
Jimmy WlUtama 

Nixon Cafa 
A I Ma risen Oro 
Bob Carter 
Kden Sis 
Hon Rliardo Co 
Kence & Root 

Nut HnuHa 
Sherdlna. Walker O 
Ted BInko 
George GroKK 
Kvelyn Nellli* 
Palmer & Harper 
(.leorpe Georgette 

Oh Bis 
nobby Annls Oro 
Stu Braden 

rines 

Howard Becker Oro 
Mae Hiirrltf 

Trelon 
Billy Merle Ore 
June Collins 
Bernard 

Yacht Clnb 
H Middleman Ore 
Nan Blakstone 
Jay Jadon 
Park. & <Mlftord 
MBn4:h Gla 
Shirley Hellor 
Sky-Vne 
Fran Hllchler Oro 

l.'nlon Grill 
A rt Ya(rt*llo 
Kraixk Nutale 
.Mike Sandrello 

Villa Madrid 
ElyJ Crtvato Oro 
Mark Lane 
>rwood Blondes 
J'eter HiKBlna 
Key Taylor 
■1 Antoinettes 

U'est View Park 
Al Kaveltn Ore 
Vivian Blaine 
Flying Beehees 
Rone Sullivan 

Avalons 
6 RoinanolTs 



BIRTHS 

Mr. . and Mrs. Jack Gregory, 
daughter, July 20, at Nashville. 
Father is saxophonist at station 
WSM, Nashville. 

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sistrom, 
daughter. In Hollywood, July 24. Fa- 
ther is a producer at Paramount. 

Mr. and Mrs. David Nowinson, 
daughter, July 24, in Hollywood. Fa- 
ther is radio writer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Joy Storm, son, July 
23, in Hollywood. Father is special 
events director there for NB(j. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jake Soltz, daughter, 
in Pittsburgh, July 22. Father owns 
Rhumba. theatre, Pitt. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Warrington, 
daughter,, in Pittsburgh, July 7. 
Father is assistant manager of WB's 
Stanley. 

Mr. and Mrs. Russell E. OfThaus, 
son, in Boston, July 13. Father is 
studio manager at 'WCOP, Boston, in 
addition to handling 'Farmer Russ' 
programs. 

Mr. and Mrs. 'Wilfred Roberts, 
son, July 17, in New York.* Father 
is production head of NBC. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sonny Burke, twin 
sons, in New York, July 25. Father 
is arranger for the' Charlie Spivak 
orchestra and former bandleader. 

Mr. and Mrs. Homer S. Mosley, 
son, July 22, in 'Wichita, Kans. Mos- 
ley is owner of Trocadero, 'Wichita 
dancery. 



Wedne^y, July 30, 1941 



USrmett 



CHATTER 



47 



Broadway 



Ben Piermont fostering a mus- 
tache. 

Now it's V-steaks as part of the . ..— 
campaign. 

Lou Wiswell, 111 on Coast, expected 
back on Broadway in fall. 

joe 'Morris (and Campbell) sell- 
ing silk stockings and such. 

Arthur Kelly celebrated his 16th 
weddmg annl last Friday (25). 

Terrific heat Sunday made Broad- 
way a scene of barren desolation. 

John Meehan, back froin Coast to 
Broadway, will first rest in country. 

Walls realigned at Universal's h.o. 
to give the -press department more 
space. 

Harry A. Kalmlne, WB Pittsburgh 
district manager, in town over the 
weekend. 

Manny Bisclxer, of Witmark Music, 
leaves tomorrow (Thursday) for 
Army hitch. 

Ed Rigney, new assistant U.S. d.a., 
honored at luncheon at Sardi's 
Thursday (24). 

Jerry Fosner, treasurer of the 
Hanna theatre, Cleveland, vacation- 
Jnc on Broadway. 

Marty Collins and Harry Peterson 
today (Wed.) celebrate their 16th 
anni as stage partners. 

Charles Glett, associate of William 
Dieterle Productions, in New York 
for a week on business. 

Terry Lawlor opened Monday (28) 
at Piping Rock, Saratoga, Adelaide 
Moffett to replace later. , 

Spending $25,000 on Roosevelt 
Raceway Uotting track prior to sec- 
ond meet, starting Aug. 11. 

Arnold Reuben, the restaurateur, 
writing his autobiog; ditto hotelier 
Bob Christenberry (Hotel Astor). 

Jerry Keyser, Warners' foreign 
publicity-ad chief, to Hollywood 
next week forJook at new product. 

Margaret Carson has resigned 
from Constance Hope Associates to 
Join Lynn Farnol's publicity crew. 

Late Martin Beck's home at 166 E. 
64th street purchased by Adam Gim- 
bel of the department store family. 

Joan Leslie, 16-year-old WB star 
(opposite Gary Cooper in 'Sergeant 
York'), due in Manhattan Aug. 11 for 
a visit 

Howard Lindsays moving from 
their Greenwich Village house to a 
10-room, three-bath suite on Central 
Park West. 

Arnold Grayson, 7-feet-2, biggest 
doorman from S. Carolina, at the 
gate at Hamid's Million Dollar Pier, 
Atlantic City. 

Laurette . Carroll, who authored 
'Phantom in the Dark,' BMI song, is 
only 14; and -at three won a baby 
beaut contest. 

'Deadline Dramas,' radio shew m.c.d 
by Bill Fadiman, Metro's eastern 
story ed, off for summer after 26 
■ weelcs on NBC. 

Stella Ungar, "Your Hollywood 
Newsgirl' on NBC-Red, planes to the 
Coast today (Wed.) to do her chat- 
ter from Hollywood. 

Lawrence Blake signed by J. J. 
Shubert to a term contract, his flrst 
probably 'Mardi Gras' which goes 
into rehearsal shortly. 

Tom Robinson, formerly of Metro's 
legal department, returned to camp 
at San Antonio this week after 10- 
day furlough in New York. 

Cresson Smith, RKO's western 
sales chief, returned to New York 
Friday (25) from Coast tradeshow- 
In^s and stopover at studio. 

Harry Koslner, Walter Wanger's 
eastern rep. flies to the Coast next 
Tuesday (5) for 10-day consultation 
with the boss and studio execs. 

George D. Lottman, publicist, laid 
•up in his Hotel Roosevelt suite. 
Plans to bring his family back from 
Miami Beach to again h.q. in N. Y. 

Th6 Dave Kleckners celebrate 
their silver wedding anniversary 
Aug. 5, the same night the new 
Dave's Blue Room opens on 52d 
street. 

Humphrey Doulens to Coast next 
week to handle Lily Pons-Andre 
Kostelanetz concert Aug. 12 at Hol- 
lywood Bowl. He'll remain for 
about week's visit there. 

Sherman Billingsley staged a cock- 
tailery for the town's top models in 
his Stork club yesterday (Tues.) and 
the winner of a song contest gets a 
two-week booking at the bistro. 

Brian Aherne and wife, Joan Fon- 
taine, visiting here following Aherne's 
self-piloted flight east in his own 
plane for appearance at Robin Hood 
Dell, Philly, as narrator with Philly 
Oreh. 

Ralph W. Budd, Warners' person- 
nel director, credited with collecting 
1,000 pounds of aluminum via his 
activities as chairman of the 
Wyckoff, N. J., Defense Council, on 
the flrst day of the national drive, 



minute spot from New Hope every 
other week, using Playhouse stars. 

Henry Jones starring this week In 
'What -a Life' at Yardley, Pa., the- 
atre, which originally slated 'Dan- 
gerous Corners.' 

Haila Stoddard off to appear at 
Spa theatre, Saratoga, in 'Mr. and 
Mrs. North.' Ditta Rex Lindsay and 
Harold Ross. 

Dorothy Parker scribbling a new 
tome at Fox House, her Pipersville 
home. Husband Alan Campbell due 
in soon from Hollywood. 

Brian Aherne and Joan Fontaine 
in to visit Playhouse. Aherne giv- 
ing Shakespearean readings this 
week at Robin Hood Dell, Philly. 

Harpo Marx brought horn, wig and 
other gadgets in from Coast. Will 
draw lucky number for auto raffle at 
Midway Firemen's Carnival, Buck- 
ingham, Saturday night (2). 

Paul Whiteman caught dress re- 
hearsal Sunday (27) at Playhouse, of 
which he's a stockholder. Every 
performance of 'Mr. and Mrs. North' 
S.R.O. last week, ditto to perform- 
ances this week of 'M. W. C. T. D.,' 
starring Kaufman, . Hart and Harpo 
Marx. Walter Hart in to stage 
'Primrose Path,' opening Monday. 



Atlantic City 

By Mildred Carter 



Bocks Connty, Pa. 



Joe Hyman visiting Moss Hart. 

Irma Selz, Herald Trib artist, look' 
Ing for local farm. 

Kurt Weill and Max Gordon in to 
catch Playhouse show. 

Eric Knight in from Hollywood to 
write at his Springtown farm. 

Marie Sermelino, Life's woman ed- 
itor, weekending at Bambergers. 

Ken Nicholson snaring some bass 
in the Delaware River near his 
Stockton, N. J., farm. 

Burns Mantle paid flrst visit to 
New Hope' Monday (28) to catch 
premiore of Kaufman & Hart. 

WIP mobile unit piping in 15- 



London 



Ink Spots played one-day return 
engagement at Steel Pier Saturday 
(26). 

Frances Faye opened engagement 
at Ship Deck of Breakers hotel Fri- 
day (25). 

Luella Paikin, English opera sing- 
er, vacationing at resort after haz- 
ardous crossing. 

Babette's nitery added Jack Fer- 
nandez rhumba band to alternate 
with Milton Huber's orch for. con- 
tinuous program. 

Phil Baker and cast of 'Charley's 
Aunt' entertained at supper party at 
Ritz Carlton Merry-Co-Roimd Room 
following opening at Gardien Pier, 

Ada Taylor, publicity director of 
Claridge hotel, named chairman of 
committee for Gracie Fields' British 
benefit concert skedded for Aug. 31 
at Convention hall. 

Special benefit sepia revue, of 
Birds of Paradise' held Sunday (27) 
at Paradise cafe by A. C. branch of 
Jewish Cosumptive Society of Colo- 
rado. Mrs. Jean Blum chairman. 

Mitzi Mayfair and WiUle Howard 
head vaude bill at Hamid's Million- 
Dollar Pier beginning Sunday (3). 
Blue Barron's orch started five-day 
engagement Sunday (27). Tommy 
Reynolds plays from Aug. 1 to 9. 

Bernard Marks, violinist with Car- 
men Cavallaro's band, playing the 
Ritz Carlton Merry-Go-Round Room, 
married Sherle Brann, of New York, 
last week after rapid courtship. They 
met when Miss Sh<rle spent July 4 
holiday here. , , ^ . » 

Gene Krupa played two days at 
Steel Pier Saturday and Sunday (26 
and 27). Benny Berigan ended flve- 
day stay Friday (25). Raymond Scott 
started flve-day date Monday (28). 
Jimmy Dorsey to play Saturday and 
Sunday (2 and 3). 

Strondsbnrg, Pa. 

By Johb Bartholomew 

Tony Galento a visitor. 
Mai Hallett at Dorney's. 
Rex Stout at Camp Tamiment. 
Donald Bain at the Ontwood, Mt. 
Pocono. 

Grand discontinued Sunday mid- 
night shows. 

Collins and Poole, magicians, at 
Onawa Lodge, Mountalnhome. 

Betty Moran new vocalist with 
Mike Shelby's orch. at Mt Pocono 
Grill. 

Earle Mayo's New York Players 
presented 'Ifs A Wise Child' in 
Dorney's auditorium. 

Eric Greenwood's and Bill Diehl's 
bands alternate at Wilmer Vogls 
Tavern, Mounlainhome. 

First dance of season drew 40O to 
Glen Brook's outdoor terrace. Music 
by Earl Franklin's orch. 

'The Wife of Pilate' current with 
Karl Emer.=on Williams Players in 
Lutherland summer theatre, Pocono 
P'"es. ... 

Pennsylvania District Attorneys 
Association convenlioned at Buck- 
wood Inn, Shawnee-on-Delaware, 
July 24-26. . , 

Jiddy Jame.« and the Music Makers 
succeeded Henry Kresge's orch for 
nightly dancing at the Club Fern- 
wood, Bu.shkill. 

Gene Krupa's orch at Saylor s Lake 
Pavilion, Saylorsburg, last night (29). 
Frankie Master's crew comes m 
Saturday, Aug. 2. .... „. 

Alabama's Tuskegee Institute Sing- 
ers guested on Wyckoff dept. store 
Saturday varitety hour, which ether- 
izes via WSAN. Allentown. 

Boies Whitcomb, Norman Butler, 
Janina Gorecka and Leo Panase- 
vich comprise the string quartet 
playing at The Inn, Pocono Manor, 
Pa. 

Cornelia Stabler Gillam, diseuse, 
playwright, and director of the Buck 
Hill Players, will present her full- 
length monolog sequence, 'It's Cur- 
tain Time,' on Friday night (1) In 
the auditorium of The Inn, Buck 
Hill Falls. 



The Eddie Readys In marital split 

Sheet music, terrific in the last 
few months, has taken a dive. 

Sir Hamilton Marty, the composer 
and conductor, left around $30,000. 

Philip King busy working at a npw 
farce in spite of having joined the 
RAF. 

Edith Evans touring the military 
camps with 'The Late Christopher 
Bean.' 

Paradise club, shut for over year, 
reopened with twice-nightly show 
policy. 

. Flanagan and Allen iare doing 
aeries of films for Ministry of In- 
formation. 

Jimmy Gold's wife (Naughton and) 
runs a confectionery store in Nor- 
wood, a London suburb. 

Frank Preston (Lucille and), who 
recently Joined the Royal Air Force, 
promoted to pilot oflflcer. 

Michael Carr Is now a sergeant ir 
the Royal Ordnance Corps, and look 
ing after its entertainment section. 

Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire at 
the Savoy originally booked for four 
weeks will now run throughout 
August 

Montavani band added to. Stanley 
Lupino-Jack Hylton musical, 'l.ad^ 
Behave,' which opened at His Maj- 
esty's theatre. 

Jimmy Phillips has been made a 
director of British Performing Rights 
Society, replacing Reg Connelly, 
now in America. 

George Black was presented with 
gold cuff links by the King and 
Queen after the 'Black Vanities' 
command performance. 

Jack Fenstone has sold his rights 
to 'Chu Chin Chow' to Jack Trevor, 
local real estater, who angeled a few 
shows in the West End in his day. 

Charles Wilson, London socialite 
and former buddy of Jack Harris, 
now an officer In the Irish Guards, 
engaged to Gwen Radcliffe, London 
show gal. 

Cyril Ritchard replaced Hermione 
Gingold as producer of the new Am- 
bassadors revue." Additions to the 
cast include Kenneth Burrill and 
Frith Banbury. 

Jack Hylton has 50% interest In 
Stanley Lupine's musical, 'Lady Be- 
have,' with Jack Eggar 20% and a 
friend of William MoUison, who's 
producing, the balance. 

Nick Schenck presented mobile 
cinema to Refugees of England, 
group operated by Mrs. Anthony 
Drexel Biddle, wife of the former 
U: S. emissary to Poland, 

In topflight of British Performing 
Rights Society royalty earners are 
Eric (^loates, Noel Coward, Noel Gay, 
Michael Carr, Hugh Charles, Harry 
Leon and Jimmy Kennedy. 

'Chu Chin Chow," revived at the 
Palace last summer, but shut when 
the government clamped down on all 
theatres during the blitz, has re- 
opened again at the Palace. 

Douglas Ferber is writing the new 
show for Firth Shephard, with Man- 
ning Sherwin supplying the melo- 
dies. Show .will succeed 'Shephard's 
Pie' currently * the Princess. . 

Peter Maurice Music Corp. sold Its 
English catalog to Alberts Music 
Proprietary of Australia up to 1943, 
with option for a further two years. 
The option has already been taken 
up. 

Hugh CBinky') Beaumont became 
head of H. M. "Tehnent, Ltd., on death 
of founder of firm. He had been 
■Tennent's general factotum since 
company was formed some eight 
years ago. 

It's practically set for Graham 
Cutts, former British film producer, 
to become casting director for War- 
ners, replacing Weston Drury, who 
is now with Gainsborough Films in 
similar capacity. 

Entire cast of 'Black Vanities,' the 
Victoria Palace musical, with Jack 
Stanford, from the Palladium show, 
'Apple Sauce,' as added attraction, 
gave command performance for the 
King and Queen. 

Encouraged by their success with 
Watford Town Hall, Hyams brothers 
are seeking other out-of-way spots 
to operate big vaudeville policy. 
Latest is Empire, Croydon, which 
they will acquire shortly. 

•Mr. Nettlerash' (Tubby Keezing), 
former member of Gotham Quartet 
and Royal Merry Four, notable 
vaudeville teams of yesteryear, has 
joined Jack Hylton's vaudeville unit, 
'Youth Takes a Bow,' which is m.c.d 
by Brian Michie. 

Warners offered Ben Lyon starring 
part in new picture at increased sal- 
ary he was getting in 'So This Was 
Paris,' which he recently finished for 
them. But he was comnelled to turn 
down offer owing to his 'Hi Gang' 
commitment with Gainsborough 
Films. 

Mexico City 

By DouglM L. Grahamc 

Town has 1,800 jukeboxes. 

Streamlined service theatres here, 
in advertising starting times of their 
shows, add 'American Style.' 

Maria Antonieta Pons, Cuban sou- 
bret, featured in Illusionist Paco 
Miller's revue at the Teatro Lirico. 

J. Chamorro, son of the ex-presi- 
dent of Nicaragua, has a small part 
in 'Simon Bolivar,' film biog of the 
Venezuelan liberator being made 
here. 

Argentinita, Spanish dancer, and 
her ballet, were smash in 'Carmen,' 
high spot of the current opera sea- 



son at the Palace of Fine Arts (Na-' 
tional theatre). 

Afro-Cuban revue troupe, which 
played the Teatro Lirico in the early 
summer, back from the road and do- 
ing well as the stage show at the 
Cine Politeama, a nabe. 

Esperanza Iris, vet comedienne 
who has a house named for her here, 
readying for a grand opera debut in 
'Carmen.' Her company is to open 
on the road and work towards here. 

Landon Bros. (6), Argentinians, 
midget acrobats with the Paco 
Miller revue at the Teatro Lirico. 
Doree de Lynn and Dolores and Don, 
acrobatic dancers, Americans, are 
also with this show. 

Cameraman Daniel Manjarrez and 
Camerawoman Juana Roca assigned 
by the Public Health Department to 
make a science short on oncho- 
cercosis, dread eye disease that has 
claimed many victims in southern 
Mexico. 

Fernando de Fuentes, Par exec 
here before he turned pic producer- 
director, signed by Augustin Fink of 
Films Mundiales to meg 'La Gallina 
Clueca' ('The Brooding Hen'), based 
upon the Argentine comedy of the 
same name. 



Shuberts 

:Contlnued from page 1; 



HoDywood 



is the purpose, showmen argue that 
the situation will right itself, because 
production will be stifled. However, 
some of the houses they took over 
have been mostly dark and in the 
red since acquisition. 

It's also figured that the Shuberts 
anticipate a prosperous era in the 
next few years; what with the loosen- 
ing of coin in defense expenditures. 
If that proves correct, they will be 
in a position to clean up. It's quite 
evident that the Erlanger interests 
are not seeking theatres, whereas 
they formerly were In control until 
the Shuberts became a factor. The 
Erlanger side regards responsibility 
of keeping theatres lighted to be a 
headaShe, but that goes more for 
their houses out of town than in' 
New York. 

37 Legits In Show Zone 

There are 37 theatres in the show 
zone for legit. Of, that number 14 
are independents, the Shuberts have 
the remainder. The indie-owned or 
indie-operated houses: Playhouse, 
Lyceum, Miller, Music Box, National, 
51st (Warners Hollywood), ~ Guild, 
Fulton, Empire, Center, Biltmore, 
Little, Beck and Alvin. Not in- 
cluded are little and roof theatres 
which are obsolete for' legit, nor 
spots like the New Yorker and 
Adelphi (now the Radiant).. 

Curious angle is that the Shuberts 
only own five, or possibly six, thea- 
tres they operate. Most valuable 
properly they own is the Winter 
Garden. Four others which they are 
known to own are the Booth, Plym- 
outh, Shubert and Broadhurst, which 
are side by side on 44th and 45th 
streets and virtually form one large 
square site. Shuberts were known 
as real estate operators but since 
realty values have not recovered, 
there is no tendency on their part 
to buy theatres. When they were in 
receivership they let a bunch of 
houses revert to the mortgage hold- 
ers, generally banks, and are re- 
ported to have disaffirmed leases on 
others. 

Policy in regaining po5se.ssion is to 
guarantee taxes and mortgage inter- 
est and split the profits. That sys- 
tem does not require costly invest- 
ments, and the Shuberts only take 
a chance in the matter of the fixed 
charges. That has worked out to 
their advantage as shown by the 
profits made in operating the Im- 
perial and 46th Street. On the other 
hand the Hudson and Belasco, which 
they took over last year, are figured 
to have operated at a loss, particu- 
larly the former. 

Other Houses Songht 

Houses the Shuberts are reported 
seeking are the Beck, Miller and 
Music Box, they having a one-third 
ownership in the latter. The Beck 
is free and clear, being operated by 
the widow of Martin Beck and not 
believed to be available. The Miller 
is owned by downtown interests 
which are said to be satisfied with 
its handling by Gilbert Miller. 

Not certain whether the Shuberts 
wUl continue to operate the Ma- 
jestic, Royale and Golden, a trio 
which was obtained in the deal be- 
tween them and the Chanins, who 
built the houses. Those theatres 
were dropped during the receiver- 
ship, then taken back for operation 
and booking. According to reports, 
the ownership interests are not en- 
tirely satisfied with the arrangement 
and a new deal is expected. 

Four leglters are still used for 
radio broadcasts, NBC having the 
Vanderbilt and Ritz and CBS using 
the Manhattan (Hammerstein's) and 
Avon. 



John Wayne laid up with a spinal 
injury. 

June Havoc due in town this week 
for film work. 

Dick Kline joined Lichtig St. Eng- 
lander agency. 

Franchot Tone recovering from 
kidney operation. 

Merry Macs slated for a four- 
week tour of Texas. 

John K. Andrews, screen writer, 
being sued for divorce. 

William Holden under observation 
for possible appendectomy. 

Gordon B. Mills in from Chicago 
to look over slot film business. 

Edgar. Rice Burroughs, author of 
'Tarzan,' being sueu for divorce. 

Mike Jacobs posing as himself for 
a scene in the Billy Conn fight pic- 
ture. 

George Schaefer on siesta at Lake 
Tahoe before returning to New 
York. 

Herbert J. Yates in town for 
artistic and business clinches at Re- 
public. 

Walter Brennan ordered to bed to 
recover from vacational sunburn 
poisoning. 

Virginia Van Upp back from New 
York to work on a new story for 
Paramount. 

Jan Kiepura and Marta Eggert 
shopping for a permanent home in 
Hollywood. 

G. R. Keyser in Burbank for a 
week to huddle over Warners' for- 
eign publicity. 

George Brent out of the hospital 
this week but wiU not return to 
work until Sept 1. 

Antonio Atigel Diaz, newsreel 
biggie from Argentina, browsing 
around Hollywood. 

Richard Baer resigned as associate 
producer of Orson Welles' Mercury 
Theatre unit at RKO. 

Charles Boyer goes to Montreal 
next month to do legit appearances 
for Canadian war relief. 

Max Arnow back at his Columbia 
producer desk after a three-week in- 
spection tour of strawhats. 

Paul Gallico to San Francisco to 
write the Lou Gehrig screen story 
away from Hollywood infiuence. 

Wesley Ruggles laid up with flu 
while his assistant director, Norman 
Deming, keeps 'You Belong to Me" 
going at Columbia with pickup shots. 



Havana 

By Fred Whitney 

Rene Cabel, Cuban singer, now on 
tour in Puerto Rico, due back short- 
ly. 

Tourist traffic has been better re- 
cently, despite heat anid other con- 
trary factors. 

Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo (de 
Basil) reopened for one matinee at 
the Auditorium on Friday (25). 

There > are reportedly 51 nickel- 
odeons in Havana not naying royal- 
ties to CHiban authors of their pieces. 

CMW and COCW are presenting 
thrice-weekly programs entitled 
'Actors' School,' consisting of new 
talent 

Hugo del Carril, Argentine tenor, 
who recently arrived to appear over 
CMQ, appeared for a week at the 
National theatre. 

Perla Negra ('Black Pearl'), the 
Venezuelian chanteuse, started on 
Monday (28) with Competidora 
Gaditana at RHC. 

Walter Graff, v.p. and general 
manager of the Cuban Radio Corp. 
of America, recently returned from 
a two-month vacation 'n the States. 

Cifesa, distributor of Spanish films, 
are on the blacklist. For the 'rest 
the documentation of Nazis left the 
entertainment world pretty well un- 
touched. 

Possibility of NBC ^resenting a 
Cuban news survey periodically to 
the States depends entirely on the 
amount of pioneering done here by 
other companies. 

Alberto Gomez, one of Argentina's 
most popular singers, expected here 
to appear with the Competidora con- 
tingent at RHC. He's reportedly 
going to. form his own band with 
(^uban musicians, 

Proposed legislation of 20% in- 
crease in all government taxes now 
being bitterly fought in Senate. It 
would jack prices on everything 
from tourists' autos to American 
cigarets and fiicks. 

Lydia Artiles opened at the RHC 
blue network, singing in the 'Under 
the Skies of My Cuba' program for 
Trinidad Bros., cigars and cigarets. 
Program brings the public works of 
Cuba's top composers. 

Hugo del Carril's reception out- 
shone everything of recent years, 
including visiting pic celebs this past 
winter. He's Argentina's A-1 singer. 
Appeared at National theatre last 
week. The boys in the 'Silver River* 
program at CMQ were chosen to ac- 
company Hugo del Carril in his pre- 
I sentations -over that station and ita 
I network.- '. t ■. > . , • . i •> 



Wednesday, July 30, 1941 






AND HIS ROYAL CANADIANS 

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